EP1921303B1 - Fuel pump and filter assembly - Google Patents
Fuel pump and filter assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1921303B1 EP1921303B1 EP07020531A EP07020531A EP1921303B1 EP 1921303 B1 EP1921303 B1 EP 1921303B1 EP 07020531 A EP07020531 A EP 07020531A EP 07020531 A EP07020531 A EP 07020531A EP 1921303 B1 EP1921303 B1 EP 1921303B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- fuel pump
- fuel
- filter
- assembly
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M37/22—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system
- F02M37/32—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system characterised by filters or filter arrangements
- F02M37/44—Filters structurally associated with pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M37/04—Feeding by means of driven pumps
- F02M37/08—Feeding by means of driven pumps electrically driven
- F02M37/10—Feeding by means of driven pumps electrically driven submerged in fuel, e.g. in reservoir
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M37/22—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system
- F02M37/32—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system characterised by filters or filter arrangements
- F02M37/50—Filters arranged in or on fuel tanks
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to fuel pumps and more particularly to fuel pump modules for placement in fuel tanks.
- In-tank fuel pump modules are used in automotive fuel delivery systems to draw fuel from a fuel tank and supply the fuel under pressure for delivery to an engine.
- These modules usually include a fuel reservoir disposed within the fuel tank and carried by a mounting plate or flange closing an opening in an upper wall of the tank.
- the reservoir holds a relatively small quantity of fuel, and typically includes a reservoir inlet in communication with the interior of the fuel tank.
- the module typically includes an electric fuel pump assembly having a pump inlet in one end communicating with the reservoir downstream of the reservoir inlet, and a pump outlet in another end upstream of the reservoir outlet.
- the fuel pump assembly draws fuel from within the reservoir through the fuel pump inlet and delivers at least a portion of that fuel to the engine through the reservoir outlet.
- the fuel pump assembly typically includes an electric motor disposed in a motor housing and adapted to be immersed in fuel.
- the motor includes a rotor mounted for rotation within the motor housing and is connected to a source of electrical power for rotating the rotor.
- a mechanical pumping element is coupled to the rotor for developing pressure on the fuel.
- the pumping element discharges fuel into the motor housing to cool the motor as the fuel flows past the motor and out of the pump outlet. While generally effective at cooling the electric motor, pump assemblies of this type undesirably heat the fuel. Such pump assemblies also have resistance to the flow of fuel being pumped through the electric motor portion of the pump assembly. Such windage losses limit the efficiency of such pump assemblies.
- the assembly comprises a filter housing having a filter chamber which is at least partially defined by a first end wall, an oppositely disposed second end wall, an outer side wall extending between the end walls and in inner side wall disposed radially inwardly of the outer side wall. Further, an annular filter is disposed in the filter chamber and carried by the filter housing.
- a fuel pump assembly is received in the inner side wall carried by the housing and comprises an electrical motor and a fuel pump received between a first end cap and a second end cap.
- a fuel pump and filter assembly is adapted to draw fuel from a fuel tank, filter the fuel, and output the filtered fuel for delivery to an engine.
- the assembly includes a housing supporting a filter in a filter chamber, which is at least partially defined by first and second end walls, an outer side wall extending therebetween, and an inner side wall disposed radially inwardly of the outer side wall.
- a fuel pump assembly is carried by the housing radially inwardly of the inner side wall and includes a sleeve that extends from the first to the second end wall of the housing.
- the fuel pump assembly includes a first end with electrical elements, and a second end with a fuel pump inlet and outlet disposed substantially at the second end.
- the fuel pump and filter assembly is adapted for use with a fuel pump module, which may also include a fuel pump outlet conduit extending from the fuel pump outlet to a housing inlet, a fuel strainer communicating with the fuel pump inlet, and a fuel pressure regulator communicating with a housing return or outlet.
- At least some of the objects, features and advantages that may be achieved by at least certain embodiments of the invention include a fuel pump and filter assembly that is readily adaptable to various fuel pump modules, fuel tanks, and vehicle applications; routes pressurized fuel away from an electric motor portion of the assembly; reduces or eliminates pump flow-through losses; increases fuel pumping efficiency; decreases heat transferred to the fuel before it is discharged from the fuel pump assembly; improves the venting of fuel vapor from the fuel pump; lowers the electric current draw of the fuel pump; eliminates costly seals between a pump and a housing; allows for a reduction in axial height of a fuel pump module compared to prior art designs; enables an electrical connector of a fuel pump assembly to extend out of a fuel tank; eliminates one or more wiring harnesses; and is of relatively simple design, economical manufacture and assembly, rugged, durable, reliable, and in service has a long useful life.
- FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a presently preferred form of a fuel pump and filter assembly
- FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the fuel pump and filter assembly of FIG. 1 :
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fuel pump and filter assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a presently preferred form of a fuel pump module
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second presently preferred form of a fuel pump module
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third presently preferred form of a fuel pump module including upper and lower module assemblies;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lower module assembly of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of the lower module assembly of FIG. 6 .
- FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate a presently preferred form of a fuel pump and filter assembly 10 for drawing fuel from within a fuel tank (not shown) and pressurizing and filtering the fuel for sending it to an engine (not shown).
- the assembly 10 includes a fuel pump assembly 12 for drawing and pressurizing the fuel, a housing 14 for carrying the fuel pump assembly 12, and a filter 16 carried in the housing 14 for filtering the pressurized fuel received from the fuel pump assembly 12.
- the assembly 10 may be used alone or in conjunction with a fuel pump module (not shown) for insertion into the fuel tank.
- the fuel pump assembly 12 may be any suitable pumping device, such as an electro-mechanical pumping device, that pressurizes fuel for delivery to an upstream or inlet side of the filter 16.
- the fuel pump assembly 12 is centrally located with respect to the filter 16 and housing 14 such that the filter 16 and the housing 14 circumscribe the fuel pump assembly 12.
- the fuel pump assembly 12 has an electric motor 18 with a drive shaft 20 connected to a mechanical fuel pump 22 between inlet and outlet end caps 24, 26, all of which may be carried inside a side wall or sleeve 28 extending axially along the assembly 12.
- the first end cap 24 may include an electrical connector 34 having electrical elements 36 such as leads, terminal pins, wires, or the like for electrical communication with the motor 18.
- the second end cap 26 may include a fuel pump inlet 38 and a fuel pump outlet 40, such that fuel is drawn into and discharged from the fuel pump assembly 12 substantially at the second end 32 thereof.
- a similar and exemplary fuel pump of this type is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0083631 , which is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the inlet 38 and outlet 40 are shown extending through the end cap 26 and in a longitudinal direction, it is also contemplated that the inlet 38 and outlet 40 could be oriented and positioned in any other suitable manner substantially at the second end 32 of the fuel pump assembly 12.
