System and method for fuel venting and filling

Abstract

A vent transfer tube assembly is provided for use with a saddle shaped fuel tank for a vehicle having an inner volume with a first upper section, a second upper section with a filler neck for delivering fuel to the inner volume, and a middle lower section between the first and second upper sections. The assembly includes a vent transfer tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being positioned in an upper location of the first upper section and the outlet end being positioned adjacent the filler neck in the second upper section. The vent transfer tube provides a flow path for vapor in the first upper section of the inner volume through the inlet end to the outlet end where the vapor exits the inner volume through the filler neck.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FUEL VENTING AND FILLINGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 537,676, filed September 11, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] Periodically, users of vehicles having combustion engines must refill the fuel tank with liquid fuel (e.g., gasoline or diesel fuel). During this refueling, the user is generally unable to make productive use of his or her time by performing other tasks. Accordingly, it is desirable to design a fueling system that reduces the time required to refuel the vehicle.SUMMARY

[0003] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fuel tank for a vehicle is provided, including a wall defining an inner volume having a first upper section, a second upper section and a middle section between the first upper section and the second upper section. An upper portion of the wall is lower at the middle section than at the first upper section and the second upper section thereby forming a saddle shape. The tank also includes a filler neck mounted to the wall at the second upper section. The filler neck includes a fuel inlet for receiving fuel, a fuel outlet for delivering the fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank, and at least one neck vent configured to permit vapor in the inner volume to escape out the filler neck to atmosphere. The tank further includes a vent transfer tube assembly including a vent transfer tube having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is positioned in the first upper section of the inner volume adjacent the upper portion of the wall. The outlet end is positioned in the second upper section of the inner volume adjacent the at least one neck vent. In response to delivery of fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank after an upper surface of the fuel reaches the upper portion of the wall at the middle lower section, vapor in the first upper section flows through the vent transfer tube from the inlet end to the outlet end where it escapes through the at least one neck vent.

[0004] According to another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a vent transfer tube assembly for use with a saddle shaped fuel tank for a vehicle having an inner volume with a first upper section, a second upper section with a filler neck for delivering fuel to the inner volume, and a middle lower section between the first and second upper sections. The vent transfer tube assembly includes a vent transfer tube having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is positioned in an upper location of the first upper section and the outlet end is positioned adjacent the filler neck in the second upper section. The vent transfer tube provides a flow path for vapor in the first upper section of the inner volume through the inlet end to the outlet end where the vapor exits the inner volume through the filler neck.

[0005] According to yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fueling system for a vehicle, including a fuel tank having a wall defining a saddle shaped inner volume with a first upper section, a second upper section with a filler neck mounted to the wall, and a middle lower section between the first upper section and the second upper section. The system also includes a vent transfer tube having an inlet portion with an inlet end positioned in an upper location of the first upper section and an outlet portion with an outlet end positioned adjacent the filler neck. The vent transfer tube provides a vapor flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end such that, when an upper surface of fuel delivered into the fuel tank reaches an upper portion of the fuel tank wall at the middle lower section, vapor in the first upper section can flow through the vent transfer tube and exit the fuel tank through the filler neck. The system also includes a T connection having a first opening connected to the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, a second opening connected to the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube, and a third opening in flow communication with the first and second openings. A jet pump is included as having a fuel inlet, a drain inlet, and a jet pump outlet in flow communication with the inner volume of the fuel tank. A drain tube has one end connected to the third opening of the T connection and another end connected to the drain inlet of the jet pump. The system also includes a fuel pump having an outlet, and a fuel tube having one end connected to the fuel pump outlet and another end connected to the fuel inlet of the jet pump. During operation of the vehicle, the fuel pump pumps fuel through the fuel tube and though the jet pump, which creates a Venturi effect that draws anyfuel in the vent transfer tube through the third opening of the T connection, through the drain tube, and into the jet pump through the drain inlet where such fuel combines with fuel from the fuel pump and exits the jet pump into the inner volume of the fuel tank through the jet pump outlet.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The above-mentioned and other advantages and objects of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent, and the disclosure itself will be better understood, by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0007] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic, cross-sectional views of a portion of a vehicle including a fuel tank;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of a vehicle including a fuel tank with a vent transfer tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of a vehicle including a fuel tank with a vent transfer tube assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a jet pump of the vent transfer tube assembly of FIG. 4;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of a vehicle including a fuel tank with a vent transfer tube assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0012] FIGS. 7 and 8 are a perspective views of components of the vent transfer tube assembly of FIG. 6.

