JP2023092163A - Fuel supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent the complication of a metal mold, to improve mold release performance, and to improve versatility.SOLUTION: A fuel supply device 1 attached to a fuel tank 2, and supplying fuel F in the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank comprises: a flange member 30 for covering an opening part 2b which is opened at a bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank; a fuel pump 10 arranged at a bottom part of the fuel tank in a horizontal state so as to progress along an arrangement face 30a of the flange part 32 which is exposed in the fuel tank; and a cylindrical pump accommodation member 20 for accommodating the fuel pump, and attached to the flange member. The fuel supply device also comprises a guide rail structure 100 for regulating an attachment direction in which the flange member and the pump accommodation member slide with each other, and attached to each other so as to progress along an arrangement face of a flange, and a snap fit structure 200 for regulating a position by making the flange member and the pump accommodation member locked to each other in a position being a slide terminal end of the attachment diction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a fuel supply system.

For example, a vehicle fuel supply system for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to an engine is known. A fuel supply device arranged at the bottom of a fuel tank is known, as described in Patent Document 1. The fuel supply device includes a fuel pump that sucks fuel stored in a fuel tank from an intake port and pumps it to the engine, and a filter that is attached to the intake port to prevent foreign matter from entering the fuel pump. ing.

The fuel supply device includes, for example, a cylindrical cup (exterior body) containing a fuel pump, and a pressure regulator attached to the cup. The fuel pump discharges fuel through an exhaust port (fuel extraction pipe). The pressure regulator prevents excessive pressure of fuel supplied from the fuel supply device to the internal combustion engine. Therefore, the pressure regulator is provided in the middle of the flow path from the discharge port of the fuel pump to the internal combustion engine.

In this fuel supply device, the fuel pump and the cup (exterior body) are arranged so that their axes are parallel to the bottom of the fuel tank. The cup and the flange (lid member) that attaches the cup and the pressure regulator to the tank are made of resin, for example.

Japanese Patent No. 5554055

In the fuel supply device described in Patent Document 1, the cup and the flange are integrally molded.
However, when integrally molding a cylindrical pressure regulator having an axis erected on a flat plate-shaped flange and a cylindrical cup having an axis substantially parallel to the surface of the flange, the number of divisions of the mold, that is, the required The problem arises that the number of slides and the slide direction are increased, and the mold structure is complicated. At the same time, when the number of mold divisions increases, the number of locations where the ejector pins cannot be easily arranged increases, so there is a problem that the releasability of the molded product may deteriorate.

In other words, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the mold structure is complicated, the degree of freedom in ejector pin arrangement is low, and the mold releasability is poor. is not realistic.
Furthermore, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the cup and the flange are integrally molded, it is not possible to cope with changes in the shape of the pump, particularly its outer diameter and discharge shape. Therefore, there is a problem that versatility is inferior.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to achieve the objects of preventing complication of the mold, improving mold releasability, and improving versatility.

In order to solve the above problems, one form of the fuel supply device according to the present invention is
A fuel supply device that is attached to a fuel tank and supplies fuel in the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank,
a flange member covering an opening in the bottom wall of the fuel tank;
a fuel pump disposed at the bottom of the fuel tank in a horizontal position along the mounting surface of the flange member exposed in the front fuel tank;
a cylindrical pump housing member that houses the fuel pump and is attached to the flange member;
with
a guide rail structure that regulates the mounting direction in which the flange member and the pump housing member are slidably mounted to each other along the arrangement surface of the flange member;
a snap-fit structure in which the flange member and the pump housing member are engaged with each other at a slide end position in the mounting direction to regulate the position;
Prepare.

In the above configuration, the guide rail structure and the snap-fit structure allow the flange member and the pump housing member to be slidably attached to each other, so that the flange member and the pump housing member can be molded separately. As a result, in the mold for molding the flange member and the pump housing member, the slide structure is simplified and the flexibility of the ejector pin arrangement is improved, preventing the mold from becoming complicated and manufacturing by simplifying the mold structure. Productivity is improved by reducing costs and improving releasability.
At the same time, by separately forming the flange member and the pump housing member, it is possible to attach pump housing members having different shapes to the flange member. Thus, even when the fuel pump is changed, it can be dealt with only by changing the shape of the pump accommodating member. Therefore, it is possible to easily adapt to pumps of different shapes, and to improve versatility.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
The guide rail structure is
a vertical rail portion extending along the mounting direction and formed so as to protrude in a facing direction in which the flange member and the pump housing member face each other;
a vertical guide portion that extends along the mounting direction and is formed to project toward the vertical rail portion, is fitted to the vertical rail portion, and is slidable in the mounting direction along the vertical rail portion;
as a set, a vertical guide rail structure for regulating the position of the flange member and the pump housing member at least in the facing direction,
The vertical guide rail structure is
Protruding portions that protrude along the arrangement surface in a crossing direction that intersects the mounting direction and are fitted to each other are formed at the facing direction tip of the vertical rail portion and the facing direction tip of the vertical guide portion,
One of the vertical rail portion and the vertical guide portion is formed on the flange member, and the other is formed on the pump housing member.
be able to.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
The vertical guide rail structure is
At least one of the projecting portions has an inclined portion that is inclined so that the flange member and the pump housing member are closer to each other in the facing direction at a sliding terminal end than a slide starting end in the mounting direction,
be able to.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
The vertical guide rail structure is
Of the contact surfaces where the protruding portion of the vertical rail portion and the protruding portion of the vertical guide portion contact each other,
The contact surface of the projecting portion formed on the flange member is formed in a planar shape along the mounting direction,
wherein the contact surface of the protrusion formed on the pump housing member has the inclined portion;
be able to.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
The guide rail structure is
a lateral rail portion extending along the mounting direction and formed to protrude in a direction in which the flange member and the pump housing member face each other;
a lateral guide portion that extends along the mounting direction and is formed to protrude toward the lateral rail portion and contacts the lateral rail portion in a crossing direction that intersects the mounting direction;
as a set, having a lateral guide rail structure for regulating the position of the flange member and the pump housing member in the cross direction,
The horizontal guide rail structure is
One of the horizontal rail portion and the horizontal guide portion is formed on the flange member, and the other is formed on the pump housing member.
be able to.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
The lateral guide rail structure is
At least one of the horizontal rail portion and the horizontal guide portion is provided so that the contact pressure between the horizontal rail portion and the horizontal guide portion in the crossing direction is increased at the end of the slide rather than at the start end of the slide in the mounting direction. having an inclined ramp,
be able to.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
The guide rail structure is
the vertical guide rail structure and the horizontal guide rail structure are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the cross direction;
be able to.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
The vertical guide rail structure is
The cross-sectional contour of the vertical rail portion in the cross direction is formed in a substantially T shape,
The vertical guide portion is formed in a groove shape into which the vertical rail portion is slidably fitted,
Of the contact surfaces where the protruding portion of the vertical rail portion and the protruding portion of the vertical guide portion contact each other,
the contact surface of the projecting portion formed on the flange member is formed in a planar shape along the mounting direction and parallel to the arrangement surface;
The contact surface of the projecting portion formed on the pump housing member is inclined such that the flange member and the pump housing member are closer to each other in the facing direction at the end of the slide than at the start end of the slide in the mounting direction. As a portion, an inclined surface inclined away from the arrangement surface toward the end of the slide from the start end of the slide in the mounting direction,
be able to.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
The snap-fit structure is arranged at a position extending the end of the slide in the mounting direction of the lateral guide rail structure.
be able to.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
The flange member includes
a fuel channel for supplying the fuel in the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank;
a pressure regulator that communicates with the fuel flow path and maintains a constant pressure in the fuel flow path; and a regulator accommodating portion that protrudes from the placement surface and that is disposed therein with the fuel flow path;
is formed and
the snap-fit structure is arranged at a position corresponding to the tip of the regulator accommodating portion in the facing direction;
be able to.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
An opening communicating between the fuel flow path and the fuel tank is formed at the tip of the regulator housing,
The pump accommodating member is formed with a covering piece that overlaps with the opening when viewed in the opposing direction at a locking position by the snap-fit structure.
be able to.