- the fuel pump assembly 12 could be a side discharge type of unit, wherein an outlet discharges through the side of the fuel pump assembly 12 at the second end 32 thereof.
- An exemplary fuel pump assembly of this type is disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,231,318 , which is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As with the illustrated assembly 10, such an exemplary fuel pump assembly and the housing 14 would be arranged to output pressurized fuel externally with respect to the housing 14.
- the fuel pump assembly 12 is carried by and preferably attached to the housing 14 in any suitable manner.
- the fuel pump assembly 12 may be welded or press fit to the housing 14.
- the fuel pump assembly 12 may be attached to the housing 14 in any other suitable fashion including use of integral snap-fit fastening features, separate fastening elements, and/or the like.
- the housing 14 carries the filter 16 and the fuel pump assembly 12 and at least partially defines a filter chamber 42 for accepting fuel and the filter 16 therein.
- the filter chamber 42 may be of any suitable shape, such as annular.
- the housing 14 includes a first end wall 44, an oppositely disposed second end wall 46, an outer side wall 48 extending therebetween, and preferably may also include as an inner side wall, the pump sleeve 28 extending therebetween.
- the inner side wall 28 is disposed radially inwardly of the outer side wall 48 with a radial space in the form of the filter chamber 42 therebetween.
- the fuel pump assembly 12 is disposed radially inwardly of the sleeve 28 and, preferably, longitudinally extends between the first and second end walls 44, 46.
- the fuel pump assembly 12 extends beyond portions of the first and second end walls 44, 46 to which the fuel pump assembly 12 is attached.
- the sleeve 28 is attached to, and extends beyond, flared portions of the end walls 44, 46.
- the housing inner side wall doubles as the pump sleeve 28 and supports the fuel pump assembly 12 therein.
- the pump assembly 12 and housing 14 preferably share a common side wall 28., which can be a fuel pump sleeve or any other suitable generally hollow and preferably cylindrical component.
- the pump sleeve 28 and the end walls 44, 46 are made of a metal such as steel and the end walls each circumferentially continuously welded at 50 to the sleeve 28. Accordingly, no elastomeric seals are required between the pump assembly 12 and the housing 14. Moreover, this construction enables good heat transfer between the pump assembly 12 and the fuel within the fuel chamber 42 so as to cool the motor 20.
- the housing 14 may include a fuel inlet 52 to accept fuel from the fuel pump assembly 12, a fuel return 54 to return fuel to the fuel tank (not shown), and a fuel outlet 56 through which filtered fuel may flow to the engine.
- Any suitable seals 58 may be disposed in the inlet 52, return 54, and outlet 56, such as elastomeric O-rings.
- the housing 14 may be of any suitable shape and size. As shown, the housing 14 is generally cylindrical but may be of any other suitable shape. For example, the housing 14 may be spherical or semispherical wherein the end and side walls are at least partially integrated. In another example, the housing 14 may be box-like with multiple side walls.
- the filter 16 receives fuel incoming through the housing fuel inlet 52 from the fuel pump assembly 12, filters the fuel, and discharges filtered fuel for flow out the housing fuel return 54 and outlet 56.
- the filter 16 may include a filter element 60, such as of annular shape and corrugated fibrous material, and opposed end caps 62 supporting the filter element 60.
- the end caps 62 may be of annular shape and may include curled seals 64 that sealingly engage corresponding inside surfaces of the first and second ends 44, 46 of the housing 14.
- the seals 64 may also be annular and are preferably laterally or radially offset so as to at least partially define an inlet chamber 66 in direct communication with the outside of the filter 16 and an outlet chamber 68 isolated from and downstream of the inlet chamber 66 and in direct communication with the inside of the filter 16 and the outlets 54 and 56.
- the inlet chamber 66 is defined by outer portions of the filter seals 64, and the outer side wall 48 and end walls 44, 46 of the housing 14.
- the outlet chamber 68 is defined by inner portions of the filter seals 64, and the inner side wall 28 and end walls 44, 46 of the housing 14. Accordingly, the filter 16 receives incoming fuel from the inlet chamber 66 at its outer surface, filters the fuel flowing therethrough, and releases the filtered fuel from its inner surface into the outlet chamber 68.
- the housing 14 may include a drawn cup defining the second end wall 46 and outer side wall 48, and a stamped cover serving as the first end wall 44.
- the housing 14 may be composed of any suitable material, but is shown as a metal of any suitable composition such as steel, stainless steel or aluminum.
- the fuel pump assembly sleeve 28 may be formed from a metal component, such as a tube of steel, stainless steel or aluminum, and may be supported by the housing 14 in any suitable fashion.
- the housing 14 and sleeve 28 may be molded of suitable plastic and heat or fusion welded together.
- the metal sleeve 28 may be circumferentially continuously attached to the metal first end wall 44 of the housing 14, such as by laser welding, friction welding, or the like. Then, the filter components 60, 62 may be provided as a finished sub-assembly filter 16 or may be pre-assembled together just prior to assembly into the housing 14 around the sleeve 28. Next, the metal drawn housing portion including the second end wall 46 and outer side wall 48 may be assembled over the filter 16 and metal sleeve 28 to the metal first end wall 44 of the housing 14.
- the outer side wall 28 of the housing 14 can be circumferentially continuously attached to the first end wall 44 of the housing 14, while the second end wall 46 of the housing 14 is circumferentially continuously attached to the sleeve 28, such as by laser or friction welding or the like.
- the components of the fuel pump assembly 12, such as the first end cap 24, the motor 18, the driveshaft 20, the pump 22, and the second end cap 26 can be assembled into the sleeve 28.
- the ends of the sleeve 28 are rolled over to project radially inward of outer surfaces of the end caps 24, 26 to generally align and hold the assembly 12 together and prevent de-coupling of the pump 22 from the motor 18.
- the pump components could be assembled in the sleeve 28, the ends tolled over and then this assembly inserted into the housing 14 and welded therein.
- the various components of the fuel pump and filter assembly 10 may be composed of any suitable materials, such as metals, composites, polymeric materials, and the like. Such materials can be selected based on their dimensional stability and resistance to swelling and degradation, in warm and cold petroleum product environments.
- polymeric materials generally means relatively high-molecular-weight materials of either synthetic or natural origin and may include thermosets, thermoplastics, and elastomers.
- electricity may be provided to the motor 18 from any suitable source to power the motor 18 and, thus, drive the pump 22.
- the pump 22 draws fuel through its fuel inlet 38, pressurizes the drawn fuel, and discharges the pressurized fuel through the fuel outlet 40.
- Any suitable conduit (not shown) may be used to deliver the pressurized fuel from the pump 22 through the housing inlet 52 to the inlet chamber 66 at the upstream side of the filter chamber 42.
