JP2003097373A - Fuel feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel feeder in which a connection mechanism is reliably operated, and reliability is improved. SOLUTION: The connection mechanism 13 comprises a supporting member 30 which is fixed to a lower side of a tank lid 12 at one end thereof, and expandable in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, and a universal joint 35 which is provided on the other end of the supporting member 30 and turnably connects a sub tank 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel supply device in which fuel supply devices such as a fuel pump are modularized and mounted in a fuel tank.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a device for taking out fuel from a fuel tank of a vehicle and supplying it to a fuel injection device or the like, a sub-tank installed in the fuel tank and a tank lid for covering an opening at an upper portion of the fuel tank are connected to each other. However, there has been proposed a device in which devices such as a sub tank, a fuel pump, a fuel filter, and a pressure regulator are configured as a module that can be integrally attached to and detached from the fuel tank (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-
109179, German published patent publication DE 3510
890).

In the fuel supply device described in this publication,
In order to respond to contraction of the fuel tank and vibration of the vehicle due to pressure difference between inside and outside and temperature change, the tank lid attached to the top of the fuel tank and the sub-tank located at the bottom of the fuel tank are located above and below the fuel tank Direction (axial direction of the opening of the tank lid) so as to be relatively movable.

However, in the above fuel supply device, since the sub-tank is formed in a tubular shape coaxial with the tank lid, if all the equipment such as the fuel pump and the fuel filter are laid out between the tank lid and the sub-tank, they are laid out. A large space is required between them, which increases the height of the fuel tank. In order to solve the problem due to this increase in height, means for enlarging the diameter of the sub-tank or tank lid may be considered, but in that case, the area of the opening of the fuel tank increases, which is preferable in terms of strength of the fuel tank. There is no impact.

Further, in the specification of US Pat. No. 5,038,741, a cylindrical container accommodating a fuel pump is connected with a tank lid and a bellows, and the fuel pump and the container are connected by utilizing elastic deformation of the bellows. A fuel supply device is disclosed which is installed in a fuel tank while being inclined. With this configuration, the height of the module is reduced, the fuel tank can be made thinner, and the opening of the fuel tank is enlarged compared to the case where the fuel pump or the container is inserted upright under the opening of the fuel tank. There is no need to do it.

However, in this apparatus, the holding portion provided at the bottom of the fuel tank and the sub tank are connected in the fuel tank to hold the sub tank at a predetermined position. Therefore, it takes time to assemble the sub tank. There is a similar problem when taking out the sub tank.

Therefore, conventionally, equipment such as a sub tank and a fuel pump can be efficiently attached to and detached from the fuel tank.
There is an invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-324843 by the applicant of the present invention as a fuel supply device capable of suppressing the height of the fuel tank without having to enlarge the opening of the fuel tank.

The present invention has a connecting mechanism for connecting the sub-tank and the tank lid so that they can move relative to each other. The connecting mechanism includes a crank pin for rotatably supporting the sub-tank, and the crank pin is used for the tank lid. On the other hand, it is provided with a cylinder and a rod that support the fuel tank so as to be vertically displaceable.

[0009]

However, in contrast to the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-324843 mentioned above, it is possible to obtain a fuel supply device in which the operation of the connecting mechanism is more reliable and the reliability is improved. Is desired.

In addition to the invention disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-324843, it is also desired to reduce the number of parts of the connecting mechanism to simplify the structure and to obtain a fuel supply device which can be easily assembled. ing.

In addition to the invention disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-324843, it is also desired to obtain a fuel supply device which can be inserted into a fuel tank even if the subtank has a long length. It is also desired to obtain a fuel supply device that can increase the rigidity of the connecting mechanism and can stably hold the sub tank on the bottom surface of the fuel tank.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel supply device in which the operation of the connecting mechanism is more reliable and reliability is improved.

Another object of the present invention is to:
An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel supply device that is easy to assemble while reducing the number of parts of the connecting mechanism to simplify the structure.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel supply device which can be inserted more easily into a fuel tank even when the sub tank has a long overall length.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel supply device capable of increasing the rigidity of the connecting mechanism and stably pressing the sub tank on the bottom surface of the fuel tank.

[0016]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides a sub-tank to be inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper part of the fuel tank, and the fuel tank. A tank lid that closes the opening of
A connecting mechanism that connects the sub-tank and the tank lid so that they can move relative to each other, and the connecting mechanism has one end fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid and a support that can expand and contract in the vertical direction of the fuel tank. A member and a universal joint that is provided at the other end of the support member and rotatably connects the sub-tank.

Here, in the present invention, connecting the sub tank and the tank lid so as to be capable of relative movement means that the sub tank moves up and down with respect to the tank lid, the sub tank moves horizontally with respect to the tank lid, and the sub tank with respect to the tank lid. Of rotation, or a combination of these to movably connect. In other words, relative movement is possible
It shall include any movement of the subtank with respect to the tank lid.

According to the invention described in claim 1, one end of the connecting mechanism is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid, and the connecting member is provided at the other end of the supporting member which is capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank. By providing a universal joint that rotatably connects the sub tanks, the operation of the connection mechanism is ensured,
The reliability can be improved.

Further, since the sub tank is rotatably supported by the universal joint, it is possible to change the overall attitude of the sub tank with respect to the tank lid. By utilizing this change in posture, at least a part of the sub tank can be inserted into the depth of the fuel tank beyond the region directly below the opening of the fuel tank. Therefore, the capacity of the sub tank can be increased and the height of the fuel tank can be reduced without increasing the area of the opening.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism that connects the lid and the lid so that they can move relative to each other, wherein the connecting mechanism has a guide groove formed along the longitudinal direction of the sub-tank, and one end of which is fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid, The tank is provided with a support member that is capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction, and a support shaft that is provided at the other end of the support member and that rotatably supports the sub-tank, and the support shaft is slidable along the guide groove. It is characterized by being attached.

According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, by sliding the sub-tank at the time of assembly, a sub-tank having a longer overall length than that of claim 1 can be accommodated in the fuel tank from a narrow opening. Can be inserted more easily.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided at an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism for connecting the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, and the connecting mechanism includes a rotating shaft projectingly formed on a side surface of the sub-tank, a support member fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid, and a supporting member for supporting the same. A bearing portion provided on a member for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft in the vertical direction of the fuel tank and a force for pressing the sub-tank toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank via the rotating shaft. And a biasing means for imparting.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, since the rotating shaft is biased toward the bottom surface in the fuel tank by the biasing means, the sub-tank is biased by the biasing force. Can be pressed against the bottom surface of the fuel tank to prevent its rising.

Further, since the bearing portion supports the rotating shaft so that it can be displaced in the vertical direction of the fuel tank, the sub tank can be displaced in the vertical direction. It can be more easily inserted into the fuel tank through the narrow opening.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism for connecting the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, wherein the connecting mechanism includes a support member fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid, a support shaft provided on the support member, and a side surface of the sub tank. A bearing portion which is provided on the shaft and is rotatably supported in the fuel tank so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction, and a force for pressing the sub-tank toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank via the spindle. And a biasing means.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in the same manner as in claim 3, in the sub tank, the urging means presses and urges the support shaft, and the reaction force is transmitted to the sub tank, so that the sub tank is bottomed in the fuel tank. Since the sub-tank is pressed in the direction, the sub-tank can be pressed against the bottom surface in the fuel tank by its pressing force to prevent the sub-tank from rising.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism that connects the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, and the connecting mechanism has a rotating shaft projectingly formed on a side surface of the sub-tank, and one end fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid and the other end. A support member that rotatably supports the rotation shaft and a support member that is rotatably supported at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub tank with respect to the rotation shaft, and applies a force for pressing the sub tank toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank. And a biasing means.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the supporting member is pivotally supported on the rotating shaft of the sub tank and the urging means is also pivotally supported, the number of movable parts is increased. Therefore, even if the sub-tank has a special shape, it can be easily inserted.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism for connecting the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, wherein the connecting mechanism has one end fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid, and the supporting member which is capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank; A guide member that is provided on a side surface of the sub-tank so that the other end of the support member is rotatably inserted into the sub-tank, and the support member includes the guide member when the sub-tank is disposed on the bottom surface of the fuel tank. It is characterized in that the sub-tank is pressed toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank via.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the sub-tank can be displaced horizontally and vertically with respect to the support member via the guide member, and the guide member can be rotated with respect to the support member. Therefore, it is possible to more easily insert the sub-tank having a longer overall length into the fuel tank through the narrow opening as compared with the respective claims.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism for connecting the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, wherein the connecting mechanism includes a support member having one end fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid and capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank, A fitting portion is provided at the other end of the support member, and a fitted portion that is rotatably fitted in the fitting portion is provided in the sub tank.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the connecting mechanism includes a support member, one end of which is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid and which is capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank, and is fitted to the other end of the support member. While the mating part is provided, the fitted part that rotatably fits in this fitting part is provided in the sub tank. When the sub tank is tilted, the radius of the fitting part becomes smaller, so that Receives a repulsive force to return to. Since the repulsive force is generated, when the sub tank is assembled in the fuel tank, the insertion becomes easier.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism that connects the lid to each other so that the sub-tank can move relative to each other, and the sub-tank is divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction via a connecting shaft, and one of the two divided sub-tank parts forms the connecting shaft. The connecting mechanism is pivotally supported about the center, the connecting mechanism includes a support member having one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid and expandable in the vertical direction of the fuel tank, and the other end of the support member is It is characterized in that it is fixed to the other sub-tank part which is divided into two parts.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the sub-tank is divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction via the connecting shaft, and one of the two divided sub-tank parts is rotatable about the connecting shaft. The coupling mechanism is pivotally supported and has one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid, and includes a support member that can expand and contract in the vertical direction of the fuel tank, and the other end of the support member is divided into two sub tank parts. By being fixed, the connecting mechanism is integrated with a part of the sub-tank portion, so that the rigidity is increased and the sub-tank portion can be stably pressed against the bottom surface in the fuel tank.

