JP2011236752A - Pump module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pump module capable of reducing the number of power supply lines to be connected.SOLUTION: A fuel pump module 100 which is mounted in a fuel tank 90 for storing fuel and discharges liquid to the outside of the fuel tank 90 together with the detection of a liquid surface level of fuel by receiving electric power through a power supply line 25a comprises a fuel pump 30 for discharging fuel by receiving the supply of electric power, a pump controller 50 for controlling the supply of electric power to the fuel pump 30 and a fuel sender 40 for detecting the liquid surface level by receiving the supply of electric power. The pump controller 50 is connected with the fuel sender 40 and provided with a control circuit 51 for distributing electric power to the fuel sender 40. Electric power is supplied to the fuel sender 40 from the control circuit 51, thus eliminating the need for power supply lines for connecting the fuel sender 40 and a combination meter 81.

Description

  The present invention relates to a pump module that is installed in a container that stores liquid and that discharges liquid to the outside of the container together with detection of the liquid level by receiving electric power via a power line.

  Conventionally, a fuel pump module or a fuel pump unit including a fuel pump device that discharges fuel to the outside of a fuel tank and a liquid level detection device that detects a liquid level of fuel stored in the fuel pump is known ( For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). As described above, the fuel pump device and the liquid level detection device are integrally configured to reduce the number of components.

  The fuel pump device provided in such a fuel pump module is generally connected to a pump control device outside the module via a plurality of wires connected to the module. The fuel pump device is supplied with electric power from the pump control device via a power supply line which is one of these wirings. By supplying power via the power line, the fuel pump device discharges fuel to the internal combustion engine outside the fuel tank.

  On the other hand, the liquid level detection device provided in the fuel pump module is generally provided with a Hall element as disclosed in Patent Document 3. Such a liquid level detecting device is connected to a device outside the module (for example, a vehicle combination meter) via a plurality of wires connected to the fuel pump module. The liquid level detection device is supplied with electric power from a device such as a combination meter via a power supply line which is one of these wirings. By supplying power via the power line, the liquid level detection device detects the liquid level of the fuel. A signal representing the detection result of the liquid level is transmitted to a device such as a combination meter via a signal line which is one of these wirings.

JP 2002-106439 A JP 2007-224840 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-10047

  In the fuel pump module disclosed in Patent Document 2, power is not distributed to the fuel pump device and the liquid level detection device in the module. Therefore, the fuel pump device and the liquid level detection device are configured to receive power supply from different devices such as a pump control device and a combination meter. Therefore, the pump module needs to be connected with both a power line for supplying power only to the fuel pump device and a power line for supplying power only to the liquid level detection device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pump module that can reduce the number of connected power supply lines.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the liquid is installed in a container for storing the liquid, and the liquid is discharged to the outside of the container by receiving power through the power line. In the pump module that is performed together with the detection of the pump, by receiving power supply, a pump device that discharges liquid to the outside of the container, a pump control device that controls power supply to the pump device, and by receiving power supply A liquid level detection device for detecting a liquid level, and the pump control device is connected to the liquid level detection device and has a distribution circuit for distributing the power received via the power line to the liquid level detection device. It is characterized by.

  According to this invention, the pump control device that receives electric power from the outside of the pump module and controls the supply of electric power to the pump device distributes the electric power supplied from the outside to the liquid level detection device. By receiving the supply of electric power distributed by the pump control device, the liquid level detection device detects the liquid level of the liquid.

  Thus, by providing the pump control device, it is possible to distribute power in the pump module. And by connecting to the distribution circuit of the pump control apparatus which distributes electric power, a liquid level detection apparatus can receive supply of electric power. As described above, a power supply line connected to the pump module and only for supplying power to the liquid level detection device is not necessary. Therefore, the number of power lines connected to the pump module can be reduced.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the pump control device includes a liquid level detection power supply circuit that transforms the electric power distributed by the distribution circuit and generates electric power to be supplied to the liquid level detection device.

  In general, the voltage of power consumed by the pump device for discharging liquid is different from the voltage of power required for the liquid level detection device to detect the liquid level. Therefore, as in the present invention, by having a liquid level detection power supply circuit that transforms the electric power distributed by the distribution circuit, the pump control device supplies power of a voltage suitable for detecting the liquid level to the liquid level detection device. it can. Therefore, even if the pump module is not connected to a power supply line only for supplying power to the liquid level detection device, the liquid level detection device having the same configuration as that of the conventional configuration to which the power supply line is connected is used. Thus, it is possible to perform detection while maintaining the same accuracy as in the past.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the pump control device includes a pump power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the pump device from the power distributed by the distribution circuit.

