JP2013096254A - Fuel supply unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the maintainability by easily and certainly attaching or detaching an external filter to or from a base member connected to a fuel pump in a fuel supply unit.SOLUTION: The base member 14 constituting the fuel supply unit 10 includes a suction pipe 38 and first and second delivery pipes 32 and 36 connected to first and second filter units 30 and 34. An elastically deformable hook 88 projecting radially outward is disposed on each of the outer peripheral surfaces of first and third connection pipes 84 and 98 and connection joint 78 of the first and second filter units 30 and 34. The first and third connection pipes 84 and 98 and connection joint 78 are inserted into the suction pipe 38 and first and second delivery pipes 32 and 36, respectively, and then each hook 88 is engaged with each engagement hole 46. Thus, the first and second filter units 30 and 34 are connected to the base member 14.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel supply unit for supplying fuel from a fuel tank of a vehicle to an internal combustion engine.

  Conventionally, a fuel supply unit for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel injection device in a vehicle has been used. Examples of such a fuel supply unit include a pump unit having a pump capable of sucking and discharging fuel, and a plate member for fixing the pump unit to a fuel tank. And a fuel discharge part for discharging the sucked fuel. The fuel suction portion is connected to a suction port provided on the plate member and protruding to the outside of the fuel tank, while the fuel discharge portion is connected to a discharge port provided to the plate member and protruding to the outside of the fuel tank. Yes.

  In addition, a fuel filter for removing foreign matters in the fuel is provided outside the fuel tank, and the fuel that has passed through the fuel filter is supplied to the suction port (for example, see Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 2004/072469 Pamphlet

  The fuel filter as described above is connected to the suction port and the discharge port of the plate member via the fuel hose, and the end of the suction port and the discharge port is prevented from being pulled out. For this purpose, an annular protrusion may be provided or a retaining ring may be attached. With such a configuration, the fuel filter is securely connected to the suction port and the discharge port by the fuel hose. For example, in order to prevent clogging due to foreign matters captured by the fuel filter, etc. In addition, when replacing the fuel filter, it is very troublesome to remove the fuel filter to which the fuel hose is connected, resulting in a decrease in maintainability.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and the external filter can be easily and reliably attached to and detached from the base member to which the fuel pump is connected, thereby improving maintenance. It is an object to provide a simple fuel supply unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a base member that is attached to and closes an opening of a fuel tank, a fuel pump that is held by the base member and sucks and discharges fuel, and is provided outside the fuel tank. A fuel supply unit having an external filter for removing foreign matter in the fuel,
The base member includes a connection port connected to the external filter and communicating the fuel tank and the external filter, and the connection port and the external filter are detachably connected by an elastic engagement means. Features.

  According to the present invention, the base member that closes the opening of the fuel tank is formed with the connection port connected to the external filter provided outside the fuel tank, and the connection port is formed by the elastic engagement means. The external filter is detachably connected.

  Accordingly, since the base member and the external filter can be easily and reliably connected by the elastic engagement means, it is possible to improve maintainability when the external filter is exchanged.

  In addition, since the external filter is a primary filter provided on the upstream side of the fuel pump, it is possible to easily perform maintenance work of the primary filter by removing the external filter from the base member. Become.

  Furthermore, the external filter is a secondary filter provided on the downstream side of the fuel pump, so that the maintenance work of the secondary filter can be easily performed by removing the external filter from the base member. Become.

  Furthermore, the external filter is a primary filter provided on the upstream side of the fuel pump and a secondary filter provided on the downstream side of the fuel pump, whereby the external filter is removed from the base member, Maintenance work of the primary and secondary filters can be easily performed.

  Furthermore, the connection port includes a delivery port for sending fuel from the fuel tank to the external filter, and a supply port for supplying the fuel that has passed through the external filter to the fuel tank side by a fuel pump. Good.

  In addition, the external filter includes two connection portions connected to the delivery port and the supply port, respectively, and the separation distance between one connection portion and the other connection portion is determined with the external filter removed from the base member. By maintaining the same distance as the separation distance between the delivery port and the supply port, the separation distance between the connection portions is adjusted when the connection portion of the external filter is connected to the delivery port and the supply port of the base member. Can be inserted and connected quickly. Furthermore, when attaching / detaching the external filter, the two connecting portions can be attached / detached integrally, so that the workability can be improved.