- the fuel flows into the filter 16 through its outer surface, through the filter 16, and out of the filter 16 through its inner surface. From the filter 16, the fuel flows into the outlet chamber 68 at the downstream side of the filter chamber 42.
- the filtered pressurized fuel then flows out of the housing 14 through the fuel return 54 and outlet 56.
- the motor chamber 18 is preferably not completely filled with liquid fuel and the centrifugal force imparted to the liquid fuel by the spinning rotor of the motor 18 moves the fuel generally radially outwardly.
- This provides a vapor barrier adjacent the motor 18 as the heavier liquid fuel is forced outwardly away from the motor 18 within the housing 14. It is also presently believed that the vapor barrier surrounding the motor 18 further reduces the resistance to rotation of the motor 18 which decreases the electric current draw of the motor 18 and increases the efficiency of the fuel pump assembly 12. Also, the reduced pressure in the motor chamber 70 is believed to increase the amount of fuel vapor in the motor chamber 70, reducing resistance to rotation of the motor 18.
- the fuel pump and filter assembly 10 may be used as a stand alone product or may be incorporated in a fuel pump module for use in a fuel tank. More particularly, FIGS. 4 through 8 illustrate some additional, specific, and exemplary uses for the fuel pump and filter assembly 10.
- FIG. 4 illustrates another presently preferred form of a fuel pump and filter assembly 110 incorporated in a presently preferred form of a fuel pump module 100.
- These devices are similar in many respects to that of FIGS. 1 through 3 , and like numerals between the descriptions generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Additionally, the description of the common subject matter may generally not be repeated here.
- the fuel pump and filter assembly 110 may include the same fuel pump assembly 12 and the filter 16 as described with respect to FIGS. 1 through 3 , but may include a somewhat different housing 114.
- the housing 114 includes a fuel tank mounting flange as a first end wall 144, and includes a second end wall 146, an outer side wall 148, and an inner side wall 150, wherein a filter chamber 142 is defined therebetween.
- the construction shown in FIG. 4 depicts the sleeve 28 and an inner side wall 150 of the housing 14 as being separate components.
- the fuel pump assembly 12 may be press fit into the housing inner side wall 150 such that the fuel pump assembly 12 including the sleeve 28 is carried or otherwise supported by the housing 14.
- the press fit can enable good contact between the sleeve 28 and inner side wall 150 to ensure good heat transfer therebetween for cooling the motor 20.
- the sleeve 28 of the fuel pump assembly 12 may be further attached to the housing 14 such as being circumferentially continuously welded to the inner side wall 50, and/or to one or both of the end walls 144, 146.
- the fuel pump module 100 may also include various components in fluid communication with the fuel pump and filter assembly 110.
- a pump outlet conduit 172 can be provided between the fuel pump outlet 40 and a housing inlet 152, and may include a system check valve 174 therein to prevent reverse flow of fuel from the fuel filter chamber 42 back into the fuel pump assembly 12.
- a fuel strainer 176 may communicate with the fuel pump inlet 38 to filter incoming fuel from the fuel tank.
- a regulator 178 may communicate with a housing fuel return 154 to regulate the pressure of fuel output of the module 100.
- an outlet conduit 180 may communicate with a housing fuel outlet 156, such as with a quick-connect endform fitting, to deliver fuel from the module 100.
- the unique configuration of the fuel pump and filter assembly 110 enables it to be attached to a fuel tank F and extend out of the fuel tank F. More particularly, the mounting flange 144 enables the module 100 to be suspended from a wall T of the fuel tank F such as a tank upper wall. This was not possible with a typical conventional fuel pump module because pressure within the motor chamber would force fuel vapors out of the first end of the fuel pump assembly and into the atmosphere.
- the present fuel pump and filter assemblies 10, 110 a substantial amount of liquid fuel is not pumped through the motor chamber 70, and the motor chamber 70 is vented through the second end 32 of the fuel pump assembly 12 to the inside of the surrounding fuel tank F to permit any fuel vapor to be discharged into the fuel tank F.
- the first end 30 of the fuel pump assembly 12 does not vent fuel vapors therethrough and does not have a significant pressure differential across it.
- the first end 30 of the fuel pump assembly 12 may extend out of the fuel tank F as shown in FIG. 4 , such as when the fuel pump and filter assembly 110 is mounted within an opening of the fuel tank F by the mounting flange 144 as part of the fuel pump module 100. Accordingly, one wiring harness external of the fuel tank F connects to the fuel pump assembly 12 and the need for a second costly wiring harness in the fuel tank F is eliminated.
- FIG. 5 illustrates another presently preferred form of a fuel pump module 200 which includes the fuel pump and filter assembly 110 of FIG. 4 .
- These devices are the same or similar in many respects to that of FIGS. 1 through 3 , and FIG. 4 , and like numerals between the descriptions generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Additionally, the description of the common subject matter may not generally be repeated here.
- the module 200 includes the pump outlet conduit 172 and check valve 174 to deliver fuel from the fuel pump assembly 12 to the housing 114, and the strainer 176 to filter fuel coming into the fuel pump assembly 12. Additionally, the module 200 includes a reservoir casing 282.
- the reservoir casing or can 282 includes side walls 284 that relatively overlap a lower peripheral portion of the pump and filter housing 114.
- the module 200 may also include a fuel pressure regulator 278 in communication with the housing return 154 such as by any suitable conduit like a hose or a rigid passage integrally formed with the reservoir casing 282 and a jet pump 286 actuated by fuel bypassed by the pressure regulator 278.
- the jet pump 286 is a reservoir-filling device that draws fuel into the reservoir casing 282 from the fuel tank F through a reservoir inlet and an inlet check valve (not shown), which prevents fuel from exiting the reservoir casing 282 through the reservoir inlet.
- the fuel pressure regulator 278 is supported by the reservoir casing 282 and is in fluid communication with the housing return 154 to limit fuel pump output pressure by metering a portion of high-pressure fuel from the housing return 154 back into the reservoir casing 282 and/or the fuel tank F.
- the reservoir casing 282 may be movably carried by the fuel pump and filter assembly 110, or it may be fixed or attached thereto, in any suitable manner including using any suitable guides and/or fixing devices 283.
- the reservoir casing 282 may be freely bottom referenced against a bottom wall B of the fuel tank F, or fixed to the bottom wall B of the fuel tank F, such as by any suitable interconnection element or feature 285, which may include one or more buttons, dovetails, snap fasteners, clamps or the like.
- FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate another presently preferred form of a fuel pump module 300 including the fuel pump and filter assembly 10. These devices are the same or similar in many respects to that of FIGS. 1 through 3 , FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 , and like numerals between the descriptions generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Additionally, the description of the common subject matter may not generally be repeated here.
