Reinforcement for a vehicle tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a reinforcement (1) for a vehicle tank, comprising: - a first tubular body (10) having a longitudinal axis X and having a first axial end (10a) forming a male coupling member (100); - a second tubular body (20) having a longitudinal axis X and having a first open axial end (20a) forming a female coupling member (200), wherein the male coupling member (100) is nested in the female coupling member (200) such that the first tubular body (10) is aligned with the second tubular body (20) along the longitudinal axis X, and at least one of the first (10) and second (20) tubular bodies comprises a cavity (2) extending along the longitudinal axis X, this cavity (2) being configured to receive therein a member for inserting the reinforcement into a mould used when manufacturing the tank.

Description

Vehicle tank frame

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of vehicle tanks, particularly plastic fuel tanks for motor vehicles. The invention generally relates to a frame intended to be housed within a vehicle tank and its manufacturing process, an assembly comprising said frame and at least one tank component attached to the frame, a tank comprising said assembly or said frame and its manufacturing process, and a vehicle comprising said tank.

[0002] Vehicle fuel tanks increasingly incorporate a number of internal components such as pipes, ventilation lines, valves, internal reinforcement elements, anti-slosh baffles (also called "anti-slosh baffles" or simply "baffles"), sensors, and more, to fulfill a growing range of functions. When manufacturing such a tank using blow molding of a parison, for example, it is common practice to attach several of these components to a support (also called a carrier) and insert this support into the mold, inside the parison, before closing the mold. This type of support allows the components to be inserted into the mold together rather than separately, resulting in time and tooling savings.To this end, the reinforcement includes a housing to receive an insertion pin (also called an insertion rod or "insertion pin" in English), a special tool designed to carry the reinforcement into the interior of the parison. An example of such a reinforcement is known from US patent application 2015 / 217635 A1.

[0003] It is understood that the reinforcement comes in various configurations to adapt to diverse integration needs. For example, the more components a tank needs to be integrated into, the larger the reinforcement must be. Since the reinforcement is generally a molded plastic part, as many different molds as there are desired configurations are required, which is unsatisfactory in terms of manufacturing cost and process flexibility. Furthermore, some configurations cannot be produced because they require molds that are too large or too complex.

[0004] The invention aims in particular to provide a framework that does not require investment in a new mold each time a new configuration is desired, while not having dimensions limited by molding capabilities.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a frame intended to be housed in a vehicle tank, comprising: a first tubular body with longitudinal axis X having a first axial end forming a male coupling member, a second tubular body with longitudinal axis X having a first open axial end forming a female coupling member,

[0006] in which the male coupling member is fitted into the female coupling member so that the first tubular body is aligned with the second tubular body along the longitudinal axis X, and at least one of the first and second tubular bodies includes a housing extending along the longitudinal axis X, this housing being configured to receive within it an insertion member for the reinforcement in a mold used during the manufacture of the tank.

[0007] Thus, the frame is not made from a single piece but from several pieces assembled together like Lego® bricks, the pieces here being the first and second tubular bodies. When the frame is made of plastic, it is clear that with a limited number of molds—those needed to manufacture the first and second tubular bodies—an unlimited number of frames can be produced with configurations as varied as the integration requirements. Furthermore, even with small molds, there is nothing preventing the production of large frames. In this way, the manufacture of the frame is less expensive, more flexible, and less limited by molding capabilities than in the prior art. It is understood that the first and second bodies are part of the main body of the frame. The term "main body" refers to the structural and load-bearing part of the frame, to which other elements are attached.The main body defines the overall shape of the structure and, in particular, provides the rigidity necessary for handling and positioning during the manufacturing process. In other words, the first and second tubular bodies are distinct from support means configured to carry a tank component. It is also understood that the first and second tubular bodies are not intended to come into contact with the parison during the tank manufacturing process. In other words, the first and second tubular bodies remain separate from the parison during the tank manufacturing process. These first and second tubular bodies support the support means for the tank components, which are intended to be integrated onto the parison during the tank manufacturing process.

[0008] Furthermore, thanks to the recess provided in at least one of the first and second tubular bodies, there is also a means of receiving a fitting for inserting the reinforcement into a mold used during the tank's manufacture. In other words, there is no need to provide another recess elsewhere in the reinforcement to receive such an insertion fitting.

[0009] The first axial end of the first tubular body may be open or closed, while the first axial end of the second tubular body must be open to allow passage of the male coupling element. Similarly, the housing may be in the form of a blind hole or a through hole. In the case of a through hole, the through hole passes completely through at least one of the first and second tubular bodies from one axial end to the other.

[0010] Preferably, the insertion element is an insertion rod for inserting the reinforcement into a mold, inside a parison, during the manufacture of the tank by extrusion blow molding.

[0011] The association of the male and female coupling elements forms a mechanical coupling device. Thus, the mechanical coupling device fulfills a function of mechanical coupling of complementary parts of the frame (the first and second tubular bodies).

