CN1915712A - Electrostatic charge control for in-tank fuel module components - Google Patents

Abstract

A grounding arrangement for an in-tank fuel system includes a fuel level sensor assembly of a fuel module comprising a conductive card body and a resister card supported on the conductive card body. The resister card includes a conductive trace in conductive contact with the conductive card body. The card body is conductively connected to a conductive fuel module component. The trace is adapted to be connected to the ground plane of a vehicle. Other traces on the resister card are in the electrical circuit of the fuel level sensor assembly. The fuel module further includes a conductive blade having a knife edge and in conductive contact with a conductive fuel module component. The knife edge cuts through the insulation of an insulated conductor to allow the knife edge to be in contact with the conductive element of the conductor.

Description

The electrostatic charge of fuel oil modular assembly control in the case

[0001] the application is to be the U.S. Patent application No.11/120 on May 3rd, 2005 applying date, 554 part continuation application, and according to the regulation of the 35th in United States Code the 120th chapter, the preceence of requirement is to be the U.S. Patent application No.60/668 on April 5th, 2005 applying date, 313.

Background technology

[0002] U.S.'s patent application 10/441,213 of not concluding discloses a kind of structure, and it is provided at an energy connected to chassis electrostatic discharge path of each assembly in the fuel oil module in the automobile-used case.

[0003] the application also relates to the fuel oil module in the case similarly, and it has the assembly that plastics or polymeric material are made.Particularly, it relates to fuel oil module in the case, can be used to prevent the electrostatic charge gathering that produces owing to fuel flow, and it is dissipated safely.

[0004] vehicle or other use that the fuel oil module generally includes a lot of independent assemblies in the case of the used fuel tank of the equipment of combustion engine, for example holding vessel, fuel charger and electrical motor, fuel oil filter and shell, pressure regulator and shell, an air inlet jet dredge pump or the like.These assemblies can be made with non-conducting material, and perhaps they can comprise the parts of conduction; But conductive component is a non-conductive with the circuit that links to each other, constitute ground plane.For example, conductive component can be arranged in the electrical insulator or be mounted thereto, that is to say that an assembly that does not have enough electric conductivitys forms the path of a dissipation electrostatic charge.

[0005] conduction and the non-conductive assembly of the fuel oil module in the case are easy to the static electricity gathered electric charge.Well-known is to use the structure of such electrostatic charge that can dissipate can prevent from too to gather.U.S. Patent number 5,076,920,5,647,330,5,785,032,6,047,685,6,206,035 and 6,435,163 disclose various embodiment.

[0006], improvement is all arranged with in order to play a protective role in all schemes by the research of electrostatic charge that fuel oil module in case is assembled.The present invention also is for this purpose.It has not only realized formerly thinking that the inapparent zone of effect realized protection, and it also provides the mechanism that improves that comprehensive improvement can be provided the protection that is provided.

[0007] for the gathering of electrostatic charge in the assembly that is controlled at fuel oil module in the case, method well known in the art is the ground plane that electrical component is connected to vehicle, normally is electrically connected to the negative pole of the battery that forms this ground plane.Known method is with assembly ground connection or be connected to other ground connection conductive component of vehicle ground plane with metal wool.The present invention attempts to provide a kind of structure can be used to provide the new structure of a such grounded circuit.

[0008] fuel level sensor detects the oil level in fuel tank, normally by physical fixation float in the fuel oil module or on the module and pivotal arm in case.Also used a circuit that has variable resistive film.One movably cross bar or contact element and resistance strain gauge one work and change circuit characteristic, thereby change the reading of fuel gage.This circuit comprises an electric pathway that can exist in module, and this circuit finally is connected in the ground plane.Path that do not recognize, that can dissipate electrostatic charge before it provides.

[0009] and, the fuel level sensor assembly generally includes a metal floater arm.Because float arm is made with metallic material, so float arm just can the static electricity gathered electric charge.But because cam fixer (wiper retainer) and base are all made with non-conductive plastics, therefore any electrostatic charge of assembling in metal arm all can not be dissipated in the circuit ground face.The metal floater arm is connected to the problem that just can solve the N/R static focus on the conductor of the fuel level sensor circuit that is arranged in module, an actv. electrostatic charge dissipation path can also be provided.

Description of drawings

[0010] Fig. 1 is a front view of having represented the interior fuel oil module of case of the various principles of the present invention, and a part is the cross section, and a part is an exploded drawings.

[0011] Fig. 2 represents part decomposition front view one embodiment of the invention, the interior fuel oil module of another kind of case in detail.

[0012] Fig. 3 is the flange top or the exterior transparent view of the fuel oil module among Fig. 2.

[0013] Fig. 4 is flange bottom or the in-to-in transparent view among Fig. 3.

[0014] Fig. 5 is the front view that comprises the fuel level sensor assembly of the principle of the invention.

[0015] Fig. 6 is the birds-eye view of fuel level sensor among Fig. 5.

[0016] Fig. 7 is the cross sectional side view of the contact element in the fuel level sensor assembly among Fig. 5.

[0017] Fig. 8 is the front view of the contact element element in the fuel level sensor assembly among Fig. 5.

[0018] Fig. 9 is the section drawing of the contact holder element in the fuel level sensor assembly among Fig. 5.

[0019] Figure 10 is the front view of the contact holder element in the fuel level sensor among Fig. 5.

[0020] Figure 11 is the section drawing of contact holder, float arm and contact element in the fuel level sensor among Fig. 5, has a conduction pointer to contact with float arm on contact element.

[0021] Figure 12 is the section drawing of another embodiment, and this embodiment is used for the electrostatic charge on the float arm is dissipated on the resistance strain gauge.

[0022] Figure 13 is the front view of the dissipation lid among the embodiment of Figure 12.

