Fuel introduction method

Abstract

To introduce a device driven by fuel in a fuel tank without processing the fuel tank. [Solution] The method includes a cutting process for cutting a pipe extending from a fuel tank (200) of a vehicle to discharge air from the fuel tank (200) at a midpoint into a tank side pipe which is the pipe on the fuel tank (200) side and an air side pipe which is the pipe from which air is discharged, and a fuel pipe introduction process for establishing a fuel pipe which sends fuel in the fuel tank (200) to the outside of the fuel tank (200) via the midpoint.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel introduction method. [Background technology]

[0002] 12 is a side view showing a part of a camper van. As shown in the figure, a camper van 900 is provided with a driver's cab 910, and a fuel tank 920 for the camper van 900 is provided below and behind the driver's cab 910.

[0003] Furthermore, a heater 930 (parking heater) is provided at the rear lower part of the driver's cab 910. The heater 930 and the fuel tank 920 are connected by a fuel introduction pipe 940 for introducing fuel from the fuel tank 920 or the like.

[0004] Here, the fuel tank 920 and the heater 930 are conventionally connected as follows. That is, as shown in Fig. 12, a fuel pump module assembly 950 provided in the fuel tank 920 is removed from the fuel tank 920. Then, a through-hole 960 is formed at a predetermined position in the fuel pump module assembly 950, a fuel extraction pipe 970 is attached to the formed through-hole 960, and the fuel pump module assembly 950 is then attached to the original position in the fuel tank 920. As a result, the fuel in the fuel tank 920 is introduced into the heater 930 via the fuel extraction pipe 970 and the fuel introduction pipe 940. This enables the heater 930 to operate based on the fuel in the fuel tank 920.

[0005] Incidentally, with regard to fuel tanks, for example, Patent Document 1 (Patent Publication No. 5838253) discloses an external fuel tank cover that reliably prevents fuel leaking from a fuel tank from dripping onto roads, etc., and that reduces the time and effort required to discharge leaked fuel to the outside.

[0006] However, if fuel leaks from a fuel tank, it could lead to a serious accident. Therefore, the Vehicle Fire Prevention Agreement Regulations (Fuel Leak Prevention Standard UN-R34) have been established to regulate modifications to fuel tanks.

[0007] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a parking FF heater device that can be installed on the vehicle side without drilling or other processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3240274 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, the technology in Patent Document 1 requires a portable power source to operate the parking FF heater device, and the parking FF heater device must be installed in the small window of the sliding door, so it is not necessarily very convenient.There is a need for technology that allows devices such as heaters that are powered by fuel from a fuel tank to be installed without modifying the fuel tank.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and one of its objects is to provide a fuel introduction method that enables a device powered by fuel in a fuel tank to be introduced without modifying the fuel tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a fuel introduction method including: a cutting step of cutting a pipe extending from a fuel tank of a vehicle to discharge air from the fuel tank at a midpoint of the pipe into a tank-side pipe that is the pipe on the fuel tank side and an air-side pipe that is the pipe from which air is discharged; and a fuel pipe introduction step of providing a fuel pipe that sends fuel in the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank via the midpoint. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above-described aspects of the present invention, a device that uses fuel in a fuel tank as a power source can be introduced without modifying the fuel tank.

[0013] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view schematically showing a part of a camper van to which a fuel introduction method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a fuel tank 200. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a fuel introduction method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating details of a cutting step according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating details of an insertion step according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating details of an air pipeline setting step according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating details of an air pipeline setting step s4 and a connection step s5 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fuel extractor 1100 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating details of an inserting step s1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating details of a fuel pipeline fixing step s3 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram illustrating details of an air pipeline setting step s4 and a connection step s5 according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a part of a camper van. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0016] 1 is a side view showing a part of a camper van to which the fuel introduction method according to the present embodiment is applied. As shown in the figure, the camper van 100 is provided with a driver's cab 110, and a fuel tank 200 for the camper van 100 is provided below and behind the driver's cab 110.

[0017] A heater 130 (parking heater) is provided at the rear lower portion of the cab 110. The heater 130 is a device powered by fuel in a fuel tank 200. A fuel introduction pipe 135 is connected to the heater 130, and the fuel introduction pipe 135 extends toward the fuel tank 200 and is connected to the fuel tank 200.

