Fuel hose for supplying fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel hose (100) for supplying fuel from a fuel tank (102) to a fuel injector (104). The fuel hose (100) comprises a first compartment (106), a second compartment (108), and a third compartment (110). The first compartment (106) is operatively connected to a fuel pump (112) disposed inside the fuel tank (102). The second compartment (108) is operatively connected to the fuel injector (104). The third compartment (110) is disposed between the first compartment (106) and the second compartment (108). The third compartment (110) functions as a fuel reservoir. The present invention further includes a one-way valve (114) disposed in the third compartment (110) that stops the flow of fuel into the third compartment (110) when the level of fuel in the fuel tank (102) is below a predetermined level.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel hose for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel injector in a vehicle, and more particularly to a fuel hose structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Fuel tanks are used to hold a supply of fuel for vehicles having internal combustion engines. With the increasing trend to manufacture smaller and more efficient vehicles, fuel tanks are often limited in volume and size. These dimensions limit the space available for locating a fuel pump within the fuel tank to supply pressurized fuel to the fuel injectors. In the prior art, steps have been taken to locate the fuel pump in a location that significantly reduces the dead volume of the fuel tank. However, consumers face a problem when the level of fuel within the fuel tank is less than, equal to, or slightly greater than the dead volume of the fuel tank.

[0003] When the level of fuel in the fuel tank is less than the dead volume of the fuel tank, the air in the fuel tank is sucked in by the fuel pump along with the fuel, resulting in a pressure loss in the fuel hose connecting the fuel pump to the fuel injectors. Due to this pressure loss in the fuel hose, the fuel does not reach the fuel injectors, causing the engine to stall, stagnate, misfire, or burn lean.

[0004] When the level of fuel in the fuel tank is equal to or slightly greater than the dead volume of the fuel tank, if the fuel pump gets enough time to rotate and generate pressure in the fuel hose, the fuel can reach the fuel injector at the desired pressure. By generating pressure in the fuel hose, the capillary action in one or more filters of the fuel pump is enhanced and the fuel is supplied to the injector at the required pressure. In other words, the fuel pump is arranged to accelerate the capillary action in the fuel filter, thus supplying the fuel at the required pressure. However, if the fuel pump does not get enough time to rotate, not enough pressure is generated in the fuel hose and the capillary action in the fuel filter is not sufficient to supply the fuel at the required pressure. For example, in a vehicle with an idle start-stop (ISS) mode, when the vehicle is in the ISS off mode and the level of fuel in the fuel tank is equal to or slightly greater than the dead volume of the fuel tank, the driver activates the start motor using the electric start switch and in parallel triggers the fuel pump to generate pressure in the fuel hose. When the fuel pump gets enough time to rotate and create pressure in the fuel hose, the capillary action in the fuel pump's filter or filters is enhanced and fuel is delivered to the fuel injectors at the required pressure. In other words, the fuel pump is arranged to accelerate the capillary action in the fuel filters and thus deliver fuel to the fuel injectors at the required pressure. However, when the vehicle is in ISS on mode and the level of fuel in the fuel tank is equal to or slightly greater than the dead volume of the fuel tank, the fuel pump does not get enough time to rotate and create pressure in the fuel hose. Thus, fuel is not delivered to the fuel injectors at the required pressure, causing the engine to stall, stagnate, misfire or burn lean. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above, there appears to be a need to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of existing technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a fuel hose for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel hose comprises at least a first compartment, a second compartment, and a third compartment. The first compartment is operably connected to a fuel pump disposed in the fuel tank. The second compartment is operably connected to the fuel injector. The third compartment is provided between the first compartment and the second compartment. The third compartment has a diameter larger than a diameter of the first compartment and a diameter of the second compartment. Thus, the third compartment functions as a reservoir and stores a portion of the fuel to be supplied from the fuel pump to the fuel injector. For purposes of the present invention, the fuel stored in the third compartment may be referred to as reserve fuel. The fuel hose further comprises a one-way valve. The one-way valve is provided in the third compartment.

[0007] The one-way valve stops the flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the third compartment when the level of fuel in the fuel tank is below a predetermined level. In this condition, the reserve fuel in the third compartment is supplied to the fuel injectors for proper functioning of the internal combustion engine.

[0008] The one-way valve allows fuel to flow into the third compartment when the level of fuel in the fuel tank is greater than a predetermined level, in which condition fuel from the fuel tank is provided to the fuel injector.

[0009] In one non-limiting example, the predetermined level is equal to the dead volume of the fuel tank. In another non-limiting example, the predetermined level is slightly greater than the dead volume of the fuel tank.

[0010] In one embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are the same.