[0012] The term "tank" refers to a sealed container capable of storing a liquid, particularly fuel, under various operating and environmental conditions. More precisely, a tank comprises a wall enclosing a hollow body that defines an internal volume intended to hold a liquid such as fuel. Thus, the expression "housed in a tank" should be understood as housed inside the hollow body, within the internal volume of a tank.

[0013] Preferably, the hollow body is made of plastic. In this case, it comprises at least one synthetic resin polymer that is solid under ambient conditions. Hollow bodies made of plastic are preferred because of their superior elasticity and ability to be formed into complex shapes.

[0014] A hollow body made of plastic can be produced by any known manufacturing process. One known method is injection molding. Extrusion blow molding and rotational molding are also known processes.

[0015] The term "plastic material" refers both to the generally homogeneous material of a single-layer structure and to the heterogeneous material of a multi-layer structure.

[0016] The hollow body advantageously comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer, that is to say, a polymer which, under the influence of heat, melts or softens sufficiently to allow it to be shaped.

[0017] The term "polymer" refers to both homopolymers and copolymers (including binary and ternary copolymers). Examples of such copolymers include, but are not limited to, random-distributed copolymers, sequenced copolymers, block copolymers, and grafted copolymers.

[0018] Any type of thermoplastic polymer or copolymer with a melting point below its decomposition point is suitable. Thermoplastic polymers with a melting range of at least ten degrees Celsius (10°C) are particularly well-suited. Examples of such materials include those exhibiting polydispersity of their molecular mass.

[0019] In particular, polyolefins, thermoplastic polyesters, polyketones, polyamides, and their copolymers can be used. A mixture of polymers or copolymers can also be used, as well as a mixture of polymeric materials with inorganic, organic, and / or natural fillers such as, but not limited to, carbon, salts and other inorganic derivatives, and natural or polymeric fibers. It is also possible to use multilayer structures consisting of stacked and bonded layers comprising at least one of the aforementioned polymers or copolymers.

[0020] A commonly used polymer is polyethylene. Excellent results have been obtained with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). A commonly used polyamide is polyamide 6 (PA6). A polyamide tank offers greater resistance to internal pressure than the same tank made of polyethylene.

[0021] In one example, the hollow body comprises a multilayer structure including at least one layer of thermoplastic material and at least one additional layer which may advantageously be made of a liquid and / or gas barrier material. Preferably, when the tank is a fuel tank, the nature and thickness of the barrier layer are chosen to minimize the permeability of liquids and gases in contact with the fuel tank wall. Preferably, this layer is based on a barrier material, i.e., a fuel-impermeable resin such as EVOH (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, partially hydrolyzed). Alternatively, the hollow body may be subjected to a surface treatment (fluorination or sulfonation) to render it fuel-impermeable.

[0022] It is understood that each tubular body of the reinforcement has two axial ends opposite each other and that at least one of these axial ends forms a coupling member that fits into a complementary coupling member of an adjacent tubular body. Thus, as many tubular bodies as necessary can be assembled to obtain the desired reinforcement. For example, three tubular bodies can be assembled: a first tubular body with a male coupling member at one axial end, a second tubular body with a female coupling member at one axial end and a male coupling member at the other axial end, and a third tubular body with a female coupling member at one axial end.By fitting the male coupling organ of the first tubular body into the female coupling organ of the second tubular body and by fitting the male coupling organ of the second tubular body into the female coupling organ of the third tubular body, we obtain a frame consisting of three tubular bodies.

[0023] Depending on other optional features of the frame, taken alone or in combination:

[0024] - at least one of the first and second tubular bodies is a hollow tubular body with longitudinal axis X, such that the hollow of said tubular body forms said housing. Indeed, being an inherent part of the hollow tubular body, the housing does not need to be designed separately from said tubular body.

[0025] The first and second tubular bodies together comprise the housing, such that the first tubular body comprises a first portion of the housing and the second tubular body comprises a second portion of the housing. Thus, the housing passes through the mechanical coupling device and extends further along the longitudinal axis X, allowing an insertion element to penetrate deeper into the reinforcement. This arrangement makes the reinforcement more securely held by the insertion element and its support within the parison more stable.

[0026] The first and second tubular bodies are hollow tubular bodies with a longitudinal axis X, and the first axial end of the first tubular body is open, such that the hollows of the first and second tubular bodies join together to form the housing. Indeed, being an inherent part of the first and second hollow tubular bodies, the housing does not need to be designed separately from said tubular bodies. Furthermore, by this arrangement, the mechanical coupling device fulfills a receiving function for an insertion element.

[0027] The first axial end of the first tubular body has, in cross-section, an external shape s1, and the first open axial end of the second tubular body has, in cross-section, an internal shape s2. The internal shape s2 is substantially identical to the external shape s1. Thus, the male coupling member is fitted with minimal radial play in the female coupling member. It should be noted that the "cross-section" is taken in a plane P perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and that the radial play is measured in this plane.

