SE540434C2

SE540434C2 - Flow control valve, fuel supply arrangement and vehicle

Info

Publication number: SE540434C2
Application number: SE1750066A
Authority: SE
Inventors: berg Adam
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2017-01-27
Filing date: 2017-01-27
Publication date: 2018-09-18
Also published as: WO2018139969A1; DE112018000277T5; DE112018000277B4; SE1750066A1

Abstract

Herein a flow control valve (1) is disclosed comprising a first inlet (3) a second inlet (5) an outlet (7), and a valve chamber (9) having a first end (11) and a second end (12) and a valve chamber section (13). The valve section (13) comprises a first valve seat (15) and a second valve seat (19) connected to a respective inlet (3, 5). The valve chamber section (13) comprises at least a first passage (21) and at least a second passage (22) fluidically connecting the valve chamber (9) with the outlet (7). The flow control valve (1) comprises a valve body (25) displaceably arranged in the valve chamber (9) to interact with the first and second valve seats (15, 19). The valve body (25) comprises a first end surface (27), a second end surface (29) and at least one through hole (31) extending between the first and second end surfaces (27, 29). The present disclosure also relates to a fuel supply arrangement (40) for a vehicle (41), and a vehicle (41) comprising a fuel supply arrangement (40).

Description

FLOW CONTROL VALVE, FUEL SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT AND VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a flow control valve comprising two inlets and an outlet. The present invention further relates to a fuel supply arrangement for a vehicle comprising a flow control valve, and a vehicle comprising a fuel supply arrangement.

BACKGROUND Flow control valves having two inlets and an outlet are used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems, for example where it is desired to switch between two different pumping sources.

An example of such a hydraulic arrangement is a fuel supply arrangement for a vehicle comprising a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank. Such fuel supply arrangement may comprise a flow control valve comprising a first and a second inlet, where the first inlet is connected to an outlet of the first tank and the second inlet is connected to an outlet of the second fuel tank. Further, such fuel supply arrangement may comprise a pump configured to pump fuel from the respective first and second fuel tanks via the flow control valve, where the flow control valve is configured to control from which of the tanks the fuel is pumped, for example by controlling a position of a valve body within the flow control valve.

In many hydraulic and pneumatic systems, it is an advantage if the valve is capable of switching between two inlets without significantly affecting flow resistance through the flow control valve during the switch, this to avoid variations of flow rate of fluid through the flow control valve during the switch. For example, in the above given example of a fuel supply arrangement, a varying flow resistance through the flow control valve will cause a varying flow rate of fuel, which may have negative impacts on the functioning of the fuel supply arrangement and of an engine connected thereto.

Accordingly, in view of the above, there is a need for an improved flow control valve.

SUMMARY It is an object of the present invention to provide a flow control valve with two inlets and an outlet having an essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve during a switch between the two inlets.

According to an aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a flow control valve comprising a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, and a valve chamber having a first end and a second end and a valve chamber section connecting the first end and the second end. The valve section comprises a first valve seat and a second valve seat arranged at a distance d from each other along a first direction extending from the first end to the second end of the valve chamber. The first inlet is connected to the first valve seat and the second inlet is connected to the second valve seat. The valve chamber section comprises at least a first passage arranged at a position between the first end and the first valve seat, and at least a second passage arranged at a position between the second valve seat and the second end. The at least first passage and at least second passage fluidically connects the valve chamber with the outlet. The flow control valve comprises a valve body displaceably arranged in the valve chamber along the first direction between a first position in which the valve body closes fluid connection between the first inlet and the valve chamber by interacting with the first valve seat, and a second position in which the valve body opens fluid connection between the first inlet and the valve chamber, and closes fluid connection between the second inlet and the valve chamber by interacting with the second valve seat. The valve body comprises a first end surface facing the first end of the valve chamber, and a second end surface facing the second end of the valve chamber. The valve body comprises at least one through hole extending between the first and second end surfaces of the valve body.

Since the valve body comprises at least one through hole extending between the first and second end surfaces of the valve body, fluid will be able to flow through the valve body in the at least one through hole from a first portion of the valve chamber between the first end surface and the first end of the valve chamber to a second portion of the valve chamber between the second end surface and the second end of the valve chamber. Further, since the valve chamber section comprises at least a first passage arranged at a position between the first end and the first valve seat, and at least a second passage arranged at a position between the second valve seat and the second end, during a switch between the inlets, i.e. during displacement of the valve body from the first position to the second position, fluid will be able to flow through the valve body, and through the at least first passage as well as through the at least second passage.

