Fuel pressure regulator for a motor vehicle

#The present invention relates generally to a motor vehicle, and in particular to a fuel pressure regulator for a motor vehicle.

#Fuel pressure regulators have been previously proposed. Spring based pressure regulators are known that use spring force to control a valve that provides fluid communication to a return fuel line. However, the fuel pressure regulators of the related art do not allow for an efficient method of varying the regulated fuel pressure. There is a need for a design that overcomes these shortcomings of the related art.

#In one aspect of the invention, a fuel pressure regulation system for a motor vehicle includes a fuel pressure regulator, a spring having a first end portion and a second end portion, a sealing member, an electrical actuating device and an electronic control unit. The fuel pressure regulator includes a first fluid port for receiving pressurized fuel, a second fluid port in fluid communication with a fuel rail and a third fluid port for returning fuel to a fuel tank. The sealing member is mounted to the first end portion of the spring and has a closed position that prevents fluid communication between the first fluid port and the third fluid port. The sealing member has an open position that allows fluid communication between the first fluid port and the third fluid port; the position of the sealing member being determined by the pressure inside the fuel pressure regulator and a length of the spring. The electrical actuating device is configured to adjust the length of the spring and the electronic control unit is configured to send electrical signals to the electrical actuating device to adjust the length of the spring.

#The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a fuel system for a motor vehicle;

#FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of an embodiment of a fuel pressure regulator;

#FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fuel system 100 of a motor vehicle. The term “motor vehicle” as used throughout the specification and claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term “motor vehicle” includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, boats, personal watercraft, and aircraft. In one exemplary embodiment, motor vehicle 100 may be a sports utility vehicle (SUV).

#In some cases, the motor vehicle includes one or more engines. The term “engine” as used throughout the specification and claims refers to any device or machine that is capable of converting energy. In some cases, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. For example, energy conversion can include a situation where the chemical potential energy of a fuel or fuel cell is converted into rotational kinetic energy or where electrical potential energy is converted into rotational kinetic energy. Engines can also include provisions for converting kinetic energy into potential energy. For example, some engines include regenerative braking systems where kinetic energy from a drivetrain is converted into potential energy. Engines can also include devices that convert solar or nuclear energy into another form of energy. Some examples of engines include, but are not limited to: internal combustion engines, electric motors, solar energy converters, turbines, nuclear power plants, and hybrid systems that combine two or more different types of energy conversion processes.

#Generally, the fuel system 100 may be configured to store and deliver fuel to an engine. In some embodiments, the fuel system 100 may deliver fuel to individual fuel injectors of an engine. In an exemplary embodiment, the fuel system 100 may deliver fuel to fuel rails 102 of an engine. The fuel rails 102 may be further associated with fuel injectors 104 that distribute fuel to individual cylinders of an engine. In particular, the fuel injectors 104 may be in fluid communication with the fuel rails 102.