Claims:We claim:
1. A Fuel Supply Module (FSM) (100) to supply fuel to an engine of a vehicle, said FSM (100) is mounted inside a fuel tank (118) and comprises a fuel pump (114) which draws fuel through a fuel filter (112) and supplies to said engine through a feed line (104), a return line (106) through which excess fuel returns back into said fuel tank (118), characterized in that,a chamber (110) provided in said FSM (100), said chamber (110) associated with said return line (106) in such a way that, said return line (106) is immersed in said chamber (110).

2. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said chamber (110) is provided in a housing (108) of said FSM (100).

3. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said chamber (110) is replaceable.

4. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an end of said return line (106) is maintained under a fuel level inside said chamber (110).

5. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel from said return line (106) fills said chamber (110) and overflows into said fuel tank (118).

6. A Fuel Supply System for a vehicle, comprising a Fuel Supply Module (FSM) (100) mounted inside a fuel tank (118) and comprising a fuel pump (114) which draws fuel through a fuel filter (112) and supplies to said engine through a feed line (104), a return line (106) through which excess fuel returns back into said fuel tank (118), characterized in that,a chamber (110) provided in said fuel tank (118), said chamber (110) associated with said return line (106) in a way that, said return line (106) is immersed in said chamber (110).

7. The Fuel Supply System as claimed in claim 6, wherein said chamber (110) is held at a predetermined position from internal surface of said fuel tank (118).

8. The Fuel Supply System as claimed in claim 6, wherein a position of said chamber (110) is adjustable.

9. The Fuel Supply System as claimed in claim 6, wherein an end of said return line (106) is maintained under a fuel level inside said chamber (110).

10. The Fuel Supply System as claimed in claim
6, wherein said fuel from said return line (106) fills said chamber (110) and overflows into said fuel tank (118). ,

Description:Field of the invention:

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a Fuel Supply Module (FSM), and particularly relates to the return line of the FSM.

Background of the invention:

[0002] The main task of a Fuel Pump Module (FPM)/ Fuel Supply Module (FSM) is to deliver fuel to an engine in given quantity and with given pressure in every condition. The FPM is placed inside the tank. Used materials must be designed to resist fuel in every condition with in the whole life time of module. Generally, the individual components of module are not exchangeable and the module can be exchanged only as a whole. The module is designed to have the same lifetime like the vehicle itself. While, in the early stages of electronic gasoline injection, the electric fuel pump was mounted exclusively outside the fuel tank (in-line), it is common practice today to install the electric fuel pump inside the fuel tank itself. In this case, the electric fuel pump forms an integral part of a fuel supply module which may comprise further elements.

[0003] A return line directs the excess fuel back into the fuel tank. The fuel which enters in the tank creates unwanted ripples/ disturbance or turbulence. This results in erroneous reading of the Fuel Level Sensor (FLS). Further, there is hydraulic noise associated with the fuel exiting the return line.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings:

[0004] An embodiment of the disclosure is described with reference to the following accompanying drawings,

[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates schematic diagram of a Fuel Supply Module (FSM), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the FSM, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates a cut-section of the perspective view, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0008] Fig. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a fuel tank with built-in chamber for the FSM, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed description of the embodiments:

[0009] Fig. 1 illustrates schematic diagram of a Fuel Supply Module (FSM), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The FSM 100 supplies fuel to an engine of a vehicle. The FSM 100 is mounted inside a fuel tank 118. The FSM 100 comprises a fuel pump 114 which draws fuel through a fuel filter/ pre-filter/ strainer 112 and supplies to the engine through a delivery/ feed line 104. A return line 106 is provided through which excess fuel returns back into the fuel tank 118. The FSM 100 further comprises a chamber 110. The chamber 110 is provided in or mounted to the pump holder/ housing 108 of the FSM 100. The chamber 110 is associated with the return line 106 in such a way that, the return line 106 is immersed in the chamber 110. Alternatively, the end of the return line 106 extends inside the chamber 110 to an extent, that if the chamber 110 is filled with the fuel, then the return line 106 is below a fuel level inside the chamber 110.

