NL2010693C2

NL2010693C2 - Adaptor, assembly of an adaptor and accessory plate and kit for fitting a lpg fuel system for liquid injection in a car.

Info

Publication number: NL2010693C2
Application number: NL2010693A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Servatius Alfons Maria Jaasma
Original assignee: Vialle Alternative Fuel Systems Bv
Priority date: 2013-04-23
Filing date: 2013-04-23
Publication date: 2014-10-27
Also published as: WO2014173646A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an adaptor (20) to be combined with an accessory plate (30) that can be mounted to a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank (10, 100), the adaptor having an adaptor body. According to the invention the adapter comprises at least one member arranged to provide a liquid LPG injection functionality, such as an electrical connector (65) for providing electricity to a device positioned in an interior part of the tank (10, 100), a fuel return channel (50) for conducting a return flow of LPG fuel from the engine (110)to the tank (10, 100) or an arm (51) for positioning, and preferably mounting, a fuel pump (60) inside the tank (10, 100). The invention further relates to a kit for fitting a liquid LPG injection fuel system in a car, comprising the adaptor. Further the invention relates to an assembly of an accessory plate and such an adaptor.

Description

Adaptor, assembly of an adaptor and accessory plate and kit for fitting a LPG fuel system for liquid injection in a car

The invention relates to an adaptor for mounting an accessory plate onto an opening of liquefied petrol gas (LPG) tank. The invention also relates to an adaptor and accessory assembly. Further the invention relates to a kit for fitting a so-called liquefied petrol gas (LPG) fuel system, including injection of liquid LPG (such as liquid propane injection or LPi), in a car comprising such an adaptor.

It is known to use an accessory plate (also called multivalve) in fuel systems. Liquefied petrol gas (LPG), including liquid propane and/or butane gas compositions, can be injected in liquid form into a combustion engine (LPi) .

More specifically LPG can be injected directly into the cylinder (LPdi) . Also in liquid LPG injection fuel systems accessory plates can be used, such as WO 98/20247 from the same applicant, the complete content of which is incorporated by reference. Accessory plates are used as a closure for an opening of a tank.

Accessory plates are widely available providing functional elements for a petrol fuel system. The conventional accessory plate for LPG tanks can comprise a fuel in and fuel out line. The fuel in allow filling of the tank onto which the accessory is mounted. The fuel in can be connected to the tank opening of the car over a fuel line. The fuel out is connected to the engine and allows feeding the engine with fuel from the tank. Further the conventional accessory plate can have safety features such as a pressure relief valve and/or a pressure relief device (thermofuse). A further element that can generally be found in conventional multivalves is a floater connected over a hingeable arm to the multivalve and comprising a sensor. The floater can float on the liquid in the tank. When fuel is used, the floater will lower. This can be sensed using the sensor and can be converted into a signal representing an indication for the actual filling of the tank.

In case of a LPG fuel system for liquid injection a special accessory plate is typically arranged to provide auxiliary functionality to allow liquid injection of LPG. Such a custom liquid LPG accessory plate is however expensive because of relatively low volumes. It is therefore a goal of the invention to lower the costs for providing a multivalve that allows liquid injection of LPG.

According to a first aspect of the invention an adaptor is provided. The adaptor is to be combined with an accessory plate and to be used in combination with a liquefied petrol gas (LPG) tank. In an embodiment the adaptor has a body and comprises at least one member arranged to provide a liquid LPG injection functionality. The liquid LPG injection functionality may comprise conducting a return flow of the fuel from the engine to the tank; providing an electrical connection; sensing the pressure of the return flow of the fuel; an arm for positioning/mounting an LPG pump inside the tank, etc.

