JP2003172217A - Fuel tank assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a low profile fuel tank assembly having an elongated fuel delivery module mounted horizontally within the fuel tank and independent from a flange which covers a sole fuel tank access hole. <P>SOLUTION: An integrated fuel pump and associated motor of the module dictates the length of the module. The motor and pump has a rotational axis preferably disposed substantially horizontal within the fuel tank. Because the fuel delivery module is supported by the fuel tank shell or bottom, independent of the flange, the access hole can be located anywhere on the fuel tank in order to simplify fuel tank ingress and minimize repair procedures. During assembly, the module is inserted into the fuel tank through the access hole, and is then placed and snap-locked preferably into a bracket structure permanently engaged to an inside surface of the fuel tank. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to fuel tank assemblies (fuel tank assemblies), and more particularly to fuel tank assemblies having low profile fuel delivery modules.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventionally, fuel tank assemblies have included a fuel tank having a flanged access hole. The extended fuel delivery module is supported by the flange and projects downward from the flange to reach near the bottom of the fuel tank. Usually, the total length of the module is defined by an electric motor and a fuel pump arranged in series along a vertical axis of rotation. The length of the module in the vertical direction defines the depth or minimum vertical height of the fuel tank.

[0003]

Therefore, the optimum profile of the fuel tank is limited by the vertical length of the fuel delivery module. Moreover, in order to optimize this already restricted contour, the tank access holes must lie in the upper horizontal plane, and possibly
It must be located on the highest surface of the fuel tank.

Positioning the access hole at the top of the tank is not preferable from the viewpoint of maintenance. This is because the tank must be removed from the vehicle prior to accessing the internal parts of the fuel tank assembly through the access holes. Since the fuel delivery module is cantilevered from the flange, the interconnection itself between the flange and the fuel tank (system interconnection) is robust, and the vehicle is a high-speed vehicle that applies high torque or high torsional force to the flange. Must be designed to pass a crash test. The larger the flange, the weaker the seal on the flange. Unfortunately, most of the flange surface area is occupied by the fuel delivery module, limiting the use of the flange surface area for mounting other components, i.e. for mounting components in the fuel tank. Has been done.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a low-profile, suitably extended fuel delivery module that is mounted generally horizontally within a fuel tank, independent of a flange overlying only one fuel tank access hole. A profile fuel tank assembly is provided. The integrated fuel pump and the electric motor of the module preferably have an axis of rotation arranged substantially horizontally in the fuel tank. Since the fuel delivery module is supported by the shell or bottom of the fuel tank, the access holes are independent of the flanges on the fuel tank to simplify fuel tank placement and simplify repair procedures. It can be placed at any position. During assembly, the module can preferably be inserted into the fuel tank through the access holes and then attached to a bracket or strap assembly, which is preferably laser welded to the inner surface of the fuel tank.

[0006] Preferably, the fuel delivery module is inserted into the bracket adjacent the base plate of the bracket mounted to the inner bottom of the tank. During assembly, the fuel delivery module projects upwardly from the base plate and is laterally centered on the base plate of the bracket by the two opposing sides. Preferably, the module further projects upwardly from the edge of the base plate and is centered longitudinally on the base plate by two pairs of opposed stop tabs.

In a first preferred embodiment of the bracket, the fuel delivery module slides horizontally along connecting rails formed on opposite sides of the module, between the bracket clasp and the module support structure. Engage the bracket by sliding into the mounting bracket. Preferably, the forward tabs on the bracket prevent the module from sliding too far forward. By the action of the forwardly projecting snap clips of the locking tabs projecting upwards of the bracket and the support structure which elastically engages with the locking tabs, the snaps of the module lock the brackets in place and the rearward Prevent movement and detachment.

In a second preferred embodiment of the bracket, the base plate is the portion of the elastic tray that engages at least one elastic strap at each end of the strap. The bracket is designed to reduce shear forces on the weld between the tank and the base plate during impact. To that end, the fuel delivery module is surrounded by a tray and a strap. Because the straps are stretched and tensioned when directly engaged with the fuel delivery module, there is a gap between the module and the side or retract of the tray to allow some movement of the module with respect to the bracket. .

