초록 ▼

A method of controlling fuel temperature while supplying fuel from a fuel tank (12) to an array (16) of fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine (18) comprising the steps of pumping the fuel with a high pressure pump (14), flowing the fuel through a fuel line (20) from the fuel tank (12) to t

A method of controlling fuel temperature while supplying fuel from a fuel tank (12) to an array (16) of fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine (18) comprising the steps of pumping the fuel with a high pressure pump (14), flowing the fuel through a fuel line (20) from the fuel tank (12) to the high pressure pump (14), and flowing the fuel through a vapor separator (22) in the fuel line (20) between the tank (12) and the high pressure pump (14). The method is characterized by recirculating fuel (24) from the vapor separator (22) to the fuel line (20) for leveling fuel temperatures. The method is more specifically characterized by regulating (26) the pressure at which fuel is recirculated from the vapor separator (22) to the fuel line (20). An assembly for implementing the method includes a unitary housing comprising an upper cap (44) and a lower cap (46) for supporting the filter (32), the low pressure pump (28), the first pressure regulator (26), and the vapor separator (22). A baffle (68) is disposed at the bottom of the vapor separator (22) for separating fuel flow from the low pressure pump (28) on a first side of the baffle (68) from fuel returned by the return line (34) disposed on the second side of the baffle (68). The first pressure regulator (26) and the recirculation line (24) are also disposed on the first side of the baffle (68).

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine comprising;a fuel tank (12),a pump (14 or 28) for supplying fuel to a fuel injector array (16),a fuel line (20) for establishing fuel flow from said tank (12) to said high pressure pump (14),a vapor separator (22) i

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine comprising;a fuel tank (12),a pump (14 or 28) for supplying fuel to a fuel injector array (16),a fuel line (20) for establishing fuel flow from said tank (12) to said high pressure pump (14),a vapor separator (22) in said fuel line (20) between said tank (12) and said pump (14),a recirculating line (24) for recirculating fuel from said vapor seperator (22) to said fuel line (20) for leveling fuel temperatures, anda first pressure regulator (26) in said recirculating line (24) for regulating the pressure at which fuel is reticulated from said vapor separator (22) to said fuel line (20).