Fuel tank system, vehicle and hose connectors

Abstract

Fuel tank system (2) comprising: a first fuel tank (4) and a second fuel tank (6), an intermediate fuel line (8) arranged for conveying fuel between the first and second fuel tanks (4, 6), wherein the intermediate fuel line (8) has a raised section (10) arranged above end sections (12, 14) of the intermediate fuel line (8) when the fuel tank system (2) is arranged in a vehicle, and a vent line (16) which is connected to the intermediate tank line (8) at a line branch (18), wherein the line branch (18) is arranged at the raised section (10), wherein the vent line (16) has a section (20) with a reduced inner diameter, the fuel tank system (2) further comprises a 3-way hose connector (22) at the line branch (18), wherein the 3-way hose connector (22) is connected to a first line section (81) of the intermediate tank line (8), to a second line section (82) of the intermediate tank line (8) and to the vent line (16), the section with reduced inner diameter (20) in which the 3-way hose connector (22) is arranged, the 3-way hose connector (22) a first connector (221) which is connected to the first line section (81) extending into the first fuel tank (4), a second connector (223) which is connected to the second line section (82) extending into the second fuel tank (6), a third connector (224) which is connected to the vent line (16), and a throttle device (28) which is arranged in the third connector (224), wherein the throttle device (28) comprises the section (20) with reduced inner diameter, characterized by the fact that the throttling device (28) comprises a filter (30) which is arranged between the section with reduced inner diameter (20) and the first and second connectors (221, 223).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a fuel tank system and a vehicle with a fuel tank system. The invention further relates to a 3-way hose connector for a fuel tank system. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A vehicle can have more than one fuel tank to supply fuel to its internal combustion engine. Typically, one of the tanks is the main fuel tank, from which the engine is supplied with fuel. A hose can connect the main tank to another tank, forming a siphon through which the fuel is routed to the main tank. The siphon is interrupted if air enters the hose.

[0003] US 5,979,485 A discloses the prior art of this type. It is a fuel supply system for vehicles with more than one fuel tank / container. The system has an electric fuel pump located in the fuel container and a jet pump connected to the electric fuel pump, with fuel outlets connected to the jet pump via a siphon. The electric fuel pump drives the jet pump to fill the siphon with liquid fuel and draw fuel through the spaced outlets. When the siphon is completely filled with liquid fuel and the jet pump is operating, any difference in delivery heads or fuel levels in the sections of the fuel container causes fuel to flow through the siphon from the section with the higher delivery head to the other section of the tank.This flow continues due to the pressure difference at different fuel levels until the fuel levels, and therefore the pressures, in both containers are essentially the same.

[0004] Such a fuel supply system is complicated to implement.

[0005] Further state of the art is revealed in JP 2013 - 50 051 A. SUMMARY

[0006] It would be advantageous to create a fuel tank system that overcomes or at least mitigates the aforementioned disadvantage. In particular, it would be desirable to create conditions for the straightforward removal of air from an intermediate fuel line connecting two fuel tanks. To better solve one or more of these problems, a fuel tank system is provided according to one of the independent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a fuel tank system with the features of claim 1 is provided, comprising: a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank, an intermediate fuel line arranged for conveying fuel between the first and the second fuel tank, wherein the intermediate fuel line has a raised section arranged above the end sections of the intermediate fuel line when the fuel tank system is arranged in a vehicle, and a vent line connected to the intermediate fuel line at a branch, wherein the branch is arranged at the raised section. The vent line includes a section with a reduced inner diameter.The fuel tank system further comprises a 3-way hose connector at the line junction, wherein the 3-way hose connector is connected to a first line section of the intermediate tank line, to a second line section of the intermediate tank line, and to the vent line. The section with the reduced inner diameter is located within the 3-way hose connector.

[0008] Since the vent line is connected to the intermediate tank line via the 3-way hose connector, there is a straightforward way to connect a vent line to an intermediate tank line. Because the section with the reduced inner diameter is located within the 3-way hose connector, this section of the vent line is easily integrated into the fuel tank system.

[0009] The fuel tank system can be configured to supply fuel to a vehicle's internal combustion engine. The first and second fuel tanks of the system can be located in different areas of the vehicle, for example, to provide a specific amount of fuel within the vehicle's available space limitations, due to weight distribution, etc.