[0028] - The outer shape s1 and inner shape s2 are substantially polygonal. Preferably, the outer shape s1 and inner shape s2 are substantially rectangular, preferably square. Indeed, unlike circular shapes, polygonal shapes prevent the rotation (around the longitudinal axis X) of the first tubular body within the second tubular body. This allows for translational guidance of the male coupling element within the female coupling element. This allows for better orientation and guidance of the first tubular body within the second tubular body when the male coupling element is inserted into the female coupling element.

[0029] - The first tubular body includes a first stop positioned at a first axial distance l1 from the first axial end of the first tubular body, with one face of the first open axial end of the second tubular body bearing against the first stop. The axial distance is measured along the longitudinal axis X. The first stop is an end-stop, thus the tubular bodies are precisely assembled relative to each other.

[0030] The first open axial end of the second tubular body includes a deformable portion along the longitudinal axis X. The face of the first open axial end of the second tubular body bearing against the first stop is supported by this deformable portion. Thus, the tubular bodies are able to move closer together by sliding one inside the other when the tank in which the reinforcement is fixed experiences material contraction, also known as "material shrinkage." Indeed, during the manufacturing of the tank by extrusion blow molding, after the reinforcement has been fixed inside the parison by pressing the parison against the reinforcement or against a component attached to the reinforcement, and after the tank has been formed, it is still hot. When the tank returns to ambient temperature (by forced or natural cooling), its material contracts, which generates mechanical stresses in the reinforcement.These mechanical stresses are transmitted to the deformable portion, which deforms along the longitudinal axis X. This arrangement elastically joins the tubular bodies, maintaining the structural cohesion of the reinforcement despite contraction. Furthermore, when designing a plastic tank, since the plastic's contraction is predictable, the deformable portion is sized to absorb the entire axial contraction. At the end of the axial contraction, the reinforcement—and any components it may contain—is positioned in a predetermined location within the tank. In an example where the axial contraction is 5 mm and the reinforcement includes a deformable portion, the latter is designed to deform by 5 mm along the longitudinal axis X.

[0031] The first tubular body includes a second stop positioned at a second axial distance l2 from the first axial end of the first tubular body, and the second tubular body includes a notch cooperating with the second stop to prevent the male coupling member from separating from the female coupling member. The notch and the second stop together form a locking system for the mechanical coupling device. This locking system maintains the structural integrity of the reinforcement throughout the tank's service life, particularly when the pressure inside the tank increases. Indeed, when the pressure inside the tank increases, the tank tends to expand, which exerts a tensile force on the elements fixed inside the tank, especially the reinforcement.Thus, without this locking system, the male coupling member could separate from the female coupling member, leading to dislocation of the reinforcement, which is undesirable. This locking system also facilitates the handling of the reinforcement, for example during tank manufacturing, by maintaining mechanical cohesion between the tubular sections until the reinforcement is inserted into a mold, for instance.

[0032] - An initial axial clearance is provided between the second stop and the bottom of the notch. Indeed, during the deformation of the deformable portion, the tubular bodies move closer together by sliding into one another. For this sliding to be complete, the second stop must be prevented from becoming stuck in the bottom of the notch before the end of the axial contraction; this is the purpose of the initial axial clearance. In an example where the axial contraction is 5 mm, the initial axial clearance is at least 5 mm. The initial axial clearance is measured along the longitudinal axis X.

[0033] It should be noted that the notch deforms to allow the second stop to pass when the male coupling member engages with the female coupling member. The deformation of the notch is typically a separation of a few tenths of a millimeter. The second stop is also called the "disengagement stop" or, less commonly, the "disengagement stop."

[0034] - the second axial distance l2 is strictly less than the first axial distance l1. This allows limiting the distance between the first and second stop in order to obtain a compact mechanical coupling device.

[0035] The notch is extended, in a direction opposite to the first open axial end of the second tubular body, by a straight slot, and the second stop is extended, towards the first axial end of the first tubular body, by a straight guide rib cooperating with the straight slot so as to guide the male coupling member into the female coupling member during insertion. This arrangement is particularly useful when the external shape s1 and internal shape s2 are not polygonal but circular. Furthermore, the slot facilitates deformation, reducing the force required to open the notch.

[0036] A second axial clearance is provided between a free end of the straight guide rib and the bottom of the straight slot. This second axial clearance is greater than or equal to the first axial clearance. Indeed, during the deformation of the deformable portion, the tubular bodies move closer together by sliding into one another. For this sliding to be complete, the free end of the straight guide rib must be prevented from becoming stuck in the bottom of the straight slot before the end of the axial contraction; this is the role of the second axial clearance. In an example where the axial contraction is 5 mm, the second axial clearance is at least 5 mm. The second axial clearance is measured along the longitudinal axis X.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the straight slot has a length measured along the longitudinal axis X and a width measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The width of the slot is defined by two parallel edges opposite each other, and the length of the slot is defined by a bottom radially connecting the two parallel edges. In this example, the bottom of the straight slot is the bottom radially connecting the two parallel edges.