[0018] 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a fuel tank 200. The fuel tank 200 includes a storage section 210 that hermetically stores fuel such as gasoline, a filler pipe connection section 220, a fuel pump module assembly 230, and a vent tube 240.

[0019] The filler pipe connection part 220 is provided on the lower side surface of the storage part 210, and is connected to a pipe (such as a filler pipe) not shown.

[0020] The fuel pump module assembly 230 is provided on the upper surface of the housing portion 210 and is a component for supplying fuel from within the housing portion 210 to the engine.

[0021] Vent tube 240 is a tube for discharging air (air in a space not filled with fuel) inside storage section 210. Vent tube 240 is provided on the top surface or side surface of storage section 210, with one end extending to a predetermined height inside storage section 210 and the other end protruding from the top surface or side surface of storage section 210.

[0022] The other end of the vent tube 240 is connected to a vent tube hose 250 that discharges air from the fuel tank 200, and is further connected to a fuel supply device (not shown) via an air delivery hose (not shown) that is connected to the vent tube hose 250.

[0023] Here, fuel delivered from the fuel supply device is first supplied (fueled) to the storage section 210 of the fuel tank 200 via the filler pipe connection section 220. When fuel accumulates in the storage section 210, the air that was present in the storage section 210 is delivered to the fuel supply device via the vent tube 240, the vent tube hose 250, and the air delivery hose. Then, when the liquid level of the fuel in the storage section 210 reaches the extension height of the vent tube 240 within the storage section 210, fuel, not air, is delivered to the fuel supply device via the vent tube 240, the vent tube hose 250, and the air delivery hose. The fuel supply device can automatically stop refueling by detecting that fuel has been delivered.

[0024] The fuel introduction method of this embodiment utilizes a vent tube hose 250 to introduce fuel in the fuel tank 200 into the heater 130 without processing the fuel tank 200. Such a fuel introduction method will be described below.

[0025] [First embodiment]

[0026] 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an outline of the fuel introduction method according to the first embodiment. First, a cutting step is carried out (s1) in which the vent tube hose 250 is cut at a midpoint into a pipe on the fuel tank 200 side (hereinafter referred to as a tank-side pipe) and a pipe on the side from which air is discharged (hereinafter referred to as an air-side pipe).

[0027] Next, a fuel pipeline introduction step is carried out to provide a fuel pipeline for delivering the fuel in the fuel tank 200 to the outside of the fuel tank 200 via the midway position (s2, s3).

[0028] Specifically, first, an insertion step is carried out (s2) in which a pipe (hereinafter referred to as the external fuel tube) with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tank-side pipe (vent tube hose 250) is inserted from the tank-side pipe to the inside of the fuel tank 200. Next, a fuel pipe fixing step is carried out in which one end of the external fuel tube on the fuel tank 200 side is fixed inside the fuel tank 200 (s3).

[0029] Furthermore, an air pipeline setting step is carried out (s4) in which the tank-side pipe and the air-side pipe are connected using a branch pipe, which will be described later, to set up an air pipeline for discharging air from the fuel tank 200. Also, a connection step is carried out in which the external fuel tube is connected to the heater 130 (s5).

[0030] Each step will be described in detail below.

[0031] <Cutting process s1> 4 is a diagram illustrating details of the cutting step s1 according to the first embodiment. First, the fuel pump module assembly 230 is removed from the fuel tank 200 to ensure a working space for the subsequent steps.

[0032] Next, the fixing device 101 (e.g., a clamp or other holding device) that is provided at one end of the vent tube hose 250 and connects and fixes the vent tube 240 and the vent tube hose 250 is removed, thereby detaching one end of the vent tube hose 250 from the vent tube 240.

[0033] Similarly, by removing the fixing device 102 (e.g., a clamp or other holding device) that is provided at the other end of the vent tube hose 250 and connects and fixes the vent tube hose 250 and the air delivery hose (not shown), the other end of the vent tube hose 250 is detached from the air delivery hose.

[0034] Then, the separated vent tube hose 250 is cut at a predetermined position midway into a pipe on the fuel tank 200 side (tank-side pipe 251) and a pipe on the side where air is discharged (air-side pipe 252). The cutting position of the vent tube hose 250 is not particularly limited, but for example, the cuts should be made so that the lengths are approximately the same.

