CN112780460A

CN112780460A - Fuel tank system of vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN112780460A
Application number: CN202011233569.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 苏伦德拉·马杜卡·达维; 维希尔·马哈詹
Original assignee: Shangyinuo Motorcycle Co ltd
Current assignee: Shangyinuo Motorcycle Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-06
Filing date: 2020-11-06
Publication date: 2021-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-06
Also published as: CN112780460B

Abstract

The present invention has a vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) including a fuel tank (130) and a fuel pump module (150). The fuel tank (130) has a fuel cavity (144). The fuel pump module (150) is disposed on one of the at least one side walls (132A, 132C). The fuel pump module (150) includes a fuel pump (152), a pump retainer (153), a fuel filter (154), and a fuel retaining structure (156), the fuel retaining structure (156) being coupled to the fuel pump (152) and enclosing at least a portion of the fuel filter (154). The fuel retaining structure (156) includes a first portion (158) and a second portion (160). With the present invention, dry operation of the fuel pump (152) is eliminated.

Description

Fuel tank system of vehicle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fuel tank system of a vehicle, and more particularly to a fuel retaining structure of the fuel tank system.

Background

Vehicles, particularly vehicles configured to ride, such as motorized scooters, motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and four-wheeled vehicles (such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)), include a fuel tank system to store and provide the necessary fuel needed by the engine to power the vehicle. The fuel tank system includes a fuel tank and a fuel pump. The fuel tank is used to store fuel needed to power the vehicle. The fuel pump pumps the necessary fuel from the fuel tank to the engine through a fuel line or pipe to generate the power required to operate the vehicle.

Typically, the fuel pump is mounted on the bottom wall of the fuel tank. In one example, the fuel pump is mounted on one side of the top surface of the bottom wall. However, in a side-mounted state of the fuel pump, the fuel stored in the fuel tank moves toward the front of the fuel tank during a braking or downhill state during which the fuel pump may not have enough available fuel to pump toward the engine of the vehicle, which results in dry running (dry run) of the fuel pump, which may damage the fuel pump, the engine, and the like, which is undesirable.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one aspect of the invention, the present subject matter provides a fuel tank system. The fuel tank system includes a fuel tank and a fuel pump module. The fuel tank includes a fuel cavity. A fuel pump module is disposed within the fuel cavity. The fuel pump module includes a fuel pump, a pump holder, a fuel filter, and a fuel holding structure. The fuel pump is configured to pump fuel stored in the fuel chamber. The pump holder supports the fuel pump. The pump retainer includes at least one tab. The fuel filter filters the fuel in the fuel chamber before the fuel is drawn into the fuel pump. The fuel retaining structure is coupled to the fuel pump and encloses at least a portion of the fuel filter.

In one embodiment, the fuel retaining structure includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be coupled to a fuel pump. The first portion conforms to the shape of the rear portion of the fuel pump. The first portion includes at least one extension member. The at least one extension member includes an opening portion. The open portion corresponds to at least one tab disposed on the pump holder. The second portion extends from the first portion along the fuel filter.

In an embodiment, the second portion includes a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, and a fifth surface. The first surface conforms to a bottom portion of the fuel filter. The first surface includes a recess. The recess is configured to facilitate assembly of the fuel pump module within the fuel tank. The second surface is disposed adjacent to the first surface. The third surface extends from the first surface. The fourth surface is disposed adjacent to the second surface. The fifth surface is disposed adjacent to the first surface. The fifth surface, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface define a holding cavity to hold a predetermined amount of fuel that needs to be supplied to the fuel pump.

In an embodiment, the opening portion corresponds to each of the at least one tab in one of a clamping fit and a snap fit to secure the first portion of the fuel retaining structure to the pump holder.

In an embodiment, the fuel retaining structure is inserted towards the pump holder during assembly of the fuel pump module.

In an embodiment, at least part of the first surface is arranged below the fuel filter in an assembled state of the fuel retaining structure.

In an embodiment, the fuel retaining structure is made of at least one material from the group of materials comprising rubber, resin materials.

In an embodiment, the lengths of the first, second, third and fourth surfaces are selected according to a predetermined amount of fuel to be stored therein, and the shapes of the first, second, third and fourth surfaces are selected to facilitate the process of assembling the fuel retaining structure onto the pump holder and the fuel pump module into the fuel tank.