[0038] Advantageously, the free end of the straight guide rib is positioned close to the first axial end of the first tubular body. This allows, when the male coupling member is inserted into the female coupling member, for a longer guidance of the male coupling member within the female coupling member.

[0039] - The frame also includes an anti-sway device, this anti-sway device being supported by at least one of the first and second tubular bodies. Preferably, the anti-sway device is manufactured as a single unit with said at least one of the first and second tubular bodies. This makes it possible to integrate an anti-sway function into the frame without having to attach a specific component to the frame such as, for example, an anti-sway deflector.

[0040] - The frame further includes means for supporting at least one tank component, these support means being carried by at least one of the first and second tubular bodies. This allows components such as conduits, ventilation lines, valves, internal reinforcement elements, anti-sloshing baffles, sensors, etc., to be attached to the frame in order to fulfill the desired functions.

[0041] The invention also relates to an assembly intended to be housed in a vehicle tank, comprising a frame equipped with means for supporting at least one tank component and at least one tank component fixed to said frame by means of the support means. This makes it possible to bring components into the interior of a tank without having to carry them individually.

[0042] The invention also relates to a vehicle tank, in particular a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle, in which is housed either the aforementioned assembly or the aforementioned frame.

[0043] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in particular a hybrid vehicle, comprising the aforementioned tank.

[0044] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the aforementioned frame, a method comprising the following steps:

[0045] a) to have a first tubular body with a longitudinal axis X having a first axial end forming a male coupling organ,

[0046] b) to have a second tubular body with longitudinal axis X having a first open axial end forming a female coupling organ,

[0047] c) fit the male coupling organ into the female coupling organ, so that the first tubular body is aligned with the second tubular body along the longitudinal axis X,

[0048] d) provide a housing extending along the longitudinal axis X in at least one of the first and second tubular bodies, this housing being configured to receive within it an insertion element for the reinforcement in a mold used during the manufacture of the tank.

[0049] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a tank by extrusion blow molding, comprising the aforementioned assembly, a method comprising the following steps:

[0050] a) have a framework comprising means for supporting at least one tank component, these support means being carried by at least one of the first and second tubular bodies,

[0051] b) have at least one tank component,

[0052] (c) to fix said at least one tank component to the frame by means of the support means to form the aforementioned assembly,

[0053] d) introduce an insertion device into the housing of the frame,

[0054] e) open a blow mold and extrude a parison into the open mold,

[0055] f) insert said reinforcement into the mold, inside the parison, using the insertion device,

[0056] (g) bring the extrusion blow mold into an intermediate closed position in order to fix said at least one tank component inside the parison by pressing the parison against said at least one tank component,

[0057] h) remove the insertion device,

[0058] i) bring the extrusion blow mold into a final closed position in order to pre-form a tank,

[0059] j) introduce a pressurized gas into the extrusion blow mold in order to form the tank by blowing,

[0060] k) open the extrusion blow mold and remove the tank thus formed.

[0061] In step (g), since the parison is made of molten plastic, pressing the parison against at least one tank component causes the component to be welded to the parison, or more precisely, the component to be heat-welded to the parison. By welding at least one tank component to the parison, the reinforcement does not itself need to be welded to the parison to be fixed in the tank, since it is attached to the welded component by the support means.

[0062] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a tank by extrusion blow molding, comprising a frame with an anti-sloshing device carried by at least one of the first and second tubular bodies, a method comprising the following steps:

[0063] a) have a frame comprising an anti-swaying device supported by at least one of the first and second tubular bodies,

[0064] b) introduce an insertion device into the housing of the frame,

[0065] c) open a blow mold and extrude a parison into the open mold,

[0066] d) insert said reinforcement into the mold, inside the parison, using the insertion device,

[0067] e) bring the extrusion blow mold into an intermediate closed position in order to fix the reinforcement inside the parison by pressing the parison against said reinforcement,

[0068] f) remove the insertion device,

[0069] g) bring the extrusion blow mold into a final closed position in order to pre-form a tank,

[0070] h) introduce a pressurized gas into the extrusion blow mold in order to form the tank by blowing,

[0071] i) open the extrusion blow mold and remove the tank thus formed. Brief description of the figures

[0072] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0073] is a perspective view of an example of a frame intended to be housed in a vehicle tank according to the invention;

[0074] is an exploded view of the armature shown on the;

[0075] is a cross-sectional view of the mechanical coupling device of the armature shown on the;

[0076] is a perspective view of the first axial end of the first tubular body of the reinforcement shown on the;

[0077] is a perspective view of the first open axial end of the second tubular body of the represented armature;

[0078] is a perspective view of the mechanical coupling device of the armature shown on the;

[0079] is a perspective view of a frame including an anti-swaying device according to a first embodiment;

[0080] is a perspective view of a frame including an anti-swaying device according to a second embodiment;

[0081] is a perspective view of an assembly intended to be housed in a vehicle tank according to the invention;

[0082] is a perspective view of a vehicle tank according to the invention;

[0083] is a perspective view of a vehicle according to the invention;

[0084] is a view of an assembly according to the invention mounted on an insertion element.