[0010] The fuel system may include additional fuel tanks besides the first and second fuel tanks.

[0011] The intermediate fuel line can be configured to transfer fuel from the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank. For example, when the second fuel tank is full, the intermediate fuel line can act as a siphon to transfer fuel from the second fuel tank to the first.

[0012] A vent line can be provided to remove any air that has entered the intermediate fuel line. This allows fuel to flow freely from the second fuel tank to the first. For example, this helps maintain a siphon in the intermediate fuel line by keeping it free of air.

[0013] The section with reduced inner diameter is configured to have a reduced flow cross-section compared to the inner diameter of other sections of the vent line.

[0014] The term "line" as used here refers to one or more elements that form a passage to convey a fluid from one point in the fuel tank system to another. A line can be formed by a hose, a pipe, a conduit, and / or a hose connector, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0015] The vent line, the intermediate tank line and other lines of the fuel tank system may consist of one or more separate line sections, such as the intermediate tank line, which includes at least the first and second line sections described here.

[0016] The pipe branch establishes a fluid connection between several lines, in this case between the vent line and the intermediate tank line. The physical device that creates the pipe connection is the 3-way hose connector.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the fuel tank system may include a fuel supply line extending into the first fuel tank and a fuel pump connected to the fuel supply line. The fuel pump may be configured to deliver fuel toward an internal combustion engine. The vent line may be connected to the fuel supply line upstream of the fuel pump. In this way, the fuel pump can be used to draw air from the intermediate tank line through the vent line. Furthermore, due to the reduced inner diameter section of the 3-way hose connector, only a limited amount of air can pass from the second fuel tank into the fuel supply line via the vent line if the second fuel tank is empty.Accordingly, the fuel supply from the first fuel tank to the combustion engine cannot be obstructed by an empty second fuel tank.

[0018] According to the invention, the 3-way hose connector comprises a first connector connected to the first line section extending into the first fuel tank, a second connector connected to the second line section extending into the second fuel tank, and a third connector connected to the vent line. In this way, the 3-hose connector can be configured for connection to the intermediate tank line and the vent line at the line branch. Furthermore, a fuel tank system is provided that has conditions and characteristics suitable for cost-effective manufacturing and assembly.

[0019] According to the invention, the section with the reduced inner diameter is arranged in the third connector. In this way, the section with the reduced inner diameter can be provided in the 3-way hose connector in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

[0020] According to the invention, the 3-way hose connector comprises a throttling device arranged in the third connector, and the throttling device has the section with reduced inner diameter.

[0021] More precisely, the restrictor can be a separate component mounted within the body of the 3-way hose connector. Therefore, the restrictor and the reduced-diameter section can be manufactured with different tolerances than the 3-way hose connector, for example, with tighter tolerances. Once installed in the 3-way hose connector, the restrictor forms the reduced-diameter section. As a further result of these features, a fuel tank system is provided with conditions and characteristics suitable for cost-effective manufacturing and assembly.

[0022] According to the invention, the 3-way hose connector comprises a filter arranged between the section with the reduced inner diameter and the first and second connectors. This prevents contaminants in the fuel from reaching the section with the reduced inner diameter, which could lead to its clogging. In this way, the function of the vent line can be maintained. Advantageously, the filter area provided by the filter is considerably larger than the area of ​​the section with the reduced inner diameter, for example, at least 50 times the area of ​​the section with the reduced inner diameter or at least 100 times the area of ​​the section with the reduced inner diameter.

