WO2019012943A1 - Fuel filter and fuel pump module - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is provided with: a bottomed, cylindrical filter unit case (80) having a cylindrical peripheral wall (81) and an end wall (83) that closes an opening at one end of the cylindrical peripheral wall (81); a fuel intake pipe (4) which is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the filter unit case (80), and the base end side of which is joined to an outer surface part of the cylindrical peripheral wall (81); and a filter cartridge which is housed inside the filter unit case (80) so as to be coaxial with a cylindrical inner peripheral surface (81a) of the cylindrical peripheral wall (81), wherein the internal passage of the fuel intake pipe (4) is configured to be connected with the internal space of the filter unit case (80) via a communication port surrounded by an interpenetration line at which a cylindrical inner peripheral surface (4a) of the fuel intake pipe (4) and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface (81a) of the cylindrical peripheral wall (81) of the filter unit case (80) intersect with each other, and when viewed from the extension direction of the fuel intake pipe (4), a part of the internal passage protrudes outward beyond the internal space of the filter unit case (80).

Description

Fuel filter and fuel pump module

The present invention relates to a fuel filter for a fuel pump which is mounted on a vehicle, sucks liquid fuel from a fuel tank, and pumps the fuel toward an internal combustion engine, and a fuel pump module using the fuel filter.
Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-134780, filed July 10, 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Conventionally, an in-line type fuel supply device has been known in which a fuel pump and a fuel filter are disposed outside the fuel tank, and the fuel in the fuel tank is boosted by the fuel pump and supplied to the fuel injection valve. Reference 1).
In this fuel supply device, a filtration type primary filter (fuel filter) is disposed upstream of the fuel pump.

In this type of filtration type fuel filter, the fuel is filtered by permeating the fuel from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical filter element housed in the filter case. Then, the filtered fuel is discharged to the outside from the outlet connected to the space on the inner peripheral side of the filter element.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2006-257979

By the way, when a fuel filter using this type of filter cartridge of this type is installed with the axis oriented in the horizontal direction, the inside of the filter case may be sufficient depending on how the fuel suction pipe is joined to the filter case. It turned out that there is a possibility that it can not be filled with fuel. For example, when the temperature is high, a large amount of air bubbles are generated from the fuel, but when the air bubbles tend to stay in the filter case and the discharge to the fuel tank side can not catch up, as a result, Gas-liquid exchangeability may deteriorate. In such a case, it is difficult to introduce the fuel into the filter case, and there is a possibility that the fuel supply to the internal combustion engine side can not catch up and the fuel pressure may be reduced.

The present invention can smoothly carry out discharge of air bubbles generated in the filter case to the fuel tank side and inflow of fuel from the fuel tank into the filter case, and can improve gas-liquid exchangeability. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel filter and a fuel pump module using the fuel filter.

In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a fuel filter is provided with a bottomed cylindrical filter case having a cylindrical peripheral wall and an end wall closing one end opening of the cylindrical peripheral wall; The fuel inlet pipe has a tubular shape extending in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the filter case, and the base end side is joined to the outer surface portion of the tubular peripheral wall of the filter case, and the tubular shape inside the filter case And a filter cartridge coaxially housed with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall, wherein the internal passage of the fuel suction pipe includes the inner peripheral surface of the fuel suction pipe and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the filter case The internal space of the filter case is in communication with the internal space of the filter case through a communication port surrounded by a line of intersection of the two, and a part of the internal passage is the inside of the filter case when viewed from the extension direction of the fuel suction pipe. Protruding outside the space That.

With this configuration, for example, when the filter case is disposed such that the axial direction of the filter case is along the horizontal direction and the tip opening of the fuel suction pipe faces upward in the gravity direction, the filter case Air bubbles are about to be expelled through the shortest path through the fuel suction pipe towards the tip opening. For this reason, among the internal passages of the fuel supply pipe, the half on the filter case side can be a passage through which air bubbles actively pass. Further, in the internal passage of the fuel supply pipe, the half on the side opposite to the filter case side can be a passage through which the fuel actively passes. Furthermore, the opening area of the communication port between the filter case and the fuel suction pipe can be set large. For this reason, in the communication port, it is possible to sufficiently secure a passage through which the air bubbles actively pass and a passage through which the fuel actively passes. As a result, the inflow of fuel from the fuel suction pipe to the filter case and the discharge of air bubbles from the filter case to the fuel suction pipe can be smoothly performed while reducing interference with each other. In particular, even when a large amount of air bubbles are generated from the fuel when the temperature is high, the flow of air bubbles from the filter case to the fuel intake pipe can be made smooth. That is, gas-liquid exchangeability can be improved. Therefore, a sufficient amount of fuel can be stored in the filter case, and the shortage of the fuel supply to the pump unit can be prevented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fuel filter according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the fuel suction pipe is viewed from the extending direction of the fuel suction pipe, a half or more of the opening area of the internal passage is Are overlapped with the internal space of the filter case.

By this configuration, the opening area of the communication port between the filter case and the fuel suction pipe can be set as large as possible. As a result, the gas-liquid exchangeability can be reliably improved, and the shortage of fuel supply to the pump unit can be prevented.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fuel filter according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the filter case has a first cylinder with a radius R The inner circumferential surface of the fuel suction pipe is an inner circumferential surface, and the inner circumferential surface of the fuel suction pipe is a second cylindrical inner circumferential surface of a radius r, and a first central axis of the first cylindrical inner circumferential surface and the fuel suction pipe The radius R and the radius r may be D, where D is the distance between the second cylindrical inner circumferential surface and the second central axis.
2r <R
R-r <D
It is set to meet the

With such a configuration, the opening area of the communication port between the filter case and the fuel suction pipe can be reliably set large. As a result, the gas-liquid exchangeability can be reliably improved, and the shortage of fuel supply to the pump unit can be prevented.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel filter according to the third aspect of the present invention, the radius R, the radius r, and the distance D are
R-r <D ≦ R
It is set to meet the

With such a configuration, the opening area of the communication port between the filter case and the fuel suction pipe can be reliably set large. And, the stagnation of fuel and bubbles can be reduced, and smooth gas-liquid exchange can be promoted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel filter according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the height of the proximal end of the internal passage of the fuel suction pipe from the height of the central axis of the filter case When the value obtained by subtracting the height is Z1, the value Z1 and the radius R are
0 <Z1 <R
It is set to meet the

With such a configuration, the opening area of the communication port between the filter case and the fuel suction pipe can be reliably set large. And, the stagnation of fuel and bubbles can be reduced, and smooth gas-liquid exchange can be promoted.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel filter according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the proximal end side of the fuel suction pipe is the cylindrical peripheral wall of the filter case It is joined to the corner from the outer surface of the to the end wall.

