A FUEL HOSE FOR SUPPLYING FUEL FROM A FUEL TANK TO A FUEL INJECTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a fuel hose for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel injector in a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a construction of the fuel hose. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Fuel tanks are used to hold a supply of fuel for vehicles having an internal combustion engine. With increasing trend towards manufacturing smaller and more efficient vehicles, fuel tanks are often limited in their volume and dimensions. These dimensions limit the space available for installing a fuel pump which is provided in the fuel tank to supply pressurized fuel to a fuel injector. Measures have been taken in the prior arts to arrange the fuel pump at locations which considerably reduces a dead volume of the fuel tank. However, issues are faced by the consumers when a level of the fuel in the fuel tank is less than, equal to or a little above the dead volume of the fuel tank.

[003] When the level of fuel in the fuel tank is less than the dead volume of the fuel tank, air in the fuel tank is sucked along with fuel by the fuel pump which results in pressure loss in a fuel hose connecting the fuel pump and the fuel injector. Owing to this pressure loss in the fuel hose, the fuel does not reach the fuel injector, causing the engine to stall, hesitate, misfire, or lean. [004] When the level of fuel in the fuel tank is equal to or little more than the dead volume of the fuel tank, the fuel can reach the fuel injector at desired pressure if the fuel pump gets sufficient time to rotate and build pressure in a fuel hose. Owing to building of pressure in the fuel hose, a capillary action in one or more filters of the fuel pump is increased and fuel is supplied to the injector at the required pressure. In other words, the fuel pump is primmed to speed up a capillary action in the fuel filters and hence supplies fuel at the required pressure. However, in case, the fuel pump does not get sufficient time to rotate, sufficient pressure will not build up in the fuel hose and the capillary action in the fuel filters is not sufficient to supply the fuel at the required pressure. For example, in vehicle having Idle Start Stop (ISS) mode, when the vehicle is in ISS OFF mode and the level of the fuel in the fuel tank is equal to or little above the dead volume of the fuel tank, a rider uses an electrical start switch to run a starter motor which parallelly triggers the fuel pump to build up a pressure in the fuel hose. As the fuel pump gets sufficient time to rotate and build a pressure in the fuel hose, the capillary action in one or more filters of the fuel pump is increased and fuel is supplied to the fuel injector at the required pressure. In other words, the fuel pump is primmed to speed up the capillarity action in the fuel filters and hence supplies fuel to the fuel injector at the required pressure. However, when the vehicle is in ISS ON mode and the level of the fuel in the fuel tank is equal to or little above the dead volume of the fuel tank, the fuel pump does not get enough time to rotate and build a pressure in the fuel hose. Owing to this, the fuel is not supplied to the fuel injector at the required pressure, causing the engine to stall, hesitate, misfire, or lean.

[005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need-felt to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the existing art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In one aspect of the 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 which is arranged inside 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 greater than a diameter of the first compartment and a diameter of the second compartment. The third compartment, therefore, acts as a reservoir and stores a portion of fuel supplied from the fuel pump to the fuel injector. For the purposes of the present invention, the fuel stored in the third compartment can be called as a reserve fuel. The fuel hose further comprises a one-way valve. The one-way valve is provided in the third compartment.

[007] The one-way valve stops entry of fuel from the fuel tank to the third compartment when a level of fuel in the fuel tank is less than or equal to a pre-determined level. In this condition, the reserve fuel in the third compartment is supplied to the fuel injector for proper functioning of an internal combustion engine.

[008] The one-way valve allows the entry of fuel in the third compartment when the level of fuel in the fuel tank is greater than a pre-determined level. In this condition, the fuel from the fuel tank is supplied to the fuel injector.

[009] In one non-limiting example, the pre-determined level is equal to a dead volume of the fuel tank. In another non-limiting example, the pre-determined is level is a little above the dead volume of the fuel tank. [010] In an embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are same.

[011] In an embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are different.

[012] In an embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment and the third compartment are integrally formed.

[013] In an embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment and the third compartment are detachably formed.

[014] In another aspect of the invention, a vehicle having a fuel hose is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a fuel tank, a fuel injector and a fuel hose for supplying fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injector. The fuel tank comprises a fuel pump arranged in the fuel tank. 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 which is arranged inside a 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 greater than a diameter of the first compartment and a diameter of the second compartment. The third compartment, therefore, acts as a reservoir and stores a portion of fuel supplied from the fuel pump to the fuel injector. The fuel stored in the third compartment can be called as reserve fuel. The fuel hose further comprises a one-way valve. The one-way valve is provided in the third compartment.

[015] The one-way valve stops entry of fuel in the third compartment when a level of fuel in the fuel tank is less than or equal to a pre-determined level. In this condition, the reserve fuel in the third compartment is supplied to the fuel injector for proper functioning of the internal combustion engine.

[016] The one-way valve allows the entry of fuel in the third compartment when the level of fuel in the fuel tank is greater than a pre-determined level. In this condition, the fuel from the fuel tank is supplied to the fuel injector.

[017] In one non-limiting example, the pre-determined level is equal to a dead volume of the fuel tank. In another non-limiting example, the pre-determined is level is a little above the dead volume of the fuel tank.