In an embodiment, a third surface is disposed between the fifth and fourth surfaces, the third surface being shaped so as not to interfere with a first sidewall (127) of the fuel tank.

In one embodiment, the fuel pump module is disposed on at least one of the side walls of the bottom wall above the base plate (139).

In one embodiment, the pump holder is made of a resilient plastic suitable for exposure to fuel.

In one embodiment, the pump retainer is annular in shape to conform to the annular shape of the fuel pump.

In one embodiment, the fuel filter is placed off-center with respect to the axis of the fuel pump and surrounds the fuel pump inlet.

In one embodiment, the fuel pump module (150) includes a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of the injected fuel and a pressure plate for maintaining uniform pressure on the O-ring.

One advantage of the present invention is that it eliminates dry operation of the fuel pump in the fuel tank.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the side-mounted fuel pump always has fuel during braking or downhill conditions.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that the fuel retaining structure is shaped and dimensioned to facilitate easy installation of the fuel pump module within the fuel tank during assembly.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the fuel retaining structure also ensures the amount of fuel to be retained within the retaining chamber.

Drawings

The invention itself, together with further features and advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with like reference numerals referring to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a fuel tank system of the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a fuel tank and fuel pump module of a fuel tank system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a fuel pump module having a fuel pump, a pump retainer and a fuel retaining structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5a shows a view of a fuel retaining structure according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the fuel retaining structure of FIG. 5a along line B-B, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5c shows a cross-sectional view of the fuel retaining structure of FIG. 5a along line A-A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale, and such drawings are merely exemplary in nature.

Detailed Description

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an arrangement, structure, or method that comprises a list of elements or steps does not include only those elements or steps, but may include other elements or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such arrangement or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements of a system or apparatus beginning with "comprising … … does not preclude the presence of other or additional elements of the system or apparatus without further restriction.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described below, and further, in the following drawings, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts in the various views.

Although the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, the fuel tank system and aspects and features thereof may also be used with other types of vehicles. The terms "vehicle", "two-wheeled vehicle" and "scooter" are used interchangeably throughout the specification. The term "vehicle" includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, skateboard-type vehicles, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), and the like.

The terms "front/forward", "rear/rearward/back", "upper/top", "lower/downward, bottom", "left/left", "right/right" used herein represent directions as seen from a straddle-type vehicle driver, and these directions are indicated by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle (100) referred to herein is embodied as a motorcycle. Alternatively, vehicle (100) may embody any other ride-on vehicle such as a scooter, motor tricycle, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), etc., without limiting the scope of the present invention.

The vehicle (100) includes a frame (102), a steering assembly (104), and a front ground engaging member (106), a rear ground engaging member (111), and a power unit (110). The frame (102) supports a steering assembly (104), a front ground engaging member (106), a rear ground engaging member (111), and a power unit (110). The steering assembly (104) is pivotally mounted to the frame (102). The steering assembly (104) includes a handle (108). The handlebar (108) is configured to be rotated by a rider to steer the vehicle (100). The forward ground engaging member (106) is operatively connected to the steering assembly (104). The front ground engaging member (106) is at a front portion of the vehicle (100) and the rear ground engaging member (111) is at a rear portion of the vehicle (100). Further, the front of the vehicle (100) may include a headlamp assembly, front fork(s), front fender(s), etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.

The frame (102) supports a power unit (110) in a mid-portion D of the vehicle (100). The power unit (110) includes an engine (112) and a transmission unit (not shown). The engine (112) generates power required by the vehicle (100). The transmission unit transmits the generated electric power to the rear ground engaging member (111). In the illustrated example, the power unit (110) provides the necessary power required to drive the rear ground engaging members (111) of the vehicle (100). Alternatively, the power unit (110) may provide the necessary power to drive the front ground engaging members (106) or both the front ground engaging members (106) and the rear ground engaging members (111) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