A fuel supply device according to the present invention includes:
The covering piece has a gap with the edge of the opening at the locking position by the snap-fit structure,
be able to.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the fuel supply apparatus which can prevent complication of a metal mold|die, improve mold releasability, and can improve versatility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment of the fuel supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is sectional drawing which shows 1st Embodiment of the fuel supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view showing a flange member in a 1st embodiment of a fuel supply system concerning the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a pump housing member in a first embodiment of a fuel supply system according to the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a guide rail structure of a pump accommodating member in a first embodiment of a fuel supply system according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the XY plane showing the vertical guide rail structure in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the XY plane showing the vertical guide rail structure in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the YZ plane showing the vertical guide rail structure in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the XY plane showing the guide rail structure in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the YZ plane showing another example of the vertical guide rail structure in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the YZ plane showing another example of the vertical guide rail structure in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention;

A first embodiment of a fuel supply device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the fuel supply device according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the fuel supply device according to this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a fuel supply device.
In the following description, the central axis of the fuel pump 10, which will be described later, will be referred to as the central axis C (see FIG. 2), and the direction along the central axis C will be referred to as the mounting direction (sliding direction; X direction). The direction orthogonal to the mounting direction along the arrangement surface of the flange member 30 that closes the opening 2b formed in the bottom wall 2a of 2 is called the cross direction (Y direction), and the normal direction to the arrangement surface is the opposite direction. (Z direction).

<Fuel supply device>
A fuel supply system 1 according to this embodiment is attached to a vehicle such as a motorcycle or a four-wheeled vehicle. The fuel supply device 1 is of a so-called bottom attachment type. The fuel supply device 1 is inserted through an opening 2b formed in the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2 and attached to the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2, as shown in FIGS. The fuel supply device 1 includes a fuel pump 10 arranged in a fuel tank 2 , a cup (pump housing member) 20 that contains (stores) the fuel pump 10 , and a fuel pump 10 together with the cup 20 that supports the fuel tank 2 . and a pressure regulator 45 attached inside the flange unit 30 .

That is, the fuel supply device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a flange member 30 covering an opening 2b in the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2, and a mounting surface 30a of the flange member 30 exposed inside the fuel tank 2. A fuel pump 10 placed near the bottom in the Z direction in the fuel tank 2 in a laterally placed state, a cylindrical pump housing member 20 housing the fuel pump 10 and attached to a flange member 30, and a pump The inlet cover 50 connected to the housing member 20 and, as will be described later, the flange member 30 and the pump housing member 20 are slidably attached to each other in the X direction. A guide rail structure 100 for regulation and a snap-fit structure 200 for locking the flange member 30 and the pump housing member 20 at the end of the slide in the mounting direction to regulate the position.

<Fuel pump>
The fuel pump 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the central axis C direction aligned with the X direction. The fuel pump 10 has a motor section 11 arranged on the left side in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a pump section 12 arranged on the right side in FIGS. The outer peripheral surface of the fuel pump 10 is formed by a cylindrical housing case 13 made of metal, for example. The housing case 13 supports the motor section 11 and the pump section 12 from the outside.

Here, the right side in the drawing means the right side in the X direction, that is, the fuel suction side along the axial direction of the fuel pump 10 and the mounting surface 30 a of the flange member 30 . Similarly, the left side means the left side in the X direction, that is, the fuel discharge side in the direction along the mounting surface 30 a of the flange member 30 and the axial direction of the fuel pump 10 .
For the motor unit 11, for example, a DC motor 11a with brushes (not shown) is used. The motor portion 11 has an output shaft 15 extending in the X downward direction at the center in the radial direction. The output shaft 15 extends from the left side of the motor section 11 to the right side of the pump section 12 .

A non-displacement pump having an impeller 16 is used for the pump section 12 . In addition to the impeller 16 , the pump section 12 has an impeller case 18 formed so as to cover the entire impeller 16 .
The impeller 16 is a disc-shaped member made of resin, for example. An insertion hole 16a is formed in the center of the impeller 16 in the radial direction. The output shaft 15 of the DC motor 11a is inserted through the insertion hole 16a. The output shaft 15 is arranged so that its axial direction is the X direction.

A plurality of blade portions (not shown) are formed on the left and right surfaces of the impeller 16 on the outer peripheral side. The left and right surfaces of the impeller 16 are penetrated between these blade portions. Further, between the insertion holes 16a of the impeller 16 and the blades (not shown), fuel passage holes (not shown) are formed through the left and right surfaces of the impeller 16. As shown in FIG. Then, when the DC motor 11a is driven and the impeller 16 rotates, the fuel F passes through a fuel passage hole (not shown) and is pressure-fed from the right side of the impeller 16 to the left side.

The impeller case 18 is formed to cover the left surface, right surface and outer periphery of the impeller 16 . The lower end of the housing case 13 is caulked to the outer peripheral edge of the right surface 18 a of the impeller case 18 . A fuel intake port 14 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the right surface of the impeller case 18 so as to protrude rightward. Further, the impeller case 18 is formed with a communication hole (not shown) penetrating in the X direction, and the communication hole (not shown) communicates with the fuel intake port 14 . As a result, the fuel F is pumped up to the pump portion 12 via the fuel suction port 14 and a communication hole (not shown). An inlet cover 50 is attached to the cup 20 on the right side of the fuel pump 10 .
A discharge port 51 is formed on the left side of the housing case 13 . The exhaust port 51 communicates with a fuel flow path 71 formed in the regulator housing portion 70 .

An outlet cover 17 is provided on the right side of the motor section 11 . The outlet cover 17 is made of resin, for example. The outlet cover 17 is integrated with the flange member 30 . The outlet cover 17 contacts the fuel pump 10 housed in a cylindrical cup 20 . The outlet cover 17 is integrated with a regulator accommodating portion 70 erected from an arrangement surface 30a of the flange member 30, as will be described later.
The outlet cover 17 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape erected from the arrangement surface 30a. The outlet cover 17 is configured to maintain the state where the fuel pump 10 is housed in the cup 20 when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 are locked by a snap fit structure 200 which will be described later. It should be noted that the outlet cover 17 may have other shapes as long as the fuel pump 10 can be maintained in the stored state with respect to the cup 20 .
The outlet cover 17 is formed with a contact surface 17 a that contacts the cup 20 and the fuel pump 10 . The contact surface 17a is a plane facing the cup 20 and the fuel pump 10 in the X direction. The contact surface 17a is formed to extend in the Z direction.

<Inlet cover>
The inlet cover 50 is arranged further right from the right end of the cylindrical cup 20 . The inlet cover 50 is attached to the cup 20 so as to surround the right end of the cup 20 . Further, a fuel suction port 14 through which the fuel F flows into the fuel pump 10 is positioned inside the lower portion of the inlet cover 50 .
A check valve (not shown) communicating with the fuel inlet 14 may be housed inside the inlet cover 50 . The check valve is for preventing the fuel F flowing from the fuel inlet 14 from flowing backward.

A liquid level detector for detecting the level of the fuel F stored in the fuel tank 2 may be attached to the inlet cover 50 . A filter 14 a is connected to the fuel intake port 14 . Filter 14 a is housed in inlet cover 50 . The filter 14a is located at the lowest position in the fuel tank 2. As shown in FIG. The side of the inlet cover 50 opposite to the cup 20 in the X direction is open to allow the fuel F in the fuel tank 2 to flow therein.

<Cup (pump housing member)>
The cup (pump housing member) 20 is made of, for example, a resin having excellent durability and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening toward the regulator housing section 70 on the left side in the X direction. That is, the cup 20 is mounted so as to accommodate the fuel pump 10 therein. The cup 20 is integrally formed with a cylindrical portion 22 fitted onto the fuel pump 10 and an end wall 21 formed to close the right end opening of the cylindrical portion 22 .

The cylindrical portion 22 of the cup 20 is formed with a plate-like locking piece 202 extending rightward in the X direction. The locking piece 202 is formed at the top of the cylindrical portion 22 so as to extend the outer circumference thereof in the axial direction. Locking piece 202 has a covering piece 220 that extends to the upper end of regulator housing portion 70 . The locking piece 202 will be described later.
The tubular portion 22 of the cup 20 may be provided with a window portion 23 that opens to the outer peripheral surface. A plurality of windows 23 may be formed. A guide rail structure 100 slidable with respect to the flange member 30 is formed at the bottom of the cylindrical portion 22 of the cup 20 .

A lower end of the cup 20 is in contact with the flange member 30 . Formed below the cup 20 in the Z direction is a slide portion 24 having a thickness having a slide surface 20a, which is a lower end surface, as will be described later. The slide surface 20a is parallel to the placement surface 30a and extends in the XY directions. In addition, the dimension in the Y direction of the slide portion 24 on which the slide surface 20a is formed is larger than the dimension in the Y direction of the cylindrical portion 22 that houses the fuel pump 10, as will be described later.

The X-direction dimension of the slide surface 20a formed on the slide portion 24 is smaller than the X-direction dimension of the cylindrical portion 22 that houses the fuel pump 10, as will be described later. As will be described later, the Z-direction dimension or thickness of the sliding portion 24 allows the flange member 30 and the cup 20 to slide and holds the fuel pump 10 even if grooves are formed as the guide rail structure 100 . It shall have the strength possible.