[018] In an embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are same.

[019] In an embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are different.

[020] In an embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment and the third compartment are integrally formed.

[021] In an embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment and the third compartment are detachably formed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[022] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fuel tank and a fuel hose operably connected to the fuel tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2A is a perspective view of the fuel hose, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B is an exploded view of the fuel hose, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a one-way valve provided in the fuel hose, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates direction of flow of fuel in the fuel hose, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a front portion of a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[023] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.

[024] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fuel tank 102 and a fuel hose 100 operably connected to the fuel tank 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a fuel pump 112 is arranged inside the fuel tank 102 on a side wall thereof. However, this arrangement of the fuel pump 112 in the fuel tank 102 should not be construed as limiting and other arrangements of the fuel pump 112 inside the fuel tank 102 are also possible. The fuel pump 112 is responsible for delivering pressurized fuel to a fuel injector 104 (shown in Figure 5) via the fuel hose 100. The fuel hose 100 is operably connected to the fuel pump 112 as well as to the fuel injector 104. When an ignition switch of a vehicle is activated or switched ON, a motor (not shown) inside the fuel pump 112, starts to spin and runs for a few seconds to build a pressure in the fuel hose 100. Owing to pressure build up in the fuel hose 100, fuel in the fuel tank 102 is sucked/pumped by the fuel pump 112 and is supplied to the fuel injector 104 via the fuel hose 100.

[025] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the fuel hose 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B is an exploded view of the fuel hose 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[026] As shown, the fuel hose 100 comprises a first compartment 106, a second compartment 108 and a third compartment 110. However, the number of compartment in the fuel hose 100 should not be construed as limiting and the fuel hose 100 may have more than three compartments. The first compartment 106 is operably connected to the fuel pump 112 arranged inside the fuel tank 102. The second compartment is operably connected to the fuel injector 104 responsible for injecting fuel in an internal combustion engine. The third compartment 110 is provided between the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108. A diameter of the third compartment 110 is greater than a diameter of the first compartment 106 and a diameter of the second compartment 108. Owing to the diameter of the third compartment 110 being greater than the diameter of the first compartment 106 and the diameter of the second compartment 108, a volume of the third compartment 110 is greater than a volume of the first compartment 106 and a volume of the second compartment 108. Owing to difference in diameter/volume of the third compartment 110 from the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108, when fuel is supplied from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel injector 104, a small quantity of fuel is stored in the third compartment 110 which can be called as a reserve fuel for the purposes of the present invention.

[027] In an embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are same.

[028] In an embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are different.

[029] In an embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment and the third compartment are integrally formed.

[030] In an embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment and the third compartment are detachably formed.

[031] Figure 3 illustrates a one-way valve 114 provided in the fuel hose 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the one-way valve 1 14 is provided in the third compartment 110 of the fuel hose 100. The construction and operation of the one-way valve 114 is already known in the prior art and is not required to be discussed in detail. The one-way valve shown in the Figure includes a stopper 1 14a, a spring 1 14b and a casing 114c. The one-way valve 114 allows entry of fuel in the third compartment 110 only when a 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 less than the predetermined level, the one-way valve 1 14 stops entry of fuel in 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 entry of fuel in the third compartment 110, the fuel tank 102 is isolated from the fuel injector 104. In such a condition, the reserve fuel in the third compartment 110 supplies fuel to the fuel injector 104 for proper functioning of the internal combustion engine. When the level of fuel in the fuel tank 102 is greater than a pre-determined level, the one-way valve 114 allows entry of fuel in the third compartment 1 10. In other words, the fuel flows from the fuel tank 102 to the third compartment 110 and thereafter to the fuel injector.

[032] In one-non limiting example, the pre-determined level is equal to the dead volume of the fuel tank 102. In another non-limiting example, the pre-determined level is a little above the dead volume of the fuel tank 102.

[033] It is to be understood that the one-way valve 114 opens only when the pressure of fuel in the fuel hose 100 is equal to a pre-defined pressure. The pre-defined pressure is a pressure of fuel which is required by the internal combustion engine to operate normally.

[034] When level of fuel in the fuel tank 102 is less than the dead volume of the fuel tank 102 and the fuel pump 112 operates, air present in the fuel tank is sucked/pumped along with fuel which leads to a pressure loss in the fuel hose 100. In other words, the pressure of fuel pumped in the fuel hose is less than the required fuel pressure. In such a scenario, the one-way valve 114 in the third compartment 110 closes and stops the entry of pumped fuel into the third compartment 110. When the one-way valve 114 closes, the fuel tank 102 is isolated from the third compartment 1 10 and the reserved fuel in the third compartment 1 10 is supplied to the fuel injector 104 for proper functioning of the internal combustion engine.

[035] When level of fuel in the fuel tank 102 is equal to or a little above the dead volume of the fuel tank 102 and a motor in the fuel pump 112 gets sufficient time to rotate, sufficient pressure is built up in the fuel hose 100 which increases the capillary action of one or more filters (not shown) in the fuel pump 112 such that fuel with required pressure is pumped into the fuel hose 100. As 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 entry of fuel in the third compartment 110 such that fuel from the fuel tank 102 is supplied to the fuel injector 104. In other words, the reserved fuel in the third compartment 110 is not supplied to the fuel injector 104.

