Abstract:
An assembly for mounting at least one component in a tank for a motor vehicle, the tank including a wall portion and an attachment portion projecting outward from the wall portion, the attachment portion defining an opening in the wall portion, the assembly including: a mounting module configured to carry the at least one component and to close the opening in the wall portion; the mounting module including an outer side configured to be accessible from outside the tank; at least one connector arranged on the outer side of the mounting module, the at least one connector being connected to the at least one component; a clamp configured to clamp the mounting module to the attachment portion; and a cover attached to the clamp and covering at least partially the at least one connector.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The field of the invention relates to assemblies for mounting at least one component in a tank of a motor vehicle, and to tanks comprising such an assembly. Particular embodiments relate to the field of ammonia precursor tanks and fuel tanks. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Liquid and gas tanks carried on board vehicles generally have to satisfy sealing and permeability standards related to the type of use for which they are designed and the requirements in terms of environmental considerations that they have to meet. Incorporating one or more components into such tanks presents the problem of attaching them in a sealed and impermeable way in an opening made in these tanks. To that end it is known to use a mounting module, also called baseplate, which carries the one or more components, and to attach the mounting module to an attachment portion of the tank. 
         [0003]    Typically, it is also desirable that the one or more components be mounted to the tank so as to be removable for service and repair purposes. Various techniques for attaching a mounting module to a tank are already known. For example, cam lock systems or mason jar systems are well known by the skilled person. Generally, these known systems use a ring or a lock nut configured to be screwed onto a thread on the tank side. In such embodiments, the attachment operation of the component to the tank is typically complex, time-consuming and expensive. Further, an adequate protection of any components arranged at an outer side of the mounting module is difficult to achieve. 
         [0004]    In view of the above, there is a need for an improved attachment assembly which is easy to use and improves the protection of the components. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The objects of embodiments of the invention is to provide an improved assembly for mounting at least one component in a tank for a motor vehicle, said tank having a wall portion and an attachment portion projecting outward from said wall portion, said attachment portion defining an opening in said wall portion. More in particular it is desirable to provide an assembly which improves the protection of any components arranged at an outer side of the mounting module, and to limit or avoid turbulence caused by such components when the assembly is used in a motor vehicle. 
         [0006]    According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly for mounting at least one component in a tank for a motor vehicle, comprising a mounting module, a clamp and a cover. The mounting module is configured for carrying said at least one component and for closing of the opening in the wall portion of the tank. The mounting module has an outer side intended for being accessible from outside the tank. At least one connector is arranged at the outer side of the mounting module. The at least one connector is connected to the at least one component. The clamp is configured for clamping the mounting module to the attachment portion of the tank. The cover is attached to the clamp and covers at least partially the at least one connector. 
         [0007]    By attaching the cover to the clamp, there is provided an assembly which is easy to mount: the mounting module can be attached to the attachment portion using the clamp, and the one or more connectors can be protected using the cover, by attaching the cover to the clamp after the connectors have been suitably connected to other parts, e.g. a power source, an exhaust line, etc. mounted in the motor vehicle. Also the cover will limit any turbulence caused by the one or more connectors. Finally by attaching the cover to the clamp no special fixation points are needed on the tank. 
         [0008]    According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting module is provided with a mounting flange at an outer circumference thereof, and the clamp is configured for engaging around said mounting flange and around a corresponding flange of the attachment portion of the tank. In that manner a good attachment and impermeability can be obtained. It is noted that the corresponding flange of the attachment portion of the tank may either be a flange which is formed integrally with the tank or a flange created by fixing a ring-shaped member to the tank, e.g. by overmolding. 
         [0009]    According to a preferred embodiment the at least one connector comprises any one of the following connectors, or a combination thereof: a hydraulic connector, an electrical connector. A first electrical connector can be connected to an electronic control unit to provide power to the control unit and/or to exchange data between the control unit and other components in the vehicle. A further electrical connector may be connected to any components on/in the mounting module that need to be fed by an electrical power source, e.g. a pump, a heater, etc. A hydraulic connector may be an outlet of the tank and may be connected to a hydraulic line for evacuating liquid, e.g. fuel or an ammonia precursor out of the tank. 