  Further, the connection port is provided with a delivery port for sending fuel from the fuel tank to the secondary filter, and a supply port provided on the downstream side of the secondary filter, and supplies a part of the fuel to the pressure regulating valve. When the secondary filter is removed from the base member, the supply port communicating with the pressure regulating valve is opened, so that the maintenance of the supply port communicating with the pressure regulating valve is easily performed. It becomes possible. Further, since the secondary filter also has a communication path that allows the fuel pump and the pressure adjustment valve to communicate with each other, the path configuration in the fuel supply unit can be simplified.

  Furthermore, by providing the secondary filter with a supply passage for supplying the fuel that has passed through the secondary filter to the fuel injection device, the base filter can be simply attached to and detached from the base member. The member and the supply passage can be removed simultaneously.

  Still further, by forming the connection part integrally with the filter holder in which the external filter is accommodated, the connection part can be attached and detached at the same time by attaching and detaching the filter holder to the base member. Maintainability can be improved.

Further, the elastic engagement means is provided on either the external filter or the connection port, and a hook that is elastically deformable in the radial direction,
In either one of the external filter and the connection port, an engagement hole provided so as to face the hook and engaged with the hook;
It is good to comprise.

Further, the elastic engagement means is provided in either the external filter or the connection port, and a hook protruding in the radial direction;
In either one of the external filter and the connection port, an engagement hole that faces the hook and is elastically deformable in a radial direction and is engaged with the hook;
It is good to comprise.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, a connection port connected to an external filter provided outside the fuel tank is formed in the base member that closes the opening of the fuel tank, and the connection port is detachable from the external filter by elastic engagement means. By connecting to the base member, the connection between the base member and the external filter can be easily and reliably performed by the elastic engagement means, so that it is possible to improve the maintainability when the external filter is replaced. .

It is a whole lineblock diagram showing the state where the fuel supply unit concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention was equipped with the fuel tank. 2A is an exploded perspective view showing first and second discharge pipes, suction pipes, connection joints, and first and second connection pipes according to a modification, and FIG. 2B is a first and second discharge pipe of FIG. 2A. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the state by which the connection coupling and the 1st and 2nd connection pipe were connected with respect to the pipe | tube and the suction pipe, respectively. It is a whole block diagram which shows the state with which the fuel supply unit which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn with the fuel tank. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the modification of the fuel supply unit of FIG.

  Preferred embodiments of the fuel supply unit according to the present invention will be described below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 indicates a fuel supply unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel supply unit 10 includes a base member 14 fixed to the bottom wall of the fuel tank 12, a bottomed cylindrical holder 16 connected to the base member 14, and the holder 16 The fuel pump 18 provided in the interior of the main body 14 and a filter part (external filter) 20 connected to the base member 14 are included. The fuel supply unit 10 is a subordinate type used for the fuel tank 12 having an opening 22 at the bottom.

  The base member 14 is attached to an opening 22 that is opened in the bottom wall of the fuel tank 12, a disk-shaped main body 24 that covers the opening 22, and an upright position with respect to the main body 24. A cylindrical tube portion 26 to be inserted, and the tube portion 26 is inserted from the outside to the inside of the fuel tank 12 and the main body portion 24 is covered with the opening portion 22. The outer edge of the portion 24 is fixed to the bottom wall of the fuel tank 12 with a plurality of bolts 28.

  The main body 24 is connected to the first filter unit 30 of the filter unit 20, and a first discharge pipe (outlet) 32 that discharges fuel to the first filter unit 30, and the second of the filter unit 20. A second discharge pipe (outlet) 36 that is connected to the filter unit 34 and discharges fuel to the second filter unit 34 and an intake pipe (supply port) that sucks the fuel that has passed through the first filter unit 30. 38.

  The first discharge pipe 32, the second discharge pipe 36, and the suction pipe 38 protrude at a predetermined height in the opposite direction (arrow B direction) to the cylinder portion 26 with respect to the main body portion 24, and the main body portion 24 extends. The first discharge passage 40, the second discharge passage 42, and the suction passage having substantially constant diameters are formed along the axial direction (arrow A and B directions). Each of 44 penetrates. The first discharge passage 40, the second discharge passage 42, and the suction passage 44 communicate with the inside of the cylindrical portion 26 in the base member 14.

  The first discharge pipe 32, the second discharge pipe 36, and the suction pipe 38 are each formed with a pair of engagement holes 46 in the vicinity of the ends thereof. The engagement hole 46 is formed at a position facing each other around the axes of the first discharge pipe 32, the second discharge pipe 36 and the suction pipe 38.