[0035] <Insertion process s2> FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating details of the insertion step s2 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] First, external fuel tube 300 is prepared, having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of tank-side pipe 251 of vent tube hose 250. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of external fuel tube 300 is 4 mm, but this is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, the material of external fuel tube 300 is preferably a resin such as polyvinyl chloride, which is easy to deform (bend, etc.) for handling inside fuel tank 200, which will be described later. The length of external fuel tube 300 is not particularly limited, but as will be described later, a minimum length is required from the inside of fuel tank 200 through which vent tube 240 is inserted, via tank-side pipe 251, and through branch pipe 400.

[0037] Also, branch pipe 400 is prepared. Branch pipe 400 has first passage 410 and second passage 420 branching from a position midway through first passage 410. Branch pipe 400 is, for example, a Y-shaped pipe. Note that the inner diameter of branch pipe 400 is not particularly limited, but it may be any diameter that allows external fuel tube 300 to be inserted therethrough.

[0038] Here, one end 301 of the external fuel tube 300 is inserted from the tank side pipe 251 and led to the inside of the fuel tank 200 .

[0039] Specifically, first, one end 301 of external fuel tube 300 is inserted through second passage 420 of branch pipe 400 and exposed from one end 411 of first passage 410. Then, exposed one end 301 of external fuel tube 300 is further inserted through one end of tank-side pipe 251 and exposed from the other end of tank-side pipe 251. Then, exposed external fuel tube 300 is introduced into fuel tank 200 by inserting vent tube 240 therethrough, so that one end 301 of external fuel tube 300 reaches the interior of fuel tank 200. Note that, as described above, external fuel tube 300 is made of resin, a material that is easily deformable, so that external fuel tube 300 can be routed within fuel tank 200 even if vent tube 240 has a complex shape inside fuel tank 200.

[0040] <Fuel pipe fixing process s3> FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating details of the fuel pipeline fixing step s3 according to the first embodiment.

[0041] First, external fuel tube 300 is fixed inside fuel tank 200. Specifically, one end 301 of external fuel tube 300 is fixed to protrusion 201 provided on the inner bottom surface of fuel tank 200 with a predetermined fixing device 103. Fixing device 103 is, for example, a clip. External fuel tube 300 may be fixed inside fuel tank 200 by means other than fixing device 103, such as an adhesive or glue.

[0042] Thereafter, the fuel pump module assembly 230 removed during the cutting process is installed back into the fuel tank 200 in its original position.

[0043] <Air pipeline setting process s4, connection process s5> FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of the air pipeline setting step s4 and the connection step s5 according to the first embodiment.

[0044] First, in the air conduit setting step s4, one end (the inserted end) of the tank-side pipe 251 through which the external fuel tube 300 was inserted in the insertion step is reconnected to the vent tube 240. Specifically, the fuel tank side end of the tank-side pipe 251 is fitted into the tip of the vent tube 240, and then fixed with the fixing tool 101 described above.

[0045] Furthermore, the tank-side pipe 251 is connected to the branch pipe 400. Specifically, the other end of the tank-side pipe 251 (the end on the side where the external fuel tube 300 is inserted) is fitted into one end of the first passage 410 of the branch pipe 400 (the end on the side where the external fuel tube 300 is inserted), and then the fitted portion is fixed with a fixing device 104 such as a clamp.

[0046] The air side pipe 252 is also connected to the branch pipe 400. Specifically, one end of the air side pipe 252 is fitted into the other end of the first passage 410 of the branch pipe 400 (the end on the side where the external fuel tube 300 is not inserted), and the fitted portion is then fixed with a fixture 105 such as a clamp.

[0047] Furthermore, the air side pipe 252 is connected to the air delivery hose 600. Specifically, one end of the air side pipe 252 is fitted into the air delivery hose 600, and then the fitted portion is fixed with the fixture 102.

[0048] Conversion hose 500 (Φ4-5 mm conversion hose) whose outer diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of second passage 420 and whose inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of external fuel tube 300 may be attached to the end of second passage 420 of branch pipe 400. By using such a clamp, it is possible to suppress wobbling of external fuel tube 300 and prevent fuel leakage. Conversion hose 500 may be provided at both ends with fasteners 106, 107 for crimping and fixing to the end of second passage 420 and external fuel tube 300, respectively.