[00010] The FSM 100 is shown mounted inside the fuel tank 118. The walls of the fuel tank 118 is shown in dashed line to signify the boundary, and must not be construed to be compact or in in any other limiting manner. A flange 102 mechanically connects the FSM 100 to the opening of the fuel tank 118. The exterior or the FSM 100 comprises feed line 104 and the return line 106. The feed line 104 connects and supplies fuel to the engine through fuel injectors or any other intermediate fuel pumps 114. The part of the FSM 100 interior to the fuel tank 118 comprises the fuel pump 114. The input of the fuel pump 114 is connected to the fuel filter 112. When the fuel pump 114 is activated, the fuel inside the fuel tank 118 is taken through the fuel filter 112 due to suction. The fuel is then supplied to the engine through the feed line 104. The pressure of the fuel in the feed line 104 is maintained at a predetermined level as per the design by a pressure regulator (either electronic or mechanical). The pressure regulator directs the excess fuel through the return line 106 back into the fuel tank 118. The pressure regulator is either provided inside the FSM 100 or out of the FSM 100. The FSM 100 also comprises a Fuel Level Sensor (FSL) 116. The FLS 116 provides the fuel level inside the tank.

[00011] In accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the FSM 100 further comprises a chamber 110. The chamber 110 is replaceable and serviceable. The chamber 110 receives the return line 106. The fuel from the return line 106 fills the chamber 110. The fuel then overflows into the fuel tank 118 from the filled chamber 110. The return line 106 is immersed in the fuel inside the chamber 110. In other words, the return line 106 is maintained under the fuel level inside the chamber 110.

[00012] In accordance to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a sub-tank 120 is provided inside the fuel tank 118. The sub-tank 120 ensures the availability of fuel for the fuel pump 114. When the fuel level is low, and a vehicle is on a slope or gradient such as uphill or downhill, then due to natural tendency the fuel is accumulated to a corner, away from the fuel filter 112. The fuel level does not reach to height of the fuel filter 112. The sub-tank 120 is provided right below the fuel filter 112 and keeps the level of fuel reachable till the fuel filter 112 ensuring fuel availability during driving or parking on a slope. The sub-tank 120 may or may not be provided for the fuel tank 118.

[00013] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the FSM, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chamber 110 is mounted to the FSM 100 as shown. The FSM 100 is shown with the feed line 104 and the return line 106. The flange 102 covers and supports the fuel pump 114 and the housing 108. The electrical connection to and from the fuel pump 114, the FLS 116 and other components is provided through the connector 202.

[00014] In accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flange 102 connects with the housing 108 through snap-fit connection, providing easy assembly and servicing.
[00015] Fig. 3 illustrates a cut-section of the perspective view, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A cut-section of the chamber 110 is also shown. The return line 106 is visible inside the chamber 110. The fuel from the chamber 110 overflows inside the fuel tank 118.

[00016] Fig. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a
fuel tank with built-in chamber for the FSM, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The FSM 100 is shown mounted to the fuel tank 118. The chamber 110 is part of the fuel tank 118 and supported by means of at least one supporting arm 402. The chamber 110 is held at a predetermined position from internal surface of the fuel tank 118 by means of the supporting arms 402. The supporting arm 402 is further allowed to be adjustable and movable. Thus, a position of the chamber (110) is also adjustable. The supporting arm 402 then is locked at a desired position. The return line 106 of the FSM 100 is arranged inside the chamber 110.

[00017] In accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a FSM 100 for a fuel tank 118 with lower built in height is provided. The FSM 100 is provided with compact flange 102 based design with low height. The end of return line 106 is always maintained under fuel level which avoids hydraulic noise. The housing 108 or the pump holder and flange 102 connect to each other with snap fit connection providing easy servicing. Further, the provision of the chamber 110 also helps in reducing the turbulence caused to the fuel inside the fuel tank 118, when the fuel from the return line 106 falls or directly mixes with the fuel inside the fuel tank 118. Hence, the error in FLS 116 readings are also reduced.

[00018] It should be understood that embodiments explained in the description above are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of this invention. Many such embodiments and other modifications and changes in the embodiment explained in the description are envisaged. The scope of the invention is only limited by the scope of the claims.