Universally applicable motor unit

Abstract

A universally applicable engine unit (1) configured by arranging a fuel tank (2) and an air filter box (10) in a horizontal direction above an engine (E), wherein the universally applicable engine unit (1) comprises: a collection container (50) arranged near the air filter box (10) and designed to store the vaporized fuel produced in the fuel tank (2); and a fuel pipe (6) designed to direct the evaporated fuel from the fuel tank (2) to the collection container (50), wherein the collection container (50) is provided in a position above the engine (E) and between the fuel tank (2) and the air filter box (10).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Area of ​​the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a universally applicable engine unit, in particular a universally applicable engine unit with a collection container for the temporary storage of evaporated fuel produced in a fuel tank. State of the art

[0002] Traditionally, a universally applicable engine unit is known, in which an engine, a fuel tank and an air filter box are integrated and which is used as an energy source for a working machine or similar.

[0003] Japanese unexamined patent application No. 2008-208789 discloses a universally applicable engine unit with a container for the temporary storage of condensed, vaporized fuel in order to direct the vaporized fuel produced in a fuel tank to an engine via an air filter box.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Application, Publication No. 2008-208789 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A canister filled with an adsorbent that absorbs evaporated fuel has the advantage that no fuel leaks out, even when the universally applicable engine unit is at a steep angle, but it suffers from high costs. If, on the other hand, a collection container is used instead of a canister—a typical container to prevent fuel spillage—to reduce costs, various design considerations are necessary to ensure proper functioning.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a universally applicable motor unit which solves the above-described problem of the prior art and enables the proper functioning of a collection container for the intermediate storage of fuel.

[0007] To achieve this objective, a first aspect of the present invention is a universally applicable engine unit (1) formed by arranging a fuel tank (2) and an air filter housing (10) horizontally above an engine (E). The universally applicable engine unit (1) comprises a collection container (50) located near the air filter housing (10), configured to store vaporized fuel generated in the fuel tank (2), and a fuel line (6) configured to convey the vaporized fuel from the fuel tank (2) to the collection container (50). The collection container (50) is positioned above the engine (E) and between the fuel tank (2) and the air filter housing (10).

[0008] A second aspect is that an air inlet (18) is provided on a lower part of the air filter box (10). The collection container (50) is arranged along an edge (18b) of the air inlet (18).

[0009] A third aspect is that the collection container (50) is provided with a connection (54) to which an end section of the fuel pipe (6) is connected. Near the connection (54) is a rib (52) extending in a direction perpendicular to an intake direction line (18a) of the air inlet (18). The intake direction line (18a) is located within the width of the rib (52) when viewed from a connection direction of the fuel pipe (6).

[0010] A fourth aspect is that at least part of the air inlet (18) is located within the width of the rib (52) when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the intake direction line (18a). The rib (52) and the air inlet (18) overlap each other along the intake direction line (18a).

[0011] A fifth aspect is that the collection container (50) is designed such that a wall section (55) arranged along the edge (18b) is thicker than another wall section.

[0012] A sixth aspect is that the collection container (50) is attached directly to a bottom wall (17) of the air filter box (10).

[0013] A seventh aspect is that the collection container (50) is designed in such a way that a negative pressure prevails inside it during the operation of the motor (E).

[0014] According to the first aspect, the length of the fuel line can be reduced and the fuel line positioned above the engine. In this way, the fuel line is heated by the engine's heat, preventing the vaporized fuel inside the fuel line from cooling down and liquefying.

[0015] According to the second aspect, by arranging the collection container along the edge of the air intake of the air filter box, the collection container itself can be used as a guide for efficient air supply to the air intake.

[0016] According to the third aspect, the connection can be protected by the rib, while the air hitting the rib can be directed to the air inlet to improve the efficiency of the air inlet.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to improve the effect of the air supply to the air intake through the rib.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect, the air directed to the air inlet can prevent the evaporated fuel in the collection tank from cooling down. Furthermore, by thickening only the portion exposed to the air flowing to the air inlet, the strength of the connection can be increased and a weight increase of the collection tank prevented.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to improve the effect of the air supply to the air inlet through the collection container.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect, it can be prevented that the evaporated fuel drained from the collection container flows outwards, whereby the evaporated fuel in the collection container can be effectively directed into the air filter box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a top view of a universally applicable motor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a rear view of the universally applicable motor unit; Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the universally applicable motor unit; Fig. Figure 4 is a left side view of the universally applicable motor unit; Fig. Figure 5 is a top view showing the condition after a cover element of an air filter box has been removed from the universally applicable engine unit of Fig. 1 was removed; Fig. Image 6 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the shape of a rib; Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along line IX-IX of Fig. 7; Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the internal state of a collection container after the universal motor unit has been tipped over, with a recoil starter pointing downwards; Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the internal state of the collection container after the universally applicable motor unit has been tipped over, with one cylinder head pointing downwards; Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the internal state of the collection container after the universal motor unit has been tipped over, with one output shaft pointing downwards; and Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the internal state of the collection container after the universal motor unit has been tipped over, with a control unit facing downwards. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a top view of a universally applicable motor unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a rear view of the universally applicable motor unit 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the universally applicable motor unit 1, and Fig. Figure 4 is a left side view of the universally applicable motor unit 1.