[0013] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or omitted in some of the drawings in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Saddle shaped fuel tanks may fill more slowly when the level of fuel in the tank reaches the lower middle portion of the saddle shape, thereby cutting off the flow of vapor from the rear upper portion of the saddle shape to the front upper portion of the saddle shape where the filling neck for the fuel tank is typically located. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vent transfer tube assembly including a vent transfer tube having an inlet end and an outlet end is provided. The inlet end is positioned in the rear upper section of the tank and the outlet end is positioned in the front upper section adjacent the filling neck. When the fuel level in the tank reaches the lower middle portion of the saddle shape, vapor in rear upper section flows through the vent transfer tube from the inlet end to the outlet end where it exists the tank through the filling neck.

[0015] It is possible that fuel may enter the vent transfer tube as the fuel is sloshed or splashed during operation of the vehicle. Thus, according to another embodiment of the disclosure, the vent transfer tube has an inlet portion and an outlet portion connected together by a T connection. The T connection is in flow communication with a jet pump in the tank which, when the fuel pump of the vehicle is operating, draws any fuel in the vent transfer tube through the T connection and into the jet pump where it is delivered to the inner volume of the tank. In one embodiment, a drain tube connects the T connection to the jet pump. The drain tube is sized such that when the vehicle is not operating, the time required for fuel to migrate from the inner volume through the jet pump and up the drain tube to the T connection where the fuel would impede the flow of vapor through the vent transfer tube is greater that the time required to fill the fuel tank.

[0016] Referring now to FIG. 1, a portion of a vehicle 10 is shown in schematic crosssection. The vehicle 10 is shown including a frame 12, a fuel tank 14 supported by the frame 12, and a seat 16 mounted to the fuel tank 14. It should be understood that many of the components of the vehicle 10 (e.g., the engine, the suspension, the steering mechanism, the ground-engaging members, etc.) are not shown to simplify the description. The vehicle 10 may be any of a varietyof different types of vehicles such as, for example, two and three-wheel motorcycles, off road vehicles, etc. The following description assumes the vehicle 10 is a motorcycle.

[0017] As shown, the fuel tank 14 includes a wall 18 which defines the shape of the fuel tank 14 and substantially encloses an inner volume 20. The “saddle” shape of the fuel tank 14 results in the inner volume 20 having a rear upper section 22, a middle lower section 24 and a front upper section 26. The wall 18 includes an upper portion 19 at the middle lower section 24. The fuel tank 14 also includes a rear vent 28 mounted to the wall 18 such that an orifice 30 extending through the rear vent 28 is in flow communication with the rear upper section 22 of the inner volume 20 and to the atmosphere. Finally, the fuel tank 14 includes a filler neck 32 for filling the fuel tank 14 with fuel such as gasoline using a fueling nozzle (not shown) of a fuel dispenser or container. The filler neck 32 is mounted to the wall 18 of the fuel tank 14 and includes a fuel inlet 34 for receiving the nozzle and a fuel outlet 38 in flow communication with the inner volume 20 of the fuel tank 14. The filler neck 32 also includes one or more neck vents 38 which permit vapor in the inner volume 20 of the fuel tank 14 to escape to the atmosphere as the vapor in the fuel tank 14 is displaced by fuel 40.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, as the fuel 40 is delivered to the inner volume 20 of the fuel tank 14, the upper surface 42 of the fuel 40 rises. As the upper surface 42 of the fuel 40 rises, the vapor in the fuel tank 14 is evacuated from the fuel tank 14 through the neck vent 38 of the filler neck 32 as the primary vapor flow path 44 and through the orifice 30 of the rear vent 28 as the secondary vapor flow path 46. In other words, because the neck vent 38 provides a larger opening for the vapor relative to the orifice 30, most of the vapor escapes the inner volume 20 through the primary vapor flow path 44 while a smaller portion of the vapor escapes through the secondary vapor flow path 46. In certain embodiments, the maximum vapor flow rate through the orifice 30 is approximately 10 L / min. Nonetheless, both flow paths are available for the vapor to escape the inner volume 20, thereby permitting the fuel 40 to flow into the fuel tank 14 at a maximum rate.

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2, after a certain amount of fuel 40 is delivered into the fuel tank 14, the upper surface 42 of the fuel 40 reaches the wall 18 of the fuel tank 14 at themiddle lower section 24 of the inner volume 20. As a result, the vapor in the rear upper section 22 of the inner volume 20 cannot escape through the primary vapor flow path 44. Thus, the vapor in the rear upper section 22 of the inner volume 20 escapes through the secondary vapor flow path 46 provided by the rear vent 28, but at a slower rate. As a result, the fuel 40 may be delivered into the fuel tank 14 at a slower rate than before the upper surface 42 of the fuel 40 reached the wall 18 of the fuel tank 14 at the middle lower section 24 of the inner volume 20, thereby slowing the refueling process. If fuel 40 is delivered too quickly, the fuel 40 may back up in the front upper section 26 of the inner volume 20 into the fdler neck 32.