         [0010]    According to a preferred embodiment the clamp is provided with a plurality of fixation points for attaching the cover. Preferably the clamp is substantially circular, at least in the mounted position, and the fixation points are provided in the form of radially outwardly protruding ears, optionally provided with orifices for screws. Such fixation points on the clamp will allow an easy attachment and removal of the cover, and will lead to a very compact assembly. In further embodiments the one or more fixation points may be used to fix other external elements, such as a hydraulic line to the clamp. 
         [0011]    According to an exemplary embodiment an electronic control unit is mounted on the outer side of the mounting module, and the cover at least partially covers said electronic control unit. Such an electronic control unit and one or more electrical connectors may be mounted on a PCB, wherein an electrical connector is connected to the electronic control unit, and the PCB is fixed to the outer side of the mounting module. 
         [0012]    According to a preferred embodiment the assembly further comprising a sealing ring disposed between the mounting module and the attachment portion, wherein the sealing ring is clamped between the mounting module and said attachment portion by the clamp. 
         [0013]    According to an exemplary embodiment the clamp is a plastic clamp. 
         [0014]    According to a first exemplary embodiment the clamp comprises at least a first clamp shell and a second clamp shell, said first clamp shell having a first end pivotally connected to a first end of said second clamp shell. In further embodiments the clamp may have more than two clamp shells which are pivotally connected. By having various clamp shells which are pivotally connected, each clamp shell can be relatively rigid, whilst still allowing an easy mounting of the clamp around a flange of the mounting module and a corresponding flange of the attachment portion. The first clamp shell may have a second end configured for being connected to a second end of the second clamp shell. Preferably, the second end of the first clamp shell is connected to the second end of the second clamp shell through a snap-fit connection. 
         [0015]    According to a second exemplary embodiment the clamp comprises at least one attachment strip having a first end equipped with a toothed portion; and a second end equipped with at least one head, said head comprising a complementary toothed portion, said head being configured to receive and lock the strip by means of the complementary toothed portion; wherein said clamp engages and is closed onto said mounting module and said attachment portion by pulling tight the strip through the head. In an exemplary embodiment thereof, the toothed portion and/or the complementary toothed portion may comprise teeth obtained by overmolding metal inserts with plastic material. 
         [0016]    In an exemplary embodiment the clamp comprises at an inner surface thereof at least one internal mouth configured to receive a mounting flange of the mounting module and a corresponding flange of the attachment portion of the tank. Preferably, the or each internal mouth has a tapered inner surface, narrowing towards the interior of the mouth, to facilitate the centering of the clamp around mounting flange of the mounting module and a corresponding flange of the attachment portion of the tank. Preferably, the clamp comprises a plurality of strengthening ribs extending radially between the or each internal mouth and an outer surface of the clamp. 
         [0017]    In a preferred embodiment the clamp comprises at least one integral injection molded part. In an embodiment with two clamp shells, each shell may be an injection molded part. 
         [0018]    According to embodiments of the invention the cover may function as a protection cover and/or as a heatshield. When the cover has a heat shield function it may comprises a layer of a heat shielding material which is configured for reducing the transfer of heat through the cover. The heat insulation material may be a foam material. Preferably, the heat insulation material has a thermal conductivity (K-value), which is lower than 0.06 W/mK preferably lower than 0.04 W/mK. 
         [0019]    According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a tank assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a tank and an assembly according to any one of the previous embodiments. According to an exemplary embodiment there is provided a fuel tank assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a fuel tank and an assembly according to any one of the previous embodiments. According to another exemplary embodiment there is provided an ammonia precursor tank assembly for a motor vehicle comprising an ammonia precursor tank and an assembly according to any one of the previous embodiments. 
