FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR A WORK VEHICLE, WORK VEHICLE AND METHOD COMPRISING SUCH A SYSTEM

Abstract

A fuel supply system (10) for a work vehicle (100) is disclosed, comprising a fuel tank (20), a primary fuel pump, and a fuel regulating device (40) operatively connected to the primary fuel pump. The fuel regulating device (40) is configured to receive unregulated supply fuel (34) supplied to the fuel regulating device (40) from the primary fuel pump via the fuel supply line (46) and to control a characteristic of the unregulated supply fuel (34) to dispense it as regulated fuel. The regulated fuel is then supplied to a secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle (100) via a regulated fuel supply line (46).Furthermore, a fuel cooling device is provided, which is operatively connected to the fuel regulating device (40) via a bypass fuel line (46) and to the fuel tank (20) via a fuel return line (46). The fuel cooling device is designed to receive bypass fuel, which is supplied from the fuel regulating device (40) via the bypass fuel line (46), in order to cool it and supply it to the fuel tank (20). Furthermore, a work vehicle (100) with such a fuel supply system (10) and a method with such a work vehicle (100) are disclosed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fuel supply system for a work vehicle having a fuel tank in which fuel can be stored and having a primary fuel pump arranged in the fuel tank.

[0002] For performance reasons, it is important to maintain the temperature of fuels in work vehicles within specific temperature ranges based on the chemistry of the fuels used and their operating pressures.

[0003] In particular, it is desirable to keep the temperature of diesel fuel No. 2 well below 338°C to prevent boiling. Similarly, it is important to keep the temperature of ethanol fuel well below 78°C to prevent boiling.

[0004] Some work vehicles may have additional fuel cooling requirements when fuel tanks are located near vehicle components that emit heat that can indirectly warm the fuel tank and, in turn, the fuel in the tank.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide fuel delivery systems and methods that condition the fuel stored in a tank of a work vehicle, such as systems and methods that condition the fuel by cooling it and returning the cooled fuel to the fuel tank.

[0006] The object underlying the invention is seen in providing a fuel supply system of the type mentioned at the outset, by means of which the aforementioned problems are overcome, as well as a work vehicle with such a system and a method with such a work vehicle.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by the teaching of patent claims 1, 7, and 10. Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0008] According to the invention, a fuel supply system of the type mentioned at the outset is designed such that a secondary fuel pump is provided and a fuel regulating device operatively connected to the primary fuel pump by a primary fuel supply line. The fuel regulating device is designed to receive unregulated supply fuel supplied to the fuel regulating device from the primary fuel pump via the primary fuel supply line, to control a property of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump in order to dispense it from the fuel regulating device as regulated fuel, and to supply the regulated fuel to the secondary fuel pump via a regulated fuel supply line.Furthermore, a fuel cooling device is provided which is operatively connected to the fuel regulating device via a bypass fuel line and to the fuel tank via a fuel return line, wherein the fuel cooling device is designed to receive bypass fuel supplied from the fuel regulating device to the fuel cooling device via the bypass fuel line, to cool the bypass fuel received by the fuel cooling device to produce cooled bypass fuel, and to supply the cooled bypass fuel to the fuel tank via the fuel return line.

[0009] The fuel cooling device may be the sole source of cooling for any fuel returned from the fuel delivery system to the fuel tank.

[0010] Furthermore, the fuel cooling device may comprise cooling tubes and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the cooling tubes.

[0011] The fuel regulating device may be configured to supply the regulated fuel to the secondary fuel pump via the regulated fuel supply line, and the secondary fuel pump may be configured to bring the regulated fuel to a working pressure suitable for direct use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine of a work vehicle.

[0012] Furthermore, the fuel regulating device may be configured to control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump to output it from the fuel regulating device to the secondary fuel pump as regulated fuel via the regulated fuel supply line.

[0013] In addition, the fuel regulating device may be configured to control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump to output it from the fuel regulating device to the secondary fuel pump as regulated fuel via the regulated fuel supply line.

[0014] The fuel supply system according to the invention, as well as the further embodiments thereof described above, can be provided in a work vehicle comprising a chassis, a spark-ignition internal combustion engine operatively connected to the chassis, one or more ground-contacting elements configured to drive the work vehicle, and a transmission system connecting the spark-ignition internal combustion engine to the one or more ground-contacting elements (130).

[0015] The work vehicle may be designed such that the fuel tank of the work vehicle is arranged directly next to the transmission system of the work vehicle.

[0016] Furthermore, the work vehicle may also be configured such that the fuel tank of the work vehicle is located immediately adjacent to and above the transmission system of the work vehicle, wherein the fuel cooling device of the fuel supply system of the work vehicle represents the sole source of cooling for any fuel returned from the fuel supply system and the work vehicle to the fuel tank in order to cool the fuel in the fuel tank against temperature increases of the fuel tank caused by the immediate proximity between the fuel tank and the transmission system of the work vehicle.

[0017] Furthermore, a method for conditioning fuel stored in the fuel tank of the work vehicle may be provided. In addition to the above-described embodiments of a work vehicle, the method comprises the following method steps: receiving unregulated supply fuel by the fuel regulating device via the primary fuel supply line, wherein the unregulated supply fuel is supplied to the fuel regulating device from the primary fuel pump arranged in the fuel tank of the work vehicle and operatively connected to the fuel regulating device via the primary fuel supply line; controlling a property of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump by the fuel regulating device to discharge it from the fuel regulating device as regulated fuel;Supplying the regulated fuel by the fuel regulating device via the regulated fuel supply line to the secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle, receiving bypass fuel through the fuel cooling device via the bypass fuel line, wherein the bypass fuel is supplied from the fuel regulating device to the fuel cooling device via the bypass fuel line, cooling the bypass fuel received by the fuel cooling device by the fuel cooling device, and supplying the cooled bypass fuel to the fuel tank via the fuel return line operatively connecting the fuel tank to the fuel cooling device.

[0018] The presently described implementations provide improved fuel cooling systems and methods in which all of the fuel pumped by a fuel pump disposed within a fuel tank for delivery to a spark-ignition engine of a work vehicle is either delivered to the spark-ignition engine or returned to the fuel tank, first passing through a fuel cooling device. That is, a portion of the fuel delivered by the fuel pump disposed within the fuel tank is delivered to the spark-ignition engine of the work vehicle, and the remainder of the fuel delivered by the fuel pump is returned to the fuel tank, first passing through the fuel cooling device.