[036] For example, in vehicle having Idle Start Stop (ISS) mode, when the vehicle is in ISS OFF mode and level of the fuel in the fuel tank 102 is equal to or little above the dead volume of the fuel tank 102, a rider uses an electrical start switch to run a starter motor which parallelly triggers the fuel pump 112 to build up a pressure in the fuel hose 100. As the fuel pump 112 gets sufficient time to rotate, the capillary action in one or more filters of the fuel pump 112 is increased such that fuel pumped into the fuel hose 100 is at the required pressure. As a result, the one-way valve 114 opens to allow the entry of the fuel in the third compartment 110 and thereafter to the fuel injector 104. In such a scenario, no issue is faced during starting of the vehicle.

[037] When level of fuel in the fuel tank 102 is equal to or little more than the dead volume of the fuel tank 102 and the motor in the fuel pump 112 does not get sufficient time to rotate, sufficient pressure is not built up 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 fuel in the fuel hose 100 at 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 till the motor in the fuel pump 112 starts rotating at the desired speed. As soon as the motor of the fuel pump 1 12 starts rotating at the desired speed i.e. when the vehicle starts moving, sufficient pressure is built up in the fuel hose 100 which speeds up the capillary action in the one or more filters of the fuel pump and fuel with required pressure is pumped into the fuel hose 100. As a result, the one-way valve 114 in the third compartment 110 opens and the fuel is supplied from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel injector 104.

[038] For example, when the vehicle is in ISS ON mode, the motor of the fuel pump 1 12 does not get sufficient time to rotate when the vehicle is started. As a result, the capillary action in the one or more filters of the fuel pump 112 is not completed and the fuel at required pressure is not pumped into the fuel hose 100. As a result the one-way valve 114 closes and the reserved fuel in the third compartment 110 is supplied to the fuel injector 104. As the fuel at required pressure is supplied to the fuel injector 104 even when the fuel pump 1 12 does not get sufficient time to rotate, no issue is faced while starting the vehicle in the ISS ON mode. As soon as the motor of the fuel pump 112 starts rotating at the desired speed i.e. when the vehicle starts moving, sufficient pressure is built up in the fuel hose 100 which speeds up the capillary action in the one or more filters of the fuel pump 1 12 and fuel with required pressure is pumped into the fuel hose 100. As a result, the oneway valve 114 in the third compartment 110 opens and the fuel is supplied from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel injector 104.

[039] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the fuel hose 100 indicating the direction of flow of fuel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is to be understood that fuel flows from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel injector 104 when the one-way valve 114 is open and flows from the third compartment 110 to the fuel injector 104 when the one-way valve 114 is closed. [040] Figure 5 illustrates a front portion of a vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is to be understood that Figure 5 is only for the purpose of illustration and does not restrict the scope of the term “vehicle”. The term “vehicle” includes all the vehicles having a fuel pump arranged in the fuel tank and a fuel injector wherein the fuel pump and the fuel injector are operably connected with a fuel hose in accordance with the present invention.

[041] As shown, the two-wheeled vehicle 10 comprises a frame structure to support different parts of the vehicle 10. A head tube 12 is provided at a front end of said frame structure. The head tube 12 supports a steering shaft (not shown) rotatably in a certain range. In an upper portion of the head tube 12, a handlebar (not shown) is rotatably connected to the steering shaft. The handlebar is used to steer the vehicle 10 and is connected to a front wheel (not shown) through a front fork assembly (not shown).

[042] In a front portion of the frame structure, the fuel tank 102 is arranged immediately behind the head tube 12 and above a power generating unit 14 including the internal combustion engine and the fuel injector 104. The fuel hose 100 is operably connected to the fuel pump 112 arranged inside the fuel tank 102 and to the fuel injector 104 in order to supply pressurized fuel from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel injector 104.

[043] In an embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are same. In an embodiment, the diameter of the first compartment and the diameter of the second compartment are different. In an embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment and the third compartment are integrally formed. In an embodiment, the first compartment, the second compartment and the third compartment are detachably formed. In an embodiment, a purge control valve (not shown) is arranged outside the fuel tank 102. The purge control valve is disposed on another side of the fuel tank (not shown) with respect to a vehicle mid plane axis.

[044] Advantageously, the present invention ensures startability of the vehicle even in low fuel level conditions and/or when the fuel pump of the vehicle does not get sufficient time to rotate and build pressure in the fuel hose for suction of fuel at the required pressure. For example, the vehicle does not face startability issues when it in ISS ON mode and low fuel level conditions. Owing to the present invention, the efficiency of the internal combustion is increased, thereby increasing the overall performance of the vehicle.

[045] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals

10- vehicle

12- head pipe 14- power generating unit

100- fuel hose

102- fuel tank

104- fuel injector

106- first compartment 108- second compartment

1 10- third compartment

1 12-fuel pump

1 14- one-way valve

1 14a- stopper 1 14b- spring

1 14c- casing