[0022] The universally applicable engine unit 1, used as a power source for a working machine or the like, has a configuration in which a fuel tank 2, an air filter box 10, and a muffler 20 are integrally arranged above an engine E, which is a four-stroke, single-cylinder internal combustion engine. A recoil starter 40 is arranged in front of a crankcase 41 of the engine E for starting it. The recoil starter 40 includes a pulley (not shown) around which a cord element connected to a handle 42 is wound. When a user pulls the handle 42 upwards, a crankshaft (not shown) connected to the pulley rotates.

[0023] On the right side of the crankcase 41 is a control unit 30 with operating switches 31 and 32. A cylinder 43 is attached to the left side of the crankcase 41, in which a piston of the engine E is mounted so that it can move back and forth. A cylinder head 44, which houses an intake and exhaust mechanism, is attached to the upper part of the cylinder 43. An exhaust pipe 21, connected to the lower part of the muffler 20, is connected to the rear part of the cylinder head 44. An intake pipe 12, connected to the lower part of the air filter box 10, is connected to the front part of the cylinder head 44. A drive shaft 45, rotating synchronously with the crankshaft, protrudes from the rear of the crankcase 41.

[0024] Below a fuel filler cap 3 of the fuel tank 2, a guide 4 is arranged for directing fuel to a fuel pump. A filling hose 5 is connected to the guide 4 for directing the vaporized fuel produced in the fuel tank 2 below the fuel tank 2. The distal end of the filling hose 5 is connected to a filling pipe 6, which serves as the fuel pipe. A collection container 50, for storing condensed, vaporized fuel, is connected to the distal end of the filling pipe 6. The collection container 50 is attached to the bottom of the air filter housing 10, and a drain hose 51 is connected to the lower part of the collection container 50.

[0025] Fig. Figure 5 is a view showing a state after a cover element 14 of the air filter box 10 has been removed from the universally applicable engine unit 1. Fig. 1 has been removed. Fig. Image 6 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 1. The same reference numerals as those described above denote the same or equivalent parts. An air insert 13 of the air filter box 10 is arranged above a bottom wall 17. The bottom wall 17 is provided with an air inlet 18 in which an intake direction line 18a runs vertically. A cylindrical intake guide 19 extending upwards is connected to the edge of the air inlet 18.

[0026] The vaporized fuel produced in the fuel tank 2 is conveyed via the filling hose 5 and the filling pipe 6 to the collection container 50. In the universally applicable engine unit 1 according to the present embodiment, since the collection container 50, which stores the fuel F produced by condensation of the vaporized fuel, is located above the engine E and between the fuel tank 2 and the air filter box 10, the length of the filling pipe 6 can be reduced, allowing the filling pipe 6 to be positioned above the engine E. Therefore, the filling pipe 6 is heated by the heat of the engine E, and the vaporized fuel inside the filling pipe 6 is prevented from cooling and liquefying.

[0027] Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the shape of a rib 52. The same reference numerals as described above denote the same or equivalent parts. The collection container 50 has a shape in which the front-to-back dimension is larger than the left-to-right dimension. A cylindrical connection 54 for connecting an end section of the filling tube 6 is provided on the right side of the collection container 50. The connection 54 is located closer to the bottom than to the center of the vertical dimension of the collection container 50.

[0028] A curved, plate-shaped rib 52 is provided upstream of the connection 54, extending in a direction perpendicular to the intake direction line 18a of the air inlet 18. In the present embodiment, at least a portion of the rib 52 is designed to overlap the air inlet 18 when viewed from the direction of the intake direction line 18a. As a result, the connection 54 can be protected by the rib 52, with the air impacting the rib 52 being directed to the air inlet 18, thus improving the efficiency of the air inlet.At least part of the air inlet 18 is located within the width of the rib 52 when viewed perpendicular to the intake direction line 18a, wherein the rib 52 and the air inlet 18 are designed to overlap along the intake direction line 18a, and wherein the intake direction line 18a is located within the width of the rib 52 when viewed from the connection direction of the fuel pipe 6. Accordingly, the effect of the air supply to the air inlet 18 is further improved by the rib 52.

[0029] Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along line IX-IX of Fig. 7. The same reference numerals as those described above denote the same or equivalent parts. At the lower end of the collection container 50 is a drain pipe 53 to which a drain hose 51 is connected. The bottom wall 17 of the air filter housing 10, to which the collection container 50 is attached, is provided with a cylindrical outlet element 15 having an outlet opening 16 to direct the evaporated fuel temporarily stored in the collection container 50 into the air filter housing 10.