[0011] In one embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are different.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment, and the third compartment are integrally formed.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment, and the third compartment are formed to be removable.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle having a fuel hose is disclosed. The vehicle includes a fuel tank, a fuel injector, and a fuel hose for supplying fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injector. The fuel tank includes a fuel pump disposed within the fuel tank. The fuel hose includes at least a first compartment, a second compartment, and a third compartment. The first compartment is operably connected to the fuel pump disposed within the fuel tank. The second compartment is operably connected to the fuel injector. The third compartment is provided between the first compartment and the second compartment. The third compartment has a diameter larger than a diameter of the first compartment and a diameter of the second compartment. Thus, the third compartment functions as a reservoir and stores a portion of the fuel supplied from the fuel pump to the fuel injector. The fuel stored in the third compartment can be referred to as reserve fuel. The fuel hose further includes a one-way valve. A one-way valve is provided in the third compartment.

[0015] The one-way valve stops the entry of fuel into the third compartment when the level of fuel in the fuel tank is below a predetermined level. In this condition, the reserve fuel in the third compartment is supplied to the fuel injectors for proper functioning of the internal combustion engine.

[0016] The one-way valve allows fuel to flow into the third compartment when the level of fuel in the fuel tank is greater than a predetermined level, in which condition fuel from the fuel tank is provided to the fuel injector.

[0017] In one non-limiting example, the predetermined level is equal to the dead volume of the fuel tank. In another non-limiting example, the predetermined level is slightly greater than the dead volume of the fuel tank.

[0018] In one embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are the same.

[0019] In one embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are different.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment, and the third compartment are integrally formed.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment, and the third compartment are formed to be removable.

[0022] Reference may be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be illustrative, not limiting, and while the invention will generally be described in the context of these embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fuel tank and a fuel hose operably connected to the fuel tank, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2A shows a perspective view of a fuel hose according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of a fuel hose according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a one-way valve in a fuel hose according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates the direction of fuel flow in a fuel hose according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing a front portion of a two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Various features and embodiments of the invention herein will become apparent from the following further description thereof set forth below.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel tank 102 and a fuel hose 100 operably connected to the fuel tank 102, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a fuel pump 112 is disposed on an interior sidewall of the fuel tank 102. However, this location of the fuel pump 112 in the fuel tank 102 should not be construed as limiting, and other locations of the fuel pump 112 in the fuel tank 102 are possible. The fuel pump 112 serves to supply pressurized fuel to a fuel injector 104 (shown in FIG. 5) through a fuel hose 100. The fuel hose 100 is operably connected to the fuel pump 112 and the fuel injector 104. When the vehicle's ignition switch is started or turned on, a motor (not shown) in the fuel pump 112 starts to rotate and runs for a few seconds to generate pressure in the fuel hose 100. Due to the pressure generated in the fuel hose 100, fuel in the fuel tank 102 is sucked / pumped by the fuel pump 112 and supplied to the fuel injector 104 through the fuel hose 100.

[0026] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a fuel hose 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B is an exploded view of the fuel hose 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As shown, the fuel hose 100 includes a first compartment 106, a second compartment 108, and a third compartment 110. However, the number of compartments in the fuel hose 100 should not be construed as a limitation, and the fuel hose 100 may have four or more compartments. The first compartment 106 is operably connected to a fuel pump 112 disposed within the fuel tank 102. The second compartment is operably connected to a fuel injector 104 that serves to inject fuel into the internal combustion engine. The third compartment 110 is disposed between the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108. The diameter of the third compartment 110 is greater than the diameter of the first compartment 106 and the diameter of the second compartment 108. Because the diameter of the third compartment 110 is larger than the diameter of the first compartment 106 and the diameter of the second compartment 108, the volume of the third compartment 110 is larger than the volume of the first compartment 106 and the volume of the second compartment 108. Due to the diameter / volume difference between the third compartment 110 and the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108, when fuel is delivered from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel injector 104, a small amount of fuel is stored in the third compartment 110, which may be referred to as reserve fuel for purposes of the present invention.

[0028] In one embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are the same.

[0029] In one embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are different.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment, and the third compartment are integrally formed.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment, and the third compartment are formed to be removable.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a one-way valve 114 provided in the fuel hose 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the one-way valve 114 is provided in the third compartment 110 of the fuel hose 100. The structure and operation of the one-way valve 114 are already known in the prior art and need not be described in detail. The one-way valve illustrated in the figure includes a stopper 114a, a spring 114b, and a casing 114c. The one-way valve 114 allows the flow of fuel into the third compartment 110 only when the level of fuel in the fuel tank 102 is greater than a predetermined level. When the level of fuel in the fuel tank 102 is equal to or lower than the predetermined level, the one-way valve 114 stops the flow of fuel into the third compartment 110. In other words, the flow of fuel from the fuel tank 102 to the third compartment 110 is stopped. When the one-way valve 114 stops the flow of fuel into the third compartment 110, the fuel tank 102 is isolated from the fuel injectors 104. In such a state, the reserve fuel in the third compartment 110 supplies fuel to the fuel injectors 104 for proper functioning of the internal combustion engine. When the level of fuel in the fuel tank 102 is greater than a predetermined level, the one-way valve 114 allows the flow of fuel into the third compartment 110. In other words, fuel flows from the fuel tank 102 to the third compartment 110 and then to the fuel injectors.