[0049] Next, in the connection process s5, first, a conversion hose 700 (Φ4-5mm conversion hose) is attached to the end of the external fuel tube 300 (the end on the second passage 420 side of the branch pipe 400), the inner diameter of one end of which corresponds to the outer diameter of the external fuel tube 300 and the inner diameter of the other end of which corresponds to the outer diameter of the fuel introduction hose 800 used for the heater 130.

[0050] As a result of the above, a fuel pipeline is formed in which fuel in the fuel tank 200 is introduced from one end 301 of the external fuel tube 300, flows through the fuel introduction hose 800 and is supplied to the heater 130.

[0051] On the other hand, the air in the fuel tank 200 is exhausted from the vent tube 240 as in the conventional case, and then sent to the fuel supply device via the tank side pipe 251, the branch pipe 400, the air side pipe 252, and the air delivery hose 600.

[0052] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, it is assumed that vent tube 240 has a complex shape (such as having many bent portions) inside fuel tank 200. In this case, by using a material such as resin for external fuel tube 300, it is possible to facilitate the routing of external fuel tube 300 inside fuel tank 200 (insertion into vent tube 240).

[0053] In contrast, in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the vent tube 240 inside the fuel tank 200 has a simple shape (such as being arranged in a straight line), and by using a steel fuel extractor 1100 that already has a structure corresponding to the external fuel tube, the fuel pipeline is formed more simply than in the first embodiment. The fuel introduction method of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0054] The cutting step s1 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0055] <Insertion process s2> 8 is a perspective view of a fuel extractor 1100 according to the second embodiment. The fuel extractor 1100 is a steel (e.g., SUS304) component, and includes an air pipe section 1110 having openings at both ends, and an external fuel pipe 1120 that is a substantially L-shaped pipe.

[0056] The external fuel pipe 1120 is bent near the center inside the air pipe section 1110, and is divided into one pipe section (fuel side pipe section 1121) that is connected to the heater 130 via a fuel introduction hose 800 or the like, and the other pipe section (tank side pipe section 1122) that is inserted into the fuel tank 200.

[0057] The fuel-side pipe section 1121 of the air pipe section 1110 is exposed near the center of the circumferential surface of the air pipe section 1110, and the tank-side pipe section 1122 protrudes from one opening 1111 of the air pipe section 1110. Specifically, a through-hole 1113 is provided on the surface of the air pipe section 1110 near the center in the cylindrical axial direction, and the fuel-side pipe section 1121 passes through this through-hole 1113. The air pipe section 1110 and the fuel-side pipe section 1121 may be fixed at the through-hole 1113 by welding or the like.

[0058] The inner diameter of air pipe section 1110 is at least larger than the outer diameter of external fuel pipe 1120. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of external fuel pipe 1120 is 4 mm, but this is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, the length of tank side pipe section 1122 of external fuel pipe 1120 is set to a length that allows vent tube 240 to be inserted therethrough and reach the bottom of the interior of fuel tank 200, as will be described later.

[0059] 9 is a diagram illustrating details of the insertion step s1 according to the second embodiment. In the insertion step s1, the tank-side pipe portion 1122 of the external fuel pipe 1120 is inserted from the tank-side pipe 251, and then the vent tube 240 is inserted and led to the inside of the fuel tank 200. As such, the insertion step s1 of the second embodiment is simpler because it does not include the step of inserting the external fuel tube 300 into the branch pipe 400 as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the shape of the vent tube 240 is simple as described above, making it easy to route (insert) the tank-side pipe portion 1122 inside the fuel tank 200.

[0060] <Fuel pipe fixing process s3> 10 is a diagram illustrating details of fuel pipe fixing step s3 according to the second embodiment. The end of tank side pipe portion 1122 of external fuel pipe 1120, through which vent tube 240 has been inserted, is extended to the bottom of fuel tank 200. Because external fuel pipe 1120 is a steel component, its end can be maintained at the bottom of fuel tank 200 without being fixed as in the first embodiment. Then, fuel pump module assembly 230 is attached to the original position of fuel tank 200. Note that, as in the first embodiment, the end of external fuel pipe 1120 may be fixed inside fuel tank 200 (for example, by fixing protrusion 201 (not shown) with a predetermined fixture 103).