With further reference to fig. 1, the vehicle (100) includes a seat (116). The frame (102) supports a seat (116) that extends from a middle portion of the vehicle (100) to a rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (111) is swingably supported by the frame (102) at the rear of the vehicle (100). The seat (116) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (100). Further, the seat (116) includes a rider seat (118) and a passenger seat (120). A rider seat (118) provides seating for a rider and a passenger seat (120) provides seating for a passenger of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) includes a fuel tank system (122). The fuel tank system (122) stores and supplies necessary fuel to the engine (112) to generate electrical power within the vehicle (100). A fuel tank system (122) is disposed between the steering assembly (104) and the seat (116). Further, the vehicle (100) may include tail light(s), suspension system(s), swing arm(s), or various other components known in the art without limitation.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the fuel tank system (122) includes a fuel tank (130) and a fuel pump module (150). The fuel tank (130) is configured to store fuel required by the engine (112) to power the vehicle (100). The fuel tank (130) is disposed on an upper frame member (not shown) of the frame (102) (shown in fig. 1). The upper frame member extends obliquely in a rearward and downward direction from a head pipe (not shown) of the frame (102). Further, a fuel tank (130) extends from a front portion to a middle portion of the frame (102). As shown in fig. 3, the fuel tank (130) includes a first side wall (127), a second side wall (129), and a bottom wall (132). The bottom wall 132 is attached to an upper frame member of the frame (102). More specifically, the bottom wall (132) is inclined obliquely in the rearward and downward directions of the vehicle (100). The bottom wall (132) includes a top wall (132B) and at least one side wall (132A, 132C). At least one sidewall (132A, 132C) is connected to the first sidewall (127) and the second sidewall (129), respectively, to define a fuel cavity (144). The fuel chamber (144) is configured to store fuel. Furthermore, the shape of the fuel cavity (144) varies significantly from vehicle to vehicle and is selected to achieve a desired aesthetic appearance. As such, the pair of side walls (127, 129), the bottom wall (132) of the fuel tank (130) may generally take on any shape or profile to provide a suitable aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the fuel tank (130) comprises a fuel filling unit (146) and a cover (148). The fuel fill unit (146) is configured to receive a jet (not shown) of a fuel supply system (not shown) during a fuel fill state. Fuel to be stored in the fuel tank (130) enters through the fuel filling unit (146). A cap (148) covers the fuel fill unit (146).

The at least one sidewall (132A, 132C) includes an LH sidewall (132A) and an RH sidewall (132C). The fuel pump module (150) is disposed on one of the at least one side walls (132A, 132C) of the bottom wall (132). In the illustrated example, the fuel pump module (150) is disposed on the LH side wall (132A) of the bottom wall (132) above the substrate (139). The substrate (139) is permanently attached to the LH side wall (132A) of the bottom wall (132). In the present embodiment, the substrate (139) is permanently attached to the LH side wall (132A) by soldering. In another example, the substrate (139) is permanently attached to the RH sidewall (132C) by welding. However, in other embodiments, the substrate (139) may be permanently attached to the LH sidewall (132A) or the RH sidewall (132C) by welding or by fasteners, without limiting the scope of the invention. The base plate (139) has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The fuel pump module (150) is removably attached along an inner diameter of the base plate (139). The fuel pump module (150) is removably attached to the base plate (139) using a plurality of fasteners (141). The fuel pump module (150) includes an O-ring (not shown) to seal and cover the mounting area between the fuel pump module (138) and the base plate (139). In addition, the fuel pump module (150) includes a pressure plate (not shown) to maintain uniform pressure on the O-ring.

The fuel pump module (150) includes a fuel pump (152), a pump retainer (153), a fuel filter (154), a pressure regulator (not shown), and a fuel retaining structure (156). The fuel pump (152) is configured to pump fuel stored within the fuel cavity (144). A pump retainer (153) supports the fuel pump (152) in position and is made of a resilient plastic suitable for exposure to fuel. In the example shown, the pump holder (153) is annular in shape conforming to the annular shape of the fuel pump (152). In the example shown, the pump holder (153) is provided with at least one tab 157. At least one tab (157) is disposed at a rear portion of the pump holder (157). The fuel filter (154) is referenced to and conforms to the bottom wall (132) of the fuel tank (130). The fuel filter (154) filters the fuel in the fuel cavity (144) before the fuel is drawn into the fuel pump (152). In the example shown, the fuel filter (154) is preferably of the sock-type and surrounds the fuel pump inlet (155) (shown in fig. 4). The fuel filter (154) may be made of a polymeric material such as acetal polyoxymethylene copolymer (POM). The fuel filter (154) is placed off-center with respect to the axis of the fuel pump (152) such that the fuel filter (154) is closer to the bottom wall (132). The pressure regulator regulates the pressure of the injected fuel in a conventional manner.