Objects, features and advantages of the present invention include providing a low profile fuel tank assembly,
Accordingly, the present invention increases the freedom of design around the fuel tank of a vehicle, simplifies the installation of the fuel tank, simplifies the maintenance procedure of the fuel system, reduces the size of the flange, and seals the flange. The present invention is relatively simple while increasing the flexibility and increasing the degree of freedom of use of the surface area of the flange to allow the fuel tank to be equipped with additional components and reduce fuel penetration. It provides a low cost, rugged and reliable fuel delivery module and tank assembly of design.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The fuel tank assembly of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel tank assembly 10 has a fuel tank 12 with access holes 14 that are sufficiently large so that an extended fuel delivery module 16 is defined by the fuel tank 12. Fuel chamber 13
Can be inserted inside. Tip 18 of module 16
Is located in front of the receiving end of the extended bracket 20 welded to the wall 22 of the bottom or inner surface 23 of the fuel tank 12. The bracket 20 and module 16 can be located on any other interior surface of the fuel tank 12. However, if you place the module on the bottom,
It eliminates the need for a pump inlet tube that could function as a fuel vapor lock. In addition, module 16
Since the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 12 is horizontal, the shape of the fuel tank 12 can be a low profile. Preferably,
The fuel tank 12 is made of blow molded plastic or high density polyethylene (HDPE) and the bracket 20 is made of injected plastic or HDPE. Being made of substantially similar materials, the plastic bracket 20 is welded to the inner surface 23 of the bottom wall 22 as well in a substantially horizontal position. The access hole 14 is covered, sealed or closed by the flange 24 shown in FIG.

Conventionally, the fuel delivery module is mounted vertically and supported by a flange,
The access hole 14 is provided at the top of the fuel tank 12. The fuel delivery module 16 of the present invention includes a flange 24.
The access hole 14 can be located anywhere on the fuel tank 12 since it is not supported by. In fact, the access holes 14 can be easily installed via any side of the fuel tank 12. This freedom of installation position facilitates maintenance and repair of the fuel tank assembly. Apart from the vertical mounting of the fuel delivery module and the support by the flange of the fuel delivery module in the conventional assembly, the fuel delivery module 16 of the present invention comprises:
It may be identical to the fuel pump assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,714 to Bucci et al.

In the assembly, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, the fuel delivery module 16 is slid between opposing clasps 26 projecting upwardly from the substantially planar base plate 30 of the bracket 20. And is housed in a fuel chamber 13 defined by the fuel tank 12. The base plate 30 is welded or embedded in the substantially horizontal bottom wall 22 of the fuel tank 12,
Alternatively, it is attached to the front portion 34 to the rear portion 3
It has been extended to 2. When using an HDPE fuel tank shell having multiple layers including an intermediate fuel permeation barrier layer,
When attaching the bracket 20 to the fuel tank 12, it is preferable not to break the permeation barrier layer. Therefore,
Welding to the bottom surface 22 or the inner layer of a multi-layer fuel tank,
It is preferable as an attachment method. Another method is to form protrusions in the fuel tank during the blow molding process of tank manufacturing. In this case, the bracket 20 or the module 16 is directly pressed into the protrusion.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, when assembled, the clasps 26 are provided by an extended guideway 36 of each clasp 26 that slidingly engages the connecting rails 38 of the fuel delivery module 16. Prevents the fuel delivery module 16 from moving upward away from the base plate 30. The guideway 36 and the rail 38 are attached to the bracket 20.
It extends longitudinally between the front part 34 and the rear part 32 of the. The stop tabs 40 prevent the module 16 from moving excessively forward and disengaging from the guideways 36 and rails 38. The stop tab 40 projects upward from the base plate 30 and is used for the fuel delivery module 1
6 can be engaged with the tip 18. When assembled,
When the fuel delivery module 16 moves rearward with respect to the bracket 20, the fuel delivery module 16 is detached from the connecting guideway 36 and the rail 36, but this detachment is upward from each clasp 26 of the bracket 20. Of the fuel delivery module 16 and a pair of snap clips 44 that engage the lock tabs 42 of the fuel delivery module 16. Clasp 26 is typically flexible so that it can act as a bottom reference spring to absorb the bottom impact load on fuel tank 12.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6,
The guideways 36 of each clasp 26 that are laterally opposed are
Channel 54 defined by rail 48, respectively
And extends in the longitudinal direction of the bracket.
The guideway 36 is fixed vertically to the crossbar 47, which is attached to the upper edge of the substantially planar wall 46. The wall 46 is the base plate 3
It vertically projects upward from 0 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the bracket 20. The rail 48 projects downward from the end of the longitudinal extension of the crossbar 47 toward the base plate 30 and extends parallel to the wall 46. During assembly, each channel 54 receives and interfaces with one of the support structure of the fuel delivery module 16 or the rail 38 that projects above the can 52. The rail 38 extends in the longitudinal direction and projects upward, and is fixed along its lower edge to a transverse spacer bar 56 attached to the can 52. When the fuel delivery module 16 engages the bracket 20, the rails 48 preferably define a channel or slot 58 within which the rail 48 is disposed.
Has a side plane 50 extending away from and parallel to the rail 38.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, each snap clip 44 is attached to one of the longitudinal sides 50 of the can 52. Snap clip 4
The four are arranged at a distance above the rails 38 of the can 52 so that the bar 47 of the clasp 26 on the bracket 20 fits in between. Each snap clip 44 has a catch or lip 64 on one end of a flexible arm 64, the other end being cantilevered by a base 60 and attached to the longitudinal side 50 of the can 52. The base 60 supports a cantilevered arm 62 which laterally separates it from the longitudinal side surface 50. The cantilevered arm 62 is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal side surface 50 and, as shown in FIG.
It projects forward. The lip 64 projects laterally outward with respect to the arm 60 and the longitudinal side surface 50. As the fuel delivery module 16 slides into the bracket 20, the action of the locking tabs 42 causes the cantilevered arms 62 of each snap clip 44 to flex inwardly toward the longitudinal side 50 of the can 52 and the lip 64.
Slides along the inner surface of the locking tab 42. When the lip 64 slides over the locking tab 42 and overly engages the front stop surface 66 of the locking tab 42, the cantilevered arm 6
2 suddenly returns. By the lip 64 of the snap clip 44 hitting the stop surface 66 of the lock tab 42,
The fuel delivery module 16 is prevented from moving rearward and detaching from the connecting guideway 36 and the rail 36. To disengage the fuel delivery module 16 from the bracket 20, a lateral inward force is applied to the arm 62 of the snap clip 44 which extends vertically above the locking tab 42. When the lateral force for this disengagement is applied to both clips, the lip 64 separates from each locking tab 42, which allows the fuel delivery module to slide rearward.

