JP2020176527A - Fuel supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a fuel supply device capable of reducing an occupied space of a fuel pipe connecting a lid part and a pump part, suppressing deformation of the shape of the fuel pipe even when the lid part and the pump part are relatively displaced in the vertical direction and suppressing deterioration of durability and performance of a fuel hose.SOLUTION: A fuel supply device includes: a sliding coupling mechanism coupling a lid part and a reservoir cup to each other and enabling relative displacement of the lid part and the reservoir cup in the vertical direction; and a bendable fuel hose connecting a pump unit discharge port and a fuel inflow port of a discharge pipe to each other. The pump unit discharge port is opened on the lower side, and the fuel inflow port of the discharge pipe is opened on the lower side. The fuel hose extends downwards from the pump unit discharge port, extends downwards from the fuel inflow port of the discharge pipe, and is bent to form an arc shape at an end on the lower side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present application relates to a fuel supply device.

A fuel supply device such as Patent Document 1 is disclosed. In the technique of Patent Document 1, the lid member that closes the opening of the fuel tank and the pump module are configured to move relative to each other in the vertical direction. In order to support relative movement in the vertical direction, the fuel discharge port of the pump module and the fuel outlet provided on the lid member are connected by a flexible pipe.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-285930

However, in the fuel supply device of Patent Document 1, the fuel discharge port of the pump module is opened upward, the fuel outlet of the lid member is opened downward, and the flexible pipe is above the fuel discharge port of the pump module. Immediately after extending to, it bends, extends diagonally downward, and then extends diagonally upward, and is connected to the fuel outlet of the lid member. That is, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the flexible tube meanders in an S shape and has a complicated shape having two curved portions and a high degree of freedom of deformation.

In the technique of Patent Document 1, the flexible tube is curved in an S shape, and the occupied space of the flexible tube is increased. Further, since the flexible tube is three-dimensionally and complicatedly curved, it is necessary to take a large clearance so that the flexible tube and other parts do not interfere with each other. Therefore, it hinders the miniaturization of the fuel supply device.

Further, in order to maintain the S-shaped curvature with respect to the relative movement in the vertical direction, a holding member 70 is provided to press the curved portion in the middle of the flexible pipe from above, and the holding member 70 is fixed to the pump module. Has been done. When the lid member and the pump module are separated in the vertical direction, the flexible pipe is pressed from above by the holding member 70, so that an unreasonable load may be applied to the flexible pipe, especially at the fuel discharge port of the pump module. There is a possibility that an unreasonable load will be applied to the bent part immediately after.

Therefore, the fuel supply device of Patent Document 1 has a flexible pipe that is curved in a complicated manner, and is provided with a holding member 70 that suppresses the curved portion with respect to relative movement in the vertical direction. Therefore, the fuel hose 10 Durability may deteriorate, pressure loss may increase, and fuel supply performance may deteriorate.

Therefore, the space occupied by the fuel pipe connecting the lid and the pump is reduced, and even if the lid and the pump move relative to each other in the vertical direction, the shape of the fuel pipe is suppressed from changing, and the fuel is fueled. A fuel supply device capable of suppressing deterioration of hose durability and performance is desired.

The fuel supply device according to the present application is
A fuel supply device that is installed inside the fuel tank below the opening provided on the upper side of the fuel tank, boosts the fuel inside the fuel tank, and discharges the fuel to the outside of the fuel tank.
A lid that closes the opening of the fuel tank and
A discharge pipe that is provided integrally with the lid portion, penetrates the lid portion in the vertical direction, and discharges fuel from the lower side to the upper side of the lid portion.
A fuel pump that sucks and boosts fuel, a filter element that filters the boosted fuel, a filter case that houses the filter element, and a pump unit that is provided in the filter case and discharges fuel that has passed through the filter element. A pump unit having a discharge port and arranged under the lid portion,
A reservoir cup that accommodates the pump unit and is formed in a bottomed tubular shape with an opening on the upper side.
A slide connecting mechanism that connects the lid and the reservoir cup so that the lid and the reservoir cup can move relative to each other in the vertical direction.
A bendable fuel hose for connecting the discharge port of the pump unit and the fuel inlet of the discharge pipe is provided.
The pump unit discharge port opens downward, the fuel inlet of the discharge pipe opens downward, and the fuel hose extends downward from the pump unit discharge port and from the fuel inlet of the discharge pipe. It extends downward and is curved in an arc shape at the lower end.

