FULLY-INTEGRATED, TOP-FILL, PRESSURELESS FLOW-CONTROL MODULE COUPLABLE TO A PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE

摘要

A fully-integrated, flow-control module for top-fill fuel tanks is designed to operate with a fuel line attached that supplies fuel under constant pressure. A main flow control valve within the flow-control module closes automatically when the fuel tank is full, and automatically opens when the fuel level drops a certain amount below the full level. A spring-biased valve plunger of the main flow control valve has a bleed aperture that diverts a small amount of incoming fuel to a bleed path that is controlled by a fuel level float that operates on a lever arm that either opens or closes the bleed path. When closed, fuel pressure beneath the valve plunger increases sufficiently that the plunger biasing spring is able to exert a force sufficient to close the valve plunger. Bleed path control hysteresis prevents rapid cycling of the main flow control valve.