Further, since one of the sub-tank parts can rotate about the connecting shaft with respect to the supporting member,
The sub tank can be reliably rotated and easily inserted into the fuel tank through the narrow opening.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism for connecting the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, and a sliding opening in which the tank lid is slidable is provided in an opening of the fuel tank, while the connecting mechanism is a lower surface of the tank lid. A support member having one end fixed to it, a support shaft provided at the other end of the support member for rotatably supporting the sub-tank, and attached to the support shaft at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub-tank. Urging means, and the urging means applies a force for pressing the sub-tank toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the connecting mechanism includes a support member fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid, and a support shaft provided on the support member and rotatably supporting the sub tank. As a result, the number of parts of the coupling mechanism can be further reduced, the structure can be simplified, and the device can be easily assembled.

Further, since the opening for sliding the tank lid is provided in the opening of the fuel tank, the tank lid can be securely and easily attached to the opening of the fuel tank.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided at an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism for connecting the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, and the connecting mechanism has one end rotatably supported on the lower surface of the tank lid and the other end rotatably attached to the sub tank. Being supported,
At least one pair of support members capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank are arranged at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub tank.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the connecting mechanism, one end is rotatably supported by the lower surface of the tank lid, and the other end is rotatably supported by the sub tank. By arranging at least one pair of support members that can expand and contract in the vertical direction at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub tank, the number of movable parts increases, so the degree of freedom of the posture of the sub tank increases, and even if the sub tank shape is special, it is easy. Can be inserted into.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism for connecting the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, wherein the connecting mechanism has a rotation shaft projectingly formed on a side surface of the sub-tank, and a support member having one end fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid. A guide groove portion which is formed at the other end of the support member so as to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the support member, and which rotatably and slidably supports the rotary shaft, and the guide shaft through the rotary shaft. And a biasing means for applying a force to push the sub tank toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the guide groove portion slidably supporting the rotating shaft is formed to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the supporting member, the rotating shaft serves as the guide groove portion. The sub-tank can be displaced in the vertical direction by sliding the sub-tank in the vertical direction, and the sub-tank having a longer overall length can be more easily inserted into the fuel tank through the narrow opening as compared with the above claims.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism that connects the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, and the connecting mechanism has a guide groove formed to be inclined on a side surface of the sub tank,
A support member having one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid, and a support shaft fixed to the other end slidably mounted in the guide groove; and a support member mounted in the guide groove, through the support shaft. And a biasing means for applying a force to push the sub tank obliquely downward.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the support shaft of the support member is slidably mounted in the guide groove formed in the sub-tank so that the support shaft can be slid in the same manner as in the eleventh aspect. The sub-tank can be displaced in the vertical direction by sliding the sub-tank in the vertical direction, and the sub-tank having a longer overall length can be more easily inserted into the fuel tank through the narrow opening as compared with the above claims.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism for connecting the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, and the connecting mechanism has a rotating shaft projectingly formed on a side surface of the sub-tank, and a first connecting structure for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft. A rod, a second connecting rod fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid, and a torsion bar connecting the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are provided.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the torsion bar gives a force for pressing the sub tank toward the bottom surface in the fuel tank via the first connecting rod and the rotating shaft, the sub tank is lifted up. Can be reliably prevented.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism that connects the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, and the connecting mechanism includes a support member having one end supported on a lower surface of the tank lid and the other end rotatably supported on the sub tank. , The support member is deformed when the fuel tank is contracted to incline the sub-tank, and is restored when the fuel tank is expanded to be pressed against the bottom surface of the fuel tank. And

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the supporting member is deformed when the fuel tank is contracted to incline the sub-tank, and is restored when the fuel tank is expanded so that the sub-tank is placed on the bottom surface of the fuel tank. Since it is composed of a shape memory alloy to be pressed, the number of parts of the connecting mechanism can be further reduced as compared with the above-mentioned claims, the structure can be simplified, and the assembly as a device can be facilitated.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided at an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism for connecting the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, the connecting mechanism being fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid and having a rack formed on the peripheral surface thereof; The sub-tank is rotatably supported, a pinion rotatably provided on the sub-tank, which meshes with the rack of the support member, and a drive unit which rotationally drives the pinion.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to electrically respond to the contraction of the fuel tank, and to stably hold the fuel tank against vibrations of the sub tank as compared with the biasing means such as a spring. be able to.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism that connects the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, and the connecting mechanism includes a support member having one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid and the other end fixed to the sub tank. It is characterized in that the member is made of a flexible material.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since the supporting member is made of a flexible material, the number of parts of the connecting mechanism can be further reduced as compared with the respective claims as in the fourteenth aspect. The structure can be simplified and the assembly as a device can be facilitated.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, the sub-tank and the tank. A connecting mechanism that connects the lid to each other so as to be capable of relative movement, and the connecting mechanism includes a support member having one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid and the other end fixed to the sub tank. The member is constituted by any one of a rubber spring, a metal spring, a resin spring, a pneumatic spring, and a hydraulic spring.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the support member is made of any one of a rubber spring, a metal spring, a resin spring, a pneumatic spring and a hydraulic spring.
Similar to 16, it is possible to further reduce the number of parts of the coupling mechanism as compared with each claim, simplify the structure, and facilitate the assembly as a device.

[0055]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of a fuel supply apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the fuel supply apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state taken out from the tank. The vertical direction of FIG. 1 corresponds to the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel supply device 10 is
A sub-tank 11 inserted into the fuel tank 1, a tank lid 12 that closes an opening 1b provided in the upper wall 1a of the fuel tank 1, and a pair of couplings that couple the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 so as to be capable of relative movement. Mechanism 13 (see FIG. 2). The fuel tank 1, the sub tank 11, and the tank lid 12 are made of synthetic resin, for example.

The sub-tank 11 is formed into a flat container shape having an overall length longer than its height. The sub-tank 11 has the fuel pump 16 and the fuel filter 20 accommodated therein, and the fuel tank 1 It is placed on the inner bottom surface 1c. As shown in FIG. 3, pump support walls 11a projecting in a semi-circular cross section are provided on both sides of the sub tank 11 in the longitudinal direction. The fuel pump 16 is attached to the inside of the one pump support wall 11 a and is inclined from the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1. This allows
The height of the fuel pump 16 in the fuel tank 1 is reduced, and the height of the fuel tank 1 (the size in the vertical direction in FIG. 1) can be reduced.

A suction filter 17 is attached to the intake port 16a at the lower end of the fuel pump 16, and the fuel in the sub tank 11 is sucked up by the fuel pump 16 via the suction filter 17. On the other hand, the outlet 16b of the fuel pump 16 is connected to the inlet of the fuel filter 20 via the hose 18.

The fuel filter 20 has a housing 21 made of synthetic resin or the like, and a hollow cylindrical filter element (not shown) enclosed in the housing 21.
The fuel that has flowed into the housing 21 from the inlet of the fuel filter 20 passes through a filter element (not shown) from its outer peripheral side toward the center side, and then from the outlet 22 of the housing 21 via the hose 23 to the tank lid. 12
Is guided to the lower end of the discharge pipe portion 12a.

The upper end of the discharge pipe portion 12a is the tank lid 1
The fuel which is projected above 2 and is discharged from the tip of the projecting portion is supplied to a fuel injection device (not shown) of the vehicle.
This fuel injection device injects a necessary amount of the supplied fuel to the internal combustion engine. Excess fuel generated in the fuel injection device is returned from the pressure regulator 24 into the fuel tank 1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid level of the fuel tank 1 is measured by a liquid level gauge 25. And
A wiring terminal 26 is attached to the fuel pump 16.

The connecting mechanism 13 has a support member 30 whose one end is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and which can be expanded and contracted in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, and a sub tank 11 provided at the other end of the support member 30. And a ball pipe joint 35 as a universal joint that is rotatably connected. Support member 3
2, 0 is a hollow cylindrical cylinder 31 fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12, a rod 32 slidably inserted in the center of the cylinder 31, and a cylinder 3
1, a locking flange 31a formed on the rod 32, a locking flange 32a formed on the rod 32, and the locking flange 3a.
It has a coil spring 33 as an urging means which is attached between 1a and 32a, expands and contracts the rod 32 with respect to the cylinder 31, and always urges the rod 32 downward. By the repulsive force of the coil spring 33, the rod 32 and the sub-tank 11 connected to the rod 32 via the ball pipe joint 35 are pressed against the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1.

These cylinder 31 and rod 32 are
The fuel pump 16 is made of synthetic resin or metal material.
It has sufficient rigidity to restrain the sub-tank 11 to which devices such as the fuel filter 20 and the like are attached at a predetermined position in the fuel tank 1.

A ball portion 35a forming the ball pipe joint 35 is integrally formed at the lower end of the rod 32, while a ball receiving portion 11b to which the ball portion 35a is fitted is provided at the upper edge of the sub tank 11. It is formed integrally.

In the example of FIGS. 1 to 3, a pair of connecting mechanisms 13 and 13 are provided, and the supporting member 30 of each connecting mechanism 13 is provided.
The ball pipe joints 35 are attached to both upper edges of the sub tank 11.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13 thus constructed, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other through the supporting member 30 and the ball pipe joint 35, so that the sub tank 11 is connected to the supporting member 30. The ball pipe joint 35 can rotate about a fulcrum. Therefore, when the sub-tank 11 is inserted into the fuel tank 1, the sub-tank 11 is rotated with respect to the support member 30 as shown in FIG.
The attitude of the fuel tank 1 is changed from the narrow opening 1b to the sub tank 11 having a long overall length as shown in FIG.
It can be easily inserted inside.