Generally the invention can relate to fitting a member having liquid LPG injection functionality into the LPG tank by adding it on top of the conventional multivalve. In combination with a conventional, low cost (LPG) accessory plate, the adaptor according to the invention can be mounted on a liquefied petrol gas tank as a part of a fuel system, e.g. in a car. In this regard, it is sufficient to provide only extra functionality on the adaptor. The adaptor is not required to be provided with functionality which a conventional multivalve/accessory plate already has, e.g. fuel-inlets and/or fuel-outlets.

The adaptor body may be arranged to be mounted onto an opening of the LPG tank. This allows mounting the members providing liquid LPG injection functionality to the tank.

The member arranged to provide a liquid LPG injection functionality may comprise an electrical connector for providing electricity to the tank. The member can further include electrical wiring e.g. to be connected to a battery so as to provide power to e.g. the LPG pump positioned inside the tank.

The member may comprise a fuel return channel for conducting a return flow of LPG fuel from the engine to the tank. In a liquid injection LPG fuel system e.g. comprising direct injection, an LPG return flow should be provided. The adaptor allows the return flow to be directed back into the tank.

The member may comprise a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the return flow of the fuel. The pressure in the return fuel channel can be valuable parameter for control of the fuel system that is connected to the accessory plate / adaptor. The adaptor can provide a member that is arranged to measure the pressure in the return fuel channel. In a further embodiment the member providing liquid LPG injection functionality may also comprise a pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure in the fuel return line.

The member may comprise an arm for positioning, and preferably mounting, a LPG pump inside the tank. The arm allows the direct or indirect positioning, preferably suspension, of the LPG pump from the adaptor. The positioning of the pump is achieved using the mounting of the adaptor. The fuel pump doesn't need to be connected to the LPG tank.

Further the LPG pump can be installed in the tank in a single operation by mounting the adaptor to the opening of the tank.

The adapter body may be suitable for mounting to a tank for storing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The adaptor body may further be suitable for mounting a conventional multivalve/accessory plate to the adaptor. The adaptor is arranged to be connected in between the tank and the conventional accessory plate. The adaptor according to the invention together with a conventional multivalve provide a multivalve having LPG functionalities. The adaptor allows using the low cost conventional multivalves. By fitting the adaptor between the opening and accessory plate the liquid LPG injection functionality is added and can be accessed.

The adaptor may be arranged to be sandwiched between the accessory plate and an opening of the tank. Preferably, the body can be plate like. The body of the adaptor may be plate-like and may be sandwiched between the multivalve/accessory plate and the tank. For instance, the plate-like body may have a first face adapted for mounting the multivalve/accessory plate, and a second face adapted for being mounted to the tank. Suitable seals can be used to seal the opening - adaptor and the adaptor - accessory plate connection.

In an embodiment the invention provides fitting the adaptor, at least partially, between the opening of the LPG tank in order to provide the additional liquid LPG injection functionality.

The body of the adaptor may be ring-shaped. The body of the adaptor may have a plurality of holes or openings adapted to guide bolts for mounting the valve onto the adaptor.

The body of the adaptor may further comprise a side surface. At least one of the members can be arranged on the side surface. In an embodiment the body of the adaptor is provided with bores from an outside (side) surface to an internal (side) surface. These bores allow a member to provide liquid LPG injection functionality internal of the LPG tank, when the adaptor is mounted to the tank. The bores can be provided with suitable seals to prevent leakage.

The second aspect of the invention relates to a kit for fitting a liquid LPG injection fuel system in a car, the kit comprising the adaptor according to any of the embodiments described herein and any one of the following: - an accessory plate comprising at least one fuel inlet and at least one fuel outlet; or - a tank for storing liquefied petroleum gas; or - fuel lines; or - a LPG fuel pump; or - a controller.

It should be noted that the term 'or' is not exclusive. One element does not exclude another. It is also possible to have multiple elements in the kits in addition to the adaptor. Such a kit can be used to fit a liquid LPG injection fuel system extra to an existing fuel system. The kit allows fitting the elements of the kit into a car to build a liquid LPG injection fuel system. The LPG tank is a pressure vessel. Suitable seals are used (and can be included in the kit) to arranged the parts of the kit to the LPG tank.

