EP1066463B1 - Fuel delivery module with an initial filling valve - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for delivering fuel from a reservoir for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Such a device is known from DE 195 49 192 A1. The The fuel delivery module described has in the bottom region of its suction container a mushroom-shaped closing element. This closing element is axially movable. The mushroom-like part of the closing element spans an opening in the bottom of the suction tank of the fuel delivery module, through which the interior of the suction tank of the fuel delivery module communicates with the interior of a storage container. by virtue of the dead weight of the closing element is on the inside of the Bottom of the suction container, spanning the opening, so that the opening is sealed. If now fuel in the reservoir is filled, the fuel level rises in it, which affects the Static pressure acting on the underside of the closing element increases. Thereby the valve opens and fuel flows out of the reservoir through the opening in the bottom of the suction container into the interior of the suction container on. A fuel delivery module is used to inside the suction tank the fuel of the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle fed.

So that fuel through the fuel delivery unit of the internal combustion engine can be fed, it is therefore necessary that relatively large Amounts of fuel are introduced into the reservoir to make it sufficient High static pressure can be built up around the closing element to open and to allow the fuel in the To flow inside the suction container. A disadvantage of one by the Static pressure actuated primary filling valve is therefore the one for actuating it required relatively large amount of fuel to be filled in the reservoir.

Advantages of the invention

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a device for conveying Fuel from a reservoir to an internal combustion engine to create a motor vehicle, which in particular a safe initial filling of the fuel delivery module after the final assembly of a motor vehicle at the first refueling or when the storage container is empty or guaranteed even with small amounts of fuel.

This object is achieved by a device with the features according to Claim 1 solved. Appropriate further training are in the dependent Defined claims.

The inventive device for delivering fuel from a Storage container for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle has a fuel delivery unit, which on the suction side with a suction tank, which is connected to the storage container, and on the pressure side is connected to the internal combustion engine, and a return line to convey excess fuel into the suction tank. The suction container has a closing element in the bottom area, which between a first position in which the closing element is open, and a second Position is movable, in which the closing element is closed. According to the invention, the closing element has an actuating device provided which in particular when the fuel level is low or zero Storage container holds the closing element in the first, open position and which with at least as much fuel in the suction tank that the fuel delivery unit still has enough fuel to the internal combustion engine can deliver the closing element in the second, closed Holds position.

A major advantage of a closing element with an actuating device is that the sealing function and closing function of the closing element are decoupled from each other. Such an inventive the closing element, also referred to as the first filling valve, is provided with the actuating device connected in such a way that when the tank is empty, the closing element is open. There is therefore no need to build up static pressure, to operate the first fill valve. This can even when filling smallest amounts of fuel immediately an inflow of fuel from the Storage containers can be guaranteed in the interior of the suction container. On Another advantage of such a closing element is that that the first fill valve is kept in the open position when the tank is empty is, so that otherwise possibly occurring adhesive effects on the sealing seat are eliminated. In particular in the case of an actuating device which in Dependence on the fuel level in the storage tank is controlled is a precisely defined closing point of the closing element adjustable or achievable.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating device designed as a floating body and is connected to the closing element. The closing element is at the bottom of the suction container of the fuel delivery module attached so that when there is no fuel Closing element as a result of the mass of the actual closing element and the mass of the floating body existing total mass in the open position because the float in the absence of fuel experiences no buoyancy. The float is dimensioned so that in the event that the float is immersed in the fuel or from is surrounded, develops a buoyancy that is greater than that mass force caused by the total mass of the closing element. Thereby the closing element is brought into the closed position. The closing forces the higher the size of the floating body, the higher because its buoyancy corresponds to the amount of fuel displaced.

A major advantage of such training is that thereby a secure sealing function of the closing element even in the case of a Dirt load on the sealing seat is achieved because of the buoyancy the sealing force increases and thus the closing element is better sealed.

The closing element is preferably designed as a flap or umbrella valve, its sealing function and closing function through the fuel level-dependent, decoupling controlled by the float are. In this context, "decoupled" means that on the one hand, the build-up of static pressure by sufficient large amount of fuel filled in the reservoir the closing element actuated and that on the other hand by the dimensioning of the Floating body with the closing element already closed as a result of Buoyancy of the floating body in the fuel the sealing function of the closing element can be further increased if only the floating body and so that its buoyancy is sufficiently large.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the floating body is either direct fastened in the closing element or is via a lever which between the closing element and the floating body is mounted with the closing element connected. A major advantage of a directly with the locking element connected float is that the entire Closing element structurally particularly simple and therefore essentially failsafe functions reliably. The main advantage of a locking element, in which the floating body is levered with the actual closing element is connected, is that via a appropriate choice of lever length and position of the float, which is preferably on the lever in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the lever is arranged displaceably, in particular the closing moment and thus the Sealing force of the closing element designed as an umbrella valve is adjustable can be designed.