[0019] The implementations described herein provide improved fuel cooling systems and methods that do not recirculate fuel supplied to a spark-ignition engine of a work vehicle to the fuel tank.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the fuel regulating device can receive the unregulated supply fuel from the primary fuel pump at a fuel pressure of the primary fuel pump, control the pressure of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump to output it from the fuel regulating device as regulated fuel at a fuel pressure within an acceptable operating pressure range, supply the regulated fuel at the pressure within the desired operating pressure range to the secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle via the regulated fuel supply line, and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle to the fuel cooling device.Further, the fuel regulating device may control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump to output it from the fuel regulating device to the secondary fuel pump of the vehicle as regulated fuel.The fuel regulating device may receive the unregulated supply fuel from the primary fuel pump at a nominal flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h), control the flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump to output it from the fuel regulating device as regulated fuel at a desired nominal flow rate of approximately 60 l / h, supply the regulated fuel at the flow rate of approximately 60 l / h to the secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle via the regulated fuel supply line, and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle to the fuel cooling device.In addition, the fuel supply system may further comprise a fuel filter disposed in the primary fuel supply line between the primary fuel pump and the fuel regulating device, wherein the fuel filter filters the unregulated supply fuel supplied from the primary fuel pump to the fuel regulating device via the primary fuel supply line. The fuel regulating device may be disposed in the fuel tank.

[0021] Additionally, an auxiliary cooling system may be provided that communicates with a cooling coil disposed in the fuel tank. The fuel regulating device may receive unregulated feed fuel supplied to the fuel regulating device from the primary fuel pump via the primary fuel supply line, control a characteristic of the unregulated feed fuel received from the primary fuel pump to dispense it from the fuel regulating device as regulated fuel, and supply the regulated fuel to a secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle via a regulated fuel supply line. The auxiliary cooling system, which communicates with the cooling coil, may regulate the temperature of the fuel within desired temperature limits, for example, to cool the fuel in the tank to a desired temperature.In any implementation of the fuel delivery system, the cooling coil may circulate a fluid, such as a gas or liquid, to absorb heat from the fuel in the tank into the fluid circulating between the coil and the auxiliary cooling system. In any implementation of the fuel delivery system, the circulating fluid may be a refrigerant. The circulating fluid may be glycol or any other liquid that absorbs heat from the fuel.

[0022] The auxiliary cooling control system of the fuel delivery system may include a control unit powered by a battery and in operative communication with the fuel pump, and a sensor, the control unit including a processor device in operative communication with a non-volatile memory device having control logic stored therein, the processor device operable to execute the control logic to determine a temperature of the fuel stored in the tank and, based on the determined temperature, selectively energize the fuel pump to circulate fuel through the fuel cooling device.The processor device may be configured to execute the control logic to selectively energize the fuel pump to circulate fuel through the fuel cooling device when the determined temperature is above a predetermined temperature threshold. The processor device may be configured to execute the control logic to selectively energize the fuel pump to circulate fuel through the fuel cooling device regardless of whether the spark-ignition internal combustion engine of the work vehicle is operating. Furthermore, the processor device may be configured to execute the control logic to selectively energize the fuel pump to circulate fuel through the fuel cooling device regardless of any functions of the associated work vehicle.

[0023] In the drawings, implementations of the invention are shown, which together with the foregoing general description and the following detailed description serve to illustrate, by way of example, implementations of the invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fuel delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a fuel delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a work vehicle having a fuel delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a work vehicle having a fuel delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a work vehicle having a fuel delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a fuel delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a fuel delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a fuel tank of a fuel delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a functional flow of a method for conditioning fuel stored in a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] To promote a better understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will be made below to the implementations described herein and illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe them. It should be understood, however, that this is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, and such adaptations and further modifications to the illustrated devices and methods, as well as further applications of the principles of the present disclosure presented therein, are contemplated as would normally be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0025] In Fig. 1, a fuel delivery system 10 for a work vehicle 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the fuel delivery system 10 includes a fuel tank 20, a primary fuel pump 30 disposed within the fuel tank 20, a fuel regulator 40, and a fuel cooler 50. Fuel may be stored within the fuel tank 20, and the primary fuel pump 30 is disposed within the fuel tank 20. It should be noted that in any embodiments described herein, the fuel stored within the fuel tank 20 may be any type of fuel, including, without limitation, a methanol-blended fuel, an ethanol-blended fuel, a propanol-blended fuel, a butanol-blended fuel, or any other type of fuel, including any type of biofuels or combination of fuels and / or fuel additives.The fuel can be E93 or E98, to name just a few common fuel types.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 is operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 via a primary fuel supply line 32. Note that the fuel may be diesel fuel No. 2, ethanol fuel, or the like.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel supply system includes a fuel filter 31 operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 for filtering fuel as it flows from the fuel tank 20 into the primary fuel pump 30. A check valve 33 is also disposed in the primary fuel supply line 32 between the primary fuel pump 30 and the fuel regulator 40. The check valve 33 helps prevent fuel from flowing in the reverse direction through the primary fuel pump 30 and back into the fuel tank 20.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may receive unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32. The fuel regulator 40 may further control a characteristic of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44. The fuel regulator 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via a regulated fuel supply line 42. As shown, an additional fuel filter 69 may be disposed in the regulated fuel supply line 42 between the fuel regulator 40 and the secondary fuel pump 70.

[0029] As shown, the fuel cooling device 50 is operatively connected to the fuel regulating device 40 via a bypass fuel line 46 and to the fuel tank 20 via a fuel return line 52.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may receive bypass fuel 48 supplied to the fuel cooling device 50 from the fuel regulating device 40 via the bypass fuel line 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may further cool the bypass fuel 48 received by the fuel cooling device 50 to produce cooled bypass fuel 48 and supply the cooled bypass fuel 48 to the fuel tank 20 via the fuel return line 52.

[0031] It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 is the sole source of cooling fuel that is returned from the fuel supply system 10 and the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20.

[0032] In one embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may include cooling tubes and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the cooling tubes. In this way, the fuel cooling device 50 may cool the fuel flowing therethrough by the outside air flowing over and / or through the cooling fins.