  In the present invention, a part of the electric power received through the power line is distributed to the liquid level detection device. However, the electric power required by the pump device can be generated by the pump power supply circuit and stably supplied to the pump device. Therefore, even if a part of the electric power supplied from the outside of the pump module is distributed to the liquid level detection device, stable operation of the pump device is ensured.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the pump control device is connected to a power supply line and connected to a control ground line grounded to the outside of the pump module, and the liquid level detection device is connected to the pump control device and connected to the power supply line. And a detection ground terminal connected to the pump control device and grounded to the outside through a control ground line.

  According to this invention, the detection power supply terminal and the detection ground terminal of the liquid level detection device are both connected to the pump control device. The power received from the outside of the pump module via the power line is distributed to the detection power terminal. On the other hand, the detection ground terminal is grounded to the outside of the pump module via a control ground line. In the above configuration, both the power supply line for supplying power only to the liquid level detection device and the ground line for grounding the liquid level detection device are not required. Therefore, both the power supply line and the ground line that are connected to the pump module and connect the liquid level detection device to the outside of the pump module can be reduced.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the liquid level detection device has an output terminal for outputting a signal representing the detection result of the liquid level, and the output terminal is a signal line for transmitting a signal to the outside of the pump module. Further, the pump control device is bypassed and connected.

  As in the present invention, a pump device that operates to discharge liquid tends to be a source of noise. Therefore, noise generated in the pump device is likely to propagate to the pump control device that supplies power to the pump device. Therefore, the output terminal for outputting a signal representing the detection result of the liquid level should be connected to the signal line for transmitting the signal representing the detection result outside the pump module, bypassing the pump control device. . As a result, the signal transmitted through the signal line is not easily affected by noise propagated in the pump control device. Therefore, the signal representing the detection result output from the output terminal is transmitted to the outside of the pump module in a correct answer. Therefore, even in a pump module that is not connected to a power supply line only for supplying power to the liquid level detection device, high detection accuracy of the liquid level detection device can be maintained.

  In the invention described in claim 6, the pump device is connected to the pump control device and supplied with power received via the power supply line, and the pump ground line and pump control grounded outside the pump module. It has a pump grounding terminal that is grounded to the outside by being bypassed and connected to the apparatus.

  As described above, as described above, the pump device that operates to discharge the liquid is likely to be a source of noise. Therefore, by connecting the pump ground terminal of the pump device to the pump ground wire grounded outside the pump module, noise generated in the pump device can fall to the outside via the pump ground wire. Thereby, the propagation of noise to the pump control device via the connection between the pump power supply terminal and the pump control device can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the noise generated in the pump device from leaking to the liquid level detection device via the pump control device. Therefore, the liquid level detection device can maintain high detection accuracy even in a pump module that is not connected to a power supply line only for supplying power to the liquid level detection device.

  In the invention according to claim 7, in the pump module installed in the container for storing the liquid and performing discharge of the liquid to the outside of the container together with detection of the liquid level by receiving electric power through the power line, A pump device that has a rotor that rotates by receiving electric power, discharges liquid by the rotation of the rotor, a power generation device that generates power by the rotation of the rotor, and the power generation device, and is generated in the power generation device And a liquid level detecting device that detects the liquid level by receiving the supplied electric power.

  According to the present invention, the power generation device that generates electric power by rotating the rotor supplies the generated electric power to the liquid level detection device. By receiving the supply of electric power generated by the power generation device, the liquid level detection device detects the liquid level of the liquid.

  Thus, when the pump device has a rotor that rotates by receiving electric power through the power supply line connected to the pump module, the pump module includes the power generation device to generate electric power from the rotation of the rotor. be able to. The liquid level detection device can be supplied with power by being connected to a power generation device that generates power. As described above, a power supply line connected to the pump module and only for supplying power to the liquid level detection device is not necessary. Therefore, the number of power lines connected to the pump module can be reduced.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the power generator detects the liquid level by rectifying the electromotive force induced in the coil portion, the coil portion in which the electromotive force is induced based on the vibration of the magnetic field generated by the rotating rotor, And a rectifier circuit that generates DC power to be supplied to the device.