The closing element is preferably arranged on the bottom of the suction container in such a way that the screen of the screen valve on the bottom of the reservoir facing outer side of the bottom of the suction container is arranged while the floating body inside the suction container is. However, it is also possible for the closing element in the area of the floor to arrange the suction container on its side wall, the actuation the closing element via a with a bellcrank with the closing element connected floating body takes place.

In addition to using one to the particular location and desired Sealing force of the closing element is adapted to the size of the float it is also possible to use, for example, an electromagnet as an actuating element to be provided, which is controlled depending on the fuel level. In such a case, fuel level sensors are used to record the fuel level to be provided in a design known per se. Such Actuating device has the advantage that the closing element is complete decoupled from the fuel level or the amount of fuel filled is controllable.

drawing

Fig. 1

ein Kraftstoff-Fördermodul mit Erstbefüllventil gemäß dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 2

den Ausschnitt des Erstbefüllventils des Kraftstoff-Fördermoduls gemäß der Erfindung, und zwar in der geöffneten Position;

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung gemäß Fig. 2 in der geschlossenen Position;

Fig. 4

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in Form eines Ausschnittes des Kraftstoff-Fördermoduls mit einem Erstbefü1lventi in geöffneter Position; und

Fig. 5

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftstoff-Fördermoduls mit geöffnetem Erstbefüllventil.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings using exemplary embodiments. It shows:

Fig. 1

a fuel delivery module with first fill valve according to the prior art;

Fig. 2

the section of the first filling valve of the fuel delivery module according to the invention, in the open position;

Fig. 3

a representation of Figure 2 in the closed position.

Fig. 4

a further embodiment of the invention in the form of a section of the fuel delivery module with a Erstbefü1lventi in the open position; and

Fig. 5

a further embodiment of a fuel delivery module according to the invention with the first filling valve open.

embodiment

1 is a basic sectional view of a fuel delivery module shown with the first filling valve, as is known in the prior art. Such a fuel delivery module, which is located in a storage container 1 or fuel tank is arranged, has a suction tank 3 which a fuel delivery unit 2 the fuel via a corresponding Fuel line of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle supplies. The fuel surplus from the internal combustion engine flows back to the fuel delivery module via a return line 4. The return line 4 is connected to a jet pump 16, which in a state in which it is immersed in the fuel in the reservoir 1 is fuel by means of the ejector principle with its propellant jet a mixing area 17 and an opening into the interior of the suction container 3 promotes. The fuel that has entered the suction tank 3 is filtered 14 and 15 then fed to the fuel delivery unit 2.

After completing the final assembly, the fuel tank must be filled 1 ensure that a certain amount of fuel in the The interior of the suction container 3 arrives so that the fuel delivery unit 2 Can supply fuel to the internal combustion engine at all. To fuel is first filled into the fuel tank 1. One on the floor of the suction container 3 arranged closing element 5 covers due to its Dead weight an opening in this floor. Only when the fuel level 6 in the fuel tank 1 is high enough that a sufficient static Pressure is built up, the closing element 5 opens, whereby Fuel from the fuel tank 1 into the interior of the suction container 3 can reach. If the suction tank 3 with fuel during normal operation is filled, as a result of this acting on the closing element 5 static pressure, the closing element 5 on the opening in the bottom of the Suction container 3 pressed and thus sealed the opening so that fuel from the suction tank 3 when its fuel level 13 (see Fig. 3) is above the fuel level 6 in the fuel tank 1, a backflow or running empty of the suction container 3 in the fuel tank 1 prevented. To open the closing element 5 in a fuel delivery module according to the prior art is therefore a relatively large amount of fuel Fuel tank 1 required.

2 is a detailed sectional view of the area of the fuel delivery module shown according to the invention, in which the closing element or First fill valve is arranged. The closing element 5 5 is in the shown in the open position. A float 7 is directly on one Shaft of the closing element 5 arranged at the end thereof on the outside the bottom 10 of the suction container 3 an umbrella-like or mushroom-like Head is arranged. The diameter of the screen or head is included chosen so that the closing element in the closed state openings in Floor 10 covers. If the fuel tank 1 is empty or only a very has low fuel level 6 and if consequently the float 7 is not surrounded by fuel inside the suction container 3, is the closing element by the mass force due to the total mass of the Closing element (mass of the float + mass of the actual Closing element) brought into the open position. The bottom 10 of the Suction container 3 is spaced from the bottom 9 of the fuel tank 1. The distance between the floor 9 and the floor 10 defines the maximum stroke, which the closing element 5 from the fully open position can execute up to the closed position. In the illustrated open position, it is therefore possible that even small quantities of fuel filled in the fuel tank 1 through the openings in Bottom 10 of the suction container 3 flow into this, from which they by means of the fuel delivery unit of the internal combustion engine, not shown in FIG. 2 is feedable. The direct attachment of the float 7 on the shaft of the closing element 5 represents a special design simple solution.