         [0020]    According to another exemplary embodiment the tank comprises an attachment portion in which a ring-shaped member is partially embedded. The ring shaped member may comprise a top flange, a bottom flange and a side wall, preferably a frustoconical side wall, connecting the top flange and the bottom flange. The bottom flange and a portion of the side wall may be embedded in the attachment portion. The ring shaped member may further comprise a plurality of peripheral tabs extending outwardly from the top flange, and the clamp may comprises a plurality of engaging claw parts, each engaging claw part being configured to engage one of said plurality of peripheral tabs and to press the mounting module against said attachment portion of the tank. In an alternative embodiment the tabs may be created in the top flange, by providing suitable cut-outs in the top flange, and the engaging claw parts may be inserted in the cut-outs to engage the tabs. The side wall may comprise a plurality of through-holes in the portion which is embedded in the attachment portion to improve the fixation of the ring-shaped member in the attachment portion. In an embodiment the clamp may be an annular lock plate comprising the plurality of engaging claw parts. In such an embodiment a plurality of fixation points for attaching the cover may be provided in the form of peripheral extension parts of the annular lock plate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0021]    The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates schematically a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a clamp; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of an assembly comprising the clamp of  FIG. 1  fixed to an attachment portion of a tank; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 3A-3E  illustrate schematically an exemplary embodiment of a method for fixing the assembly of  FIG. 2  on a tank; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates schematically a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly similar to the assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates schematically a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the assembly of  FIG. 4  with a cover attached to the clamp; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate schematic perspective views of a second exemplary embodiment of a clamp in an open and a closed position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of an assembly fixed to an attachment portion of a tank; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate schematically a perspective view of a lock plate and a clamp of the third exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 7 , respectively; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a tank assembly. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  represents an exemplary embodiment of a plastic clamp according to a first embodiment. The plastic clamp  1100  comprises a strip  1111  equipped with a toothed section  1120  and two heads  1131 ,  1132  formed onto an outer surface of the strip  1111 , at one end thereof. The toothed section  1120  comprises a tab  1121  equipped with two series of teeth  1222 ,  1223 . The first series of teeth  1222  is used for pre-closing operation and the second series of teeth  1223  is used for final closing operation. It is an advantage to have a flat section (i.e. section with no teeth) between the first and second series of teeth  1222 ,  1223 , since the pull force for intermediate closing of the plastic clamp  1100  can be reduced. The heads  1131 ,  1132  are configured to receive and lock the tab  1121 . Each head  1131 ,  1132  accommodates complementary teeth (not illustrated) which cooperate with the first and second series of teeth  1222 ,  1223 . In this particular embodiment, the plastic clamp  1100  comprises twelve internal mouths  1115  regularly spaced along the strip  1111 . As illustrated, each internal mouth  1115  has a contact surface having a conical like structure. Such a structure will facilitate the centring of the clamp  1100  around the flanges of an attachment portion of the tank and of the mounting module, see further. Advantageously, the plastic clamp  1100  comprises a plurality of ribs  1116  placed between the internal mouths  1115  and the strip  1111 . In this particular embodiment, the plastic clamp  1100  comprises six ribs  1116 , three on the top side and three other on the bottom side, per internal mouth  1115 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  represents a partial cross-section of a first exemplary embodiment of a tank assembly attached to an attachment portion  1220  of a tank. The assembly comprises the clamp  1100  of  FIG. 1 . The tank assembly is attached to a tank having a wall portion  1210  and a tubular attachment portion  1220  projecting outward from said wall portion  1210 . The attachment portion  1220  defines an opening  1230  in the wall portion  1210  of the tank. The tank assembly comprises a mounting module  1300  which is attached to the attachment portion  1220  by means of the plastic clamp  1100 . 2. The mounting module  1300  is provided with a mounting flange  1310  at an outer circumference thereof, and the clamp  1100  is configured for engaging around mounting flange  1310  and around a corresponding flange  1222  of attachment portion  1220  of the tank. In the illustrated embodiment the corresponding flange  1222  is a radially outwardly protruding upper part of attachment portion  1220 . The flange  1222  of attachment portion  1220  comprises a groove  1225 . An  0  ring seal  1400  is arranged in the groove  1225 . Alternatively an O-ring may be arranged in flange  1310  of mounting module  1300 . In  FIG. 2 , the plastic clamp  1100  is in a final closing position. Accordingly, the mounting module  1300  is tightly pressed against the attachment portion  1220 . The O ring seal  1400  is compressed axially between the attachment portion  1220  and the mounting module  1300 . 