<Flange unit>
The flange unit (flange member) 30 is made of resin having excellent oil resistance, for example. The flange unit 30 includes a plate-like flange portion 32 that closes the opening portion 2b, a regulator accommodating portion 70 that is erected inwardly of the fuel tank 2 of the flange portion 32, and an outward extension of the fuel tank 2 of the flange portion 32. and a connector 33 extending outward from the flange portion 32 of the fuel tank 2 at a distance from the tubular portion 34 .

The flange portion 32 has a contour shape corresponding to the contour shape of the opening 2b. In this embodiment, the flange portion 32 has an oval contour shape in plan view. The flange portion 32 has an arrangement surface 30 a formed inside the fuel tank 2 . A regulator accommodating portion 70 is erected at a position eccentric from the center of the flange portion 32 in plan view.
The flange portion 32 is formed with a peripheral groove portion 32a projecting upward at a portion corresponding to the opening portion 2b of the fuel tank 2. As shown in FIG. Then, the flange unit 30 is inserted into the opening 2b from the outside of the fuel tank 2, and the flange 32 of the flange unit 30 is brought into contact with the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2 from below with a fixing member (not shown). are fastened and fixed to the fuel tank 2 with bolts (not shown).

Then, the portion below the flange portion 32 (cylindrical portion 34 and connector 33 ) is exposed to the outside of fuel tank 2 . Further, the portion above the flange portion 32 (the regulator housing portion 70) is immersed in the fuel F in the fuel tank 2. As shown in FIG. A sealing member 32b made of rubber or the like is provided between the flange portion 32 and the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2, so that sealing performance between the fuel supply device 1 and the fuel tank 2 can be ensured.

The regulator accommodating portion 70 is erected from the arrangement surface 30a of the flange portion 32, and has a fuel flow path 71 formed therein. The fuel flow path 71 passes through the flange portion 32 and communicates with the inside of the cylindrical portion 34 . The fuel channel 71 extends in the Z direction. The pressure regulator 45 is accommodated in the vicinity of the end portion 70a of the regulator accommodating portion 70. As shown in FIG. The pressure regulator 45 is housed in a holding recess 73 that communicates with the fuel flow path 71 . The holding recess 73 is formed at the Z-direction upper end of the fuel flow path 71 . The holding recess 73 has an opening 73 a opening into the fuel tank 2 at the end 70 a of the regulator housing 70 . The pressure regulator 45 is fixed to the holding recess 73 by a projection 221 formed in the Y direction of the opening 73a. The convex portion 221 protrudes upward in the Z direction at a position corresponding to the Y direction side portion of the periphery of the opening 73a. The protruding portion 221 is a heat crimped portion.

<Pressure regulator>
The pressure regulator 45 is for reducing the fuel pressure of the fuel F flowing through the fuel passage 71 to a certain value or less. The pressure regulator 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface of the pressure regulator 45 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the holding recess 73 . The outer shape of the pressure regulator 45 substantially matches the inner shape of the holding recess 73 .
Therefore, the pressure regulator 45 is reliably held in the holding recess 73 . As a result, rattling of the pressure regulator 45 is suppressed.

A fuel inlet (not shown) provided below the pressure regulator 45 communicates with the fuel flow path 71 .
A portion of the fuel flow path 71 below the holding recess 73 and above the placement surface 30a in the Z direction communicates with the discharge port 51 via a discharge flow path 71b that branches in the X direction. The pressure regulator 45 communicates with the discharge port 51 via the fuel flow path 71 and the discharge flow path 71b. An O-ring (not shown) is provided between the pressure regulator 45 and the bottom of the holding recess 73 to ensure sealing.

When the fuel pressure in the fuel passage 71 becomes higher than a predetermined pressure, an on-off valve (not shown) provided in the pressure regulator 45 is pushed up by the fuel F filling the fuel passage 71 . Then, the fuel F flows into the pressure regulator 45 from below and is discharged from the upper opening 73 a of the pressure regulator 45 into the fuel tank 2 . When the fuel F is discharged to the fuel tank 2, the fuel pressure in the fuel passage 71 is reduced. When the fuel pressure in the fuel passage 71 returns to the normal value, the discharge of the fuel F from the pressure regulator 45 is stopped. As a result, the fuel pressure in the fuel passage 71 falls below a certain value.

A Z-direction lower end of the fuel flow path 71 penetrates the flange portion 32 and extends into the cylindrical portion 34 . A discharge pipe 34a formed in the X direction along the flange portion 32 is connected to the lower end of the cylindrical portion 34 in the Z direction. The direction in which the discharge pipe 34 a extends coincides with the axial direction of the fuel pump 10 .
The fuel flow path 71 communicates with a second flow path 71c formed in the discharge pipe 34a from the tubular portion 34 at the lower end of the tubular portion 34 in the Z direction. An outer end of the second flow path 71 c communicates with the internal combustion engine 57 via the secondary filter 56 . The cylindrical portion 34 and the discharge pipe 34a are integrally formed with the flange portion 32. As shown in FIG.

<Filter>
The primary filter 14a is arranged on the inlet cover 50 so as to be laid flat along the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2. As shown in FIG. The primary filter 14 a is for filtering the fuel F pumped up by the fuel pump 10 . The primary filter 14a is, for example, a sanction filter. The primary filter 14a is formed into a bag shape by overlapping a pair of filter materials (not shown) and welding the outer peripheral edges. The mesh diameter of the primary filter 14a is, for example, 70 μm.

On the other hand, the secondary filter 56 provided between the discharge pipe 34a and the internal combustion engine 57 filters the fuel F filtered by the primary filter 14a with higher accuracy before being supplied to the internal combustion engine 57. is. The mesh diameter of the secondary filter 56 is smaller than the mesh diameter of the primary filter 14a, for example 10 μm.

An external connector (not shown) connected to an external power supply (not shown), a control device (not shown), etc. ) are mated. The connector 33 is a rectangular tubular member when viewed from the X direction. The connector 33 has a connector fitting portion 33a that opens radially outward.
A connector terminal 33b for electrically connecting the inside and the outside of the fuel tank 2 is provided inside the connector fitting portion 33a. The connector terminal 33b is a member made of metal such as copper. The connector terminal 33 b is electrically connected to the motor section 11 and the liquid level detector via a harness 59 routed around the outer periphery of the regulator housing section 70 and the fuel pump 10 . As a result, the external power supply and the control device are electrically connected to the motor section 11 and the liquid level detector.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the flange member 30 in this embodiment together with the guide rail structure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cup (pump housing member) 20 in this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the guide rail structure in the cup (pump housing member) 20 in this embodiment. 5 is a perspective view of the cup (pump housing member) 20 of FIG. 4 as viewed from the side of the slide surface 20a. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the YZ direction showing the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the guide rail structure 100 in this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to the guide surface 120a. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in the YZ direction showing the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the guide rail structure 100 in this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to the fixing surface 120c.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view in the XZ direction showing the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the guide rail structure 100 in this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view in the XY direction showing the vertical guide rail structure 110 and the horizontal guide rail structure 150 in the guide rail structure 100 in this embodiment.

<Guide rail structure>
The guide rail structure 100 attaches the flange member 30 and the cup 20 containing the fuel pump 10 to each other by sliding them in the X direction.
The guide rail structure 100 is arranged on the arrangement surface 30a of the flange member 30 and the slide surface 20a of the cup 20, which face and contact each other.

As the guide rail structure 100, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, one vertical guide rail structure (first guide portion) 110 and two horizontal guide rail structures (second guide portions) 150 are provided. have. One vertical guide rail structure 110 and two horizontal guide rail structures 150 both extend in the X direction. One vertical guide rail structure 110 and two horizontal guide rail structures 150 are arranged parallel to each other.

The two horizontal guide rail structures 150 are spaced apart from each other on both sides of the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction. The lateral guide rail structure 150 allows mutual regulation of the positions in the Y direction when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide. In addition, the vertical guide rail structure 110 makes it possible to mutually regulate the positions in the X direction and the Y direction when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide. Here, the Y-direction outside means the direction from the vertical guide rail structure 110 to the horizontal guide rail structures 150 on both sides along the Y direction.

In this embodiment, a vertical guide rail structure (first guide portion) 110 and a horizontal guide rail structure (second guide portion) 150 are formed on the flange member 30 and the cup 20, respectively. The vertical guide rail structure 110 and the horizontal guide rail structure 150 are arranged on the mounting surface 30a of the flange member 30 and the sliding surface 20a of the cup 20 facing and contacting each other.