[0020] FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a vent transfer tube assembly 50 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The vent transfer tube assembly 50 includes a vent transfer tube 51 with an inlet end 52 and an outlet end 54. The vent transfer tube 51 is mounted within the fuel tank 14 such that the inlet end 52 is positioned adjacent a highest location within the rear upper section 22 of the inner volume 20 of the fuel tank 14 and the outlet end 54 is adjacent the neck vent 32 in the front upper section 26 of the inner volume 20. As a result, the vapor in the rear upper section 22 of the inner volume 20 can escape the rear upper section 22 through the vent transfer tube 51 and the neck vent 38 as well as through the orifice 30 of the rear vent 28. By essentially restoring the primary vapor flow path 44 through the vent transfer tube 51, the vent transfer tube assembly 50 provides improved evacuation of the vapor in the inner volume 20 of the fuel tank 14 as it is displaced by the incoming fuel 40, thereby reducing the time required to fill the fuel tank 14 with fuel 40.

[0021] When the fuel tank 14 is completely full of fuel 40 and / or as a result of the fuel 40 sloshing or splashing in the fuel tank 14 while the vehicle 10 is being operated, it is possible that an amount of fuel 40 may enter the vapor transfer tube 51 through the inlet end 52 and / or the outlet end 54. The presence of fuel 40 in the vent transfer tube 51 may restrict or prevent the flow of vapor through the vent transfer tube 51. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present disclosure (depicted in FIG. 4), the vent transfer assembly 50 also includes a T connection 56, a drain tube 68, a jet pump 76 and a fuel tube 88. The T connection 56 includes a first opening 58 at one end, a second opening 62 at another end and a third opening 66 between the first opening58 and the second opening 62. The interior of the T connection 56 is hollow such that the first opening 58, the second opening 62 and the third opening 66 are in flow communication with one another. The vent transfer tube 51 includes an inlet portion 60 which includes the inlet end 52 and another end that is connected to the first opening 58 of the T connection 56. The vent transfer tube 51 also includes an outlet portion 64 which includes the outlet end 54 and another end that is connected to the second opening 62 of the T connection 56. In this manner, the inlet end 52 of the vent transfer tube 51 is connected to the outlet end 54 through the inlet portion 60 of the vent transfer tube 51, the T connection 56 and the outlet portion 64 of the vent transfer tube 51.

[0022] The drain tube 68 of the vent transfer tube assembly 50 includes one end that is connected to the third opening 66 of the T connection 56 and another end that is connected to a drain inlet 74 of the jet pump 76. As such, the vent transfer tube 51 is in flow communication with the drain inlet 74 of the jet pump 76 through the T connection 56 and the drain tube 68. The fuel tube 82 of the vent transfer tube assembly 50 includes one end that is connected to a fuel port 88 and another end that is connected to a fuel inlet 78 of the jet pump 76 and is configured to provide fuel 40 to the jet pump 76 as is further described herein.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the jet pump 76 includes a body 100 having a primary passage 116 that extends between the fuel inlet 78 and the jet pump outlet 80, and a secondary passage 118 that extends between the drain inlet 74 and the primary passage 116. As is further described herein, fuel 40 pumped from a secondary outlet 104 of a fuel pump 96 of the vehicle 10 passes through the fuel port 88, which is mounted on the wall 18 of the fuel tank 14, the fuel tube 82, into the fuel inlet 78, through the primary passage 116 of the jet pump 76, and out the jet pump outlet 80 into the inner volume 20 of the fuel tank 14. As the fuel 40 passes through the primary passage 116 of the jet pump 76 as indicated by arrow 120, the fuel flow creates a vacuum through the Venturi effect which draws vapor and / or fuel 40 from the secondary passage 118 into the primary passage 116 to flow out of the jet pump 76 through the jet pump outlet 80.

[0024] In operation, when power is delivered to a fuel pump 96 (FIG. 7) of the vehicle, the fuel pump 96 pumps fuel 40 to the vehicle engine and a portion of the fuel 40 is recirculatedback to the fuel tank 14 via the fuel port 88. The fuel 40 is pumped through the fuel tube 82 and through the jet pump 76 back into the fuel tank 14, creating the Venturi effect described above. This draws any fuel 40 in the vent transfer tube 51 through the T connection 56, the drain tube 68 and the secondary passage 118 of the jet pump 76 into the primary passage 116 and back into the fuel tank 14. In this manner, while power is delivered to the fuel pump 96 the vent transfer tube 51 is continuously drained of fuel 40 that may enter the inlet end 52 or the outlet end 54 of the vent transfer tube 51.