[0061] <Air pipeline setting process s4, connection process s5> FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating details of the air pipeline setting step s4 and the connection step s5 according to the second embodiment.

[0062] First, in the air pipeline setting step s4, one end of the tank side pipe 251 is reconnected to the vent tube 240 and fixed with the fixture 101, as in the first embodiment.

[0063] In addition, the tank side pipe 251 is connected to the fuel extractor 1100. Specifically, the other end of the tank side pipe 251 (the end opposite the vent tube 240) is fitted into one opening 1111 of the air pipe section 1110 (the opening on the side through which the external fuel pipe 1120 is inserted), and the fitted portion is fixed with a fixing device 104 such as a clamp.

[0064] Also, the air side pipe 252 is connected to the fuel extractor 1100. Specifically, one end of the air side pipe 252 is fitted into the other opening 1112 of the air pipe section 1110 (the opening on the side where the external fuel pipe 1120 is not inserted; see FIG. 8), and the fitted section is fixed with a fixing device 105 such as a clamp.

[0065] The connection between the air side pipe 252 and the air delivery hose 600 by the fixture 102 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0066] Furthermore, a conversion hose 500 (Φ4-5mm conversion hose) is attached to the end of the fuel side pipe portion 1121 of the external fuel pipe 1120, which is exposed from the through hole 1113 of the fuel extractor 1100, and whose inner diameter at one end corresponds to the outer diameter of the fuel side pipe portion 1121 and whose inner diameter at the other end corresponds to the outer diameter of the fuel introduction hose 800.

[0067] Thereafter, in a connecting step s5, the conversion hose 500 is connected to a fuel introduction hose 800 (not shown) used for the heater 130. Both ends of the conversion hose 500 may be provided with fasteners 108, 109 for fastening to the fuel side pipe portion 1121 and the fuel introduction hose 800.

[0068] As a result, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the fuel in the fuel tank 200 is introduced from the end of the tank side pipe portion 1122 of the external fuel pipe 1120, and flows through the fuel introduction hose 800 to form a fuel pipe line that is supplied to the heater 130.

[0069] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0070] For example, in each embodiment, the fuel introduction method is applied to a camper van, but it can also be applied to other types of vehicles such as freight trucks and construction machinery.

[0071] Also, for example, in each embodiment, the device driven by the fuel in the fuel tank 200 as the driving source is the heater 130, but the device may be any other type of device.

[0072] As described above, the fuel introduction method of this embodiment involves cutting the vent tube hose 250, which extends from the fuel tank 200 of a vehicle and discharges air from the fuel tank 200, at a midpoint into a tank side pipe 251 which is the pipe on the fuel tank 200 side and an air side pipe 252 which is the pipe from which the air is discharged, and providing a fuel pipeline (a pipeline including the external fuel tube 300) which sends the fuel in the fuel tank 200 to the outside of the fuel tank 200 via the midpoint.

[0073] This allows the fuel in the fuel tank 200 to be introduced through the fuel pipe into a device (such as the heater 130) that is driven by the fuel, without any processing being performed on the fuel tank 200.

[0074] As described above, according to the fuel introduction method of this embodiment, a device powered by fuel in a fuel tank can be introduced without modifying the fuel tank. Furthermore, unlike Patent Document 1, there is no need to provide a separate power source for operating the device, and there are no particular restrictions on the installation location of the device.

[0075] In addition, in the fuel introduction method of this embodiment, a fuel pipe (external fuel tube 300) having an outer diameter smaller than that of the tank side pipe 251 is inserted into the tank side pipe 251 and further extended to the inside of the fuel tank 200, and one end of the external fuel tube 300 on the fuel tank 200 side is fixed to the bottom inside the fuel tank 200 of the vehicle.

[0076] This allows a sufficient amount of fuel in the fuel tank 200 to be introduced into the device via the external fuel tube 300.

[0077] For example, in the fuel introduction method of this embodiment, one end of the fuel pipe (external fuel tube 300) is fixed to the protrusion 201 provided on the inner surface of the fuel tank 200 by a predetermined fixture 103.

[0078] This ensures that the maximum amount of fuel in the fuel tank 200 can be introduced into the device via the external fuel tube 300.

