Patent Grant
6854451
This application is based on Japanese Patent Applications No. 2002-345660 filed on Nov. 28, 2002 and No. 2003-351897 filed on Oct. 10, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a fuel feed apparatus, that includes a fuel pump provided in a fuel tank.
Conventionally, an in-tank type fuel feed apparatus is used for drawing fuel in a fuel tank and discharging the fuel. Here, a fuel pump is disposed in the fuel feed apparatus, which is in the fuel tank. According to JP-A-9-268956 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,051), a pump module is accommodated in a sub tank. The pump module includes a fuel filter surrounding the periphery of the fuel pump and the fuel pump. According to U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,741, a pump is accommodated in a canister. The pump directly draws fuel in the fuel tank through the filter which protrudes from the bottom area of the canister to the outside of the canister.
In a fuel feed apparatus according to the JP-A-9-268956, the fuel filter of the pump module is directly connected with the sub tank. Therefore, vibration of the fuel pump is transmitted to outside components from the fuel tank through the fuel filter, the sub tank and the fuel tank. Especially, vibration of the fuel pump is transmitted to the passenger compartment.
In a fuel feed apparatus according to the JP-A-9-268956, the upper side of the fuel pump is fixed to the canister using a spring, so that vibration of the fuel pump is not apt to be transmitted to the canister from its upper side. However, the suction port of the fuel pump fits to the canister, and the bottom section of the canister contacts the inner wall of the bottom section of the fuel tank, so that the vibration of the fuel pump may be transmitted to the fuel tank through the suction port and the canister.
In view of the foregoing problems, it is an object of the present invention to propose a fuel feed apparatus where vibration is less transmitted to outside.
In the present invention, a casing is connected with the sub tank via a supporting member. The casing accommodates the pump. The casing contacts the sub tank via a suction filter. The supporting member has resiliency, so as to absorb vibration of the fuel pump. Therefore, vibration of the fuel pump is not apt to be transmitted to the sub tank via the supporting member. The suction port of the fuel pump does not directly contact sub tank, so that vibration of the fuel pump is less transmitted from the suction port to the sub tank.
Furthermore, the casing is supported by the sub tank via the supporting member and the suction filter. Namely, the casing is supported by not only the supporting member. Therefore, the supporting member need not be highly rigid. That is, the supporting member can be resilient. Thus, manufacturing of the supporting member becomes easy. Besides, the supporting member is connected with the sub tank at multiple points, so that eccentric vibration can be prevented. As described in following embodiment, the supporting member can directly connect with the fuel pump, so that the resilient supporting member can connect the fuel pump and the sub tank, or the resilient supporting member can connect the fuel pump and the fuel tank, for example.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
(First Embodiment)
As shown in
A discharge pipe 12 and an electric connector 14 are built on the lid 11. Fuel is discharged from a fuel pump 40 of the pump module 30 toward outside of the fuel tank 1 through the discharge pipe 12. The connector 14 supplies the fuel pump 40 with electric power via lead wires. A metallic pipe 16 is press-inserted into the lid 11 at its one end, and loosely inserted into an insertion section 18 at the other end (FIGS. 2A and 2B). The insertion section 18 is formed in a sub tank 20. A spring 17 presses the lid 11 and the sub tank 20 so as to be separated each other. Accordingly, the bottom face of the sub tank 20 is pressed onto the inner bottom face of the fuel tank 1. Therefore, the bottom section of the sub tank 20 is subjected to force by the spring 17 so as to be constantly pressed onto the inner bottom face of the fuel tank 1, regardless of expansion or shrinkage of the resinous fuel tank 1 due to changing inner pressure caused by temperature variation and changing amount of fuel in the fuel tank 1.
The pump module 30 and the like are accommodated in the sub tank 20. The pump module 30 includes a casing 34, a lid 36, the fuel pump 40, a filter element 39, a suction filter 50 and a pressure regulator 49. The filter element 39 surrounds the outer periphery of the fuel pump 40. The casing 34 and the lid 36 are fixed using welding or the like. An inlet port 35 of the casing 34 fits to a discharge port 42 of the fuel pump 40 so as to be connected each other. A check valve 48 is accommodated in the inlet port 35 for preventing fuel from reverse flow toward the fuel pump 40. The filter element 39 removes debris contained in fuel discharged from the fuel pump 40.