By configuring in this manner, it is possible to make a half of the inner case of the fuel supply pipe on the side of the filter case a passage through which air bubbles actively pass. Further, in the internal passage of the fuel supply pipe, the half on the side opposite to the filter case side can be a passage through which the fuel actively passes. For this reason, the discharge of air bubbles generated in the filter case and the inflow of fuel from the fuel suction pipe can be smoothly performed, and the gas-liquid exchangeability can be further enhanced.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fuel filter according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the filter cartridge is configured such that fuel permeates from the outer peripheral side toward the inner peripheral side. To close the opening at one end of the filter element, close a rear plate disposed near the end wall of the filter case, and close the other end opening of the filter element, And a front plate having a fuel outlet port for guiding the fuel that has permeated into the space on the inner peripheral side of the filter element to the outside at the center portion, and the fuel suction pipe is viewed from the extending direction of the fuel suction pipe The inner passage and the back plate overlap.

With this configuration, the space between the rear plate and the end wall of the filter case can be narrowed, and the air bubbles can not be easily discharged from the space. As a result, it is easy to introduce fuel between the back plate and the end wall of the filter case. For this reason, the discharge of air bubbles generated in the filter case and the inflow of fuel from the fuel suction pipe can be smoothly performed, and the gas-liquid exchangeability can be further enhanced.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the fuel pump module sucks in the fuel filter according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention and the liquid fuel from the fuel tank to the outside. And a pump unit for discharging the fuel. The fuel filter filters the liquid fuel introduced from the fuel tank and leads it to the pump unit.

With this configuration, it is possible to smoothly discharge the bubbles generated in the filter case to the fuel tank side and the inflow of the fuel from the fuel tank into the filter case. As a result, it is possible to provide a fuel pump module capable of improving the gas-liquid exchangeability.

According to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly carry out discharge of air bubbles generated in the filter case to the fuel tank side and inflow of fuel from the fuel tank into the filter case. And gas-liquid exchangeability can be improved. As a result, a sufficient amount of fuel can be stored in the filter case, and the shortage of fuel supply to the pump unit can be prevented.

It is an appearance perspective view of a fuel pump module of an embodiment of the present invention. It is an exploded perspective view of a fuel pump module of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fuel pump module of embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view before the connection of the pump unit which comprises the fuel pump module of embodiment of this invention, and a filter unit. It is an exploded perspective view of a filter unit (fuel filter) in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the filter unit in embodiment of this invention, and it is the top view seen from the perpendicular upper direction which shows the state before inserting a filter cartridge in a filter unit case (filter case). It is a block diagram of the filter unit in embodiment of this invention, and it is the top view seen from the perpendicular upper direction which shows the state which inserted the filter cartridge in the filter unit case. It is a block diagram of a filter unit case in an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view seen from the back diagonal lower side of a filter unit case. It is a block diagram of the filter unit case in embodiment of this invention, and it is the front view seen from the B arrow direction of FIG. 7A. It is a block diagram of the filter unit case in embodiment of this invention, and it is the rear view seen from C arrow direction of FIG. 7A. In order to explain the proper positional relationship between the filter unit case and the fuel suction pipe in the embodiment of the present invention, a schematic plan view of a cross section taken along a horizontal plane including the central axis of the filter unit case is viewed from the upper side. It is a figure which shows the case where the fuel suction pipe is arrange | positioned in the range of a relation. In order to explain the proper positional relationship between the filter unit case and the fuel suction pipe in the embodiment of the present invention, a schematic plan view of a cross section taken along a horizontal plane including the central axis of the filter unit case is viewed from the upper side. It is a figure which shows the case where the fuel suction pipe is arrange | positioned in the range of a relation. In order to explain the proper positional relationship between the filter unit case and the fuel suction pipe in the embodiment of the present invention, a schematic plan view of a cross section taken along a horizontal plane including the central axis of the filter unit case is viewed from the upper side. It is a figure which shows the case where the fuel suction pipe is arrange | positioned on the conditions which deviated from the range of a relation. The schematic front view seen from the horizontal direction for demonstrating the appropriate dimensional relationship of the filter unit case and fuel suction pipe in embodiment of this invention, The figure which shows the case where a fuel intake pipe is provided by an appropriate dimensional relationship. It is. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view seen from the horizontal direction for explaining the proper dimensional relationship between the filter unit case and the fuel intake pipe in the embodiment of the present invention, showing the case where the fuel intake pipe is provided with a less desirable dimensional relationship. FIG. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the fuel of the filter unit in embodiment of this invention, and air bubbles, and is a schematic plan view seen from the perpendicular upper part. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the fuel of a filter unit in embodiment of this invention, and air bubbles, and is the schematic front view seen from the horizontal direction.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a fuel pump module according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel pump module.

(Fuel pump module)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel pump module 1 is a pump unit 2 and a filter unit (corresponding to a fuel filter) 3 which are detachably connected. The filter unit 3 is located on the upstream side in the fuel flow direction of the pump unit 2 and is coupled to the pump unit 2. The filter unit 3 filters the liquid fuel introduced from a fuel tank (not shown) and discharges it to the pump unit 2.

The fuel pump module 1 is disposed, for example, outside a fuel tank (not shown) of a straddle-type vehicle such as a motorcycle. The fuel pump module 1 is applied to, for example, an application of pumping liquid fuel in a fuel tank toward an internal combustion engine (not shown). Of course, the present invention may be mounted on other vehicles such as four-wheeled vehicles. The fuel pump module 1 detachably connects the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3. Thereby, the filter unit 3 can be easily removed from the pump unit 2. That is, the filter cartridge 60 (described later) in the filter unit 3 can be easily replaced, and maintenance can be simplified.

(About the directionality)
Hereinafter, the upper side in the vertical direction is simply referred to as the upper side, and the lower side in the vertical direction is simply described as the lower side. Further, a direction along the central axis of the fuel pump module 1 (consistent with the central axis of the suction port 11 of the pump main body 10 described later and the central axes of the cylindrical pipe 50 and the cylindrical boss portion 62) is called the axial direction. A radial direction orthogonal to the central axis and based on the central axis is referred to as a radial direction. The direction of rotation around the central axis is referred to as the circumferential direction. Further, regarding the distinction between the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 in the front-rear direction, the assembling direction (alignment direction) of both units 2 and 3 is forward, and the dismounting direction (anti-alignment direction) of both units 2 and 3 is backward. explain.

(Installation posture of fuel pump module)
The fuel pump module 1 has a generally cylindrical shape that is long in the axial direction. The fuel pump module 1 is disposed below a fuel tank (not shown) in a posture in which the central axis of the module is directed in the horizontal direction. The fuel pump module 1 includes a fuel suction pipe 4 for sucking liquid fuel from the fuel tank, a fuel discharge pipe 5 for discharging the sucked liquid fuel to the outside (to the internal combustion engine), and excess fuel to the fuel tank. A fuel return pipe 6 is provided. These pipelines (fuel intake pipe 4, fuel discharge pipe 5, fuel return pipe 6) are connected to the fuel tank side and the internal combustion engine side via a hose or the like. At this time, the fuel pump module 1 is mounted below the fuel tank so that the hose connection ends of the fuel suction pipe 4 and the fuel return pipe 6 are directed vertically upward.