<Vertical guide rail structure>
The vertical guide rail structure 110 positions the flange member 30 and the pump housing member 20 at least in the X and Z directions. The vertical guide rail structure 110 has a vertical rail portion 111 formed on the placement surface 30a of the flange member 30 and a vertical guide portion 112 formed on the slide surface 20a.

<Vertical rail part>
The vertical rail portion 111 is formed as a straight ridge projecting upward in the Z direction from the placement surface 30a and extending in the X direction. The vertical rail portion 111 has a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional contour in the YZ direction. The vertical rail portion 111 includes a base portion 113 erected from the placement surface 30a, and projections extending from the base portion 113 in the Z direction and protruding to both sides in the Y direction from the Z direction tip 115 of the vertical rail portion 111. and a part 117 . That is, the longitudinal rail portion 111 has a Y-direction dimension of the tip 115 larger than a Y-direction dimension of the base portion 113 . With respect to the base portion 113, the vertical rail portion 111 has a tip 115 whose dimension in the Y direction increases toward both sides in the Y direction.

The Y-direction dimension of the base portion 113 is formed to have the same dimension from the placement surface 30a to the lower end of the projecting portion 117 upward in the Z-direction. The Y-direction dimension of the base portion 113 is substantially equal to the entire length of the vertical rail portion 111 in the X-direction.
The Z-direction top end surface 111a of the vertical rail portion 111 is formed flush on the XY plane, and the Z-direction height of the vertical rail portion 111 erected from the placement surface 30a is substantially uniform.

The projecting portion 117 is formed over the entire length of the vertical rail portion 111 in the X direction. The projecting portion 117 is formed over the entire length of the vertical rail portion 111 in the X direction. The projecting portion 117 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the vertical rail portion 111 in the Y direction. The protruding portion 117 protrudes from the base portion 113 on both sides in the Y direction, and is formed into a ridge having a rectangular cross section in the YZ direction. The two protrusions 117 are formed in the same shape in the Y direction. A lower surface 119 of the protruding portion 117 protrudes from the base portion 113 in the Y direction and serves as a contact surface 119 that contacts a contact surface 120 of the vertical guide portion 112, which will be described later.
The contact surface 119 is formed planar over the entire length in the X and Y directions. The contact surface 119 is formed parallel to the placement surface 30a over the entire length in the X and Y directions.

<Vertical guide part>
Two vertical guide portions 112 are formed parallel to the vertical rail portion 111 on both sides of the vertical rail portion 111 in the Y direction. Each of the vertical guide portions 112 is formed as a linear ridge projecting downward in the Z direction from the slide portion 24 and extending in the X direction. The two vertical guide portions 112 are formed such that the lower ends (tips) in the Z direction coincide with each other as the slide surface 20a, and both of them are flush with each other. The two vertical guide portions 112 are formed in a linear shape extending in the X direction so as to be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction and both sandwich the vertical rail portion 111 . That is, the two vertical guide portions 112 are formed so that the gap in the Y direction forms a groove shape that opens as the opening portion 116 in the slide surface 20a. The two vertical guide portions 112 are formed symmetrically in the Y direction with respect to the center of the vertical rail portion 111 in the Y direction.

The groove between the two vertical guide portions 112 also opens to the side end surface 24a of the slide portion 24 that is close to the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction. The groove between the two vertical guide portions 112 is closed at the side end surface 24b of the slide portion 24 that is separated from the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction. The groove between the two vertical guide portions 112 opens on the slide surface 20a of the slide portion 24 over substantially the entire length in the Y direction.

A top bottom surface 112a of the groove between the two vertical guide portions 112 is a plane parallel to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a. Protrusions 118 that protrude in a direction approaching each other are formed at the ends of the two vertical guides 112 facing downward in the Z direction. That is, in each vertical guide portion 112 , the projecting portion 118 projects in the Y direction toward the base portion 113 of the vertical rail portion 111 .
Each of the two vertical guide portions 112 has a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional contour in the YZ direction. Similarly, the cross-sectional shape of the vertical guide portion 112 opening at the side end surface 24a corresponds to the contour shape of the vertical rail portion 111 in the same direction.

The groove formed by the two vertical guide portions 112 has a top bottom surface 112a that faces the top end surface 111a and is farthest upward in the Z direction from the slide surface 20a, and a top bottom surface 112a that hangs downward in the Z direction from both Y-direction ends of the top bottom surface 112a. an opening 116 formed in the slide surface 20a at the Z-direction lower end of the side 114; and projections 118 formed on both sides in the Y-direction so as to reduce the groove width of the opening 116. , have

The projecting portion 118 is formed over the entire length of the vertical guide portion 112 in the X direction. The protruding portions 118 protrude from the side surfaces 114 so as to face each other in the Y direction so that both sides of the opening 116 are narrowed. It becomes the surface 120 . The Z-direction distance between the contact surface 120 and the slide surface 20a changes in the X-direction as described later. Along with this, in the X direction, the Z-direction height dimension from the top bottom surface 112a to the contact surface 120 changes in the X direction to be equal to the Z-direction height dimension of the side surface 114 .

<Contact surface>
The contact surface 120 is formed over the entire length of the vertical guide portion 112 in the X direction.
Here, the contact surface 120 has three areas in the X direction, as shown in FIG. Specifically, from the side end surface 24a of the contact surface 120 toward the side end surface 24b in the X direction, there are a guide surface 120a, an inclined surface 120b as an inclined portion, and a fixed surface 120c as a fixed portion.

The guide surface 120a is formed on the contact surface 120 at a position close to the side end surface 24a where the groove opens in the X direction. The guide surface 120a is formed at a position where the flange member 30 and the cup 20 first come into contact with each other when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide, that is, at the tip of the vertical guide portion 112 in the mounting direction (X direction). The guide surface 120a is parallel to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a. The Z-direction distance between the guide surface 120a and the slide surface 20a is smaller than the Z-direction distance between the placement surface 30a and the contact surface 119. FIG. That is, the Z-direction thickness dimension of the protruding portion 118 corresponding to the guide surface 120 a is smaller than the Z-direction height dimension of the base portion 113 .

The inclined surface (inclined portion) 120b is formed on the contact surface 120 at a position between the side end surfaces 24a and 24b in the X direction and at a position spaced apart from the side end surfaces 24a and 24b in the X direction. be. The inclined surface 120b is inclined from the side end surface 24a toward the side end surface 24b in the X direction so as to be separated from the slide surface 20a. That is, the inclined surface 120b is inclined so as to approach the top bottom surface 112a in the X direction from the side end surface 24a toward the side end surface 24b. The inclined surface 120b is formed above the projecting portion 118 in the Z direction continuously with the guide surface 120a. The inclined surface 120b is located at a position where the flange member 30 and the cup 20 contact following the guide surface 120a when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide, that is, in the mounting direction (X direction) as the vertical guide portion 112. formed gradually.
Although the inclined surface (inclined portion) 120b can be formed as a draft angle when molding the flange member 30, it is preferable to intentionally form it in order to perform positional regulation accurately.

The Z-direction distance between the inclined surface 120b and the slide surface 20a is equal to the Z-direction distance between the guide surface 120a and the slide surface 20a at a position adjacent to the guide surface 120a. That is, the Z-direction thickness dimension of the protruding portion 118 corresponding to the inclined surface 120b is smaller than the Z-direction height dimension of the base portion 113 . The Z-direction distance between the inclined surface 120b and the slide surface 20a is equal to the Z-direction distance between the fixed surface 120c and the slide surface 20a at a position adjacent to the fixed surface 120c described later. That is, the Z-direction thickness dimension of the protruding portion 118 corresponding to the inclined surface 120b is substantially equal to the Z-direction height dimension of the base portion 113 .

The fixing surface 120c is formed on the contact surface 120 at a position close to the side end surface 24b where the groove is closed in the X direction. The fixing surface 120c is formed at the position where the flange member 30 and the cup 20 finally come into contact when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide, that is, at the proximal end in the mounting direction (X direction) of the vertical guide portion 112. . The fixed surface 120c is parallel to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a. The Z-direction distance between the fixed surface 120c and the slide surface 20a is substantially equal to the Z-direction distance between the placement surface 30a and the contact surface 119. As shown in FIG. That is, the Z-direction thickness dimension of the protruding portion 118 corresponding to the fixing surface 120c is substantially equal to the Z-direction height dimension of the base portion 113 .

<Horizontal guide rail structure>
The lateral guide rail structure 150 positions the flange member 30 and the pump housing member 20 at least in the X direction. The lateral guide rail structure 150 is formed in a straight line extending in the X direction. Two horizontal guide rail structures 150 are formed on both sides of the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction. The horizontal guide rail structure 150 is spaced apart from the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction. The two horizontal guide rail structures 150 are formed symmetrically in the Y direction with respect to the vertical guide rail structure 110 .