During assembly, the alignment of the fuel delivery module 16 between the opposing clasps 26 is guided by the angled or angled guide plates 68 of the clasps 26. Done by Each guide plate 68 is substantially planar,
It is angled outwardly and projects rearwardly from both the rear vertical end of the locking tab 42 and the rear edge of the wall 46 of the clasp 26. The combination of both guide plates of the clasp 26 guides and centers the fuel delivery module 16 between the opposite clasps 26.
It forms a funnel that helps to. The bar 47 extends rearward and reinforces the guide plate 68 by engaging the central portion of the guide plate 68.

As shown in FIGS. 7-11, the can 52 of the fuel delivery module 16 houses a fuel supply pressure control assembly 70 and a motor 72, shown as a pressure control regulator mounted at the outlet of the fuel pump. To do. The motor 72 has a rotating shaft 74 which is arranged substantially horizontally and which, when the fuel tank is in its normal orientation in the vehicle, preferably tilts no more than 10 degrees from a horizontal plane. However, the pressure control assembly 70 can also be a pressure conversion motor speed control system in which fuel pressure conversion feeds back to a variable speed fuel pump. The advantage of this system is that it does not always operate at the highest system voltage, unlike the case of a pressure regulator, so it consumes less energy.

Fuel flows from a receiver housed in the can 52 by means of a motor 72 and a fuel pump arranged in the can 52. As shown in FIG. 8, fuel flows from the pump to the extended fuel filter 75 of the module 16.
To reach the regulator 70. Filter 7
5 includes a pump and a motor 72, and a regulator 70
With a fuel injection nozzle 82 that is attached to the end of the filter 75 that is opposite to or away from the regulator 70. Fuel level sensor assembly 77 including swivel floating arm sensor 78 and / or fuel piezoelectric level sensor 76
Are integrated with the module 16. The swivel floating arm sensor 78 functions as a fixed ohmic resistance card with a variable resistance controllable by a float engaged at the end of the swivel arm.