[0030] In the universally applicable engine unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the collection container 50 is designed such that it has a negative pressure inside during operation of the engine E, since the air filter box 10 is connected to the collection container 50. It can, for example, be designed such that at an engine speed of 3600 rpm the pressure is -77.2 Pa, and at an engine speed of 1400 rpm the pressure is -0.1 Pa. In this way, the vaporized fuel in the collection container 50 can be effectively directed into the air filter box 10.

[0031] The air inlet 18 of the air filter box 10 is located on the right side of the bottom wall 17. The collection container 50 is attached directly to the lower part of the bottom wall 17 along an edge 18b of the air inlet 18. Thus, the collection container 50 itself can be used as a guide to efficiently direct the air to the air inlet 18. The collection container 50 is designed such that a wall section 55 located along the edge 18b of the air inlet 18 is thicker than other wall sections. This prevents the air supplied to the air inlet 18 from cooling the vaporized fuel stored in the collection container 50. Furthermore, by thickening only the wall section 55 where the air supplied to the air inlet 18 impinges upon contact, it is possible to increase the strength of the connection 54 and simultaneously prevent an increase in the weight of the collection container 50.

[0032] Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the internal state of the collection container 50 after the universally applicable motor unit 1 has been tipped over, with the recoil starter 40 pointing downwards. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the internal state of the collection container 50 after the universally applicable motor unit 1 has been tipped over, with the cylinder head 44 pointing downwards. Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the internal state of the collection container 50 after the universally applicable motor unit 1 has been tipped over, with the output shaft 45 pointing downwards, and Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the internal state of the collection container 50 after the universally applicable motor unit 1 has been tipped over, with the control unit 30 pointing downwards. The same reference numerals as described above denote the same or equivalent parts.

[0033] In the universally applicable engine unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the arrangement positions of the outlet element 15, the connection 54 to which the filling pipe 6 is connected, and the drain pipe 53 to which the drain hose 51 is connected, in addition to the shape and capacity of the collection container 50, are determined such that the outflow of the stored fuel F from the collection container 50 is prevented, regardless of the direction in which the unit 1 is tipped over. This makes it possible to ensure the functionality of the collection container 50 and to reduce costs, even if the collection container 50 is used as a typical container instead of a canister.

[0034] The appearance of the universally applicable engine unit, the shape of the engine, the shape and design of the fuel tank and air filter box, the length and type of routing of the filler pipe and filler hose, the shape and design of the collection container, the shape and design of the rib, etc., are not limited to the embodiment described above, so that various modifications can be made. EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0035] 1...universally applicable engine unit, 2...fuel tank, 6...filler pipe (fuel pipe), 10...air filter box, 17...bottom wall of the air filter box, 18...air intake, 18a...intake direction line of the air intake, 18b...edge of the air intake, 50...collection container, 52...rib, 54...connection, 55...wall section, E...engine, F...fuel QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2008-208789 [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] A universally applicable engine unit (1) configured by arranging a fuel tank (2) and an air filter box (10) in a horizontal direction above an engine (E), wherein the universally applicable engine unit (1) comprises: a collection container (50) arranged near the air filter box (10) and designed to store the vaporized fuel produced in the fuel tank (2); and a fuel pipe (6) designed to direct the evaporated fuel from the fuel tank (2) to the collection container (50), wherein the collection container (50) is provided in a position above the engine (E) and between the fuel tank (2) and the air filter box (10). [2] The universally applicable motor unit according to claim 1, wherein an air inlet (18) is provided on a lower part of the air filter box (10), and wherein the collection container (50) is arranged along an edge (18b) of the air inlet (18). [3] The universally applicable motor unit according to claim 2, wherein the collection container (50) is provided with a connection (54) to which an end section of the fuel pipe (6) is connected, wherein a rib (52) extending in a direction perpendicular to an intake direction line (18a) of the air inlet (18) is provided near the connection (54), and wherein the intake direction line (18a), viewed in the connection direction of the fuel pipe (6), is arranged within a width of the rib (52). [4] The universally applicable motor unit according to claim 3, wherein at least a part of the air inlet (18), viewed in a direction perpendicular to the intake direction line (18a), is arranged within the width of the rib (52), and the rib (52) and the air inlet (18) overlap each other along the intake direction line (18a). [5] The universally applicable motor unit according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein the collection container (50) is designed such that a wall section (55) arranged along the edge (18b) is thicker than another wall section. [6] The universally applicable motor unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection container (50) is attached directly to a bottom wall (17) of the air filter box (10). [7] The universally applicable motor unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection container (50) is designed such that a negative pressure prevails inside it during the operation of the motor (E).

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