Thereby, the flow resistance through the flow control valve is essentially constant during a switch between the two inlets. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the flow control valve further comprises a second chamber adjacent to the valve chamber, and a partition wall arranged between the valve chamber and the second chamber, wherein the second chamber is fluidically connected to the outlet, and wherein the at least first passage and at least second passage are provided in the partition wall. Thereby, a simple and reliable arrangement is provided fluidically connecting the valve chamber and the second chamber while it is ensured that the flow resistance through the flow control valve is essentially constant.

Optionally, the partition wall comprises a plurality of passages, arranged at positions between the at least first passage and the at least second passage. Thereby, a low and essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve is further ensured.

Optionally, the second chamber extends at least partially circumferentially around to the valve chamber section of the valve chamber, and wherein the partition wall between the valve chamber and the second chamber comprises a plurality of first and second passages, distributed circumferentially in relation to the valve chamber section. Thereby, a low and essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve is even further ensured.

Optionally, the extension of the second chamber in the circumferential direction of the valve chamber section is between 25% and 75% of the total circumference of valve chamber section. Thereby, a low and essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve can be further ensured, since a large portion of the total circumference of valve chamber section can be utilized for fluidically connecting the valve chamber and the second chamber.

Optionally, the flow control valve comprises a control rod connected to the valve body, wherein the control rod extends through the first end of the valve chamber. Thereby, a simple and reliable positioning of the valve body can be provided and thus also a simple and reliable switch between the inlets.

Optionally, the valve body comprises two or more through holes extending between the first and second end surfaces of the valve body. Thereby, a low and essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve is further ensured, since a low flow resistance through the valve body can be provided.

Optionally, the two or more through holes are provided at an equal distance from a centre line of the valve body, wherein the centre line coincides with the first direction. Thereby, a simple and reliable attachment of the control rod to the valve body can be provided, and the control rod will not disturb any flow through the two or more through holes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel supply arrangement with a low variation of flow rate supplied to a pump during a switch between pumping sources.

According to an aspect of the invention, the further object is achieved by a fuel supply arrangement for a vehicle, wherein the fuel supply arrangement comprises a first fuel tank comprising a first fuel outlet and a second fuel tank comprising a second fuel outlet, wherein the fuel supply arrangement further comprises a fuel pump and a flow control valve according to some embodiments, wherein the outlet of the flow control valve is connected to the fuel pump, the first inlet of the flow control valve is connected to the first fuel outlet of the first fuel tank, and the second inlet of the flow control valve is connected to the second fuel outlet of the second fuel tank. Since the fuel supply arrangement comprises a flow control valve with essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve during a switch between the inlets, a fuel supply arrangement is provided where flow rate of fuel to the pump is not significantly affected during a switch of inlets of the flow control valve. Thereby, a fuel supply arrangement is provided with a low variation of flow rate supplied to the pump during a switch between pumping sources.

As a result, the above-mentioned further object is achieved.

Optionally, the flow control valve is arranged in the first fuel tank and wherein the flow control valve comprises a float and a control rod extending through the first end of the valve chamber, wherein the control rod connects the float and the valve body. Since the flow control valve is provided with an essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve during a switch between the two inlets, the flow control valve will perform the switch as the fuel level in the first fuel tank decreases, without significantly affecting the flow rate of fuel being supplied to the pump.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a vehicle in which a combustion engine of the vehicle is supplied with an essentially constant flow rate of fuel during a switch between fuel pumping sources.

According to an aspect of the invention, the further object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a combustion engine and a fuel supply arrangement according to some embodiments, wherein the fuel supply arrangement is configured to supply fuel to the combustion engine of the vehicle.

Since the fuel supply arrangement comprises a flow control valve with essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve during a switch between the inlets, a vehicle is provided in which the combustion engine is supplied with an essentially constant flow rate of fuel during a switch between fuel pumping sources.