The various appendages on module 16 are directed to and pass through flange 24. These accessories include a wire harness (not shown) and a flexible tube 80. Tube 80 supplies fuel to the engine and can 52
Is communicated with the regulator 70 through a nozzle 81 engaging with. Since the flange 24 of the present invention does not support the fuel delivery module 16, other components are easily supported by the flange 24. These parts are, for example, a vehicle-mounted diagnostic pressure converter (OBD2) that detects a leak in the fuel tank based on a pressure difference, a filling limit vent valve (FLVV), and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the second preferred embodiment of the fuel tank assembly 10 'of the present invention is useful for shock or G-forces absorption,
The pressure on the tank is released to the bracket interface and the pressure on the fuel module is released to the bracket interface. Fuel delivery module 1 by bracket 20 '
6'is slightly movable in any direction and acts to slow down the module for a longer period of time when there is a strong shock, as compared to the rigid assembly of the first preferred embodiment.

The laser weld 90 requires no special features or contours and attaches the substantially planar base plate 30 'of the tray 89 of the bracket 20' to the inner surface 23 'of the fuel tank 12'. FIG. 10 shows four laser welding points 9
Although 0 is depicted, more or less may be used depending on the weight of the fuel delivery module 16 'and the shape of the fuel tank assembly 10'. The tray 89 is preferably made of a material similar to the inner surface 23 'of the fuel tank 12'. As an example, the fuel tank material is HDPE
In this case, the material of the tray 89 is preferably HDPE in order to increase the strength of the welded portion. However,
Since HDPE tends to swell when immersed in hydrocarbon fuel, tray 89 should be internally reinforced with glass fibers to reduce swell. Laser welding is preferred over plate welding. Because the tray 89 is designed to be flexible, it is too thin to handle under the high heat generated during plate welding. Since the laser welding tool can separate the bracket 20 'from the tank access hole 14', the laser welding is also advantageous in this respect. This separation can be 6 to 12 inches for a typical automobile fuel tank. Fiber optics is used to locate the weld point between the bracket 20 'and the tank 12'.
When using laser light having a wavelength of about 800 nm, the time required for welding is 3 to 5 seconds.

The fuel delivery module 16 'is attached to the bracket 2
There are two substantially opposed side guide plates or side frames 92, 94 of the tray 89 for mounting on the 0 ', the guide plate 6 in the first preferred embodiment.
Plays the same role as 8. The side frames 92, 94 project substantially upward from each longitudinal end of the base plate 30 ′ and extend in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 30 ′ between the front stop tab 96 and the rear stop tab 98 of the tray 89. ing. The front stop tab 96 functions similarly to the stop tab 40 in the first preferred embodiment, and the fuel delivery module 1 within the bracket 20 '.
Limit 6'forward movement. The pair of front stop tabs 96 extend inwardly from each end of the side frames 92, 94, i.e., along the front end 100 of the base plate 30 '. An additional pair of rear stop tabs 98 in the second preferred embodiment limits rearward movement of the fuel delivery module 16 'within the bracket 20' and is provided by the side frames 92,94.
From each end inward, that is, along the rear edge 102 of the base plate 30 '.

After the base plate 30 'of the tray 89 is laser welded to the tank 12', the extended support structure or can 52 'of the extended fuel delivery module 16' is installed in the tray 89 from a substantially vertical orientation. To be done. The front stop tabs 96 and the rear stop tabs 98 align (position) the can 52 ′ in the longitudinal direction of the tray 89, and the side frames 92, 94 center the can 52 ′ laterally to the tray 89.

Front and rear elastic straps 104,
106 resiliently secures the module 16 'to the welded base plate 30'. Each elastic strap 1
04 and 106 are the module 16 'engaged with the can 52'.
Has a long central strap 108 and a short end strap 110 elastically extending above the fuel filter 75 '. Opposing ends 11 of each strap 108, 110
2, 114 are integrally engaged with the flaps 116, 118. The flap 116 is illustrated as hinged to the raised portion 120 of the frame 92 along a longitudinally arranged axis of the base plate 30 '.
The flap 118 has a frame 94 by a snap lock mechanism.
Two apertures 1 communicating with the raised portion 122 of the wing or with a flap 118 that receives two humps 124 protruding outwardly from the raised portion 122.
Snap lock to 26. A thumb catch 128 projects outwardly from the flap 118 between the apertures 126 to snap lock the flap 118 and strap 108 from the open position to the closed position.

Since the bracket 20 'is an integral body, the straps 108, 110 are made of the same material as the base plate 30'. This material is preferably HDPE. The strap must be thin enough to be elastic and stretchable across the fuel filter 75 '. The thickness of the strap for obtaining this elasticity depends on the material used.