- the module 300 includes an upper assembly 302 adapted for mounting to a wall of a fuel tank (not shown) and a lower assembly 304 suspended from the upper assembly 302 by slidably engaging posts 306, 308.
- the upper assembly 302 may be a mounting flange with suitable electrical and fluid connectors.
- the lower assembly 304 includes the fuel pump and filter assembly 10 supported within a reservoir casing 382 defined by a reservoir can 383 and a reservoir cover 385 attached to the can 383 in any suitable fashion.
- the cover 385 is connected to the can 383 in any suitable manner to define a reservoir interior, in which the fuel pump and filter assembly 10 is received.
- the housing 382 may be molded of a plastic material and includes several integrally molded features.
- an integrally molded pump outlet conduit 376 is provided in fluid communication between the fuel pump assembly 12 and the housing inlet 52.
- the conduit 376 is manufactured to be open at one end but is closed by a plug 377 assembled therein.
- a supply side jet pump 386 includes an integrally molded supply conduit 387 connected to the return 54, an exemplary laser-drilled jet nozzle 388 in communication with the conduit 387, and an anti-siphon check valve 390 to prevent reverse flow of fuel from the can 383 into the housing 14 through the return 54.
- the jet nozzle 388 is oriented toward an integrally molded, exemplary venturi or ejector tube 392 in communication between the interior of the fuel tank (not shown) and the reservoir interior.
- the tube 392 also provides a standpipe which retains fuel in the reservoir when the module is not operating and the level of fuel in the tank is below the upper end of the tube 392. While the tube 392 preferably has a tapered inlet and outlet, it can be a tube with a uniform diameter throughout its length.
- the can 383 also includes an integrally molded housing or carrier 396 for a fuel level sensor 394.
- the fuel level sensor 394 may be of any suitable type, but is preferably carried by the can 383.
- the cover 383 preferably includes integrally molded housing 396 for receiving pressure regulator 398 for regulating the pressure of fuel flow by out of the outlet 356 of the fuel pump and filter assembly 10.
- the regulator 398 is in communication with the housing fuel outlet 356.
- a system check valve 397 is in the passage 393 of the housing 396 to prevent reverse flow of fuel back into the fuel and filter assembly 10.
- the mechanical regulator 398 has a bypass fuel outlet 395 of the lower module assembly 304.
- the mechanical regulator 398 has an outlet nozzle 399, which connects to a suitable outlet tube (not shown), which in turn connects to a corresponding fitting (not shown) of the upper module assembly 302.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to fuel pumps and more particularly to fuel pump modules for placement in fuel tanks.
- In-tank fuel pump modules are used in automotive fuel delivery systems to draw fuel from a fuel tank and supply the fuel under pressure for delivery to an engine. These modules usually include a fuel reservoir disposed within the fuel tank and carried by a mounting plate or flange closing an opening in an upper wall of the tank. The reservoir holds a relatively small quantity of fuel, and typically includes a reservoir inlet in communication with the interior of the fuel tank.
- The module typically includes an electric fuel pump assembly having a pump inlet in one end communicating with the reservoir downstream of the reservoir inlet, and a pump outlet in another end upstream of the reservoir outlet. The fuel pump assembly draws fuel from within the reservoir through the fuel pump inlet and delivers at least a portion of that fuel to the engine through the reservoir outlet. The fuel pump assembly typically includes an electric motor disposed in a motor housing and adapted to be immersed in fuel. The motor includes a rotor mounted for rotation within the motor housing and is connected to a source of electrical power for rotating the rotor. A mechanical pumping element is coupled to the rotor for developing pressure on the fuel.
- In fuel pump assemblies of this type, the pumping element discharges fuel into the motor housing to cool the motor as the fuel flows past the motor and out of the pump outlet. While generally effective at cooling the electric motor, pump assemblies of this type undesirably heat the fuel. Such pump assemblies also have resistance to the flow of fuel being pumped through the electric motor portion of the pump assembly. Such windage losses limit the efficiency of such pump assemblies.
- Moreover, automobile designers find it increasingly desirable to package fuel tanks in vertically confined spaces such as underneath a rear seat of a vehicle. Therefore, the fuel tank and fuel pump module should be axially as short as possible. But, current fuel pump modules are axially too long to be packaged in such a location. Accordingly, in-tank fuel pump modules are typically modified to accommodate various requirements peculiar to different vehicle applications. But this approach generally requires extensive retooling to provide a compatible design for each separate vehicle application.
A fuel pump and filter assembly is described inDE 42 42 242 A1 - A fuel pump and filter assembly according to claim 1 is adapted to draw fuel from a fuel tank, filter the fuel, and output the filtered fuel for delivery to an engine. The assembly includes a housing supporting a filter in a filter chamber, which is at least partially defined by first and second end walls, an outer side wall extending therebetween, and an inner side wall disposed radially inwardly of the outer side wall. A fuel pump assembly is carried by the housing radially inwardly of the inner side wall and includes a sleeve that extends from the first to the second end wall of the housing.
- The fuel pump assembly includes a first end with electrical elements, and a second end with a fuel pump inlet and outlet disposed substantially at the second end. Preferably, the fuel pump and filter assembly is adapted for use with a fuel pump module, which may also include a fuel pump outlet conduit extending from the fuel pump outlet to a housing inlet, a fuel strainer communicating with the fuel pump inlet, and a fuel pressure regulator communicating with a housing return or outlet.
- At least some of the objects, features and advantages that may be achieved by at least certain embodiments of the invention include a fuel pump and filter assembly that is readily adaptable to various fuel pump modules, fuel tanks, and vehicle applications; routes pressurized fuel away from an electric motor portion of the assembly; reduces or eliminates pump flow-through losses; increases fuel pumping efficiency; decreases heat transferred to the fuel before it is discharged from the fuel pump assembly; improves the venting of fuel vapor from the fuel pump; lowers the electric current draw of the fuel pump; eliminates costly seals between a pump and a housing; allows for a reduction in axial height of a fuel pump module compared to prior art designs; enables an electrical connector of a fuel pump assembly to extend out of a fuel tank; eliminates one or more wiring harnesses; and is of relatively simple design, economical manufacture and assembly, rugged, durable, reliable, and in service has a long useful life.
- Of course, other objects, features and advantages will be apparent in view of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Various other fuel pump and filter assemblies and/or fuel pump modules embodying the invention may achieve more or less than the noted objects, features or advantages.