[0033] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 can supply the regulated fuel 44 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100, which is suitable for bringing the regulated fuel 44 to a working pressure suitable for direct use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 of the work vehicle 100.

[0034] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulator 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump fuel pressure and control the pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a fuel pressure within an acceptable operating pressure range.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the pressure within the desired operating pressure range via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0035] In one embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 may control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h) and control the flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the flow rate of approximately 60 l / h to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via the regulated fuel supply line 42, and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0036] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump pressure and a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h), and control the pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within a desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within the desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0037] In Fig. 2, a fuel delivery system 10 for a work vehicle 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the fuel delivery system 10 includes a fuel tank 20, a primary fuel pump 30 disposed within the fuel tank 20, a fuel regulator 40, and a fuel cooler 50. Fuel can be stored within the fuel tank 20, and the primary fuel pump 30 is disposed within the fuel tank 20. The fuel regulator 40 is operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 via a primary fuel delivery line 32. Note that the fuel may be diesel fuel No. 2, ethanol fuel, or the like.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may receive unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32. The fuel regulator 40 may further control a characteristic of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44. The fuel regulator 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via a regulated fuel supply line 44.

[0039] As shown, an additional fuel filter 69 may be disposed in the regulated fuel supply line 42 between the fuel regulating device 40 and the secondary fuel pump 70.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel supply system includes a fuel filter 31 operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 to filter the fuel as it flows from the fuel tank 20 into the primary fuel pump 30. Furthermore, a check valve (in Fig. 2 not shown). The check valve arranged in this manner helps prevent fuel from flowing in the reverse direction through the primary fuel pump 30 and back into the fuel tank 20.

[0041] As shown, the fuel cooling device 50 is operatively connected to the fuel regulating device 40 via a bypass fuel line 46 and to the fuel tank 20 via a fuel return line 52.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may receive bypass fuel 48 supplied to the fuel cooling device 50 from the fuel regulating device 40 via the bypass fuel line 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may further cool the bypass fuel 48 received by the fuel cooling device 50 to produce cooled bypass fuel 48 and supply the cooled bypass fuel 48 to the fuel tank 20 via the fuel return line 52.

[0043] It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 is the sole source of cooling fuel that is returned from the fuel supply system 10 and the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20.

[0044] In one embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may include cooling tubes and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the cooling tubes. In this way, the fuel cooling device 50 may cool the fuel flowing therethrough by the outside air flowing over and / or through the cooling fins.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 can supply the regulated fuel 44 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100, which is capable of bringing the regulated fuel 44 to a working pressure suitable for direct use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 of the work vehicle 100.

[0046] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulator 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump fuel pressure and control the pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a fuel pressure within an acceptable operating pressure range.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the pressure within the desired operating pressure range via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0047] In one embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 may control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h) and control the flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the flow rate of approximately 60 l / h to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via the regulated fuel supply line 42, and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0048] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump pressure and a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h), and control the pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within a desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within the desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0049] In the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the fuel supply system 10 further includes a fuel filter 60 disposed in the primary fuel supply line 32 between the primary fuel pump 30 and the fuel regulator 40. The fuel filter 60 can filter the unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel delivery system further includes a fuel characteristic sensor 56 for detecting a characteristic of the fuel and generating a signal representative of the detected characteristic for delivery to an associated control system and / or control device. In one embodiment, the fuel characteristic sensor 56 may include a flexible fuel sensor that detects a percentage of alcohol in the fuel and generates a signal representative of the detected percentage of alcohol in the fuel for delivery to an associated control system and / or control device.Sensor 56 may detect a percentage of methanol in the fuel, a percentage of ethanol in the fuel, a percentage of propanol in the fuel, a percentage of butanol in the fuel, or any other characteristic or combination of characteristics of fuel additives. Fuel characteristic sensor 56 may be configured, for example, to determine whether the fuel is E93 or E98 fuel and provide a signal representative thereof to an engine control device to optimize operation of the work vehicle engine.

[0051] In Fig. 3, a fuel delivery system 10 for a work vehicle 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the fuel delivery system 10 includes a fuel tank 20, a primary fuel pump 30 disposed within the fuel tank 20, a fuel regulator 40, and a fuel cooler 50. Fuel can be stored within the fuel tank 20, and the primary fuel pump 30 is disposed within the fuel tank 20. The fuel regulator 40 is operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 via a primary fuel delivery line 32. Note that the fuel may be diesel fuel No. 2, ethanol fuel, or the like.

[0052] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may receive unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32. The fuel regulator 40 may further control a characteristic of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44. The fuel regulator 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via a regulated fuel supply line 44.

[0053] An additional fuel filter 69 may be disposed in the regulated fuel supply line 42 between the fuel regulating device 40 and the secondary fuel pump 70.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel supply system may include a fuel filter (in Fig. 3 not shown) operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 to filter the fuel as it flows from the fuel tank 20 into the primary fuel pump 30. Furthermore, a check valve (in Fig. 3 not shown). The check valve arranged in this manner helps prevent fuel from flowing in the reverse direction through the primary fuel pump 30 and back into the fuel tank 20.

[0055] As shown, the fuel cooling device 50 is operatively connected to the fuel regulating device 40 via a bypass fuel line 46 and to the fuel tank 20 via a fuel return line 52.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may receive bypass fuel 48 supplied to the fuel cooling device 50 from the fuel regulating device 40 via the bypass fuel line 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may further cool the bypass fuel 48 received by the fuel cooling device 50 to produce cooled bypass fuel 48 and supply the cooled bypass fuel 48 to the fuel tank 20 via the fuel return line 52.

[0057] It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 is the sole source of cooling fuel that is returned from the fuel supply system 10 and the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20.

[0058] In one embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may include cooling tubes and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the cooling tubes. In this way, the fuel cooling device 50 may cool the fuel flowing therethrough by the outside air flowing over and / or through the cooling fins.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 can supply the regulated fuel 44 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100, which is capable of bringing the regulated fuel 44 to a working pressure suitable for direct use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 of the work vehicle 100.