[0023] Figure 14 is the form of the modification of the dissipation lid among the embodiment of Figure 12.

[0024] Figure 15 has represented to be used for to dissipate a kind of planar view of fuel level sensor of structure of electrostatic charge.

[0025] Figure 16 has represented to be used for to dissipate a kind of transparent view of fuel level sensor of structure of electrostatic charge.

[0026] Figure 17 is the planar view of the conductive connecting piece of the fuel level sensor among Figure 16;

[0027] Figure 18 is the upward view of the conductive connecting piece among Figure 17.

[0028] Figure 19 is the segment figure in a part of cross section of the device among Figure 16.

[0029] Figure 20 is the segment figure of the partial cross section of the device among Figure 16; Represented that the conductive connecting piece among Figure 17 is arranged on the fuel level sensor of Figure 16.

[0030] Figure 21 is the planar view that another kind comprises the conductive connecting piece of the principle of the invention.

[0031] Figure 22 is to use the front view of the interior fuel oil module of case of the conductive connecting piece shown in Figure 21.

The specific embodiment

[0032] in the embodiment in figure 1, disclose fuel oil module 10 in a kind of case, it is arranged in a fuel tank that links to each other with combustion engine 9.Structure although it is so mainly is to be used for vehicle, but the present invention can also be used for by other device of ICE-powered, for example fixing or auxiliary power generation unit, Engine Driven Pump or electrical generator.

[0033] module 10 comprises that one is connected to flange 11 on the fuel tank 9 with module.Module also comprises a holding vessel 13, fuel oil pump motor 18, fuel oil filter shell 20, a fuel pressure regulator 16 and an air inlet jet dredge pump 21, and a fuel oil filter 19 is wherein arranged in fuel oil filter shell 20.These assemblies couple together by flexible pipe 23 or 25.Module flows to the driving engine of vehicle with fuel oil from main oil tank 9 by pump motor 18 and filter casing 20, flows to driving engine so that go out opening connector 27 by one.

[0034] flange 11 has supported an electrical connector 12.Its from electric system that driving engine links to each other receive electric energy.Electric system comprises lead 8a and the 8b that inserts in the socket 12.A lead 8a represents the negative pole of battery in the electric system, can be used as system ground.

[0035] fuel oil pump motor 18 is supported in the holding vessel 13.The electric energy that supplies to electrical motor is to supply with by lead 17a and the 17b that is connected on the electrical connector 12.Lead 17a is connected to negative conductor 8a, so just be connected to the ground plane of vehicle.Lead 17b can be used as " live wire " or power lead by the negative pole that lead 8b is connected to battery.

[0036] flange 11 is to link together by a relative attaching parts that can slide with holding vessel 13, so that can adjust in the whole vertical range of module.This slidably attaching parts in Fig. 1, do not show, but be known in the field.It allows holding vessel 13 to move or move away from flange 11 towards flange 11, makes the module that links to each other have different vertical dimensions with fuel tank.

[0037] shown in module in, fuel oil filter shell 20 and the fil 19 that is held are connected on the flange 11.In other structure, filter casing can be connected on the holding vessel 13.

[0038] as shown in Figure 1, filter casing 20 has supported fil 19.Fuel oil enters filter casing 20 from the flexible pipe 23 that is connected on the pump motor 18.Pressurization fuel oil passes through fil 19, and is discharged to outside the fil 19 by going out opening connector 27, to pass to driving engine.

[0039] gather and make it to dissipate for what prevent electrostatic charge, the bottom 20a of filter casing 20 can make with the polymerization of conduction, for example has the acetal (polyoxymethylenes or polyoxymethylenes) of conductive filler.The current-carrying part 20a of shell 20 is connected to the lead 17a on the ground plane of vehicle, adopts a non-conductive metal wool (not shown) by known mode.Certainly, also can adopt other type of attachment that current-carrying part 20a is connected on the ground plane of circuit.

[0040] holding vessel 13 the insides keep certain fuel level so that be supplied to fuel charger and electrical motor 18.It comprises an inlet that is formed in the holding vessel bottom by a screen cloth 15, and certain intervals is arranged at this inlet and fuel tank bottom.Fuel oil enters inlet 15 by fuel tank 9, normally because a certain amount of oil in fuel tank 9 begins to flow out.When the fuel level in fuel tank was very low, air inlet jet dredge pump 21 extracts from fuel tank 9 or draw fuel is sent into holding vessel 13.

[0041] after fuel oil is flowed through fil 19, it flows out shell 20 by flexible pipe 25, comes to exert pressure to regulating control 16.When pressure surpassed a particular value, regulating control can come control flows through going out the fuel flow pressure that opening connector 27 enters driving engine by some fuel oils being sent back to holding vessel 13.This is the jet pump system of feed end.Certainly, the present invention can also adopt the jet pump system of return terminal.

[0042] air inlet jet dredge pump 21 comprises the body 29 of a hollow, and it has determined a choked flow orifice plate or Venturi tube.Body has also been determined an inlet 31, and it leads to the enter the mouth fuel oil at 15 places of the holding vessel that is arranged in fuel tank 9, and body has also been determined an outlet 33 of leading to holding vessel 13.

[0043] high pressure fuel in the flexible pipe 25 is sent to injection orifice 32 by another flexible pipe 35, injection orifice with fuel oil along with enter inlet 19 fuel flow path and become the 90 degree Venturi tube that leads at a high speed.Next be ejected in the fuel from fuel tank 9 in the inlet 31 of main body 29.These fuel oils are transmitted to holding vessel 13 by exporting 33.