  The holder 16 includes a cylindrical part 48 formed inside and provided with the fuel pump 18, a flow path forming part 50 joined to the cylindrical part 48 and communicating with the inside of the cylindrical part 48, and an end of the flow path forming part 50. And a connection portion 52 connected to the second discharge passage 42 of the base member 14.

  The cylindrical portion 48 has a pump insertion hole 54 into which a part of the fuel pump 18 is inserted at a substantially upper central portion, and the pump insertion hole 54 communicates with a communication passage 56 of a flow path forming portion 50 described later. Yes.

  The flow path forming part 50 is formed along the outer wall surface of the holder 16, and has a substantially L-shaped cross section along the upper part and the side part of the cylindrical part 48. A communication passage 56 through which the fuel discharged from the fuel pump 18 flows is formed in the flow path forming portion 50, and the communication passage 56 is formed on the holder 16 on the other end side (in the direction of arrow B) of the holder 16. It extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the holder 16 and opens on the side of the top of the holder 16.

  A pressure regulating valve 58 capable of adjusting the fuel pressure is attached to the opening 22 of the communication passage 56 and closed. The pressure regulating valve 58 is provided for the purpose of supplying the fuel at a constant pressure to a fuel injection device (not shown) through the fuel supply unit 10.

  The fuel pump 18 includes an electric motor (not shown) that is driven to rotate under energization and a pump (not shown) that is driven by the electric motor in the casing 60, and is on the base member 14 side (in the direction of arrow A). At one end of the casing 60 disposed in the housing, a fuel suction portion 64 that is inserted into the suction passage 44 via the adapter 62 and sucks fuel into the inside is formed, and is disposed on the top side (in the direction of arrow B) of the holder 16. The other end portion is formed with a fuel discharge portion 68 that is inserted into the communication hole 66 of the holder 16 and discharges the fuel to the outside.

  An annular first seal ring 70 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the fuel discharge portion 68, and the liquid tightness between the fuel pump 18 and the holder 16 is maintained by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the communication hole 66. The An annular second seal ring 72 is provided at the end of the connection portion 52, and the liquid tightness between the holder 16 and the base member 14 is maintained by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the second discharge passage 42. Is done.

  The filter unit 20 includes a first filter unit 30 provided on the upstream side in the fuel flow path, and a second filter unit 34 provided on the downstream side with respect to the first filter unit 30.

  The first filter unit 30 includes a first filter holder 76 that is connected to the first discharge pipe 32 and accommodates the primary filter 74, a connection joint (connection portion) 78 that is connected to the suction pipe 38, and the first filter unit 30. A first fuel tube 80 connecting between the filter holder 76 and the connection joint 78 is included. The first filter holder 76 includes a filter housing part 82 formed in a cylindrical shape, a first connecting pipe (connecting part) 84 that protrudes from one end surface of the filter housing part 82 and is connected to the first discharge pipe 32, A second connecting pipe 86 protrudes from the other end surface of the filter housing portion 82 and is connected to the first fuel tube 80. Inside the filter storage portion 82, for example, a primary filter 74 formed into a mesh shape and a cylindrical shape with fine holes is stored. The first connecting pipe 84 protrudes by a predetermined length along the axial direction (arrow B direction) of the filter storage portion 82, and the inside communicates with the inside of the filter storage portion 82, and the center of the filter storage portion 82 Is formed at a position eccentric in the radially outward direction.

  A plurality of hooks 88 (engagement portions) that can be elastically deformed in the radial direction are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first connection pipe 84. The hook 88 has an end joined to the outer peripheral surface, and is formed in a taper shape in which the diameter gradually increases from the end toward the filter storage portion 82 side (arrow A direction). Note that the hooks 88 are arranged apart from each other along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting pipe 84. Specifically, the hook 88 has a resilient force that is biased in the radially outward direction.

  When the first connection pipe 84 is inserted into the first discharge passage 40 of the first discharge pipe 32, the hooks 88 are respectively engaged and held in the engagement holes 46 of the first discharge pipe 32. Thus, relative displacement along the axial direction (arrow A, B direction) between the first connection pipe 84 and the first discharge pipe 32 is restricted, and the first filter unit 30 including the first connection pipe 84 is the first one. It will be in the state connected with respect to 1 discharge pipe 32. FIG.