The fuel retaining structure (156) is configured to retain a predetermined amount of fuel within the fuel retaining structure (156) during braking or downhill conditions to provide the necessary fuel to the fuel pump (152). In the example shown, a fuel retaining structure (156) is coupled to a rear portion (152a) of the fuel pump (152) and encloses at least a portion of the fuel filter (154). In the example shown, the fuel retaining structure (156) is made of plastic. In another example, the fuel retaining structure (156) is made of rubber. Alternatively, the fuel retaining structure (156) may be made of a resin material without limiting the scope of the invention.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the fuel retaining structure (156) includes a first portion (158) and a second portion (160). The first portion (158) conforms to a shape of a rear portion (152a) of the fuel pump (152) and is configured to be coupled to the fuel pump (152). In the example shown, the first portion (158) is a circular shape that conforms to a circular shape of the fuel pump (152). The first portion (158) includes at least one extension member (159). Each extension member (159) includes an opening portion (161). The open portion (161) of each extension member (159) corresponds to each tab (157) of the at least one tab (157) that is clampingly disposed on the pump holder (153) (shown in fig. 4) to secure the first portion (158) of the fuel retaining structure (156) to the pump holder (153). Alternatively, the first portion (158) may be secured to the pump holder (153) in a variety of coupling methods including, but not limited to, adhesives, threaded couplings, fasteners, and the like.

The second portion (160) extends from the first portion (158) toward the rear. The second portion (160) is rectangular and extends rearward along the fuel filter (154). In the example shown, the second portion (160) includes a first surface (162), a second surface (164), a third surface (166), a fourth surface (167), and a fifth surface (169). The first surface (162) conforms to a bottom portion of the fuel filter (154). The first surface (162) includes a recess (168). The recess (168) is configured to facilitate assembly of the fuel pump module (150) within the fuel tank (130). More specifically, the fuel filter (154) moves within the recess (168) during assembly such that there is no interference of the fuel pump module (150) with the fuel tank (130). The second surface (164) and the fifth surface (169) are disposed adjacent to the first surface (162).

In the example shown, the second surface (164) and the fifth surface (169) extend upwardly from the first surface (162). The fourth surface (167) is disposed adjacent to the second surface (164). The third surface (166) is disposed between the fifth surface (169) and the fourth surface (167). The third surface (166) extends from the first surface (162) toward the fourth surface (167). The third surface (166) is shaped so as not to interfere with the first sidewall (127) of the fuel tank (130). In an assembled state of the fuel retaining structure (156), at least a portion of the first surface (162) is disposed below the fuel filter (154). The first surface (162), the second surface (164), the third surface (166), the fourth surface (167), and the fifth surface (169) define a holding cavity (171). The holding chamber (171) is configured to hold a predetermined amount of fuel required to be supplied to the fuel pump (152) during a braking or downhill riding condition of the vehicle (100). The lengths of the first surface (162), the second surface (164), the third surface (166), and the fourth surface (167) are selected according to a predetermined amount of fuel to be stored therein. The shapes of the first surface (162), the second surface (164), the third surface (166), and the fourth surface (167) are selected to facilitate the process of assembling the fuel retaining structure (156) onto the pump holder (153) and assembling the fuel pump module (150) into the fuel tank (130).

In another example, the second portion (160) may include a semi-circular surface and a flat surface. Alternatively, the second portion (160) may have a variably shaped surface without limiting the scope of the invention. The second portion (160) may have additional or fewer numbers of surfaces without limiting the scope of the invention. The fuel retaining structure (156) may include additional or fewer number of portions depending on space availability and the amount of fuel needed to be maintained within the fuel retaining structure (156). Further, the fuel retaining structure (156) may have various geometries including, but not limited to, hexagonal, trapezoidal, triangular, and the like.

During assembly of the fuel pump module (150), the fuel retaining structure (156) is inserted through the fuel filter (154) towards the pump holder (153). An opening portion (161) of each extension member (159) provided on the fuel retaining structure (156) corresponds in a clamping manner to each tab (157) of at least one tab (157) provided on the pump holder (153) to secure the first portion (158) of the fuel retaining structure (156) to the pump holder (153).

The invention relates to a fuel pump module (150) including a fuel retaining structure (156). The fuel retaining structure (156) maintains a predetermined amount of fuel required by the fuel pump (152) during an emergency braking or downhill riding condition of the vehicle (100). The fuel retaining structure (156) is shaped and dimensioned to facilitate easy installation of the fuel pump module (150) within the fuel tank (130) during assembly, and also to facilitate the amount of fuel to be retained within the retaining cavity (171).