As a result, the above-mentioned still further object is achieved.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a flow control valve, Fig. 2 illustrates a cross section of the flow control valve illustrated in Fig. 1, with the valve body removed, Fig. 3 illustrates the cross section of the flow control valve illustrated in Fig. 2, with a valve body displaceably arranged in the valve chamber, and with the valve body in a first position, Fig. 4 illustrates the cross section of the flow control valve illustrated in Fig. 3, with the valve body in a second position, Fig. 5 illustrates the cross section of the flow control valve illustrated in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, with the valve body in a position in which a second valve seat is fully open, Fig. 6 illustrates the cross section of the flow control valve illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5, with the valve body in a position in which a first valve seat is fully open, Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the flow control valve illustrated in the Fig. 1 - Fig. 6. Fig. 8 illustrates a fuel supply arrangement for a vehicle, and Fig. 9 illustrates a vehicle comprising a fuel supply arrangement according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a flow control valve 1 comprising a first inlet 3, a second inlet 5, an outlet 7, and a valve chamber 9. Fig. 1 further illustrates a valve body 25 arranged in the valve chamber 9.

Fig. 2 illustrates a cross section of the flow control valve 1, illustrated in Fig. 1, with the valve body removed in order to clarify functions and features of the flow control valve 1 provided. The cross section is illustrated through the first inlet 3, the outlet 7 and the valve chamber 9. As illustrated, the valve chamber 9 comprises a first end 11, a second end 12 and a valve chamber section 13 connecting the first end 11 and the second end 12. The valve section 13 comprises a first valve seat 15 and a second valve seat 19 arranged at a distance d1 from each other along a first direction d. As illustrated, the first direction d extends from the first end 11 to the second end 12 of the valve chamber 9. The first inlet 3 is connected to the first valve seat 15 and the second inlet is connected to the second valve seat 19. The valve chamber section 13 comprises at least a first passage 21 arranged at a position of the valve chamber section 13 along the first direction d between the first end 11 and the first valve seat 15, and at least a second passage 22 arranged at a position of the valve chamber section 13 along the first direction d between the second valve seat 19 and the second end 12. The at least first passage 21 and the at least second passage 22 fluidically connects the valve chamber 9 with the outlet 7.

Fig. 3 illustrates the cross section the flow control valve 1 illustrated in Fig. 2, with a valve body 25 displaceably arranged in the valve chamber 9. The valve body 25 is displaceably arranged in the valve chamber 9 along the first direction d. The valve body 25 comprises a first end surface 27 facing the first end 11 of the valve chamber 9, and a second end surface 29 facing the second end 12 of the valve chamber 9. In Fig. 3, the valve body 25 is illustrated in a first position in which the valve body 25 closes fluid connection between the first inlet 3 and the valve chamber 9 by interacting with the first valve seat 15. In the first position, the valve body 25 opens fluid connection between the second inlet (not visible in Fig. 3) and the valve chamber 9. This since the second inlet is connected to the second valve seat 19 and since the valve body 25, as illustrated, is in a position where fluid may flow from the second inlet via the second valve seat 19 into a second portion of the valve chamber 9 between the second end 12 of the valve chamber 9 and the second end surface 29 of the valve body 25. From the second portion of the valve chamber 9, fluid may flow to the outlet 7 via the second passage 22 which fluidically connects the second portion of the valve chamber 9 with the outlet 7.

As illustrated, the valve body 25 further comprises through holes 31 extending between the first and second end surfaces 27, 29 of the valve body 25. Thereby, fluid may flow through the through holes 31 in the valve body 25 from the second portion of the valve chamber 9 to a first portion of the valve chamber 9 between the first end 11 of the valve chamber 9 and the first end surface 27 of the valve body 25. From the first portion of the valve chamber 9, fluid may flow through the first passage 21 to the outlet 7.

Accordingly, when the valve body 25 in the first position, as is illustrated in Fig. 3, fluid may flow from the second inlet via the second valve seat 19 into the second portion of the valve chamber 9 between the second end surface 29 of the valve body 25 and the second end 12 of the valve chamber 9. From the second portion, fluid may flow through the second passage 22 to the outlet 7, as well as through the through holes 31 into the first portion of the valve chamber 9 and to the outlet 7 via the first passage 21.

The valve body 25 is displaceably arranged in the valve chamber 9 along the first direction d from the first position, as illustrated in Fig. 3, to a second position.