  On the other hand, the second connection pipe 86 is provided on the axis that is the center of the filter storage portion 82, protrudes by a predetermined length along the axial direction (arrow A, B direction) of the filter storage portion 82, and the inside thereof is It communicates with the inside of the filter housing portion 82.

  The connection joint 78 is formed of a tubular body having a predetermined length along the axial direction (arrows A and B directions), and a plurality of hooks 88 (engaging portions) that can be elastically deformed in the radial direction are provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Provided. The hook 88 is formed so as to expand in diameter from one end of the connection joint 78 connected to the suction pipe 38 toward the other end. When one end of the connection joint 78 is inserted into the suction passage 44 of the suction pipe 38, the hook 88 is engaged with the engagement hole 46 of the suction pipe 38, whereby the connection joint 78 and the suction joint 38 are sucked. Relative displacement along the axial direction (arrow A, B direction) with the pipe 38 is restricted, and the connection joint 78 is connected to the suction pipe 38. As a result, the inside of the connection joint 78 and the suction passage 44 of the suction pipe 38 communicate with each other.

  The first fuel tube 80 is formed of, for example, a molded tube having a U-shaped cross section. One end of the first fuel tube 80 is connected to the second connection pipe 86 of the first filter holder 76, and the other end is connected to the connection joint 78. Connected to the end. Accordingly, the first filter holder 76 and the connection joint 78 constituting the first filter unit 30 communicate with each other via the first fuel tube 80.

  In the first filter unit 30, the relative positional relationship between the connection joint 78 and the first filter holder 76 is maintained by the first fuel tube 80, and the end of the first connection pipe 84 and the one end of the connection joint 78 are maintained. Are maintained in substantially the same plane, and the distance between the first connecting pipe 84 and the connecting joint 78 is also maintained constant.

  The second filter unit 34 includes a second filter holder 92 that is connected to the second discharge pipe 36 and accommodates the secondary filter 90, and a second fuel tube 94 that is connected to the second filter holder 92. The second filter holder 92 includes a filter storage portion 96 formed in a cylindrical shape, a third connection pipe (connection portion) 98 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the filter storage portion 96 and is connected to the second discharge pipe 36. The fourth connecting pipe 100 protrudes from the end surface of the filter housing portion 96 and is connected to the second fuel tube 94. In the filter storage unit 96, for example, a secondary filter 90 formed into a mesh shape and a cylindrical shape with fine holes is stored. The secondary filter 90 is formed in a mesh shape with finer holes than the primary filter 74, for example.

  The third connecting pipe 98 protrudes by a predetermined length along the radially outward direction of the filter storage portion 96, and the inside thereof communicates with the inside of the filter storage portion 96.

  A plurality of hooks 88 (engagement portions) that can be elastically deformed in the radial direction are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the third connection pipe 98. The hook 88 has an end joined to the outer peripheral surface, and is formed in a taper shape in which the diameter gradually increases from the end toward the filter housing portion 96 (in the direction of arrow B). Note that the hooks 88 are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the third connecting pipe 98.

  The fourth connecting pipe 100 is provided on an axis that is the center of the filter housing portion 96, protrudes by a predetermined length along the axial direction of the filter housing portion 96, and the inside thereof communicates with the inside of the filter housing portion 96. At the same time, the second fuel tube 94 is connected to a fuel injection device for an internal combustion engine (not shown).

  Further, the connection of the first and second filter units 30 and 34 to the first and second discharge pipes 32 and 36 and the suction pipe 38 is performed by connecting the connecting joint 78 provided in the first filter unit 30 as described above, The first connection pipe 84 and the third connection pipe 98 provided in the second filter unit 34 are respectively provided with hooks 88 that can be radially expanded radially, and the hook 88 is connected to the first and second discharge pipes 32, 36, For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the outer periphery of the connection joint 78 a and the first and third connection pipes 84 a and 98 a is not limited to the structure that engages with the engagement hole 46 in the suction pipe 38. A hook 88a that gradually decreases in diameter toward the tip is formed on the surface, and the connection joint 78a, the suction pipe 38a into which the first and third connection pipes 84a and 98a are inserted, the first and second discharge pipes 32a, 36 And it may be expanded freely provided radially outwardly through a plurality of slits 102 formed along the axial direction. The hook 88a is integrally formed so as not to be deformed with respect to the connection joint 78a and the first and third connection pipes 84a and 98a.