[0060] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulator 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump fuel pressure and control the pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a fuel pressure within an acceptable operating pressure range.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the pressure within the desired operating pressure range via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0061] In one embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 may control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h) and control the flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the flow rate of approximately 60 l / h to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via the regulated fuel supply line 42, and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0062] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump pressure and a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h), and control the pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within a desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within the desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0063] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the fuel regulating device 40 is arranged in the fuel tank 20.

[0064] In the embodiment, the fuel supply system may further comprise a fuel characteristic sensor (in Fig. 3 not shown) to detect a property of the fuel and generate a signal representative of the detected property for delivery to an associated control system and / or control device. In one embodiment, the fuel characteristic sensor may comprise a flexible fuel sensor that detects a percentage of alcohol in the fuel and generates a signal representative of the detected percentage of alcohol in the fuel for delivery to an associated control system and / or control device. The sensor may detect a percentage of methanol in the fuel, a percentage of ethanol in the fuel, a percentage of propanol in the fuel, a percentage of butanol in the fuel, or any other property or combination of properties of additives in the fuel.The fuel characteristic sensor 56 may be configured to determine, for example, whether the fuel is E93 or E98 fuel and provide a signal representative thereof to an engine controller to optimize operation of the work vehicle engine.

[0065] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a work vehicle 100 having a fuel delivery system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to this figure, the work vehicle 100 includes a chassis 110, a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 operatively connected to the chassis 110, one or more ground-contacting elements 130 configured to propel the work vehicle 100, a transmission system 140 connecting the spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 to the one or more ground-contacting elements 130, and a fuel delivery system 10. The one or more ground-contacting elements 130 may, as shown, include, for example, tracks or wheels. It should be noted that the fuel may be diesel fuel No. 2, ethanol fuel, or the like.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel tank 20 of the work vehicle 100 is arranged directly next to the transmission system 140 of the work vehicle 100.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel tank 20 of the work vehicle 100 is disposed immediately adjacent to and above the transmission system 140 of the work vehicle 100, with the fuel cooling device 50 of the fuel delivery system 10 of the work vehicle 100 providing the sole cooling source for any fuel returned from the fuel delivery system 10 and the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20 to cool the fuel in the fuel tank 20 against temperature increases of the fuel tank 20 caused by the close proximity between the fuel tank 20 and the transmission system 140 of the work vehicle 100.

[0068] As illustrated, the fuel supply system 10 of the work vehicle 100 includes a fuel tank 20, a primary fuel pump 30 disposed within the fuel tank 20, a fuel regulator 40, and a fuel cooler 50. Fuel can be stored in the fuel tank 20, and the primary fuel pump 30 is disposed within the fuel tank 20. The fuel regulator 40 is operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 via a primary fuel supply line 32.

[0069] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may receive unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32. The fuel regulator 40 may further control a characteristic of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44. The fuel regulator 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via a regulated fuel supply line 44.

[0070] As shown, the fuel cooling device 50 is operatively connected to the fuel regulating device 40 via a bypass fuel line 46 and to the fuel tank 20 via a fuel return line 52.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may receive bypass fuel 48 supplied to the fuel cooling device 50 from the fuel regulating device 40 via the bypass fuel line 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may further cool the bypass fuel 48 received by the fuel cooling device 50 to produce cooled bypass fuel 48 and supply the cooled bypass fuel 48 to the fuel tank 20 via the fuel return line 52.

[0072] It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 is the sole source of cooling fuel that is returned from the fuel supply system 10 and the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20.

[0073] In one embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may include cooling tubes and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the cooling tubes. In this way, the fuel cooling device 50 may cool the fuel flowing therethrough by the outside air flowing over and / or through the cooling fins.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 can supply the regulated fuel 44 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100, which is capable of bringing the regulated fuel 44 to a working pressure suitable for direct use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 of the work vehicle 100.

[0075] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulator 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump fuel pressure and control the pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a fuel pressure within an acceptable operating pressure range.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the pressure within the desired operating pressure range via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0076] In one embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 may control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h) and control the flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the flow rate of approximately 60 l / h to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via the regulated fuel supply line 42, and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0077] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump pressure and a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h), and control the pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within a desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within the desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0078] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a work vehicle 100 having a fuel delivery system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in this figure, the work vehicle 100 includes a chassis 110, a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 operatively connected to the chassis 110, one or more ground-contacting elements 130 configured to propel the work vehicle 100, a transmission system 140 connecting the spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 to the one or more ground-contacting elements 130, and a fuel delivery system 10. The one or more ground-contacting elements 130 may, as shown, include, for example, tracks or wheels. Note that the fuel may be diesel fuel No. 2, ethanol fuel, or the like.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel tank 20 of the work vehicle 100 is arranged directly next to the transmission system 140 of the work vehicle 100.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel tank 20 of the work vehicle 100 is disposed immediately adjacent to and above the transmission system 140 of the work vehicle 100, with the fuel cooling device 50 of the fuel delivery system 10 of the work vehicle 100 providing the sole cooling source for any fuel returned from the fuel delivery system 10 and the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20 to cool the fuel in the fuel tank 20 against temperature increases of the fuel tank 20 caused by the close proximity between the fuel tank 20 and the transmission system 140 of the work vehicle 100.

[0081] The fuel supply system 10 of the work vehicle 100 includes a fuel tank 20, a primary fuel pump 30 disposed within the fuel tank 20, a fuel regulator 40, and a fuel cooling device 50. Fuel can be stored in the fuel tank 20, and the primary fuel pump 30 is disposed within the fuel tank 20. The fuel regulator 40 is operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 via a primary fuel supply line 32.

[0082] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may receive unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32. The fuel regulator 40 may further control a characteristic of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44. The fuel regulator 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via a regulated fuel supply line 44.

[0083] As shown, the fuel cooling device 50 is operatively connected to the fuel regulating device 40 via a bypass fuel line 46 and to the fuel tank 20 via a fuel return line 52.

[0084] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may receive bypass fuel 48 supplied to the fuel cooling device 50 from the fuel regulating device 40 via the bypass fuel line 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may further cool the bypass fuel 48 received by the fuel cooling device 50 to produce cooled bypass fuel 48 and supply the cooled bypass fuel 48 to the fuel tank 20 via the fuel return line 52.

[0085] It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 is the sole source of cooling fuel that is returned from the fuel supply system 10 and the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20.