[0023] According to the invention, the throttling device includes the filter. This allows the filter to be easily integrated into the 3-way hose connector. Since the throttling device is a separate component, both the reduced-diameter section and the filter can be incorporated during the manufacturing of the throttling device. After the throttling device is installed in the 3-way hose connector, both the reduced-diameter section and the filter are present within the 3-way hose connector. As a further result of this feature, a 3-way hose connector and a fuel tank system are provided that exhibit conditions and characteristics suitable for cost-effective manufacturing and assembly.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the throttling device may have external ribs configured to engage with the third connector. This allows the throttling device to be securely fastened within the body of the 3-way hose connector during its manufacture.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the ribs can be designed in the form of threads. This allows the throttle device to be screwed into the third connector of the 3-way hose connector for secure attachment. As a further benefit of this feature, the 3-way hose connector can be assembled cost-effectively. Accordingly, a fuel tank system is also provided that exhibits conditions and characteristics suitable for cost-efficient manufacturing and assembly.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the throttle device may include a slotted end section configured to interact with a screwdriver. This allows the throttle device to be screwed into the third connector of the 3-way hose connector using a screwdriver. As a further result of this feature, the 3-way hose connector can be assembled cost-effectively. Accordingly, a fuel tank system is also provided that exhibits conditions and characteristics suitable for cost-efficient manufacturing and assembly.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the intermediate fuel line can extend between a lower section of the first fuel tank and a lower section of the second fuel tank. In this way, the fuel can be reliably transferred from the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank via the intermediate fuel line.

[0028] According to the invention, a vehicle with the features of claim 7 is provided, comprising an internal combustion engine and a fuel tank system according to one of the aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein for supplying the internal combustion engine with fuel.

[0029] Since the vehicle includes a fuel tank system according to one of the aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein, at least a straightforward way of connecting the vent line to the intermediate tank line is provided, and the section with reduced inner diameter of the vent line is provided in a straightforward manner in the vehicle's fuel tank system.

[0030] According to the invention, a 3-way hose connector for a fuel tank system is provided, comprising the features of claim 8. The 3-way hose connector includes a first connector configured for connection to a first line section extending into the first fuel tank, a second connector configured for connection to a second line section extending into the second fuel tank, and a third connector configured for connection to a vent line, wherein a section with a reduced inner diameter is arranged in the third connector.

[0031] Since the 3-way hose connector includes the third connector, which is configured for connection to a vent line with the reduced inner diameter section, the 3-way hose connector provides a straightforward way to connect a vent line to an intermediate fuel line in a fuel tank system. Furthermore, because the reduced inner diameter section is located within the 3-way hose connector, the reduced inner diameter section of the vent line is easily accessible within the fuel tank system.

[0032] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the attached patent claims and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Various aspects and / or embodiments, including their special features and advantages, are easily understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. Figure 1 shows embodiments of a vehicle configured for propulsion on land, Fig. 2 a fuel tank system according to certain embodiments shows, Fig. Figure 3 shows a 3-way hose connector according to certain embodiments, and Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shows a side view and a cross-sectional view of a throttle device according to certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Aspects and / or embodiments are now described in more detail. Identical reference numbers consistently refer to the same elements. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, familiar functions or designs are not necessarily described in detail.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows embodiments of a vehicle 1 configured for propulsion on land.

[0036] In these embodiments, vehicle 1 is a heavy-duty vehicle in the form of a truck. Although the invention is not limited to a specific type of vehicle, it is particularly relevant for larger heavy-duty vehicles for land propulsion, such as buses or construction vehicles, which have two or more fuel tanks.

[0037] The vehicle 1 comprises an internal combustion engine 3 and a fuel tank system 2 according to one of the aspects and / or embodiments discussed here for supplying the internal combustion engine 3 with fuel.

[0038] The fuel tank system 2 is described below with reference to Fig. 2 explained in more detail. A 3-way connector and a throttling device of the fuel tank system 2 are described below with reference to the Fig. 3 - 4b explained.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 2 is a fuel tank system 2 according to certain embodiments. The fuel tank system 2 can be a fuel tank system for a vehicle configured for land propulsion, as described above with reference to Fig. 1 described vehicle 1.

[0040] Accordingly, fuel tank system 2 is configured to supply fuel to an internal combustion engine (ICE) of a vehicle.

[0041] The fuel tank system 2 comprises a first fuel tank 4, a second fuel tank 6, and an intermediate fuel line 8, which is arranged for conveying fuel between the second fuel tank 6 and the first fuel tank 4. The fuel is supplied to the ICE from the first fuel tank 4.

[0042] The intermediate fuel line 8 extends between a lower section 44 of the first fuel tank 4 and a lower section 46 of the second fuel tank 6. The intermediate fuel line 8 has a raised section 10, which is positioned above end sections 12 and 14 of the intermediate fuel line 8 when the fuel tank system 2 is installed in a vehicle. That is, the end sections 12 and 14 of the intermediate fuel line 8 are located at the respective lower sections 44 and 46 of the first and second fuel tanks 4 and 6.