  When the rotor rotates as in the present invention, magnetic field vibration is generated in the vicinity of the rotor. By placing the coil portion in the vibrating magnetic field, an electromotive force based on the vibration of the magnetic field is induced in the coil portion. The electromotive force induced based on the vibration of the magnetic field is AC power. The rectifier circuit can rectify AC power from the coil section into DC power and supply it to the liquid level detection device. Therefore, the power generator can reliably generate power by the rotation of the rotor by including the coil unit and the rectifier circuit.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fuel pump module by 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of a fuel sender. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the electric constitution of the fuel pump module by 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fuel pump module by 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the electric constitution of the fuel pump module by 2nd embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol to the corresponding component in each embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the fuel pump module 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fuel pump module 100 is installed in a fuel tank 90 that is mounted on a vehicle and stores fuel, and is connected to a plurality of wires 24a. The fuel pump module 100 receives power through a power line 25a, which is one of the plurality of wirings 24a, to detect the discharge of fuel to the internal combustion engine outside the fuel tank 90 and to detect the fuel level. Do with. Hereinafter, the configuration of the fuel pump module 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel pump module 100 includes a sub tank 21, a lid body 23, a fuel pump 30, a fuel sender 40, and a pump controller 50.

  The sub tank 21 is a container formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape by a resin material or the like. The sub tank 21 is configured to store fuel around the fuel pump 30 even when horizontal acceleration acts on the vehicle. The sub tank 21 is pressed downward with respect to the lid body 23 by a spring (not shown), and is fixed to the bottom 90 a of the fuel tank 90.

  The lid body 23 is a lid body that is formed in a disc shape by a resin material or the like and closes the opening 90 c provided in the ceiling portion 90 b of the fuel tank 90. The opening 90 c is an opening for inserting the fuel pump module 100 into the fuel tank 90. The lid body 23 is provided with a flange that protrudes in an annular shape outward in the radial direction, and the flange is in close contact with the periphery of the opening 90 c in a liquid-tight manner from the outside of the fuel tank 90. A connector 24 is formed outside the lid body 23. A plurality of wirings 24 a are connected to the connector 24. In the first embodiment, the connector 24 has five covered conductors as a wiring 24a, in addition to the power supply line 25a described above, a control ground line 26a, a pump ground line 26b, an output signal line 27a, and a control signal line 28a. Is connected.

  The fuel pump 30 has a cylindrical shape as a whole, and is accommodated in the sub tank 21 and pumps up the fuel stored in the sub tank 21. The fuel pump 30 is provided with a pump power supply terminal 35, a pump ground terminal 36, an electric motor, and an impeller (not shown).

  The pump power supply terminal 35 and the pump grounding terminal 36 are connected to a pump power supply line 35a and a pump grounding line 36b, which are covered conductors. The pump power supply line 35a is connected to the pump controller 50 (see FIG. 3). Electric power received via the power line 25a is supplied to the pump power line 35a. The pump ground line 36b bypasses the pump controller 50 and is connected to the pump ground line 26b (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, the pump ground terminal 36 is grounded to the outside of the fuel pump module 100 via the pump ground lines 26b and 36b.

  In addition, the pump power supply terminal 35 and the pump ground terminal 36 are electrically connected to the electric motor. The electric motor is driven by electric power supplied to the pump power supply terminal 35, and pumps up fuel by rotating an impeller fixed to the output shaft. The fuel pump 30 discharges the pumped fuel toward the internal combustion engine outside the fuel tank 90.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel sender 40 is a detection device that detects a liquid level by receiving power. The fuel sender 40 includes a float 43, a magnet holder 44, a housing 41, and the like, and is fixed to the outer surface portion of the peripheral wall of the sub tank 21.

  The float 43 is made of a material having a small specific gravity, such as foamed ebonite. The float 43 can float on the liquid level 91a of the fuel by being molded from a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of the fuel. The float 43 is supported on the magnet holder 44 by a float arm 43a made of a metal material such as stainless steel.

  The magnet holder 44 is formed into a cylindrical shape with, for example, polyacetal (POM) resin, which has good oil and solvent resistance and excellent mechanical properties. The magnet holder 44 holds the float arm 43a. The magnet holder 44 is rotatably supported on the housing 41 by a bearing portion formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof. Inside the magnet holder 44, a magnet 44a is provided.

  The magnet 44a is a cylindrical member exhibiting ferromagnetism, and is embedded in the magnet holder 44 by insert molding. The magnet 44 a is arranged so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the magnet holder 44, and rotates integrally with the magnet holder 44. As the magnet 44a, for example, a permanent magnet such as a ferrite magnet, a rare earth magnet, an alnico magnet, or a bonded magnet is used.