[0033] In one non-limiting example, the predetermined level is equal to the dead volume of the fuel tank 102. In another non-limiting example, the predetermined level is slightly greater than the dead volume of the fuel tank 102.

[0034] It should be understood that the one-way valve 114 will only open when the pressure of the fuel in the fuel hose 100 is equal to a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure is the pressure of fuel required for the internal combustion engine to operate properly.

[0035] When the fuel level in the fuel tank 102 is less than the dead volume of the fuel tank 102 and the fuel pump 112 operates, the air present in the fuel tank will be sucked / pumped along with the fuel, which leads to a pressure loss in the fuel hose 100. In other words, the fuel pressure of the fuel pumped into the fuel hose will be lower than the required pressure. In such a scenario, the one-way valve 114 in the third compartment 110 will close and stop the pumped fuel from flowing into the third compartment 110. When the one-way valve 114 is closed, the fuel tank 102 is isolated from the third compartment 110 and the reserve fuel in the third compartment 110 is supplied to the fuel injectors 104 for the proper functioning of the internal combustion engine.

[0036] When the level of fuel in the fuel tank 102 is equal to or slightly greater than the dead volume of the fuel tank 102 and the motor in the fuel pump 112 has had enough time to rotate, sufficient pressure is generated in the fuel hose 100, which enhances the capillary action of one or more filters (not shown) in the fuel pump 112, so that fuel with the required pressure is pumped into the fuel hose 100. When the pressure of the fuel in the fuel hose 100 is equal to the required pressure, the one-way valve 114 opens and allows the flow of fuel into the third compartment 110, so that fuel from the fuel tank 102 is supplied to the fuel injector 104. In other words, the reserve fuel in the third compartment 110 is not supplied to the fuel injector 104.

[0037] For example, in a vehicle having an idle start-stop (ISS) mode, when the vehicle is in the ISS off mode and the level of fuel in the fuel tank 102 is equal to or slightly greater than the dead volume of the fuel tank 102, the driver activates the starter motor using the electric start switch and in parallel triggers the fuel pump 112 to generate pressure in the fuel hose 100. When the fuel pump 112 has had enough time to rotate, the capillary action in one or more filters of the fuel pump 112 is enhanced, thus bringing the fuel pumped into the fuel hose 100 to the required pressure. As a result, the one-way valve 114 opens, allowing the fuel to flow into the third compartment 110 and thereafter to the fuel injector 104. In such a scenario, no problem is faced during the start of the vehicle.

[0038] When the level of fuel in the fuel tank 102 is equal to or slightly greater than the dead volume of the fuel tank 102 and the motor in the fuel pump 112 does not get enough time to rotate, sufficient pressure is not generated in the fuel hose 100. As a result, the capillary action in the one or more filters of the fuel pump 112 is not sufficient to pump the fuel in the fuel hose 100 with the required pressure. As a result, the one-way valve 114 closes, thereby isolating the fuel tank 102 from the third compartment 110. In such a scenario, the reserve fuel in the third compartment 110 is supplied to the fuel injector 104 until the motor in the fuel pump 112 starts to rotate at the desired speed. As soon as the motor of the fuel pump 112 starts to rotate at the desired speed, i.e., when the vehicle starts to move, sufficient pressure is generated in the fuel hose 100, which accelerates the capillary action in the one or more filters of the fuel pump, and the fuel with the required pressure is pumped into the fuel hose 100. As a result, the one-way valve 114 in the third compartment 110 opens, allowing fuel to be supplied from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel injector 104 .

[0039] For example, when the vehicle is in ISS On mode, the motor of the fuel pump 112 does not get enough time to rotate when the vehicle is started. As a result, the capillary action in one or more filters of the fuel pump 112 is not completed and fuel with the required pressure is not pumped into the fuel hose 100. As a result, the one-way valve 114 closes and the reserve fuel in the third compartment 110 is supplied to the fuel injector 104. Even if the fuel pump 112 does not get enough time to rotate, no problem is faced during starting the vehicle in ISS On mode, since fuel with the required pressure is supplied to the fuel injector 104. As soon as the motor of the fuel pump 112 starts to rotate at the desired speed, i.e., when the vehicle starts to move, sufficient pressure is generated in the fuel hose 100, which accelerates the capillary action in one or more filters of the fuel pump 112 and fuel with the required pressure is pumped into the fuel hose 100. As a result, the one-way valve 114 in the third compartment 110 opens, allowing fuel to be supplied from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel injector 104 .