[0025] When power is not delivered to the fuel pump 96, such as when the vehicle 10 is stopped for refueling, the fuel pump 96 no longer operates. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as the user is refdling the fuel tank 14, fuel 40 may enter the jet pump outlet 80 of the jet pump 76 and flow into the drain tube 68. The internal diameter of the drain tube 80 and the length of the drain tube 80 are chosen such that the time required for the fuel 40 to migrate up the drain tube 80 and into the vent transfer tube 51 is longer than the time required for filling the fuel tank 14 with fuel 40, such as, for example, approximately 60 to 90 seconds. Thus, the fuel 40 will not enter the vent transfer tube 51, thereby blocking the flow of vapor through the vent transfer tube 51, during the refueling process. In certain embodiments, the internal diameter of the drain tube 80 is approximately 6.0 mm and the length of the drain tube 80 is approximately 85 mm. It should be understood, however, that these parameters may be larger or smaller depending upon the application. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a check valve 73 is used in the flow path including the jet pump 76, the drain inlet 74, the drain tube 68, the T connection fitting 84 and the T connection 56, to prevent any backflow of fuel 40 into the vent transfer tube 51 when power is not delivered to the fuel pump 96. For example, the check valve may be positioned just before the jet outlet 80 as depicted in dotted lines in FIG. 8.

[0026] In another embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, certain components of the vent transfer assembly 50 are located outside the fuel tank 14. As shown in FIG. 6, the vent transfer tube 51 and the T connection 56 are mounted outside the wall 18 of the fuel tank 14, which may make the assembly and design of the fuel tank 14 less complicated. The inlet end 52 of the inlet portion 60 of the vent transfer tube 51 is passed through a rear opening 90 of the wall 18 of thefuel tank 14 such that it is located adjacent the rear vent 28. The outlet end 54 of the outlet portion 64 of the vent transfer tube 51 is passed through a front opening 92 of the wall 18 of the fuel tank 14 such that it is located adjacent the neck vent 38 of the fdler neck 32. The third opening 66 of the T connection 56 is passed through a middle opening 94 of the wall 18 of the fuel tank 14, where the drain tube 68 is connected. The other aspects and functions of the vent transfer tube assembly 50 of this embodiment are the same as described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0027] Another embodiment of the vent transfer tube assembly 50 of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, which omit the fuel tank 14 for clarity. As shown in FIG. 7, when power is delivered to the fuel pump 96, the fuel pump 96 pumps fuel 40 out a main outlet 102 of the fuel pump 96 into a main outlet tube 86. This main flow of fuel 40 is indicated by the main fuel flow arrow 106 and is provided through a main outlet fitting 72 to a bracket 70 mounted outside the fuel tank 14 which delivers the fuel 40 to the engine of the vehicle 10. Fuel 40 is also pumped out of the fuel pump 96 through a secondary outlet 104 to the fuel tube 82 described above. That secondary flow of fuel 40 is indicated by the secondary fuel flow arrow 108 and passes through the jet pump 76 in the manner described above. The third opening 66 of the T connection 56 is shown connected to a T connection fitting 84 of the bracket 70, which is in flow communication with the T connection 56. As a result of the Venturi effect created by the secondary fuel flow 108 through the jet pump 76, any fuel 40 in the inlet portion 60 of the vent transfer tube 51 (arrow 110) is drawn into the T connection 56, and any fuel 40 in the outlet portion 64 of the vent transfer tube 51 (arrow 112) is drawn into the T connection 56. This fuel 40 is then drawn into the drain tube 68 (arrow 114) and into the jet pump 76, which delivers the fuel 40 back to the inner volume 20 of the fuel tank 14 along with the fuel 40 pumped through the fuel tube 82 (arrows 114 and 108, respectively). In this embodiment, the jet pump 76 is depicted as being mounted to a pump bracket 98 disposed in the inner volume 20 of the fuel tank 14.

[0028] FIG. 8 is identical to FIG. 7 except the flow of fuel 40 is shown as entering the jet pump outlet 80 of the jet pump 76 and the drain tube (arrows 120). As explained above, thisoccurs when power is not delivered to the fuel pump 96 such as during refueling. As is also explained above, the migration of the fuel 40 through the jet pump 76 and up the drain tube 68 is slow enough to permit the user to fdl the fuel tank 14 before any fuel 40 enters the T connection 56 and the vent transfer tube 51. Thus, vapor in the rear upper section 22 of the inner volume 20 of the fuel tank 14 flows through the inlet portion 60 of the vent transfer tube 51 (arrow 110), through the T connection 56, and through the outlet portion 64 of the vent transfer tube 51 (arrow 112) to the front upper section 26 of the fuel tank 14 where it passes through the neck vent 38 of the filler neck 32.

