Fuel tank system and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a fuel tank system and a vehicle. The fuel tank system comprises a main fuel tank, an auxiliary fuel tank and a carbon tank. The main fuel tank is used for storing fuel and is provided with a filling port; the auxiliary fuel tank is used for storing fuel and communicates with the main fuel tank through a communicating pipe, so that the fuel from the main fuel tank can flow into the auxiliary fuel tank; the carbon tank is provided with a first air port communicated with the external environment, and the carbon tank is communicated with the main fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel tank through a breather pipe so as to adsorb volatile matter from the main fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel tank. By means of the arrangement, the multiple fuel tanks are communicated with one another, only one fuel tank needs to be selected to be provided with the filling port, methanol filling operation of the whole fuel tank system can be completed by conducting single-side filling on the main fuel tank, the internal space of each fuel tank is communicated with the outside through the carbon tank, it is guaranteed that methanol is smoothly injected, and the service life of the fuel tank system is prolonged. The problem that in the prior art, when a methanol vehicle is provided with a multi-methanol oil tank, methanol is inconvenient to fill is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of vehicle fuel tanks, and in particular to a fuel tank system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] At present, for methanol models, such as light trucks, since methanol consumption is higher than gasoline and diesel consumption, the cruising range of methanol models with the same fuel tank capacity is shorter than that of gasoline and diesel models. In order to improve the cruising range of methanol models, the capacity of the methanol tank needs to be increased. Due to the limitation of the vehicle layout space, the capacity of a single methanol tank cannot be increased. Therefore, in related technologies, multiple methanol tanks will be arranged on the vehicle.

[0003] However, when refueling a vehicle with multiple methanol tanks, each tank needs to be refueled separately. When multiple methanol tanks are scattered on the left and right sides of the vehicle, the refueling gun cannot be extended from one side to the other, resulting in the problem of inconvenience in refueling on both sides, and the vehicle position needs to be adjusted. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides a fuel tank system and a vehicle to solve the problem of inconvenience in refilling methanol when methanol vehicles are equipped with multiple methanol tanks in the prior art.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] A fuel tank system comprising:

[0007] a main fuel tank, used to store fuel and provided with a filling port;

[0008] an auxiliary fuel tank for storing fuel, the auxiliary fuel tank being connected to the main fuel tank through a connecting pipe so that the fuel from the main fuel tank can flow into the auxiliary fuel tank;

[0009] The carbon canister is provided with a first air port communicating with the external environment. The carbon canister is communicated with the main fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel tank through a vent pipe to absorb volatiles from the main fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel tank.

[0010] Optionally, a vent valve is provided at the connection between the main fuel tank, the auxiliary fuel tank and the vent pipe.

[0011] Optionally, the carbon canister is provided with a second air port for connecting to an engine, and starting the engine enables air to be taken into the first air port, so that the volatiles adsorbed by the carbon canister are sucked into the engine.

[0012] Optionally, the main fuel tank is provided with a liquid pump for pumping fuel to the engine.

[0013] Optionally, a liquid level sensor for detecting the fuel liquid level is provided in the main fuel tank.

[0014] Optionally, the vent pipe is connected to the top of the main fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel tank.

[0015] Optionally, the connecting pipe is connected to the bottom of the main fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel tank.

[0016] Optionally, the effective flow volume of the connecting pipe is greater than or equal to the effective flow volume of the filling gun.

[0017] A vehicle comprises the fuel tank system according to any one of the above items, wherein the main fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel tank are both connected to a frame of the vehicle.

[0018] Optionally, the auxiliary fuel tank includes a first auxiliary fuel tank and a second auxiliary fuel tank, the main fuel tank and the first auxiliary fuel tank are respectively located on the left and right sides of the vehicle frame, and the second auxiliary fuel tank is located on the rear side of the vehicle frame.

[0019] The fuel tank system provided by the present application includes a main fuel tank, a secondary fuel tank, and a carbon canister. The main fuel tank is used to store fuel and has a filling port. The secondary fuel tank is used to store fuel and is connected to the main fuel tank via a connecting pipe so that fuel from the main fuel tank can flow into the secondary fuel tank. The carbon canister has a first air port connected to the external environment and is connected to the main fuel tank and the secondary fuel tank via a vent pipe to absorb volatiles from the main fuel tank and the secondary fuel tank. This arrangement, on the one hand, by providing multiple fuel tanks capable of storing methanol, the total fuel tank volume of the vehicle is increased while ensuring that each fuel tank has a small volume, allowing for reasonable placement on the vehicle. On the other hand, because the multiple fuel tanks are interconnected, only one fuel tank needs to be provided with a filling port. By filling the main fuel tank from one side, the entire fuel tank system can be filled with methanol. Moreover, the internal space of each fuel tank is connected to the outside through the carbon canister to achieve air pressure balance, ensuring smooth methanol injection and convenient fueling for users. This solves the problem of inconvenience in methanol filling in methanol vehicles with multiple methanol tanks in the prior art. In addition, since methanol has a certain volatility, the setting of the carbon canister can absorb methanol volatiles from the fuel tank and prevent them from being discharged into the atmosphere. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without any creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a fuel tank system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the position of the fuel tank system provided in an embodiment of the present application on the vehicle frame.

