WO2017074996A1 - Systèmes de mesure de réservoir de carburant - Google Patents

Systèmes de mesure de réservoir de carburant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017074996A1
WO2017074996A1 PCT/US2016/058772 US2016058772W WO2017074996A1 WO 2017074996 A1 WO2017074996 A1 WO 2017074996A1 US 2016058772 W US2016058772 W US 2016058772W WO 2017074996 A1 WO2017074996 A1 WO 2017074996A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel
fuel tank
low
sensor
lower wall
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2016/058772
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Philip Benjey
Original Assignee
Eaton Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eaton Corporation filed Critical Eaton Corporation
Publication of WO2017074996A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017074996A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03177—Fuel tanks made of non-metallic material, e.g. plastics, or of a combination of non-metallic and metallic material
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F22/00—Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/0007—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm for discrete indicating and measuring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/0321—Fuel tanks characterised by special sensors, the mounting thereof
    • B60K2015/03217—Fuel level sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/077—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
    • B60K2015/0775—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation for reducing movement or slash noise of fuel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/077—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
    • B60K2015/0777—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation in-tank reservoirs or baffles integrally manufactured with the fuel Tank

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to vehicle fuel tank systems and, more particularly, to fuel measurement within a semi-rigid vehicle fuel tank and low fuel measurement within a vehicle fuel tank.
  • Motor vehicles may rely on fuel gauges to provide information on the amount of fuel remaining in the tank.
  • a mechanical float and lever are disposed inside the tank. When the fuel level changes in the tank, the float causes the lever to pivot, which generates an electrical signal.
  • a fuel level measurement system for a fuel tank assembly having a semi-rigid fuel tank having an upper wall and a lower wall.
  • the fuel level measurement system includes a support member configured to be coupled between the upper wall and the lower wall, the support member configured to maintain a predetermined distance between the upper wall and the lower wall when the lower wall of the semi-rigid fuel tank is moved due to a force.
  • the described fuel level measurement system may include one or more of the following features: a fuel level sensor configured to couple to the upper wall of the semi-rigid fuel tank, wherein the fuel level sensor is configured to determine a fuel level in the fuel tank by sensing a distance to a top surface of the fuel level.
  • a fuel tank assembly in another aspect, includes a semi-rigid fuel tank having an upper wall and a lower wall, and a support member coupled between the upper wall and the lower wall.
  • the support member is configured to maintain a predetermined distance between the upper wall and the lower wall when the lower wall of the semi-rigid fuel tank is moved due to a force.
  • the described fuel tank assembly may include one or more of the following features: a fuel level sensor coupled to the upper wall of the semi-rigid fuel tank, wherein the fuel level sensor is configured to determine a fuel level in the fuel tank by sensing a distance to a top surface of the fuel level; a float configured to float at a top surface of a fuel level in the fuel tank, and a fuel level sensor coupled to the upper wall of the semi-rigid fuel tank and configured to determine the fuel level in the fuel tank by sensing a distance to the float; wherein the fuel level sensor is ultrasonic-based; wherein the fuel level sensor is light-based; wherein the support member is a rigid member having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end coupled to the upper wall and the second end coupled to the lower wall; a fuel delivery module configured to supply fuel to a vehicle engine; and wherein the rigid support member comprises a first rigid support member and a second rigid support member each coupled between the upper wall and the lower wall
  • a fuel level measurement system for a fuel tank assembly having a fuel tank having a lower wall and a low fuel reservoir disposed at least partially below the lower wall, the low fuel reservoir configured to define a space where fuel drains when the rest of the fuel tank is empty, the low fuel reservoir having a predetermined volume.
  • the fuel level measurement system includes a low fuel sensor operably associated with the low fuel reservoir, the low fuel sensor defining a low fuel level activation point, and a controller in signal communication with the low fuel sensor. The controller is configured to receive a low fuel signal from the low fuel sensor when the fuel level in the fuel tank falls below the low fuel level activation point.
  • the described fuel level measurement system may include one or more of the following features: wherein the low fuel sensor is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor.
  • a fuel tank assembly in another aspect, includes a fuel tank having a lower wall and a low fuel reservoir disposed at least partially below the lower wall, the low fuel reservoir configured to define a space where fuel drains when the rest of the fuel tank is empty, the low fuel reservoir having a predetermined volume.
  • a low fuel sensor is operably associated with the low fuel reservoir, the low fuel sensor defining a low fuel level activation point.
  • the described fuel tank assembly may include one or more of the following features: a controller in signal communication with the low fuel sensor, wherein the controller is configured to receive a low fuel signal from the low fuel sensor when the fuel level in the fuel tank falls below the low fuel level activation point; wherein the controller determines a low fuel mileage limit based on the received low fuel signal and the predetermined volume; a baffle disposed at least partially over the low fuel reservoir and configured to prevent fuel slosh; wherein the baffle partially defines the space; wherein the low fuel sensor is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor; wherein the low fuel sensor is a single point sensor configured to set the low fuel level activation point; and a fuel delivery module configured to supply fuel to a vehicle engine.
  • a fuel tank assembly includes a semi-rigid fuel tank having an upper wall and a lower wall, and a support member coupled between the upper wall and the lower wall.
  • the support member is configured to maintain a predetermined distance between the upper wall and the lower wall when the lower wall of the semi-rigid fuel tank is moved due to a force.