[0029] Any directional references used with respect to any of the figures, such as right or left, up or down, or top or bottom, are intended for convenience of description, and do not limit the present disclosure or any of its components to any particular positional or spatial orientation. Additionally, any reference to rotation in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction is simply illustrative. Any such rotation may be implemented in the reverse direction as that described herein.

[0030] Although the foregoing text sets forth a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent and equivalents. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment. Numerous alternative embodiments may be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0031] The following additional considerations apply to the foregoing description. Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components.These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0032] As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0033] Some embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0034] Additionally, some embodiments may be described using the expression “communicatively coupled," which may mean (a) integrated into a single housing, (b) coupled using wires, or (c) coupled wirelessly (i.e., passing data / commands back and forth wirelessly) in various embodiments.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0036] In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This description, and the claims that follow, should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0037] The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).

[0038] The following clauses illustrate example subject matter described herein:

[0039] Clause 1 : A fuel tank for a vehicle, comprising: a wall defining an inner volume having a first upper section, a second upper section and a middle section between the first upper section and the second upper section, an upper portion of the wall being lower at the middle section than at the first upper section and the second upper section thereby forming a saddle shape; a filler neck mounted to the wall at the second upper section, the filler neck including a fuel inlet for receiving fuel, a fuel outlet for delivering the fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank, and at least one neck vent configured to permit vapor in the inner volume to escape out the filler neck to atmosphere; and a vent transfer tube assembly including a vent transfer tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being positioned in the first upper section of the inner volume adjacent the upper portion of the wall, the outlet end being positioned in the second upper section of the inner volume adjacent the at least one neck vent; wherein in response to delivery of fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank after an upper surface of the fuel reaches the upper portion of the wall at the middle lower section, vapor in the first upper section flows through the vent transfer tube from the inlet end to the outlet end where it escapes through the at least one neck vent.

[0040] Clause 2: The fuel tank of clause 1, wherein the vent transfer tube is positioned inside the inner volume of the fuel tank.

[0041] Clause 3: The fuel tank of clause 1 or 2, further comprising a T connection, the vent transfer tube having an inlet portion with the inlet end and an outlet portion with the outlet end, the inlet portion being in flow communication with a first opening of the T connection and the outlet portion being in flow communication with a second opening of the T connection, a third opening of the T connection being in flow communication with a jet pump configured to draw fuel from the T connection and deliver the fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank.

[0042] Clause 4: The fuel tank of clause 3, further comprising a drain tube connected between the third opening of the T connection and a drain inlet of the jet pump.

[0043] Clause 5: The fuel tank of clause 3 or 4, further comprising a fuel tube connected between a fuel pump outlet and a fuel inlet of the jet pump to deliver fuel from a fuel pump, through the jet pump and to the inner volume of the fuel tank out a jet pump outlet when power is delivered to the fuel pump.

[0044] Clause 6: The fuel tank of clause 5, wherein fuel flowing through the jet pump from the fuel inlet to the jet pump outlet creates a Venturi effect which draws the fuel from the T connection, through the drain tube, into the jet pump through the drain inlet where it is combined with fuel from the fuel inlet and delivered to the inner volume through the jet pump outlet.

[0045] Clause 7: The fuel tank of clause 5 or 6, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the drain tube, the fuel tube and the jet pump are located in the inner volume of the fuel tank.

[0046] Clause 8: The fuel tank of any one of clauses 5 through 7, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, and the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube are located outside the inner volume of the fuel tank.

[0047] Clause 9: The fuel tank of clause 8, wherein a portion of the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube having the inlet end extends through a first opening in the wall to the first upper section of the inner volume and a portion of the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube having the outlet end extends through a second opening in the wall to the second upper section of the inner volume.

[0048] Clause 10: The fuel tank of clause 8 or 9, wherein the drain tube extends between the third opening of the T connection and the drain inlet of the jet pump through a middle opening in the wall to the middle lower section of the inner volume.

[0049] Clause 11 : The fuel tank of clause 5, wherein the drain tube is configured such that a first time required for fuel to migrate from the jet pump, up the drain tube and to the T connection when power is not delivered to the fuel pump is longer than a second time required to fill the fuel tank with fuel.

[0050] Clause 12: The fuel tank of clause 4, further comprising a check valve positioned to prevent fuel from migrating from the inner volume to the T connection when power is not delivered to the fuel pump.