One lateral guide rail structure 150 includes a lateral rail portion 151 formed on the placement surface 30a of the flange member 30, a lateral inner guide portion (lateral guide portion) 152 formed on the slide surface 20a, and a lateral guide portion 152 formed on the slide surface 20a. and a lateral outer guide portion (lateral guide portion) 153 .
The horizontal guide rail structure 150 is spaced apart from the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction in the order of the horizontal inner guide portion 152 , the horizontal rail portion 151 and the horizontal outer guide portion 153 .

<Horizontal rail part>
The horizontal rail portion 151 is formed as a straight ridge projecting upward in the Z direction from the placement surface 30a and extending in the X direction. The lateral rail portion 151 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional contour in the YZ direction.
The horizontal rail portion 151 has a uniform length in the X direction and a uniform dimension in the Y direction. The horizontal rail portion 151 has a uniform length in the X direction and a uniform dimension in the Z direction.

The horizontal rail portion 151 has a horizontal contact surface (contact surface) 155 that faces the vertical rail portion 111 among the side surfaces in the Y direction. The lateral contact surface 155 is a plane extending in the XZ plane. The lateral contact surface 155 is formed along the entire length of the lateral rail portion 151 in the X direction.
In the two horizontal guide rail structures 150 positioned on both sides of the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction, the horizontal contact surfaces 155 face each other in the Y direction.

The end of the horizontal rail portion 151 in the Z direction is formed as a top end surface 151a over the entire length in the X direction parallel to the placement surface 30a. The height of the horizontal rail portion 151 in the Z direction, that is, the height from the placement surface 30a to the top end surface 151a is uniform over the entire length in the X direction. The Z-direction height of the lateral rail portion 151 can be the same as the Z-direction height from the slide surface 20a to the top bottom surface 152a described later.

<Horizontal guide part>
The lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 are formed parallel to the lateral rail portion 151 on both sides of the lateral rail portion 151 in the Y direction. Both the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 are formed as linear ridges projecting downward in the Z direction from the slide portion 24 and extending in the X direction. Both the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 are formed so that the lower ends in the Z direction coincide with each other as the slide surface 20a and are flush with each other.

The horizontal inner guide portion 152 and the horizontal outer guide portion 153 are separated from each other in the Y direction, and both are formed in a linear shape extending in the X direction so as to sandwich the vertical rail portion 111 . In other words, the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 are formed so that the gap in the Y direction forms a groove shape that opens as an opening 156 in the slide surface 20a. The two vertical guide portions 112 are formed symmetrically in the Y direction with respect to the center of the vertical rail portion 111 in the Y direction.

The groove between the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 also opens to the side end surface 24a of the slide portion 24 that is adjacent to the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction. The groove between the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 is closed at the side end surface 24b of the slide portion 24 which is separated from the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction. The groove between the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 is open on the slide surface 20a of the slide portion 24 over substantially the entire length in the Y direction.
A top bottom surface 152a of the groove between the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 is a plane parallel to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a.

The lateral outer guide portion 153 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional contour in the YZ direction.
The lateral outer guide portion 153 has a uniform length in the X direction and a uniform dimension in the Y direction. The lateral outer guide portion 153 has a uniform length in the X direction and a uniform dimension in the Z direction.

The lateral inner guide portion 152 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional contour in the YZ direction. The lateral inner guide portion 152 has a uniform length in the X direction and a uniform Z-direction dimension.

The groove formed by the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 has a top bottom surface 152a that faces the top end surface 151a and is farthest upward in the Z direction from the slide surface 20a, and extends from both Y-direction ends of the top bottom surface 152a in the Z direction. A side surface 154 of the lateral outer guide portion 153 as a side surface that hangs downward to the opening 156, and a lateral contact surface of the lateral inner guide portion 152 as a side surface that hangs downward in the Z direction from both ends in the Y direction to the opening 156 on the top bottom surface 152a. (contact surface) 158;

<Lateral contact surface>
The lateral contact surface (contact surface) 158 has a plane extending along the XZ plane. The lateral contact surface 158 is formed over the entire length of the lateral inner guide portion 152 in the X direction.
Here, the lateral contact surface 158 has three regions in the X direction, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the lateral contact surface 158 includes a lateral guiding surface 158a, a lateral inclined surface 158b as an inclined portion, and a lateral fixing surface 158c as a fixing portion in the X direction from the side end surface 24a toward the side end surface 24b.

The lateral guide surface 158a is formed on the lateral contact surface 158 at a position close to the side end surface 24a where the groove opens in the X direction. The lateral guide surface 158a is formed at the position where the flange member 30 and the cup 20 first come into contact when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide, that is, at the distal end side of the lateral inner guide portion 152 in the mounting direction (X direction). be. The lateral guide surface 158a extends along the XY plane orthogonal to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a. The Y-direction distance between the lateral guide surface 158a and the vertical guide rail structure 110 is constant over the entire length of the lateral guide surface 158a in the X direction. That is, the Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral guide surface 158a is constant over the entire length of the lateral guide surface 158a in the X direction.

The horizontal inclined surface (inclined portion) 158b is formed in the horizontal contact surface 158 at a position between the side end surfaces 24a and 24b in the X direction and at a position separated from the side end surfaces 24a and 24b in the X direction. be. The laterally slanted surface 158b is slanted away from the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction as it goes from the side end surface 24a to the side end surface 24b in the X direction. That is, the laterally inclined surface 158b is inclined so as to approach the laterally outer guide portion 153 in the Y direction from the side end surface 24a toward the side end surface 24b. The laterally inclined surface 158b is formed on the outer side of the lateral inner guide portion 152 in the Y direction so as to be continuous with the lateral guide surface 158a. The laterally inclined surface 158b is the position where the flange member 30 and the cup 20 contact following the lateral guide surface 158a when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide, that is, the mounting direction (X direction) as the lateral inner guide portion 152. formed in the middle of

The Y-direction distance between the laterally inclined surface 158b and the vertical guide rail structure 110 is equal to the Y-direction distance between the lateral guide surface 158a and the vertical guide rail structure 110 at a position adjacent to the lateral guide surface 158a. That is, the Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral inclined surface 158b is equal to the Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral guide surface 158a at the position adjacent to the lateral guide surface 158a. . The Y-direction distance between the horizontal inclined surface 158b and the vertical guide rail structure 110 is equal to the Y-direction distance between the horizontal fixed surface 158c and the vertical guide rail structure 110 at a position adjacent to the horizontal fixed surface 158c described later. That is, the Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral inclined surface 158b is substantially equal to the Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral fixed surface 158c.

The lateral fixing surface 158c is formed on the lateral contact surface 158 at a position close to the side end surface 24b where the groove is closed in the X direction. The lateral fixing surface 158c is a sliding terminal position at which the flange member 30 and the cup 20 finally come into contact when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide, that is, the lateral inner guide portion 152 is attached in the direction (X direction). formed at the ends. The lateral fixing surface 158c extends along the XY plane perpendicular to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a. The distance in the Y direction between the horizontal fixing surface 158c and the vertical guide rail structure 110 is constant over the entire length of the horizontal fixing surface 158c in the X direction. The Y-direction distance between the horizontal fixing surface 158c and the vertical guide rail structure 110 is greater than the Y-direction distance between the horizontal guide surface 158a and the vertical guide rail structure 110. As shown in FIG. That is, the Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral fixing surface 158c is constant over the entire length of the lateral fixing surface 158c in the X direction. The Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral fixing surface 158c is larger than the Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral guiding surface 158a.

Here, the two lateral inner guide portions 152 positioned on both Y-direction outer sides of the vertical guide rail structure 110 are arranged laterally so that the lateral fixing surfaces 158c are positioned on both Y-direction outer sides of the lateral guiding surfaces 158a. The inclined surface 158b is inclined. That is, in the two lateral guide rail structures 150, the distance between the two laterally inclined surfaces 158b in the Y direction increases from the side end face 24a toward the side end face 24b in the X direction. Also, in the two lateral guide rail structures 150, the spacing between the lateral fixing surfaces 158c in the Y direction is larger than the spacing between the lateral guiding surfaces 158a in the Y direction. As a result, the lateral contact surface 155 in contact with the lateral contact surface 158 is pushed outward in the Y direction when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 finally slide. That is, the contact pressure in the Y direction between the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral rail portion 151 increases due to the lateral inclined surface 158b.

The laterally inclined surface 158b and the inclined surface 120b are aligned in the X direction. That is, the boundary between the lateral guide surface 158a and the lateral slanted surface 158b coincides with the boundary between the guide surface 120a and the slanted surface 120b in the X direction.
Similarly, the boundary between the horizontal fixed surface 158c and the horizontal inclined surface 158b coincides with the boundary between the fixed surface 120c and the inclined surface 120b in the X direction.