[0085] is a perspective view of another example of a frame intended to be housed in a vehicle tank according to the invention;

[0086] is an exploded view, taken from above, of the armature shown on the;

[0087] is a top view of the armature shown on the;

[0088] is a perspective view of the armature shown on the, from another viewpoint. Detailed description

[0089] The following are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features from different embodiments can also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0090] In this description, certain elements or parameters can be indexed, for example, first element or second element, first parameter and second parameter, first criterion and second criterion, etc. In this case, it is simply indexing to differentiate and name similar but not identical elements, parameters, or criteria. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element, parameter, or criterion over another, and such designations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of this description. Nor does this indexing imply any order in time, for example, for evaluating one criterion over another.

[0091] Figures 1 and 2 show a fitting 1 intended to be housed in a vehicle tank. Figure 1 is an exploded view of the fitting 1 shown in Figure 1. This fitting 1 comprises a first tubular body 10 with longitudinal axis X and a second tubular body 20 with longitudinal axis X. The first tubular body 10 has a first axial end 10a forming a male coupling member 100, and the second tubular body 20 has a first open axial end 20a forming a female coupling member 200. The male coupling member 100 is fitted into the female coupling member 200 such that the first tubular body 10 is aligned with the second tubular body 20 along the longitudinal axis X. At least one of the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies includes a housing 2 extending along the longitudinal axis X.Housing 2 is configured to receive within it a fitting for inserting the reinforcement into a mold used during the manufacture of the tank. The combination of the male coupling members 100 and 200 is called a mechanical coupling device.

[0092] In the embodiment shown, the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies together comprise said housing 2, such that the first tubular body 10 comprises a first part 2a of said housing 2 and the second tubular body 20 comprises a second part 2b of said housing 2.

[0093] In the illustrated example, at least one of the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies is a hollow tubular body with longitudinal axis X, such that the hollow 3 of said tubular body 10, 20 forms said housing 2. More precisely, in the embodiment shown, the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies are hollow tubular bodies with longitudinal axis X and the first axial end 10a of the first tubular body 10 is open, such that the hollows 2a and 2b of the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies join together to form said housing 2.

[0094] In the illustrated example, the second tubular body 20 with longitudinal axis X has a second axial end 20b forming a male coupling member 210, and the frame includes a third tubular body 30 with longitudinal axis X. The third tubular body 30 has a first open axial end 30a forming a female coupling member 300. The male coupling member 210 is fitted into the female coupling member 300 such that the third tubular body 30 is also aligned with the second tubular body 20 along the longitudinal axis X. At least one of the second 20 and third 30 tubular bodies includes the housing 2.

[0095] More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the first 10, second 20 and third 30 tubular bodies together comprise said housing 2, such that the first tubular body 10 comprises a first part 2a of said housing 2, the second tubular body 20 comprises a second part 2b of said housing 2 and the third tubular body 30 comprises a third part 2c of said housing 2.

[0096] In the illustrated example, at least one of the first 10, second 20 and third 30 tubular bodies is a hollow tubular body with longitudinal axis X, such that the hollow 3 of said tubular body 10, 20, 30 forms said housing 2. More precisely, in the embodiment shown, the first 10, second 20 and third 30 tubular bodies are hollow tubular bodies with longitudinal axis X and the second axial end 20b of the second tubular body 20 is open, such that the hollows 2a, 2b and 2c of the first 10, second 20 and third 30 tubular bodies join together to form said housing 2.

[0097] Furthermore, the frame 1 includes support means 6 for at least one tank component; these support means 6 are carried by at least one of the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the support means 6 are carried by the first 10, second 20, and third 30 tubular bodies.

[0098] As illustrated in Figure 1, the first axial end 10a of the first tubular body 10 has, in cross-section, an external shape s1, and the first open axial end 20a of the second tubular body 20 has, in cross-section, an internal shape s2. The internal shape s2 is substantially identical to the external shape s1. Thus, the male coupling member 100 is fitted with minimal radial play in the female coupling member 200. It should be noted that the "cross-section" is taken in a plane P (see Figure 1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and that the radial play is measured in this plane. In this example, the external shape s1 and internal shape s2 are substantially polygonal. More precisely, in the embodiment shown, the external shape s1 and internal shape s2 are substantially rectangular.

[0099] As illustrated in the figure, the first tubular body 10 comprises two stops: a first stop 11 disposed at a first axial distance l1 from the first axial end 10a of the first tubular body 10 and a second stop 12 disposed at a second axial distance l2 from the first axial end 10a of the first tubular body 10. The second stop 12 is extended, in the direction of the first axial end 10a of the first tubular body 10, by a straight guide rib 13. In this example, the second axial distance l2 is strictly less than the first axial distance l1.