According to the fuel supply device according to the present application, the two fuel hoses extending downward can be formed into a simple U-shape connected by being curved in an arc shape at one point at the lower end. Even if the slide connecting mechanism expands and contracts, the curved shape can be maintained at the lower end portion. In particular, since the fuel hose portions on both sides of the curved portion are arranged so as to extend downward from each opening opened downward, at the lower end portion which is the tip of both side portions extending downward. The curved shape is easy to maintain. Therefore, while shortening the length of the fuel hose, the space occupied by the fuel hose and the clearance with other parts can be reduced, and the fuel supply device can be miniaturized and reduced in height. Further, since the lower end portion naturally curves in an arc shape, an unreasonable curve does not occur. Further, since the curved portion of the lower end portion can freely move in the vertical direction without being restrained according to the expansion and contraction of the slide connecting mechanism, an unreasonable load is not applied to the curved portion. Therefore, by expanding and contracting the slide connecting mechanism, the fuel hose may be deformed into an unintended shape, which may deteriorate the durability of the fuel hose or increase the pressure loss to reduce the fuel supply performance. Can be suppressed. Further, since there is only one curved portion, an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed. Since it is a natural curve caused by the shape of both side portions, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the durability of the fuel hose.

It is sectional drawing which cut | cut the fuel supply device which concerns on Embodiment 1 in the vertical direction. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the fuel supply device with the lid removed according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the pump unit according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pump unit according to the first embodiment cut in the vertical direction at the XX cross-sectional position of FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the fuel supply device in a state where the lid portion according to the first embodiment is seen through, as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a view of a fuel supply device viewed in the Y direction of FIG. 5 in order to explain the vertical movement of the lid portion by the slide connecting mechanism according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the attachment to the fuel tank of the fuel supply device which concerns on Embodiment 1, and the vertical slide of a slide connection mechanism. It is a figure for demonstrating the shape of the fuel hose which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the fuel supply device in a state where the lid portion according to the second embodiment is seen through, as viewed from above. It is a figure which looked at the fuel supply device in the Y direction of FIG. 9 for demonstrating the vertical movement of the lid part by the slide connecting mechanism which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the fuel supply device in a state where the lid portion according to the third embodiment is seen through, as viewed from above. It is a figure which looked at the fuel supply device in the Y direction of FIG. 11 for demonstrating the vertical movement of the lid part by the slide connecting mechanism which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the attachment to the fuel tank of the fuel supply device which concerns on Embodiment 3, and the function of the sliding and bending holding member in the vertical direction of a slide connecting mechanism.

1. 1. Embodiment 1
The fuel supply device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The fuel supply device 1 is installed inside the fuel tank 2 on the lower side Z2 from the opening 21 provided in the upper side Z1 of the fuel tank 2, boosts the fuel inside the fuel tank 2, and discharges the fuel to the outside of the fuel tank 2. To do. The fuel supply device 1 includes a lid 3, a discharge pipe 31, a pump unit 4, a reservoir cup 5, a slide connecting mechanism, a fuel hose 10, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel supply device 1 attached to the fuel tank 2 cut in the vertical direction Z. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the fuel supply device 1 with the lid 3 removed as viewed from the upper side Z1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the pump unit 4 as viewed from the upper side Z1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pump unit 4 cut in the vertical direction Z at the XX cross-sectional position of FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the fuel supply device 1 in a state where the lid portion 3 is seen through from the upper side Z1. FIG. 6 is a view of the fuel supply device 1 viewed in the Y direction of FIG. 5 in order to explain the movement of the lid portion 3 in the vertical direction Z by the slide connecting mechanism. FIG. 7 is a schematic view for explaining the attachment of the fuel supply device 1 to the fuel tank 2 and the sliding of the slide connecting mechanism in the vertical direction Z.

In the present application, the terms "upper" and "lower" mean the upper and lower parts in the vertical direction when the fuel supply device 1 is attached to the fuel tank 2. Further, the side on which the pump unit 4 and the reservoir cup 5 and the like are arranged is the lower side Z2 with respect to the lid portion 3, and the opposite side is the upper side Z1. In the present embodiment, the direction orthogonal to the disc-shaped lid portion 3 is the vertical direction Z.