  In this case, the connection joint 78a and the first and third connection pipes 84a and 98a are inserted into the suction pipe 38a and the first and second discharge pipes 32a and 36a, respectively, so that the hook 88a is connected to the suction pipe 38a. The first and second discharge pipes 32a and 36a are each pushed outward in the radial direction, and the hook 88a is inserted into the engagement hole 46a, so that the displacement in the axial direction is restricted and the connection is firmly established. Is done.

  In other words, the convex hook 88a provided on the connection joint 78a, the first and third connection pipes 84a, 98a is formed so as not to be elastically deformed, while the connection joint 78a, the first and third connection pipes 84a, The concave suction pipe 38a into which 98a is inserted and the first and second discharge pipes 32a and 36a are formed to be elastically deformable.

  The fuel supply unit 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is basically configured as described above. Next, the operation, action, and effect thereof will be described.

  First, in the fuel pump 18 of the fuel supply unit 10, after the electric motor is driven based on a control signal from a controller (not shown), the pump is driven to rotate, and the fuel in the fuel tank 12 is sucked into the holder 16. Then, it flows from the first discharge passage 40 to the first filter unit 30 through the first connection pipe 84. Then, after passing through the primary filter 74, the fuel is supplied from the fuel suction part 64 to the fuel pump 18 through the first fuel tube 80 and the second connection pipe 86.

  The fuel is discharged from the fuel discharge portion 68 by the pump of the fuel pump 18 and flows from the second discharge passage 42 to the second filter unit 34 through the third connection pipe 98 through the communication passage 56 of the holder 16, and then the secondary. Foreign matter and the like are removed by being filtered by the filter 90 and supplied to a fuel injection device of an internal combustion engine (not shown) through the fourth connecting pipe 100 and the second fuel tube 94. The fuel flowing through the communication path 56 is always adjusted to a predetermined pressure by the pressure adjustment valve 58.

  Next, the case where the first and second filter units 30 and 34 are removed from the base member 14 and replaced in the fuel supply unit 10 described above will be described.

  First, when removing the first filter unit 30, an operator (not shown) presses the hook 88 of the first connection pipe 84 and the hook 88 of the connection joint 78 inward against the elastic force, and the hook 88 After the engagement state with the engagement hole 46 is released by reducing the diameter of the first filter unit 30, the entire first filter unit 30 is pulled in a direction away from the base member 14 (arrow A direction). As a result, the first connection pipe 84 is pulled out from the first discharge pipe 32, the connection joint 78 is pulled out from the suction pipe 38 at the same time, and the first filter unit 30 is removed from the base member 14.

  Further, when removing the second filter unit 34, an operator (not shown) presses the hook 88 of the third connection pipe 98 inward against the elastic force, and reduces the diameter of the hook 88 by reducing the diameter. 2 After releasing the engagement state of the discharge pipe 36 with the engagement hole 46, the entire second filter unit 34 is pulled in a direction in which the second filter unit 34 is separated from the base member 14 (arrow A direction). As a result, the third connection pipe 98 is pulled out from the second discharge pipe 36, and the second filter unit 34 is removed from the base member 14.

  Next, when the first and second filter units 30 and 34 exchanged with the new primary filter 74 and the secondary filter 90 are assembled again to the base member 14, first, the operator first installs the first filter unit 30 and 34. 30 and the first connecting pipe 84 and the connecting joint 78 are inserted into the first discharge passage 40 and the suction passage 44, respectively. In this case, since the separation distance between the first connection pipe 84 and the connection joint 78 is set to be the same as the separation distance between the first discharge pipe 32 and the suction pipe 38, the first connection pipe 84 and the connection joint 78 are connected to each other. One discharge pipe 32 and the suction pipe 38 can be easily inserted by being aligned with each other.

  Then, by bringing the first filter unit 30 closer to the base member 14 side (arrow B direction), the first connecting pipe 84 and the connecting joint 78 are pushed into the first discharge passage 40 and the suction passage 44, respectively, and the hook 88 are each engaged with the engagement hole 46 by the elastic force. As a result, the first connection pipe 84 is connected to the first discharge pipe 32, and the connection joint 78 is connected to the suction pipe 38, whereby the first filter unit 30 is coupled to the base member 14.