The sub-tank 11 inserted into the fuel tank 1 is connected to the tank lid 12 via a support member 30 which is vertically expandable and contractible in the fuel tank 1 and a ball pipe joint 35 as shown in FIG. Since the fuel tank 1 is held at a predetermined position, it is not necessary to connect the sub tank 11 to another member in the fuel tank 1 and fix the sub tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1.

Therefore, when the fuel supply device is assembled, the fuel pump 16, suction filter 17, fuel filter 20, hose 18,
23 and the like are all attached, the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected by the connecting mechanism 13, and wiring is performed to the fuel pump 16 and the like using the wiring terminal 26, and then the sub-tank 11 is opened. It is only necessary to insert the tank lid 12 from the portion 1b into the fuel tank 1 and fix the tank lid 12 around the opening portion 1b with bolts or the like. Further, when the sub tank 11 is taken out from the fuel tank 1, it is only necessary to remove the tank lid 12 and pull up the sub tank 11 from the opening 1b.

When the fuel tank 1 contracts due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside or a temperature change (the contracted state is shown by an imaginary line in FIG. 1), the rod 32 slides with respect to the cylinder 31 of the support member 30. The displacement is absorbed. Similarly, the vertical displacement (height change) of the fuel tank 1 due to the vibration of the vehicle is absorbed by the rod 32 sliding with respect to the cylinder 31.

The shape of the upper edge of the sub-tank 11 is not limited to the linear shape, and may be appropriately changed within the range in which it can pass through the opening 1b.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the connecting mechanism 13 has one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and is capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, and this supporting member 30. By providing the ball pipe joint 35 which is provided at the other end and rotatably connects the sub-tank 11, the operation of the connection mechanism 13 is ensured, and the reliability can be improved.

Further, according to this embodiment, the sub tank 1
Since 1 is rotatably supported by the ball pipe joint 35, the overall posture of the sub tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12 can be changed. By utilizing this change in the posture, at least a part of the sub tank 11 can be inserted into the fuel tank 1 beyond the region immediately below the opening 1b of the fuel tank 1 to the inside of the fuel tank 1.

Therefore, the capacity of the sub tank 11 can be increased and the height of the fuel tank 1 can be reduced without increasing the area of the opening 1b. For example, when a part of the sub-tank 11 is extended to the back of the fuel tank 1, the height of the fuel tank 1 can be reduced by suppressing the height of the sub-tank 11 while ensuring the required capacity.

Further, since the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 installed in the fuel tank 1 are connected to each other by the supporting member 30, the supporting member 30 is provided with sufficient rigidity so that the sub-tank 11 inside the fuel tank 1 is provided. It can be held in place. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a holding portion for the sub tank 11 on the bottom surface 1c of the fuel tank 1, and the sub tank 11 can be efficiently attached to and detached from the fuel tank 1.

Further, the rod 32 is attached to the cylinder 31.
By sliding the support member 30 and the sub tank 11
Since the ball pipe joint 35 that connects the fuel tank 1 and the fuel tank 1 can be displaced in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, the tank lid 12 and the sub-tank 11 can be moved vertically or vertically in response to the contraction of the fuel tank 1 and the vibration of the vehicle. It can be displaced relatively.

Since the ball pipe joint 35 is biased by the coil spring 33 toward the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1, the biasing force presses the sub-tank 11 against the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 to prevent its lifting. can do. Then, by using the coil spring 33, a stable biasing force can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the ball pipe joint 35 is used as the universal joint, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other universal joints may be used. [Second Embodiment] FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing the essential parts of a second embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention. Note that the same or corresponding portions as those of the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 5. Further, in each of the embodiments after the present embodiment, only the configuration of the connecting mechanism 13 is different from that of the first embodiment, and therefore only the sub tank 11, the tank lid 12 and the connecting mechanism 13 are shown, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Since it is the same as the embodiment, its illustration and description will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B), the connecting mechanism 13A of this embodiment has a long guide groove 11c formed along the longitudinal direction of the side surface of the sub tank 11 and the lower surface of the tank lid 12. A support member 30 having one end fixed to the fuel tank 1 and capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, and a support shaft 36 provided at the other end of the support member 30 for rotatably supporting the sub tank 11. However, this support shaft 36 is used as the guide groove 1.
It is mounted slidably along 1c.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, a pair of connecting mechanisms 13A, 13A are provided, and the support shafts 36 of each connecting mechanism 13A are attached to both side surfaces of the sub tank 11. The detailed configuration of the support member 30 and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13A thus constructed, the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the support member 30 and the support shaft 36, so that the sub-tank 11 is supported with respect to the support member 30. The shaft 36 can be rotated about a fulcrum, and the guide groove 11 can be rotated with respect to the shaft 36.
By sliding c, the sub tank 11 can be displaced in the horizontal direction. Therefore, when the sub tank 11 is inserted into the fuel tank 1, the sub tank 11 is displaced in the horizontal direction with respect to the support member 30 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. By changing the posture of the sub tank 11 with respect to, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

The sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1 is connected to the tank lid 12 through the support member 30 and the support shaft 36 which are vertically expandable and contractable in the fuel tank 1 and held at a predetermined position. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect the sub tank 11 to other members in the fuel tank 1 and fix the sub tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 13A has the elongated guide groove 11c formed along the longitudinal direction of the sub tank 11 and one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12, and the fuel tank 1 has a support member 30 that can expand and contract in the vertical direction, and a support shaft 36 that is provided at the other end of the support member 30 and that supports the sub tank 11 in a rotatable manner.
The support shaft 36 is slidably mounted along the guide groove 11c, and the sub tank 11 is slid at the time of assembly so that the sub tank 11 having a longer overall length than the narrow opening 1b as compared with the first embodiment. Fuel tank 1
It can be inserted more easily inside. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. [Third Embodiment] FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B) are a side view and a sectional view showing the essential parts of a third embodiment of the fuel supply apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the connecting mechanism 13B of this embodiment has a rotating shaft 11d projectingly formed on the side surface of the sub tank 11 and a support fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12. A member 37 and a bearing portion 3 that is formed to have an opening in the axial direction of the support member 37 and that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 11d so as to be vertically displaceable in the fuel tank 1.
8 and a coil spring 39 as a biasing means that is mounted in the bearing portion 38 and that applies a force that pushes the sub-tank 11 toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 via the rotating shaft 11d.

In this embodiment also, as shown in FIG. 7B, a pair of connecting mechanisms 13B and 13B are provided, and the rotating shaft 11d of each connecting mechanism 13B is fixed to both side surfaces of the sub tank 11. . Further, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13B thus constructed, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the support member 37 and the rotating shaft 11d.
The sub-tank 11 can rotate with respect to the support member 37 with the rotation shaft 11d as a fulcrum, and the movement of the rotation shaft 11d with respect to the bearing portion 38 allows the sub-tank 11 to be displaced in the vertical direction. Therefore, when inserting the sub-tank 11 into the fuel tank 1, the sub-tank 11 is displaced in the vertical direction with respect to the support member 30 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. To rotate the sub-tank 11 relative to the tank lid 12 to change the posture of the sub-tank 11.
Similar to the embodiment, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

The sub-tank 11 inserted into the fuel tank 1 is held at a predetermined position by connecting the rotating shaft 11d to the tank lid 12 through the supporting member 37, and thus the sub-tank 11 inside the fuel tank 1 is held. It is not necessary to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by connecting the sub-tank 11 and other members.

When the fuel tank 1 contracts due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside or a temperature change, the rotating shaft 11d moves with respect to the support member 37 against the urging force of the coil spring 39, and the displacement thereof. Be absorbed. Similarly, the vertical axis displacement (height change) of the fuel tank 1 due to the vibration of the vehicle is absorbed by the rotation shaft 11d moving with respect to the support member 37. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the connecting mechanism 13B includes the rotating shaft 11d projectingly formed on the side surface of the sub tank 11 and the supporting member 3 fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12.
7, a bearing portion 38 provided on the support member 37 for rotatably supporting the rotary shaft 11d so as to be vertically displaceable in the fuel tank 1, and the sub-tank 1 via the rotary shaft 11d.
1 and the coil spring 39 that applies a force to push the fuel tank 1 toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 reduce the number of parts of the coupling mechanism 13 to simplify the structure and facilitate the assembly as a device. be able to.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the rotating shaft 11d.
Is urged toward the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by the coil spring 39, so that the urging force can press the sub-tank 11 against the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 to prevent its lifting.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the bearing portion 38
Supports the rotating shaft 11d so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, so that the sub tank 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction, and the sub tank 11 having a long overall length is narrower than that of the first embodiment. It can be more easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the opening 1b. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. [Modification of Third Embodiment] FIGS. 8A and 8B are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a modification of the third embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 8 (A) and 8 (B), the connecting mechanism 13C of the present embodiment has a rotating shaft 11d projectingly formed on the side surface of the sub tank 11 and a support fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12. The member 37 and the support member 37 are formed to have a long opening in the axial direction, and the rotation shaft 11d is attached to the fuel tank 1.
And a bearing portion 38 that is rotatably supported in the vertical direction and is mounted on the outer periphery of the bearing portion 38.
It has a coil spring 39 as a biasing means for applying a force for pressing the sub tank 11 toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 via 1d.