[0051] Clause 13 : A vent transfer tube assembly for use with a saddle shaped fuel tank for a vehicle having an inner volume with a first upper section, a second upper section with a filler neck for delivering fuel to the inner volume, and a middle lower section between the first and second upper sections, the vent transfer tube assembly comprising: a vent transfer tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being positioned in an upper location of the first upper section and the outlet end being positioned adjacent the filler neck in the second upper section; wherein the vent transfer tube provides a flow path for vapor in the first upper section of the inner volume through the inlet end to the outlet end where the vapor exits the inner volume through the filler neck.

[0052] Clause 14: The vent transfer tube assembly of clause 13, wherein in response to delivery of fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank after an upper surface of the fuel reaches an upper portion of a wall of the fuel tank at the middle lower section, vapor in the first upper section flows through the vent transfer tube from the inlet end to the outlet end where it exits the inner volume through at least one neck vent of the neck filler.

[0053] Clause 15: The vent transfer tube assembly of clause 13 or 14, further comprising a T connection, the vent transfer tube having an inlet portion with the inlet end and an outlet portion with the outlet end, the inlet portion being in flow communication with a first opening of the T connection and the outlet portion being in flow communication with a second opening of the T connection, a third opening of the T connection being in flow communication with a jet pump configured to draw fuel from the T connection and deliver the fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank.

[0054] Clause 16: The vent transfer tube assembly of clause 15, further comprising a drain tube connected between the third opening of the T connection and a drain inlet of the jet pump.

[0055] Clause 17: The vent transfer tube assembly of clause 16, further comprising a fuel tube connected between a fuel pump outlet and a fuel inlet of the jet pump to deliver fuel from a fuel pump, through the jet pump and to the inner volume of the fuel tank out a jet pump outlet when power is delivered to the fuel pump.

[0056] Clause 18: The vent transfer tube assembly of clause 17, wherein fuel flowing through the jet pump from the fuel inlet to the jet pump outlet creates a Venturi effect which draws the fuel from the T connection, through the drain tube, into the jet pump through the drain inlet where it is combined with fuel from the fuel inlet and delivered to the inner volume through the jet pump outlet.

[0057] Clause 19: The vent transfer tube assembly of any one of clauses 16 through 18, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the drain tube, the fuel tube and the jet pump are located in the inner volume of the fuel tank.

[0058] Clause 20: The vent transfer tube assembly of clause 16, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, and the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube are located outside the inner volume of the fuel tank.

[0059] Clause 21 : The vent transfer tube assembly of clause 20, wherein a portion of the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube having the inlet end extends through a first opening in a wall of the fuel tank to the first upper section of the inner volume and a portion of the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube having the outlet end extends through a second opening in the wall to the second upper section of the inner volume.

[0060] Clause 22: The vent transfer tube assembly of clause 20 or 21, wherein the drain tube extends between the third opening of the T connection and the drain inlet of the jet pump through a middle opening in a wall of the fuel tank to the middle lower section of the inner volume.

[0061] Clause 23 : The vent transfer tube assembly of clause 17, wherein the drain tube is configured such that a first time required for fuel to migrate from the jet pump, up the drain tubeand to the T connection when power is not delivered to the fuel pump is longer than a second time required to fdl the fuel tank with fuel.

[0062] Clause 24: The vent transfer tube assembly of clause 16, further comprising a check valve positioned to prevent fuel from migrating from the inner volume to the T connection when power is not delivered to the fuel pump.

[0063] Clause 25: A fueling system for a vehicle, comprising: a fuel tank having a wall defining a saddle shaped inner volume with a first upper section, a second upper section with a filler neck mounted to the wall, and a middle lower section between the first upper section and the second upper section; a vent transfer tube having an inlet portion with an inlet end positioned in an upper location of the first upper section and an outlet portion with an outlet end positioned adjacent the filler neck, the vent transfer tube providing a vapor flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end such that, when an upper surface of fuel delivered into the fuel tank reaches an upper portion of the fuel tank wall at the middle lower section, vapor in the first upper section can flow through the vent transfer tube and exit the fuel tank through the filler neck; a T connection having a first opening connected to the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, a second opening connected to the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube, and a third opening in flow communication with the first and second openings; a jet pump having a fuel inlet, a drain inlet, and a jet pump outlet in flow communication with the inner volume of the fuel tank; a drain tube having one end connected to the third opening of the T connection and another end connected to the drain inlet of the jet pump; a fuel pump having an outlet; and a fuel tube having one end connected to the fuel pump outlet and another end connected to the fuel inlet of the jet pump; wherein during operation of the vehicle, the fuel pump pumps fuel through the fuel tube and though the jet pump, which creates a Venturi effect that draws any fuel in the vent transfer tube through the third opening of the T connection, through the drain tube, and into the jet pump through the drain inlet where such fuel combines with fuel from the fuel pump and exits the jet pump into the inner volume of the fuel tank through the jet pump outlet.