1-1. Basic configuration of combustion supply device <lid>
As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 3 is attached to the opening 21 of the fuel tank 2 and closes the opening 21. The lid portion 3 has a plate-shaped (disk-shaped in this example) plate-shaped portion 36 that closes the opening 21 of the fuel tank, extends from the plate-shaped portion 36 to the lower Z2, and is fitted inside the opening 21 in the radial direction. It has a tubular portion 37 (in this example, a cylindrical shape). The lower side surface of the flange portion of the plate-shaped portion 36 and the upper side surface of the opening 21 of the fuel tank are brought into close contact with each other and sealed by a fastening member or the like. In the following, when the lid portion 3 is simply referred to, it means the plate-shaped portion 36.

<Discharge pipe>
The discharge pipe 31 is a fuel pipe that is provided integrally with the lid portion 3 and penetrates the lid portion 3 in the vertical direction Z to discharge fuel from the lower side Z2 of the lid portion 3 to the upper side Z1. As shown in FIG. 6, the discharge pipe 31 extends from the lid portion 3 to the lower side Z2, and the fuel inflow port 311 of the discharge pipe 31 opens to the lower side Z2. A bamboo shoot-shaped nipple is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the fuel inlet 311, and the fuel hose 10 is fitted and connected to the fuel hose 10. The discharge pipe 31 extends in the horizontal direction after extending from the lid 3 to the upper side Z1, and the fuel discharge port of the discharge pipe 31 opens in the horizontal direction. The fuel outlet is connected to the fuel pipe to supply fuel to the engine.

The discharge pipe 31 is integrally molded with the lid portion 3. The lid portion 3 is molded of, for example, a resin such as polyacetal. The lid portion 3 includes an electric connector 32 for electrically connecting the fuel supply device 1 to an external device. In the present embodiment, the electric connector 32 includes a terminal to which an external power source is connected, a terminal for outputting an output signal of the fuel level gauge sensor 53 to an external device, and the like. The lower side of the terminal of the electric connector 32 is connected to the fuel pump 41, the fuel level gauge sensor, and the like via the lead wire 6.

<Reservoir cup>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reservoir cup 5 is formed in a bottomed tubular shape (in this example, a bottomed substantially cylindrical shape) with an opening on the upper side. The reservoir cup 5 houses the pump unit 4 inside. The reservoir cup 5 can store fuel inside and stably supply fuel to the pump unit 4 arranged inside. A fuel level gauge sensor 53 that detects the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank 2 is attached to the outer wall of the reservoir cup 5.

<Pump unit>
The pump unit 4 is arranged on the lower side Z2 of the lid portion 3. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 3, the pump unit 4 includes a fuel pump 41, a filter element 47, a filter case 46, a pump unit discharge port 463A, a pressure regulator 45, a suction filter 44, and the like.

The suction filter 44 is a filter that removes relatively large foreign matter mixed in the fuel in the fuel tank 2 and the reservoir cup 5 sucked by the fuel pump 41. The suction filter 44 is arranged in the lower portion of the pump unit 4. The suction filter 44 is arranged close to the bottom wall 58 of the reservoir cup 5.

The fuel pump 41 is an electric booster pump that boosts and discharges the fuel sucked through the suction filter 44. The fuel pump 41 includes an electric motor and a pump having an impeller that is rotationally driven by the electric motor (not shown). Pump-side connectors 411 and 412, which are electrically connected to the electric connector 32, are provided on the upper part of the fuel pump 41 (see FIG. 3), and electric power is supplied to the electric motor from the outside via the electric connector 32. To.

The fuel pump 41 is formed in a columnar shape, and has a suction port 413 at the lower end and a discharge port 414 at the upper end. The fuel pump 41 is arranged on the upper side Z1 of the suction filter 44, and the suction port 413 of the fuel pump 41 is connected to the discharge port of the suction filter 44.

The filter case 46 houses the filter element 47. The filter case 46 is made of resin. In the present embodiment, the filter case 46 is formed in a double tubular shape, and the cylindrical filter element 47 is housed in a cylindrical space between the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall. The upper Z1 and the lower Z2 of this cylindrical space are closed by the upper wall and the lower wall. The outer peripheral wall, inner peripheral wall, and lower wall of the filter case 46 are integrally molded members. In the manufacturing process, after the filter element 47 is arranged inside, the lid member 48 to be the upper wall is hot plate welded or the like. Is fixed by.