Alternatively, the straps 108, 110 and the flaps 116, 118 may be integral, or may be a single molded body separate from the base plate 30 '. In this case, the flap 116 has a snap lock mechanism rather than an elastic hinge. The straps and flaps can be made independently of each other and different from the base plate 30 ', which must be similar to the tank 12' for welding, and have excellent elastic properties. An example of such a material for straps and flaps is nylon.

The fuel filter 75 'of the fuel delivery module 16' is supported by the can 52 'and projects upward.
The substantially outwardly facing outer surface 134 of the filter 75 ', which is located above the can 52', has a resilient strap 1
It is in direct contact with 08,110. The outer surface 134 is
It has a front ledge (shoulder) 136 that lies substantially in a plane arranged perpendicular to the base plate 30 '. The front ledge 136 is located between the tip portion 138 and the central portion 140 of the outer surface 134 and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the tip portion 138. The short strap 110 of the elastic strap 104 elastically directly engages the tip portion 138 of the outer surface 134. The long strap 108 of the elastic strap 104 typically elastically directly engages the central portion 140, which is located farther from the base plate 30 ′ than the tip portion 138. If there is a strong impact, the front shelf 13
6 contacts the short strap 110 of the elastic strap 104, which limits forward movement of the fuel delivery module 16 'within the bracket 20'.

Similarly, the outer surface 134 of the fuel filter 75 'has a rear shelf lying in a plane disposed substantially parallel to the front shelf 136. The rear shelf has an outer surface 134
Located between the rear end portion 144 and the central portion 140 and disposed substantially perpendicular to the rear end portion 144. Of the elastic straps 106, the short straps 110 elastically directly engage the rear end portion 144 of the outer surface 134. Of the elastic straps 106, the long elastic center strap 10
8 elastically directly engages the central portion 140. In the event of a strong impact, the rear ledge contacts the flexible short strap 110 of the elastic strap 106, thereby limiting the rearward movement of the fuel delivery module 16 'within the bracket 20'. A strap shape other than the above may be used depending on the surrounding dynamics, the shape of the fuel delivery module 16 ′, and the weight distribution. For example, surface 134
From within the channel defined by, one short strap may secure the module by engaging the outer surface of the filter.

As shown in FIG. 11, the movement of the fuel delivery module 16 'relative to the base plate 30' and the laser weld point 90 is limited to about 2 millimeters for a typical automotive fuel tank. Due to the close relationship between the front and rear shelves and the short straps 110, the can 52 'and the front tabs 96 are provided by the fuel delivery module 16' positioned longitudinally in the center of the base plate 30 '.
There is a gap 146 of about 2 millimeters between them.
Similarly for lateral movement, the can 52 'and side frame 92
There is a gap 148 of about 2 millimeters between the cans 52 'and the side frame 94 of the base plate 30' when not in the flexible state. Of course, with the flap 118 snap-locked to the lifted portion 122, the gap 1
48 is effectively removed at the junction of the raised portions 120, 122.

Furthermore, in order to promote the flexibility of the tray 89, two cutouts 150 extend laterally across the base plate 30 ', part of which is above the side frame 9'.
Connected with 2,94, but lifted up part 12
It has not reached 0,122.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and many other embodiments are possible. For example, the opposing clasps 26 could be replaced with straps that wrap around the module 16 and engage the base plate of the bracket at one end. It goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the subject and technical scope of the present invention.

[0033]

In accordance with the present invention, a low profile fuel tank with a suitably extended fuel delivery module that is normally mounted horizontally within the fuel tank, independent of the flange covering the single fuel tank access hole. I was able to provide the assembly. This increases the freedom of design around the fuel tank of the vehicle, simplifies the installation of the fuel tank, simplifies the maintenance procedure of the fuel system, reduces the size of the flange, and improves the sealing performance of the flange. , The surface area of the flange was released to allow the fuel tank to be equipped with additional parts, and the permeation of fuel could be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel delivery module and tank assembly of the present invention, with a section of a fuel tank cut away to show the interior.

2 is a perspective view of the fuel delivery module, mounting bracket and flange of the assembly of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel delivery module and mounting bracket taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a front end perspective view of a fuel delivery module and a bracket.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket.