The snap-fit structure 200 locks the flange member 30 and the pump housing member 20 to each other at the end of the slide in the X direction (attachment direction) to regulate the position. A plurality of snap-fit structures 200 can be provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 22 . In this embodiment, there are three snap-fit structures 200 .

The snap-fit structures 200 are provided at the top of the regulator housing portion 70 and at two locations near the placement surface 30a on both sides of the pump housing member 20 in the Y direction. The snap-fit structure 200 has three locking pieces 202,212,212 and corresponding locking protrusions 203,213,213.
Each of the locking piece 202, the locking piece 212, and the locking piece 212 protrudes from the pump housing member 20 toward the regulator housing portion 70 in the X direction.
The locking piece 202 is formed at the top of the regulator housing portion 70 . The locking piece 212 and the locking piece 212 are provided on both sides in the Y direction of the pump housing member 20 near the arrangement surface 30a.

The locking piece 202 extends in the X direction so as to bridge over the top of the regulator housing portion 70 . The locking piece 202 is connected to the uppermost part in the Z direction of the cylindrical part 22 around the center axis C along the X direction, that is, the top part. The locking piece 202 has a predetermined dimension in the Y direction. The locking piece 202 is formed into a curved surface that is continuous with the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical portion 22 , and an opening 201 is formed in the locking piece 202 . Opening 201 has a generally rectangular profile. The opening 201 is positioned substantially in the center of the locking piece 202 in the Y direction. The opening 201 opens vertically in the Z direction and penetrates the locking piece 202 in the Z direction. The locking pieces 202 and the openings 201 are arranged at positions extending the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the X direction when viewed in the Z direction.

The locking protrusion 203 is formed at the top of the regulator accommodating portion 70 . The locking projection 203 is formed on the top of the outlet cover 17 in the Z direction. The locking projection 203 is formed at a position spaced apart from the pump accommodating member 20 in the X direction than the contact surface 17a. The locking projection 203 is formed at a position closer to the pump housing member 20 than the opening 73a in the X direction. The locking projection 203 protrudes upward in the Z direction and is inserted into the opening 201 so that the locking piece 202 can be locked. The locking projection 203 is arranged at a position extending the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the X direction when viewed in the Z direction. The contour shape of the locking projection 203 as viewed in the Z direction is the same shape as the opening 201 . The locking protrusion 203 is formed with an inclined surface at a position spaced apart from the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction, and when the opening 201 is locked, the locking piece 202 facilitates the locking operation.

The locking piece 202 further extends in the X direction from the opening 201 and has a covering piece 220 that extends to a position above the opening 73a. The cover piece 220 overlaps the opening 73a when viewed in the Z direction. The covering piece 220 has a gap between it and the edge of the opening 73a. That is, the covering piece 220 does not contact the entire circumference of the opening 73a, but only overlaps and does not block the opening 73a. The covering piece 220 can come into contact with a protrusion 221 formed on the Y-direction side of the opening 73a.

The covering piece 220 does not block the opening 73 a and does not block the fuel F discharged from the pressure regulator 45 into the fuel tank 2 , and at the same time, allows the fuel F to flow from the fuel tank 2 into the regulator accommodating portion 70 . , it is possible to suppress the intrusion of foreign matter. In this manner, the covering piece 220, which serves as a foreign substance contamination prevention member, is integrated with the locking piece 202, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

The locking piece 212 and the locking piece 212 are formed on both sides of the cylindrical portion 22 in the Y direction in plan view. The locking piece 212 and the locking piece 212 extend from the side end face 24a of the slide portion 24 in the X direction. The locking piece 212 and the locking piece 212 are formed in a flat plate shape having a predetermined Z-direction thickness. The locking piece 212 and the locking piece 212 have a predetermined dimension in the Y direction. Each locking piece 212 is formed with an opening 211 having the same shape. Opening 211 has a generally rectangular profile. The opening 211 is positioned substantially in the center of the locking piece 212 in the Y direction. The opening 211 opens vertically in the Z direction and penetrates the locking piece 212 in the Z direction. Both the locking piece 212 and the opening 211 are arranged at positions extending the lateral guide rail structure 150 in the X direction when viewed in the Z direction.

Each of the locking projections 213 is erected upward in the Z direction from the arrangement surface 30a, and is inserted into the opening 211 so that the locking piece 212 can be locked. The contour shape of the locking projection 213 viewed in the Z direction is the same shape as the opening 211 . The locking protrusion 213 is formed with an inclined surface at a position spaced apart from the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction, and when the opening 211 is locked, the locking piece 212 facilitates the locking operation. The locking protrusion 213 is arranged at the X-direction end of the lateral rail portion 151 of the lateral guide rail structure 150 . The locking protrusion 213 is formed with an inclined surface at a position spaced apart from the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction, and when the opening 211 is locked, the locking piece 212 facilitates the locking operation.

Further, the length of the locking piece 212 in the X direction is determined when the slide start end on the right side of the vertical rail portion 111 shown in FIGS. At the same time, the tip of the locking piece 212 in the X direction is set to reach the locking projection 203 . Furthermore, the position of the opening 211 in the locking piece 212 in the X direction is such that when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide, the slide starting end on the right side of the vertical rail portion 111 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 reaches the fixed surface 120c. After that, the opening 211 and the locking protrusion 213 are set to be locked at the same time.

Similarly, the X-direction length of the locking piece 202 and the X-direction position of the opening 201 in the locking piece 202 are the slide starting end and inclination of the vertical rail portion 111 when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide. It is set corresponding to the position with respect to the surface 120b.
Similarly, the X-direction length of the locking piece 212 and the X-direction position of the opening 211 in the locking piece 212 are the same as the sliding starting end and the horizontal position of the horizontal rail portion 151 when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide. It corresponds to the X-direction position of the inclined surface 158b. Also, the X-direction length of the locking piece 202 and the X-direction position of the opening 201 in the locking piece 202 correspond to the X-direction position of the horizontal rail portion 151 and the horizontal inclined surface 158b.

That is, when the position setting of the flange member 30 and the cup 20 by the contact surface 120 and the lateral contact surface 158 is completed, the openings 201 and 211 and the locking projections 203 and 213 are locked to each other in the X direction. is set.

Next, the guide rail structure 100 in assembly by sliding the flange member 30 and the cup 20 will be described.

<Guide rail structure when sliding>
In order to assemble the flange member 30 and the cup 20 , the guide rail structure 100 is combined with the fuel pump 10 housed in the cup 20 .
First, the vertical rail portion 111 and the vertical guide portion 112 are set so as to be aligned on the same straight line as the position where the slide surface 20a abuts on the placement surface 30a.
In this state, the cup 20 and the regulator accommodating portion 70 of the flange member 30 are moved in the X direction so as to approach each other.

At this time, the right sliding start end of the vertical rail portion 111 shown in FIGS. At the same time, the protrusions 117 on both sides in the Y direction are inserted into the grooves opened in the side end surface 24a that serves as the slide start end so that both protrusions 117 are above the protrusions 118 . Here, since the contact surface 120 of the projection 117 is the guide surface 120a immediately after insertion, the contact surface 119 does not contact the contact surface 120, or the contact surface 119 contacts the contact surface 119 as shown in FIG. The plane 120 is in a state where there is room to move in the Z direction.

At the same time, the right slide starting end of the lateral rail portion 151 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is inserted into the groove formed by the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 from the opening of the side end surface 24a. Here, since the lateral contact surface 158 of the lateral inner guide portion 152 is the lateral guide surface 158a immediately after insertion, the lateral contact surface 155 and the lateral contact surface 158 do not contact each other, or The lateral contact surface 155 and the lateral contact surface 158 are in a state where they can move in the Y direction.

Further, the cup 20 and the regulator accommodating portion 70 are slid in the X direction so that they are close to each other. Here, the slide starting end on the right side of the vertical rail portion 111 contacts the inclined surface 120b. The contact surface 119 has a constant Z-direction distance from the placement surface 30a. Also, the thickness of the protruding portion 118 in the Z direction increases along the inclination of the inclined surface 120b. Therefore, the projecting portion 118 is pressed downward in the Z direction from the projecting portion 117 in accordance with the sliding movement. Therefore, the vertical guide portion 112 is pressed downward in the Z direction.