  The housing 41 is made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin or the like that is not affected by an organic solvent such as fuel and does not decrease in strength even at high temperatures. The housing 41 is attached to the outer surface portion of the peripheral wall of the sub tank 21, and fixes the fuel sender 40 to the sub tank 21. The housing 41 has a cylindrical shaft portion, and rotatably supports a magnet holder 44 that is externally fitted to the shaft portion. A magnetoelectric conversion element 42 is embedded in the shaft portion of the housing 41.

  The magnetoelectric conversion element 42 is a detection element for detecting the rotation angle of the magnet holder 44. The magnetoelectric conversion element 42 is embedded in the shaft portion of the housing 41 so as to be positioned on the inner peripheral side of the magnet 44 a disposed in the magnet holder 44. The magnetoelectric conversion element 42 has three input / output units, that is, an input unit, a ground unit, and an output unit. The magnetoelectric conversion element 42 is a Hall element, and is proportional to the density of magnetic flux passing through the magnetoelectric conversion element 42 by receiving an action of a magnetic field from the outside in a state where a voltage is applied between the input unit and the grounding unit. The output voltage is output from the output unit as a detection result.

  These three input / output sections are connected to terminals embedded in the housing 41, each made of a highly conductive phosphor bronze plate or brass plate. A voltage is applied between the input unit and the grounding unit through these three terminals, and a voltage as a detection result is output to the outside of the fuel sender 40. These three terminals form a sender power terminal 45, a sender ground terminal 46, and an output terminal 47.

  The sender power supply terminal 45 is formed by a terminal connected to the input part of the magnetoelectric conversion element 42. The sender power supply terminal 45 is connected to the pump controller 50 via the sender power supply line 45a, and the power distributed by the receiving pump controller 50 is supplied via the power supply line 25a.

  The sender ground terminal 46 is formed by a terminal connected to the ground portion of the magnetoelectric conversion element 42. The sender ground terminal 46 is connected to the pump controller 50 via a sender ground line 46a. Thus, the sender ground terminal 46 is grounded to the outside of the fuel pump module 100 via the sender ground line 46a and the control ground line 26a.

  The output terminal 47 is formed by a terminal connected to the output portion of the magnetoelectric conversion element 42 that outputs a signal representing the detection result of the liquid level. The output terminal 47 is connected to an output signal line 27a connected to a combination meter 81 (see FIG. 3) described later via the output signal line 47a. The output signal line 47 a bypasses the pump controller 50 and connects the output signal line 27 a and the output terminal 47.

  With the above-described configuration, the reciprocating motion of the float 43 that moves up and down following the fuel level 91 a by the float arm 43 a supported by the magnet holder 44 is converted into a rotational motion and is transmitted from the float arm 43 a and the magnet holder 44. Is transmitted to the integral element. Therefore, the magnet holder 44 follows the fuel level 91 a stored in the fuel tank 90 and rotates relative to the housing 41. The relative rotation of the magnet holder 44 changes the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field acting on the magnetoelectric conversion element 42. Then, the voltage output from the output part of the magnetoelectric conversion element 42 changes. As described above, the rotation angle of the magnet holder 44 and the detection of the liquid level can be realized.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pump controller 50 is a device that controls the supply of electric power to the fuel pump 30, and supplies the electric power received via the power line 25 a to the fuel pump 30 and the fuel sender 40. The pump controller 50 is embedded in the lid 23 and is connected to the power line 25a, the control ground line 26a, and the control signal line 28a among the five wires 24a connected to the fuel pump module 100. . The pump controller 50 is connected to a sender power line 45 a and a sender ground line 46 a connected to the fuel sender 40 and a pump power line 35 a connected to the fuel pump 30.

  Next, the electrical connection between the device mounted on the vehicle and the fuel pump module 100 and the detailed configuration of the pump controller 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The fuel pump module 100 is connected to a combination meter 81, an engine control device 83, and a battery 85.

  The combination meter 81 is a display device installed in the driver's visual recognition direction in the vehicle interior. The combination meter 81 displays various information regarding the vehicle toward the driver. One piece of information displayed on the combination meter 81 indicates the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank 90 (see FIG. 1). The combination meter 81 is connected to the output terminal 47 of the fuel sender 40 via the output signal lines 27a and 47a, and acquires a signal (voltage) representing the detection result transmitted from the output terminal 47. The combination meter 81 calculates the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank 90 based on the potential difference between the control ground line 26a and the output signal line 27a. Then, the combination meter 81 forms a display corresponding to the calculated remaining amount and displays it for the driver.