[0043] The term "elevated" as used here can denote a location or position relative to a local gravity vector at the location of vehicle 1 when vehicle 1 is in an upright operating position on a flat horizontal surface. That is, the elevated section 10 is located above the end sections 12, 14 with respect to the local gravity vector. Similarly, the term "lower" as used here can define a location or position relative to a local gravity vector at the location of vehicle 1 when vehicle 1 is in an upright operating position on a flat horizontal surface. That is, the lower sections 44, 46 of the first and second fuel tanks 4, 6 are positioned below the elevated section 10 of the intermediate fuel line 8 when vehicle 1 is on a horizontal surface.

[0044] The raised section 10 can, for example, be used to convey fuel from one side of the vehicle chassis to the opposite side, through or above sections of the chassis, to ensure the safe transport of fuel from the second fuel tank 6 to the first fuel tank 4. The fuel is transported from the second fuel tank 6 to the first fuel tank 4 via a siphon. When filled with fuel, the siphon is formed within the intermediate tank line 8 to convey fuel from the second fuel tank 6 to the first fuel tank 4.

[0045] However, should air enter the intermediate tank line 8, the siphon will be blocked. Therefore, the fuel tank system 2 also includes a vent line 16, which is connected to the intermediate tank line 8 at a line branch 18. The line branch 18 is located at the raised section 10. Since all air in the vent line 16 collects at the raised section 10, the vent line 16 can be used to vent air from the intermediate tank line 8. In this way, the siphon within the intermediate tank line 8 can be maintained. The vent line 16 has a section with a reduced inner diameter, see below with reference to the Fig. 3 - 4b.

[0046] The fuel tank system further comprises a 3-way hose connector 22 at the line branch 18. The 3-way hose connector 22 is connected to a first line section 81 of the intermediate tank line 8, to a second line section 82 of the intermediate tank line 8, and to the vent line 16. The section with the reduced inner diameter is arranged in the 3-way hose connector, see below with reference to the Fig. 3 - 4b.

[0047] Since the section with reduced inner diameter is arranged in the 3-way hose connector 22, it is provided in the fuel tank system 2 in an uncomplicated manner.

[0048] The fuel tank system 2 includes a fuel supply line 24 that extends into the first fuel tank 4. A fuel pump 26 is connected to the fuel supply line 24. The fuel pump 26 is configured to transport fuel towards the vehicle's internal combustion engine (ICE). Additional fuel pumps may be located downstream of the fuel pump 26 shown.

[0049] The fuel supply line 24 extends to a bottom section of the first fuel tank 4. The bottom section of the first fuel tank 4 essentially coincides with the aforementioned lower section of the first fuel tank 4. A fuel filter 40 is located at the bottom of the first fuel tank 4. The fuel supply line 24 is connected to the fuel filter 40.

[0050] Fuel pump 26 is configured to draw fuel from the first fuel tank 4. Furthermore, fuel pump 26 is configured to handle the air content in the fuel. Such fuel pumps are known. Air drawn in with the fuel is separated from the fuel downstream of fuel pump 26.

[0051] The vent line 16 is connected to the fuel supply line 24 upstream of the fuel pump 26. This allows the fuel pump 26 to be used to extract air from the intermediate fuel line 8. The siphon in the intermediate fuel line 8 is thus retained. Since the fuel pump is configured to handle the air content in the fuel, its function is not affected by air drawn in from the intermediate fuel line 8.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3 shows a 3-way hose connector 22 according to one embodiment. The 3-way hose connector 22 can be part of a system described above with reference to Fig. The 3-way hose connector 22 can also be used as a separate part, e.g., as a component or as a spare part for a fuel tank system described above with reference to Fig. 2. The fuel tank system 2 described below will be provided. The following also refers to... Fig. 2. Referenced.

[0053] The 3-way hose connector 22 comprises a first connector 221 configured to connect to the first line section 81 of the intermediate tank line 8, the first line section 81 extending into the first fuel tank 4. The 3-way hose connector comprises a second connector 223 connected to the second line section 82 of the intermediate tank line 8, the second line section 82 extending into the second fuel tank 6. The 3-way hose connector further comprises a third connector 224 connected to the vent line 16. The 3-way hose connector 22 is thus configured to connect at the line branch 18 to the first and second line sections 81, 82 of the intermediate tank line 8 and the vent line 16.