FIG. 6 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of the fuel delivery module and bracket taken along line 6-6 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fuel delivery module and a bracket with a portion of the fuel filter cut away to show the interior.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel delivery module and bracket taken along line 8-8 of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the fuel delivery module, bracket and tank assembly,
FIG. 9 is a view showing the inside by cutting a part of the fuel tank into a cross section, and a view including a cross-sectional view of the fuel delivery module and the bracket taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the bracket, showing the bracket in the open position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a fuel delivery module installed within a bracket, showing the bracket in the open position.

[Explanation of symbols]

10,10 'fuel tank assembly 12,12 'fuel tank 14 Access hole 16,16 'fuel delivery module 20,20 'bracket 22 Bottom wall 23,23 'inner surface 24 flange 26 Clasp 30,30 'base plate 32 Rear part 34 front part 36 Guideway 38 Connection rail 40 stop tabs 42 Lock tab 44 snap clip 47 Crossbar 52,52 'can 56 Space Server 62 Cantilevered arm 64 lips 70 Fuel Supply Pressure Control Assembly 72 motor 75,75 'fuel filter 89 trays 92,94 Side frame 96 front stop tab 98 Rear stop tab 104,106 Elastic strap 136 front shelf

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Antonio J. Da Silva             United States Connecticut 06457,             Middletown, Tavern Circle             161 (72) Inventor Daniel A. Gilmour             United States Connecticut 06117,             West Hartford, West Mont             To 87 (72) Inventor Wayne A. Ray             United States Connecticut 06457,             Middletown, Inverness Lane             Two