Further, one end of the coil spring 39 has the support member 3
7, while the other end of the coil spring 39 is in contact with the bearing portion 3
It is pressed against a moving ring 40 that is inserted around the outer periphery of 8. The coil spring 39 is connected to the rotary shaft 1 via the moving ring 40.
1d is always urged downward.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, a pair of connecting mechanisms 13C and 13C are provided, and the rotating shafts 11d of each connecting mechanism 13C are fixed to both side surfaces of the sub tank 11. . Further, other configurations are the same as those of the first
The description is omitted because it is similar to the embodiment.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13C thus constructed, the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the support member 37 and the rotating shaft 11d.
The sub tank 11 can rotate with respect to the support member 37 with the rotation shaft 11d as a fulcrum, and the movement of the rotation shaft 11d along the bearing portion 38 allows the sub tank 11 to be displaced in the vertical direction. Therefore, when inserting the sub-tank 11 into the fuel tank 1, the sub-tank 11 is displaced in the vertical direction with respect to the support member 30 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. To rotate the sub-tank 11 relative to the tank lid 12 to change the posture of the sub-tank 11.
Similar to the embodiment, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

The sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1 is held at a predetermined position by connecting the rotating shaft 11d to the tank lid 12 through the supporting member 37, and thus the sub-tank 11 in the fuel tank 1 is held. It is not necessary to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by connecting the sub-tank 11 and other members.

When the fuel tank 1 contracts due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside or a temperature change, the rotating shaft 11d moves against the support member 37 along the bearing portion 38 against the urging force of the coil spring 39. It moves and its displacement is absorbed. Similarly, the vertical axis displacement (height change) of the fuel tank 1 due to the vibration of the vehicle is absorbed by the rotation shaft 11d moving with respect to the support member 37. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the rotating shaft 1
1d is urged toward the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by the coil spring 39 via the moving ring 40, so that the urging force causes the sub tank 11 to move to the bottom surface 1 in the fuel tank 1.
It can be pressed against c to prevent its rising.

Further, according to this embodiment, since the bearing portion 38 supports the rotating shaft 11d so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, the sub tank 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction. It is possible to insert the sub-tank 11 having a longer overall length into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b more easily than in the first embodiment. Other effects are
The description is omitted because it is the same as the first embodiment. [Fourth Embodiment] FIGS. 9 (A) and 9 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing the essential parts of a fourth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 9 (A) and 9 (B), the connecting mechanism 13D of the present embodiment has a long flat plate-like support member 41 fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12, and a lower end of the support member 41. A support shaft 36 fixed in the vicinity, and a bearing portion 42 formed in the height direction of the side surface of the sub-tank 11 and rotatably supporting the support shaft 36 in the vertical direction of the fuel tank.
It has a coil spring 39 as a biasing means for applying a force for pressing the sub tank 11 toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 via the support shaft 36.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9B, a pair of connecting mechanisms 13D, 13D is provided, and the support shafts 36 of each connecting mechanism 13D are attached to both side surfaces of the sub tank 11. Further, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13D thus constructed, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other through the supporting member 41 and the support shaft 36, so that the sub tank 11 is supported with respect to the supporting member 41. The shaft 36 can rotate about a fulcrum, and the sub shaft 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction by the movement of the support shaft 36 with respect to the bearing portion 42. Therefore, when inserting the sub tank 11 into the fuel tank 1, the sub tank 11 is displaced in the vertical direction with respect to the support member 41 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG.
Rotate against the sub-tank 1 to the tank lid 12
As a result, the sub-tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b as in the first embodiment.

The sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1 is connected to the tank lid 12 via the support shaft 36 and the support member 41 and is held at a predetermined position. It is not necessary to connect the sub-tank 11 to other members to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1.

When the fuel tank 1 contracts due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside or a temperature change, the sub-tank 11 acts on the bearing portion 42 against the urging force of the coil spring 39 against the support shaft 36 of the support member 41. It moves along and its displacement is absorbed. Regarding the vertical displacement (height change) of the fuel tank 1 due to the vibration of the vehicle, the sub-tank 1 with respect to the support shaft 36 is similarly moved.
1 moves and is absorbed. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the sub tank 11, the coil spring 39 presses and urges the support shaft 36, and the reaction force is transmitted to the sub tank 11 to move the sub tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1. Since the sub-tank 11 is pressed in the direction, the sub-tank 11 can be pressed against the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by its pressing force to prevent its lifting.

Further, according to this embodiment, since the bearing portion 42 supports the support shaft 36 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, the sub tank 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction. It is possible to more easily insert the sub tank 11 having a longer total length into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b as compared with the first embodiment. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. [Fifth Embodiment] FIGS. 10 (A) and 10 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing the essential parts of a fifth embodiment of a fuel supply apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the connecting mechanism 13E of the present embodiment has one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and the rotating shaft 11d formed on the side surface of the sub tank 11. The supporting member 43 having the other end rotatably supporting the rotating shaft 11d, and the sub tank 1 with respect to the rotating shaft 11d.
1 is attached to different positions in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 1, and has a spring member 44 as a biasing means for applying a force for pressing the sub tank 11 toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1. The rotation shaft 1 is provided on the lower side of the support member 43 in the axial direction.
A guide hole 43a is formed in which 1d is vertically displaceable.

The basic structure of the spring member 44 is similar to that of the support member 30 of the first embodiment, and one end of the spring member 44 is rotatably supported by the holding portion 45 fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12. In addition, the other end is rotatably supported by a vertical portion 46 extending vertically from the bottom surface of the sub tank 11. Therefore, the spring member 44 urges the sub-tank 11 to rotate clockwise about the rotation shaft 11d in FIG.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, a pair of connecting mechanisms 13E and 13E are provided, and the rotating shafts 11d of each connecting mechanism 13E are attached to both side surfaces of the sub tank 11. . Further, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13E thus constructed, the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the supporting member 43 and the rotating shaft 11d.
The sub tank 11 can rotate with respect to the support member 43 with the rotation shaft 11d as a fulcrum. Therefore, when inserting the sub tank 11 into the fuel tank 1,
As shown in the phantom line of (A), the spring tank 44 rotates the sub-tank 11 with respect to the support member 43, and the tank lid 1 is rotated.
The attitude of the sub-tank 11 with respect to 2 is changed, so that the sub-tank 11 having a long overall length is changed as in the first embodiment.
Can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

Since the sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1 is connected to the tank lid 12 via the rotating shaft 11d and the supporting member 43 and is held at a predetermined position, the sub-tank 11 in the fuel tank 1 is held. It is not necessary to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by connecting the sub-tank 11 and other members.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the support member 43 is pivotally supported on the rotating shaft 11d of the sub tank 11 and the spring member 44 is also pivotally supported, the number of movable parts is increased, so that the sub tank 11 has a large number of movable parts. The posture is more flexible, and the sub tank 11 can be easily inserted even if it has a special shape. By mounting the spring members 44 at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub-tank 11 with respect to the rotating shaft 11d, the structures of the rotating shaft 11d and the support member 43 can be simplified.

Further, according to this embodiment, the support member 43
Since the rotation shaft 11d is provided with a guide hole 43a which is vertically displaceable in the lower part in the axial direction, the sub tank 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction, and the sub tank having a longer overall length than that of the first embodiment. 11 can be inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b more easily. The other actions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. [Sixth Embodiment] FIGS. 11 (A) and 11 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing the essential parts of a fuel supply system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 11 (A) and 11 (B), the connecting mechanism 13F of this embodiment has one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and is capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1. 47 and a guide member 48 which is integrally formed on the side surface of the sub tank 11 and through which the other end of the support member 47 is rotatably inserted.

The guide member 48 is provided with a wide insertion hole 48a which vertically penetrates along the longitudinal direction of the sub tank 11, and the other end of the support member 47 is inserted into the insertion hole 48a. The upper structure of the support member 47 has a stretchable structure similar to the support member 30 of the first embodiment, and the lower part has a large diameter portion 47a having a diameter larger than the opening of the insertion hole 48a and the large diameter portion 47a. A small-diameter portion 47b continuously provided at the lower end and inserted into the insertion hole 48a, and a retaining portion 47c continuously provided at the lower end of the small-diameter portion 47b and having a diameter larger than the opening of the insertion hole 48a are formed.

Therefore, the insertion hole 48 of the guide member 48 is
By inserting the small-diameter portion 47b of the support member 47 into a, the sub-tank can move horizontally within the opening width of the insertion hole 48a and can rotate within the opening width.

When the sub tank 11 is arranged on the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1, the support member 47 contacts the lower end of the large diameter portion 47a with the opening edge of the insertion hole 48a and guides it by the repulsive force of the coil spring 33. The sub tank 11 is pressed toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 via the member 48.

In this embodiment also, the pair of connecting mechanisms 13
F and 13F are provided, and the guide member 48 of each coupling mechanism 13F is attached to both side surfaces of the sub tank 11. Further, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13F thus constructed, the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the supporting member 47 and the guide member 48, and the sub-tank 11 has the guide member 48 with respect to the supporting member 47. It can be displaced in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction via the guide member 48 and can be rotated with respect to the small diameter portion 47b of the support member 47. Therefore,
When inserting the sub-tank 11 into the fuel tank 1, the sub-tank 11 is rotated with respect to the support member 41 to change the posture of the sub-tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12, as shown in the imaginary line in FIG. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length is provided with the narrow opening 1
It can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 from b.

When the sub tank 11 is inserted into the fuel tank 1, the lower end of the large diameter portion 47a of the support member 47 abuts the opening edge of the insertion hole 48a of the guide member 48 and the repulsive force of the coil spring 33. Guide member 48
Since the sub-tank 11 is pressed toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 and held at a predetermined position via the, the sub-tank 11 and other members are connected in the fuel tank 1 to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1. You don't even have to. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the sub-tank 11 can be displaced horizontally and vertically with respect to the support member 47 via the guide member 48, and at the same time with respect to the small diameter portion 47b of the support member 47. Since the guide member 48 can be rotated by means of the guide member 48, it is possible to more easily insert the sub-tank 11 having a longer overall length into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b as compared with the above-described embodiments.
Since other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment,
The description is omitted. [Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a side view showing the essential parts of a fuel supply device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 12, the coupling mechanism 13G of this embodiment is provided with a support member 49 having one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1. A fitting portion 50a is provided at the other end of the fitting 49, and a fitted portion 50b that is rotatably fitted to the fitting portion 50a is fixed to the side surface of the sub tank 11 by a fixing member 51.