The fuel pump 40 is vertically accommodated in the sub tank 20, so that its fuel discharge port is positioned on the upper side, and the fuel suction port is positioned on the lower side as shown in FIG. 1. An electric connector 44 (
The suction filter 50 is connected with the suction port of the fuel pump 40, and contacts the inner wall in the bottom area of the sub tank 20. The outer periphery of the suction filter 50 is covered with a nonwoven fabric (filtering material) 52. The nonwoven fabric 52 is used as a filter for removing relatively large debris contained in the fuel, which is drawn by the fuel pump 40 from the sub tank 20. The bottom section of the nonwoven fabric 52 contacts the inner wall in the bottom area of the sub tank 20. A protrusion 22 is formed on the inner wall in the bottom area of the sub tank 20.
The suction filter 50 is surrounded by the protrusion 22 so as to be positioned. A jet pump 59 (
As shown in
Next, detail of vibration reduction of the fuel pump 40 will be described. The pump module 30 contacts the inner wall in the bottom area of the sub tank 20 via the suction filter 50, and connected with the sub tank 20 via the supporting member 60. The suction filter 50 receives weight of the pump module 30 and resilient force applied by the supporting member 60 to the pump module 30. The fuel pump 40 vibrates when the motor of the fuel pump 40 is operated for drawing and discharging fuel. The vibration of the fuel pump 40 is transmitted to the sub tank 20 via the supporting member 60 and the suction filter 50. Even if vibration is transmitted from the fuel pump 40 to the supporting member 60 via the lid 36, the vibration is absorbed by the resilient supporting member 60, so that the vibration is reduced. Additionally, the thick nonwoven fabric 52 covers the outer periphery of the suction filter 50, and contacts the inner bottom wall of the bottom area of the sub tank 20. Therefore, the vibration generated by the fuel pump 40 is absorbed by the suction filter 50 so as to be reduced. Thus, the vibration is less transmitted from the fuel pump 40 to the sub tank 20 and the fuel tank 1.
Furthermore, the center of gravity 200 of the pump module 30 is positioned lower than the snap-fitted section between the pump module 30 and the supporting member 60, and is positioned upper than the connecting section between the pump module 30 and the suction filter 50, so that vibration of the pump module 30 can be reduced. Swinging of the pump module 30 with respect to the sub tank 20, which is due to vibration of the fuel pump 40 and swinging of the vehicle, can be reduced. Furthermore, the protrusions 22 is formed on the inner wall in the bottom area of the sub tank 20 so as to surround the suction filter 50, so that displacement of the suction filter 50 can be prevented.
(Second Embodiment)
As shown in
A central axis 210 of the pump module 30 is positioned in a triangular area 212 which is formed by connecting the three points where the arm section 74 of the supporting member 70 snap-fits to the peripheral wall 27 of the sub tank 20. The outer periphery of a core member 82 in the suction filter 80 is covered with a thick nonwoven fabric (filtering material) 84. An inlet pipe 83 and a passage hole 82a are formed in the core member 82. Fuel passes the nonwoven fabric 84, and flows into the inlet pipe 83 through the passage hole 82a, then the fuel is drawn by the fuel pump 40. The inlet pipe 83 is linearly formed along the central axis 210 of the pump module 30. The central axis of the inlet pipe 83 and the central axis 210 of the pump module 30 are substantially coaxial. The diameter of the inlet pipe 83 is larger than its axial length. One side of a central member 86 is formed flat, and the other side of the central member 86 is formed in a convexity. The flat-shaped side of the central member 86 is connected with the core member 82 by welding or the like. An elastic member 68 is made of rubber, and its one side is formed in a concavity. The protrusion 22 is formed on the inner bottom wall of the sub tank 20 so as to surround the elastic member 88, so that the elastic member 88 is positioned. The convexity of the central member 86 contacts the concavity of the elastic member 88. The central axis of the elastic member 88 and the central axis 210 of the pump module 30 are substantially coaxial. The central axis 210 of the pump module 30 is located in the triangular area 212, which is formed by connecting the three snap-fitting points between the supporting member 70 and the sub tank 20, in the second embodiment. Therefore, the pump module 30 is not apt to vibrate with respect to the sub tank 20.