The fuel pump 41 is housed in a columnar space inside the inner peripheral wall. The filter case 46 includes a connection flow path 462 protruding inward in the radial direction from the upper portion of the arrangement space of the cylindrical filter element, and the connection flow rate 462 is connected to the discharge port 414 of the fuel pump 41. A cushion member 43 such as a rubber molding member is arranged around a pump (not shown) arranged at the lower end of the fuel pump 41, and vibration generated from the fuel pump 41 is transmitted to peripheral parts. Is being prevented. The lower Z2 of the fuel pump 41 and the cushion member 43 is held by the holder member 49 fixed to the filter case 46.

The fuel supplied from the discharge port 414 of the fuel pump 41 to the flow path in the filter case 46 passes through the filter element 47, and the fuel is filtered. In the present embodiment, the filter element 47 is a filter paper folded in a pleated shape, and the outer shape is formed into a cylindrical shape. The filter element 47 removes relatively small foreign matter contained in the fuel discharged by the fuel pump 41.

The filter case 46 includes a return flow path 464 provided on the radial outer side of the outer peripheral wall. The cylindrical arrangement space of the filter element and the return flow path 464 are connected at an upper portion, and the return flow path 464 extends from the connection portion with the arrangement space of the filter element to the lower side Z2. A pressure regulator 45 is provided at the lower end of the return flow path 464. The pressure regulator 45 keeps the pressure of the fuel discharged from the fuel pump 41 at the limiting pressure by discharging the surplus fuel.

As shown in FIG. 2, the surplus fuel discharged from the pressure regulator 45 is ejected from the jet pump 55 via the resin relay pipe 54. The jet pump 55 is installed at the suction port 56 on the outer peripheral wall of the reservoir cup 5, and supplies the fuel in the fuel tank to the inside of the reservoir cup 5 by the suction pressure generated by ejecting the fuel from the nozzle. As a result, even if the amount of fuel in the fuel tank decreases, the inside of the reservoir cup 5 is filled with fuel. Further, by installing the umbrella valve 57 at the suction port 56 in the reservoir cup 5, the suction port 56 is closed when the jet pump 55 does not operate, and the fuel outflow from the reservoir cup 5 can be prevented.

The filter case 46 includes a discharge flow path 463 provided on the outer side in the radial direction of the outer peripheral wall. The cylindrical arrangement space of the filter element and the discharge flow path 463 are connected at an upper portion, and the discharge flow path 463 extends from the connection portion with the arrangement space of the filter element to the lower side Z2. A pump unit discharge port 463A is provided at the lower end of the discharge flow path 463. The pump unit discharge port 463A is provided in the filter case 46 and discharges fuel that has passed through the filter element 47. The pump unit discharge port 463A is open to the lower Z2. A bamboo shoot-shaped nipple is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the pump unit discharge port 463A, and the fuel hose 10 is fitted and connected.

1-2. Fuel hose configuration compatible with movable mechanism <Slide connection mechanism>
The slide connecting mechanism is a mechanism that connects the lid portion 3 and the reservoir cup 5 and makes the lid portion 3 and the reservoir cup 5 relatively movable in the vertical direction Z. The slide connecting mechanism operates when the fuel supply device 1 is attached to the fuel tank 2. Specifically, as shown in the figure on the left side of FIG. 7, the reservoir cup 5 and the pump unit 4 are placed on the bottom wall 22 of the fuel tank 2 in a state where the lid 3 and the reservoir cup 5 are separated in the vertical direction Z. Install on top. After that, as shown in the figure on the right side of FIG. 7, the lid portion 3 is moved to the lower side Z2, and the lid portion 3 is closely fixed to the opening 21 of the fuel tank. At this time, the lid portion 3 and the reservoir cup 5 approach each other in the vertical direction Z.

Although the fuel hose 10 is deformed by the relative movement in the vertical direction Z by the slide connecting mechanism, it is desired to have a device configuration capable of preventing the fuel hose 10 from being deformed into an unintended shape and causing deterioration in durability and performance of the fuel hose 10.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the slide connecting mechanism is provided on the two shafts 7 and 8 extending from the lid 3 to the lower Z2 and the reservoir cup 5, and the shafts 7 and 8 are provided. It is composed of tubular guide portions 51 and 52 that are slidably held inward. Each of the shafts 7 and 8 is a metal columnar rod member, and is press-fitted and fixed into connecting holes 33 and 34 opened in the lower side Z2 provided in the lid portion 3. At the lower ends of the shafts 7 and 8, bosses for preventing the guides 51 and 52 from coming off are provided. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide portions 51 and 52 are cylindrical through holes formed in the peripheral wall of the reservoir cup 5 and extending in the vertical direction Z.