[0044] air inlet jet dredge pump 21 usefulness conductive polymeric materials are made, and for example adopt the acetal of carbon fine fibre or other conductive filler or employing to have the nylon material of suitable conductive filler.Such conductive material is to be used for making body 29, and body comprises venturi tube and comprises inlet 31 and the body part of outlet 33.Any proper device of air inlet jet dredge pump 21 usefulness for example insulated metal line etc. is connected to ground plane.Perhaps, whole holding vessel 13 and other modular assembly can be formed by the polymeric material mold pressing of conduction, so that the dissipation path owing to fuel oil mobile electrostatic charge that is produced in air inlet jet dredge pump 21 to be provided.

What [0045] Fig. 2 represented is the interior fuel oil module of case that another kind has a lot of assemblies separately.Fuel oil module 110 comprises a fuel level sensor assembly 114, oil pressure regulator 116, a fuel oil pump motor 118 and a fuel oil filter shell 120, and a fuel oil filter (not shown) is arranged in filter casing.

[0046] plug or socket 112 are used for being connected on the electric system of vehicle.It comprises at least one anodal and negative pole.Positive wire and cathode conductor 117a and 117b are connected on the pump motor 118.Ground terminal lead 117a is electrically connected to the grounded part on vehicle or other chassis, and it is connected to the negative pole of battery conversely by lead 108a.Electrode cable 117b is connected to the positive pole of circuit by lead 108b.

[0047] also have a conducting bracket 107 to be connected on the lead 117a.

[0048] oil pressure regulator 116, fuel oil pump motor 118 and fuel oil filter shell 120 can be assemblies or comprise the parts that may produce the electrostatic charge gathering.In order to be dissipated in the electrostatic charge in oil pressure regulator 116, fuel charger 118 and the fuel oil filter shell 120.Present embodiment uses conductive plastic or polymerization twisted wire 122 to form the electric conductor or a conductive path that can lead on the earth lead 117a that is positioned at plug 112.In Fig. 2, twisted wire or conductor extend to fuel oil filter shell 120 from pressure regulator 116, extend to support 107 then.Single like this twisted wire just is connected to two assemblies of module the ground plane of electric system.Another root twisted wire 122 contacts pump motors 118, and first twisted wire is connected on the filter casing 120.Support 107 and socket 112 have represented that a kind of actv. structure can be connected to twisted wire 122 on the ground plane of circuit.Certainly, also can replace plastic twisted strands 122 that conductive path is provided with metal wool.

[0049] the polymerization twisted wire shown in is to be connected on the battery cathode of socket 112.Support 107 comprises that a clip 124 is fixed to twisted wire 122 on the conducting bracket, so that firm physics and conductive connection to be provided.Certainly, also can similarly connect a lead.

[0050] embodiment of fuel oil module 110 comprises a flange 111 in the case among Fig. 2, and it is to be positioned on the module of fuel tank in the embodiment in figure 1.This flange is connected to the roof of fuel tank, and by an input hole that is closed by flange 111 module 110 is suspended in the fuel tank.As above an embodiment is described, and flange 111 couples together by a sliding connector with the holding vessel 113 that has carried other assembly of module, so that adjust in the whole vertical range of module.Sliding connector comprises the vertical support tube of a pair of tubulose 140, and one of them represents in Fig. 2, and it is slidably received within the upright opening of pillar 123 of holding vessel parts 113.Each pipe 140 is all wound up by the compression disc spring 142 of a metal wool, and disc spring promotes flange 111 and holding vessel 113 towards full extension or elongation state.For example, when the holding vessel part 113 of fuel oil module 110 in any device with when its fuel tank that is linked to each other bottom contacts, disc spring 142 just is compressed mobile flange 111, is tightly connected with the roof of fuel tank.

[0051] flange 111 normally with non-conductive polymeric material for example the acetal mold pressing form.Support tube 140 is metallo-s and can conducts electricity.Certainly, disc spring 142 also conducts electricity.Like this, support tube and disc spring are exactly to produce the position that electrostatic charge is assembled.

[0052] Fig. 3 and 4 is used for dissipating the structure of the electrostatic charge assembled from metallic support pipe 140 and metallo-compression disc spring 142.

[0053] flange 111 has as shown in Figure 3 represented that flange stretches out the top 144 of fuel tank outside.Fig. 4 has represented when module is installed on the fuel tank down or has entered the lower surface or the bottom surface 146 of fuel tank.

[0054] with reference to accompanying drawing 4, the bottom 146 of flange 111 comprises a pair of tubing string 148 that is embossed in the flange.In these posts each all comprises an inner cylinder face 150, and it forms a hole and holds a pipe 140.Each pipe external diameter of 140 to make its can with inner cylinder face 150 frictional engagement of a tubing string 148.

[0055] flange 111 has supported oil-feed port parts 152, and it comprises an interior bar 154.It is used for by the fuel oil of a flexible hose reception in fuel tank from module 110.Such flexible pipe is shown in 115 among Fig. 2.Flexible pipe conducts electricity, and normally makes with the polymeric material that has the conductive material filling.Oil-feed port 152 is connected on the oil hose of the bar 153 outside the fuel tank.The flexible pipe that is connected on the bar 153 passes to continuous oil consumption parts with fuel oil.Flexible pipe uses the polymeric material of conduction to make usually, or comprises the polymeric layer of a, conduction 153 that contact with bar.

[0056] flange 111 comprises that one was the conducting strip 156 of the polymer belt of mould.These conductive strips or sheet 156 comprise end 158 and a branch 160, and the end is positioned at the inner peripheral surface 150 of tubing string 148, and branch contacts with oil-feed port 152.End 158 contacts with the outside face of pipe 140, and forms the end that a pedestal 151 holds disc spring 142.As shown in the figure, end 158 can also comprise a center pin 149, and it is arranged in periphery 148 formed holes.Each pin outside face of 149 contacts with the endoporus of managing 140 so that an additional conductive path of 156 from the pipe to the sheet to be provided.