In the second embodiment, the central axis 210 of the pump module 30 is positioned in the triangular area 212, which is formed by connecting the three points where the three supporting members 70 snap-fit to the sub tank 20. Therefore, the pump module 30 is not apt to vibrate with respect to the sub tank 20. The convexity of the central member 86 slides along the concavity of the elastic member 88 when the pump module 30 vibrates. Therefore, the protrusion 22 is not apt to receive the vibration force of the pump module 30 via the elastic member 88. Accordingly, the protrusion 22 need not be formed thick so as to reinforce itself to prevent the elastic member 88 from displacing. Furthermore, in the case that the central axis 210 of the pump module 30 and the central axis of the elastic member 88 are misaligned, the pump module 30 and the elastic member 88 are automatically centered. Because, the convexity of the central member 86 slides along the concavity of the elastic member 88 so as to move toward the bottom of the concavity of the elastic member 88, guided by the concavity. Besides, the central axis of the elastic member 88 and the central axis 210 of the pump module 30 are substantially coaxial, so as to enhance the centering effect. The relationship between the central member 86 and the elastic member 88 can be opposite.
Additionally, the suction filter 80 receives weight of the pump module 30 on the central axis of the inlet pipe 83 so as to steadily support the pump module 30. Because the central axis of the inlet pope 63 is linearly formed, and besides, the central axis of the inlet pope 83 and the central axis 210 of the pump module 30 are substantially coaxial, furthermore, the diameter of the inlet pipe 83 is larger than its axial length. Thus, the vibration of the pump module 30 can be reduced. The central axis of the inlet pipe 83 and the central axis 210 of the pump module 30 are not necessarily coaxial, if the inlet pipe 83 is linearly formed along with the central axis 210 of the pump module 30. Additionally, the diameter of the inlet pipe 83 can be equal to or smaller than its axial length
(Third Embodiment)
As shown in
(Fourth Embodiment)
As shown in
The arm sections 116 are connected with the cylindrical section 112 via the resilient members 111, and snap-fit to the sub tank 20. The resilient members 111 have resilience, and are formed in a wave-shape or “S” shape so as to be used as connecting members. The central axis 210 of the pump module 30 is positioned in a triangular area which is formed by connecting three points where the three arms 116 snap-fit to the sub tank 20.
Claws 120 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the casing 34. Windows 113 are formed at two places in the cylindrical section 112 so as to snap-fit to claws 120, so that the cylindrical section 112 is prevented from displacement in the vertical direction of the casing 34. Protrusions 114 are formed at both peripheral ends of the cylindrical section 112 so as to extend in the width direction of the cylindrical section 112. Two hooks 122 are formed at two places on the outer periphery of the casing 34 to be apart from each other in the peripheral direction of the casing 34.
Rectangular fitting hole is formed in each hook 122 so as to receive the protrusion 114. The protrusions 114 are inserted into the hooks 122 from the downward of the casing 34, so as to fit to the hooks 122, so that the windows 113 of the cylindrical section 112 snap-fits to the claws 120 of the casing 34. Thus, the cylindrical section 112 does not displace in its peripheral direction, because the protrusions 114 fit to the hooks 122.
Each arm section 116 of the supporting member 110 has an outer peripheral section 117 and an inner peripheral section 119 for clipping the peripheral wall 27 in the diametrical direction of the sub tank 20. Windows 118 are formed in the outer peripheral section 117, so as to hook the claws 28 which protrude from the peripheral wall 27 of the sub tank 20. Each gap between the outer peripheral section 117 and the inner peripheral section 119 is slightly wider than the thickness of the peripheral wall 27 of the sub tank 20.
(Fifth Embodiment)
As shown in
As shown in
The sub tank 140 is connected with the lid 132 via the metallic pipe 16, and pressed by the spring 17 toward the inner wall in the bottom area of the fuel tank. The fuel pump 40, the suction filter 50 and a bottomed cylindrical resinous casing 150 or the like are accommodated in the sub tank 140. A pump module is constructed of the fuel pump 40, the suction filter 50 and the casing 150.