The upper structure of the support member 49 is a stretchable structure similar to the support member 30 of the first embodiment, and the lower fitting portion 50a is formed by bending it into a side J shape. The fitted portion 50b is formed in a shape symmetrical with the fitting portion 50a. In addition, also in this embodiment, a pair of coupling mechanisms 13G and 13G is provided.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13G configured as described above, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other through the support member 49, the fitting portion 50a, and the fitted portion 50b. The fitting portion 50a and the fitted portion 50b can be rotated with respect to the support member 49. Therefore, when inserting the sub-tank 11 into the fuel tank 1, the sub-tank 11 is rotated with respect to the support member 49 to change the posture of the sub-tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

The sub-tank 11 inserted into the fuel tank 1 is connected to the tank lid 12 via the fitting portion 50a, the fitted portion 50b and the supporting member 49 which is vertically expandable and contractable in the fuel tank 1. Since the fuel tank 1 is held at a predetermined position, it is not necessary to connect the sub tank 11 to another member in the fuel tank 1 and fix the sub tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1.

When the fuel tank 1 contracts due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside or a temperature change, the rod 32 slides with respect to the cylinder 31 of the support member 49 to absorb the displacement as in the first embodiment. To be done. Similarly, the vertical displacement (height change) of the fuel tank 1 due to the vibration of the vehicle is absorbed by the rod 32 sliding with respect to the cylinder 31. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the coupling mechanism 13G is provided with the support member 49, one end of which is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12, and which is capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1. The fitting part 50a is provided at the other end of the fitting part 5 and the fitting part 5 is rotatably fitted to the fitting part 50a.
Since 0b is provided in the sub-tank 11, when the sub-tank 11 is tilted, the radius of the rounded portion of the fitting portion 50a becomes small, so that the sub-tank 11 receives a repulsive force that tends to return to the horizontal state. The repulsive force is generated, so that the sub-tank 11 can be inserted more easily when it is assembled in the fuel tank 1.

Further, according to this embodiment, the sub tank 1
1 is a fitting portion 50a and a fitted portion 50 with respect to the support member 49.
Since the sub-tank 11 can be rotated about b, the sub-tank 11 can be surely rotated and easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b. The other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. [Eighth Embodiment] FIGS. 13 (A) and 13 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing the essential parts of an eighth embodiment of the fuel supply apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, in this embodiment, the sub-tank 11 is divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction via the connecting shaft 52, and one of these two sub-tanks is formed. The portion 11B is rotatably supported about the connecting shaft 52. As a result, the one sub-tank portion 11B, which is divided into two, can rotate about the connecting shaft 52.

The connecting mechanism 13H of this embodiment is provided with two supporting members 53, one end of which is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and which can extend and contract in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, and the other ends of these supporting members 53. Is fixed to the bottom surface of the other sub-tank portion 11A that is divided into two.

The upper structure of each support member 53 is a stretchable structure similar to the support member 30 of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13H thus constructed, the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other through the two supporting members 53, and one sub-tank portion 11B, which is divided into two, is connected to the connecting shaft. Since it is rotatably supported about 52, the sub tank portion 11B can rotate with respect to the support member 53 about the connecting shaft 52. Therefore, when inserting the sub-tank 11 into the fuel tank 1, the sub-tank portion 11B is rotated with respect to the support member 53 so that the posture of the sub-tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12 is changed as shown by an imaginary line in FIG. As a result, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b as in the first embodiment.

Since the sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1 is connected to the tank lid 12 through the support member 53 which can be expanded and contracted in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, and is held at a predetermined position, It is not necessary to connect the sub-tank 11 to other members in the fuel tank 1 and fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sub-tank 11 is divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction via the connecting shaft 52, and one of the two divided sub-tank parts 11B has the connecting shaft 52 as the center. On the other hand, the coupling mechanism 13H is rotatably supported, while the coupling mechanism 13H includes two support members 53, one end of which is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and which can expand and contract in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1. By fixing the other end of the sub tank part 11A to the other sub tank part 11A which is divided into two parts, the coupling mechanism 13H is integrated with a part of the sub tank part 11B, so that the rigidity is increased and the sub tank part 11B is placed inside the fuel tank 1. The bottom surface 1c of the can be stably pressed.

Further, according to this embodiment, since the sub tank portion 11B can rotate about the connecting shaft 52 with respect to the support member 53, the sub tank 11 can be surely rotated so that the fuel tank is opened from the narrow opening 1b. It can be easily inserted into 1. The other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. [Ninth Embodiment] FIG. 14 is a side view showing the essential parts of a fuel supply system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, a sliding opening 54 for vertically sliding the tank lid 12 is integrally attached to the upper end of the opening 1b of the fuel tank 1. Further, a fitting groove 12b that is continuous in the outer peripheral direction is formed in the tank lid 12, and an O-ring 55 is fitted in the fitting groove 12b.

On the other hand, the connecting mechanism 13I of the present embodiment includes a support member 56 having one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12.
A support shaft 57 is provided at the other end of the support member 56 to rotatably support the sub-tank 11, and a coil spring 58 as a biasing means is provided at a different position with respect to the support shaft 57 in the longitudinal direction of the sub-tank 11. The coil spring 58 connects the sub tank 11 to the bottom surface 1 of the fuel tank 1.
A force is applied in the c direction.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13I thus constructed, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the supporting member 56 and the support shaft 57, so that the sub tank 11 is supported with respect to the supporting member 56. It can rotate about the axis 57. Therefore, the sub tank 11
When the sub tank 11 is inserted into the fuel tank 1, the sub tank 11 is rotated around the support shaft 56 with respect to the support member 56 to change the posture of the sub tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12, and the tank lid 12 is guided. While guiding along the portion 55, the coil spring 58 is connected to the upper wall 1a in the fuel tank 1.
Press against. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

The sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1 is connected to the tank lid 12 via the support member 56, and is pressed against the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by the repulsive force of the coil spring 58 to be in a predetermined position. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect the sub-tank 11 and other members in the fuel tank 1 to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1.

When the fuel tank 1 expands due to a pressure difference between inside and outside or a temperature change (expanded state is shown by an imaginary line in FIG. 14), the coil spring 58 extends, so that the sub tank 11 becomes a fuel tank. It is pressed against the bottom surface 1c in 1 and held at a predetermined position. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the connecting mechanism 13I includes the support member 5 fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12.
6 and the support shaft 57 that is provided on the support member 56 and rotatably supports the sub-tank 11, the number of parts of the coupling mechanism 13I is further reduced, and the structure is simplified. Assembly can be facilitated.

Further, according to this embodiment, the fuel tank 1
Since the sliding opening 54 for allowing the tank lid 12 to slide up and down is integrally attached to the upper end of the opening portion 1b of the fuel tank 1, the tank lid 12 can be reliably and easily attached to the opening portion 1b of the fuel tank 1. It becomes possible.

Further, according to this embodiment, the tank lid 1
2 is formed with the fitting groove 12b, and the O-ring 55 is fitted in the fitting groove 12b.
The airtightness and liquid-tightness of the tank lid 12 with respect to b can be improved.

Although the O-ring 55 is used as the seal member in this embodiment, the seal member is not limited to this, and other seal members such as a seal lip may be used. [Tenth Embodiment] FIG. 15 is a side view showing the essential parts of a fuel supply system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the coupling mechanism 13J of this embodiment, one end is rotatably supported by the lower surface of the tank lid 12, and the other end is rotatably supported by the sub tank 11. At the same time, a pair of support members 60 that can expand and contract in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1 are arranged at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub tank 11.

That is, the support member 60 is the tank lid 12
And the sub-tank 11 are linked to each other, and one end of the tank lid 12 is rotatably supported on the lower surface of the tank lid 12 by a tank lid shaft support portion 60a.
In addition, the other end of the sub tank 11 has a sub tank shaft support portion 60b that is rotatably supported by the sub tank 11, and the pair of sub tanks are arranged at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub tank 11. The expansion and contraction structure of the support member 60 is the same as that of the support member 30 of the first embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the pair of support members 60, 60 may be provided on both sides of the sub tank 11, or more than one pair may be arranged.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13J configured as described above, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other through the pair of supporting members 60, and one supporting member 6 is provided.
By making 0 longer than the other support member 60, as shown in FIG.
The sub-tank 11 can be tilted as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 5, and both of the pair of support members 60 have the same length, so that the sub-tank 11 is in the horizontal state as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. be able to.

Therefore, when inserting the sub-tank 11 into the fuel tank 1, the one supporting member 60 is made longer than the other supporting member 60 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. The posture of the sub-tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12 is changed by inclining it, whereby the long-length sub-tank 11 can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b as in the first embodiment.

Since the sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1 is connected to the tank lid 12 through a pair of support members 60 which can be expanded and contracted in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1, and is held at a predetermined position. It is not necessary to connect the sub tank 11 and other members in the fuel tank 1 to fix the sub tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, one end of the coupling mechanism 13J is rotatably supported by the lower surface of the tank lid 12, and the other end is rotatably supported by the sub tank 11. By arranging a pair of support members 60 that can be expanded and contracted in the vertical direction of the fuel tank 1 at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub tank 11, the number of movable parts is increased, so that the posture of the sub tank 11 is increased and the sub tank 11 Even if the shape of is special, it can be easily inserted. Since the fulcrum of the sub tank 11 is increased to 4, the stability of the sub tank 11 can be increased.