[0086] In one embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may include cooling tubes and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the cooling tubes. In this way, the fuel cooling device 50 may cool the fuel flowing therethrough by the outside air flowing over and / or through the cooling fins.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 can supply the regulated fuel 44 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100, which is capable of bringing the regulated fuel 44 to a working pressure suitable for direct use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 of the work vehicle 100.

[0088] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulator 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump fuel pressure and control the pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a fuel pressure within an acceptable operating pressure range.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the pressure within the desired operating pressure range via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0089] In one embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 may control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h) and control the flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the flow rate of approximately 60 l / h to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via the regulated fuel supply line 42, and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0090] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump pressure and a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h), and control the pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within a desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within the desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0091] In the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the fuel supply system 10 further includes a fuel filter 60 disposed in the primary fuel supply line 32 between the primary fuel pump 30 and the fuel regulator 40. The fuel filter 60 can filter the unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32.

[0092] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a work vehicle 100 having a fuel delivery system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to this figure, the work vehicle 100, as shown, includes a chassis 110, a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 operatively connected to the chassis 110, one or more ground-contacting elements 130 configured to propel the work vehicle 100, a transmission system 140 connecting the spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 to the one or more ground-contacting elements 130, and a fuel delivery system 10. The one or more ground-contacting elements 130 may, as shown, include, for example, tracks or wheels. Note that the fuel may be diesel fuel No. 2, ethanol fuel, or the like.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel tank 20 of the work vehicle 100 is arranged directly next to the transmission system 140 of the work vehicle 100.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel tank 20 of the work vehicle 100 is disposed immediately adjacent to and above the transmission system 140 of the work vehicle 100, with the fuel cooling device 50 of the fuel delivery system 10 of the work vehicle 100 providing the sole cooling source for any fuel returned from the fuel delivery system 10 and the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20 to cool the fuel in the fuel tank 20 against temperature increases of the fuel tank 20 caused by the close proximity between the fuel tank 20 and the transmission system 140 of the work vehicle 100.

[0095] With further reference to Fig. 6, the fuel supply system 10 of the work vehicle 100 includes a fuel tank 20, a primary fuel pump 30 disposed within the fuel tank 20, a fuel regulating device 40, and a fuel cooling device 50. Fuel can be stored in the fuel tank 20, and the primary fuel pump 30 is disposed within the fuel tank 20. The fuel regulating device 40 is operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 via a primary fuel supply line 32.

[0096] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may receive unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32. The fuel regulator 40 may further control a characteristic of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44. The fuel regulator 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via a regulated fuel supply line 44.

[0097] As shown, the fuel cooling device 50 is operatively connected to the fuel regulating device 40 via a bypass fuel line 46 and to the fuel tank 20 via a fuel return line 52.

[0098] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may receive bypass fuel 48 supplied to the fuel cooling device 50 from the fuel regulating device 40 via the bypass fuel line 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may further cool the bypass fuel 48 received by the fuel cooling device 50 to produce cooled bypass fuel 48 and supply the cooled bypass fuel 48 to the fuel tank 20 via the fuel return line 52.

[0099] It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 is the sole source of cooling fuel that is returned from the fuel supply system 10 and the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20.

[0100] In one embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may include cooling tubes and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the cooling tubes. In this way, the fuel cooling device 50 may cool the fuel flowing therethrough by the outside air flowing over and / or through the cooling fins.

[0101] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 can supply the regulated fuel 44 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100, which is capable of bringing the regulated fuel 44 to a working pressure suitable for direct use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 of the work vehicle 100.

[0102] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulator 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump fuel pressure and control the pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a fuel pressure within an acceptable operating pressure range.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the pressure within the desired operating pressure range via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0103] In one embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 may control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h) and control the flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the flow rate of approximately 60 l / h to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via the regulated fuel supply line 42, and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0104] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump pressure and a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h), and control the pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within a desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within the desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0105] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the fuel regulating device 40 is arranged in the fuel tank 20.

[0106] It should be noted that in each of the Fig. 4 to 6, an additional fuel filter may be arranged in the regulated fuel supply line 42 between the fuel regulating device 40 and the secondary fuel pump 70.

[0107] In each of the Fig. 4 to 6, the fuel supply system may include a fuel filter (in Fig. 4 to 6 not shown) operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 to filter the fuel as it flows from the fuel tank 20 into the primary fuel pump 30. Furthermore, a check valve (in Fig. 4 to 6 not shown). The check valve arranged in this manner helps prevent fuel from flowing in the reverse direction through the primary fuel pump 30 and back into the fuel tank 20.

[0108] In each of the Fig. 4 to 6, the fuel supply system may further comprise a fuel characteristic sensor (in Fig. 4 to 6 not shown) to sense a property of the fuel and generate a signal representative of the sensed property for delivery to an associated control system and / or control device. In one embodiment, the fuel characteristic sensor may comprise a flexible fuel sensor that senses a percentage alcohol in the fuel and generates a signal representative of the sensed percentage alcohol in the fuel for delivery to an associated control system and / or control device. The sensor may sense a percentage methanol in the fuel, a percentage ethanol in the fuel, a percentage propanol in the fuel, a percentage butanol in the fuel, or any other property or combination of properties of additives in the fuel.The fuel characteristic sensor may be configured to determine, for example, whether the fuel is E93 or E98 fuel and provide a signal representative thereof to an engine control device to optimize operation of the work vehicle engine.

[0109] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a fuel supply system 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the system 10 includes an auxiliary cooling system 80 in communication with a cooling coil 82 disposed in a fuel tank 20. In one embodiment, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the associated work vehicle 100 (in Fig. 7 not shown) is used to also condition the fuel in tank 20 to regulate the temperature of the fuel within desired temperature limits, for example, to cool the fuel in tank 20 to a desired temperature. In the illustrated system, the coil may circulate a fluid such as a gas or liquid to absorb heat from the fuel in the tank into the fluid circulating between coil 82 and auxiliary cooling system 80. The circulating fluid may be, for example, a refrigerant. As another example, the circulating fluid may be glycol or another liquid that absorbs heat from the fuel.

