Fuel tank for a motor vehicle

• US 20060032546A1
• Filed: 08/11/2005
• Published: 02/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Company KG (Textron Inc)
• Original Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Company KG (Textron Inc)
• Inventors: Treudt, Volker, Bolle, Dirk
• Granted Patent: US 7,219,704 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 141/59
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2015/03236 characterised by special filters, the mounting thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2015/03571 Venting during driving
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2015/03576 Venting during filling the reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 25/0854 Details of the absorption canister
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 25/0872 Details of the fuel vapour pipes or conduits

Abstract

The invention concerns a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising means for conveying fuel from the tank to an internal combustion engine of the vehicle, and a filling connection with a filling opening. The tank also has means for venting the tank during refuelling and during operation thereof, with at least one fuel vapor filter by way of which the fuel tank is vented. The fuel vapor filter is of a two-stage configuration having first and second filter stages in the direction of flow in venting. A refuelling venting conduit is branched off after the first filter stage and is communicatable with the atmosphere or the tank interior.

Claims

1. A fuel tank for an internal combustion engine, comprising

means for conveying fuel from the tank to an internal combustion engine,

a filling connection with a filling opening,

means for refuelling and operational venting of the tank,

at least one fuel vapor filter by way of which venting of the tank is effected, the fuel vapor filter being a two-stage filter comprising first and second filter stages in the direction of flow in respect of venting, wherein the first filter stage is of a lower flow resistance therethrough than one of the group consisting of the first and second filter stages and the second filter stage, and

a refuelling venting conduit branched off the fuel vapor filter after the first filter stage.

2. A fuel tank as set forth in claim 1

wherein the second filter stage is in the form of a fine cleaning stage.

3. A fuel tank as set forth in claim 1

wherein the refuelling venting conduit has an outlet opening communicating with the atmosphere, and including

a switchable refuelling valve operatively disposed between the first filter stage and the refuelling venting conduit outlet opening, the arrangement being such that the refuelling venting conduit is communicatable with the atmosphere by way of the refuelling valve.

4. A fuel tank as set forth in claim 3

wherein the refuelling valve is closed in the non-actuated condition.

5. A fuel tank as set forth in claim 1 and including

an operational venting conduit connected to the second filter stage, and

a switchable diagnosis valve connected to the operational venting conduit for communication with the atmosphere, the diagnosis valve being open in the non-actuated condition.

6. A fuel tank as set forth in claim 1

wherein the refuelling venting conduit communicates with the filling connection.

7. A fuel tank as set forth in claim 6

wherein the filling connection includes a sealing means adapted to sealingly co-operate with a refuelling gun and

wherein the refuelling venting conduit communicates with the filling connection upstream of the sealing means in the direction of flow of fuel to be introduced into the fuel tank.

8. A fuel tank as set forth in claim 6

wherein the filling connection includes a holder adapted to co-operate with a refuelling gun and

wherein the refuelling venting conduit communicates with the filling connection upstream of the holder in the direction of flow of fuel to be introduced into the fuel tank.

9. A fuel tank as set forth in claim 6 and further including

a check valve in the refuelling venting conduit after the fuel vapor filter.

10. A fuel tank as set forth in claim 5

wherein the diagnosis valve is closed in the non-actuated condition,

and further including

a pressure-maintaining valve in parallel relationship with the diagnosis valve.

11. A fuel tank as set forth in claim 10 and further including

a check valve in the operational venting conduit, the check valve being in parallel relationship with the pressure-maintaining valve.