  • the fuel tank assembly can further include a low fuel reservoir disposed at least partially below the lower wall, the low fuel reservoir configured to define a space where fuel drains when the rest of the fuel tank is empty, the low fuel reservoir having a predetermined volume.
  • a low fuel sensor is operabiy associated with the low fuel reservoir, the low fuel sensor defining a low fuel level activation point.
  • a fuel level sensor coupled to the upper wall of the fuel tank, wherein the fuel level sensor is configured to determine a fuel level in the fuel tank by sensing a distance to a top surface of the fuel level.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example fuel tank assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of another example fuel tank assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
  • Fuel tank assembly 10 is shown.
  • fuel tank assembly 10 is for a vehicle (not shown) such as an automobile.
  • fuel tank assembly 10 may be utilized with various other vehicles or systems.
  • Fuel tank assembly 10 generally includes a fuel tank 12, a fuel delivery module 14, a fuel level sensor 16, and one or more stays or support members 18.
  • the fuel tank 12 is configured to store a fuel that is utilized by the vehicle engine and/or other system (e.g., an emission system).
  • the fuel tank 12 may be semi-rigid such that one or more wall portions of the fuel tank 12 can be moved when a force acts thereon.
  • a bottom wall 26 of the fuel tank 12 may move downwardly due to a pressure and/or fuel weight load acting thereon.
  • Fuel delivery module 14 may include a fuel pump assembly (not shown) that includes one or more pumps for pressurizing and supplying fuel to fuel injectors of the vehicle engine (not shown).
  • the fuel level sensor 16 can be a top mounted sensor configured for coupling to an upper wall 20 of the fuel tank 12.
  • the fuel level sensor 16 can be an electronic sensor configured to "shoot" or sense a distance to a top surface of the fuel in the tank 12 or to a support or float (not shown) configured to float on the surface of the fuel in the tank 12.
  • the fuel level sensor 16 may be ultrasonic-based, light- based, or any combination thereof.
  • fuel level sensor 16 may be any suitable sensor that enables assembly 10 to function as described herein.
  • Support member 18 includes a first end 22 and an opposite second end 24.
  • the first end 22 is coupled to the fuel tank upper wall 20, and the second end is coupled to the bottom or lower wall 26 of the fuel tank 12.
  • the support member 18 is a rigid member coupled between the upper wall 20 and the lower wall 26 such that movement of the lower wall 20, for example sagging, will similarly move the top wall.
  • support member 18 is configured to maintain a predetermined distance 'D' between the upper wall 20 and the lower wall 26 proximate the fuel level sensor 16. Accordingly, support member 18 can allow a top mounted fuel level sensor 16 to be utilized for accurate fuel level measurement even though movement of the semi-rigid fuel tank 12 occurs (e.g., sagging of the lower wall 26).
  • fuel tank assembly 100 is shown.
  • fuel tank assembly 100 is for a vehicle (not shown) such as an automobile.
  • fuel tank assembly 100 may be utilized with various other vehicles or systems.
  • the fuel tank assembly 100 generally includes a fuel tank 112, a fuel delivery module 1 14, a low fuel level sensor 116, and one or more baffles 1 18.
  • assembly 100 may include one or more features of the previously described fuel tank assembly 10 such as fuel level sensor 16 and support member(s) 18.
  • the fuel tank 112 is configured to store a fuel that is utilized by the vehicle engine and/or other system (e.g. , an emission system).
  • the fuel tank 112 includes a depression or low fuel reservoir 120 that is disposed at least partially below a lower wall 122 of the fuel tank 112.
  • the reservoir 120 defines a space or area 124 where fuel can drain when the rest of the fuel tank 112 is empty.
  • the space 124 defined by reservoir 120 can have a predetermined volume, which can be used to determine a fuel volume contained therein.
  • the baffle 1 18 is disposed at least partially over the reservoir 120 and is configured to prevent movement or slosh of the fuel contained therein.
  • Fuel delivery module 114 may include a fuel pump assembly (not shown) that includes one or more pumps for pressurizing and supplying fuel to fuel injectors of the vehicle engine (not shown).
  • the low fuel sensor 116 is operably associated with and/or disposed at least partially within or proximate to the low fuel reservoir 120.
  • the low fuel sensor 116 sends a signal or alert to a vehicle controller 126 when fuel in the predefined space is less than a sensor activation point 128.
  • the controller 126 can subsequently determine how much fuel is left in the fuel tank 112 based on the predetermined volume in reservoir 120, which can enable the controller 126 or other system to determine or predict distance of travel until the fuel tank 112 is empty.
  • controller refers to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • processor shared, dedicated, or group
  • memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
  • the low fuel sensor 116 may be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor or other single point sensor configured to accurately set the low fuel activation point 128.
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • low fuel sensor 116 may be any suitable sensor that enables assembly 100 to function as described herein.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble réservoir de carburant comprenant un réservoir de carburant semi-rigide présentant une paroi supérieure et une paroi inférieure et un élément de support accouplé entre la paroi supérieure et la paroi inférieure. L'élément de support est conçu pour maintenir une distance prédéterminée entre la paroi supérieure et la paroi inférieure lorsque la paroi inférieure du réservoir de carburant semi-rigide est déplacée sous l'action d'une force. L'ensemble réservoir de carburant peut comprendre en outre un réservoir de carburant inférieur disposé au moins partiellement sous la paroi inférieure, le réservoir de carburant inférieur étant conçu pour délimiter un espace où le carburant s'égoutte lorsque le reste du réservoir de carburant est vide, le réservoir de carburant inférieur présentant un volume prédéterminé, et un capteur de faible niveau de carburant fonctionnellement associé au réservoir de carburant inférieur, le capteur de faible niveau de carburant délimitant un point d'activation de faible niveau de carburant.
PCT/US2016/058772 2015-10-29 2016-10-26 Systèmes de mesure de réservoir de carburant WO2017074996A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562247960P 2015-10-29 2015-10-29
US62/247,960 2015-10-29
US201662408858P 2016-10-17 2016-10-17
US62/408,858 2016-10-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017074996A1 true WO2017074996A1 (fr) 2017-05-04