(Pumping unit)
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fuel pump module. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pump unit constituting the fuel pump module and the filter unit prior to connection.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the pump unit 2 has a function of sucking in the liquid fuel from the fuel tank and discharging the liquid fuel to the outside. The pump unit 2 includes a bottomed cylindrical pump unit case 20 as an outer shell. The pump unit case 20 is made of a resin molded product. The pump unit case 20 is provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall 21 and an end wall 23 closing an opening at one end (rear end) of the cylindrical peripheral wall 21.

As shown in FIG. 3, a pump main body accommodation space 22 is provided inside the cylindrical peripheral wall 21. A pump body 10 having a suction port 11 at one end and a discharge port 12 at the other end is housed inside the pump body housing space 22. The pump body 10 drives a built-in electric motor (not shown). As a result, the liquid fuel is sucked from the suction port 11 and discharged from the discharge port 12.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the outer surface of the end wall 23 of the pump unit case 20, a connector 7 for electrically connecting the motor of the pump main body 10 to an external device is provided.

At the position close to the end wall 23 of the cylindrical peripheral wall 21 of the pump unit case 20, the above-mentioned fuel discharge pipe 5 and fuel return pipe 6 are provided so as to project outward.
As shown in FIG. 3, inside the pump unit case 20, discharge side internal passages 30, 31 are provided in communication with one another. The discharge port 12 of the pump main body 10 is fluid-tightly connected to the discharge-side internal passage 30 located on the upstream side via an O-ring 13.

Further, the discharge side internal passage 31 located on the downstream side is in communication with the internal passage 32 of the fuel discharge pipe 5 and the internal passage (not shown) of the fuel return pipe 6. The fuel discharge pipe 5 is a pipe line for discharging the fuel discharged from the pump body 10 to the discharge side internal passages 30 and 31 to the outside. Further, the fuel return pipe 6 is a pipe line for returning the surplus of the fuel discharged from the pump body 10 to the discharge side internal passages 30, 31 to the fuel tank.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a check valve 9 is interposed in the fuel return pipe 6. The check valve 9 is provided to prevent the backflow of fuel from the fuel tank.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a pressure regulator 8 is connected to the discharge side internal passage 31. The pressure regulator 8 is for securing a predetermined fuel pressure for the fuel pumped to the internal combustion engine. The pressure regulator 8 returns the fuel in the discharge side internal passages 30 and 31 to the fuel return when excess fuel pressure is generated in the discharge side internal passages 30 and 31 (when the internal fuel pressure reaches a predetermined value or more). The fuel is returned to the fuel tank through the pipe 6 to adjust the fuel pressure of the discharged fuel constant.

(Pump unit side mating plate)
As shown in FIG. 4, the pump unit 2 is provided with a pump unit side aligning plate 40 made of a resin molded product at the opening end 25 of the cylindrical peripheral wall 21 of the pump unit case 20. The pump unit side aligning plate 40 is fixed to the pump unit case 20 so as to close the opening end 25 of the cylindrical peripheral wall 21 in a posture perpendicular to the axial direction of the pump unit 2.

The pump unit side aligning plate 40 is formed by integrally projecting a cylindrical pipe-like support rod 48 for supporting the pressure regulator 8 on the back surface of the disk-like plate main body 41. In the pump unit side aligning plate 40, a slit 48a is formed in the longitudinal direction on the peripheral wall of the support rod 48. The pump unit side aligning plate 40 is fixed to the open end 25 of the cylindrical peripheral wall 21 of the pump unit case 20 with the back face of the plate main body 41 having the support rod 48 directed to the inside of the pump unit case 20. There is. The pump unit side mating plate 40 has a mating surface 41a for coupling with the filter unit 3 on the front surface, and is attached with the mating surface 41a exposed to the outside.

At a central portion in the plane of the pump unit side aligning plate 40, a cylindrical pipe 50 is provided which protrudes from the mating surface 41a toward the filter unit 3 side. The internal through hole 50 a (see FIG. 3) of the cylindrical tube 50 corresponds to the fuel suction port of the pump unit 2. The suction port 11 of the pump body 10 is fitted and connected to the end of the internal through hole 50 a of the cylindrical tube 50 on the pump unit 2 side. The inner diameter of the cylindrical tube 50 is set to a diameter having sufficient gas-liquid exchangeability with respect to the discharge flow rate of the pump body 10. At the base of the cylindrical tube 50, a step 51 for receiving an O-ring is provided. An O-ring 56 is fitted and mounted on the front side of the step 51 for receiving the O-ring.

(Guide convex part)
Further, on the tip end side of the cylindrical tube 50, an extension tube portion 52 which functions as a guide convex portion for centering is provided. The extension tube portion 52 is simply a portion in which the tip of the cylindrical tube 50 is extended to be longer with this diameter. The cylindrical peripheral wall of the extension tube portion 52 is provided with a plurality of slits 52 a extending from the tip end toward the base of the cylindrical tube 50. The slits 52 a function as a communicating portion that promotes the flow of liquid fuel inside and outside the extension pipe portion 52 by penetrating in the thickness direction of the cylindrical peripheral wall.

(Immediately)
An annular abutment groove 42 concentric with the cylindrical tube 50 is provided around the base of the cylindrical tube 50 in the mating surface 41 a of the pump unit side mating plate 40. An inner bottom surface of the annular abutment groove 42 is an abutment surface 42 a for positioning the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 in the axial direction.

(Convex wall and recess)
Further, on the outer peripheral side of the abutment groove 42 of the mating surface 41a, a plurality of annular convex walls 43 are provided concentrically with the cylindrical tube 50 at equal intervals in the radial direction so as to surround the central portion where the cylindrical tube 50 is located. It is provided. The annular convex wall 43 has, for example, a rectangular cross section, and is formed to project toward the filter unit 3 side. A plurality of annular convex walls 43 are provided concentrically at equal intervals, so that an annular recess 44 is provided between the convex walls 43 and the convex walls 43 adjacent in the radial direction. Further, based on the vertical direction of the installation posture of the fuel pump module 1, a notch 43a is provided in a part in the circumferential direction of the annular convex wall 43 located in the lower half area from the central part of the mating surface 41a. ing. The angular positions at which the notches 43a of the convex walls 43 are provided are the same, and by providing the notches 43a in the convex walls 43, the discharge grooves 45 extending in the radial direction are provided on the mating surface 41a.