[0110] As shown, the fuel supply system 10 includes a fuel tank 20, a primary fuel pump 30 disposed in the fuel tank 20, and a fuel regulating device 40. In the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, a separate fuel cooling device is not required because the auxiliary cooling system 80 can function as a heat sink. Fuel can be stored in the fuel tank 20, and the primary fuel pump 30 is disposed within the fuel tank 20. The fuel regulating device 40 is operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 via a primary fuel supply line 32. It should be noted that the fuel may be diesel fuel No. 2, ethanol fuel, or the like.

[0111] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may receive unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32. The fuel regulator 40 may further control a characteristic of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44. The fuel regulator 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via a regulated fuel supply line 44.

[0112] As shown, an additional fuel filter 69 may be disposed in the regulated fuel supply line 42 between the fuel regulating device 40 and the secondary fuel pump 70 of the spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120.

[0113] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel supply system may include a fuel filter (not shown) operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 to filter the fuel as it flows from the fuel tank 20 into the primary fuel pump 30. Furthermore, a check valve (in Fig. 7 not shown). The check valve arranged in this manner helps prevent fuel from flowing in the reverse direction through the primary fuel pump 30 and back into the fuel tank 20.

[0114] As shown, the fuel regulating device 40 is operatively connected to the fuel tank 20 via a fuel return line 57.

[0115] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 can supply the regulated fuel 44 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100, which is capable of bringing the regulated fuel 44 to a working pressure suitable for direct use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 of the work vehicle 100.

[0116] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulator 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump fuel pressure and control the pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a fuel pressure within an acceptable operating pressure range.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the pressure within the desired operating pressure range via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20.

[0117] In one embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 may control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 44 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h) and control the flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the flow rate of about 60 l / h to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via the regulated fuel supply line 42, and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20.

[0118] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 42 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump pressure and a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h), and control the pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within a desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within the desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20.

[0119] In the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the fuel supply system 10 further includes a fuel filter 60 disposed in the primary fuel supply line 32 between the primary fuel pump 30 and the fuel regulator 40. The fuel filter 60 can filter the unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32.

[0120] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel delivery system may further include a fuel characteristic sensor (not shown) for detecting a characteristic of the fuel and generating a signal representative of the detected characteristic for delivery to an associated control system and / or control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the fuel characteristic sensor may include a flexible fuel sensor that detects a percentage alcohol content in the fuel and generates a signal representative of the detected percentage alcohol content in the fuel for delivery to an associated control system and / or control device.The fuel characteristic sensor can detect a percentage of methanol in the fuel, a percentage of ethanol in the fuel, a percentage of propanol in the fuel, a percentage of butanol in the fuel, or any other characteristic or combination of characteristics of fuel additives. The fuel characteristic sensor can be configured to determine, for example, whether the fuel is E93 or E98 fuel and provide a signal representative of this to an engine control device to optimize operation of the work vehicle engine.

[0121] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a fuel delivery system 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the system 10 includes an auxiliary cooling control system 90 having a control unit 92 powered by a battery 94 and operatively connected to the fuel pump 30, a sensor 96, and a fuel shutoff valve 98. The auxiliary cooling control system 90 may further include a processor device (not shown) operatively connected to a non-volatile memory device (not shown) having control logic (not shown) stored therein, the processor device operable to execute the control logic to determine a temperature of the fuel stored in the tank 20 and, based on the determined temperature, selectively energize the fuel pump 30 to circulate fuel through the fuel cooling device 50.For example, the processor device may execute control logic to selectively energize the fuel pump 30 to circulate fuel through the fuel cooling device 50 when the determined temperature is above a predetermined temperature threshold. Note that the method illustrated in FIG. Fig. 8 can be used regardless of whether the spark-ignition internal combustion engine of the work vehicle is in operation. That is, the fuel supply system 10 according to the Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 8 can operate independently of any functions of the associated work vehicle.

[0122] As illustrated, the fuel supply system 10 includes a fuel tank 20, a primary fuel pump 30 disposed within the fuel tank 20, a fuel regulator 40, and a fuel cooler 50. Fuel can be stored within the fuel tank 20, and the primary fuel pump 30 is disposed within the fuel tank 20. The fuel regulator 40 is operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 via a primary fuel supply line 32. Note that the fuel may be diesel fuel No. 2, ethanol fuel, or the like.

[0123] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may receive unregulated feed fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32. The fuel regulator 40 may further control a characteristic of the unregulated feed fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44. The fuel regulator 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 to a secondary fuel pump (not shown) of the work vehicle via a regulated fuel supply line 42.

[0124] An additional fuel filter (not shown) may be disposed in the regulated fuel supply line 42 between the fuel regulator 40 and the secondary fuel pump 70.

[0125] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel delivery system may include a fuel filter (not shown) operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 to filter the fuel as it flows from the fuel tank 20 into the primary fuel pump 30. Additionally, a check valve (not shown) may be disposed in the primary fuel delivery line 32 between the primary fuel pump 30 and the fuel regulator 40. The check valve disposed in this manner helps prevent fuel from flowing in reverse through the primary fuel pump 30 and back into the fuel tank 20.

[0126] As shown, the fuel cooling device 50 is operatively connected to the fuel regulating device 40 via a bypass fuel line 46 and to the fuel tank 20 via a fuel return line 52.

[0127] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may receive bypass fuel 48 supplied to the fuel cooling device 50 from the fuel regulating device 40 via the bypass fuel line 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may further cool the bypass fuel 48 received by the fuel cooling device 50 to produce cooled bypass fuel 48 and supply the cooled bypass fuel 48 to the fuel tank 20 via the fuel return line 52.

[0128] It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 is the sole source of cooling fuel that is returned from the fuel supply system 10 and the work vehicle 100 to the fuel tank 20.

[0129] In one embodiment, the fuel cooling device 50 may include cooling tubes and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the cooling tubes. In this way, the fuel cooling device 50 may cool the fuel flowing therethrough by the outside air flowing over and / or through the cooling fins.

[0130] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 can supply the regulated fuel 44 via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to a secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100, which is capable of bringing the regulated fuel 44 to a working pressure suitable for direct use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 120 of the work vehicle 100.