  On the other hand, the operator grips the second filter unit 34, inserts the third connection pipe 98 into the second discharge passage 42, brings the second filter unit 34 closer to the base member 14 side (arrow B direction), By inserting the third connection pipe 98 into the second discharge passage 42 further, the hook 88 is engaged with the engagement hole 46 of the second discharge pipe 36 by the elastic force. As a result, the third connection pipe 98 is connected to the second discharge pipe 36, whereby the second filter unit 34 is coupled to the base member 14.

  That is, the hook 88 and the engagement hole 46 function as an elastic engagement means that can connect the base member 14 and the first and second filter units 30 and 34.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, in the first filter unit 30 in which the primary filter 74 is accommodated, the first connection pipe 84 connected to the first discharge pipe 32 of the base member 14, and the suction pipe The first connection pipe 84 and the connection joint 78 are respectively provided with hooks 88 that can be engaged with the engagement holes 46 of the first discharge pipe 32 and the suction pipe 38. ing. Therefore, by inserting the first connection pipe 84 into the first discharge pipe 32 and inserting the connection joint 78 into the suction pipe 38, the hook 88 is engaged with the engagement hole 46, and the first filter unit 30. Can be reliably and simply connected to the base member 14.

  Similarly, the second filter unit 34 in which the secondary filter 90 is housed includes a third connection pipe 98 connected to the second discharge pipe 36 of the base member 14, and the third connection pipe 98 includes A hook 88 that can be engaged with the engagement hole 46 of the second discharge pipe 36 is provided. Therefore, by inserting the third connection pipe 98 into the second discharge pipe 36 and engaging the hook 88 with the engagement hole 46, the second filter unit 34 can be reliably and simply attached to the base member 14. It becomes possible to connect.

  Further, when the first and second filter units 30 and 34 are removed from the base member 14, the hook 88 engaged with the engagement hole 46 is pressed inward in the radial direction, After releasing the engaged state, it can be easily detached by pulling in the direction away from the base member 14 (direction of arrow A).

  As described above, the first filter unit 30 including the primary filter 74 and the second filter unit 34 including the secondary filter 90 can be easily attached to and detached from the base member 14. The replacement work of the filter unit 20 including the second filter units 30 and 34 can be easily performed, and the maintainability can be improved.

  Further, in the first filter unit 30, the first connection pipe 84 and the connection joint 78 are maintained in a state of being spaced apart by a predetermined distance by the first fuel tube 80, and are the same distance as the suction pipe 38 and the first discharge pipe 32. Since the distance is set, when the first connection pipe 84 and the connection joint 78 of the first filter unit 30 are inserted into the first discharge pipe 32 and the suction pipe 38 of the base member 14, the separation interval is adjusted. There is no need to do so and it can be quickly inserted and connected. Further, when the first filter unit 30 is removed from the base member 14, the first connection pipe 84 and the connection joint 78 can be removed simultaneously and integrally, so that compared with the case where the first filter unit 30 is removed separately, Workability can be improved.

  Further, since the first connecting pipe 84 is formed integrally with the first filter holder 76 and the third connecting pipe 98 is formed integrally with the second filter holder 92, each of them is compared with the case where they are provided separately. In addition, the number of parts can be reduced, and workability when connecting to the base member 14 can be improved.

  In the fuel supply unit 10 described above, the case where both the first filter unit 30 and the second filter unit 34 are elastically engaged with the base member 14 via the hook 88 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only one of the first and second filter units 30 and 34 may be elastically engaged with the base member 14 using a hook 88.

  Further, instead of providing hooks 88 on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first connecting pipe 84, the connecting joint 78, and the third connecting pipe 98 in the second filter unit 34 in the first filter unit 30, the suction pipe 38 in the base member 14, the second Hooks 88 are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second discharge pipes 32 and 36, respectively, and inserted into the first connection pipe 84, the connection joint 78 and the third connection pipe 98, and the first connection pipe 84 and the connection joint. You may make it engage with the engagement hole 46 formed in 78 and the 3rd connection pipe 98. FIG.

  Next, a fuel supply unit 120 according to a second embodiment is shown in FIG. The same components as those of the fuel supply unit 10 according to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The fuel supply unit 120 according to the second embodiment is an upper type used for a fuel tank 122 having an opening 22 in the upper part, and the first filter unit 126 constituting the filter unit 124 is the fuel tank. The fuel supply unit 10 according to the first embodiment is different from the fuel supply unit 10 according to the first embodiment in that the second filter unit 128 is disposed outside the fuel tank 122.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel supply unit 120 includes a base member 130 fixed to the upper part of the fuel tank 122, a fuel pump 132 connected to the base member 130, and the fuel in the fuel tank 122. A first filter unit 126 connected to the pump 132 and a second filter unit 128 connected to the base member 130 are included.