[0057] conducting strip 156 provide one from tubing string 148 to oil-feed port 152 conductive path.Its end contacts with metallic support pipe 140, and will manage 140 and metal disc spring 142 be connected on the oil-feed port 152 of conduction.The electrostatic charge that so just can provide a conductive path may accumulate on support tube 140 or the disc spring 142 is dissipated to oil-feed port 152 and its bonded assembly, constitutes on the conduction flexible pipe 115 of fuel oil part of module.

[0058] conducting strip 156 is one and crosses die worker's part with what the polymeric material of conduction was made, and it preferably adopts identical poly-mer with non-conductive flange 111.As shown in Figure 3, conducting strip comprises upright pin or " upright body (stand offs) " 157, and it is arranged in the appropriate location of the injection forming mold of flange 111.The stability of its position is extremely important to molding process.Because it is with making with flange 111 identical materials, so the material of conducting strip 156 and flange 111 just can form the relation of fluid-tight in Overmolded (over molding) operation.

[0059] forwards accompanying drawing 5 and 6 below to, represented a fuel level sensor assembly 414.It comprises that one is installed in the base of the conduction on the fuel oil module in the case or the lamellar body 415 of conduction.For example, in the structure as shown in Figure 2, fuel sensor assembly 114 is installed on the fuel oil filter shell 120.Usually lamellar body or base 415 are positioned on the molded vertical column that stretches out from the filter casing top.

[0060] lamellar body 415 of the conduction shown in Fig. 5 and 6 comprises a lamellar body retaining part 417 that has locking pointer 416.It also comprises a Unitarily molded socket 418, and it has formed the cylindrical shaft bearing surface 419 of a horizontal stretching, preferably as shown in Figure 6.The lamellar body 415 of conduction is to form with the poly-mer manufacturing of conducting electricity, and for example adopts to be filled with for example acetal of carbon fine fibre of conductive material.

[a 0061] resistance strain gauge 448 that has constituted the part of the circuit that links to each other with oil level indicator is supported on the lamellar body 415.It is held in place by pointer 416.These resistance strain gauge 448 usefulness non-conducting materials are made, and for example adopt poly-mer or pottery.As a rule, be well known that circuit is connected on the battery circuit, and a path that leads to battery cathode or ground plane is provided.

[0062] resistance strain gauge 448 comprises a pair of track that separates 450, their normally curved extends parallel.

[0063] insulated wire 500 enters into module by the plug among Fig. 2 112, and is connected on first track 450 that is positioned at resistance strain gauge 448 1 ends.Second insulated wire 501 is connected between the plug 112 of another track 450 of resistance strain gauge 448.Insulated wire 501 is fit to the battery cathode ground plane of the system that is connected to by plug 112.But insulated wire 501 can also be connected to ground plane.Every insulated wire can by any suitable path for example a wire be connected on the negative pole 17a of the pump motor 18 shown in Fig. 1 embodiment.

[0064] long metal floater arm 440 has an end 441, and this end becomes 90 degree crooked with length.This end portion supports is at a contact holder 444.Another end also becomes 90 degree crooked with length, and supports float 442.

[0065] shown in Fig. 9-11, contact holder 444 is polymer assemblies of mold pressing, and it has a long body that has a pointer 421 and receives extension with fixing metal float arm 440.One end of contact holder 444 has a projection or cylinder shaft like parts 462, forms a hole 464, and the end 441 of float arm 440 is contained in this hole.Projection 462 has formed a columniform bearing surface 463.Bearing surface 463 is supported on the bearing surface 419 of socket 418 of lamellar body 415 pivotly.

[0066] along with the change of oil level, float 442 moves up and down, and causes that float arm 440 and contact holder 444 pivot in socket 418.Along with the pivot of float arm 440, move along the arc conductive traces 450 of resistance strain gauge 448 contact 458 on contact element 446, and it can change the characteristic of circuit then, and therefore change the signal that passes to the oil level indicator (not shown).

[0067] contact element among the present invention 446 has a conduction pointer 452, and this pointer contacts with float arm 440.As shown in the figure, conduction pointer 452 is extensions of contact element 446.But it also can be the plastic twisted strands (not shown) of independent conducting bracket (not shown), metal wool (not shown) or conduction, float arm can be electrically connected on the contact element.Though current-carrying part listed above is effectively float arm to be electrically connected on the contact element, best form is the conduction pointer that stretches out from contact element 446, as shown in the figure.By using the pointer on contact element 446, just can not need other extra parts to realize being electrically connected.This method has been saved stack-mounted time and fund, and has eliminated some mistakes, for example possible loosening or open circuited metal wool.

[0068] Fig. 7 and 8 expressions is contact element 446 before being installed to contact holder 444.Contact element 446 has a mainboard 454, and it has two apertures 456 and connects columniform contact 454.Cylindrical contact 458 is used for contacting with the track 450 of resistance strain gauge 448.The circuit that strides across independent rail 450 has just been finished by contact element 446.Mainboard 454 also has a macropore 460, is used for contact element 446 is connected on the cam fixer 444.Conduction pointer 452 stretches out from the end of mainboard 454.The terminal of conduction pointer 452 is used for contacting with float arm 440, so that form an electric pathway any electrostatic charge that accumulates in the float arm 440 is dissipated in track 450 and line 500 and 501 circuit that constitute.The contact element 446 here only is the example of such parts.Can adopt in the case of without departing from the present invention various other the contact element structure and be connected to method on the connecting element of contact.

[0069] Figure 11 represents is contact element 446 shown in Fig. 7 and 8, is connected on the contact holder 444 as shown in Figures 9 and 10.Figure 11 has represented that also float arm 440 passes the end 441 that stretch out in the hole 464 of contact connecting element 444.