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on certain features of the invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications of the nature or preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be clearly understood that the foregoing description is to be construed as illustrative only and not as limiting of the invention.

Claims

1. A fuel tank system (122), comprising:

the fuel tank (130) includes:

a fuel cavity (144); and

a fuel pump module (150) disposed within the fuel cavity (144), wherein the fuel pump module (150) includes:

a fuel pump (152) configured to pump fuel stored within the fuel cavity (144);

a pump retainer (153) supporting the fuel pump (152), wherein the pump retainer (153) includes at least one tab (157);

a fuel filter (154) that filters fuel in the fuel cavity (144) before being drawn into the fuel pump (152); and

a fuel retaining structure (156), wherein the fuel retaining structure (156) is coupled to the fuel pump (152) and encloses at least a portion of the fuel filter (154).

2. The fuel tank system (122) of claim 1, wherein the fuel retaining structure (156) comprises:

a first portion (158) configured to be coupled to the fuel pump (152), wherein the first portion (158) conforms to a shape of a rear portion (152a) of the fuel pump (152), and the first portion (158) includes:

at least one extension member (159), wherein the at least one extension member (159) comprises:

an opening portion (161), wherein the opening portion (161) corresponds to at least one tab (157) provided on the pump holder (153); and

a second portion (160) extending from the first portion (158) along the fuel filter (154).

3. The fuel tank system (122) of claim 2, wherein the second portion (160) comprises:

a first surface (162) conforming to a bottom portion of the fuel filter (154), wherein the first surface (162) includes a recess (168), the recess (168) configured to facilitate assembly of the fuel pump module (150) within the fuel tank (130);

a second surface (164) disposed adjacent to the first surface (162);

a third surface (166) extending from the first surface (162);

a fourth surface (167) disposed adjacent to the second surface (164); and is

A fifth surface (169) disposed adjacent to the first surface (162), wherein the fifth surface (169), the first surface (162), the second surface (164), the third surface (166), and the fourth surface (167) define a retaining cavity (171) to retain a predetermined amount of fuel that needs to be supplied to the fuel pump (152).

4. The fuel tank system (122) of claims 1 and 2, wherein the opening portion (161) corresponds to each tab (157) of the at least one tab (157) in one of a snap fit and a snap fit to secure the first portion (158) of the fuel retaining structure (156) to the pump retainer (153).

5. The fuel tank system (122) of claims 1 and 2, wherein the fuel retaining structure (156) is inserted toward the pump retainer (153) during assembly of the fuel pump module (150).

6. The fuel tank system (122) of claims 1 and 3, wherein at least a portion of the first surface (162) is disposed below the fuel filter (154) in an assembled state of the fuel retaining structure (156).

7. The fuel tank system (122) of claims 1 and 2, wherein the fuel retaining structure (156) is made of at least one material from the group of materials comprising rubber, resin materials.

8. The fuel tank system (122) of claim 3, wherein the lengths of the first surface (162), the second surface (164), the third surface (166), and the fourth surface (167) are selected according to a predetermined amount of fuel to be stored therein, and the shapes of the first surface (162), the second surface (164), the third surface (166), and the fourth surface (167) are selected to facilitate the process of assembling the fuel retaining structure (156) onto the pump holder (153) and the fuel pump module (150) into the fuel tank (130).

9. The fuel tank system (122) of claim 3, wherein the third surface (166) is disposed between the fifth surface (169) and the fourth surface (167), the third surface (166) being shaped so as not to interfere with the first sidewall (127) of the fuel tank (130).

10. The fuel tank system (122) of claim 1, wherein the fuel pump module (150) is disposed above a base plate (139) on at least one of the side walls (132A, 132C) of the bottom wall (132).

11. The fuel tank system (122) of claim 1, wherein the pump retainer (153) is made of a resilient plastic suitable for exposure to the fuel.

12. The fuel tank system (122) of claim 1, wherein the pump retainer (153) is annular conforming to an annular shape of the fuel pump (152).

13. The fuel tank system (122) of claim 1, wherein the fuel filter (154) is placed off-center with respect to an axis of the fuel pump (152) and around a fuel pump inlet (155).

14. The fuel tank system (122) of claim 1, wherein the fuel pump module (150) includes a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of the injected fuel and a pressure plate for maintaining uniform pressure on an O-ring.