As shown in FIG. 6, the relative movement distance L2 in the vertical direction Z of the slide connecting mechanism is a fixed value. The shortest state is when the lid 3 and the reservoir cup 5 are in contact with each other, and the longest state is when the bosses at the lower ends of the shafts 7 and 8 are in contact with the lower ends of the guides 51 and 52. It's time.

The slide connecting mechanism includes an urging mechanism 9 that urges the lid portion 3 and the reservoir cup 5 in the separating direction. In the present embodiment, the urging mechanism 9 is a coil spring 9 provided on the outer periphery of the shaft 7. The upper end of the coil spring 9 is in contact with the lid portion 3, the lower end is in contact with the reservoir cup 5, and the lid portion 3 and the reservoir cup 5 are urged in the separating direction.

The urging mechanism 9 presses the reservoir cup 5 against the bottom wall 22 of the fuel tank 2. Even if the fuel tank 2 expands and contracts due to a temperature change and an internal pressure change, the reservoir cup 5 can be pressed against the bottom wall 22 of the fuel tank 2, and fuel can be stably supplied to the fuel supply device 1.

<Fuel hose>
The fuel hose 10 is a bendable hose that connects the discharge port 463A of the pump unit and the fuel inlet 311 of the discharge pipe 31. The fuel hose 10 is made of, for example, a resin such as nylon, and can be bent and expanded and contracted freely by having a bellows shape, for example, and can correspond to the relative movement of the lid portion 3 and the reservoir cup 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, the pump unit discharge port 463A opens to the lower side Z2, and the fuel inflow port 311 of the discharge pipe 31 opens to the lower side Z2. The fuel hose 10 extends from the pump unit discharge port 463A to the lower Z2, extends from the fuel inlet 311 of the discharge pipe 31 to the lower Z2, and is curved in an arc shape at the end of the lower Z2.

According to this configuration, the portions 101 and 102 of the two fuel hoses 10 extending to the lower Z2 have a simple U-shape connected by being curved in an arc shape at one position of the lower end 103. Therefore, even if the slide connecting mechanism expands and contracts, the curved shape at the lower end 103 can be maintained. In particular, since the fuel hose 10 portions 101 and 102 on both sides of the curved portion are arranged in a direction extending from each opening opened on the lower side to the lower Z2, both side portions 101 and 102 extending on the lower Z2 are arranged. The curved shape is easily maintained at the lower end 103, which is the tip of the hose. Therefore, while shortening the length of the fuel hose 10, the space occupied by the fuel hose 10 and the clearance with other parts can be reduced, and the fuel supply device 1 can be miniaturized and reduced in height. Further, since the lower end portion 103 naturally curves in an arc shape, an unreasonable curve does not occur. Further, since the curved portion 103 can freely move in the vertical direction Z without being restrained according to the expansion and contraction of the slide connecting mechanism, an unreasonable load is not applied to the curved portion 103. Therefore, by expanding and contracting the slide connecting mechanism, the fuel hose 10 is deformed into an unintended shape, the durability of the fuel hose 10 deteriorates, the pressure loss increases, and the fuel supply performance deteriorates. Can be prevented. Further, since there is only one curved portion, an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed. Since it is a natural curve caused by the shapes of the side portions 101 and 102, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the durability of the fuel hose 10.

<Up and down movement of the lower end of the fuel hose>
As shown in FIG. 7, when the slide connecting mechanism slides in the vertical direction Z by the relative movement distance L2, the lower end 103 of the fuel hose 10 moves in the vertical direction Z by half (L2 / 2) of the relative movement distance L2. Move to. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the lower end 103 of the fuel hose 10 from coming into contact with the bottom wall 58 of the reservoir cup 5 by sliding the slide connecting mechanism.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical filter case 46 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical reservoir cup 5 are arranged at intervals in the radial direction, and the fuel hose 10 Are arranged at this radial spacing. The lower Z2 of the radial interval is closed by the bottom wall 58 of the reservoir cup 5, and the upper Z1 is covered by the lid 3. No other components are arranged between the lower end 103 of the fuel hose 10 and the bottom wall 58 of the reservoir cup 5 in the vertical direction Z.