[0079] In addition, in the fuel introduction method of this embodiment (first embodiment), the fuel conduit (external fuel tube 300) is inserted from a second passage 420 in a branch pipe 400 having a first passage 410 and a second passage 420 branching off from a position midway through the first passage 410 to one end of the first passage 410, and further inserted into the tank-side pipe 251 to reach the inside of the fuel tank 200. Then, one end of the first passage 410 is connected to the tank-side pipe 251, and the other end of the first passage 410 is connected to the air-side pipe 252.

[0080] This allows the fuel pipe and the air pipe to be secured independently of each other.

[0081] Furthermore, the fuel introduction method of this embodiment (second embodiment) includes an air pipe section 1110 and an external fuel pipe 1120, the external fuel pipe 1120 is bent inside the air pipe section 1110, one pipe section (fuel side pipe section 1121) of the bent external fuel pipe 1120 penetrates the surface of the air pipe section 1110, and the other pipe section (tank side pipe section 1122) of the bent external fuel pipe 1120 is hollow. The tank side pipe portion 1122 of the external fuel pipe 1120 in the fuel extractor 1100, exposed from one opening of the air pipe section 1110, is inserted into the tank side pipe 251 and extends to the inside of the fuel tank 200, while one end of the air pipe section 1110 (the above-mentioned one opening 1111) is connected to the tank side pipe 251 and the other end of the air pipe section 1110 (the above-mentioned other opening 1112) is connected to the air side pipe 252.

[0082] This allows the fuel pipe and the air pipe to be secured independently of each other.

[0083] In addition, the fuel introduction method of this embodiment connects the other end of the fuel pipe (external fuel tube 300) to a device that is driven by energy based on the fuel in the fuel tank 200.

[0084] This allows the fuel in the fuel tank 200 to be used for the device.

[0085] Furthermore, in the fuel introduction method of this embodiment, the other end of the fuel pipe (external fuel tube 300) is connected to a parking heater (heater 130) that is driven by energy based on the fuel in the fuel tank 200.

[0086] This can improve the convenience of the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 130 heater, 200 fuel tank, 250 vent tube hose, 300 external fuel tube, 251 tank side pipe, 252 air side pipe

Claims

1. a cutting step of cutting a pipe extending from a fuel tank of a vehicle and for discharging air from the fuel tank at a midpoint of the pipe into a tank-side pipe that is a pipe on the fuel tank side and an air-side pipe that is a pipe on the side from which air is discharged; a fuel pipe introducing step of providing a fuel pipe for delivering fuel from the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank via the midway position; a connecting step of connecting the fuel pipe to a device other than the engine of the vehicle that is driven by energy based on the fuel in the fuel tank.

2. The fuel pipeline introduction step includes: an insertion step of inserting a fuel pipe having an outer diameter smaller than that of the tank side pipe into the tank side pipe and extending it to the inside of the fuel tank; a fuel pipe fixing step of fixing one end of the fuel pipe on the fuel tank side to a bottom portion inside the fuel tank of the vehicle, The fuel introduction method according to claim 1 .

3. In the fuel pipe fixing step, one end of the fuel pipe is fixed to a protrusion provided on an inner surface of a fuel tank of the vehicle using a predetermined fixing tool. The fuel introduction method according to claim 2.

4. In the inserting step, the fuel pipe is inserted from a second passage of a branch pipe having a first passage and a second passage branching off from a position midway through the first passage to one end of the first passage, and then inserted into the tank side pipe to reach the inside of the fuel tank, the method further includes an air pipeline setting step of connecting one end of the first passage to the tank-side pipe and connecting the other end of the first passage to the air-side pipe. The fuel introduction method according to claim 2.

5. In the inserting step, a fuel extractor is provided with an air pipe and a fuel pipe, the fuel pipe being bent inside the air pipe, one pipe portion of the bent fuel pipe penetrating the surface of the air pipe and the other pipe portion of the bent fuel pipe being exposed from one opening of the air pipe, and the other pipe portion of the fuel pipe in the fuel extractor is inserted into the tank-side pipe and reaches the inside of the fuel tank; an air pipeline setting step of connecting one end of the air pipe portion to the tank side pipe and connecting the other end of the air pipe portion to the air side pipe, The fuel introduction method according to claim 2.

6. In the connecting step, the other end of the fuel pipe is connected to a parking heater that is driven by energy based on the fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel introduction method according to claim 1 .

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