[0070] the conduction pointer 452 of contact element 446 contacts with float arm 440.Conduction pointer 452 has formed an electric pathway, and any electrostatic charge in float arm 440 can enter ground connection in the mode of safety.Electrostatic charge in float arm 440 is from float arm 440, pass conduction pointer 454, enter the mainboard 454 of contact element 446, enter contact 458, enter the track 450 of resistance strain gauge 448, and metal wool 500 and 501 ground connection by being connected track on the resistance strain gauge 448.

[0071] or, consider that contact holder itself also can conduct electricity.The contact holder of conduction can by with the non-conductive polymer on basis for example acetal and conductive filler additive for example carbon fiber or carbon fine fibre mix and make conduction.It is connected ground connection by contact element 446 with contact 458 with metallo-float arm 440 then, and the track 450 of contact and resistance strain gauge 448 electrically contacts.

[0072] embodiment shown in the 12-14 with the aid of pictures below, expression be to dissipate to accumulate in the another kind of structure of the electrostatic charge on float line or the float arm 440.

[0073] structure shown in comprises a lamellar body 415, a contact holder 444 and a metal floater arm 440.Lamellar body 415 has been fixed a resistance strain gauge, as described in last embodiment.It also comprises socket 418, and socket has formed a cylindrical surface 419.It also comprises a tapering part 422 that forms a hole 423.Elastomeric latch 425 stretches along the direction opposite with tapering part 422.In this embodiment, a lid 427 is detachably connected on the lamellar body 415 to cover resistance strain gauge and contact.

[0074] contact holder 444 mode that forms by the agency of in last embodiment.It comprises a projection 462, has a hole 464, can receive the end 441 of float arm 440.Projection 462 has formed a cylindrical surface 463, and it is installed as contact holder 444 towards lamellar body 415 openings pivotly.It should be noted that breech lock 425 has pinned contact holder 415, and it can be fixed on the position that pivots and support with cylindrical shaft bearing surface 419 with loosening.

[0075] metal floater arm or line 440 are the arm shape in the above-described embodiments.The length of the arm during it has one first end 441, the first ends and is contained in contact holder 444 becomes 90 degree.End 441 extends through the hole 464 in the projection 462 of contact holder 444, and is imported in the hole 423 of tapering part 422 of lamellar body 415.Stretch at the tip 443 of float arm, surpasses the surface of tapering part.

[0076] common shown in the planar view of Figure 13, the dissipation of annular lid 470 is the open ends that are connected to the tapering part 422 of lamellar body 415.It is stainless or plated metal is made, and comprises the body 471 of an annular, and body has clamping tooth 472, clamps the open end that tooth adheres to lid tapering part 422.Also have an elastomeric contact pointer 474, it comprises a contact surface 475 with tip 443 closed contacts of float arm 440.The lid that dissipates is forced into the end of tapering part 422, the crooked pointer 474 of close enough.Therefore the restoring force of pointer just promotes contact surface 475 and contacts with the tip 443 of metal floater arm 440.

[0077] lid 470 also comprises a dististyle 476.One wires 517 is connected on the dististyle, and the negative pole of guiding ground plane or battery.In the fuel oil module, it can be connected to cathode conductor 17a by any suitable connecting device.Metal wool comprises the adaptor union clip 478 of a propelling, and this clip can be clipped on the dististyle 476, and friction adheres on the dististyle in the above.Connection between metal wool 517 and the dististyle can be adopted any appropriate form.For example they can be weld togethers.And, can adopt conducting polymer twisted wire as described in Figure 2.It should be noted that using line 517 is to consider that lamellar body 415 is to form with non-conductive polymeric material manufacturing.If it is to make with the such conductive polymeric material of metal that for example has carbon fine fibre weighting material, then just do not needed metal wool 517.Lamellar body 415 can be connected on the negative pole of battery at other place, and dissipate cover 470 can provide one from float arm 440 to projection the dissipation path of 462 tapering part 422.

[0078] Figure 14 form of the modification of covering 470a of representing to dissipate.It is with metal.It comprises the body 471a of a circle and clamps tooth 472.It is used for being placed on the tapering part 463 of projection 462 of lamellar body 415, as the embodiment of Figure 12 and 13.

[0079] dissipation is covered 470a and has been formed an axle sleeve 480, and it has held the hole 423 of tapering part 463.It has also formed a neck bearing face 482, to contact with the outside face of the end 441 of metal floater arm 440.Outside face and the contact between the neck bearing face 482 at float arm 440 will be able to provide a dissipation path that covers 470a to dissipation.

[0080] be a kind of demonstration structure at the dissipation shown in Figure 12-14 lid 470 and 470a, provide a kind of from metal floater arm 440 to lamellar body 415 dissipation path.Also can adopt a lot of other structures.For example, lid 470 or 470a can use conductive polymeric material to make, and for example are the acetals that is filled with conductive material.And elastomeric contact stud 474 can also be used to contacting with the outside face of the end 441 of metal floater arm 440, rather than contacts with most advanced and sophisticated 443.Main principle is that conduction dissipation path will for example dissipate by contact element and covers 470 and extend to lamellar body 415 from float arm 440.

[0081] turn to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawing 15-20, represented a kind of structure, by with metal wool or lead 500 or 501 and the oil transportation element couple together, a kind of path that dissipates from the lamellar body to the connected to chassis can be provided.With reference to accompanying drawing 15 and 16, represented a fuel level sensor assembly 614, for example be the fuel level sensor assembly 114 among the embodiment of Fig. 2 or 5-11.It comprises that is installed in a pedestal or the lamellar body 615 on the fuel oil module in the case.For example, in the structure as shown in Figure 2, fuel level sensor assembly 114 is mounted in the filter casing 120.Usually lamellar body or pedestal 615 are mounted on the mold pressing vertical column that stretches out from the top of filter casing.