[0054] As described above, the 3-way hose connector 22 includes a section with a reduced inner diameter 20. The section with reduced inner diameter 20 is arranged in the third connector 224.

[0055] The section with reduced inner diameter 20 of the 3-way hose connector 22 ensures that only a minimal amount of air is drawn from the second fuel tank 6 via the vent line 16 if it is empty. Thus, an empty second fuel tank 6 does not impede the fuel pump 26 from drawing fuel from the first fuel tank 4. In other words, the section with reduced inner diameter 20 provides a sufficient flow cross-section for venting the intermediate tank line 8. However, the amount of air from an empty second fuel tank 6 that can pass through the section with reduced inner diameter 20 does not affect the supply of fuel to the ICE via the fuel supply line 24 from the first fuel tank 4, which is drawn by the fuel pump 26.

[0056] The section with the reduced inner diameter 20 provides a restricted flow cross-section of the vent line 16 compared to the inner diameter of the other sections. The inner diameter of the section with the reduced inner diameter 20 can be, for example, 0.3 mm ± 0.02 mm. The inner diameters of other sections of the vent line 16 are larger than this value.

[0057] Furthermore, the 3-way hose connector 22 includes a throttling device 28, which is arranged in the third connector 224, and the throttling device 28 includes the section with reduced inner diameter 20. Thus, the section with reduced inner diameter 20 is conveniently provided in the 3-way hose connector 22.

[0058] The throttle device 28 is a separate component mounted in a body 36 of the 3-way hose connector 22. This facilitates the manufacture of the reduced inner diameter section 20. The provision of other aspects of the 3-way hose connector 22, such as a filter 30 upstream of the reduced inner diameter section 20, is also facilitated by the throttle device 28. The throttle device 28 is described further below with reference to Fig. 4a, b explained.

[0059] Accordingly, the 3-way hose connector can include a filter 30, which is arranged between the section with reduced inner diameter 20 and the first and second connectors 221, 223. The filter 30 is configured to filter impurities in the fuel and prevent them from blocking the section with reduced inner diameter 20.

[0060] During the use of the fuel tank system 2, the fuel flows from the second connector 223 to the first connector 221. If air enters the intermediate tank line 8, the air is discharged via the third connector 224 and the throttle device 28 located therein.

[0061] The 3-way hose connector 22 comprises the body 36. The body 36 forms at least part of the first connection 221, the second connection 223, and the third connection 224. The body 36 is made of fuel-resistant polymer material, such as polyamide. This allows the body 36 to be easily manufactured, for example, by injection molding. The polyamide can be, for example, PA12 or PA610.

[0062] The throttle device 28 is manufactured separately and can be installed in the section of the body 36 that forms the third connector 224 of the 3-way hose connector 22 after the body 36 has been manufactured.

[0063] Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows a side view and a cross-sectional view of a throttling device 28 according to certain embodiments. The throttling device 28 can be a throttling device 28 for the 3-way hose connector 22, which was described above with reference to Fig. 3 was explained. Accordingly, the following will also refer to Fig. 3. Referenced.

[0064] Thus, the throttle device 28 is configured to be arranged in the third connector 224 of the 3-way hose connector 22. The throttle device 28 comprises the section with reduced inner diameter 20. The throttle device 28 includes a body element 31. A channel 33 extends through the body element 31 along a central axis 42 of the throttle device 28. The section with reduced inner diameter 20 forms part of the channel 33. The section with reduced inner diameter 20 forms the narrowest section of the channel 33.

[0065] The throttle device 28 includes a filter 30. The filter 30 is connected to the body element 31. The filter 30 forms an end section of the throttle device 28 and is arranged along the central axis 42 of the throttle device 28. The filter 30 can, for example, be made of a metal mesh, such as a woven mesh. The filter area of ​​the filter 30 can, for example, be in a range of 100 to 200 mm². 2 e.g. 160 mm 2 , lay.