[0064] Clause 26: The fueling system of clause 25, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the drain tube, the fuel tube and the jet pump are located in the inner volume of the fuel tank.

[0065] Clause 27: The fueling system of clause 25, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, and the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube are located outside the inner volume of the fuel tank.

[0066] Clause 28: The fueling system of any one of clauses 25 through 27, wherein the drain tube is configured such that a first time required for fuel to migrate from the jet pump, up the drain tube and to the T connection when the vehicle is not operating is longer than a second time required to fill the fuel tank with fuel.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fuel tank for a vehicle, comprising: a wall defining an inner volume having a first upper section, a second upper section and a middle section between the first upper section and the second upper section, an upper portion of the wall being lower at the middle section than at the first upper section and the second upper section thereby forming a saddle shape; a filler neck mounted to the wall at the second upper section, the filler neck including a fuel inlet for receiving fuel, a fuel outlet for delivering the fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank, and at least one neck vent configured to permit vapor in the inner volume to escape out the filler neck to atmosphere; and a vent transfer tube assembly including a vent transfer tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being positioned in the first upper section of the inner volume adjacent the upper portion of the wall, the outlet end being positioned in the second upper section of the inner volume adjacent the at least one neck vent; wherein in response to delivery of fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank after an upper surface of the fuel reaches the upper portion of the wall at the middle lower section, vapor in the first upper section flows through the vent transfer tube from the inlet end to the outlet end where it escapes through the at least one neck vent.

2. The fuel tank of claim 1, wherein the vent transfer tube is positioned inside the inner volume of the fuel tank.

3. The fuel tank of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a T connection, the vent transfer tube having an inlet portion with the inlet end and an outlet portion with the outlet end, the inlet portion being in flow communication with a first opening of the T connection and the outlet portion being in flow communication with a second opening of the T connection, a third openingof the T connection being in flow communication with a jet pump configured to draw fuel from the T connection and deliver the fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank.

4. The fuel tank of claim 3, further comprising a drain tube connected between the third opening of the T connection and a drain inlet of the jet pump.

5. The fuel tank of claim 3 or 4, further comprising a fuel tube connected between a fuel pump outlet and a fuel inlet of the jet pump to deliver fuel from a fuel pump, through the jet pump and to the inner volume of the fuel tank out a jet pump outlet when power is delivered to the fuel pump.

6. The fuel tank of claim 5, wherein fuel flowing through the jet pump from the fuel inlet to the jet pump outlet creates a Venturi effect which draws the fuel from the T connection, through the drain tube, into the jet pump through the drain inlet where it is combined with fuel from the fuel inlet and delivered to the inner volume through the jet pump outlet.

7. The fuel tank of claim 5 or 6, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the drain tube, the fuel tube and the jet pump are located in the inner volume of the fuel tank.

8. The fuel tank of any one of claims 5 through 7, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, and the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube are located outside the inner volume of the fuel tank.

9. The fuel tank of claim 8, wherein a portion of the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube having the inlet end extends through a first opening in the wall to the first upper section of the inner volume and a portion of the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube having the outlet end extends through a second opening in the wall to the second upper section of the inner volume.

10. The fuel tank of claim 8 or 9, wherein the drain tube extends between the third opening of the T connection and the drain inlet of the jet pump through a middle opening in the wall to the middle lower section of the inner volume.

11. The fuel tank of claim 5, wherein the drain tube is configured such that a first time required for fuel to migrate from the jet pump, up the drain tube and to the T connection when power is not delivered to the fuel pump is longer than a second time required to fill the fuel tank with fuel.

12. The fuel tank of claim 4, further comprising a check valve positioned to prevent fuel from migrating from the inner volume to the T connection when power is not delivered to the fuel pump.

13. A vent transfer tube assembly for use with a saddle shaped fuel tank for a vehicle having an inner volume with a first upper section, a second upper section with a filler neck for delivering fuel to the inner volume, and a middle lower section between the first and second upper sections, the vent transfer tube assembly comprising: a vent transfer tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being positioned in an upper location of the first upper section and the outlet end being positioned adjacent the filler neck in the second upper section; wherein the vent transfer tube provides a flow path for vapor in the first upper section of the inner volume through the inlet end to the outlet end where the vapor exits the inner volume through the filler neck.