Fig. 4 illustrates the cross section the flow control valve 1 illustrated in Fig. 3, with the valve body 25 in a second position. In the second position, the valve body 25 opens fluid connection between the first inlet 3 and the valve chamber 9. This since the valve body 25 is in a position allowing fluid to flow through the first valve seat 15 into the valve chamber 9, since the valve body 25 does not fully cover the first valve seat 15. In the second position, the valve body 25 closes fluid connection between the second inlet and the valve chamber 9 by interacting with the second valve seat. The second valve seat is not visible in Fig. 4, since it is covered by the valve body 25.

Accordingly, when the valve body 25 in the second position, as is illustrated in Fig. 4, fluid may flow from the first inlet 3 via the first valve seat 15 into a first portion of the valve chamber 9 between the first end surface 27 of the valve body 25 and the first end 11 of the valve chamber 9. From the first portion, fluid may flow through the first passage 21 to the outlet 7, as well as through the through holes 31 into the second portion of the valve chamber 9 and to the outlet 7 via the second passage 22.

Accordingly, during a switch between the inlets, i.e. during displacement of the valve body 25 from the first position, as illustrated in Fig. 3, to the second position, as illustrated in Fig. 4, fluid will be able to flow to the outlet 7 via the through holes 31 and the first and second passages 21, 22 arranged at a respective side of the valve body 25. Thereby, flow resistance through the flow control valve 1 during the switch between the inlets will essentially be constant.

As seen when comparing the Fig. 2 - 4, the extension of the valve body 25, in the first direction d, is slightly shorter than the distance d2 between distal edges of the first valve seat 15 and the second valve seat 19. Thereby, upon displacement of the valve body 25 between the first and second positions, the valve body 25 will open the first valve seat 15 prior to the second valve seat 19 becomes closed and vice versa. Accordingly, upon displacement of the valve body 25 between the first and second positions, the valve body 25 will assume positions at which both the first valve seat 15 and the second valve seat 19 are open. Due to these features, and the fact that fluid may flow through the valve body 25 via the through holes 31, an essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve 1 is further ensured during the switch of inlets. According to some embodiments, the extension of the valve body 25, in the first direction d, may be 2 - 10% shorter than the distance d2 between distal edges of the first valve seat 15 and the second valve seat 19.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 - Fig. 4, the flow control valve 1 further comprises a second chamber 33 adjacent to the valve chamber 9, and a partition wall 35 arranged between the valve chamber 9 and the second chamber 33. The second chamber 33 is fluidically connected to the outlet 7, and the first passage 21 and the passage 22 are provided in the partition wall 35. Due to these features the essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve 1 is further ensured.

In addition, the partition wall 35 comprises a plurality of passages 23, 24 arranged at positions along the first direction d between the at least first passage 21 and the at least second passage 22. A first set of passages 23 is arranged along the first direction d at positions between a middle section of the valve chamber 9 the at least first passage 21, and a second set of passages 24 is arranged along the first direction d at positions between the middle section of the valve chamber 9 the second passage 22. As seen in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the valve body 25 closes some of the passages 23, 24 by covering them. In the first position, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the valve body 25 covers four of the visible passages, and four of the visible passages are open. In the second position, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the valve body 25 fully covers three of the visible passages and partially covers two of the visible passages.

Accordingly, since the partition wall 35 comprises a plurality of passages 23, 24 arranged along the first direction d at positions evenly distributed between the first end 11 of the valve chamber and the second end 12 of the valve chamber 9, an essentially equal number of passages will fluidically connect the valve chamber 9 and the second chamber 33 at different positions of the valve body 25 between the first end 11 and the second end 12 of the valve chamber 9. Accordingly, the same cross sectional area of passages fluidically connects the valve chamber 9 and the second chamber 33 at different positions of the valve body 25. Thereby, the essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve 1 is even further ensured and the flow resistance will be essentially constant regardless of the position of the valve body 25.

The valve body 25 illustrated in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 may be displaced past the illustrated positions towards the first end 11 and/or towards the second end 12 of the valve chamber 9.

Fig. 5 illustrates the cross section of the flow control valve 1 illustrated in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, with the valve body 25 in a position in which the second valve seat 19 is fully open. As illustrated, four of the visible passages 22, 24 are open in this position, and four of the visible passages 21, 23 are closed in this position, since the valve body 25 covers them.

Accordingly, also in this position, the same cross sectional area of passages fluidically connects the valve chamber 9 and the second chamber 33. As a result, the essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve 1 is further ensured, and the flow resistance will be essentially constant regardless of the position of the valve body 25.