[0131] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 42 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulator 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump fuel pressure and control the pressure of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a fuel pressure within an acceptable operating pressure range.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the pressure within the desired operating pressure range via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0132] In one embodiment, the fuel regulating device 40 may control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 42 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100. In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h) and control the flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at the flow rate of approximately 60 l / h to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 via the regulated fuel supply line 42, and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0133] In one embodiment, the fuel regulator 40 may control a pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulator 40 via the regulated fuel supply line 42 as regulated fuel 44 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100.In this context, the fuel regulating device 40 may receive the unregulated supply fuel 34 from the primary fuel pump 30 at a primary fuel pump pressure and a flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h), and control the pressure and flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel 34 received from the primary fuel pump 30 to output it from the fuel regulating device 40 as regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within a desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h.In this regard, the fuel regulating device 40 may further supply the regulated fuel 44 at a pressure within the desired operating pressure range and a flow rate of approximately 60 l / h via the regulated fuel supply line 42 to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 and supply any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device 40 that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump 70 of the work vehicle 100 to the fuel cooling device 50.

[0134] In the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the fuel supply system 10 further includes a fuel filter 60 disposed in the primary fuel supply line 32 between the primary fuel pump 30 and the fuel regulator 40. The fuel filter 60 can filter the unregulated supply fuel 34 supplied to the fuel regulator 40 from the primary fuel pump 30 via the primary fuel supply line 32.

[0135] In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel delivery system may further include a fuel characteristic sensor (not shown) for detecting a characteristic of the fuel and generating a signal representative of the detected characteristic for delivery to an associated control system and / or control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the fuel characteristic sensor may include a flexible fuel sensor that detects a percentage alcohol content in the fuel and generates a signal representative of the detected percentage alcohol content in the fuel for delivery to an associated control system and / or control device.The sensor can detect a percentage of methanol in the fuel, a percentage of ethanol in the fuel, a percentage of propanol in the fuel, a percentage of butanol in the fuel, or any other characteristic or combination of characteristics of fuel additives. The fuel characteristic sensor can be configured to determine, for example, whether the fuel is E93 or E98 fuel and provide a signal representative of this to an engine control device to optimize operation of the work vehicle engine.

[0136] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a fuel tank 20 of a fuel delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment, the fuel delivery system includes a fuel filter 31 operatively connected to the primary fuel pump 30 for filtering fuel as it flows from the fuel tank 20 into the primary fuel pump 30. A check valve 33 is also disposed in the primary fuel delivery line 32 between the primary fuel pump 30 and the fuel regulator 40. The check valve 33 helps prevent fuel from flowing in reverse through the primary fuel pump 30 and back into the fuel tank 20.

[0137] The fuel tank 20 in the exemplary embodiment has a generally annular configuration, with an opening or hollow region 23 defined generally centrally with respect to the overall dimensions of the fuel tank 20. This generally divides the tank into larger reservoir regions A and B, which are in fluid communication via a connecting channel 25. The fuel tank 20 may be a saddle tank spanning a transmission of the associated work vehicle, with the first reservoir A located on one side of the transmission of the associated work vehicle and the second reservoir B on the other or opposite side of the transmission of the associated work vehicle. The transmission may be generally disposed within the opening or hollow region 23.

[0138] In the example shown, the fuel return line 52 defines a fuel return port 53. It should be noted that the fuel return port 53 and the primary fuel pump 30 are arranged on opposite sides of the fuel tank 20. In particular, the primary fuel pump 30 is located in the first reservoir area A and the fuel return port 53 is located in the second reservoir area B. It should be noted that the supply and return of the fuel from and to opposite sides of the fuel tank, as in Fig. 9, results in both advantageously improved mixing of the fuel in the fuel tank 20 and improved cooling of the fuel in the fuel tank 20. The fuel is circulated or "recirculated" in the tank generally clockwise as viewed in the figure, since the primary fuel pump 30 is located in the first reservoir area A and the fuel return port 53 is located in the second reservoir area B. This results in a minimization of temperature gradients within the tank. The illustrated embodiment helps prevent a "hot" side of the tank and a "cold" side of the tank.Due to the configuration of the illustrated embodiment, the fuel in the fuel tank 20 is essentially “stirred” whenever the fuel pump 30 is activated, as the fuel is returned via the fuel return line 52 downstream of the regulator 40 and fed back into the tank via the fuel return port 53.

[0139] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for conditioning fuel stored in a fuel tank of a work vehicle. The method 200 includes receiving 210 unregulated supply fuel by a fuel regulator via a primary fuel supply line, wherein the unregulated supply fuel is supplied to the fuel regulator from a primary fuel pump disposed within the fuel tank of the work vehicle and operatively connected to the fuel regulator via the primary fuel supply line. Note that the fuel may be diesel No. 2 fuel, ethanol fuel, or the like.

[0140] The method 200 further includes controlling 220 a characteristic of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump by the fuel regulating device to output it from the fuel regulating device as regulated fuel.

[0141] The method 200 further includes supplying 230 the regulated fuel by the fuel regulating device via a regulated fuel supply line to a secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle.

[0142] The method 200 further includes receiving 240 bypass fuel by a fuel cooling device via a bypass fuel line, wherein the bypass fuel is supplied from the fuel regulating device to the fuel cooling device via the bypass fuel line.

[0143] The method 200 further includes cooling 250 the bypass fuel received by the fuel cooling device by the fuel cooling device.

[0144] The method 200 further includes supplying 260 the cooled bypass fuel to the fuel tank via a fuel return line operatively connecting the fuel tank to the fuel cooling device.

[0145] In one embodiment, the cooling of the bypass fuel received by the fuel cooling device by the fuel cooling device provides the sole cooling source for any fuel returned to the fuel tank from the fuel delivery system and the work vehicle.

[0146] In one embodiment, cooling the bypass fuel comprises cooling the bypass fuel using a fuel cooling device that includes cooling tubes and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the cooling tubes.

[0147] In one embodiment, supplying the regulated fuel comprises supplying the regulated fuel through a fuel regulating device that can supply the regulated fuel via the regulated fuel supply line to a secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle that is capable of bringing the regulated fuel to a working pressure suitable for use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine of the work vehicle.

[0148] In one embodiment, method 200 further includes controlling a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel by the fuel regulating device to control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump to output it from the fuel regulating device as regulated fuel.