[0100] As illustrated in the figure, the first open axial end 20a of the second tubular body 20 includes a deformable portion 22 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X. A face 21 of the first open axial end 20a of the second tubular body 20 is supported by this deformable portion 22. In this example, the second tubular body 20 includes a notch 23 extended, in a direction opposite to the first open axial end 20a of the second tubular body 20, by a straight slot 24.

[0101] As illustrated in the figure, the face 21 of the first open axial end 20a of the second tubular body 20 is in contact with the first stop 11 and the notch 23 cooperates with the second stop 12 so as to prevent the male coupling member 100 from separating from the female coupling member 200. In this example, the straight guide rib 13 cooperates with the straight slot 24 so as to guide the male coupling member 100 into the female coupling member 200 during its insertion.

[0102] In the embodiment shown, a first axial clearance 4a is provided between the second stop 12 and a bottom 15 of the notch 23 and a second axial clearance 4b is provided between a free end 14 of the straight guide rib 13 and a bottom 25 of the straight slot 24. The second axial clearance 4b is greater than or equal to the first axial clearance 4a.

[0103] Figures 7 and 8 show a frame 1 comprising an anti-sway device 5. The anti-sway device 5 is supported by at least one of the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies. In Figure 1, the first tubular body 10 supports the anti-sway device 5 and the second tubular body 20 supports support means 6, while in Figure 2, both the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies support the anti-sway device 5. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the anti-sway device 5 is made as a single unit with the first tubular body 10, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the anti-sway device 5 is made in two parts: a first part made as a single unit with the first tubular body 10 and a second part made as a single unit with the second tubular body 20. In the illustrated example, the anti-sway device 5 includes anti-sway deflectors.Welding surfaces (also called "weld pads" or "weld pads" in English) 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d are provided at the top of the deflectors for welding the reinforcement 1 to the parison.

[0104] A set 7 intended to be housed in a vehicle tank is shown, comprising a frame 1 and at least one tank component 8. Said at least one tank component 8 is fixed to said frame 1 by means of support means 6. Preferably, said at least one tank component 8 is an internal reinforcement element.

[0105] An "internal reinforcement element" is a structural element assembled at its two longitudinal ends to the plastic tank in order to limit the deformation of the tank when the pressure inside the tank increases.

[0106] More specifically, the internal reinforcement element is designed to connect two opposing walls of the plastic tank (see). It is assembled, for example welded, at weld surfaces located at its two longitudinal ends, to the parison that will form the plastic tank.

[0107] The reinforcement 1 also includes deformable links 6a connecting the reinforcement 1 to the support means 6. The deformable links 6a can deform to allow relative displacement of the reinforcement 1 and the support means 6.

[0108] We have represented on the tank 110 for vehicle, in particular a plastic fuel tank for motor vehicle, in which assembly 7 is housed.

[0109] We have represented on a vehicle 120, in particular a motor vehicle, in particular a hybrid vehicle, comprising a tank 110.

[0110] Figures 13 and 16 show another example of the reinforcement. The following will primarily describe the elements and characteristics of the reinforcement 1' that differentiate it from the reinforcement 1 of the previous figure. Similar to the previous figure, this reinforcement 1' comprises a first tubular body 10' and a second tubular body 20'. The first tubular body 10' has a first axial end 10a' including a male coupling member 100', and the second tubular body 20' has an open first axial end 20a' including a female coupling member 200', the male coupling member 100' being able to be fitted into the female coupling member 200'. The assembled form of this reinforcement 1' is visible in the figure, in which it can be seen that the first tubular body 10' is aligned with the second tubular body 20' along the longitudinal axis X.Unlike the example of the frame, the mechanical coupling is lateral, that is, in a radial direction y relative to the X-axis, and therefore not along the X-axis. More precisely, the male coupling member 100' is in the form of a tenon, and the female coupling member 200' corresponds to an orifice formed in an arm with an "L" cross-section, that is, with two rods connected by a right-angle bend, the orifice being formed on the base of the "L", laterally offset relative to the X-axis. To achieve this coupling, the orifice of the second tubular body 20' is positioned with respect to the tenon of the first tubular body 10', and the latter is then radially moved, notably along the arrows F, in the radial direction y, to fit the tenon into the orifice. In addition, the first 10' and second 20' bodies include additional radial coupling elements to secure this assembly.Furthermore, a third tubular body 30' is visible in Figures 13 to 16. This third tubular body 30' can be mechanically coupled to the second tubular body 30' by means of coupling members 300' provided for this purpose. Finally, the assembled shape of the first 10', second 20', and third 30' tubular bodies forms a hollow 3 with longitudinal axis X, which, as with the reinforcement of the [unclear], constitutes a housing 2. Moreover, similarly to the reinforcement of the [unclear], the first 10', second 20', and third 30' tubular bodies comprise, respectively, first 2a, second 2b, and third 2c parts of the housing 2. The presence of anti-sway devices 5 and weld surfaces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d resembling those of the reinforcement of the [unclear] is also noted.