Kits for fitting a liquid LPG injection fuel system are generally known. The skilled person will be familiar with suitable controllers and fuel lines. The accessory plate may also be a conventional, liquid fuel, multivalve. It is possible not to include the multivalve in the kit as multivalves are readily available.

According to a third aspect of the invention, an assembly of an adaptor and a accessory plate is provided. The adaptor and accessory plate can each have any of the embodiments as disclosed in this application.

In an example the assembly further comprises a tank for storing liquefied petroleum gas, the tank comprising a fuel pump for generating fuel flows in a liquidated form. In an example the assembly can further include a controller for controlling the fuel pump.

The fuel pump may be suspended from the adaptor. The tank may be toroidally shaped. The fuel pump may be arranged near a bottom of the tank. The tank may comprise a cylindrical shaped opening for mounting the adaptor. The adaptor may be sandwiched between the multivalve and the tank.

The invention will be explained in more detain below with reference to an illustrative embodiment shown in the drawings . In the drawings :

Fig. 1 is a schematic exploded view of an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, including a first embodiment of the adaptor according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the adaptor and accessory plate according to the first embodiment

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a LPG system according to a second embodiment.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fuel tank assembly suitable for liquefied petrol gas. The assembly is shown in an cross sectional exploded view. The assembly comprises the LPG tank 10 having an opening 11, a adaptor 20 according to a first embodiment and a multivalve or accessory plate 30.

The LPG fuel tank 10 arranged as pressure vessel is shown in cross section. The LPG tank 10 is torodially shaped. The LPG tank can be fitted in a car and replace the spare wheel. In this embodiment the LPG tank can comprise two shell like halves that are welded together. The LPG tank is provided with an opening 11. The opening 11 in this embodiment comprises a hole in the wall of the tank 10 into which a cylindrical part 12 is welded. The cylindrical part 12 can be provided with a flanged edge 13 onto which a multivalve or accessory plate 30 can be mounted. The flanged edge 13 can extend inwardly from the cylindrical wall 12. In other embodiments the flanged edge can extend outwardly. The cylindrical part 12 and flanged edge 13 are examples of embodiments for an opening 11 of the LPG tank 10.

The opening is typically about 48 mm in diameter. The invention is not limited to 48 mm openings. The accessory plate is typically a 48 mm opening suitable accessory plate.

The invention is however not limited to such conventional accessory plates.

Fuel level 16 shows the tank 10 filled to about maximum capacity. Other embodiments are also possible.

Figure 1 schematically shows an adaptor 20 according to a first embodiment. The adaptor 20 has a bottom surface 21 that is arranged to be fitted onto the opening 11, specifically onto the flanged edge 13. A flange 22 extends angularly and is arranged to be positioned in contact with flange 13 of the opening 11. Surface 21 and flange 22 can cooperate with the opening such that an airtight fitting of the adaptor 20 on the opening 11 can be achieved.

An upper side 23 of the adaptor 20, comprising a flange 24, is arranged to be in contact with the accessory plate 30.

Size and dimensions of the upper side 23 and bottom side 21 of adaptor ring 20 are matched to allow the accessory plate 30 and opening 11 respectively to be connected in an airtight manner with the adaptor 20.

Flanges 22,24 are not necessary. Dimensions of the adaptor ring are configured such that fitting of the adaptor 20 onto the opening 11 is possible and the accessory plate 30 connected to it. Clearly many embodiments are possible to achieve such fitting and the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

Generally the body 25 of the adaptor 20 can be ring shaped to be fitted on the cylindrical part 12 and flanged edge 13. The multivalve 30 is generally disc shaped. The adaptor 20 can be a moulded piece of metal. Channels can be formed in the moulded body 25. The channels can be bored holes .