(Filter unit)
Next, the filter unit 3 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the filter unit 3 includes a bottomed cylindrical filter unit case 80 made of a resin molded product, and a filter cartridge 60 housed inside the filter unit case 80. . In addition, a fuel suction pipe 4 (fuel inlet) communicating with the pre-filtration space of the filter cartridge 60 in the filter unit case 80, a fuel outlet (described later) communicating with the post-filtration space of the filter cartridge 60, and a pump And a filter unit side mating plate 61 having a mating surface 61 a for coupling with the unit 2.
Here, the filter unit side aligning plate 61 is provided as a front plate of the filter cartridge 60 as described later.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit (fuel filter). FIG. 6A is a configuration diagram of a filter unit, and is a plan view seen from the upper side showing a state before inserting a filter cartridge into a filter unit case (filter case). FIG. 6B is a block diagram of the filter unit, and is a plan view seen from vertically above showing the filter cartridge inserted in the filter unit case. FIG. 7A is a configuration diagram of the filter unit case, and is a perspective view of the filter unit case as viewed from the rear lower side. FIG. 7B is a configuration diagram of the filter unit case, and is a front view as viewed from the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C is a configuration diagram of the filter unit case, and is a rear view seen from the direction of the arrow C in FIG. 7A.

(Filter unit case)
First, the configuration of the filter unit case (filter case) 80 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7C, the filter unit case 80 is made of, for example, a resin. The filter unit case 80 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom. The filter unit case 80 extends to a cylindrical peripheral wall (cylindrical peripheral wall) 81 provided with a filter cartridge accommodation space 82 inside, an end wall 83 closing the rear end opening of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81, and a front end edge of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 And a cylindrical hood portion 84 having a diameter larger than that of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81.
The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 is a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 81 a. The cylindrical hood portion 84 is provided so as to cover the front end portion of the pump unit case 20 by being fitted to the outer periphery of the front end of the cylindrical peripheral wall 21 of the pump unit case 20 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.

An annular plate receiving stepped portion 85 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the boundary between the cylindrical hood portion 84 and the cylindrical peripheral wall 81. The peripheral edge portion of the filter unit side aligning plate 61 provided as a front plate of the filter cartridge 60 is supported by the plate receiving step portion 85. Further, a fuel suction pipe (fuel inlet) 4 for introducing the fuel from the fuel tank is joined to a corner portion of both the rear end of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 and the end wall 83.

(Arrangement and size of fuel suction pipe)
Here, the arrangement and dimensions of the fuel suction pipe 4 will be described in detail.
Since the fuel pump module 1 is arranged with the axis directed in the horizontal direction, the filter unit case 80 is also arranged with the axis directed in the horizontal direction.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7C, the fuel suction pipe 4 is in the form of a cylindrical pipe having an axis extending in the vertical direction. The fuel suction pipe 4 is joined to the corner from the outer surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 to the end wall 83 in a posture in which the tip opening 4 b is directed upward.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, the inner circumferential surface 4a of the fuel suction pipe 4 and the inner circumferential surface 81a of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 and the inner surface 83a of the end wall 83 are surrounded by the intersecting line M. The internal passage of the fuel suction pipe 4 is communicated with an internal space (hereinafter simply referred to as an internal space) formed by the inner peripheral surface 81a of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 via the communication port 4h. In this case, a horizontal cross section in which the internal passage of the fuel suction pipe 4 and the internal space of the filter unit case 80 are maximally overlapped, that is, in the horizontal cross section 80X including the central axis X of the filter unit case 80, as shown in FIG. A part of the internal passage of the fuel suction pipe 4 protrudes outside the internal space of the filter unit case 80. In other words, as viewed in the extending direction of the fuel suction pipe 4, a part of the inner passage of the fuel suction pipe 4 protrudes outside the inner space of the filter unit case 80. This point will be described in more detail.

FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view of a cross section taken along a horizontal plane including the central axis of the filter unit case, viewed from the upper side, for explaining the proper positional relationship between the filter unit case and the fuel suction pipe. It is a figure which shows the case where the fuel suction pipe is arrange | positioned in the range. FIG. 8B is a schematic plan view of a cross section taken along a horizontal plane including the central axis of the filter unit case, viewed from the upper side, for illustrating the proper positional relationship between the filter unit case and the fuel suction pipe. It is a figure which shows the case where the fuel suction pipe is arrange | positioned in the range. FIG. 8C is a schematic plan view of a cross section taken along a horizontal plane including the central axis of the filter unit case, viewed from the upper side, for explaining the proper positional relationship between the filter unit case and the fuel suction pipe. It is a figure which shows the case where the fuel suction pipe is arrange | positioned in the conditions which went out of the range.

Here, the radius of the cylindrical inner circumferential surface 81a of the cylindrical circumferential wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 is R, and the radius of the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the fuel suction pipe 4 is r, and the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical circumferential wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 Assuming that the distance between the central axis X of the surface 81a and the central axis 4x of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 4a of the fuel suction pipe 4 is D, the radii R and r and the distance D are respectively the following (1) and (2) The values of R, r and D are set so as to satisfy the condition of.
2r <R (1)
R−r <D ≦ R (2)

In the example shown in FIG. 8A (included in the embodiment), D <R, and a part (outer end) of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 4a of the fuel suction pipe 4 is the cylindrical inner periphery of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case. It protrudes by the dimension T smaller than the radius r of the cylinder internal peripheral surface 4a of the fuel suction pipe 4 outside the surface 81a.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 8B (included in the embodiment), D = R, and the outer half of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 4a of the fuel suction pipe 4 is the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case. It protrudes by a dimension T corresponding to the radius r of the cylinder inner peripheral surface 4a of the fuel suction pipe 4 outside the surface 81a.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 8C (not included in the embodiment), D> R, and the outer half or more of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 4a of the fuel suction pipe 4 is in the cylinder of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case. It protrudes by the dimension T larger than the radius r of the cylinder internal peripheral surface 4a of the fuel suction pipe 4 to the outer side than the peripheral surface 81a.

As can be seen from these illustrated examples, when the above-mentioned conditions (1) and (2) shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are satisfied, the internal passage of the fuel suction pipe 4 and the internal space of the filter unit case 80 The communicating port 4h to be communicated can be made as large as possible. In particular, in the example shown in FIG. 8A, when the fuel suction pipe 4 is viewed from the extending direction of the fuel suction pipe 4, more than half of the opening area of the cylindrical inner circumferential surface 4a overlaps the internal space of the filter unit case. There is. Therefore, the communication port 4h can be formed as large as possible. Further, since the undercut portion 4u as shown in FIG. 8C does not occur, it is advantageous in smoothly flowing the fuel and the bubbles.

FIG. 9A is a schematic front view seen from the horizontal direction for explaining the proper dimensional relationship between the filter unit case and the fuel intake pipe, and shows the case where the fuel intake pipe is provided with the proper dimensional relationship. . FIG. 9B is a schematic front view seen from the horizontal direction for explaining the proper dimensional relationship between the filter unit case and the fuel intake pipe, showing the case where the fuel intake pipe is provided with a less desirable dimensional relationship. is there.