[0111] In one example, the manufacturing process for reinforcement 1 includes the following steps:

[0112] a) having a first tubular body 10 with longitudinal axis X having a first axial end 10a forming a male coupling organ 100,

[0113] b) to have a second tubular body 20 with longitudinal axis X having a first open axial end 20a forming a female coupling organ 200,

[0114] c) fit the male coupling organ 100 into the female coupling organ 200, so that the first tubular body 10 is aligned with the second tubular body 20 along the longitudinal axis X,

[0115] d) provide a housing 2 extending along the longitudinal axis X in at least one of the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies, this housing 2 being configured to receive within it an insertion element for the reinforcement in a mold used during the manufacture of the tank.

[0116] In one example, the extrusion blow molding manufacturing process for a tank 110 comprising a frame 1 having support means 6 for at least one tank component includes the following steps:

[0117] a) have a frame 1 comprising means for supporting at least one tank component,

[0118] b) have at least one tank component 8,

[0119] (c) fix said at least one tank component 8 to the frame 1 by means of the support means 6 to form the assembly 7 described above,

[0120] d) introduce an insertion element 9 (see) into the housing 2 of the frame 1,

[0121] e) open a blow mold and extrude a parison into the open mold,

[0122] f) insert said reinforcement 1 into the mold, inside the parison, using the insertion device 9,

[0123] (g) bring the extrusion blow mold into an intermediate closed position in order to fix said at least one tank component 8 inside the parison by pressing the parison against said at least one tank component 8,

[0124] h) remove the insertion component 9,

[0125] i) bring the extrusion blow mold into a final closed position in order to preform a tank 110,

[0126] j) introduce a pressurized gas into the extrusion blow mold in order to form the tank 110 by blowing,

[0127] k) open the extrusion blow mold and take out the 110 tank thus formed.

[0128] In one example, it is provided that said at least one tank component 8 is provided with weld surfaces, so, in step g), pressing the parison against said at least one tank component 8 causes the weld surfaces of the component 8 to weld to the parison.

[0129] In one example, the extrusion blow molding manufacturing process of a tank 110 comprising a frame 1 including an anti-sloshing device 5 carried by at least one of the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies comprises the following steps:

[0130] a) have a frame 1 comprising an anti-swaying device 5 carried by at least one of the first 10 and second 20 tubular bodies,

[0131] b) introduce an insertion element 9 into the housing 2 of the frame 1,

[0132] c) open a blow mold and extrude a parison into the open mold,

[0133] d) insert said reinforcement 1 into the mold, inside the parison, using the insertion device 9,

[0134] e) bring the extrusion blow mold into an intermediate closed position in order to fix the reinforcement 1 inside the parison by pressing the parison against said reinforcement 1,

[0135] f) remove the insertion component 9,

[0136] g) bring the extrusion blow mold into a final closed position in order to pre-form a tank 110,

[0137] h) introduce a pressurized gas into the extrusion blow mold in order to form the tank 110 by blowing,

[0138] i) open the extrusion blow mold and take out the 110 tank thus formed.

[0139] In one example, it is provided that said reinforcement 1 is provided with weld surfaces (see), so, in step e), pressing the parison against said reinforcement 1 causes the weld surfaces of the reinforcement 1 to weld to the parison. List of references

[0140] 1, 1': reinforcement 2: housing 2a: first part of the housing 2b: second part of the housing 2c: third part of the housing 3: hollow 4a: first axial clearance 4b: second axial clearance 5: anti-sway device 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d: weld surface 6: support means 6a: deformable link 7: assembly 8: tank component 9: insertion member 10, 10': first tubular body 10a, 10a': first axial end of the first tubular body 10b, 10b': second axial end of the first tubular body 11: first stop 12: second stop 13: straight guide rib 14: free end 15: bottom of the notch 20, 20': second tubular body 20a, 20a': first open axial end of the second tubular body 20b, 20b': second axial end of the second tubular body 21: face of the first axial end open22: deformable portion23: notch24: straight slot25: bottom of the straight slot30, 30': third tubular body30a,30a': first open axial end of the third tubular body 30b, 30b': second axial end of the third tubular body 100, 100': male coupling member of the first tubular body 110: vehicle tank 120: vehicle 200, 200': female coupling member of the second tubular body 210: male coupling member of the second tubular body 300, 300': female coupling member of the third tubular body X: longitudinal axis y: radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis XP: plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Xs1: external shape of the first axial end es2: internal shape of the first open axial end l1: first axial distance el2: second axial distance F: arrow,