The lower end 103 of the fuel hose 10 can move between the pump unit discharge port 463A and the bottom wall 58 of the reservoir cup 5 in the vertical direction Z, but the dimensions should be set so as not to deviate from the range. Just do it.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the distance L1 in the vertical direction Z between the pump unit discharge port 463A and the bottom wall 58 of the reservoir cup 5 (hereinafter, referred to as the discharge port lower side distance L1) is , The relative movement distance L2 in the vertical direction Z of the slide connecting mechanism is longer (L1> L2). With this configuration, the lower end distance L1 of the discharge port is longer than the relative movement distance L2, so that the lower end 103 of the fuel hose 10 moves with respect to half (L2 / 2) of the relative movement distance L2. , A margin can be provided. Therefore, if the length of the fuel hose 10 is set appropriately, even if the slide connecting mechanism slides, the lower end 103 of the fuel hose 10 can be prevented from contacting the bottom wall 58 of the reservoir cup 5, and the fuel can be prevented. The curved shape of the hose 10 can be maintained.

Further, as shown in the figure on the right side of FIG. 7, the portion 101 (curved portion) of the fuel hose 10 extending from the lower end of the pump unit discharge port 463A to the lower Z2 in the state where the slide connecting mechanism is most contracted. The length L3 in the vertical direction Z (not included) is longer than half (L2 / 2) of the relative movement distance L2. According to this configuration, as shown in the figure on the left side of FIG. 7, even when the slide connecting mechanism is in the most extended state, the portion 101 of the fuel hose 10 extending to the lower Z2 has a relative movement distance L2. Since it is shortened by half (L2 / 2) and the shape of the curved portion is maintained, it is possible to prevent an unreasonable load from being applied to the fuel hose 10.

<Minimum bending diameter>
The fuel hose 10 has a minimum bending diameter D. The fuel hose 10 bends freely up to the minimum bending diameter D. If the fuel hose 10 is forcibly bent to a diameter smaller than the minimum bending diameter D, the durability will deteriorate. In the present application, the minimum bending diameter D is defined by the diameter of the central axis of the fuel hose 10.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the distance W between the pump unit discharge port 463A (central shaft) and the fuel inlet 311 (central shaft) of the discharge pipe 31 when viewed in the vertical direction Z. Corresponds to the minimum bending diameter D of the fuel hose. According to this configuration, the horizontal distance between the two fuel hose portions 101 and 102 extending to the lower Z2 can be brought close to the minimum bending diameter D, and the horizontal arrangement space of the fuel hose 10 can be reduced. , The device can be miniaturized. Further, even if the slide connecting mechanism expands and contracts, the shape of the curved portion 103 can be maintained at the minimum bending diameter D, and the occupied space of the fuel hose 10 and the clearance with other parts can be maintained.

As shown in FIG. 8, the distance W between the pump unit discharge port 463A (central shaft) and the fuel inlet 311 (central shaft) of the discharge pipe 31 when viewed in the vertical direction Z is the minimum bending of the fuel hose. It may be smaller than the diameter D. According to this configuration, the lower end 103 of the fuel hose 10 is curved in a C shape with the minimum bending diameter D, but an unreasonable force for bending the fuel hose 10 or more is not generated. Durability does not deteriorate. Further, the shape of the curved portion 103 can be more forcibly maintained at the minimum bending diameter D. Then, the horizontal arrangement space of the fuel hose 10 can be further miniaturized.

<Hose guide>
The fuel supply device 1 includes a hose guide 11. In the present embodiment, the hose guide 11 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the filter case 46. The hose guide 11 is an annular portion penetrating in the vertical direction Z, and a portion 102 of the fuel hose 10 extending from the fuel inlet 311 of the discharge pipe 31 to the lower side Z2 is formed inside the annular portion with respect to the annular portion. It is arranged so as to be relatively movable in the vertical direction Z.