[0023] exist Figure 1-Figure 2 middle:

[0024] 1. Main fuel tank; 2. Auxiliary fuel tank; 3. Connecting pipe; 4. Carbon canister; 5. Breather pipe; 6. Breather valve; 7. Liquid pump; 8. Liquid level sensor; 9. Frame;

[0025] 11. Filling port;

[0026] 21. First auxiliary fuel tank; 22. Second auxiliary fuel tank;

[0027] 41. First air port; 42. Second air port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] like Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a fuel tank system suitable for methanol-powered vehicles, particularly light trucks, comprising a main fuel tank 1, a secondary fuel tank 2, and a carbon canister 4. The main fuel tank 1 is used to store fuel and is provided with a filling port 11. A filling gun injects fuel into the main fuel tank 1 through the filling port 11. One main fuel tank 1 is provided. The secondary fuel tank 2 is used to store fuel and is connected to the main fuel tank 1 via a connecting pipe 3 so that fuel from the main fuel tank 1 can flow into the secondary fuel tank 2. One or more secondary fuel tanks 2 are provided. The carbon canister 4 is provided with a first air port 41 that communicates with the external environment. The carbon canister 4 is connected to the main fuel tank 1 and the secondary fuel tank 2 via a vent pipe 5 to absorb volatiles from the main fuel tank 1 and the secondary fuel tank 2. For methanol fuel, the material used to absorb volatiles in the carbon canister 4 can be activated carbon, which can absorb and store methanol volatiles.

[0030] This arrangement, on the one hand, increases the vehicle's total fuel tank capacity by providing multiple fuel tanks capable of storing methanol, while ensuring that each fuel tank is relatively small, allowing for convenient placement on the vehicle. Furthermore, because the multiple fuel tanks are interconnected, only one fuel tank needs to be selected to provide the filling port 11. By performing single-side filling of the main fuel tank 1, methanol filling of the entire fuel tank system can be completed. Furthermore, the internal spaces of each fuel tank are connected to the outside through the carbon canister 4, achieving pressure balance and ensuring smooth methanol injection, ensuring convenient refueling for users. This solves the inconvenience of methanol filling in methanol-powered vehicles equipped with multiple methanol tanks in the prior art. Furthermore, due to the volatility of methanol, the carbon canister 4 can absorb methanol volatiles from the fuel tanks, preventing them from being released into the atmosphere.

[0031] In some preferred embodiments, a vent valve 6 is provided at the connection between the main fuel tank 1 and the vent pipe 5, and a vent valve 6 is provided at the connection between the auxiliary fuel tank 2 and the vent pipe 5. Specifically, a vent valve 6 is provided at the top of each of the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2, and the vent pipe 5 is connected to each vent valve 6. The vent valve 6 is used to ensure that gas in the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2 can flow in and out freely, and the vent valve 6 can also prevent fuel from passing through the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2. In this way, the vent valve 6 maintains an appropriate pressure balance in the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2, prevents excessive pressure difference between the inside and outside of the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2, ensures that the filling port 11 can be opened smoothly, and fuel filling can proceed smoothly.

[0032] In some other preferred embodiments, the carbon canister 4 is provided with a second air port 42 for connecting to the engine. When the engine is started, air can be taken into the first air port 41 so that the volatiles adsorbed by the carbon canister 4 are sucked into the engine.

[0033] To illustrate the workings of carbon canister 4, as the methanol in primary and secondary fuel tanks 1 and 2 evaporates, the methanol volatiles are adsorbed by the activated carbon in canister 4. The activated carbon temporarily stores the methanol volatiles until desorbed at an appropriate time. When the engine is running, the vacuum generated by the intake manifold draws the adsorbed methanol volatiles off the activated carbon. Desorption is now complete and the methanol volatiles are then drawn into the engine for combustion.

[0034] In some optional embodiments, the vent pipe 5 is connected to the top of the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2. Of course, in addition to the above method, it is also feasible to connect the vent pipe 5 to the side of the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2 and close to the top.

[0035] In some optional embodiments, connecting pipe 3 is connected to the bottom of the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2. By connecting the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2 via the connecting pipe, the liquid levels in the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2 remain at the same level when methanol is not flowing, thanks to the principle of communicating vessels. Of course, in addition to the above approach, connecting pipe 3 can also be connected to the side of the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2, near the bottom.

[0036] In other preferred embodiments, the effective flow volume of the connecting tube 3 is greater than the effective flow volume of the filling gun. The effective flow volume in this application refers to the volume of methanol that passes through a certain cross-section within a given time period. This ensures that when filling from the filling port 11 of the main fuel tank 1, the flow rate of methanol in the connecting tube 3 is no less than that of the filling gun, ensuring that the methanol is quickly and evenly distributed among the fuel tanks.

[0037] In addition, since the auxiliary fuel tank 2 is not provided with a filling port 11, in order to ensure smooth exhaust during the filling process, the vent pipe 5 is designed with a large diameter, that is, an expanded diameter pipe is used.