3 shows the area of the fuel delivery module according to the invention shown in FIG. 2, with one inside the suction container 3 such fuel level 13 is that the float 7 completely is surrounded by fuel. Because of the buoyancy developed the closing element is raised and the screen on the outer Side of the bottom 10 of the suction container 3, the openings in the bottom 10 spanning, raised to a closed, sealing position. As long as the fuel level 13 is sufficiently high for the floating body 7 is surrounded by fuel, the first fill valve remains closed, and a backflow of fuel from the suction tank 3 via the in openings 10 arranged at the bottom thereof when the first filling valve is open back into the fuel tank 1 is omitted.

4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The closing element is again shown in the form of an umbrella valve, whose screen the openings in the bottom 10 of the suction container 3 in the closed position spanned. 4 is the open position of the First fill valve shown. The float 7 is a Lever 8 connected to the actual closing element 5. The lever 8 is thereby in an area between the closing element 5 and the floating body 7 stored. The storage position of the lever as well as the position the float on the lever are preferably changeable so that the leverage which, in the case of the fuel level-dependent action of the Buoyancy through the floating body 7, the contact pressure and thus the Sealing force of the umbrella valve in the interior of the base 10 of the suction container 3 is determined, adjustable or preselectable.

If, as in the case shown in Fig. 4, when filling the No fuel tanks 1 in the suction tank 3 of the fuel delivery module Fuel is present, keeps the weight of the float 7, which in connection with the selected leverage a greater force developed as the mass force of the actual closing element, the closing element in the open position. This can already exist relatively small amounts of fuel in the fuel tank 1 fuel through the Open openings in the bottom 10 of the suction container 3 flow into the interior of the same. If there is enough fuel inside the suction tank 3, floats in this fuel on the float 7, whereby the Openings in the bottom 10 are closed again by means of the screen valve.

5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the closing element in the bottom area of the fuel delivery module in the side wall 12 of the suction container 3 is arranged. The floating body 7 is by means of a deflection lever or angle lever 11 with the actual one Umbrella valve body connected. Because of the two legs of the Deflection lever 11 formed angle and corresponding articulation of the a leg of it on the actual closing element body is at missing fuel in the suction tank 3, i.e. in the absence of buoyancy of the float 7, the closing element in the open position held. If due to the increase in the fuel level 13 in the suction tank 3 the float 7 floats, the shooting element in the second, i.e. closed position pressed. Depending on the size of the float 7 and depending on the fuel level 13 in the suction tank 3 results a differently strong and thus predeterminable contact pressure or sealing force the screen of the closing element in the area of the openings in the side wall 12th

Claims (8)

1. Device for feeding fuel from a fuel tank (1) to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle having a fuel feed assembly (2) which is connected at the intake end to a suction vessel (3) connected to the fuel tank (1), and at the delivery end to the internal combustion engine, and a return flow line (4) for feeding excess fuel into the suction vessel (3) which has, in the bottom region, a closing element (5) which can be moved between a first position in which the suction vessel (3) is opened with respect to the fuel tank (1), and a second position in which the suction vessel (3) is closed with respect to the fuel tank (1), characterized in that the closing element (5) has an activation device which holds the closing element (5) in the first opened position in particular when there is a low or zero fuel level (6) in the fuel tank (1), and which holds the closing element (5) in the second, closed position when there is at least so much fuel in the suction vessel (3) that the fuel feed (2) still supplies sufficient fuel to the internal combustion engine.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the activation device is a floating element (7).
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closing element (5) is embodied as a flap valve or screen valve whose sealing and closing functions are separated.
4. Device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the floating element (7) is attached directly to the closing element (5).
5. Device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the floating element (7) is connected to the closing element (5) via a lever (8) which is mounted between the closing element (5) and the floating element (7).
6. Device according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the closing element (5) is arranged on the bottom (10) of the suction vessel (3).
7. Device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the floating element (7) is connected to the closing element (5) via a deflection lever (11).
8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the closing element (5) is arranged in a side wall (12) of the suction vessel (3).

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