- These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and best mode, appended claims, and accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a presently preferred form of a fuel pump and filter assembly; -
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the fuel pump and filter assembly ofFIG. 1 : -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fuel pump and filter assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a presently preferred form of a fuel pump module; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second presently preferred form of a fuel pump module; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third presently preferred form of a fuel pump module including upper and lower module assemblies; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lower module assembly ofFIG. 6 ; and -
FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of the lower module assembly ofFIG. 6 . - Referring in more detail to the drawings,
FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate a presently preferred form of a fuel pump andfilter assembly 10 for drawing fuel from within a fuel tank (not shown) and pressurizing and filtering the fuel for sending it to an engine (not shown). As best shown inFIG. 3 , theassembly 10 includes afuel pump assembly 12 for drawing and pressurizing the fuel, ahousing 14 for carrying thefuel pump assembly 12, and afilter 16 carried in thehousing 14 for filtering the pressurized fuel received from thefuel pump assembly 12. Theassembly 10 may be used alone or in conjunction with a fuel pump module (not shown) for insertion into the fuel tank. - The
fuel pump assembly 12 may be any suitable pumping device, such as an electro-mechanical pumping device, that pressurizes fuel for delivery to an upstream or inlet side of thefilter 16. Thefuel pump assembly 12 is centrally located with respect to thefilter 16 andhousing 14 such that thefilter 16 and thehousing 14 circumscribe thefuel pump assembly 12. Thefuel pump assembly 12 has anelectric motor 18 with adrive shaft 20 connected to amechanical fuel pump 22 between inlet andoutlet end caps sleeve 28 extending axially along theassembly 12. - At a
first end 30 of thefuel pump assembly 12, thefirst end cap 24 may include anelectrical connector 34 havingelectrical elements 36 such as leads, terminal pins, wires, or the like for electrical communication with themotor 18. At asecond end 32 of thefuel pump assembly 12, thesecond end cap 26 may include afuel pump inlet 38 and afuel pump outlet 40, such that fuel is drawn into and discharged from thefuel pump assembly 12 substantially at thesecond end 32 thereof. A similar and exemplary fuel pump of this type is disclosed inU.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0083631 , which is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - Although the
inlet 38 andoutlet 40 are shown extending through theend cap 26 and in a longitudinal direction, it is also contemplated that theinlet 38 andoutlet 40 could be oriented and positioned in any other suitable manner substantially at thesecond end 32 of thefuel pump assembly 12. For example, thefuel pump assembly 12 could be a side discharge type of unit, wherein an outlet discharges through the side of thefuel pump assembly 12 at thesecond end 32 thereof. An exemplary fuel pump assembly of this type is disclosed inU.S. Patent 6,231,318 , which is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As with the illustratedassembly 10, such an exemplary fuel pump assembly and thehousing 14 would be arranged to output pressurized fuel externally with respect to thehousing 14. - The
fuel pump assembly 12 is carried by and preferably attached to thehousing 14 in any suitable manner. For example, as will be discussed in greater detail below, thefuel pump assembly 12 may be welded or press fit to thehousing 14. Moreover, thefuel pump assembly 12 may be attached to thehousing 14 in any other suitable fashion including use of integral snap-fit fastening features, separate fastening elements, and/or the like. - The
housing 14 carries thefilter 16 and thefuel pump assembly 12 and at least partially defines afilter chamber 42 for accepting fuel and thefilter 16 therein. Thefilter chamber 42 may be of any suitable shape, such as annular. Thehousing 14 includes afirst end wall 44, an oppositely disposedsecond end wall 46, anouter side wall 48 extending therebetween, and preferably may also include as an inner side wall, thepump sleeve 28 extending therebetween. Theinner side wall 28 is disposed radially inwardly of theouter side wall 48 with a radial space in the form of thefilter chamber 42 therebetween. Thefuel pump assembly 12 is disposed radially inwardly of thesleeve 28 and, preferably, longitudinally extends between the first andsecond end walls fuel pump assembly 12 extends beyond portions of the first andsecond end walls fuel pump assembly 12 is attached. For instance, as shown, thesleeve 28 is attached to, and extends beyond, flared portions of theend walls - As shown, the housing inner side wall doubles as the
pump sleeve 28 and supports thefuel pump assembly 12 therein. In other words, thepump assembly 12 andhousing 14 preferably share a common side wall 28., which can be a fuel pump sleeve or any other suitable generally hollow and preferably cylindrical component. Preferably, thepump sleeve 28 and theend walls sleeve 28. Accordingly, no elastomeric seals are required between thepump assembly 12 and thehousing 14. Moreover, this construction enables good heat transfer between thepump assembly 12 and the fuel within thefuel chamber 42 so as to cool themotor 20. - Also, the
housing 14 may include afuel inlet 52 to accept fuel from thefuel pump assembly 12, afuel return 54 to return fuel to the fuel tank (not shown), and afuel outlet 56 through which filtered fuel may flow to the engine. Any suitable seals 58 may be disposed in theinlet 52, return 54, andoutlet 56, such as elastomeric O-rings. - Additionally, the
housing 14 may be of any suitable shape and size. As shown, thehousing 14 is generally cylindrical but may be of any other suitable shape. For example, thehousing 14 may be spherical or semispherical wherein the end and side walls are at least partially integrated. In another example, thehousing 14 may be box-like with multiple side walls. - The
filter 16 receives fuel incoming through thehousing fuel inlet 52 from thefuel pump assembly 12, filters the fuel, and discharges filtered fuel for flow out thehousing fuel return 54 andoutlet 56. Thefilter 16 may include afilter element 60, such as of annular shape and corrugated fibrous material, and opposed end caps 62 supporting thefilter element 60. For example, the end caps 62 may be of annular shape and may include curledseals 64 that sealingly engage corresponding inside surfaces of the first and second ends 44, 46 of thehousing 14. Theseals 64 may also be annular and are preferably laterally or radially offset so as to at least partially define aninlet chamber 66 in direct communication with the outside of thefilter 16 and anoutlet chamber 68 isolated from and downstream of theinlet chamber 66 and in direct communication with the inside of thefilter 16 and theoutlets inlet chamber 66 is defined by outer portions of the filter seals 64, and theouter side wall 48 and endwalls housing 14. Theoutlet chamber 68 is defined by inner portions of the filter seals 64, and theinner side wall 28 and endwalls housing 14. Accordingly, thefilter 16 receives incoming fuel from theinlet chamber 66 at its outer surface, filters the fuel flowing therethrough, and releases the filtered fuel from its inner surface into theoutlet chamber 68. - The assembly process of the fuel pump and filter
assembly 10, and the construction of the components of theassembly 10, may be carried out in any suitable manner, including using automatic or manual assembly, welding, molding, machining, forming, and/or the like. For example, thehousing 14 may include a drawn cup defining thesecond end wall 46 andouter side wall 48, and a stamped cover serving as thefirst end wall 44. Thehousing 14 may be composed of any suitable material, but is shown as a metal of any suitable composition such as steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Similarly, the fuelpump assembly sleeve 28 may be formed from a metal component, such as a tube of steel, stainless steel or aluminum, and may be supported by thehousing 14 in any suitable fashion. However, thehousing 14 andsleeve 28 may be molded of suitable plastic and heat or fusion welded together. - The