         [0033]    In this example, the tank  1220  may be a urea tank and the mounting module  1300 , also called a baseplate or carrying structure, may incorporate and/or support at least one component such as, for example, a pump, a filter, a level sensor, a quality sensor, a temperature sensor or a heater. A part of this mounting module  1300  is positioned through the opening  1230 . More in particular one or more components may be provided at the inner side or the outer side of the mounting module, or may be integrated in the mounting module, e.g. in a chamber in the mounting module. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 3A to 3E  illustrate an example of steps for attaching the mounting module  1300  to the attachment portion  1220  by means of the plastic clamp  1100 . In a first step illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the O ring seal  1400  is arranged in the groove  1225 . In a second step illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the plastic clamp  1100  is pre-closed while being positioned on the attachment portion  1220  of the tank. In a third step illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the mounting module  1300  is placed on the attachment portion  1220 . In a fourth step illustrated in  FIG. 3D , an operator or a machine starts pulling the tab  1221  to make the plastic clamp  1100  self-centering with respect to the flange  1310  of the mounting module  1300  and the attachment portion  1220 . At this step, the internal mouths  1115  start engaging the flange  1310  of the mounting module  1300  and the flange  1222  attachment portion  1220 . At a final step illustrated in  FIG. 3E , the tab  1221  is pulled tight such that the internal mouths  1115  close onto the mounting module  1300  and the attachment portion  1220 . Accordingly, the mounting module  1300  is securely attached to the tank. Further, the O ring seal  1400  is compressed axially between the attachment portion  1220  and the mounting module  1300 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  represents a plastic clamp  1100  similar to clamp  1100  of  FIG. 1  with this difference that clamp  1100  is provided with a plurality of fixation points  1141 ,  1142 ,  1143  for attaching the cover. The fixation points  1141 ,  1142 ,  1143  are provided in the form of outwardly protruding ears. The plastic clamp  1100  is used to attach a mounting module  1300  to an attachment portion (not visible) on a wall portion  1210  of a tank, as has been described above. Each extension or ear  1141 ,  1142 ,  1143  is provided with an orifice  1145 ,  1146 ,  1147 . These orifices  1145 ,  1146 ,  1147  can be used to attach, for example, a cover functioning as protection plate or as heatshield, clips for hydraulic lines or wiring harnesses. Thus, these ears  1141 ,  1142 ,  1143  can advantageously be used as fixation points. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  illustrates the assembly of  FIG. 4  but with components arranged on the outer side of the mounting module  1300  and with a cover  1500 . The mounting module  1300  is configured for carrying at least one component on an inner side intended for being directed towards the interior of the tank, and/or on an outer side intended for being directed towards the exterior of the tank, so that this component is accessible from outside the tank. More generally one or more components may be provided at the inner side or the outer side of the mounting module, or may be integrated in the mounting module, e.g. in a chamber in the mounting module. 