Conventional accessory plate 30 shown in figure 1 comprises a disc shaped body 31 having two channels, a fuel-in 32 and fuel-out 33. Further the accessory plate 30 can comprise at least one safety feature 34, such as a pressure relief valve and/or a pressure relief device (thermofuse). Further the illustrated accessory plate 30 comprises a floater 36 connected via a arm 37 hingeably connected to a schematically illustrated sensor 38. Sensor 38 can convert the hinging movement of the floater 36, resulting from the increase (during filling) or lowering (during use) of the fuel level 16 of fuel inside the LPG tank 10. The sensor 38 can be connected (not shown) to a controller or to an indicator on the dashboard of the car. The floater 36 is, when the tank 10 / adaptor 20 / accessory plate 30 is assembled, arranged inside the tank.

Such conventional accessory plates are readily available. The disc body 31 is available in different dimensions. The dimension of the accessory plate 30 and the opening 11 are generally similar, although different dimensions are possible.

The conventional functionality of the accessory plate 30 is insufficient for a liquid LPG injection fuel system, such as an LPi or LDPi system. Additional liquid LPG injection functionality is needed. According to the invention one or more members providing such auxiliary liquid LPG injection functionality is/are provided on the adaptor 20.

Adaptor 20 in this embodiment has a member providing a liquid LPG injection functionality in the form of a return flow channel 26. In a liquid LPG injection fuel system generally a fuel return line can be arranged to return LPG to the fuel tank. Examples of such fuel systems comprising a return line are disclosed in EP 2 260 200 and EP 1 785 618, the complete content of which is included by reference. The fuel return channel 26 can be connected to the return line, e.g. coming from the high pressure pump in a direct injection fuel system.

The fuel return channel 26 can be a bored channel in body 25 and can further comprise a tubular fuel line 58 connected to the bore extending into the LPG tank 10.

On the outside of the adaptor 20, preferably on a side surface 28 of body 25, a tube connector 50 can be mounted for connecting the channel 26 to a return fuel line. The tube connector 50 can comprise a pressure sensor 29 arranged to measure the pressure in the return fuel line / channel. The measured pressure can be forwarded to a fuel controller (ECU) providing feedback control.

As a further member providing liquid LPG injection functionality, an arm 51 extends from the adaptor 20. The arm 51 extends into the tank 10, when the adaptor 20 is mounted on the opening 11. The arm 51 is arranged to position the LPG pump 60 in the LPG tank 10. The pump 60 can be fixed to the arm 51, directly or indirectly. A buffer storage, formed by a plastic bag 61, can surround the entrance of the LPG pump 60.

The arm 51 can also be connected directly or indirectly with the buffer storage, the buffer storage holding the LPG pump 60. The arm 51 is arranged to position the fuel pump 60 and/or the buffer storage close to the bottom of the LPG tank 10. This ensures that the LPG pump 10 is provided with as much fuel as possible, even when the tank 10 is close to empty.

Further the arm 51 results in a fixed connection, preferably a mounting connection, between adaptor 20 and fuel pump 60. This fixed relationship allows arranging the adaptor 20 and fuel pump 60 on and into the LPG tank 10 in a single operation, reducing complexity during assembly. The buffer storage is arranged to take in fuel and provide a buffer of fuel to the entry port of the fuel pump 60.

Although figure 1 illustrates a schematically representation of the buffer storage, it will be clear to the skilled man that many embodiments are possible.

LPG pump 60 is connected, via a fuel line 62 to the fuel out channel 33 of the accessory plate 30. This allows the LPG from the tank 10 to be supplied to the engine.

Yet a further member providing liquid LPG injection functionality is formed by electrical connectors 65. These can be connected to a battery 67, shown schematically, of the car. The connectors 65 can be connected to electrical wiring 66.

The electrical wiring 66 extends into the internal space of the LPG tank 10. The electrical wiring 66 can be connected to the LPG pump 60 for providing energy for the pump 60 to operate .