  The engine control device 83 is a calculation device that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and is a device that performs various calculation processes and commands related to the internal combustion engine by executing a program. The engine control device 83 is connected to the pump controller 50 by a control signal line 28a. When the driver obtains information that the vehicle is turned on by the driver, the engine control device 83 issues a command to the pump controller 50 via the control signal line 28a to start supplying power to the fuel pump 30.

  The battery 85 is a storage battery in which electric power is stored, and is connected to the pump controller 50 through the power line 25a. The fuel pump module 100 receives from the battery 85 the electric power required for detecting the liquid level of the fuel sender 40 and the electric power consumed by pumping up the fuel from the fuel pump 30.

  Next, the configuration of the pump controller 50 will be described in detail. The pump controller 50 includes a control circuit 51, a sender power circuit 53, and a pump power circuit 55.

  The control circuit 51 is connected to the sender power circuit 53 and the pump power circuit 55. The control circuit 51 is connected to the power line 25a, the control ground line 26a, and the control signal line 28a among the five wirings 24a connected to the pump controller 50. When the control circuit 51 receives a command from the engine control device 83 via the control signal line 28a, the control circuit 51 distributes the power of the battery 85 received via the power supply line 25a to the sender power supply circuit 53 and the pump power supply circuit 55. .

  The sender power supply circuit 53 is connected to the sender power supply line 45a and the sender ground line 46a. The sender power supply circuit 53 transforms the electric power distributed by the control circuit 51 and generates electric power in a state suitable for supply to the fuel sender 40. Specifically, the sender power supply circuit 53 steps down the voltage, which is about 12 volts when distributed from the control circuit 51, to about 5 volts. The sender power supply circuit 53 supplies the transformed power to the fuel sender 40.

  The pump power supply circuit 55 is connected to the pump power supply line 35a. The pump power supply circuit 55 generates power to be supplied to the fuel pump 30 from the power distributed by the control circuit 51. Specifically, the pump power supply circuit 55 stabilizes the voltage of the distributed power. Accordingly, the pump power supply circuit 55 stably supplies the power consumed for discharging the fuel to the fuel pump 30.

  According to the above configuration, a command is issued from the engine control device 83 to the control circuit 51 when the vehicle is turned on by the driver (for example, an accessory power source). Based on this command, the control circuit 51 distributes the electric power supplied from the battery 85 to the sender power circuit 53 connected to the fuel sender 40 and the pump power circuit 55 connected to the fuel pump 30. The fuel sender 40 starts to detect the fuel level by receiving power from the sender power supply circuit 53. Then, a signal indicating the detection result of the liquid level is transmitted through the output signal line 47a and the output signal line 27a in order, and reaches the combination meter 81. The combination meter 81 calculates the remaining amount of fuel based on the detection result and displays it for the driver. On the other hand, the fuel pump 30 starts discharging fuel when power is supplied from the pump power supply circuit 55.

  According to the first embodiment described so far, it is possible to distribute power in the fuel pump module 100 by including the pump controller 50. The fuel sender 40 is supplied with electric power by being connected to the pump controller 50 that distributes electric power. As described above, the power supply line connected to the fuel pump module 100 and only for supplying power to the fuel sender 40 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the number of power lines connected to the fuel pump module 100 can be reduced.

  In addition, in the first embodiment, the voltage of electric power consumed by the fuel pump 30 to discharge fuel is different from the voltage of electric power required for the fuel sender 40 to detect the liquid level. Therefore, as in the present invention, the pump controller 50 can supply power to the fuel sender 40 with voltage suitable for detecting the liquid level by providing the sender power circuit 53 that transforms the power distributed by the control circuit 51. . Therefore, even if the fuel pump module 100 has a configuration in which a power supply line only for supplying power to the fuel sender 40 is not connected, the fuel sender 40 having the same configuration as the conventional configuration to which the power supply line is connected is used. Thus, it is possible to perform detection while maintaining the same accuracy as in the past.