  The base member 130 includes a lid portion 134 that closes the hole of the fuel tank 122 and a main body portion 136 that is joined to the lid portion 134 and holds the second filter unit 128, and the lid portion 134 includes a fuel pump. A suction passage 138 to which the fuel discharge unit 68 of 132 is connected is formed, and a pressure adjusting valve 58 is provided in the discharge passage 140 parallel to the suction passage 138.

  The suction passage 138 penetrates along the axial direction (arrow A, B direction) of the base member 130, communicates with the suction pipe 142 protruding from the upper portion of the main body 136, and is connected to the second through the suction pipe 142. A first connection pipe 144 constituting the filter unit 128 is connected. On the other hand, the discharge passage 140 is provided with a pressure regulating valve 58 at the lower end facing the fuel pump 132, and communicates with a discharge pipe 146 that extends upward and protrudes above the main body 136. The discharge pipe 146 is connected to a second connection pipe 148 that constitutes the second filter unit 128.

  The base member 130 is formed with a supply pipe 150 that protrudes laterally from the outer peripheral surface of the main body 136, and the supply pipe 150 is connected to and communicates with the discharge passage 140. Specifically, the supply pipe 150 is connected to a position between the pressure adjustment valve 58 and the second connection pipe 148 in the discharge passage 140. A fuel tube 152 connected to a fuel injection device for an internal combustion engine (not shown) is connected to the supply pipe 150.

  The first filter unit 126 includes a first filter holder 154 that is formed in a disk shape and connected to the fuel pump 132, and a primary filter 156 that is housed in the first filter holder 154. The first filter holder 154 is connected to the fuel suction part 64 of the fuel pump 132, and after sucking the fuel in the fuel tank 122, after passing through the primary filter 156, dust and the like are suitably filtered. Then, it is sucked into the fuel pump 132.

  The second filter unit 128 is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section, has a second filter holder 160 in which the secondary filter 158 is accommodated, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the second filter holder 160, and the suction pipe 142 of the base member 130. And a second connection pipe 148 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the second filter holder 160 and is connected to the discharge pipe 146 of the base member 130.

  The first connecting pipe 144 and the second connecting pipe 148 are provided substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and hooks 88 are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces thereof. The hook 88 has the same configuration as that of the fuel supply unit 10 according to the first embodiment described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Then, after the first and second connection pipes 144 and 148 are inserted into the suction pipe 142 and the discharge pipe 146 in the base member 130, the hook 88 is inserted into the engagement hole 46 formed in the suction pipe 142 and the discharge pipe 146. Can be brought into a connected state in which displacement along the axial direction (directions of arrows A and B) is restricted. Accordingly, the second filter unit 128 is simply and reliably coupled to the base member 130 via the first and second connection pipes 144 and 148.

  Further, the second filter unit 128 can be easily detached from the base member 130 by releasing the hook 88 of the second filter unit 128 from the engagement hole 46 and releasing the engagement state.

  Thus, in the fuel supply unit 120 according to the second embodiment, when the second filter unit 128 including the secondary filter 158 is removed from the base member 130, the discharge passage 140 provided with the pressure regulating valve 58 is provided. Therefore, the maintenance of the discharge passage 140 leading to the pressure regulating valve 58 can be easily performed from the outside of the base member 130. In the second filter unit 128, the secondary filter 158 also functions as a communication path that connects the fuel pump 132 and the pressure regulating valve 58. Therefore, the communication path is provided separately from the secondary filter 158. Compared to the case, the passage configuration in the fuel supply unit 120 can be simplified.

  Further, in the fuel supply unit 120 according to the second embodiment described above, instead of providing the base member 130 with a supply pipe 150 for supplying fuel to a fuel injection device (not shown), the fuel supply unit 170 shown in FIG. As described above, the supply pipe (supply passage) 172 may be provided in the second filter unit 174. The supply pipe 172 is provided on the axial line at the end face of the second filter holder 176 constituting the second filter unit 174, is formed so as to protrude by a predetermined length, and is connected to the fuel injection device via the fuel tube 152. (Not shown).