At the same time, when the cup 20 and the flange member 30 are slid, the lateral contact surface 155 comes into contact with the lateral inclined surface 158b at the slide start end on the right side of the lateral rail portion 151 shown in FIGS. Here, the horizontal contact surface 155 of the horizontal rail portion 151 has a constant Y-direction distance from the vertical guide rail structure 110 . Also, in the two lateral rail portions 151, the distance between the two lateral contact surfaces 155 in the Y direction is constant. In addition, the thickness of the lateral inner guide portion 152 increases outward in the Y direction along the slope of the laterally inclined surface 158b. That is, in the two lateral inner guide portions 152, the distance between the two lateral inclined surfaces 158b in the Y direction increases toward the end of the slide. Therefore, the lateral contact surface 155 is pressed outward in the Y direction from the lateral inclined surface 158b as it slides. Therefore, the two lateral rail portions 151 are both pressed outward in the Y direction from the two lateral inner guide portions 152 . The two lateral inner guide portions 152 are both pressed inward in the Y direction from the two lateral rail portions 151 .

Further, the cup 20 and the regulator accommodating portion 70 are slid in the X direction so that they are close to each other. Then, the slide start end on the right side of the vertical rail portion 111 approaches the slide end of the vertical guide portion 112 . The contact surface 119 comes into contact with the fixed surface 120c, and the projecting portion 118 is pressed downward in the Z direction from the projecting portion 117. As shown in FIG.
At the end of the slide, the projecting portion 118 is sandwiched between the contact surface 119 of the projecting portion 117 and the placement surface 30a. Also, the projecting portion 117 is sandwiched between the top bottom surface 112a and the fixing surface 120c. As a result, the protruding portion 117 and the protruding portion 118 are fixed in a press-fitted state.
That is, the projecting portion 118 is fixed in a state of being restricted to a Z-direction position defined by the placement surface 30a and the contact surface 120c. That is, the Z-direction positions of the cup 20 and the flange member 30 are defined in a state in which the slide surface 20a is in contact with the placement surface 30a.

At the same time, when the cup 20 and the flange member 30 are slid, the slide starting end of the lateral rail portion 151 approaches the sliding end of the lateral inner guide portion 152 . The lateral contact surface 155 contacts the lateral fixing surface 158c, and the lateral rail portion 151 is pressed outward in the Y direction from the lateral inner guide portion 152. As shown in FIG. The two lateral rail portions 151 are pressed outward in the Y direction opposite to each other from the lateral inner guide portions 152 with which they abut. Here, in the two lateral rail portions 151, the distance between the two lateral contact surfaces 155 in the Y direction is constant. In the two lateral inner guide portions 152, the distance between the two lateral fixing surfaces 158c in the Y direction increases toward the end of the slide. Therefore, the two horizontal rail portions 151 and the two horizontal rail portions 151 are arranged in a state defined by the Y-directional position defined between the two horizontal fixing surfaces 158c and the Y-directional position defined between the two horizontal contact surfaces 155c. The two lateral inner guide portions 152 are positionally regulated. Both of the two lateral inner guide portions 152 are pressed inward in the Y direction from the two lateral rail portions 151, and the Y direction position is fixed in a press-fitted state.

Further, when the slide starting end of the vertical rail portion 111 contacts the inclined surface 120b while the cup 20 and the flange member 30 are being slid, the sliding starting end of the horizontal rail portion 151 contacts the horizontal inclined surface 158b. Further, when the slide starting end of the vertical rail portion 111 contacts the fixed surface 120c, the sliding starting end of the horizontal rail portion 151 contacts the horizontal fixing surface 158c. That is, the positions of the inclined surface 120b and the horizontal inclined surface 158b during sliding correspond in the X direction.
Thus, the balance between the flange member 30 and the cup 20 can be maintained by the guide rail structure 100 having the vertical rail portion 111 with a T-shaped cross section.

Next, the snap-fit structure 200 in assembly by sliding the flange member 30 and the cup 20 will be described.

<Snap fit structure when sliding>
When the cup 20 and the flange member 30 are slid, the slide between the cup 20 and the flange member 30 is restricted in the X direction by the guide rail structure 100 .
At this time, the locking pieces 202, 212, and 212 ride on the locking projections 203, 213, and 213 as they slide, and then the locking projections 203, 213, and 213 are inserted into the openings 201, 211, and 211. be done.

In the middle of sliding the cup 20 and the flange member 30, when the slide starting end of the vertical rail portion 111 contacts the inclined surface 120b and the sliding starting end of the horizontal rail portion 151 contacts the horizontal inclined surface 158b, the locking piece 212 , 212 abut on the locking projections 213 , 213 . That is, the positions of the locking piece 212 and the locking projection 213 during sliding correspond to the inclined surface 120b and the horizontal inclined surface 158b in the X direction.
When the pressing force with which the slide starting end of the vertical rail portion 111 is pressed by the inclined surface 120b increases and the pressing force with which the sliding starting end of the horizontal rail portion 151 is pressed by the horizontal inclined surface 158b increases, the locking piece The abutment between 212 and locking projection 213 is maintained.

When the sliding start end of the vertical rail portion 111 is pressed by the fixing surface 120c and the sliding start end of the horizontal rail portion 151 is pressed by the horizontal fixing surface 158c, the locking projections 203, 213, and 213 are opened. It is inserted into the parts 201 , 211 and 211 . As a result, the cup 20 and the flange member 30 are fixed by the snap-fit structure 200 engaged with each other.
It should be noted that the covering piece 220 of the locking piece 202 is in contact with the locking projection 203 before the locking piece 212 and the locking projection 213 start contacting when sliding. The covering piece 220 is set in a positional relationship with the opening 73a regardless of locking by the snap-fit structure 200. As shown in FIG.

<Operation of fuel supply device>
Next, a method of operating the fuel supply device 1 will be described.
First, the fuel supply device 1 is attached to the fuel tank 2 and the fuel F is filled in the fuel tank 2 . Then, the fuel supply device 1 is immersed in the fuel F.
Then, the fuel F flows into the flange unit 30 mainly through the gap between the opening 73a formed in the regulator housing portion 70 of the flange unit 30 and the covering piece 220, and the fuel F is stored in the holding recess 73 and the like. be done.

In this state, when the motor portion 11 is driven to operate the fuel pump 10, the fuel F is pumped up to the fuel suction port 14 of the fuel pump 10 through the primary filter 14a.
The fuel F pumped into the fuel pump 10 is pressure-fed toward the discharge port 51 by the rotation of the impeller 16 .
The fuel F pressure-fed toward the discharge port 51 is delivered to the fuel flow path 71 via the check valve and the discharge flow path 71b. After that, the fuel F passes through the cylindrical portion 34 and is discharged from the discharge pipe 34a. The fuel F discharged from the discharge pipe 34 a passes through the secondary filter 56 and is pumped to the internal combustion engine 57 .

When the fuel pressure in the fuel passage 71 becomes higher than a predetermined pressure, the fuel F filling the fuel passage 71 is discharged into the fuel tank 2 by the pressure regulator 45 . As a result, the fuel pressure in the fuel flow path 71 is reduced, and the fuel pressure in the fuel flow path 71 falls below a certain value. Therefore, the fuel F passes through the fuel flow path 71 and the cylindrical portion 34 and is discharged from the discharge pipe 34a while the fuel pressure is maintained at a certain value or less. That is, the pressure regulator 45 keeps the pressure of the fuel F discharged from the fuel tank 2 through the fuel supply device 1 below a certain value.

According to the above-described embodiment, the flange member 30 and the cup 20 can be made separate members and molded separately. This eliminates the need to simultaneously mold the cylindrical portion 34 having the regulator housing portion 70 and the fuel flow path 71 having the axis in the Z direction and the cup 20 having the axis in the X direction. Therefore, the mold structure can be simplified, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the flange mold with respect to the E pin (ejector pin) can be increased, and deformation during mold release can be suppressed. .

It is not necessary to simultaneously mold the tubular portion 34 having the regulator housing portion 70 and the fuel flow path 71 having an axis in the Z direction, and the cup 20 having an axis in the X direction, thereby simplifying the structure of each part. can do. Since the cup 20 is circular, the mold structure of the cup 20 is also cylindrical and can be simplified.

Using the guide rail structure 100 and the snap fit structure 200, the flange member 30 and the cup 20 are fixed by fitting between the vertical rail portion 111 and the vertical guide portion 112, and between the horizontal rail portion 151 and the horizontal guide portions 152, 153. Therefore, it is possible to improve the strength by providing higher rigidity than a structure in which locking is performed only by snap fitting.

Since the flange member 30 and the cup 20 are separate members, even when the diameter of the fuel pump 10 is changed to a different type, the same flange member 30 can be used to easily cope with the change.

Since the flange member 30 and the cup 20 are attached and fixed by the three guide rail structures 100 extending in the X direction, the impact resistance of the fuel supply device 1 can be improved.
In addition, only by sliding the flange member 30 and the cup 20 in the X direction by means of the guide rail structure 100, they can be attached and fixed.