  In the first embodiment, part of the electric power received via the power line 25 a is distributed to the fuel sender 40. However, the electric power required by the fuel pump 30 can be generated by the pump power supply circuit 55 and stably supplied to the fuel pump 30. Therefore, even if a part of the electric power supplied from the outside of the fuel pump module 100 is distributed to the fuel sender 40, stable operation of the fuel pump 30 is ensured.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the sender ground terminal 46 is grounded outside the fuel pump module 100 via the control ground line 26a. Therefore, in the first embodiment, in addition to the power supply line only for supplying power to the fuel sender 40, a ground line only for grounding the fuel sender 40 is not required. Therefore, both the power line and the ground line that are connected to the fuel pump module 100 and connect the fuel sender 40 to the outside of the fuel pump module 100 can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the fuel pump 30 that operates to discharge the fuel tends to be a noise generation source. Therefore, noise generated in the fuel pump 30 easily propagates to the pump controller 50 that supplies power to the fuel pump 30 via the pump power supply line 35a. Therefore, the output terminal 47 that outputs a signal representing the detection result of the liquid level is preferably connected to the output signal line 27a connected to the combination meter 81, bypassing the pump controller 50. As a result, the signal transmitted through the output signal line 27 a is less susceptible to the noise propagated in the pump controller 50. Therefore, the signal representing the detection result output from the output terminal 47 is transmitted to the combination meter 81 with a correct answer. Therefore, even if the fuel pump module 100 is configured such that the power supply line only for supplying power to the fuel sender 40 is not connected, high detection accuracy of the fuel sender 40 can be maintained.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the pump ground terminal 36 is connected to the pump ground line 26b grounded to the outside of the fuel pump module 100 by using the pump ground line 36b. Noise can fall to the outside via the pump ground lines 26b and 36b. Thereby, the propagation of noise to the pump controller 50 via the connection between the pump power supply terminal 35 and the pump controller 50 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the noise generated in the fuel pump 30 from leaking to the fuel sender 40 via the pump controller 50. Therefore, the fuel sender 40 can maintain high detection accuracy even in the fuel pump module 100 having a configuration in which a power supply line only for supplying power to the fuel sender 40 is not connected.

  In the first embodiment, the fuel is “liquid” described in the claims, the fuel tank 90 is “container” described in the claims, and the output signal line 27 a is “signal line” described in the claims. The fuel pump 30 is connected to the “pump device” described in the claims, the fuel sender 40 is connected to the “liquid level detection device” described in the claims, and the sender power supply terminal 45 is connected to the “detection power supply terminal” described in the claims. The ground terminal 46 is in the “detection ground terminal” described in the claims, the pump controller 50 is in the “pump control device” in the claims, the control circuit 51 is in the “distribution circuit” in the claims, and the sender power supply circuit 53 corresponds to the “liquid level detection power supply circuit” recited in the claims, and the fuel pump module 100 corresponds to the “pump module” recited in the claims.

(Second embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a modification of the first embodiment. In the fuel pump module 200, a configuration corresponding to the pump controller 50 embedded in the lid body 23 in the first embodiment is provided outside the module 200. The fuel pump module 200 further includes a power generator 260. Hereinafter, the configuration of the second embodiment will be described in detail.

  The lid 223 has a connector 224 for connecting the four wires 224 a to the fuel pump module 200. The wiring 224a connected by the connector 224 includes a power supply line 25a, a control ground line 26a, a pump ground line 26b, a power supply line 225a corresponding to the output signal line 27a, a pump ground line 226b, and a detection ground line. 226a and an output signal line 227a.

  In the second embodiment, the power line 225a is connected to a pump controller 250 provided outside the fuel pump module 200. The power supply line 225a is connected to the pump power supply terminal 35 of the fuel pump 30 via the pump power supply line 35a. Thus, the pump power supply terminal 35 receives supply of power consumed by the fuel pump 30 from the battery 85 via the power supply line 225 a, the pump power supply line 35 a, and the pump controller 250.

  The pump ground line 226 b is grounded to the outside of the fuel pump module 200. The pump ground line 226b is connected to the pump ground terminal 36 via the pump ground line 36b. As a result, the pump ground terminal 36 is grounded by the pump ground lines 226b and 36b.

  Here, the configuration of the fuel pump 30 will be described in more detail. The electric motor of the fuel pump 30 has a rotor 231. The rotor 231 is integral with the output shaft of the electric motor, and is rotated by electric power supplied to the pump power supply terminal 35. When the rotor 231 is driven by electric power, the impeller fixed to the output shaft rotates. The fuel is pumped up by the rotation of the impeller. Further, the rotor 231 vibrates a nearby magnetic field by rotating.