Since the at least first passage 21 and the passages 23 arranged at positions between the first end 11 of the valve chamber 9 and the middle section of the valve chamber 9 are closed when the valve body 25 is in the illustrated position, essentially no fluid will flow through the through holes 31 when the valve body 25 is in the illustrated position. Instead, fluid may flow from the second inlet via the second valve seat 19, through the passages 22, 24 into the second chamber 33 and to the outlet 7.

Fig. 6 illustrates the cross section of the flow control valve 1 illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5, with the valve body 25 in a position in which the first valve seat 15 is fully open. As illustrated, four of the visible passages 21, 23 are open in this position, and four of the visible passages 22, 24 are closed in this position since the valve body 25 covers them. Accordingly, also in this position, the same cross sectional area of passages fluidically connects the valve chamber 9 and the second chamber 33. As a result, the essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve 1 is further ensured, and the flow resistance will be essentially constant regardless of the position of the valve body 25.

Since the at least second passage 22 and the passages 24 arranged at positions between the second end 12 of the valve chamber 9 and the middle section of the valve chamber 9 are closed when the valve body 25 is in the illustrated position, essentially no fluid will flow through the through holes 31 when the valve body 25 is in the illustrated position. Instead, fluid may flow from the first inlet 3 through the first valve seat 15 into the valve chamber 9 and through the passages 21, 23 into the second chamber 33 and to the outlet 7.

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the flow control valve 1 illustrated in the Fig. 1- Fig. 6. In Fig. 7, the first inlet 3, the second inlet 5, the outlet 7, the valve chamber 9, and the second chamber 33 is visible. According to the embodiments illustrated, the second chamber 33 extends circumferentially around to the valve chamber section 13 of the valve chamber 9. Further, the partition wall 35 between the valve chamber 9 and the second chamber 33 comprises a plurality of second passages 22, 23 distributed circumferentially in relation to the valve chamber section 13. The partition wall 35 also comprises a plurality of first passages distributed circumferentially in relation to the valve chamber section 13, but these are not visible in Fig. 7. In addition, the partition wall 35 also comprises a plurality of passages 23 at positions distributed at positions along the first direction and distributed circumferentially in relation to the valve chamber section 13. As a result, a low and essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve 1 is provided, which according to the illustrated embodiments will be essentially constant regardless of the position of the valve body within the valve chamber 9.

In the illustrated embodiments, the extension of the second chamber 33 in the circumferential direction of the valve chamber section 13 is almost 50% of the total circumference of valve chamber section 13. However, according to further embodiments, the extension of the second chamber 33 in the circumferential direction of the valve chamber section 13 may be between 25% and 75% of the total circumference of valve chamber section 13.

Further, in the illustrated embodiments, the valve chamber 9 is cylindrical. Thereby, the flow control valve 1 can be provided in a cost-efficient manner. However, in further embodiments, the valve chamber 9 may have a square, an oval or a triangular cross section, or the like.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 6, the flow control valve 1 comprises a control rod 37 connected to the valve body 25. The control rod 37 extends through the first end 11 of the valve chamber 9. Thereby, a simple and reliable control of the position of the valve body can be provided, and thus also a simple and reliable switch between inlets. The control rod 37 may be connected to an actuator, such as an electro-mechanical actuator, a handle, a linkage, a float, or the like.

As best seen in Fig. 1, the valve body 25 comprises eight through holes 31 extending between the first and second end surfaces of the valve body 25. According to some embodiments, the valve body 25 comprises one through hole extending between the first and second end surfaces of the valve body 25. In further embodiments, the valve body 25 may comprise two or more through holes 31 extending between the first and second end surfaces of the valve body 25. In embodiments where the valve body 25 comprises two or more through holes 31, the essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve 1 may be further ensured since a proper flow path through the valve body 25 may be ensured.

In the illustrated embodiments, the through holes 31 are provided at an equal distance r from a centre line 39 of the valve body 25. As indicated in the Fig. 3, the centre line 39 coincides with the first direction d. Thereby, an easy and reliable attachment of the control rod 37 to the valve body 25 can be provided and the control rod 37 will not disturb any flow through the two or more through holes 31.