         [0037]    In the illustrated embodiment an electronic control unit (ECU)  1700  is mounted on the outer side of the mounting module  1300 , and the cover  1500  covers electronic control unit  1700 . Further a hydraulic connector  1620 , and two electrical connectors  1610 ,  1630  are arranged at the outer side of the mounting module  1300 . The electrical connectors  1610 ,  1630  are typically connected to the ECU  1700 , and to any components that need to be fed by an electrical power source, e.g. a pump, a heater, a sensor, etc. One electrical connector  1610  may be used for signal communication (typically Controller Area Network CAN signals) with the ECU  1700 , and the other electrical connector  1630  may be used for the power supply of the ECU  1700  and of any other components. The hydraulic connector  1620  is intended for connecting an outlet of the tank to a hydraulic line for evacuating liquid out of the tank. The ECU  1700  and the electrical connectors  1610 ,  1630  may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB, wherein at least one electrical connector  1610 ,  1630  is connected to the ECU  1700 . 
         [0038]    The cover  1500  is attached to the clamp  1100  and covers at least partially the various connectors  1610 ,  1620 ,  1630 . More in particular, the cover  1500  is attached to the plurality of fixation points  1141 ,  1142 ,  1143  of clamp  1100  using screws  1151 ,  1152 ,  1153  or other fixations means. The cover functions here as a protection plate protecting the connectors  1610 ,  1620 ,  1630  and the ECU  1700  against damage and/or the infiltration of dirt. In addition the cover  1500  may have a heat shield function, e.g. to limit the heating of the ECU  1700 . Alternatively or in addition there may be provided one or more fixation points for attaching e.g. a hydraulic line to the clamp. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  a second exemplary embodiment of a clamp  2100 . The clamp  2100  is typically a plastic clamp. The clamp  2100  comprises a first clamp shell  2111  and a second clamp shell  2112 . First clamp shell  2111  has a first end pivotally connected to a first end of second clamp shell  2112 , see  2160 . To that end the first end of first clamp shell  2111  may be provided with a shaft element which fits in a corresponding bearing element provided at the first end of second clamp shell  2112 . First clamp shell  2111  has a second end configured for being connected to a second end of the second clamp shell  2112 , see  2170 . In the illustrated embodiment the second end of the first clamp shell  2111  is connected to the second end of the second clamp shell  2112  though a snap-fit connection. The second end of the second clamp shell  2112  is provided with an arrow-like element  2171  which can be snap-fitted in a corresponding passage  2172  provided at the second end of the first clamp shell  2111 . 
         [0040]    The clamp shells  2111 ,  2112  each comprise at an inner surface thereof at least one internal mouth  2115  configured to receive a mounting flange of the mounting module and a corresponding flange of the attachment portion of the tank, in a similar manner as has been described above with reference to  FIGS. 3A-3E . The internal mouth  2115  may have a tapered inner surface to promote the self-centering of the clamp  2100  around the respective flanges of the mounting module and attachment portion. Further the clamp  2100  comprises a plurality of strengthening ribs  2116  extending radially between the internal mouth  2115  and an outer surface of the clamp shells  2111 ,  2112 . 
         [0041]    In a preferred embodiment the clamp shells  2111 ,  2112  are integral injection molded parts. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  represents a partial cross-section of an assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment. The assembly is mounted in an opening in a wall portion  3210  of a plastic tank. A ring shaped member  3200 , illustrated in  FIG. 8A  is embedded in wall portion  3210  in order to form a portion of an attachment portion  3220 . A clamp in the form of an annular lock plate  3100 , see also  FIG. 8B , is used to attach a mounting module  3300  to attachment portion  3220 . 
         [0043]    Tubular attachment portion  3220  projects outwardly from wall portion  3210 . In this example, the wall portion  3210  is formed by injection moulding simultaneously with a circular support portion  3212  located within ring shaped member  3200 . Ring shaped member  3200  together with circular support portion  3212  form attachment portion  3220 . Mounting module  3300  is supported against circular support portion  3212 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8A  illustrates the ring shaped member  3200  which is used for forming attachment portion  3220 . The ring shaped member  3200  comprises a top flange  3221 , a bottom flange  3222  and a frustoconical side wall  3223  connecting the top flange  3221  and the bottom flange  3222 . The ring shaped member  3200  further comprises peripheral tabs  3224  extending outwardly from the top flange  3221 . In this particular embodiment, the ring shaped member  3200  comprises six peripheral tabs  3224  regularly spaced along the top flange  3221 . In an advantageous embodiment, each peripheral tab  3224  can be equipped with a tooth or a series of teeth. In the example of  FIG. 8A , each peripheral tab  3224  is equipped with a tooth having a V-shape profile. Advantageously, the frustoconical side wall  3223  comprises a plurality of through-holes  3225 . In this particular embodiment, the top flange  3221  comprises a recess  3226  which is used as a point of reference for precisely positioning a mounting module  3300  with respect to the ring shaped member  3200 . In this example, the ring shaped member  3200  is made of metal. 