metal sleeve 28 may be circumferentially continuously attached to the metalfirst end wall 44 of thehousing 14, such as by laser welding, friction welding, or the like. Then, thefilter components finished sub-assembly filter 16 or may be pre-assembled together just prior to assembly into thehousing 14 around thesleeve 28. Next, the metal drawn housing portion including thesecond end wall 46 andouter side wall 48 may be assembled over thefilter 16 andmetal sleeve 28 to the metalfirst end wall 44 of thehousing 14. - Thereafter, the
outer side wall 28 of thehousing 14 can be circumferentially continuously attached to thefirst end wall 44 of thehousing 14, while thesecond end wall 46 of thehousing 14 is circumferentially continuously attached to thesleeve 28, such as by laser or friction welding or the like. Subsequently, the components of thefuel pump assembly 12, such as thefirst end cap 24, themotor 18, thedriveshaft 20, thepump 22, and thesecond end cap 26 can be assembled into thesleeve 28. Finally, the ends of thesleeve 28 are rolled over to project radially inward of outer surfaces of the end caps 24, 26 to generally align and hold theassembly 12 together and prevent de-coupling of thepump 22 from themotor 18. - Alternatively, the pump components could be assembled in the
sleeve 28, the ends tolled over and then this assembly inserted into thehousing 14 and welded therein. - The various components of the fuel pump and filter
assembly 10 may be composed of any suitable materials, such as metals, composites, polymeric materials, and the like. Such materials can be selected based on their dimensional stability and resistance to swelling and degradation, in warm and cold petroleum product environments. The phrase polymeric materials generally means relatively high-molecular-weight materials of either synthetic or natural origin and may include thermosets, thermoplastics, and elastomers. - In operation, electricity may be provided to the
motor 18 from any suitable source to power themotor 18 and, thus, drive thepump 22. While driven, thepump 22 draws fuel through itsfuel inlet 38, pressurizes the drawn fuel, and discharges the pressurized fuel through thefuel outlet 40. Any suitable conduit (not shown) may be used to deliver the pressurized fuel from thepump 22 through thehousing inlet 52 to theinlet chamber 66 at the upstream side of thefilter chamber 42. Under pressure, the fuel flows into thefilter 16 through its outer surface, through thefilter 16, and out of thefilter 16 through its inner surface. From thefilter 16, the fuel flows into theoutlet chamber 68 at the downstream side of thefilter chamber 42. The filtered pressurized fuel then flows out of thehousing 14 through thefuel return 54 andoutlet 56. - In any case, providing the
inlet 38 andoutlet 40 substantially at one end of thepump assembly 12, eliminates substantial flow of fuel through themotor chamber 70 in which themotor 18 resides within thesleeve 28. This construction thus reduces resistance to turning of themotor 18 to reduce windage losses and excessive heating of the fuel. It is, however, contemplated that some fuel may leak or otherwise flow into themotor chamber 70, such as along theshaft 20 or through a vapor purge port (not shown) of thepump 22. Nonetheless, this relatively small amount of fuel may be used to cool themotor 18, and may vaporize or may drain out of themotor chamber 70 back into the fuel tank (not shown) through one or more small channels (not shown) provided between thesleeve 28 and the other pump components. For example, such channels could be provided in any suitable location, such as between the outer diameters of thepump 22 andsecond outlet cover 26 and the inner diameter of the pump sleeve or housinginner wall 28. - Accordingly, in normal operation, the
motor chamber 18 is preferably not completely filled with liquid fuel and the centrifugal force imparted to the liquid fuel by the spinning rotor of themotor 18 moves the fuel generally radially outwardly. This provides a vapor barrier adjacent themotor 18 as the heavier liquid fuel is forced outwardly away from themotor 18 within thehousing 14. It is also presently believed that the vapor barrier surrounding themotor 18 further reduces the resistance to rotation of themotor 18 which decreases the electric current draw of themotor 18 and increases the efficiency of thefuel pump assembly 12. Also, the reduced pressure in themotor chamber 70 is believed to increase the amount of fuel vapor in themotor chamber 70, reducing resistance to rotation of themotor 18. Still further, less heat is transferred to the fuel delivered to the engine (not shown) as it passes through thefuel pump assembly 12 from theinlet 38, through thepump 22, and out theoutlet 40. Desirably, this may reduce fuel vapor formation in the fuel delivered to the engine and may also reduce fuel vapor formation in the fuel tank. - The fuel pump and filter
assembly 10 may be used as a stand alone product or may be incorporated in a fuel pump module for use in a fuel tank. More particularly,FIGS. 4 through 8 illustrate some additional, specific, and exemplary uses for the fuel pump and filterassembly 10. -
FIG. 4 illustrates another presently preferred form of a fuel pump and filter assembly 110 incorporated in a presently preferred form of afuel pump module 100. These devices are similar in many respects to that ofFIGS. 1 through 3 , and like numerals between the descriptions generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Additionally, the description of the common subject matter may generally not be repeated here. - The fuel pump and filter assembly 110 may include the same
fuel pump assembly 12 and thefilter 16 as described with respect toFIGS. 1 through 3 , but may include a somewhat different housing 114. The housing 114 includes a fuel tank mounting flange as afirst end wall 144, and includes asecond end wall 146, anouter side wall 148, and aninner side wall 150,
wherein afilter chamber 142 is defined therebetween. - Unlike the construction of
FIG. 3 , the construction shown inFIG. 4 depicts thesleeve 28 and aninner side wall 150 of thehousing 14 as being separate components. Accordingly, thefuel pump assembly 12 may be press fit into the housinginner side wall 150 such that thefuel pump assembly 12 including thesleeve 28 is carried or otherwise supported by thehousing 14. The press fit can enable good contact between thesleeve 28 andinner side wall 150 to ensure good heat transfer therebetween for cooling themotor 20. Additionally, thesleeve 28 of thefuel pump assembly 12 may be further attached to thehousing 14 such as being circumferentially continuously welded to the inner side wall 50, and/or to one or both of theend walls - The
fuel pump module 100 may also include various components in fluid communication with the fuel pump and filter assembly 110. For example, apump outlet conduit 172 can be provided between thefuel pump outlet 40 and ahousing inlet 152, and may include asystem check valve 174 therein to prevent reverse flow of fuel from thefuel filter chamber 42 back into thefuel pump assembly 12. Also, afuel strainer 176 may communicate with thefuel pump inlet 38 to filter incoming fuel from the fuel tank. Further, aregulator 178 may communicate with ahousing fuel return 154 to regulate the pressure of fuel output of themodule 100. Finally, anoutlet conduit 180 may communicate with a housing fuel outlet 156, such as with a quick-connect endform fitting, to deliver fuel from themodule 100. - The unique configuration of the fuel pump and filter assembly 110 enables it to be attached to a fuel tank F and extend out of the fuel tank F. More particularly, the mounting
flange 144 enables themodule 100 to be suspended from a wall T of the fuel tank F such as a tank upper wall. This was not possible with a typical conventional fuel pump module because pressure within the motor chamber would force fuel vapors out of the first end of the fuel pump assembly and into the atmosphere. - But with the present fuel pump and