14. The vent transfer tube assembly of claim 13, wherein in response to delivery of fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank after an upper surface of the fuel reaches an upper portion of a wall of the fuel tank at the middle lower section, vapor in the first upper section flows throughthe vent transfer tube from the inlet end to the outlet end where it exits the inner volume through at least one neck vent of the neck filler.

15. The vent transfer tube assembly of claim 13 or 14, further comprising a T connection, the vent transfer tube having an inlet portion with the inlet end and an outlet portion with the outlet end, the inlet portion being in flow communication with a first opening of the T connection and the outlet portion being in flow communication with a second opening of the T connection, a third opening of the T connection being in flow communication with a jet pump configured to draw fuel from the T connection and deliver the fuel to the inner volume of the fuel tank.

16. The vent transfer tube assembly of claim 15, further comprising a drain tube connected between the third opening of the T connection and a drain inlet of the jet pump.

17. The vent transfer tube assembly of claim 16, further comprising a fuel tube connected between a fuel pump outlet and a fuel inlet of the jet pump to deliver fuel from a fuel pump, through the jet pump and to the inner volume of the fuel tank out a jet pump outlet when power is delivered to the fuel pump.

18. The vent transfer tube assembly of claim 17, wherein fuel flowing through the jet pump from the fuel inlet to the jet pump outlet creates a Venturi effect which draws the fuel from the T connection, through the drain tube, into the jet pump through the drain inlet where it is combined with fuel from the fuel inlet and delivered to the inner volume through the jet pump outlet.

19. The vent transfer tube assembly of any one of claims 16 through 18, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the drain tube, the fuel tube and the jet pump are located in the inner volume of the fuel tank.

20. The vent transfer tube assembly of claim 16, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, and the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube are located outside the inner volume of the fuel tank.

21. The vent transfer tube assembly of claim 20, wherein a portion of the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube having the inlet end extends through a first opening in a wall of the fuel tank to the first upper section of the inner volume and a portion of the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube having the outlet end extends through a second opening in the wall to the second upper section of the inner volume.

22. The vent transfer tube assembly of claim 20 or 21, wherein the drain tube extends between the third opening of the T connection and the drain inlet of the jet pump through a middle opening in a wall of the fuel tank to the middle lower section of the inner volume.

23. The vent transfer tube assembly of claim 17, wherein the drain tube is configured such that a first time required for fuel to migrate from the jet pump, up the drain tube and to the T connection when power is not delivered to the fuel pump is longer than a second time required to fill the fuel tank with fuel.

24. The vent transfer tube assembly of claim 16, further comprising a check valve positioned to prevent fuel from migrating from the inner volume to the T connection when power is not delivered to the fuel pump.

25. A fueling system for a vehicle, comprising: a fuel tank having a wall defining a saddle shaped inner volume with a first upper section, a second upper section with a filler neck mounted to the wall, and a middle lower section between the first upper section and the second upper section;a vent transfer tube having an inlet portion with an inlet end positioned in an upper location of the first upper section and an outlet portion with an outlet end positioned adjacent the filler neck, the vent transfer tube providing a vapor flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end such that, when an upper surface of fuel delivered into the fuel tank reaches an upper portion of the fuel tank wall at the middle lower section, vapor in the first upper section can flow through the vent transfer tube and exit the fuel tank through the filler neck; a T connection having a first opening connected to the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, a second opening connected to the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube, and a third opening in flow communication with the first and second openings; a jet pump having a fuel inlet, a drain inlet, and a jet pump outlet in flow communication with the inner volume of the fuel tank; a drain tube having one end connected to the third opening of the T connection and another end connected to the drain inlet of the jet pump; a fuel pump having an outlet; and a fuel tube having one end connected to the fuel pump outlet and another end connected to the fuel inlet of the jet pump; wherein during operation of the vehicle, the fuel pump pumps fuel through the fuel tube and though the jet pump, which creates a Venturi effect that draws any fuel in the vent transfer tube through the third opening of the T connection, through the drain tube, and into the jet pump through the drain inlet where such fuel combines with fuel from the fuel pump and exits the jet pump into the inner volume of the fuel tank through the jet pump outlet.

26. The fueling system of claim 25, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the drain tube, the fuel tube and the jet pump are located in the inner volume of the fuel tank.

27. The fueling system of claim 25, wherein the inlet portion of the vent transfer tube, the T connection, and the outlet portion of the vent transfer tube are located outside the inner volume of the fuel tank.

28. The fueling system of any one of claims 25 through 27, wherein the drain tube is configured such that a first time required for fuel to migrate from the jet pump, up the drain tube and to the T connection when the vehicle is not operating is longer than a second time required to fill the fuel tank with fuel.

Images