System for venting a liquid tank

• US 20020011265A1
• Filed: 07/10/2001
• Published: 01/31/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme) (Solvac SA)
• Original Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Management (Solvac SA)
• Inventors: Ganachaud, Patrick
• Granted Patent: US 6,532,983 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/43
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 15/03519 Valve arrangements in the vent line
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 24/044 the float being rigidly connected to the valve element, the assembly of float and valve element following a substantially translational movement when actuated, e.g. also for actuating a pilot valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0777 With second control
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0874 Vent opening or closing on tipping container
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/4824 Tank within tank

Abstract

Combination of a float valve for venting a fuel tank allowing venting in the inclined position, preventing the ejection of liquid, fulfilling the OPD and ROV functions and the function of degassing during filling, and of a capacity equipped with a draining system capable of trapping small quantities of liquid fuel entrained with the gases and of returning them to the tank.

Claims

1. A system for venting a liquid tank comprising, on the one hand, a closed volume internal to the tank and equipped with a draining device which acts as a capacity intended to collect and hold any entrainment of liquid from the tank and, on the other hand, a float valve arranged in the tank, situated outside the volume of the capacity and connected to the latter by means of a duct of an air vent circuit, wherein the valve comprises means for:

a) venting the tank, including when the latter is inclined with respect to the initial position for which it was designed,

b) preventing liquid from being ejected from the tank in the event that the latter becomes inclined or in the event that waves of liquid are produced within the tank,

c) automatically shutting off the tank in the event that the latter rolls over, thereby realizing an ROV function,

d) regulating a useful volume of the tank and preventing the tank from being filled beyond a predetermined level,

e) degassing the tank while it is being filled.

2. Venting system according to claim 1, wherein the valve also comprises a check valve equipped with at least one flexible seal.

3. Venting system according to claim 2, wherein the flexible seal of the check valve part of the valve is mounted on a head of the valve and collaborates with a moving part of the check valve.

4. Venting system according to claim 1, wherein the ROV function is achieved by means of a cage with a perforated well situated under the float valve, in which well there rests a dense ball which, when it moves under the effect of gravity, pushes the float of the float valve upwards and closes a needle-type valve, a moving part of which is secured to this float and capable of blocking off a valve outlet duct.

5. Venting system according to claim 3, wherein the seal has an annular shape and deformable lips which make the tank safe in the event of depression and in the event of overpressure.

6. Venting system according to claim 5, wherein, in the annular seal, different lips provide safety for depression and safety for overpressure.

7. Venting system according to claim 1, wherein the draining device consists of a flexible diaphragm closing an orifice situated at a low point of the capacity.

8. Venting system according to claim 7, wherein the diaphragm is made of an elastomer in the form of an inverted umbrella.

9. Process for venting a fuel tank in a motor vehicle, wherein the tank is equipped with the venting system according to claim 1.

10. Process according to claim 9, wherein the fuel is diesel oil intended to supply a diesel engine.