Further, according to this embodiment, the sub tank 1
Since 1 can be rotated by the support member 60 in which the tank lid 12 and the sub tank 11 are linked together, the sub tank 11 can be reliably rotated and easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b. You can The other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. [Eleventh Embodiment] FIG. 16 is a side view showing the essential parts of an eleventh embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 16, the coupling mechanism 13K of this embodiment has a rotating shaft 11d projectingly formed on the side surface of the sub tank 11, a support member 61 having one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12, The support member 61 is attached to the other end of the support member 61.
The rotary shaft 1 is formed to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of
Guide groove 6 for rotatably and slidably supporting 1d
2 and a coil spring 63 as a biasing means for applying a force for pressing the sub tank 11 toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 via the rotating shaft 11d. In this embodiment as well, a pair of connecting mechanisms 13K, 13K may be provided.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13K constructed as described above, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are supported by the supporting member 61,
Since the guide groove portion 62 and the rotating shaft 11d are connected to each other and the guide groove portion 62 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 11d, the sub tank 11 supports the rotating shaft 11d with respect to the supporting member 61. Can rotate as
By sliding the rotating shaft 11d along the guide groove portion 62, the sub tank 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction. Therefore, when inserting the sub-tank 11 into the fuel tank 1, the sub-tank 11 is displaced in the vertical direction with respect to the support member 61 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. By rotating the sub tank 11 to change its posture with respect to the tank lid 12, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b as in the first embodiment.

The sub-tank 11 inserted into the fuel tank 1 is held at a predetermined position by connecting the rotary shaft 11d to the tank lid 12 through the support member 61, and thus the sub-tank 11 inside the fuel tank 1 is held. It is not necessary to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by connecting the sub-tank 11 and other members.

When the fuel tank 1 contracts due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside or a temperature change, the rotating shaft 11d slides along the guide groove portion 62 as shown by an imaginary line in FIG. Be absorbed. Similarly, the vertical displacement (change in height) of the fuel tank 1 due to the vibration of the vehicle is absorbed by the rotation shaft 11d sliding along the guide groove 62. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the rotating shaft 1
1d is a bottom surface 1 in the fuel tank 1 due to the coil spring 63.
Since the sub-tank 11 is urged in the c direction, the sub-tank 11 can be pressed against the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by its urging force to prevent its lifting.

Further, according to this embodiment, the rotating shaft 11d.
The guide groove portion 62 that slidably supports the support member 61
Since it is formed to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of
By sliding 1d along the guide groove 62, the sub-tank 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction, so that the sub-tank 11 having a longer overall length than the first embodiment can be moved from the narrow opening 1b to the inside of the fuel tank 1. Can be inserted more easily. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. [Twelfth Embodiment] FIGS. 17 (A) and 17 (B) are a side view showing a main part of a fuel supply system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, and a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 17 (A) and 17 (B), the connecting mechanism 13L of this embodiment has a guide groove 11c formed integrally with the side surface of the sub-tank 11 while being inclined, and the tank lid 1.
2 has one end fixed to the lower surface and the other end has a guide groove 11c.
A support member 61 to which a support shaft 61a is slidably mounted, and a coil as a biasing means that is mounted in the guide groove 11c and that applies a force that pushes the sub tank 11 obliquely downward through the support shaft 61a. And a spring 63. In addition, also in this embodiment, the pair of connecting mechanisms 13
L and 13L may be provided.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13L having such a structure, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are guided by the guide groove 11.
Since the guide groove 11c is rotatably supported by the support shaft 61a, the sub tank 11 uses the support shaft 61a as a fulcrum with respect to the support member 61. The sub-tank 11 can be rotated and can be displaced in the vertical direction by sliding the support shaft 61a along the guide groove 11c. Therefore, when inserting the sub-tank 11 into the fuel tank 1, the sub-tank 11 is rotated with respect to the support member 61 to change the posture of the sub-tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. By the first
Similar to the embodiment, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

In the sub tank 11 inserted into the fuel tank 1, the guide groove 11c has the support shaft 6 of the support member 61.
Since it is connected to the tank lid 12 via 1a and is held at a predetermined position, it is also necessary to connect the sub tank 11 and other members in the fuel tank 1 to fix the sub tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1. Absent. Other functions are the same as those in the first
The description is omitted because it is similar to the embodiment.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the sub-tank 11 is biased in the direction of the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by the coil spring 63 via the support shaft 61a, so that the sub-tank 11 is biased by the biasing force. It can be pressed against the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 to prevent its lifting.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the support member 61
The support shaft 61a is slidably mounted in the guide groove 11c formed in the sub tank 11 so that the support shaft 61a slides along the guide groove 11c, whereby the sub tank 11 is vertically displaced. The sub-tank 11 having a longer overall length than that of the first embodiment can be inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b more easily. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. [Thirteenth Embodiment] FIGS. 18 (A) and 18 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing the essential parts of a thirteenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the connecting mechanism 13M according to the present embodiment is configured such that the rotating shaft 11d projectingly formed on the side surface of the sub tank 11 and the rotating shaft 11d can be rotated. The first connecting rod 65 for supporting, the second connecting rod 66 fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12, and the first connecting rod 65
And a torsion bar 67 that connects the second connecting rod 66 with the second connecting rod 65. The torsion bar 67 applies a force to rotate the sub-tank 11 clockwise through the first connecting rod 65 and the rotating shaft 11d to press the sub-tank 11 toward the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1.

In this embodiment also, the pair of connecting mechanisms 13
M and 13M are provided, and the rotating shaft 11 of each coupling mechanism 13M is provided.
d, the first connecting rod 65, the torsion bar 67, and the second connecting rod 66 are attached to both side surfaces of the sub tank 11.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13M constructed as described above, the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 have the rotating shaft 11d,
First connecting rod 65, torsion bar 67 and second
And the sub-tank 11 is connected to the second connecting rod 66 with the rotating shaft 11
It can rotate with d as a fulcrum, and torsion bar 6
The sub tank 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction by 7. Therefore, the sub tank 11 is replaced by the fuel tank 1.
18A, the sub-tank 11 is rotated with respect to the second connecting rod 66 to change the posture of the sub-tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12, so that the sub-tank 11 is rotated. Similar to the first embodiment, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

In the sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1, the rotary shaft 11d has the first connecting rod 65,
Since it is connected to the tank lid 12 via the torsion bar 67 and the second connecting rod 66 and is held at a predetermined position, the sub tank 11 and other members are connected in the fuel tank 1 to connect the sub tank 11 to the fuel tank 1. It is not necessary to fix it to the inner bottom surface 1c. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the torsion bar 67 includes the first connecting rod 65 and the rotating shaft 11.
the sub-tank 11 through the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1
Since the force to push in the direction is given, the sub tank 1
It is possible to surely prevent the floating of No. 1.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the sub-tank 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction by the torsion bar 67, the sub-tank 11 having a longer overall length than the first embodiment can be supplied from the narrow opening 1b to the fuel. Tank 1
It can be inserted more easily inside. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. [Fourteenth Embodiment] FIG. 19 is a side view showing the essential parts of a fourteenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 19, the coupling mechanism 13N of this embodiment has one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and the other end rotatably via a support shaft 69 attached to the side surface of the sub tank 11. The supporting member 68 is supported, and the supporting member 68 is deformed when the fuel tank 1 is contracted to incline the sub-tank 11, while the sub-tank 11 is restored when the fuel tank 1 is expanded (high temperature). The shape memory alloy is pressed against the bottom surface 1c of the.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13N thus constructed, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the supporting member 68 made of a shape memory alloy. Therefore, when the sub tank 11 is inserted into the fuel tank 1, the sub tank 11 is rotated and
Since the fuel tank 1 is in the contracted state, the sub-tank 11 tilts to change the posture of the sub-tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12, and as a result, the sub-tank 11 having a long overall length is fed from the narrow opening 1b to the fuel tank 1 as in the first embodiment. Tank 1
It can be easily inserted inside.

The sub-tank 11 inserted into the fuel tank 1 is restored to a horizontal state when the support member 68 is expanded when the fuel tank 1 is expanded, and the sub-tank 11 is pushed toward the bottom surface 1c of the fuel tank 1 to a predetermined position. Since the fuel tank 1 is held, it is not necessary to connect the sub-tank 11 to other members in the fuel tank 1 to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the support member 68 is deformed when the fuel tank 1 contracts, and the sub tank 11 is deformed.
While it is tilted, it is made of a shape memory alloy that is restored when the fuel tank 1 is expanded and presses the sub-tank 11 against the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1. Therefore, the number of parts of the coupling mechanism 13N is further increased as compared with the above-described embodiments. It is possible to reduce the number, simplify the structure, and facilitate assembling as a device. [Fifteenth Embodiment] FIG. 20 is a side view showing the essential parts of a fuel supply system according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 20, the connecting mechanism 13O of this embodiment is provided on the support member 70, which is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and has a rack 70a formed on the peripheral surface thereof. A support shaft 71 that rotatably supports the sub tank 11, a pinion 72 that is rotatably provided on the sub tank 11 by meshing with a rack 70a of the support member 70,
It has a drive motor 73 as a drive means for rotationally driving the pinion 72.