filter assemblies 10, 110, a substantial amount of liquid fuel is not pumped through themotor chamber 70, and themotor chamber 70 is vented through thesecond end 32 of thefuel pump assembly 12 to the inside of the surrounding fuel tank F to permit any fuel vapor to be discharged into the fuel tank F. In other words, thefirst end 30 of thefuel pump assembly 12 does not vent fuel vapors therethrough and does not have a significant pressure differential across it. Accordingly, thefirst end 30 of thefuel pump assembly 12 may extend out of the fuel tank F as shown inFIG. 4 , such as when the fuel pump and filter assembly 110 is mounted within an opening of the fuel tank F by the mountingflange 144 as part of thefuel pump module 100. Accordingly, one wiring harness external of the fuel tank F connects to thefuel pump assembly 12 and the need for a second costly wiring harness in the fuel tank F is eliminated. -
FIG. 5 illustrates another presently preferred form of afuel pump module 200 which includes the fuel pump and filter assembly 110 ofFIG. 4 . These devices are the same or similar in many respects to that ofFIGS. 1 through 3 , andFIG. 4 , and like numerals between the descriptions generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Additionally, the description of the common subject matter may not generally be repeated here. - In addition to the fuel pump and filter assembly 110, the
module 200 includes thepump outlet conduit 172 andcheck valve 174 to deliver fuel from thefuel pump assembly 12 to the housing 114, and thestrainer 176 to filter fuel coming into thefuel pump assembly 12. Additionally, themodule 200 includes areservoir casing 282. - The reservoir casing or can 282 includes side walls 284 that relatively overlap a lower peripheral portion of the pump and filter housing 114. The
module 200 may also include afuel pressure regulator 278 in communication with thehousing return 154 such as by any suitable conduit like a hose or a rigid passage integrally formed with thereservoir casing 282 and ajet pump 286 actuated by fuel bypassed by thepressure regulator 278. Thejet pump 286 is a reservoir-filling device that draws fuel into the reservoir casing 282 from the fuel tank F through a reservoir inlet and an inlet check valve (not shown), which prevents fuel from exiting thereservoir casing 282 through the reservoir inlet. Thefuel pressure regulator 278 is supported by thereservoir casing 282 and is in fluid communication with thehousing return 154 to limit fuel pump output pressure by metering a portion of high-pressure fuel from thehousing return 154 back into thereservoir casing 282 and/or the fuel tank F. - The
reservoir casing 282 may be movably carried by the fuel pump and filter assembly 110, or it may be fixed or attached thereto, in any suitable manner including using any suitable guides and/or fixingdevices 283. Thereservoir casing 282 may be freely bottom referenced against a bottom wall B of the fuel tank F, or fixed to the bottom wall B of the fuel tank F, such as by any suitable interconnection element or feature 285, which may include one or more buttons, dovetails, snap fasteners, clamps or the like. -
FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate another presently preferred form of afuel pump module 300 including the fuel pump and filterassembly 10. These devices are the same or similar in many respects to that ofFIGS. 1 through 3 ,FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 , and like numerals between the descriptions generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Additionally, the description of the common subject matter may not generally be repeated here. - The
module 300 includes anupper assembly 302 adapted for mounting to a wall of a fuel tank (not shown) and alower assembly 304 suspended from theupper assembly 302 by slidably engagingposts upper assembly 302 may be a mounting flange with suitable electrical and fluid connectors. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , thelower assembly 304 includes the fuel pump and filterassembly 10 supported within areservoir casing 382 defined by a reservoir can 383 and areservoir cover 385 attached to thecan 383 in any suitable fashion. Thecover 385 is connected to thecan 383 in any suitable manner to define a reservoir interior, in which the fuel pump and filterassembly 10 is received. - The
housing 382 may be molded of a plastic material and includes several integrally molded features. For example, an integrally moldedpump outlet conduit 376 is provided in fluid communication between thefuel pump assembly 12 and thehousing inlet 52. For injection molding feasibility, theconduit 376 is manufactured to be open at one end but is closed by aplug 377 assembled therein. Also, a supplyside jet pump 386 includes an integrally moldedsupply conduit 387 connected to thereturn 54, an exemplary laser-drilledjet nozzle 388 in communication with theconduit 387, and ananti-siphon check valve 390 to prevent reverse flow of fuel from thecan 383 into thehousing 14 through thereturn 54. Thejet nozzle 388 is oriented toward an integrally molded, exemplary venturi orejector tube 392 in communication between the interior of the fuel tank (not shown) and the reservoir interior. Thetube 392 also provides a standpipe which retains fuel in the reservoir when the module is not operating and the level of fuel in the tank is below the upper end of thetube 392. While thetube 392 preferably has a tapered inlet and outlet, it can be a tube with a uniform diameter throughout its length. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , thecan 383 also includes an integrally molded housing orcarrier 396 for afuel level sensor 394. Thefuel level sensor 394 may be of any suitable type, but is preferably carried by thecan 383. Further, thecover 383 preferably includes integrally moldedhousing 396 for receivingpressure regulator 398 for regulating the pressure of fuel flow by out of theoutlet 356 of the fuel pump and filterassembly 10. Theregulator 398 is in communication with thehousing fuel outlet 356. Preferably, asystem check valve 397 is in thepassage 393 of thehousing 396 to prevent reverse flow of fuel back into the fuel and filterassembly 10. Themechanical regulator 398 has abypass fuel outlet 395 of thelower module assembly 304. Themechanical regulator 398 has anoutlet nozzle 399, which connects to a suitable outlet tube (not shown), which in turn connects to a corresponding fitting (not shown) of theupper module assembly 302. - While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presently preferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (14)
- A fuel pump and filter assembly (10; 110), comprising:a filter housing (14; 114) having a filter chamber (42) which is at least partially defined by a first end wall (44), an oppositely disposed second end wall (46), an outer side wall (48) extending between the end walls (44, 46) and an inner side wall (28; 150) disposed radially inwardly of the outer side wall (48);an annular filter (16) disposed in the filter chamber (42) and carried by the filter housing (14; 114);a fuel pump assembly (12) received in the inner side wall (28; 150) carried by the housing (14; 114) and with an electric motor (18) and a fuel pump (22) received between a first end cap (24) and a second end cap (26); and characterized bythe inner side wall (28;150) being annular and at one end extends beyond the first end wall (44) of the filter housing (14; 114) and at the other end extends beyond the second end wall (46) of the filter housing (14; 114) and extends at least from the first end wall (44) to the second end wall (46) of the filter housing (14; 114);the first end cap (24) of the fuel pump assembly (12) having electrical elements (36) for electrical communication with the electric motor (18) of the fuel pump assembly (12) within the annular inner side wall (28; 150) of the fuel pump assembly (12) and opening through the first end wall (44) of the filter housing (14; 114);the second end cap (26) of the fuel pump assembly (12) having a fuel pump inlet (38) and a fuel pump outlet (40) each within the annular inner side wall (28; 150) and each opening through the second end wall (46) of the filter housing (14; 114); anda fuel inlet (52) to the filter chamber (42) through the second end wall (46) of the filter housing (14; 114).