According to this configuration, the hose guide 11 can guide the portion 102 of the fuel hose 10 extending from the fuel inflow port 311 of the discharge pipe 31 to the lower side Z2 so as to extend in the vertical direction Z. In particular, as shown in the figure on the left side of FIG. 7, when the slide connecting mechanism is extended, the portion 102 of the fuel hose 10 extending from the fuel inlet 311 of the discharge pipe 31 to the lower Z2 becomes long, but in the middle. Since the point is guided by the hose guide 11, the elongated portion 102 of the fuel hose 10 can be maintained so as to extend in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, it becomes easy to maintain the fuel hose 10 in a U-shaped curved state regardless of the expansion and contraction of the slide connecting mechanism.

In the present embodiment, the hose guide 11 is an annular portion protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral portion of the filter case 46. The hose guide 11 is integrally formed with the lid member 48 of the filter case 46. The inner diameter of the hose guide 11 is larger than the outer diameter of the fuel hose 10.

2. Embodiment 2
Next, the fuel supply device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. The description of the same components as in the first embodiment will be omitted. In the present embodiment, the arrangement configuration of the hose guide 11 is different from that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the fuel supply device 1 in a state where the lid portion 3 is seen through from the upper side Z1. In FIG. 9, a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the portion of the hose guide 11 in the vertical direction Z is added. FIG. 10 is a view of the fuel supply device 1 viewed in the Y direction of FIG. 9 in order to explain the movement of the lid portion 3 in the vertical direction Z by the slide connecting mechanism.

In the present embodiment, the hose guide 11 is fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the reservoir cup 5. The hose guide 11 is formed separately from the reservoir cup 5 and is made of resin. The hose guide 11 includes an annular portion 111 and a fixing portion 112 for fixing the annular portion 111 to the reservoir cup 5. The fixing portion 112 is fixed to the upper end portion of the outer peripheral wall of the reservoir cup 5 by snap fit. The fixing portion 112 extends radially inward from a portion fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the reservoir cup 5, and an annular portion 111 is fixed to the inner tip thereof. The annular portion 111 is formed in an annular shape penetrating in the vertical direction Z, and the inner diameter of the annular portion 111 is larger than the outer diameter of the fuel hose 10. Since the action and effect of the hose guide 11 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

3. 3. Embodiment 3
Next, the fuel supply device 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. The description of the same components as in the first embodiment will be omitted. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the hose guide 11 is not provided and the curved holding member 15 is provided.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the fuel supply device 1 in a state where the lid portion 3 is seen through from the upper side Z1. FIG. 12 is a view of the fuel supply device 1 viewed in the Y direction of FIG. 11 in order to explain the movement of the lid portion 3 in the vertical direction Z by the slide connecting mechanism. FIG. 13 is a schematic view for explaining the functions of the attachment of the fuel supply device 1 to the fuel tank 2 and the sliding and bending holding member 15 in the vertical direction Z of the slide connecting mechanism.

The curved holding member 15 has an extending portion 151 extending from the lid portion 3 to the lower side Z2, and an arc-shaped portion 152 provided at the lower end portion of the extending portion 151. As shown in the figure on the right side of FIG. 13, the extension portion 151 has a vertical direction in which the arc-shaped portion 152 abuts on the inner peripheral portion of the arc-shaped curved portion 103 of the fuel hose 10 in a state where the slide connecting mechanism is contracted. It is set to the length of Z. The arc-shaped portion 152 is formed in an arc shape that matches the inner peripheral portion of the arc-shaped curved portion of the fuel hose 10.

According to this configuration, the lower end 103 of the fuel hose 10 can be pressed from the upper Z1 by the arc-shaped portion 152, and the lower end 103 can be shaped into an arc while the slide connecting mechanism is contracted. With the fuel supply device 1 attached to the fuel tank 2, the fuel hose 10 can be more reliably maintained in a U shape, and the durability of the fuel hose 10 deteriorates during use of the fuel supply device 1. It is possible to prevent the pressure loss from increasing and the fuel supply performance from deteriorating.

In the extended state of the slide connecting mechanism, the ascending width of the arcuate portion 152 is twice the ascending width of the lower end portion 103, so that the ascending width of the lower end portion 103 is restrained by the arcuate portion 152. Since it can move freely without any problem, an unreasonable load is not applied to the curved lower end 103.

In the present embodiment, the arcuate portion 152 is formed in an arcuate shape that matches the inner peripheral portion of the fuel hose 10 that is curved with the minimum bending diameter D. Specifically, the arcuate portion 152 is formed in an arcuate shape having an outer diameter obtained by subtracting the outer diameter of the fuel hose 10 from the minimum bending diameter D.