[0149] In one embodiment, method 200 further includes operating the fuel regulating device to receive the unregulated supply fuel from the primary fuel pump at a primary fuel pump fuel pressure, controlling the pressure of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump to output it from the fuel regulating device as regulated fuel at a fuel pressure within an acceptable operating pressure range, supplying the regulated fuel at the pressure within the desired operating pressure range to the work vehicle secondary fuel pump via the regulated fuel supply line 42, and supplying any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device not supplied to the work vehicle secondary fuel pump to the fuel cooling device.

[0150] In one embodiment, the method further comprises controlling a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel through the fuel regulating device to control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump to output it from the fuel regulating device as regulated fuel.

[0151] In one embodiment, the method further comprises operating the fuel regulating device to receive the unregulated supply fuel from the primary fuel pump at a nominal flow rate of approximately 160 liters per hour (l / h), controlling the flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel received from the primary fuel pump to dispense it from the fuel regulating device as regulated fuel at a desired nominal flow rate of approximately 60 l / h, supplying the regulated fuel at the flow rate of approximately 60 l / h to the secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle via the regulated fuel supply line 42, and supplying any remaining portions of the fuel received by the fuel regulating device that are not supplied to the secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle to the fuel cooling device.

[0152] In one embodiment, the method further comprises using a fuel filter to filter the unregulated supply fuel supplied to the fuel regulating device from the primary fuel pump via the primary fuel supply line.

[0153] In one embodiment, receiving the unregulated supply fuel by the fuel regulating device comprises receiving the unregulated supply fuel by a fuel regulating device disposed in the fuel tank.

[0154] It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The foregoing descriptions of embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore intended that the scope of the claims not be limited by this detailed description.

Claims

[1] Fuel supply system (10) for a work vehicle (100), comprising a fuel tank (20) in which fuel can be stored, and a primary fuel pump arranged in the fuel tank (20), characterized by that the fuel supply system further comprises: a secondary fuel pump, a fuel regulating device (40) operatively connected to the primary fuel pump through a primary fuel supply line (46), the fuel regulating device (40) being configured such that: to receive unregulated supply fuel (34) supplied to the fuel regulating device (40) from the primary fuel pump via the primary fuel supply line (46), controlling a characteristic of the unregulated supply fuel (34) received from the primary fuel pump to output it from the fuel regulating device (40) as regulated fuel, and supplying the regulated fuel to the secondary fuel pump via a regulated fuel supply line (46), and a fuel cooling device (50) which is operatively connected to the fuel regulating device (40) via a bypass fuel line (46) and to the fuel tank (20) via a fuel return line (46), the fuel cooling device (50) being designed in such a way: to receive bypass fuel supplied from the fuel regulating device (40) via the bypass fuel line (46) to the fuel cooling device, to cool the bypass fuel received by the fuel cooling device to produce cooled bypass fuel, and to supply the cooled bypass fuel to the fuel tank (20) via the fuel return line (46). [2] Fuel supply system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the fuel cooling device provides the sole source of cooling (250) for any fuel returned from the fuel supply system (10) to the fuel tank (20). [3] Fuel supply system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cooling device comprises: Cooling pipes, and a plurality of cooling fins (250) connected to the cooling tubes. [4] Fuel supply system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the fuel regulating device (40) is designed to supply the regulated fuel to the secondary fuel pump via the regulated fuel supply line (46), and the secondary fuel pump is designed to bring the regulated fuel to a working pressure suitable for direct use by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine (120) of a work vehicle (100). [5] Fuel supply system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the fuel regulating device (40) is configured to control a pressure of the unregulated supply fuel (34) received from the primary fuel pump in order to output it from the fuel regulating device (40) via the regulated fuel supply line (46) as regulated fuel to the secondary fuel pump. [6] Fuel supply system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the fuel regulating device (40) is configured to control a flow rate of the unregulated supply fuel (34) received from the primary fuel pump in order to output it from the fuel regulating device (40) via the regulated fuel supply line (46) as regulated fuel to the secondary fuel pump. [7] Work vehicle (100), comprising: a chassis (110), a spark-ignition internal combustion engine (120) operatively connected to the chassis (110), one or more ground-contacting elements (130) configured to drive the work vehicle (100), a transmission system (140) connecting the spark-ignition internal combustion engine (120) to the one or more ground-contacting elements (130), and a fuel supply system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [8] Work vehicle (100) according to claim 7, wherein: the fuel tank (20) of the work vehicle (100) is arranged directly next to the transmission system (140) of the work vehicle (100). [9] Work vehicle (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: the fuel tank (20) of the work vehicle (100) is arranged immediately next to and above the transmission system (140) of the work vehicle (100), wherein the fuel cooling device of the fuel supply system (10) of the work vehicle (100) represents the only source of cooling (250) for any fuel that is returned from the fuel supply system (10) and the work vehicle (100) to the fuel tank (20) in order to cool (250) the fuel in the fuel tank (20) against temperature increases of the fuel tank (20) caused by the immediate proximity between the fuel tank (20) and the transmission system (140) of the work vehicle (100). [10] A method (200) for conditioning fuel stored in a fuel tank (20) of a work vehicle (100), the method (200) comprising a work vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 9, and the method further comprising: - receiving (210, 240) unregulated supply fuel (34) by the fuel regulating device (40) via the primary fuel supply line (46), wherein the unregulated supply fuel (34) is supplied to the fuel regulating device (40) by the primary fuel pump arranged in the fuel tank (20) of the work vehicle (100) and operatively connected to the fuel regulating device (40) via the primary fuel supply line (46), - controlling (220) a property of the unregulated supply fuel (34) received from the primary fuel pump by the fuel regulating device (40) to output it from the fuel regulating device (40) as regulated fuel, - supplying (230, 260) the regulated fuel by the fuel regulating device (40) via the regulated fuel supply line (46) to the secondary fuel pump of the work vehicle (100), - receiving (210, 240) bypass fuel through the fuel cooling device via a bypass fuel line (46), wherein the bypass fuel is supplied from the fuel regulating device (40) via the bypass fuel line (46) to the fuel cooling device, - cooling (250) the bypass fuel received by the fuel cooling device by the fuel cooling device, and - supplying (230, 260) the cooled bypass fuel to the fuel tank (20) via the fuel return line (46) which operatively connects the fuel tank (20) to the fuel cooling device.

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