[0038] In some preferred embodiments, the main fuel tank 1 is provided with a liquid pump 7 for pumping fuel to the engine, and the main fuel tank 1 is provided with a liquid level sensor 8 for detecting the height of the fuel liquid level.

[0039] With this arrangement, the entire fuel tank system uses one liquid pump 7 and one liquid level sensor 8, and the instrument display strategy and vehicle control logic are simpler and the cost is low.

[0040] Based on the above-described fuel tank system, an embodiment of the present application further provides a vehicle, which includes the above-described fuel tank system, wherein the main fuel tank 1 and the auxiliary fuel tank 2 are both connected to the vehicle frame 9. Since the vehicle includes the above-described fuel tank system, the beneficial effects of the fuel tank system on the vehicle are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0041] The vehicle may be, but is not limited to, a light truck methanol model or a heavy truck methanol model.

[0042] In some specific embodiments, the auxiliary fuel tank 2 includes a first auxiliary fuel tank 21 and a second auxiliary fuel tank 22. The main fuel tank 1 and the first auxiliary fuel tank 21 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the vehicle frame 9, and the second auxiliary fuel tank 22 is located on the rear side of the vehicle frame 9. In this way, the multiple fuel tanks are dispersed, and the total volume meets the vehicle's endurance requirements while also facilitating vehicle balance. Compared to vehicles with double-sided methanol refueling, the single-sided methanol refueling vehicle provided in this application can address the problem of some refueling stations having short fuel nozzles that cannot be extended from one side to the other, requiring the vehicle to be turned around during refueling, thereby ensuring user convenience.

[0043] The basic principles of the present application have been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, strengths, and effects mentioned in this application are merely illustrative and not restrictive, and it should not be assumed that these advantages, strengths, and effects are required of each embodiment of this application. In addition, the specific details disclosed above are merely illustrative and facilitating understanding, and are not restrictive. The above details do not limit this application to necessarily being implemented using the above specific details.

[0044] The block diagrams of the devices, devices, equipment, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these devices, devices, equipment, and systems can be connected, arranged, or configured in any manner. Words such as "include," "comprise," "have," and the like are open-ended words, meaning "including but not limited to," and can be used interchangeably therewith. The words "or" and "and" used herein refer to the words "and / or" and can be used interchangeably therewith, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The word "such as" used herein refers to the phrase "such as but not limited to," and can be used interchangeably therewith.

[0045] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, device, and method of the present application, each component or each step can be decomposed and / or recombined, and such decomposition and / or recombination should be regarded as equivalent solutions of the present application.

[0046] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0047] It should be understood that the qualifiers "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth" and "sixth" used in the description of the embodiments of the present application are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0048] The above description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application to the forms disclosed herein. Although a number of example aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A fuel tank system, characterized in that: include: A main fuel tank (1) for storing fuel and provided with a filling port (11); A secondary fuel tank (2) for storing fuel, the secondary fuel tank (2) being in communication with the primary fuel tank (1) via a communication pipe (3) so that the fuel from the primary fuel tank (1) can flow into the secondary fuel tank (2); A carbon canister (4) is provided with a first air port (41) communicating with the external environment. The carbon canister (4) is communicated with the main fuel tank (1) and the auxiliary fuel tank (2) via a vent pipe (5) to absorb volatiles from the main fuel tank (1) and the auxiliary fuel tank (2).

2. The fuel tank system according to claim 1, characterized in that Ventilation valves (6) are provided at the connection points between the main fuel tank (1) and the auxiliary fuel tank (2) and the vent pipe (5).

3. The fuel tank system according to claim 1, wherein: The carbon canister (4) is provided with a second air port (42) for connecting to an engine. When the engine is started, air can be taken into the first air port (41), so that the volatile matter adsorbed by the carbon canister (4) is sucked into the engine.

4. The fuel tank system according to claim 1, wherein: The main fuel tank (1) is provided with a liquid pump (7) for pumping fuel to the engine.

5. The fuel tank system according to claim 1, wherein: The main fuel tank (1) is provided with a liquid level sensor (8) for detecting the height of the fuel liquid level.

6. The fuel tank system according to claim 1, wherein: The vent pipe (5) is connected to the top of the main fuel tank (1) and the auxiliary fuel tank (2).

7. The fuel tank system according to claim 1, wherein: The communicating pipe (3) is connected to the bottom of the main fuel tank (1) and the auxiliary fuel tank (2).

8. The fuel tank system according to claim 1, wherein: The effective flow volume of the connecting pipe (3) is greater than or equal to the effective flow volume of the filling gun.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that: The fuel tank system comprises the fuel tank system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main fuel tank (1) and the auxiliary fuel tank (2) are both connected to the vehicle frame (9).

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that The auxiliary fuel tank (2) comprises a first auxiliary fuel tank (21) and a second auxiliary fuel tank (22); the main fuel tank (1) and the first auxiliary fuel tank (21) are respectively located on the left and right sides of the vehicle frame (9); and the second auxiliary fuel tank (22) is located on the rear side of the vehicle frame (9).

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