Claims

A frame (1, 1') intended to be housed in a vehicle tank, comprising: a first tubular body (10, 10') with longitudinal axis X having a first axial end (10a, 10a') forming a male coupling member (100, 100'), a second tubular body (20, 20') with longitudinal axis X having a first open axial end (20a, 20a') forming a female coupling member (200, 200'), wherein the male coupling member (100, 100') is fitted into the female coupling member (200, 200') such that the first tubular body (10, 10') is aligned with the second tubular body (20, 20') along the longitudinal axis X, and at least one of the first (10, 10') and second (20, 20') tubular bodies comprises a dwelling (2) extending along the longitudinal axis X,the reinforcement being characterized in that this housing (2) is configured to receive within it a reinforcement insertion element in a mold used during the manufacture of the tank. Reinforcement (1, 1') according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first (10, 10') and second (20, 20') tubular bodies is a hollow tubular body with longitudinal axis X, such that the hollow (3) of said tubular body (10, 20, 10', 20') forms said housing (2). Reinforcement (1, 1') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first (10, 10') and second (20, 20') tubular bodies together comprise said housing (2), such that the first tubular body (10, 10') comprises a first part (2a) of said housing (2) and the second tubular body (20, 20') comprises a second part (2b) of said housing (2). Reinforcement (1, 1') according to the preceding claim, wherein the first (10, 10') and second (20,20') tubular bodies are hollow tubular bodies with longitudinal axis X and the first axial end (10a, 10a') of the first tubular body (10, 10') is open, such that the hollows (2a, 2b) of the first (10, 10') and second (20, 20') tubular bodies join together to form said housing (2). Reinforcement (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first axial end (10a, 10a') of the first tubular body (10, 10') has, in cross-section, an external shape s1 and the first open axial end (20a, 20a') of the second tubular body (20, 20') has, in cross-section, an internal shape s2 substantially identical to the external shape s1. Reinforcement (1, 1') according to the preceding claim, wherein the external shapes s1 and internal shapes s2 are substantially polygonal.Reinforcement (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tubular body (10,10') comprises a first stop (11) disposed at a first axial distance l1 from the first axial end (10a, 10a') of the first tubular body (10, 10'), a face (21) of the first open axial end (20a, 20a') of the second tubular body (20, 20') bearing against the first stop (11). Reinforcement (1, 1') according to the preceding claim, wherein the first open axial end (20a, 20a') of the second tubular body (20, 20') comprises a deformable portion (22) in the direction of the longitudinal axis X, the face (21) of the first open axial end (20a, 20a') of the second tubular body (20, 20') bearing against the first stop (11) being supported by this deformable portion (22). Reinforcement (1, 1') according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first tubular body (10, 10') comprises a second stop (12) disposed at a second axial distance l2 from the first axial end (10a,10a') of the first tubular body (10, 10') and the second tubular body (20, 20') includes a notch (23) cooperating with the second stop (12) so as to prevent the male coupling member (100, 100') from separating from the female coupling member (200, 200'). A frame (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising support means (6) for at least one tank component, such support means (6) being carried by at least one of the first (10, 10') and second (20, 20') tubular bodies. An assembly (7) intended to be housed in a vehicle tank, comprising a frame (1, 1') according to the preceding claim and at least one tank component (8), wherein said at least one tank component (8) is fixed to said frame (1, 1') at means of support means (6). Tank (110) for vehicle, in particular plastic fuel tank for motor vehicle,in which is housed the assembly (7) according to the preceding claim. Method for manufacturing a frame (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 10, method comprising the following steps: a) having a first tubular body (10, 10') with longitudinal axis X having a first axial end (10a, 10a') forming a male coupling member (100, 100'), b) having a second tubular body (20, 20') with longitudinal axis X having a first open axial end (20a, 20a') forming a female coupling member (200, 200'), c) fitting the male coupling member (100, 100') into the female coupling member (200, 200'), so that the first tubular body (10, 10') is aligned with the second tubular body (20, 20') along the longitudinal axis X,d) provide a housing (2) extending along the longitudinal axis X in at least one of the first (10, 10') and second (20, 20') tubular bodies,this housing (2) being configured to receive within it an insertion element for the reinforcement in a mold used during the manufacture of the tank. A method for manufacturing a tank (110) according to claim 12 by extrusion blow molding, comprising the following steps: a) having a reinforcement (1, 1') according to claim 10, b) having at least one tank component (8), c) attaching said at least one tank component (8) to the reinforcement (1, 1') by means of support means (6) to form the assembly (7) according to claim 11, d) introducing an insertion element (9) into the housing (2) of the reinforcement (1, 1'), e) opening an extrusion blow mold and extruding a parison into the open mold, f) inserting said reinforcement (1, 1') into the mold, inside the parison, by means of the insertion element (9).(g) bring the blow mold into an intermediate closed position to fix said at least one tank component (8) inside the parison by pressing the parison against said at least one tank component (8), (h) remove the insertion member (9), (i) bring the blow mold into a final closed position to preform a tank (110), (j) introduce pressurized gas into the blow mold to form the tank (110) by blowing, (k) open the blow mold and remove the tank (110) thus formed.

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