  The second filter unit 174 is also provided with hooks 88 on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second connection pipes 144 and 148 as in the fuel supply unit 120 according to the second embodiment described above. After being inserted into the suction pipe 142 and the discharge pipe 146 of the member 130, the hook 88 is engaged with the engagement hole 46, so that the displacement along the axial direction (arrow A, B direction) is restricted. It can be.

  Thus, by providing the supply pipe 172 in the second filter unit 174, the supply pipe 172 can be removed at the same time only by removing the second filter unit 174 from the base member 130. It is easy to perform the maintenance work of the injection device simultaneously with the maintenance of the second filter unit 174.

  In addition, the fuel supply unit according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 120, 170 ... Fuel supply unit 12, 122 ... Fuel tank 14, 130 ... Base member 16 ... Holder 18, 132 ... Fuel pump 20, 124 ... Filter part 26 ... Tube part 30, 126 ... 1st filter unit 32, 32a ... 1st discharge pipe 34, 128, 174 ... 2nd filter unit 36, 36a ... 2nd discharge pipe 38, 38a, 142 ... Suction pipe 46, 46a ... Engagement hole 48 ... Cylindrical part 50 ... Flow path formation part 56 ... Communication path 58 ... Pressure adjustment valve 64 ... Fuel suction part 68 ... Fuel discharge part 74,156 ... Primary filter 76,154 ... First filter holder 78,78a ... Connection joint 80 ... First fuel tube 84,84a, 144 ... 1st connection pipe 86, 148 ... 2nd connection pipe 88, 88a ... Hook 90, 158 ... Secondary filter 92, 176 ... 2nd filter holder 94 ... Second fuel tube 98, 98a ... Third connection pipe 100 ... Fourth connection pipe 134 ... Lid 138 ... Suction passage 140 ... Discharge passage 146 ... Discharge pipe 150, 172 ... Supply pipe 152 ... Fuel tube

Claims (11)

A base member that is attached to and closes the opening of the fuel tank, a fuel pump that is held by the base member and that sucks and discharges fuel, and an external filter that is provided outside the fuel tank and removes foreign matters in the fuel. In the fuel supply unit,
The base member includes a connection port connected to the external filter and communicating the fuel tank and the external filter, and the connection port and the external filter are detachably connected by an elastic engagement means. Characteristic fuel supply unit. The fuel supply unit according to claim 1, wherein
The fuel supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the external filter is a primary filter provided on the upstream side of the fuel pump. The fuel supply unit according to claim 1, wherein
The fuel supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the external filter is a secondary filter provided on the downstream side of the fuel pump. The fuel supply unit according to claim 1, wherein
The external filter is a primary filter provided on the upstream side of the fuel pump;
A secondary filter provided downstream of the fuel pump;
A fuel supply unit. The fuel supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The connection port includes a delivery port for delivering the fuel from the fuel tank to the external filter;
A supply port for supplying the fuel that has passed through the external filter to the fuel tank side by the fuel pump;
A fuel supply unit comprising: The fuel supply unit according to claim 5, wherein
The external filter includes two connection portions connected to the delivery port and the supply port, respectively, and the distance between one connection portion and the other connection portion is determined by removing the external filter from the base member. The fuel supply unit is maintained at the same distance as the separation distance between the delivery port and the supply port. The fuel supply unit according to claim 3, wherein
The connection port includes a delivery port for delivering the fuel from the fuel tank to the secondary filter;
A supply port provided on the downstream side of the secondary filter and supplying a part of the fuel to a pressure regulating valve;
A fuel supply unit comprising: The fuel supply unit according to claim 3 or 7,
The fuel supply unit, wherein the secondary filter is provided with a supply passage for supplying the fuel that has passed through the secondary filter to a fuel injection device. The fuel supply unit according to claim 6, wherein
The fuel supply unit, wherein the connection portion is formed integrally with a filter holder in which the external filter is accommodated. The fuel supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The elastic engagement means is provided in either the external filter or the connection port, and is a hook that is elastically deformable in a radial direction.
In either one of the external filter and the connection port, an engagement hole provided so as to face the hook and engaged with the hook;
A fuel supply unit comprising: The fuel supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The elastic engagement means is provided in either the external filter or the connection port, and a hook projecting in the radial direction;
In either one of the external filter and the connection port, an engagement hole that faces the hook and is elastically deformable in a radial direction and is engaged with the hook;
A fuel supply unit comprising:

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