[0066] The throttle device 28 comprises outer ribs 32 configured to engage with the third connector 224 inside the body 36. That is, the body element 31 includes the outer ribs 32. In the illustrated embodiments, the ribs 32 are formed as threaded sections. Alternatively, the ribs 32 can be configured as ribs that extend only partially around the circumference of the throttle device 28, or as a number of separate, circularly extending ribs.

[0067] The throttle device 28 includes a slotted end section 34 configured for interaction with a screwdriver. That is, the body element 31 includes the slotted end section 34. The slotted end section 34 is positioned opposite the filter 30 when viewed along the central axis 42.

[0068] The throttle device 28 can be made of metal, e.g., grade 1914 steel. This allows the throttle device 28 to be fuel-resistant and the ribs 32 to be strong enough to engage with the body 36 of the 3-way hose connector 22.

[0069] It is understood that the foregoing illustrates various embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. The person skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments can be modified and that various features of the embodiments can be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein without deviating from the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Fuel tank system (2) comprising: a first fuel tank (4) and a second fuel tank (6), an intermediate fuel line (8) arranged for conveying fuel between the first and second fuel tanks (4, 6), wherein the intermediate fuel line (8) has a raised section (10) arranged above end sections (12, 14) of the intermediate fuel line (8) when the fuel tank system (2) is arranged in a vehicle, and a vent line (16) which is connected to the intermediate tank line (8) at a line branch (18), wherein the line branch (18) is arranged at the raised section (10), wherein the vent line (16) has a section (20) with a reduced inner diameter, the fuel tank system (2) further comprises a 3-way hose connector (22) at the line branch (18), wherein the 3-way hose connector (22) is connected to a first line section (81) of the intermediate tank line (8), to a second line section (82) of the intermediate tank line (8) and to the vent line (16), the section with reduced inner diameter (20) in which the 3-way hose connector (22) is arranged, the 3-way hose connector (22) a first connector (221) which is connected to the first line section (81) extending into the first fuel tank (4), a second connector (223) which is connected to the second line section (82) extending into the second fuel tank (6), a third connector (224) which is connected to the vent line (16), and a throttle device (28) which is arranged in the third connector (224), wherein the throttle device (28) comprises the section (20) with reduced inner diameter, characterized by , that the throttling device (28) comprises a filter (30) which is arranged between the section with reduced inner diameter (20) and the first and second connectors (221, 223). [2] Fuel tank system (2) according to claim 1, comprising a fuel supply line (24) extending into the first fuel tank (4) and a fuel pump (26) connected to the fuel supply line (24), wherein the fuel pump (26) is configured to transport fuel towards an internal combustion engine, wherein the vent line (16) is connected to the fuel supply line (24) upstream of the fuel pump (26). [3] Fuel tank system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the throttle device (28) comprises outer ribs (32) configured to engage with the third connector (224). [4] Fuel tank system (2) according to claim 3, wherein the ribs (32) are formed in the form of threads. [5] Fuel tank system (2) according to claim 4, wherein the throttle device (28) comprises a slotted end section (34) configured to interact with a screwdriver. [6] Fuel tank system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate tank line (8) extends between a lower section (44) of the first fuel tank (4) and a lower section (46) of the second fuel tank (6). [7] Vehicle (1) with an internal combustion engine and a fuel tank system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for supplying the internal combustion engine with fuel. [8] 3-way hose connector (22) for a fuel tank system (2), wherein the 3-way hose connector (22) comprises a first connector (221) configured for connection to a first line section (81) extending into a first fuel tank (4), a second connector (223) configured for connection to a second line section (82) extending into a second fuel tank (6), and a third connector (224) configured for connection to a vent line (16), wherein a section (20) with a reduced inner diameter is arranged in the third connector (224), and a throttle device (28) is arranged in the third connector (224), the throttle device (28) comprising the section (20) with the reduced inner diameter. characterized by , that the throttling device (28) comprises a filter (30) which is arranged between the section with reduced inner diameter (20) and the first and second connectors (221, 223). [9] 3-way hose connector (22) according to claim 8, comprising a body (36), wherein the body (36) forms at least a part of the first connector (221), the second connector (223) and the third connector (224), wherein the body (36) is made of fuel-resistant polymer material. [10] 3-way hose connector (22) according to claim 8, wherein the throttle device (28) is made of metal.

Images