         [0045]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the bottom flange  3222  and a portion of the frustoconical side wall  3223  of the ring shaped member  3200  are embedded, e.g. by overmolding, in the wall portion  3210 . The attachment portion  3220  defines an opening in the wall portion of the tank. The assembly comprises a mounting module  3300  which is attached to the attachment portion  3220  by means of a clamp in the form of an annular lock plate  3100 . The attachment portion  3220  comprises a groove in which an O ring seal  3400  is arranged. The groove is arranged such that the O ring seal  3400  is positioned in-between a flange of the mounting module  3300  and the attachment portion  3220 . In  FIG. 7 , the ring shaped member  3200  and the annular lock plate  3100  are in a final closing position. In this final closing position, the engaging claw parts of the annular lock plate  3100  are engaged with the peripheral tabs  3224  of the ring shaped member  3200 . Accordingly, the mounting module  3300  is tightly pressed towards the attachment portion  3220 . The O ring seal  3400  is compressed axially between the attachment portion  3220  and the mounting module  3300 . In this example, the tank may be a urea tank and the mounting module  3300  may be a baseplate which incorporates and/or supports at least one component such as, for example, a pump, a filter, a level sensor, a quality sensor, a temperature sensor or a heater. A part of this mounting module  3300  is positioned through the opening in the tank. 
         [0046]      FIG. 8B  represents the annular lock plate  3100 . The annular lock plate  3100  comprises six engaging claw parts  3160 . Each engaging claw part  3160  has a teethed portion adapted to engage with one of the teeth illustrated in  FIG. 8A . At least one of the engaging claws  3160  comprise a stopper  3162  which is used to block the rotation of the engaging claws once the teeth are matching with the corresponding teeth of the ring shaped member  3200 . The annular lock plate  3100  comprises a flat portion  3110  adapted to contact with a part of the mounting module  3300 . In this particular embodiment, the flat portion  3110  comprises a recess  3170  which is used as a point of reference for precisely positioning the annular lock plate  3100  with respect to the mounting module  3300 . The annular lock plate  3100  can optionally comprise one or several peripheral extension part(s)  3141 ,  3142 ,  3143 . Each extension  3141 ,  3142 ,  3143  is provided with an orifice  3145 . These orifices  3145  can be used to attach, for example, a cover, one or more clips for hydraulic lines or wiring harnesses. Thus, these extensions  3141 ,  3142 ,  3143  can advantageously be used as fixation points. In this example, the annular lock plate  3100  is made of metal. 
         [0047]    In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the annular lock plate  3100  can be replaced by six independent engaging claw parts  3160 . In this alternative embodiment, each independent engaging claw part  3160  comprises a teethed portion adapted to engage a peripheral tab  3224  of the ring shaped member  3200  and a flat portion  3110  adapted to press a part of the mounting module  3300  against the attachment portion  3220 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 9  illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a tank assembly. In the embodiment of  FIG. 9  the tank assembly comprises a tank  4200 , a mounting module  4300  incorporating a plurality of components  4350 , a clamp  4100 , and a cover  4500  attached to the clamp  4100 . To that end the clamp  4100  is provided with fixation points  4140 . Screws  4150  fix the cover  4500  to fixation points  4140 . It is noted that the mounting module is shown to be mounted at a top face of the tank, but that it could also be mounted at a bottom face of the tank. 
         [0049]    Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.