The curved holding member 15 is formed of resin. The extending portion 151 is a rod-shaped member extending in the vertical direction Z. The upper end portion of the extending portion 151 is press-fitted into a connecting hole 35 opened in the lower Z2 provided in the lid portion 3 and fixed. An arcuate portion 152 is fixed to the lower end portion of the extension portion 151. The arcuate portion 152 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[Other embodiments]
In the first embodiment, the hose guide 11 is integrally molded with the filter case 46 (lid member 48), but may be a separate body. In the second embodiment, the hose guide 11 is separate from the reservoir cup 5, but may be integrally molded. In the third embodiment, the curved holding member 15 is a separate body from the lid portion 3, but may be integrally molded. Although the hose guide 11 is not provided in the third embodiment, the same hose guide 11 as in the second or third embodiment may be provided.

Although the present application describes various exemplary embodiments and examples, the various features, embodiments, and functions described in one or more embodiments are applications of a particular embodiment. It is not limited to, but can be applied to embodiments alone or in various combinations. Therefore, innumerable variations not illustrated are envisioned within the scope of the techniques disclosed herein. For example, it is assumed that at least one component is modified, added or omitted, and further, at least one component is extracted and combined with the components of other embodiments.

1 Fuel supply device, 2 Fuel tank, 3 Lid, 4 Pump unit, 5 Reservoir cup, 10 Fuel hose, 11 Hose guide, 15 Curved holding member, 31 Discharge pipe, 41 Fuel pump, 47 Filter element, 311 Discharge pipe Fuel inlet, 463A pump unit discharge port, D minimum bending diameter of fuel hose, distance between W pump unit discharge port and fuel inlet of discharge pipe, L1 pump unit discharge port and bottom wall of reservoir cup in the vertical direction Distance, L2 relative movement distance, Z vertical direction, Z1 upper side, Z2 lower side

Claims (5)

A fuel supply device that is installed inside the fuel tank below the opening provided on the upper side of the fuel tank, boosts the fuel inside the fuel tank, and discharges the fuel to the outside of the fuel tank.
A lid that closes the opening of the fuel tank and
A discharge pipe that is provided integrally with the lid portion, penetrates the lid portion in the vertical direction, and discharges fuel from the lower side to the upper side of the lid portion.
A fuel pump that sucks and boosts fuel, a filter element that filters the boosted fuel, a filter case that houses the filter element, and a pump unit that is provided in the filter case and discharges fuel that has passed through the filter element. A pump unit having a discharge port and arranged under the lid portion,
A reservoir cup that accommodates the pump unit and is formed in a bottomed tubular shape with an opening on the upper side.
A slide connecting mechanism that connects the lid and the reservoir cup so that the lid and the reservoir cup can move relative to each other in the vertical direction.
A bendable fuel hose for connecting the discharge port of the pump unit and the fuel inlet of the discharge pipe is provided.
The pump unit discharge port opens downward, the fuel inlet of the discharge pipe opens downward, and the fuel hose extends downward from the pump unit discharge port and from the fuel inlet of the discharge pipe. A fuel supply device that extends downward and is curved in an arc shape at the lower end. The fuel supply device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the discharge port of the pump unit and the fuel inlet of the discharge pipe when viewed in the vertical direction is equal to or less than the minimum bending diameter of the fuel hose. The fuel supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vertical distance between the pump unit discharge port and the bottom wall of the reservoir cup is longer than the vertical relative movement distance of the slide connecting mechanism. An annular portion penetrating in the vertical direction, and a portion of the fuel hose extending downward from the fuel inlet of the discharge pipe can move relative to the annular portion in the vertical direction inside the annular portion. The hose guide is further provided, and the hose guide is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the filter case or the inner peripheral portion of the reservoir cup according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Fuel supply device. A curved holding member having an extending portion extending downward from the lid portion and an arc-shaped portion provided at the lower end portion of the extending portion is further provided, and the extending portion is the slide connecting mechanism. The arcuate portion is set to a length in the vertical direction that abuts on the inner peripheral portion of the arcuate curved portion of the fuel hose in a contracted state, and the arcuate portion is the arcuate curvature of the fuel hose. The fuel supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is formed in an arc shape matching the inner peripheral portion of the portion.

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