Fig. 8 illustrates a fuel supply arrangement 40 for a vehicle. The fuel supply arrangement 40 comprises a first fuel tank 43 comprising a first fuel outlet 45 and a second fuel tank 47 comprising a second fuel outlet 49. The fuel supply arrangement 40 comprises a fuel pump 51 and a flow control valve 1 according to some embodiments. The outlet 7 of the flow control valve 1 is connected to an inlet of the fuel pump 51, the first inlet 3 of the flow control valve 1 is connected to the first fuel outlet 45 of the first fuel tank 43. The second inlet 5 of the flow control valve 1 is connected to the second fuel outlet 49 of the second fuel tank 47.

The fuel pump 51 is configured to pump fuel from the first and second fuel tanks 43, 47 via the flow control valve 1 to an engine 55. The engine 55 may comprise a high-pressure fuel pump arranged to receive fuel pumped from the fuel pump 51. The position of the valve body of the flow control valve 1 will determine from which of the first and second fuel tanks 43, 47 fuel is pumped, i.e. the source from which fuel is pumped. Since the flow control valve 1 is provided with an essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve during a switch between the two inlets, a fuel supply arrangement 40 is provided capable of switching pumping source without significantly affecting the flow rate of the fuel pumped towards the engine 55 during the switch.

Further, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 8, the flow control valve 1 is arranged in the first fuel tank 43 and the flow control valve 1 comprises a float 53 connected to the control rod of the flow control valve 1. Accordingly, the control rod 37 connects the float 53 and the valve body, and the float 53 is arranged to be in fluid connection with fuel in the first fuel tank 43. Due to this arrangement, in case of a high fuel level in the first fuel tank 43, the float will apply a force onto the control rod 37 such that the valve body 25 of the flow control valve assumes a position as illustrated in Fig. 6. In this position, the first valve seat 15 is fully open and the fuel pump can pump fuel from the first outlet 45 of the first fuel tank 43 with low flow resistance through the first inlet 3 of the flow control valve via the first valve seat 15 into the valve chamber 9 and through the passages 21, 23 into the second chamber 33 and to the outlet 7 of the flow control valve 1 to the inlet of the fuel pump 51. In case of a low fuel level in the first fuel tank 43, the float 53 will sink and the valve body 25 of the flow control valve will assume a position as illustrated in Fig. 5. In this position, the second valve seat 19 is fully open and the fuel pump can therefore pump fuel from the second outlet 49 of the second fuel tank 47 with low flow resistance through the second inlet 5 of the flow control valve via the first valve seat 15 into the valve chamber 9 and through the passages 21, 23 into the second chamber 33 and to the outlet 7 of the flow control valve 1 to the inlet of the fuel pump 51.

Since the flow control valve 1 is provided with an essentially constant flow resistance through the flow control valve 1 during a switch between the two inlets 3, 5, the flow control valve 1 will perform the switch as the fuel level in the first fuel tank 43 decreases, without significantly affecting the flow rate of the fuel pumped.

Fig. 9 illustrates a vehicle 41 comprising a combustion engine 55 and a fuel supply arrangement 40 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 8. The fuel supply arrangement 40 is configured to supply fuel to the combustion engine 55 of the vehicle 41. The combustion engine 55 may comprise a diesel engine or a petrol engine. The vehicle 41 illustrated in Fig. 9 is a truck. However, fuel supply arrangement 40 provided may be configured to supply fuel to a combustion engine 55 of another type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land or water based propulsion such as a lorry, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a car, a ship, etc.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. The flow control valve 1 may for example be used in the other direction than expressed in the claims and than described above. If so, the first inlet 3 may be denoted the first outlet 3, the second inlet 5 may be denoted the second outlet 5 and the outlet 7 may be denoted the inlet 7.

Further, instead of the plurality of passages 21-24, the least first passage 21 and the at least second passage 22 fluidically connecting the valve chamber 9 with the outlet 7 may be embodied by a slot or a cut, for example extending in the valve chamber section 13 in the first direction d, wherein the extension of the slot or the cut in the first direction d exceeds the distance d2 between distal edges of the first valve seat 15 and the second valve seat 19 and exceeds the extension of the valve body 25 in the first direction d such that at least a first passage is provided at one side of the valve body 25 and at least a second passage is provided at the other side of the valve body 25.

As used herein, the term “fluid” includes liquids as well as gasses. In embodiments of the flow control valve 1 where the flow control valve 1 is configured to control flow of liquids, the term “fluid” used herein may be replaced by the term “liquid”.