As shown in FIG. 9A, Z1 is a value obtained by subtracting the height of the inner bottom surface (end) of the inner passage of the fuel suction pipe 4 from the height of the central axis X of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case. When doing so, the length of the base end side of the fuel suction pipe 4 is set so that the following condition (3) is satisfied.
0 <Z1 <R (3)

By setting in this way, the height of the inner bottom surface of the proximal end side of the internal passage of the fuel suction pipe 4 is larger than the height of the lowermost point of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 81a of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case. The position is higher by Z2 (> 0).

If Z1 is set out of the range of the above condition (3), as shown to FIG. 9B, the accumulation part 4z will arise in the inner bottom part of the proximal end in the internal passage of the fuel suction pipe 4. If the volume of this portion becomes large, the fuel will stagnate, which is not preferable.

(Filter cartridge)
Next, the filter cartridge will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the filter cartridge 60 has a cylindrical filter element 68 for filtering solid matter in fuel by permeating liquid fuel from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side, and resin molding for supporting it A disk-shaped front plate (filter unit side aligning plate 61) and a rear plate 67 are provided.

The filter element (filter medium) 68 is a pleated type in which a material such as a filter paper with a fold and folds in a bellows shape is formed into a cylindrical shape. The front plate is configured as a filter unit side aligning plate 61 and is fixed to the filter element 68 so as to close the front opening of the cylindrical filter element 68. The rear surface plate 67 formed in a disk shape having a diameter smaller than that of the front surface plate (filter unit side alignment plate 61) is configured as a closing plate for sealing the rear surface opening of the cylindrical filter element 68. It is fixed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the filter cartridge 60, the peripheral portion of the filter unit side aligning plate 61 provided as the front plate is supported by the plate receiving stepped portion 85 of the inner peripheral portion of the filter unit case 80. Be done. Thus, the filter unit case 80 is attached to the filter unit case 80 with the mating surface 61a of the front surface of the filter unit side aligning plate 61 exposed to the outside. That is, the filter cartridge 60 is accommodated in the filter unit case 80 concentrically with the inner circumferential surface 81 a of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 with the axis directed in the horizontal direction.

Therefore, by mounting the filter cartridge 60 in this manner, the space on the inner peripheral side of the filter cartridge 60 is made a post filtration space 69 (a space on the clean side). In the filter cartridge housing space 82 of the filter unit case 80, the space outside the filter cartridge 60 is a pre-filtration space into which the fuel from the fuel tank is introduced through the fuel suction pipe (fuel inlet) 4. The filter unit side aligning plate 61 is supported inside the filter unit case 80 in a posture perpendicular to the axial direction of the filter unit 3.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the filter cartridge 60 is attached inside the filter unit case 80, the back plate 67 of the filter cartridge 60 and the end wall 83 of the filter unit case 80 are separated by a minute gap S. Opposite in the axial direction.
Here, the fuel suction pipe 4 is joined to the corner from the outer surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 to the end wall 83 in a posture in which the tip opening 4 b is directed upward. Therefore, when the fuel suction pipe 4 is viewed in the extending direction of the fuel suction pipe 4, the cylindrical inner circumferential surface 4 a and the rear plate 67 of the filter cartridge 60 overlap.

(Filter unit side alignment plate)
As shown in FIG. 5, a cylindrical boss portion 62 is provided at the in-plane central portion of the filter unit side aligning plate 61. The internal through hole 70 of the cylindrical boss portion 62 is located at the center of the filter unit side aligning plate 61 as a front plate, and corresponds to the fuel outlet of the filter unit 3.
The tip end side of the cylindrical boss portion 62 is a portion inserted into the abutment groove 42 provided in the mating surface 41 a of the pump unit side aligning plate 40. The tip end surface of the cylindrical boss portion 62 is a contact surface 62 a that contacts the contact surface 42 a which is the inner bottom surface of the contact groove 42. The abutting surfaces 62a of the filter unit side aligning plate 61 and the abutting surfaces 42a of the pump unit side aligning plate 40 abut each other to position the both aligning plates 61 and 40 in the axial direction.

In addition, an O-ring 56 mounted on the outer periphery of the base of the cylindrical pipe 50 of the pump unit-side aligning plate 40 is inserted into the inlet side of the internal through hole 70 (fuel outlet) of the cylindrical boss 62 An O-ring fitting hole 73 is provided to secure the Furthermore, on the back side of the internal through hole 70 of the cylindrical boss 62, a guide hole 72 smaller in diameter than the O ring fitting hole 73 is provided via a step 71 for receiving the O ring. . The guide hole 72 functions as a guide recess for centering the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 in the radial direction by inserting the extension tube 52 of the tip of the cylindrical tube 50 as a guide protrusion. Play.

On the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical boss portion 62 of the mating surface 61 a of the filter unit side aligning plate 61, a plurality of radial intervals at equal intervals in the radial direction are concentric with the cylindrical boss portion 62 so as to surround the central portion where the cylindrical boss portion 62 is located. An annular convex wall 63 is provided. The annular convex wall 63 of the filter unit side aligning plate 61 is provided corresponding to the position to be fitted into the annular recess 44 of the pump unit side aligning plate 40. The annular convex wall 63 of the filter unit side aligning plate 61 is also similar to the annular convex wall 43 of the pump unit side aligning plate 40, for example, has a rectangular cross section and projects toward the pump unit 2 side. It is formed.

By providing a plurality of annular convex walls 63 concentrically at equal intervals, the annular convex wall of the pump unit side aligning plate 40 is provided between the convex walls 63 and the convex walls 63 adjacent in the radial direction. There are 43 fitting annular recesses 64. That is, the annular convex wall 43 of the pump unit side aligning plate 40 is located at a position corresponding to the annular recess 64 of the filter unit side aligning plate 61. Further, the annular convex wall 63 of the filter unit side aligning plate 61 is located at a position corresponding to the annular recess 44 of the pump unit side aligning plate 40.

Furthermore, based on the vertical direction of the installation posture of the fuel pump module 1, a notch is formed in a part in the circumferential direction of the annular convex wall 63 located in the lower half area from the central part of the mating surface 61a on the filter unit side. 63a is provided. The angular positions at which the notches 63a of the convex walls 63 are provided are the same, and by providing the notches 63a in the convex walls 63, the discharge grooves 65 along the radial direction are provided on the mating surface 61a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the angular position of the notch 43 a of the annular convex wall 43 of the pump unit side aligning plate 40 and the angular position of the notch 63 a of the annular convex wall 63 of the filter unit side aligning plate 61 are mutually It is slightly off. As a result, when the mating surfaces 41a and 61a are combined, the positions of the notches 43a and 63a are offset from each other and do not overlap in the radial direction, whereby a labyrinth in the circumferential direction is formed.