In assembled form the adaptor 20 is sandwiched between the tank 10 and the accessory plate 30. For achieving a leak free connection, the skilled person will have different options available. Suitable seals, rubbers, can be used to obtain a leak free connection.

Figure 2 shows the adaptor 20 in more detail. In the embodiment shown, the body 25 of adaptor 20 is ring shaped.

The body can have bores 70 allowing bolts to create a fixed connection onto opening 11. The bolts can engage flange 13. Connectors 65 are arranged on the side surface 28. Wiring is preferably provided on the internal side surface 71 for creating an electrical connection with the fuel pump 60. Fuel pump arm 51 also preferably extends from the internal side surface 71. A tube 58 is connected to a bored fuel return channel in the body 25. On the outer side surface 28 a tube connector 50 is provided having a pressure sensor 29. Electrical connectors 74 of the sensor 29 are visible.

The accessory plate 30 having safety 34, fuel in 32, fuel out 33 and floater 36 with arm 37 is also shown schematically.

Bolts can be used to connect the accessory plate onto the adaptor 20 and on the opening 11 in a single operation.

The floater 36 and arm 37 are arranged through the central opening surrounded by inside side surface 71 of the adaptor 10 .

Preferably the adaptor 20 is connected to the accessory plate 30 before fitting the adaptor & accessory plate to the opening 11.

Figure 3 shows schematically a fuel system for a liquid LPG injection fuel system having direct injection. In this embodiment a single fuel liquid LPG injection system is illustrated. Clearly the liquid LPG injection fuel system can be part of a bi-fuel system, wherein the user can switch between a liquid fuel, such as petrol or diesel, and a liquefied vapour, such as LPG.

In an embodiment the fuel system can be a injection fuel system (LPi). The invention is not limited to direct injection fuel systems.

Liquefied petroleum gas can be supplied to LPG tank 100 using the fuel-in 101. This can be done at a gas station. The LPG from the LPG tank can be collected and buffered in storage buffer 102 around the entry of the LPG fuel pump 103 received and positioned inside the LPG tank near the bottom thereof.

The LPG pump 103 can provide the liquid LPG to a high pressure pump 105 using a suitable fuel tube 106. High pressure pump 106 can raise the pressure of the liquid LPG up to e.g. 30 atm or higher. A LPG return flow 107, in this embodiment from the high pressure pump 105, is returned to the LPG tank 100. A pressure sensor 109 can measure the pressure of the returned fuel. All LPG is transported through schematically illustrated opening 108 of the LPG tank 100. From the high pressure pump 105 a suitable high pressure line transports the fuel to the high pressure fuel rail (not shown) such that the fuel is injected in a (one of four illustrated) cylinder of the engine 110. The LPG pump 103 and high pressure pump 105 can be controlled by a suitable fuel controller, such as an ECU 111. Suitable electrical wiring connects the ECU with the elements.

The ECU can receive measured values or representative values for the pressure from pressure sensor 109.

From the above it will be clear that many embodiments are possible. The invention is not limited to the shown embodiments. In an embodiment the adaptor is a auxiliary piece that can be fitted through the fuel in of the common accessory plate. This adaptor is fitted on the outside of the accessory plate having some members providing liquid LPG injection functionality extending into the LPG tank.

Clauses 1. Adaptor to be combined with a an accessory plate that can be mounted to a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank, the adaptor having an adaptor body and comprising at least one member arranged to provide a liquid LPG injection functionality.

2. Adaptor according to clause 1, wherein the member comprises an electrical connector for providing electricity to a device positioned in an interior part of the tank.

3. Adaptor according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the member comprises a fuel return channel for conducting a return flow of LPG fuel from the engine to the tank.

4. Adaptor according to clause 3, wherein the member comprises a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the fuel return channel.

5. Adaptor according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the member comprises an arm for positioning, and preferably mounting, a fuel pump inside the tank.

6. Adaptor according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the adaptor body is arranged to be mounted onto an opening of the LPG tank.