Further, as used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A flow control valve (1) comprising: - a first inlet (3), - a second inlet (5), - an outlet (7), and - a valve chamber (9) having a first end (11) and a second end (12) and a valve chamber section (13) connecting the first end (11) and the second end (12), wherein the valve section (13) comprises a first valve seat (15) and a second valve seat (19) arranged at a distance (d1) from each other along a first direction (d) extending from the first end (11) to the second end (12) of the valve chamber (9), wherein the first inlet (3) is connected to the first valve seat (15) and the second inlet (5) is connected to the second valve seat (19), wherein the valve chamber section (13) comprises at least a first passage (21) arranged at a position between the first end (11) and the first valve seat (15), and at least a second passage (22) arranged at a position between the second valve seat (19) and the second end (12), wherein the at least first passage (21) and at least second passage (22) fluidically connects the valve chamber (9) with the outlet (7), wherein the flow control valve (1) comprises a valve body (25) displaceably arranged in the valve chamber (9) along the first direction (d) between a first position in which the valve body (25) closes fluid connection between the first inlet (3) and the valve chamber (9) by interacting with the first valve seat (15), and a second position in which the valve body (25) opens fluid connection between the first inlet (3) and the valve chamber (9), and closes fluid connection between the second inlet (5) and the valve chamber (9) by interacting with the second valve seat (19), wherein the valve body (25) comprises a first end surface (27) facing the first end (11) of the valve chamber (9), and a second end surface (29) facing the second end (12) of the valve chamber (9), characterized in that the valve body (25) comprises at least one through hole (31) extending between the first and second end surfaces (27, 29) of the valve body (25).

2. The flow control valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flow control valve (1) further comprises a second chamber (33) adjacent to the valve chamber (9) and a partition wall (35) arranged between the valve chamber (9) and the second chamber (33), wherein the second chamber (33) is fluidically connected to the outlet (7), and wherein the at least first passage (21) and at least second passage (22) are provided in the partition wall (35).

3. The flow control valve (1) according to claim 2, wherein the partition wall (35) comprises a plurality of passages (23, 24) arranged at positions between the at least first passage (21) and the at least second passage (22).

4. The flow control valve (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second chamber (33) extends at least partially circumferentially around to the valve chamber section (13) of the valve chamber (9), and wherein the partition wall (35) between the valve chamber (9) and the second chamber (33) comprises a plurality of first and second passages (21, 22) distributed circumferentially in relation to the valve chamber section (13).

5. The flow control valve (1) according to claim 4, wherein the extension of the second chamber (33) in the circumferential direction of the valve chamber section (13) is between 25% and 75% of the total circumference of valve chamber section (13).

6. The flow control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve chamber (9) is cylindrical.

7. The flow control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control rod (37) connected to the valve body (25), wherein the control rod (37) extends through the first end (11) of the valve chamber (9).

8. The flow control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (25) comprises two or more through holes (31) extending between the first and second end surfaces (27, 29) of the valve body (25).

9. The flow control valve (1) according to claim 8, wherein the two or more through holes (31) are provided at an equal distance (r) from a centre line (39) of the valve body (25), wherein the centre line (39) coincides with the first direction (d).

10. A fuel supply arrangement (40) for a vehicle (41), wherein the fuel supply arrangement (40) comprises a first fuel tank (43) comprising a first fuel outlet (45) and a second fuel tank (47) comprising a second fuel outlet (49), wherein the fuel supply arrangement (40) further comprises a fuel pump (51) and a flow control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet (7) of the flow control valve (1) is connected to the fuel pump (51), the first inlet (3) of the flow control valve (1) is connected to the first fuel outlet (45) of the first fuel tank (43), and the second inlet (5) of the flow control valve (1) is connected to the second fuel outlet (49) of the second fuel tank (47).

11. The fuel supply arrangement (40) according to claim 10, wherein the flow control valve (1) is arranged in the first fuel tank (43) and wherein the flow control valve (1) comprises a float (53) and a control rod (37) extending through the first end (11) of the valve chamber (9), wherein the control rod (37) connects the float (53) and the valve body (25).

12. A vehicle (41) comprising a combustion engine (55) and a fuel supply arrangement (40) according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the fuel supply arrangement (40) is configured to supply fuel to the combustion engine (55) of the vehicle (41).