Here, the abutting surface 42a of the pump unit side aligning plate 40 and the abutting surface 62a of the filter unit side aligning plate 61 are opposite to each other at the inner bottom surfaces of the recesses 44, 64 of the mating surfaces 41a, 61a of the both mating plates 40, 61. The top surfaces of the convex walls 63 and 43 of the first and second walls abut on each other in preference to the abutment. By doing this, the axial positioning of the mating plates 40 and 61 is reliably performed by the abutment between the abutting surfaces 42 a and 62 a. At this time, the top surfaces of the convex walls 43 and 63 and the inner bottom surfaces of the recesses 64 and 44 are kept in a non-contact state with a minute gap.

(labyrinth)
The pump unit 2 side and the filter unit 3 side are configured as described above, so that when the mating surfaces 41 a and 61 a of the mating plates 40 and 61 are aligned with each other, the pump unit The annular convex wall 43 on the two side fits into the annular recess 64 on the filter unit 3 side, and the annular convex wall 63 on the filter unit 3 fits into the annular recess 44 on the pump unit 2 side Maru. As a result, a labyrinth (a maze-like bottleneck) extending radially outward from the central portion is formed between the mating surfaces 41a and 61a. The labyrinth corresponds to a sealing means that exerts a sealing function so that foreign matter such as dust does not enter from the outside.

(Connection structure)
Next, a coupling structure (coupling means) for detachably coupling the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 will be described. This coupling structure is provided between the pump unit case 20 and the filter unit case 80.

The pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 can be detachably attached as a coupling structure (coupling means) between the front end portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall 21 of the pump unit case 20 and the front end portion of the cylindrical hood portion 84 of the filter unit case 80. The snap fit lock means (the lock convex part 26 and the lock tongue 86 which will be described later) and the deformation restricting means (the insertion frame 27 and the insertion tongue 87 which will be described later) are provided.

(Lock means)
The lock means (the lock convex portion 26 and the lock tongue piece 86) make the mating surfaces 41a, 61a of the pump unit side mating plate 40 and the filter unit side mating plate 61 face each other, and penetrate the cylinder pipe 50 of the pump unit 2 internally. The pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 are connected in a fluid-tight manner with the hole 50 a (fuel inlet) and the internal through hole 70 (fuel outlet) of the cylindrical boss portion 62 of the filter unit 3 through the O-ring 56. And are detachably coupled.

As a lock means, a lock convex portion 26 is provided on the outer periphery in the vicinity of the front end of the cylindrical peripheral wall 21 of the pump unit case 20. Further, a lock tongue 86 is provided on the front end of the cylindrical hood portion 84 of the filter unit case 80 so as to protrude toward the pump unit case 20 side. The lock projections 26 and the lock tongues 86 are arranged in plural pairs (four pairs in the illustrated example) so as to correspond to each other at intervals in the circumferential direction. The lock projections 26 and the lock tongues 86 correspond to snap-fit lock means which engage with each other utilizing the elasticity of the material constituting the filter unit case 80.

The lock tongue 86 has an angular window-like lock hole 86a as a lock recess. Further, the lock convex portion 26 with which the lock hole 86a is engaged is a convex portion having a square shape in a plan view and a trapezoidal shape in a side view, and has a front slope, a top and a rear locking wall. The lock tongue piece 86 abuts on the front side slope of the lock convex portion 26 with an axial slide operation for coupling the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3, and is elastically deformed by the function of the slope. Ride on top of the Then, the lock tongue piece 86 returns from the elastic deformation at the riding end point. Thereby, the lock hole 86 a is engaged with the lock convex portion 26.

In the engaged state, the front inner edge of the lock hole 86 a of the lock tongue 86 engages with the rear locking wall of the lock projection 26. The lock convex portion 26 and the lock tongue piece 86 are detachably coupled with each other by sliding operation in the axial direction and aligning them while centering the pump unit case 20 and the filter unit case 80. As a result, both units 2 and 3 are locked so as not to axially shake.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6B, one of the four pairs of lock tongues 86 faces in the direction closest to at least the direction in which the fuel suction pipe 4 protrudes from the filter unit case 80. The lock holes 86a of the lock tongue 86A are formed such that both inner side surfaces 86a1 along the axial direction are along the extension direction of the fuel suction pipe 4. Thereby, when the filter unit case 80 is formed, for example, by resin molding, the slide direction of the part of the mold forming the fuel suction pipe 4 and the lock tongue piece 86A (the extraction direction of the mold; see arrow Y1 in FIG. 5) It becomes possible to set the same.

(Deformation control means)
Further, an insertion frame 27 is provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical peripheral wall 21 of the pump unit case 20 provided with the lock convex portion 26 so as to be adjacent to the lock convex portion 26 in the circumferential direction. Further, at the front end of the cylindrical hood portion 84 of the filter unit case 80 provided with the lock tongue 86, an insertion tongue 87 is provided adjacently in the circumferential direction of the lock tongue 86.
The insertion frame 27 and the insertion tongue piece 87 are fitted to each other by an axial slide operation for coupling the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3, and the elastic deformation of the adjacent lock tongue piece 86 in the radial direction is realized. It constitutes a means of controlling deformation.

The plug-in tongue 87 is extended in the sliding direction for coupling the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3. Further, the insertion frame 27 is formed in a bag shape having an insertion slit for receiving the insertion tongue piece 87.

When the insertion tongue piece 87 is fitted in the insertion frame 27, the insertion frame 27 serves to restrict the displacement of the insertion tongue piece 87 outward in the radial direction and the displacement in the circumferential direction. By restricting the displacement of the insertion tongue 87 in this manner, it is possible to strengthen the engagement of the adjacent lock tongue 86 with the lock projection 26.

(Guide function)
The pump unit 2 is provided with a cylindrical tube 50 having a function as the above-described guide convex portion. Also, the filter unit 3 is provided with a cylindrical boss portion 62 having a function as a guide recess. The cylindrical tube 50 and the cylindrical boss portion 62 are used to connect the fuel suction port (the internal through hole 50 a of the cylindrical tube 50) of the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 via the O-ring 56 when the units 2 and 3 are coupled. Prior to being connected in communication with the fuel outlet (internal through hole 70 of the cylindrical boss portion 62), they are fitted together. And thereby, it plays a role as a guide function part which carries out centering of the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 to radial direction.

Further, when the lock convex portion 26 and the lock tongue piece 86, which are lock means, are mutually located at the start point of the elastic deformation for engagement, the guide hole 72 of the internal through hole 70 of the cylindrical boss 62 is preceded. The position of the tip of the extension tube 52, the position of the inlet of the guide hole 72, and the positions of the locking projection 26 and the locking tongue 86 are set so that the extension tube 52 at the tip of the cylindrical tube 50 is inserted. There is.