[0040] 4 is a schematic diagram of the fuel hose 100 illustrating the direction of fuel flow according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that fuel flows from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel injector 104 when the one-way valve 114 is open, and from the third compartment 110 to the fuel injector 104 when the one-way valve 114 is closed.

[0041] Figure 5 illustrates a front portion of a vehicle 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that Figure 5 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the term "vehicle." The term "vehicle" includes any vehicle having a fuel pump and fuel injectors disposed within a fuel tank, the fuel pump and fuel injectors operably connected by a fuel hose according to the present invention.

[0042] As shown in the figure, the two-wheeled vehicle 10 includes a frame structure that supports different parts of the vehicle 10. A head pipe 12 is provided at the front end of the frame structure. The head pipe 12 supports a steering shaft (not shown) to be rotatable within a certain range. At an upper portion of the head pipe 12, a handle bar (not shown) is rotatably connected to the steering shaft. The handle bar is used to steer the vehicle 10 and is connected to a front wheel (not shown) via a front fork assembly (not shown).

[0043] At the forward portion of the frame structure, a fuel tank 102 is disposed immediately behind the head pipe 12 and above the power generation unit 14, which includes the internal combustion engine and fuel injectors 104. A fuel hose 100 is operatively connected to a fuel pump 112 disposed inside the fuel tank 102 and to the fuel injectors 104 for supplying pressurized fuel from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel injectors 104.

[0044] In one embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are the same. In one embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are different. In one embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment, and the third compartment are integrally formed. In one embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment, and the third compartment are detachably formed. In one embodiment, a purge control valve (not shown) is located outside the fuel tank 102. The purge control valve is disposed on another side of the fuel tank (not shown) relative to the vehicle midplane axis.

[0045] Advantageously, the present invention ensures the vehicle to start even under low fuel level conditions and / or when the vehicle's fuel pump does not have enough time to rotate and generate pressure in the fuel hose to draw fuel at the required pressure. For example, the vehicle does not face starting issues when in ISS on mode and low fuel level conditions. The present invention improves the internal combustion efficiency, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the vehicle.

[0046] Although the present invention has been described with respect to several embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10 Vehicles 12 Head pipe 14 Power generating units 100 Fuel Hose 102 Fuel Tank 104 Fuel injector 106 First Compartment 108 Second Compartment 110 Third Compartment 112 Fuel pump 114 One-way valve 114a Stopper 114b Spring 114c Casing

Claims

1. A fuel hose (100) for supplying fuel from a fuel tank (102) to a fuel injector (104), comprising: a first compartment (106) operably connected to a fuel pump (112) disposed within the fuel tank (102); a second compartment (108) operatively connected to the fuel injector (104); a third compartment (110) disposed between the first compartment (106) and the second compartment (108), the third compartment (110) being a fuel reservoir having a diameter greater than a diameter of the first compartment (106) and a diameter of the second compartment (108); a one-way valve (114) disposed in the third compartment (110) for stopping the flow of fuel into the third compartment (110) when the level of fuel in the fuel tank (102) is below a predetermined level; A fuel hose (100).

2. 2. The fuel hose (100) of claim 1, wherein the one-way valve (114) allows fuel to flow into the third compartment (110) when the level of fuel in the fuel tank (102) is greater than the predetermined level.

3. The fuel hose (100) of claim 1, wherein the predetermined level is equal to a dead volume of the fuel tank (102).

4. The fuel hose (100) of claim 1, wherein the diameters of the first compartment (106) and the second compartment (108) are the same or different.

5. The fuel hose (100) of claim 1, wherein the first compartment (106), the second compartment (108), and the third compartment (110) are integrally or removably formed.

6. a fuel tank (102) having a fuel pump (112); A fuel injector (104); a fuel hose (100) for supplying fuel from the fuel tank (102) to the fuel injector (104); A vehicle comprising: a first compartment (106) operably connected to the fuel pump (112); a second compartment (108) operatively connected to the fuel injector (104); a third compartment (110) disposed between the first compartment (106) and the second compartment (108), the third compartment (110) being a fuel reservoir having a diameter greater than a diameter of the first compartment (106) and a diameter of the second compartment (108); a one-way valve (114) disposed in the third compartment (110) for stopping the flow of fuel into the third compartment (110) when the level of fuel in the fuel tank (102) is below a predetermined level; A vehicle comprising:

7. 7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the one-way valve (114) allows the flow of fuel into the third compartment (110) when the level of fuel in the fuel tank (102) is greater than the predetermined level.

8. 7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the predetermined level is a dead volume of the fuel tank (102).

9. 7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the diameters of the first compartment (106) and the second compartment (108) are the same or different.

10. 7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the first compartment (106), the second compartment (108), and the third compartment (110) are integrally or removably formed.

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