  The detection ground line 226a and the output signal line 227a are connected to the combination meter 81. The detection ground line 226a is connected to the sender ground terminal 46 via the sender ground line 46a. On the other hand, the output signal line 227a is connected to the output terminal 47 through the output signal line 47a. Thus, the combination meter 81 is connected to the output terminal 47 of the fuel sender 40 via the output signal lines 227a and 47a, and acquires a signal (voltage) representing the detection result transmitted from the output terminal 47. The combination meter 81 calculates the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank 90 based on the potential difference between the detection ground line 226a and the output signal line 227a.

  The power generation device 260 includes a coil unit 261 and a rectifier circuit 263. The coil portion 261 is a passive element around which an electric wire is wound, and is fixed to the fuel pump 30 so as to be positioned in a magnetic field that is vibrated by the rotor 231. An electromotive force is induced in the coil portion 261 fixed to the fuel pump 30 based on the vibration of the magnetic field generated by the rotor 231 of the rotating electric motor. The rectifier circuit 263 is a power conversion circuit that converts AC power into DC power. The rectifier circuit 263 is connected to the coil unit 261 and rectifies an electromotive force that is AC power induced in the coil unit 261. The rectifier circuit 263 is connected to the sender power supply terminal 45 of the fuel sender 40 by a sender power supply line 245a, and supplies the generated DC power to the fuel sender 40. As a result, the fuel sender 40 can receive the power supply required for detecting the fuel level at the sender power terminal 45.

  In the second embodiment described so far, the power generation device 260 that generates electric power by the rotation of the rotor 231 supplies the generated electric power to the fuel sender 40. By receiving the supply of electric power generated by the power generator 260, the fuel sender 40 can detect the fuel level and output a signal representing the detection result to the combination meter 81.

  Thus, in the form in which the fuel pump 30 has the rotor 231, the fuel pump module 200 can further generate the electric power from the rotation of the rotor 231 by further including the power generation device 260. Then, by being connected to the power generation device 260 that generates electric power, the fuel sender 40 is supplied with electric power. As described above, a power supply line connected to the fuel pump module 200 and only for supplying power to the fuel sender 40 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the number of power lines connected to the fuel pump module 200 can be reduced.

  In addition, in the second embodiment, when the rotor 231 rotates, vibration of a magnetic field is generated in the vicinity of the rotor 231. By placing the coil part 261 in a vibrating magnetic field, an electromotive force based on the vibration of the magnetic field is induced in the coil part 261. The electromotive force induced based on the vibration of the magnetic field is AC power. The rectifier circuit 263 can rectify AC power from the coil unit 261 into DC power and supply the DC power to the fuel sender 40. Therefore, the power generation device 260 can reliably generate power by the rotation of the rotor 231 by including the coil unit 261 and the rectifier circuit 263.

  In the second embodiment, the output signal line 227a corresponds to the “signal line” recited in the claims, and the fuel pump module 200 corresponds to the “pump module” recited in the claims.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although several embodiment by this invention was described, this invention is limited to the said embodiment and is not interpreted and can be applied to various embodiment in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

  In the first embodiment, the control ground line 26a for grounding the fuel sender 40 and the control circuit 51 and the pump ground line 26b for grounding the fuel pump 30 are provided separately. However, if it is clear that noise generated in the fuel pump 30 does not interfere with detection by the fuel sender 40, the control ground line 26a and the pump ground line 26b may be combined into one wiring. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the pump ground line 226b and the detection ground line 226a for grounding the fuel sender 40 may be combined into one wiring. In such a form in which the wiring related to grounding is further integrated, the number of wirings connected to the fuel pump module is further reduced.

  In the first embodiment, the control ground line 26a grounds the fuel sender 40 and the control circuit 51. However, the fuel pump module may be configured such that the wiring for grounding the fuel sender 40 and the control circuit 51 are separately connected. Even in such a configuration, the fuel sender 40 and the fuel pump 30 operate with the electric power received via the power supply line 25a, so that the wiring that becomes the power supply line can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, the power received from the battery 85 is distributed by the control circuit 51 in the pump controller 50. However, as long as power can be distributed, various circuits may be used as the “distribution circuit” recited in the claims. For example, when a fuel sender having a configuration capable of detecting using DC power supplied from the battery 85 with a DC voltage of about 12 volts is used, the sender power supply circuit 53 is omitted from the pump controller 50. May be. Even if power is distributed to the fuel sender 40, the pump power supply circuit 55 may be omitted from the pump controller 50 as long as power is stably supplied to the fuel pump 30.