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A fuel tank having an inner surface defining a fuel chamber, a bracket permanently attached to the inner surface, a support structure engaging the bracket, a fuel pump, and operating the fuel pump. A fuel delivery module having an electric motor, wherein the fuel pump and the electric motor are housed and supported by the support structure, the fuel delivery module is attached to the bracket in the fuel chamber, and the electric motor is A fuel tank assembly having an axis of rotation arranged substantially horizontally. 2. The base plate of the bracket disposed between the inner surface of the fuel tank and the fuel delivery module, and a weld for attaching the base plate to the inner surface. The fuel tank assembly described. 3. A tray of the bracket having two longitudinal side frames that project outward from the base plate and the inner surface of the fuel tank, the tray of the bracket further comprising: The fuel tank assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fuel tank assembly is disposed between two side frames. 4. A front end tab extending outwardly from a front end of the base plate away from the inner surface of the fuel tank and extending between the two side frames,
4. The fuel tank assembly of claim 3, wherein the fuel delivery module is located behind the front end tab and has forward movement restricted by the front end tab. 5. A rear end tab extending outwardly from the rear end of the base plate away from the inner surface of the fuel tank and extending between the two side frames,
The fuel tank assembly according to claim 4, wherein the fuel delivery module is disposed in front of the rear end tab and is restricted from moving rearward by the rear end tab. 6. A gap provided between the fuel delivery module and the front end tab, a gap provided between the fuel delivery module and the rear end tab, the fuel delivery module and the two side surfaces. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a gap provided between each one of the frames. 7. A tray of the bracket having the fuel delivery module disposed therein, a weld disposed on the inner surface of a fuel tank to secure the tray to the inner surface, and a tray associated with the tray. Further comprising an elastic strap of the bracket having mating first and second ends,
The fuel tank assembly according to claim 1, wherein the strap elastically contacts a fuel delivery module disposed between the strap and the tray. 8. A first end engaging the first side frame of the tray and a second opposite end engaging the second side frame of the tray.
The fuel tank assembly of claim 3, further comprising an elastic strap of the bracket having an end, the strap elastically contacting a fuel delivery module disposed between the strap and the tray. . 9. The fuel delivery module comprises an outwardly facing outer surface having a shelf lying in a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the base plate, the elastic strap being resilient to the shelf. 9. The fuel tank assembly of claim 8, wherein the fuel tank assembly is in contact with, thereby limiting longitudinal movement of the fuel delivery module of the tray. 10. The fuel delivery module further comprises a tip portion of the outer surface and a central portion of the outer surface disposed rearward of the tip portion, the central portion compared to the tip portion. Protruding further away from the tray, the shelf is defined between the central portion and the tip portion, the strap elastically contacting the tip portion, thereby causing forward axial movement of the fuel delivery module. 10. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 9, wherein: 11. The outer surface has an axial rear end portion disposed axially rearward of the central portion, the central portion being farther from the tray when compared to the rear end portion. Protruding, the bracket has an elastic rear strap and an elastic front strap, the elastic front strap being the elastic strap, the elastic rear strap being in elastic contact with the rear end portion, whereby the fuel delivery 11. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 10, wherein rearward movement of the module is restricted. 12. The bracket has an elastic center strap that is longer than the front strap and the rear strap, the elastic center strap elastically contacting a central portion of the outer surface of the fuel delivery module. The fuel tank assembly of claim 11, wherein movement of the fuel tank is restricted relative to the bracket. 13. The fuel tank assembly of claim 7, wherein the inner surface of the fuel tank and the tray are made of high density polyethylene. 14. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 13, wherein the tray is reinforced with glass fiber. 15. The fuel tank assembly of claim 14, wherein the strap is integral with the tray and is made of glass fiber reinforced high density polyethylene. 16. The fuel tank assembly of claim 13, wherein the strap is made of nylon. 17. The fuel tank assembly of claim 2, wherein the support structure is a can, the can defining a fuel reservoir and a fuel pump disposed within the can. 18. The fuel tank assembly of claim 2, wherein the fuel delivery module comprises a fuel supply pressure control assembly supported by the support structure. 19. Further comprising two opposing clasps of the bracket projecting from the base plate into the fuel chamber, the support structure of the fuel delivery module being engaged between the two opposing clasps. 18. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 17, wherein: 20. The clasp has a wall and a crossbar,
The wall extends between the base plate and the crossbar, the wall projects into the fuel chamber, and the crossbar projects outward from the wall at a distance from the base plate; The support structure has opposing longitudinal sides and spacer bars, the spacer bars projecting outwardly from each of the longitudinal sides to engage the crossbar of each of the brackets,
20. The fuel tank assembly of claim 19, wherein this limits movement of the fuel tank of the fuel delivery module relative to the bracket away from the inner surface. 21. The support structure has a snap clip and the bracket has a locking tab, the snap clip being locked to the locking tab, whereby rearward movement of the fuel delivery module relative to the bracket. 21 is limited.
The fuel tank assembly described. 22. The snap clip has a base, a cantilevered arm and a lip, the base comprising:
Engaging between one of the longitudinal sides of the support structure and the cantilevered arm, the cantilevered arm being arranged parallel to the lateral side and extending longitudinally along the lateral side; The lip engages an end of the cantilevered arm and projects laterally with respect to a side surface of the support structure, the locking tab has a forward facing contact surface, and the lip has 22. The fuel tank assembly of claim 21, wherein contacting the contact surface limits rearward movement of the fuel delivery module. 23. The locking tab projects into the fuel chamber away from the inner surface of the fuel tank and the crossbar of the clasp, and the cantilevered arm extends from the base of the snap clip to the support structure. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 22, wherein the fuel tank assembly projects forward along a side surface. 24. The lip projects outwardly laterally to an adjacent side surface and the cantilevered arm is located between the adjacent side surface and the locking tab of the clasp. 24. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 23. 25. The clasp has a guideway defining a channel, the guideway of the clasp having an extended rail disposed parallel to the base plate and projecting toward the base plate. The channel is defined between the wall and the rail, and the support structure of the fuel delivery module has a slot and an extended connecting rail laterally projecting from the spacer bar. Is defined between the connecting rail and a side surface of the support structure, the extended rail of the clasp is located in the slot, and the connecting rail of the support structure is located in the channel. 22. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 21, wherein: 26. The base plate of the bracket has a forward end extending between two opposite ends, the bracket having a stop tab, the stop tab extending from the base plate to the fuel chamber. 26. The fuel tank assembly of claim 25, wherein the fuel tank assembly projects toward and contacts the support structure of the fuel delivery module, thereby further preventing forward movement of the fuel delivery module. 27. The fuel tank has an upper side surface and a flange, the upper side surface defining an access hole through which the fuel delivery module is inserted into the fuel tank, the flange being the upper portion. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the fuel delivery module includes a wire harness and a fuel supply tube that extends through the flange to engage a side surface to seal the access hole. 28. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the fuel tank is made of blow molded plastic and the bracket is made of injection plastic. 29. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the maximum height of the fuel tank is less than the longitudinal length of the fuel delivery module. 30. Blow molding a plastic fuel tank; inserting a bracket into the fuel tank through an access hole in the tank; welding the bracket to the fuel tank; Inserting into the fuel tank through an access hole in the tank and snap locking the fuel delivery module to the bracket to position the longitudinal axis of the fuel delivery module substantially horizontally. A method for manufacturing a featured fuel tank assembly.