Inner section of the casing 150 fits to the discharge port 42 of the fuel pump 40 so as to be connected each other. A bracket 170 snap-fits to the casing 150 on the lower side of the fuel pump 40 so as to support the fuel pump 40. As shown
The supporting member 160 is resinous, and has two arms 162 and a connecting member 168 for connecting the arms 162. Each end of the arm 162 snap-fits to the corresponding protrusion 158 formed on the casing 150 which is positioned on the upper side of the suction filter 50. The other end of the arm section 162 has a hooking section (outer peripheral section) 164 for snap-fitting to the corresponding claw 142 of the sub tank 140. The hooking section 164 is extended in the direction where the fuel pump 40 is mounted on the sub tank 140 as shown in
In the above embodiments of the present invention, the resilient supporting member joins the sub tank and the pump module. Additionally, the suction filter is connected with the inlet of the pump module, and contacts the inner wall in the bottom area of the sub tank. Vibration of the fuel pump 40 is absorbed by the resilient supporting member so as to reduce noise which is generated by transmitting vibration of the fuel pump 40 toward the outside of the fuel tank 1 through the fuel tank 1. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the suction filter is covered with the nonwoven fabric, so that vibration of the fuel pump 40 is absorbed by the suction filter as well.
The suction filter receives weight of the pump module 30, so that the supporting member need not be made strongly. Therefore, the resilient supporting member can be manufactured easily.
(Sixth Embodiment)
As shown in
As shown in
In this embodiment, the flexible tube 19 is directly connected with the discharge port 42 in the cover end 40a at one end of the flexible tube 19. The flexible tube 19 is connected with the fuel discharge section 134 at the other end. Fuel discharged from the discharge port 42 of the fuel pump 40 is introduced toward the outside of the fuel tank 1 through the fuel discharge section 134. Another flexible tube 19 is connected with the fuel return section 136 at one end. The flexible tube 19 is freely positioned in the vicinity of the suction filter 50 at the other end.
Surplus fuel returns from the engine to the sub tank 140 through the fuel return section 136 and the flexible tube 19. The returned surplus fuel flows out of the end of the flexible tube 19 in the vicinity of the suction filter 50, so that the fuel is accumulated in the sub tank 140. The accumulated fuel is drawn toward the fuel pump 40 through the suction filter 50.
Here, a hooking member can be provided in the sub tank 140 for binding the end of the flexible tube 19 in the vicinity of the suction side of the fuel pump 40.
(Other Embodiment)
The casing 150 can be constructed of multiple parts. The supporting member can directly connect with the fuel pump, so that the resilient supporting member can connect the fuel pump and the sub tank, or the resilient supporting member can connect the fuel pump and the fuel tank, for example. In this case, the casing is used as a connecting section for directly connecting the supporting member and the fuel pump. The claws can be formed on the hooking section of the supporting member, and the windows can be formed in the sub tank so as to fit each other.
The fuel pump 40 can be directly accommodated in the fuel tank 1 instead of being accommodated in the sub tank. In this case, the resilient supporting member connects the filter case of the fuel filter and the fuel tank as a casing, or connects the casing and the fuel tank. The suction filter contacts the inner wall in the bottom area of the fuel tank. The sub tank can be integrally formed in the fuel tank so as to be a part of the fuel tank. In this case, the resilient supporting member is used as a casing for connecting the filter case of the fuel filter and the fuel tank, or connects the casing and the fuel tank. The suction filter contacts the inner wall in the bottom area of the fuel tank.
The filter element may not be the nonwoven fabric. The outer periphery of the suction filter can be covered with other material, such as a knitted casing, instead of the filter element. The knitted casing contacts the inner wall in the bottom area of the sub tank or the fuel tank. The casing of the suction filter preferably has elasticity.
The fuel pump 40 was vertically disposed in the sub tank 20 in the above embodiments, however the fuel pump can be horizontally disposed in the sub tank.
Other various changes and modifications are to be understood as being within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-345660 | Nov 2002 | JP | national |
| 2003-351897 | Oct 2003 | JP | national |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20040112819 A1 | Jun 2004 | US |