The guide rail structure 100 and the snap-fit structure 200 are slid so that the positions of the locking piece 212 and the locking projection 213 during sliding correspond to the inclined surface 120b and the horizontal inclined surface 158b in the X direction. Since the position in the X direction at the time corresponds to each other, in mounting and fixing the flange member 30 and the cup 20, the position setting of the flange member 30 and the cup 20 and the locking and fixing of the flange member 30 and the cup 20 are performed. can be done simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to simplify and reduce the working process for mounting and fixing, and improve the working efficiency.

As a result, it is possible to reduce work loss in production activities by improving work efficiency. Ensure access to sustainable and modern energy” and contribute to Goal 8 “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all” becomes possible.

In this embodiment, as the guide rail structure 100, the vertical rail portion 111 and the horizontal rail portion 151 are formed on the flange member 30, and the vertical guide portion 112 and the horizontal guide portions 152 and 153 are formed on the cup 20. However, conversely, the vertical rail portion 111 and the horizontal rail portion 151 may be formed on the cup 20 , and the vertical guide portion 112 and the horizontal guide portions 152 and 153 may be formed on the flange member 30 .

Furthermore, although the one vertical guide rail structure 110 and the two horizontal guide rail structures 150 are configured to be parallel and substantially equal in length in the X direction, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration having the vertical guide rail structure 110 described above and a horizontal guide rail structure 150 having a shorter length in the X direction only at the end of the slide.

Furthermore, the vertical guide rail structure 110 and the horizontal guide rail structure 150 may be offset in the X direction so that they do not overlap each other when viewed in the Y direction. In this case, a vertical guide rail structure 110 with a shortened X-direction length can be arranged only at the slide start end, and a horizontal guide rail structure 150 with a shortened X-direction length can be arranged only at the slide end end.

Alternatively, a configuration having one vertical guide rail structure 110 and one horizontal guide rail structure 150 may be employed.
In this case, a vertical guide rail structure 110 with a shortened X-direction length can be arranged only at the slide start end, and a horizontal guide rail structure 150 with a shortened X-direction length can be arranged only at the slide end end.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the shape of the end faces in the YZ directions of the protruding portions 117 and 118 is not rectangular, and the contact surface 119 and the contact surfaces 120a, 120b, and 120c of the vertical guide rail structure 110 are arranged on the arrangement surface 30a. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is inclined with respect to the slide surface 20a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in the guide rail structure 100, in the vertical rail portion 111 and the vertical guide portion 112, the protruding portions 117 and 118 that are in contact with each other protrude only in one direction in the Y direction. It is also possible to form them spaced apart in the direction to function as lateral guide rails.

Reference Signs List 1 Fuel supply device 2 Fuel tank 2b Opening 10 Fuel pump 20 Cup (pump accommodating member)
20a Slide surface 24 Slide portions 24a, 24b Side end surface 30 Flange unit (flange member)
30a... Arrangement surface 32... Flange part 45... Pressure regulator 70... Regulator housing part 71... Fuel channel 73... Holding recessed part 73a... Opening part 100... Guide rail structure 110... Vertical guide rail structure 111... Vertical rail part 112... Vertical guide Portion 116... Openings 117, 118... Protrusions 119, 120... Contact surface 120a... Guide surface 120b... Inclined surface (inclined portion)
120c -- Fixed surface 150 -- Horizontal guide rail structure 151 -- Horizontal rail portion 152 -- Horizontal inner guide portion (lateral guide portion)
153... Lateral outer guide portion (lateral guide portion)
155, 158... Lateral contact surface (contact surface)
156... Opening 158a... Lateral guiding surface 158b... Horizontally inclined surface (inclined portion)
158c... Lateral fixing surface 200... Snap-fit structures 201, 211... Openings 202, 212... Locking pieces 203, 213... Locking projections 220... Covering pieces

Claims (12)

A fuel supply device that is attached to a fuel tank and supplies fuel in the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank,
a flange member covering an opening in the bottom wall of the fuel tank;
a fuel pump disposed at the bottom of the fuel tank in a horizontal position along the mounting surface of the flange member exposed in the front fuel tank;
a cylindrical pump housing member that houses the fuel pump and is attached to the flange member;
with
a guide rail structure that regulates the mounting direction in which the flange member and the pump housing member are slidably mounted to each other along the arrangement surface of the flange member;
a snap-fit structure in which the flange member and the pump housing member are engaged with each other at a slide end position in the mounting direction to regulate the position;
comprising
A fuel supply device characterized by: The guide rail structure is
a vertical rail portion extending along the mounting direction and formed so as to protrude in a facing direction in which the flange member and the pump housing member face each other;
a vertical guide portion that extends along the mounting direction and is formed to project toward the vertical rail portion, is fitted to the vertical rail portion, and is slidable in the mounting direction along the vertical rail portion;
as a set, a vertical guide rail structure for regulating the position of the flange member and the pump housing member at least in the facing direction,
The vertical guide rail structure is
Protruding portions that protrude along the arrangement surface in a crossing direction that intersects the mounting direction and are fitted to each other are formed at the facing direction tip of the vertical rail portion and the facing direction tip of the vertical guide portion,
One of the vertical rail portion and the vertical guide portion is formed on the flange member, and the other is formed on the pump housing member.
2. The fuel supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical guide rail structure is
At least one of the projecting portions has an inclined portion that is inclined so that the flange member and the pump housing member are closer to each other in the facing direction at a sliding terminal end than a slide starting end in the mounting direction,
3. The fuel supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The vertical guide rail structure is
Of the contact surfaces where the protruding portion of the vertical rail portion and the protruding portion of the vertical guide portion contact each other,
The contact surface of the projecting portion formed on the flange member is formed in a planar shape along the mounting direction,
wherein the contact surface of the protrusion formed on the pump housing member has the inclined portion;
4. The fuel supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide rail structure is
a lateral rail portion extending along the mounting direction and formed to protrude in a direction in which the flange member and the pump housing member face each other;
a lateral guide portion that extends along the mounting direction and is formed to protrude toward the lateral rail portion and contacts the lateral rail portion in a crossing direction that intersects the mounting direction;
as a set, having a lateral guide rail structure for regulating the position of the flange member and the pump housing member in the cross direction,
The horizontal guide rail structure is
One of the horizontal rail portion and the horizontal guide portion is formed on the flange member, and the other is formed on the pump housing member.
5. The fuel supply system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The lateral guide rail structure is
At least one of the horizontal rail portion and the horizontal guide portion is provided so that the contact pressure between the horizontal rail portion and the horizontal guide portion in the crossing direction is increased at the end of the slide rather than at the start end of the slide in the mounting direction. having an inclined ramp,
6. The fuel supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide rail structure is
the vertical guide rail structure and the horizontal guide rail structure are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the cross direction;
7. The fuel supply system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The vertical guide rail structure is
The cross-sectional contour of the vertical rail portion in the cross direction is formed in a substantially T shape,
The vertical guide portion is formed in a groove shape into which the vertical rail portion is slidably fitted,
Of the contact surfaces where the protruding portion of the vertical rail portion and the protruding portion of the vertical guide portion contact each other,
the contact surface of the projecting portion formed on the flange member is formed in a planar shape along the mounting direction and parallel to the arrangement surface;
The contact surface of the projecting portion formed on the pump housing member is inclined such that the flange member and the pump housing member are closer to each other in the facing direction at the end of the slide than at the start end of the slide in the mounting direction. As a portion, an inclined surface inclined away from the arrangement surface toward the end of the slide from the start end of the slide in the mounting direction,
8. The fuel supply system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: 7. The fuel supply system according to claim 6, wherein the snap-fit structure is arranged at a position extending from the end of the slide in the mounting direction of the horizontal guide rail structure. The flange member includes
a fuel channel for supplying the fuel in the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank;
a pressure regulator that communicates with the fuel flow path and maintains a constant pressure in the fuel flow path; and a regulator accommodating portion that protrudes from the placement surface and that is disposed therein with the fuel flow path;
is formed and
the snap-fit structure is arranged at a position corresponding to the tip of the regulator accommodating portion in the facing direction;
10. The fuel supply system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that: An opening communicating between the fuel flow path and the fuel tank is formed at the tip of the regulator housing,
The pump accommodating member is formed with a covering piece that overlaps with the opening when viewed in the opposing direction at a locking position by the snap-fit structure.
11. The fuel supply system according to claim 10, characterized in that: 12. The fuel supply device according to claim 11, wherein the covering piece has a gap with the edge of the opening at the locking position by the snap-fit structure.

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