By this setting, before the front end of the lock tongue piece 86 reaches the starting point of the front slope 26a of the lock convex portion 26, the tip end of the extension pipe portion 52 (guide convex portion) of the cylindrical tube 50 is a guide It is inserted into the hole 72 (guide recess). As a result, centering of the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 is performed. Then, in this state, after the lock tongue piece 86 rides on the lock convex portion 26 while being elastically deformed outward, the lock hole 86 a is engaged with the lock convex portion 26 while being elastically returned, and the lock is achieved.

Further, the O-ring 56 is engaged with the O-ring fitting hole 73 in a state in which the leading end of the extension tube 52 (guide convex portion) of the cylindrical tube 50 is inserted into the guide hole 72 (guide recess) to perform centering. Will be inserted into the As a result, the O-ring 56 does not get caught between the filter unit 3 side member and damage to the O-ring 56 is avoided.

(Action)
Next, the operation will be described.
When the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 are coupled, the filter unit 3 is slid in the axial direction with respect to the pump unit 2 while the filter unit 3 is circumferentially aligned with the pump unit 2. Then, the tip end of the extension pipe portion 52 of the cylindrical pipe 50 of the pump unit 2 is inserted into the guide hole portion 72 of the internal through hole 70 of the cylindrical boss portion 62 of the filter unit 3. The distal end of the extension pipe portion 52 of the cylindrical pipe 50 is inserted into the guide hole portion 72, whereby the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 are aligned (centered). Also, with this operation, the lock tongue 86 at the front end of the cylindrical hood portion 84 of the filter unit 3 abuts on the starting point of the front slope of the lock convex portion 26 of the pump unit 2.

Then, when the sliding operation is further performed in the axial direction, the O-ring 56 mounted on the outer periphery of the base of the cylindrical tube 50 is inserted into the O-ring fitting hole 73 of the internal through hole 70 of the cylindrical boss 62 of the filter unit 3. At this time, the lock tongues 86 of the filter unit 3 move over the lock convex portion 26 of the pump unit 2 while being elastically deformed outward in the radial direction. Thereafter, the lock hole 86 a of the lock tongue 86 engages with the lock protrusion 26. At the same time, the insertion tongue 87 on the filter unit 3 side is fitted to the insertion frame 27 on the pump unit 2 side.

When such a locked state is achieved, the O-ring 56 inserted into the O-ring fitting hole 73 of the internal through hole 70 of the cylindrical boss 62 is a step 51 for receiving the O-ring on the pump unit 2 side. And the step portion 71 for receiving the O-ring on the filter unit 3 side. Thereby, the internal through hole 50 a of the cylindrical pipe 50 (the fuel suction port on the pump unit 2 side) and the internal through hole 70 of the cylindrical boss portion 62 (the fuel outlet port on the filter unit 3 side) It is connected in fluid tight communication.

Further, the tip end of the cylindrical boss portion 62 of the filter unit 3 is inserted into the abutment groove 42 of the pump unit 2 so that the abutment surfaces 42a and 62a abut each other. Thereby, the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 are positioned in the axial direction. Then, the alignment plates 40 and 61 of the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 are combined under appropriate positioning conditions, and an excessive external force is not applied to the O-ring 56. Further, the convex walls 43 and 63 and the recesses 64 and 44 of the mating surface 41a of the pump unit side mating plate 40 and the mating surface 61a of the filter unit side mating plate 61 are fitted to each other, thereby mating the both units 2 and 3 A labyrinth is formed between the surfaces 41a and 61a.

In the assembled state, the fuel pump module 1 is mounted on the vehicle in a predetermined posture, and the fuel intake pipe 4 and the fuel return pipe 6 are connected to the fuel tank, and the fuel discharge pipe 5 is connected to the internal combustion engine side. . Then, by operating the fuel pump module 1, the fuel filtered by the filter unit 3 is boosted by the pump unit 2, adjusted by the pressure regulator, and pressure-fed toward the internal combustion engine.

The flow of fuel and air bubbles in the filter unit 3 during this operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A, 10A, and 10B. FIG. 10A is a schematic explanatory view showing the flow of fuel and air bubbles in the filter unit, and is a schematic plan view seen from vertically above. FIG. 10B is a schematic front view seen from the horizontal direction.

In this filter unit 3, as shown in FIG. 10B, the communication port 4h through which the fuel flows from the internal passage of the fuel suction pipe 4 into the internal space of the filter unit case 80 is higher than the internal through hole 70 of the filter cartridge 60. Open to Further, as is apparent from FIGS. 5 and 10B, the opening area of the communication port 4h of the fuel suction pipe 4 and the filter unit case 80 is increased. Therefore, the inflow of fuel N from the fuel suction pipe 4 to the filter unit case 80 and the discharge of the air bubbles V from the filter unit case 80 to the fuel suction pipe 4 can be performed smoothly while reducing interference with each other. become able to.

Particularly at high temperatures, a large amount of bubbles may be generated from the fuel. However, even in such a case, the flow of air bubbles from the filter unit case 80 to the fuel suction pipe 4 can be made smooth. Therefore, the gas-liquid exchangeability can be improved, and a sufficient amount of fuel can be stored in the filter unit case 80. As a result, the shortage of the fuel supply to the pump unit 2 is prevented.

Further, by satisfying the above conditions (1), (2) and (3), the fuel and air bubbles can be taken while connecting port 4h connecting the internal passage of fuel suction pipe 4 and the internal space of filter unit case 80 as large as possible. The retention of water can be reduced. Thus, the filter unit case 80 can promote smooth gas-liquid exchange.

The base end side of the fuel suction pipe 4 is joined at the corner position from the rear end of the outer surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 to the end wall 83, as shown in FIG. 10A. Therefore, the discharge of the air bubbles V generated in the filter unit case 80 and the inflow of the fuel N from the fuel suction pipe 4 can be performed more smoothly, and the gas-liquid exchangeability can be further enhanced.

On the other hand, when releasing the connection between the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 at the time of maintenance, the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 are pulled apart in the axial direction while releasing the engagement of the lock convex portion 26 and the lock tongue piece 86. By so doing, the filter unit 3 can be easily removed from the pump unit 2.

(effect)
In the above configuration, in the filter unit 3, a part of the fuel suction pipe 4 protrudes outside the internal space of the filter unit case 80 when viewed from the extension direction of the fuel suction pipe 4. Therefore, the communication port 4h for connecting the internal passage of the fuel suction pipe 4 and the internal space of the filter unit case 80 can be made as large as possible. Therefore, in the communication port 4h, it is possible to sufficiently secure the passage through which the bubbles actively pass and the passage through which the fuel actively passes. As a result, the inflow of fuel from the fuel suction pipe 4 to the filter unit case 80 and the discharge of air bubbles from the filter unit case 80 to the fuel suction pipe 4 can be smoothly performed while reducing interference with each other. The flow of air bubbles from the filter unit case 80 to the fuel suction pipe 4 can be made smooth even when a large amount of air bubbles are generated from the fuel particularly at high temperatures. That is, gas-liquid exchangeability can be improved. Therefore, a sufficient amount of fuel can be stored in the filter unit case 80, and the shortage of the fuel supply to the pump unit 2 (pump main body 10) can be prevented.

