Patent Application
20160076666
The subject invention is related to the fuel tank of a vehicle and, more particularly, to a fuel tank having a valve assembly that reduces noise emanating therefrom.
Fuel tanks are utilized to store fuel in vehicles typically for consumption by an internal combustion engine. In some vehicles, due to packaging limitations or the desire to increase the capacity of fuel for the purpose of extending vehicle range, fuel tanks may be configured with multiple fuel reservoirs. Such fuel tanks may be referred to as saddle tanks.
In a multiple reservoir, or saddle tank fuel system, a fuel pump may be positioned in each reservoir, or a fuel pump maybe located in one reservoir with a fluidly connected “pickup” extending into the second reservoir. In either case, the fuel system may draw fuel from one fuel reservoir until that reservoir's capacity is diminished and then draw fuel from the second reservoir until tank refill is required. Occasionally, upon emptying of the first fuel reservoir, a noise may be emitted from the fuel pump intake or pickup in the first fuel reservoir. Such a sound may be described as a gurgling sound which, while not indicative of a fuel system functional issue, is undesirable from a passenger noise perspective.
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention a fuel tank having a valve assembly that reduces noise emanating therefrom, comprises a first fuel reservoir, a second fuel reservoir, a fuel pick-up assembly disposed within the first fuel reservoir, a fuel inlet in the fuel pick-up assembly, a fuel pump assembly disposed in the second fuel reservoir and fluidly connected to the fuel pick-up assembly and a low shut-off valve associated with the fuel inlet of the fuel pick-up assembly and configured to close when fuel in the first reservoir drops below the level of the low shut-off valve, eliminating noise generated by a lack of fuel entering the fuel pick-up assembly.
In another exemplary embodiment of the invention a vehicle fuel system having a valve assembly that reduces noise emanating therefrom comprises a first fuel reservoir, a second fuel reservoir, a fuel pick-up assembly disposed within the first fuel reservoir, a fuel inlet in the fuel pick-up assembly, a fuel pump assembly disposed in the second fuel reservoir and fluidly connected to the fuel pick-up assembly and a low shut-off valve associated with the fuel inlet of the fuel pick-up assembly. The low fuel shut-off valve comprises a valve housing having an inlet opening and an outlet, the outlet fluidly connected with the fuel inlet of the fuel pick-up assembly, a valve chamber defined within the valve housing between the inlet opening and the outlet and a moveable valve assembly disposed in the valve chamber and configured to seat against a valve seat that is defined inside of, and about, the inlet opening of the valve housing, wherein the low shut-off valve is configured to close when fuel in the first reservoir drops below the level of the inlet opening, eliminating noise generated by a lack of fuel entering the fuel pick-up assembly.
The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the invention, are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term vehicle is not limited to just an automobile, truck, van or sport utility vehicle, but includes any self-propelled or towed conveyance suitable for transporting a burden.
Referring to
The fuel tank system 10 may be constructed of sheet metal or a composite material defining a bottom 22, sides 24 and an upper surface or top portion 26. Disposed in the first fuel reservoir 14 is a fuel pick-up assembly 28 (illustrated in greater detail in
Referring now to
During operation of the vehicle 12, the fuel pump assembly 34 draws fuel from the first fuel reservoir 14 via the fuel pick-up assembly 28, for instance, via the fuel transfer conduit 36. The weighted valve member 56 is constructed of a material such as plastic or other suitable material that will float as long as fuel 32 is present in the reservoir 14 above the level of the inlet opening 48 in the valve housing 46 of the low fuel shut-off valve (
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation of material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the application.