- The fuel pump and filter assembly (10; 110) of claim 1 characterized by each of the first (44) and second end walls (46) of the filter housing (14; 114) being circumferentially continuously attached to the annular inner side wall (28; 150) of the filter housing (14; 114).
- The fuel pump and filter assembly (10; 110) of claim 2, characterized by each end wall (44, 46) being circumferentially continuously laser welded to the annular inner side wall (28; 150) of the filter housing (14; 114).
- The fuel pump and filter assembly (110) of claim 1, characterized by the fuel pump assembly (12) having a separate sleeve (28) supported by the filter housing (114) by being press fit within the annular inner side wall (150) of the filter housing (114).
- The fuel pump and filter assembly (10) of claim 1, characterized by the annular inner side wall (28) of the filter housing (14) also serving as the sleeve (28) of the fuel pump assembly (12), such that the filter housing (14) and the fuel pump assembly (12) share a common side wall (28).
- The fuel pump and filter assembly (10; 110) of claim 1, characterized by the filter (16) including an annular filter element (60) and end caps (62) having seals (64) that cooperate with the filter housing (14; 114) to at least partially define an inlet chamber (66) and an outlet chamber (68) of the filter chamber (42).
- The fuel pump and filter assembly (10; 110) of claim 6, characterized by the fuel inlet (52) of the filter housing (14; 114) being in communication with the inlet chamber (66), and a fuel return (54) and a fuel outlet (56) in communication with the outlet chamber (68).
- The fuel pump and filter assembly (110) of claim 1, characterized by the first end wall (44) being attached to the outer side wall (48) and the first end wall (44) being a mounting flange (144) adapted for mounting to a fuel tank (T).
- A fuel pump module (100) comprising the fuel pump and filter assembly (110) of claim 1, and characterized by further comprising at least one of a fuel strainer (176), a fuel pressure regulator (178), or a fuel pump outlet conduit (172) between the fuel pump assembly (12) and the housing (114).
- The fuel pump module (100) of claim 9, characterized by the first end cap (24) of the fuel pump assembly (12) extending externally of the fuel tank (T) when the mounting flange (144) is mounted to the fuel tank (T).
- A fuel pump module (200; 300) comprising the fuel pump and filter assembly (10; 110) of claim 1, and characterized by further comprising a fuel reservoir casing (282; 382) in which the fuel pump and filter assembly (10; 110) is disposed.
- The fuel pump module (200) of claim 11, characterized by the reservoir casing (282) being movably carried by the filter housing (14) of the fuel pump and filter assembly (110).
- The fuel pump module (300) of claim 11, characterized by further comprising an upper module assembly (302) and a lower module assembly (304) suspended by the upper module assembly (302) and including the reservoir casing (382).
- The fuel pump module (300) of claim 11, characterized by a reservoir can (382) including a a molded return conduit (392) and venturi jet nozzle (388).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/594,613 US20080107549A1 (en) | 2006-11-08 | 2006-11-08 | Fuel pump and filter assembly |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1921303A2 EP1921303A2 (en) | 2008-05-14 |
EP1921303A3 EP1921303A3 (en) | 2009-05-27 |
EP1921303B1 true EP1921303B1 (en) | 2011-05-25 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP07020531A Expired - Fee Related EP1921303B1 (en) | 2006-11-08 | 2007-10-19 | Fuel pump and filter assembly |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US20080107549A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1921303B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008121664A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20080042022A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101178043A (en) |
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US6231318B1 (en) * | 1999-03-29 | 2001-05-15 | Walbro Corporation | In-take fuel pump reservoir |
US6213100B1 (en) * | 1999-04-28 | 2001-04-10 | Walbro Corporation | Multi-function fuel pump module |
US6155793A (en) * | 1999-06-08 | 2000-12-05 | Walbro Corporation | Recessed fuel pump module |
JP2003139007A (en) * | 2001-10-30 | 2003-05-14 | Denso Corp | Fuel supply device |
JP2003184685A (en) * | 2001-12-18 | 2003-07-03 | Aisan Ind Co Ltd | Fuel supply device |
US6887388B2 (en) * | 2001-12-27 | 2005-05-03 | Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc. | Fuel pump/filter integration |
US7306715B2 (en) * | 2002-08-05 | 2007-12-11 | Denso Corporation | Pump module |
JP2006037870A (en) * | 2004-07-28 | 2006-02-09 | Aisan Ind Co Ltd | Motor pump and fuel supply system equipped with motor pump |
US20060083631A1 (en) * | 2004-10-13 | 2006-04-20 | Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C. | Fuel pump assembly |
US7475678B2 (en) * | 2005-03-17 | 2009-01-13 | Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C. | Integrated fuel delivery system |
US20060275163A1 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2006-12-07 | Siemens Vdo Automotive Corporation | Combination fuel pump motor assembly with integral filter housing |
JP2007002733A (en) * | 2005-06-23 | 2007-01-11 | Aisan Ind Co Ltd | Motor integrated pump and fuel supply device |
US7234451B2 (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2007-06-26 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Dual fuel pump configuration for saddle fuel tanks |
DE202006010856U1 (en) * | 2006-07-12 | 2007-11-29 | Mann+Hummel Gmbh | Fuel delivery module with fuel filter |
-
2006
- 2006-11-08 US US11/594,613 patent/US20080107549A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-10-19 EP EP07020531A patent/EP1921303B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-10-29 JP JP2007279989A patent/JP2008121664A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-11-07 CN CNA2007101650914A patent/CN101178043A/en active Pending
- 2007-11-08 KR KR1020070113798A patent/KR20080042022A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1921303A3 (en) | 2009-05-27 |
JP2008121664A (en) | 2008-05-29 |
KR20080042022A (en) | 2008-05-14 |
EP1921303A2 (en) | 2008-05-14 |
US20080107549A1 (en) | 2008-05-08 |
CN101178043A (en) | 2008-05-14 |
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