[0082] lamellar body 615 among Figure 15 and 16 comprises a sheet retaining part 617 that has locking pointer 616, preferably as shown in figure 16.It also comprises the socket 618 of an integral die, and it has determined the cylindrical shaft bearing surface 619 of a horizontal stretching, preferably as shown in figure 16.Lamellar body 615 is to form with the poly-mer manufacturing of conducting electricity, and for example adopts to be filled with for example acetal of carbon fine fibre of conductive material.Perhaps, the lamellar body 415 of conduction can or provide a kind of conductive material layer to make conduction by mold pressing, and conductive material layer is conducting polymer for example, and conductive material layer is positioned at least one surface of non-conductive lamellar body.

[0083] resistance strain gauge 648 has constituted the part of the circuit that links to each other with oil level indicator, and it is supported on the lamellar body 615.It is held in place by pointer 616.These resistance strain gauge 648 usefulness non-conducting materials are made, and for example adopt poly-mer or pottery.As a rule, be well known that the fuel level sensor circuit is connected on the battery of vehicle, and a path that leads to battery cathode or ground plane is provided.

[0084] resistance strain gauge 648 comprises a pair of track that separates 650, their normally curved extends parallel.

[0085] insulated wire 500 enters into module by the plug among Fig. 2 112, and be welded to terminal connect on 680, near on first track 650 of resistance strain gauge 648 1 ends.Second insulated wire 501 is connected between the plug 112 of another track 650 of resistance strain gauge 648.Insulated wire 501 is fit to the battery cathode ground plane of the system that is connected to by plug 112, as shown in Figure 2.But insulated wire 500 can also be connected to ground plane.Every insulated wire can by any other suitable path for example a wire be connected to the negative pole 17a of the pump motor 18 shown in Fig. 1 embodiment.

[0086] as the embodiment among Fig. 5-11, the structure of Figure 15-20 comprises the metal floater arm 640 of a prolongation, and float arm is supported on the contact holder 644.Another end portion supports of float arm 640 float, the float 442 among the embodiment of Fig. 5-11 for example.

[0087] embodiment of best incorporated shown in Fig. 9-11, contact holder 644 has the main body of a prolongation, is used for receiving and fixing metal float arm 640.Contact holder 644 is supported on the bearing surface 619 of socket 618 of lamellar body 615 pivotly.It has in conjunction with the contact shown in the embodiment of Fig. 5-11, and it contacts with track 650 on resistance strain gauge 648, determines a transducing signal that is used to refer to oil level.

[0088] along with the change of oil level, float moves up and down, and causes that float arm 640 and contact holder 644 pivot.Along with the pivot of float arm 640, contact holder 644 is along arc conductive traces 650 current collectors of resistance strain gauge 648, and it can change the characteristic of circuit then, and therefore changes the signal that passes to the oil level indicator (not shown).

[0089] resistance strain gauge 648 among the embodiment 15 and 16 comprises an independent conductive path or track 682, and preferably as shown in figure 16, it is connected to terminal and connects 681.It also is stretched over the exposure conducting surface 684 that is positioned at below the locking pointer 616.Pointer 616 contacts with conducting surface 684 conductions.

[0090] said structure provides a kind of conductive path or at least one path to be enough to the electrostatic charge in the lamellar body 615 is dissipated on ground plane or the battery cathode.Electric charge on any lamellar body 615 that may accumulate in conduction, if with the metal dissipation lid shown in the embodiment that has used Figure 12-14, the electric charge that accumulates on the float arm 640 all enters conducting surface 684 by locking pointer 616, and enters metal wool 501 is connected 681 places with terminal connection along independent conductive traces 682.Certainly, the track 682 of conduction can be connected to along the optional position of track 650.But by being directly connected on the adaptor union 681, any electrostatic charge that dissipates along this path can directly enter metal wool 501, can't enter in the track 650 on resistance strain gauge 648.This path is not potential interference or N/R input for output circuit, this output circuit comprise resistance strain gauge track 650 and contact holder 644 with the contact.

[0091] Figure 15-20 has represented to be used for to produce towards the another kind of device of the dissipation path of the metal wool 500 of fuel level sensor assembly 614 and 501.In an illustrated embodiment, this device provides a grounded circuit from lamellar body to a piece or two wires 500 and 501.

[0092] as shown in figure 15, in an illustrated embodiment, lamellar body 615 comprises a supporting bracket 685, and it has formed metal wool fixed jaw 686 at interval.Fixed jaw is a distance at interval, and this distance is slightly less than the external diameter of insulated wire 500 and 501, like this between the fixed jaw 686 of insulated wire with regard to the insulated outer surface that releasably is fixed on insulated wire and support 685.This position relation is held in place insulated wire 500 and 501.Supporting bracket 685 is not a part of the present invention, is not used for sharing the advantage of disclosed electrostatic dissipation structure.

[0093] preferably as shown in figure 16, lamellar body 615 comprises grounded bracket 687, and one of them support is connected with 501 with each insulated wire 500.

[0094] with reference to accompanying drawing 19 and 20, grounded bracket 687 has formed a blade sockett 688, and socket has formed the groove that roughly centers on every wires 500,501.The groove of socket 688 comprises spaced walls 689.

[0095] connecting strap 690 of a conduction is arranged in each groove between wall 689, shown in Figure 17 and 18.Preferably as shown in figure 17, connecting strap 690 is U-shaped parts roughly, and it has supporting leg 691 and a cross member 692.Supporting leg comprises inside, towards knife-edge 693, a distance at interval between the knife-edge, this distance is less than the diameter of the non-insulated conductor 503 of insulated wire 500 and 501.Shown in Figure 19 and 20, conductor 503 is to make with a lot of twisted wire 504, and twisted wire is insulated material 505 and covers.