  In the second embodiment, the power generation device 260 generates electric power from the vibration of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the rotor 231 generated by the rotation of the rotor 231. However, for example, the power generation apparatus may be configured such that power is extracted from a rotating shaft that rotates in conjunction with the rotor 231 and electric power is generated from the power. Alternatively, the power generation device may be configured to generate power by the flow of fuel discharged from the fuel pump 30.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the fuel sender 40 having the magnetoelectric conversion element 42 is used as the “liquid level detection device” described in the claims has been described. However, as long as the liquid level can be detected, for example, a fuel pump module using a liquid level detecting device that detects the rotation angle of the integral element of the float and the magnet holder with a variable resistor. Good. Alternatively, it may be a fuel pump module using a liquid level detection device that detects the liquid level by oscillating ultrasonic waves from the ceiling 90b side to the bottom 90a side of the fuel tank 90. .

21 Sub tank, 23, 223 Lid, 24, 224 Connector, 24a, 224a Wiring, 25a, 225a Power line, 26a Control ground line, 226a Detection ground line, 26b, 226b Pump ground line, 27a, 227a Output signal line (signal Wire), 28a control signal line, 30 fuel pump (pump device), 231 rotor, 35 pump power terminal, 35a pump power wire, 36 pump ground terminal, 36b pump ground wire, 40 fuel sender (liquid level detection device), 41 Housing, 42 Magnetoelectric Conversion Element, 43 Float, 43a Float Arm, 44 Magnet Holder, 44a Magnet, 45 Sender Power Supply Terminal (Detection Power Supply Terminal), 45a, 245a Sender Power Supply Line, 46 Sender Ground Terminal (Detection Ground Terminal), 46a Sender ground wire, 47 outputs Child, 47a output signal line, 50 pump controller (pump control device), 250 pump controller, 51 control circuit (distribution circuit), 53 sender power circuit (liquid level detection power circuit), 55 pump power circuit, 260 power generator, 261 Coil portion, 263 rectifier circuit, 81 combination meter, 83 engine control device, 85 battery, 90 fuel tank (container), 90a bottom portion, 90b ceiling portion, 90c opening portion, 91a liquid level, 100, 200 fuel pump module (pump module) )

Claims (8)

In a pump module installed in a container for storing liquid and performing discharge of the liquid to the outside of the container together with detection of the liquid level by receiving power through a power line,
A pump device for discharging the liquid to the outside of the container by receiving supply of electric power;
A pump control device for controlling the supply of power to the pump device;
A liquid level detection device for detecting the liquid level by receiving power supply, and
The pump control device includes a distribution circuit that is connected to the liquid level detection device and distributes power received through the power line to the liquid level detection device.   2. The pump module according to claim 1, wherein the pump control device includes a liquid level detection power supply circuit that transforms electric power distributed by the distribution circuit and generates electric power to be supplied to the liquid level detection device. .   The pump module according to claim 1, wherein the pump control device includes a pump power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the pump device from power distributed by the distribution circuit. The pump control device is connected to the power supply line and connected to a control ground line that is grounded to the outside of the pump module,
The liquid level detection device is connected to the pump control device and supplied with power received via the power line, and connected to the pump control device and grounded to the outside via the control ground line. The pump module according to claim 1, further comprising a detection ground terminal. The liquid level detection device has an output terminal that outputs a signal representing the detection result of the liquid level.
The said output terminal is connected to the signal wire | line for transmitting the said signal to the exterior of the said pump module, bypassing the said pump control apparatus, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Pump module.   The pump device is connected to the pump control device and is supplied with power received via the power supply line, and bypasses the pump control device and a pump ground line grounded outside the pump module. The pump module according to claim 1, further comprising a pump ground terminal that is grounded to the outside by being connected. In a pump module installed in a container for storing liquid and performing discharge of the liquid to the outside of the container together with detection of the liquid level by receiving power through a power line,
A pump device that rotates by receiving electric power, and discharges the liquid by rotation of the rotor;
A power generation device that generates electric power by rotation of the rotor;
A pump module comprising: a liquid level detection device that is connected to the power generation device and detects the liquid level by receiving supply of electric power generated in the power generation device. The power generator is
A coil portion in which an electromotive force is induced based on vibration of a magnetic field generated by the rotating rotor;
The pump module according to claim 7, further comprising: a rectifier circuit that rectifies an electromotive force induced in the coil unit and generates DC power supplied to the liquid level detection device.

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