Therefore, the output shaft of the drive motor 73 is connected to the pinion 72. When the drive motor 73 is rotationally driven to rotate the pinion 72, the pinion 72 moves up and down with respect to the rack 70a of the support member 70. The sub tank 11 can be moved up and down.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13O thus constructed, the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the supporting member 70 and the support shaft 71, so that the sub-tank 11 is supported with respect to the supporting member 70. It is possible to rotate the shaft 71 as a fulcrum, and by rotating the pinion 72 to move it vertically with respect to the rack 70a, the sub tank 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction. Therefore, when inserting the sub-tank 11 into the fuel tank 1, the sub-tank 11 is rotated with respect to the support member 70 to change the posture of the sub-tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the sub-tank 11 having a long overall length is provided with the narrow opening 1
It can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 from b.

The sub-tank 11 inserted into the fuel tank 1 is connected to the tank lid 12 through the supporting member 70 and the support shaft 71 and is held at a predetermined position. It is not necessary to connect the sub-tank 11 to other members to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the drive motor 73 is rotationally driven to rotate the pinion 72, and the sub-tank 11 is moved up and down with respect to the rack 70a, so that when the fuel tank 1 contracts. It can be electrically supported and can be stably pressed against vibration of the sub-tank 11 as compared with biasing means such as a spring. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. [Sixteenth Embodiment] FIG. 21 is a side view showing the essential parts of a fuel supply system according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the coupling mechanism 13P of this embodiment, one end is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12, and the other end is fixed to the upper surface of the sub tank 11, the supporting member 7 being provided.
The hose 23 having the function of 5 in the first embodiment.
Similarly to the above, from the discharge port 22 of the housing 21 to the tank lid 12
Has a function of guiding fuel to the lower end of the discharge pipe portion 12a, and the support member 75 is made of a flexible material such as a rubber hose or a synthetic resin hose.

In this embodiment as well, the pair of connecting mechanisms 13 is used.
P and 13P are provided, and each coupling mechanism 13P is fixed to both upper sides of the sub tank 11. Further, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13P having such a structure, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the supporting member 75 made of a flexible material. Therefore, when the sub-tank 11 is inserted into the fuel tank 1, the sub-tank 11 is inclined by bending the support member 75, and the sub-tank 1 with respect to the tank lid 12 is tilted.
As a result, the sub-tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b as in the first embodiment.

Since the support member 75 of the sub-tank 11 inserted into the fuel tank 1 is always curved, the sub-tank 11 is pushed toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 by the repulsion of the support member 75, and the sub-tank 11 is moved to a predetermined position. Therefore, the sub tank 11 and other members are connected to each other in the fuel tank 1 to connect the sub tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1.
There is no need to fix it to.

As described above, according to this embodiment, since the supporting member 75 is made of the flexible material, the fourteenth
Similar to the above-described embodiments, the number of parts of the coupling mechanism 13P can be further reduced as compared with each of the above-described embodiments to simplify the structure and facilitate the assembly as a device.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the support member 75
Since it is made of a flexible material, a force for pressing the sub tank 11 in the direction of the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 is applied, so that the sub tank 11 can be reliably prevented from rising.

In the present embodiment, the support member 75 is formed of a rubber hose or a synthetic resin hose, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a bellows-shaped flexible material may be used. [Seventeenth Embodiment] FIG. 22 is a side view showing the essential parts of a seventeenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 22, the connecting mechanism 13Q of this embodiment has a support member 76 having one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and the other end fixed to the sub tank 11. 76 is composed of a rubber spring which is an elastic material.

In this embodiment also, the pair of connecting mechanisms 13
Q and 13Q are provided, and each coupling mechanism 13Q is fixed to both upper sides of the sub tank 11. Further, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13Q thus constructed, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the support member 76 composed of a rubber spring.
Therefore, when the sub tank 11 is inserted into the fuel tank 1, the support member 76 is curved as shown by the imaginary line in FIG.
The attitude of the sub-tank 11 with respect to 2 is changed, so that the sub-tank 11 having a long overall length is changed as in the first embodiment.
Can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

In the sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1, the support member 76 is in a linear state, and the sub-tank 11 is pressed toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 and held at a predetermined position. It is not necessary to connect 11 and other members to fix the sub tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1.

As described above, according to this embodiment, since the supporting member 76 is made of the rubber spring,
Similar to the sixteenth embodiment, the number of parts of the coupling mechanism 13Q can be further reduced as compared with the above-described respective embodiments to simplify the structure and facilitate the assembly as a device.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the support member 76
Is composed of a rubber spring, the sub tank 1
Since a force is applied to push 1 toward the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1, it is possible to reliably prevent the sub tank 11 from rising. [First Modification of Seventeenth Embodiment] FIG. 23 is a side view showing the essential parts of a first modification of the seventeenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 23, in the connecting mechanism 13R of this modification, one end is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12, and the upper portion 77a is fixed.
Has a supporting member 77 fixed to the sub tank 11 by a fixing lower portion 77b, and the supporting member 77 is made of a metal leaf spring.

Also in this modification, the pair of connecting mechanisms 13 is used.
R and 13R are provided, and each coupling mechanism 13R is fixed to both side surfaces of the sub tank 11. Further, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this modification will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13R thus constructed, the sub-tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other through the supporting member 77 formed of a metal leaf spring, and the sub-tank 11 is imagined in FIG. By deforming the support member 77 against the biasing force as shown by the line, the support member 77 can be rotated with respect to the tank lid 12, and the sub tank 1 can be rotated.
1 can be displaced in the vertical direction. Therefore,
When the sub tank 11 is inserted into the fuel tank 1, the support member 77 is rotated as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 23 to tilt the sub tank 11 and change the posture of the sub tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12. Thereby, the first
Similar to the embodiment, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

The sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1 presses the sub-tank 11 toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 by the repulsive force of the supporting member 77 and holds the sub-tank 11 at a predetermined position. It is not necessary to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by connecting the sub-tank 11 and other members.

As described above, according to this modification, the support member 7
Since 7 is composed of a metal leaf spring,
Similar to the above-described embodiments, the connecting mechanism 1 is different from the above-described embodiments.
The number of 3R parts can be further reduced to simplify the structure and facilitate assembly as a device.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the support member 77
Since is composed of a metal leaf spring, a force for pressing the sub-tank 11 in the direction of the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 is applied, so that the sub-tank 11 can be reliably prevented from rising.

In this modification, the supporting member 77 is composed of a metal leaf spring, but other than this, for example, a synthetic resin leaf spring may be used. [Second Modification of Seventeenth Embodiment] FIG. 24 is a side view showing the essential parts of a second modification of the seventeenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 24, the connecting mechanism 13S of this modification has a support member 78 having one end fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and the other end fixed to the sub tank 11. 78 is composed of a metal coil spring.

In this modified example also, the pair of connecting mechanisms 13
S and 13S are provided, and each coupling mechanism 13S is fixed to both upper sides of the sub tank 11. Further, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this modification will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13S thus constructed, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the supporting member 78 formed of a metal coil spring, so that the sub tank 11 shown in FIG. By deforming the support member 78 against the biasing force as shown by the imaginary line,
It can rotate with respect to the tank lid 12, and can displace the sub tank 11 in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the sub tank 11 is inserted into the fuel tank 1, by rotating the support member 78 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 24, the sub tank 11 is inclined and the posture of the sub tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12 is changed. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, the sub tank 11 having a long overall length can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

The sub-tank 11 inserted in the fuel tank 1 presses the sub-tank 11 toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 by the repulsive force of the supporting member 78 and holds the sub-tank 11 at a predetermined position. It is not necessary to fix the sub-tank 11 to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 by connecting the sub-tank 11 and other members.

As described above, according to this modification, the support member 7
Since 8 is composed of a metal coil spring, the number of parts of the coupling mechanism 13S is further reduced and the structure is simplified as in the 16th embodiment as compared with the respective embodiments, and at the same time, as a device. Assembly can be facilitated.

Further, according to this modification, since the supporting member 78 is made of a metal coil spring, a force for pressing the sub-tank 11 toward the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 is applied. It is possible to surely prevent the floating of 11. [Third Modification of Seventeenth Embodiment] FIG. 25 is a side view showing the essential parts of a third modification of the seventeenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 25, in the connecting mechanism 13T of this modification, one end is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid 12 and the other end is rotated while the rotating shaft 11d projectingly formed on the side surface of the sub tank 11 is rotated. A support member 79 for rotatably supporting the shaft 11d.
And a pneumatic spring portion 79 is provided below the support member 79.
a is provided.

Also in this modification, the pair of connecting mechanisms 13 is also used.
T and 13T are provided, and each coupling mechanism 13T is fixed to both side surfaces of the sub tank 11. Further, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this modification will be described.

According to the connecting mechanism 13T thus constructed, the sub tank 11 and the tank lid 12 are connected to each other via the supporting member 79 and the rotating shaft 11d.
The sub-tank 11 can rotate with respect to the support member 79 with the rotating shaft 11d as a fulcrum, and the sub-tank 11 can be vertically displaced by expanding and contracting the support member 79. Therefore, the sub tank 11 is replaced by the fuel tank 1.
When the sub tank 11 is inserted into the inside, the sub tank 11 is rotated with respect to the support member 79 to change the posture of the sub tank 11 with respect to the tank lid 12 as shown in the imaginary line of FIG. Long sub tank 1
1 can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 1 through the narrow opening 1b.

Since the sub-tank 11 inserted into the fuel tank 1 holds the sub-tank 11 in a predetermined position by pressing the sub-tank 11 toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank 1 by the repulsive force of the pneumatic spring portion 79a of the support member 79, The sub tank 11 is connected to other members in the sub tank 11.
Need not be fixed to the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1.

As described above, according to this modification, the support member 7
9 has the pneumatic spring portion 79a, the 16th
Similar to the above-described embodiments, the connecting mechanism 1 is different from the above-described embodiments.
It is possible to further reduce the number of 3T parts to simplify the structure and facilitate the assembly as a device.