[0096] connecting strap 690 comprises crosswise spots 697, and crosswise spots is embedded in the surface or wall 689 formed grooves of grounded bracket 687, and connecting strap 690 is held in place.As shown in figure 18, connecting strap is very narrow, slides in the groove that can form in blade sockett 688.

[0097] connect in order to form a conduction or electrostatic dissipation between one or more insulated wires 500 and 501, the connecting strap 690 of a conduction is inserted in the groove between the spaced walls 689.Knife-edge 693 on the inside face of supporting leg 691 is cut and is worn insulating material 505, and forms conductive connection with uninsulated conductor 503.Crosswise spots 697 is embedded in the wall 689 so that connecting strap is held in place.It should be noted that only must be with connecting strap 690 with one in metal wool 500 or 501, and preferably metal wool 501 is connected on the lamellar body.With metal wool 500 bonded assembly grooves can be empty.

[0098] connecting strap 690 usefulness conductive material are made.It can be made with metal, for example adopts rustless metal or plated metal.It can also adopt the poly-mer of conduction, for example has the acetal of carbon fine fibre for example or metal filler, and metal filler for example is a fine grinding corrosion-resistant steel particle.

[0099] it should be noted that grounded bracket 687 and conductive connecting piece 690 can be used at any parts and an insulated wire or conduct electricity the connection that dissipates is provided between the twisted wire.For example, it can be used for twisted wire 122 or is thoroughly done away with on the various modular assemblies of edge wire joint fuel oil module in the case, as shown in Figure 2.In this, grounded bracket 687 and connecting strap 690 can replace clip 124.Such parts can be the parts of fuel oil module in the case, perhaps dissipate to connect required any other device.

[0100] Figure 21 is another embodiment of conductive connecting piece.Connecting strap 790 is similar with conducting strip 690, but comprises the barb 794 that much extends from knife-edge 793.Connecting strap 790 is parts that are roughly U-shaped, and it has supporting leg 791 and a cross member 792.Supporting leg comprises inside, towards knife-edge 793, a distance at interval between the knife-edge, this distance is less than the diameter of the non-insulated conductor of insulated wire.Connecting strap 790 comprises inside and upwardly extending barb 794, and barb makes knife-edge 793 can slip over insulated electric conductor at an easy rate in the incision insulator, in case but knife-edge contacts with non-insulated conductor, and barb just can stop knife-edge 793 to break away from conductor.Connecting strap 790 can be made with metal, for example adopts rustless metal or plated metal, and it can also adopt the poly-mer of conduction, for example has the acetal of carbon fine fibre for example or metal filler, and metal filler is a fine grinding corrosion-resistant steel particle for example.

[0101] connecting strap 790 can be used as the part of conducting connecting part, attaching parts is that at least one conduction fuel oil modular assembly is connected on the ground plane of cutter vehicle, anyly so that dissipate may accumulate in the conduction fuel oil modular assembly or the electrostatic charge on the assembly, conduction fuel oil modular assembly can be isolated with ground plane.A kind of conductive plastic twisted wire 122 of above-mentioned open type can be used as the electrical connection between conduction fuel oil modular assembly and connecting strap 790.Perhaps, can be used as in the electrical connection of conducting electricity between fuel oil modular assembly and the connecting strap 790 with metal wool.

[0102] Figure 22 has represented a kind of interior fuel oil module 710 of case with a lot of assemblies separately.Fuel oil module 710 comprises that one is installed in flange 711 in the fuel tank with module.This flange is connected to the roof of fuel tank, and module is suspended in the fuel tank.Other assembly of flange 711 and holding vessel 113 carrier modules, these assemblies couple together by a sliding connector, so that adjust in the whole vertical range of module.Sliding connector comprises the vertical support tube of a pair of tubulose 740.Each pipe 740 is all wound up by the compression disc spring 742 of a metal wool, and disc spring promotes flange and holding vessel towards full extension or elongation state.Fuel oil module 710 also comprises a fuel level sensor assembly 714, oil pressure regulator 716, a fuel oil pump motor 718 and a fuel oil filter shell 720, and a fuel oil filter (not shown) is arranged in filter casing.Plug or socket 712 are used for being connected on the electric system of vehicle.It comprises at least one anodal and negative pole.Positive wire and cathode conductor 717a and 717b are connected on the pump motor 718.Before being assembled to fuel oil module 710 on the vehicle, ground terminal lead 717a just is electrically connected to the grounded part of vehicle or other chassis assembly.

[0103] a lot of plastic twisted strands 122 are electrically connected to connecting strap 790 on the conduction fuel oil modular assembly.Twisted wire 122a will comprise that conducting electricity the fuel level sensor assembly 714 of float arm is connected on the connecting strap 790.Another twisted wire 122b is electrically connected to oil pressure regulator 716 on the connecting strap 790.The 3rd twisted wire 122c is electrically connected to fuel oil filter shell 720 on the connecting strap 790.The 4th twisted wire 122d will manage 740 and disc spring 142 be electrically connected on the connecting strap 790.Connect in order to form a conduction or electrostatic dissipation between fuel oil modular assembly that conducts electricity and ground plane, connecting strap 790 can be in lead 717a slip around, and knife-edge 793 is cut the insulator of wearing lead 717a, and contacts with the non-insulated conductor of lead 717a.In case knife-edge 793 contacts with non-insulated conductor, the barb 794 of knife-edge just can prevent that connecting strap 790 and lead 717a break away from.

[0104] various feature of the present invention is illustrated with reference to the foregoing description.Be understandable that, under the situation that does not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, can make a lot of modification.

Claims (30)

1, a kind of fuel level sensor assembly of fuel oil module comprises:

The lamellar body of a conduction; And

A resistance strain gauge that is supported on the above-mentioned conduction lamellar body, above-mentioned resistance strain gauge comprises a conductive traces, conductive traces contacts with above-mentioned conduction lamellar body conduction, and is used for contacting with a ground plane conduction.

2, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that: the lamellar body of above-mentioned conduction contacts with the fuel oil modular assembly conduction of conduction.

3, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 2, the fuel oil modular assembly that it is characterized in that above-mentioned conduction is the float arm of a conduction, it is supported on the above-mentioned lamellar body pivotly.

4, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 3, it is characterized in that also comprising a contact element that is connected on the above-mentioned float arm, above-mentioned resistance strain gauge also comprises one second conductive traces and one the 3rd conductive traces, and above-mentioned second conductive traces contacts with above-mentioned contact element conduction with above-mentioned the 3rd conductive traces.

5, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 2, it is characterized in that also comprising a conduction float arm and a contact element that is connected on the above-mentioned float arm, above-mentioned resistance strain gauge also comprises one second conductive traces and one the 3rd conductive traces, and above-mentioned second conductive traces contacts with above-mentioned contact element conduction with above-mentioned the 3rd conductive traces.

6, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 4 is characterized in that also comprising a non-conductive contact holder, and support is connected to above-mentioned contact element on the above-mentioned float arm.

7, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 6 is characterized in that above-mentioned contact holder is to make with non-conductive polymeric material.

8, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 4, it is characterized in that above-mentioned contact element comprises two contacts, above-mentioned second conductive traces contacts with a contact of above-mentioned contact element, and above-mentioned the 3rd conductive traces contacts with another contact of above-mentioned contact element.

9, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 4 is characterized in that above-mentioned second conductive traces and the 3rd conductive traces are arcs.

10, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that above-mentioned lamellar body makes with conducting polymer.

11, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 10 is characterized in that above-mentioned conducting polymer is the acetal that is filled with conductive material.

12, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that above-mentioned lamellar body comprises a lamellar body retaining part, and above-mentioned lamellar body retaining part contacts with above-mentioned conductive traces.

13, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 4 is characterized in that above-mentioned second conductive traces and the 3rd conductive traces are suitable for being placed in the circuit of fuel level sensor.

14, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 5 is characterized in that above-mentioned second conductive traces and the 3rd conductive traces are suitable for being placed in the circuit of fuel level sensor.

15, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that above-mentioned resistance strain gauge is non-conductive.

16, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 4 is characterized in that above-mentioned second conductive traces and the 3rd conductive traces mutually insulated on above-mentioned resistance strain gauge.

17, fuel level sensor assembly according to claim 5 is characterized in that above-mentioned second conductive traces and the 3rd conductive traces mutually insulated on above-mentioned resistance strain gauge.

18, a kind of fuel oil module comprises:

The fuel oil modular assembly of a conduction;

A conductor is used for contacting with a ground plane conduction;

A conductive connecting piece comprises a knife-edge, and above-mentioned conductive connecting piece is to contact with above-mentioned conductive module assembly conduction, and above-mentioned knife-edge contacts with above-mentioned conductor conduction; And

An insulator covers above-mentioned conductor, and directly axially near above-mentioned knife-edge.

19, fuel oil module according to claim 18 is characterized in that above-mentioned conduction fuel oil modular assembly has formed a blade sockett, and above-mentioned conductor is arranged in above-mentioned blade sockett, and above-mentioned conductive connecting piece is supported in the above-mentioned blade sockett slidably.

20, fuel oil module according to claim 18, it is characterized in that above-mentioned conductive connecting piece has two supporting legs and a cross member that is connected above-mentioned supporting leg, above-mentioned knife-edge be positioned at an above-mentioned supporting leg on inner edge, one second knife-edge be positioned at another above-mentioned supporting leg on inner edge.

21, fuel oil module according to claim 18 is characterized in that above-mentioned conduction fuel oil modular assembly is a grounded bracket of a fuel level sensor assembly.

22, fuel oil module according to claim 18 is characterized in that also comprising the conduction float arm of a fuel level sensor assembly, and above-mentioned conduction float arm contacts with above-mentioned conduction fuel oil modular assembly conduction.

23, fuel oil module according to claim 18 is characterized in that above-mentioned conductive connecting piece is with metal.

24, fuel oil module according to claim 18 is characterized in that above-mentioned conductive connecting piece is to make with the poly-mer of conduction.

25, fuel oil module according to claim 18 is characterized in that above-mentioned conduction fuel oil modular assembly is to make with the poly-mer of conduction.

26, fuel oil module according to claim 19 is characterized in that the connecting strap of above-mentioned conduction has a point, and this point contacts with the fuel oil modular assembly conduction of above-mentioned conduction.

27, fuel oil module according to claim 26 is characterized in that the above-mentioned point of conductive connecting piece embeds in the above-mentioned conduction fuel oil modular assembly.

28, a kind of method of the electrostatic charge that dissipates may further comprise the steps:

A conduction fuel oil modular assembly that has blade sockett is provided;

The conductor that provides an insulated body to cover;

A conductive connecting piece that has knife-edge is provided;

Above-mentioned conductor is electrically connected to a ground plane;

The conductor that above-mentioned insulated body is covered is inserted in the above-mentioned blade sockett;

The above-mentioned connecting strap of slip in above-mentioned blade sockett, above-mentioned like this knife-edge is just cut to put on and is stated insulator, so that make above-mentioned knife-edge contact with above-mentioned conductor.

29, method according to claim 28 is characterized in that above-mentioned connecting strap has a point, and the above-mentioned steps that above-mentioned connecting strap is slided in above-mentioned blade sockett embeds above-mentioned point in the above-mentioned conduction fuel oil modular assembly.

30, method according to claim 28 is characterized in that further comprising the steps of: the conduction float arm of a fuel level sensor assembly is provided, and with above-mentioned float arm conductive connection to above-mentioned conductive component.

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