7. Adaptor according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the adaptor is arranged to be sandwiched between the accessory plate and an opening of the tank.

8. Adaptor according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the adaptor body comprises a side surface, wherein the member is arranged on the side surface, and wherein preferably the body is ring-shaped.

9. Adaptor according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the adaptor body has a plurality of holes adapted to receive bolts for mounting the accessory plate onto the adaptor and/or for mounting the adaptor onto an opening of the LPG tank.

10. A kit for fitting a liquid LPG injection fuel system in a car, comprising - the adaptor according to any one of the preceding clauses; and any one of: - an accessory plate comprising at least one fuel inlet and at least one fuel outlet; and/or - a liquefied petroleum gas tank; and/or - LPG fuel lines; and/or - a LPG fuel pump; and/or - a controller.

11. Assembly of an accessory plate and adaptor according to any of the clauses 1- 10, wherein the assembly is mountable onto an opening of an LPG tank.

12. Assembly according to clause 11, wherein the assembly further comprises an LPG fuel pump to be positioned inside the LPG tank.

13. Assembly according to clause 12, wherein the LPG fuel pump is connected to the adaptor over an arm, and preferably via a fuel line to the accessory plate.

14. Assembly according to clause 12 or 13, wherein the LPG fuel pump is arranged near a bottom of the LPG tank.

15. Assembly according to any of the clauses 11 - 14, further comprising a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank having an opening, wherein the adaptor is sandwiched between the accessory plate and opening of the LPG tank.

16. Assembly according to clause 15, wherein the tank is toroidally shaped, and preferably the LPG tank comprises a cylindrical shaped opening for mounting the adaptor.

17. Assembly according to any of the clauses 11 - 16, further comprising a controller, preferably arranged to control the LPG fuel pump.

Claims

An adapter element, which can be combined with an accessory plate, to be mounted on a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank, the adapter element having an adapter body and comprising at least one component adapted for a liquid LPG injection provide functionality.

Adapter element according to claim 1, wherein the part comprises an electrical connection for supplying electricity to a unit located in the tank.

Adapter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component comprises a fuel return channel for guiding a return flow of LPG fuel from the engine to the tank.

Adapter element according to claim 3, wherein the component comprises a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the fuel return channel.

Adapter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component comprises an arm for positioning, and in particular suspending, a fuel pump in the tank.

Adapter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter body is adapted to be arranged on an opening of the LPG tank.

Adapter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter element is adapted to be clamped between the accessory plate and an opening of the LPG tank.

Adapter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter body comprises a side surface, the component being arranged on the side surface, and wherein the adapter body is preferably annular.

Adapter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter body has a number of openings adapted to receive bolts for mounting the accessory plate on the adapter and / or mounting the adapter on an opening of the LPG tank.

Kit for building in a fuel system for liquid LPG injection in a car, comprising: - the adapter element according to one of the preceding claims; and one of: - an accessory plate comprising at least one fuel inlet and a fuel outlet; and / or - a tank for liquefied petroleum gas; and / or - LPG fuel lines; and / or - an LPG fuel pump; and / or - a control unit.

An assembly of an accessory plate and adapter element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the assembly is mountable on an opening of an LPG tank.

12. Assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the assembly further comprises an LPG fuel pump, which pump can be positioned in the interior of the LPG tank.

Assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the LPG fuel pump is connected via an arm to the adapter element, and preferably via a fuel line to the accessory plate.

Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 11-13, wherein the LPG fuel pump is arranged near a bottom of the LPG tank.

An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising an (LPG) tank for liquefied petroleum gas having an opening, wherein the adapter element is clamped between the accessory plate and the opening of the tank.

Assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the tank has a torus shape, and wherein preferably the LPG tank comprises a cylindrically shaped opening for mounting the adapter element.

An assembly according to any of claims 11-16, further comprising a control unit, preferably adapted to control the LPG fuel pump.