Further, according to this modification, since the support member 79 has the pneumatic spring portion 79a, a force for pressing the sub-tank 11 toward the bottom surface 1c in the fuel tank 1 is applied. It is possible to surely prevent the floating of 11.

In this modification, the pneumatic spring portion 79a is used.
However, the same action and effect can be obtained even if a hydraulic spring portion is provided instead of this. Then, in the present invention, a spring other than the springs of the sixteenth embodiment and each modification may be used.

[0230]

As described above, according to the fuel supply device of the present invention, the operation of the connecting mechanism is more reliable and the reliability can be improved. In addition, the number of parts of the connecting mechanism can be reduced to simplify the structure and facilitate the assembly as a device. Further, even a sub tank having a long overall length can be inserted more easily when it is incorporated in the fuel tank. And increase the rigidity of the connection mechanism,
The sub tank can be stably pressed onto the bottom surface of the fuel tank.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a fuel supply device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the fuel supply device of FIG. 1 is taken out from a fuel tank.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the fuel supply device of FIG. 1 is inserted into a fuel tank.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the fuel supply device of FIG. 1 is inserted into a fuel tank.

6 (A) and 6 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a second embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention.

7 (A) and 7 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a third embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention.

8 (A) and 8 (B) are side configuration diagrams showing a main part of a modified example of the third embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention,
It is a cross-sectional block diagram.

9 (A) and 9 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a fourth embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention.

10 (A) and 10 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a fifth embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention.

11 (A) and 11 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing a main portion of a fuel supply device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a main part of a seventh embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention.

13 (A) and 13 (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing a main part of an eighth embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a main part of a ninth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view showing a main part of a fuel supply system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing the configuration of the essential parts of an eleventh embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

17 (A) and 17 (B) are side configuration diagrams showing a main part of a fuel supply system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention,
It is a BB line sectional view of (A).

18 (A) and (B) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a thirteenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a side view showing the essential parts of a fourteenth embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a side view showing the configuration of a main part of a fifteenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a side view showing a main part of a fuel supply system according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a side view showing the configuration of essential parts of a fuel supply system according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a side view showing the configuration of the main part of a first modification of the seventeenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a side view showing the configuration of the essential parts of a second modification of the seventeenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a side view showing the configuration of the main part of a third modification of the seventeenth embodiment of the fuel supply system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 fuel tank 1b opening 1c bottom 10 Fuel supply device 11 sub tank 11d rotation axis 12 Tank lid 12a Discharge pipe part 13, 13A-13T coupling mechanism 16 Fuel pump 16a suction port 16b outlet 17 Suction filter 20 Fuel filter 30 Support member 31 cylinders 32 rod 33 Coil spring (biasing means) 35 Ball Pipe Joint (Universal Joint) 36 spindle 37 Support member 38 Bearing 39 Coil spring (biasing means) 40 moving ring 41 Support member 42 Bearing 43 Support member 44 Spring member (biasing means) 47 Support member 48 Guide member 49 Support member 52 Connection shaft 53 Support member 54 Sliding opening 55 O-ring 56 Support member 57 spindle 58 Coil spring (biasing means) 60 Support member 61 Support member 62 guide groove 63 Coil spring (biasing means) 65 connecting rod 66 Connecting rod 67 Torsion bar 68 Support member 70 Support member 71 spindle 72 Pinion 73 Drive motor (drive means) 75 Support member 76 Support member 77 Support member 78 Support member 79 Support member

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masanori Goto             7800 Nakase, Hamakita City, Shizuoka Prefecture             Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyasu Osawa             7800 Nakase, Hamakita City, Shizuoka Prefecture             Manufacturing Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 3D038 CA04 CA15 CA29 CC06 CC07                       CC11 CC20

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid capable of relative operation. And a connecting member that is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid and is extendable in the vertical direction of the fuel tank, and the other end of the supporting member. And a universal joint that rotatably connects the sub-tank. 2. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid being capable of relative movement. And a connecting mechanism for connecting to the fuel tank, the connecting mechanism having a guide groove formed along the longitudinal direction of the sub-tank and one end fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid, and extending and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank. A support member capable of rotating, and a support shaft provided at the other end of the support member for rotatably supporting the sub-tank, and the support shaft is slidably attached along the guide groove. Fuel supply device. 3. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper part of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid being capable of relative operation. The connecting mechanism includes a rotating shaft projectingly formed on a side surface of the sub-tank, a supporting member fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid, and the rotating mechanism provided on the supporting member. A bearing portion for rotatably supporting the movable shaft in the vertical direction of the fuel tank and rotatably supporting the fuel tank, and a biasing means for applying a force for pressing the sub tank toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank via the rotary shaft. And a fuel supply device. 4. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid capable of relative operation. And a support mechanism fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid, a support shaft provided on the support member, and a support shaft provided on a side surface of the sub-tank. A bearing portion for rotatably supporting the fuel tank in a vertically displaceable manner,
A fuel supply device, comprising: a biasing unit that applies a force that pushes the sub-tank toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank via the support shaft. 5. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid that closes the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid are relatively operable. The connecting mechanism has a rotating shaft projectingly formed on a side surface of the sub-tank, one end of which is fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid, and the other end of which rotates the rotating shaft. A support member that is movably supported and a biasing unit that is supported at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub-tank with respect to the rotation shaft and that applies a force that pushes the sub-tank toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank. A fuel supply device characterized by the above. 6. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid being capable of relative movement. A connecting mechanism that is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid, and is extendable in the vertical direction of the fuel tank; and the connecting mechanism is provided on a side surface of the sub tank. A guide member through which the other end of the support member is inserted so as to be rotatable about the sub-tank, and the support member serves to guide the sub-tank via the guide member when the sub-tank is arranged on the bottom surface of the fuel tank. A fuel supply device, wherein the fuel supply device is pressed toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank. 7. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided at an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid being capable of relative operation. And a connecting mechanism that is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid, and has a support member that is capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank, and the other end of the supporting member. While providing a fitting part,
The sub-tank is provided with a fitted portion that is rotatably fitted in the fitting portion. 8. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid being capable of relative operation. And a connecting mechanism for connecting to the sub-tank in a longitudinal direction via a connecting shaft, and one of the two divided sub-tank parts is rotatable about the connecting shaft. The coupling mechanism includes a support member, one end of which is fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid and which is capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction of the fuel tank, and the other end of the support member is divided into two parts. A fuel supply device characterized in that it is fixed to the sub-tank part of the. 9. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid that closes the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid are relatively operable. And a coupling mechanism for coupling the fuel tank to the fuel tank, wherein the tank lid is provided with a sliding opening in which the tank lid is slidable, while the coupling mechanism has one end fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid. A support member, a support shaft provided at the other end of the support member to rotatably support the sub-tank, and biasing means attached to the support shaft at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub-tank. The fuel supply device is characterized in that the urging means applies a force for pressing the sub-tank toward the bottom surface of the fuel tank. 10. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid being capable of relative operation. And a coupling mechanism for coupling to the sub-tank, wherein the coupling mechanism has one end rotatably supported on the lower surface of the tank lid and the other end rotatably supported on the sub-tank. At least one pair of support members that can extend and contract in the vertical direction of the fuel tank are arranged at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub-tank. 11. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid that closes the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid are movable relative to each other. A connecting mechanism for connecting to the sub-tank, the connecting mechanism includes a rotating shaft projectingly formed on a side surface of the sub-tank, a supporting member having one end fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid, and the other end of the supporting member. A guide groove portion that is formed to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the support member and that supports the rotating shaft in a rotatable and slidable manner, and the sub-tank of the fuel tank through the rotating shaft. A fuel supply device, comprising: a biasing unit that applies a force to push in a bottom direction. 12. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid closing the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid being capable of relative movement. And a coupling mechanism that couples to the sub-tank, wherein the coupling mechanism has a guide groove formed to be inclined on a side surface of the sub-tank, one end of which is fixed to a lower surface of the tank lid, and the other end of the guide groove A support member fixedly slidably attached to the support member, and a biasing unit that is mounted in the guide groove and applies a force to push the sub-tank obliquely downward through the support shaft. Characteristic fuel supply device. 13. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid that closes the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid are movable relative to each other. And a connecting mechanism for connecting to the sub-tank, the connecting mechanism including a rotating shaft projectingly formed on a side surface of the sub-tank, a first connecting rod rotatably supporting the rotating shaft, and the tank lid. And a torsion bar connecting the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to each other. 14. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid that closes the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid are relatively operable. And a coupling mechanism that is coupled to the lower surface of the tank lid, and the coupling mechanism includes a support member that is rotatably supported at the other end by the sub tank. A fuel supply device comprising a shape memory alloy that deforms when the fuel tank contracts to incline the sub tank, and restores when the fuel tank expands to press the sub tank against the bottom surface of the fuel tank. 15. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid that closes the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid are relatively operable. A connecting member fixed to the lower surface of the tank lid and having a rack engraved on its peripheral surface; and the sub-tank provided on the supporting member for rotating the sub-tank. A support shaft that supports freely,
A fuel supply device comprising: a pinion rotatably provided in the sub-tank, which meshes with a rack of the support member, and a drive unit for rotationally driving the pinion. 16. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid for closing the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid capable of relative operation. And a connecting mechanism that connects one end to the lower surface of the tank lid and the other end is fixed to the sub tank. A fuel supply device comprising: 17. A sub-tank inserted into the fuel tank through an opening provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank, a tank lid that closes the opening of the fuel tank, and the sub-tank and the tank lid are relatively operable. And a connecting mechanism that connects one end to the lower surface of the tank lid and the other end is fixed to the sub-tank, and the supporting member is a rubber spring or a metal. Spring, resin spring,
A fuel supply device comprising a pneumatic spring or a hydraulic spring.