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109203982A (zh) * 2018-10-09 2019-01-15 合肥邦立电子股份有限公司 一种带有缓冲托盘的液位传感器

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3914862A (en) * 1973-12-20 1975-10-28 Texas Instruments Inc Method of making level sensor
US4928657A (en) * 1989-03-02 1990-05-29 Walbro Corporation In-tank fuel reservoir with fuel level sensor
US20090217753A1 (en) * 2007-11-19 2009-09-03 Petroleum Recovery Services Llc Fuel Inventory Monitoring System
US20140076285A1 (en) * 2012-09-20 2014-03-20 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Method and system for fuel vapor control
US20140305936A1 (en) * 2011-11-09 2014-10-16 Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg Tank for a motor vehicle, in particular fuel or auxiliary fluid tank for a motor vehicle, and method for producing such a tank

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3914862A (en) * 1973-12-20 1975-10-28 Texas Instruments Inc Method of making level sensor
US4928657A (en) * 1989-03-02 1990-05-29 Walbro Corporation In-tank fuel reservoir with fuel level sensor
US20090217753A1 (en) * 2007-11-19 2009-09-03 Petroleum Recovery Services Llc Fuel Inventory Monitoring System
US20140305936A1 (en) * 2011-11-09 2014-10-16 Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg Tank for a motor vehicle, in particular fuel or auxiliary fluid tank for a motor vehicle, and method for producing such a tank
US20140076285A1 (en) * 2012-09-20 2014-03-20 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Method and system for fuel vapor control

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109203982A (zh) * 2018-10-09 2019-01-15 合肥邦立电子股份有限公司 一种带有缓冲托盘的液位传感器
CN109203982B (zh) * 2018-10-09 2023-09-08 合肥邦立电子股份有限公司 一种带有缓冲托盘的液位传感器

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