In particular, when the fuel suction pipe 4 is viewed in the extension direction of the fuel suction pipe 4, more than half of the opening area of the cylindrical inner circumferential surface 4a overlaps the internal space of the filter unit case. Therefore, the communication port 4h can be formed as large as possible.
Furthermore, in the filter unit case 80, the communication port 4h can be maximized by arranging the fuel suction pipe 4 so as to satisfy the conditions (1), (2) and (3) described above.

Further, the fuel suction pipe 4 is joined to the corner from the outer surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 to the end wall 83 in a posture in which the tip opening 4 b is directed upward. For this reason, among the internal passages of the fuel suction pipe 4, the half on the filter unit case 80 side can be a passage through which air bubbles actively pass. Further, among the internal passages of the fuel suction pipe 4, the half on the side opposite to the filter unit case 80 side can be a passage through which the fuel actively passes. Accordingly, the discharge of air bubbles generated in the filter unit case 80 and the inflow of fuel from the fuel suction pipe 4 can be smoothly performed, and the gas-liquid exchangeability can be further enhanced.

Furthermore, when the filter cartridge 60 is attached to the inside of the filter unit case 80, the back plate 67 of the filter cartridge 60 and the end wall 83 of the filter unit case 80 are axially opposed to each other via the minute gap S. When the fuel suction pipe 4 is viewed in the extending direction of the fuel suction pipe 4, the cylindrical inner circumferential surface 4 a and the rear plate 67 of the filter cartridge 60 overlap. Further, the rear face plate 67 of the filter cartridge 60 and the end wall 83 of the filter unit case 80 are axially opposed to each other via the minute gap S. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to discharge the air bubbles from the minute gap S. As a result, it becomes easy to introduce the fuel between the back plate 67 and the end wall 83 of the filter unit case 80. Therefore, the discharge of air bubbles generated in the filter unit case 80 and the inflow of fuel from the fuel suction pipe can be smoothly performed, and the gas-liquid exchangeability can be further enhanced.

Further, the fuel pump module 1 detachably connects the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3. Therefore, by removing the filter unit 3 from the pump unit 2, the filter cartridge 60 in the filter unit 3 can be easily replaced, and maintenance can be simplified.

Furthermore, only by sliding the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 in the axial direction and locking them, the fuel suction port of the pump unit 2 (internal through hole 50a of the cylindrical pipe 50) and the fuel outlet port of the filter unit 3 (cylindrical boss portion A fluid-tight connection can be made with the internal through hole 70) of 62 via an O-ring 56. Therefore, the fuel pump module 1 can be easily assembled.
Further, a snap fit type locking means is adopted which can engage the locking tongue 86 with the locking projection 26 simply by sliding the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 in the axial direction. Therefore, both units 2 and 3 can be easily coupled.

Further, among the four pairs of lock tongues 86 of the filter unit case 80, the lock holes 86a of the lock tongues 86A at least one of which faces in the direction closest to the direction in which the fuel suction pipe 4 protrudes from the filter unit case 80. The two inner side surfaces 86 a 1 along the axial direction are formed along the extending direction of the fuel suction pipe 4. As a result, when the filter unit case 80 is molded, for example, resin, it is possible to set the slide direction (die extraction direction) of part of the mold forming the fuel suction pipe 4 and the lock tongue piece 86A identical. become. Therefore, the mold can be simplified by this amount.

Further, convex walls 43 and 63 and recesses 44 and 64 are provided between the pump plates 2 and the filter plates 3 so as to form a labyrinth simply by aligning the mating surfaces 41a and 61a. Therefore, it is possible to make the path from the outside between the pump unit 2 and the aligning plate 40, 61 of the filter unit 3 to the vicinity of the O-ring 56 complicated or long. As a result, entry of foreign matter such as dust through the gap between the pump unit 2 and the filter plate 3 of the filter unit 3 can be avoided as much as possible by the labyrinth effect without using a simple configuration and cost. Therefore, the reliability of ensuring the sealability of the fuel passage by the O-ring 56 can be enhanced.

Further, the cylindrical hood portion 84 extended from the filter unit 3 side toward the pump unit 2 side surrounds the periphery of the mating plates 40 and 61 of the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3. For this reason, it is possible to reduce as much as possible the dust from entering between the mating plates 40 and 61 from the outside.

Furthermore, even if foreign matter such as dust enters the gap between the alignment plates 40 and 61 of the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3, the discharge provided on the mating surfaces 41 a and 61 a due to vibration or vibration of the vehicle. Leakage fuel and foreign substances such as dust can be gradually dropped downward through the grooves 45 and 65 and naturally discharged to the outside. That is, when mounted on a vehicle such as a motorcycle, foreign matter such as dust may enter the inside from the entire circumference between the mating plates 40 and 61 depending on traveling conditions and traveling environment. However, even in such a case, foreign matter such as dust can naturally be discharged downward together with the leaked fuel due to vibration or vibration of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to improve the reliability of the sealing performance particularly when mounted on a vehicle such as a motorcycle. In this case, when the discharge grooves 45 and 65 are provided downward, the dust which has invaded can be discharged to the outside more reliably.

Further, when the two units 2 and 3 are coupled, the tip end of the extension pipe portion 52 of the cylindrical pipe 50 on the pump unit 2 side is first inserted into the guide hole 72 of the cylindrical boss 62 on the filter unit 3 side. Thereafter, the O-ring 56 is dimensioned so as to be fitted into the O-ring fitting hole 73 of the cylindrical boss 62. Therefore, the O-ring 56 is inserted into the other unit (filter unit 3) after the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 are aligned. As a result, even when a flexible snap fit (combination of the lock protrusion 26 and the lock tongue 86) is used as the lock means, the O-ring 56 is engaged with the other unit (filter unit 3) Such troubles can be avoided. Therefore, damage due to the biting of the O-ring 56 can be effectively prevented.

Further, a cylindrical tube 50 having the internal through hole 50a as a fuel suction port is used as a guide convex portion for centering, and a cylindrical boss portion 62 having an internal through hole 70 as a fuel outlet is used as a guide recess. Therefore, the guide means and the fuel passage (the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet) can be made common, and the structure can be simplified.

Further, before the front end of the lock tongue 86 abuts on the front side slope of the lock convex portion 26, the tip end of the extension pipe 52 of the cylindrical pipe 50 is inserted into the guide hole 72 of the cylindrical boss 62. For this reason, after centering of both units 2 and 3 is performed, the lock tongue piece 86 starts to be elastically deformed. Therefore, as the locking operation is performed, misalignment occurs between the two units 2 and 3, and this prevents the occurrence of an uneven force depending on the location of the two units 2 and 3. As a result, problems such as the O-ring 56 biting into the other unit (filter unit 3) can be prevented in advance.

Further, in order to center the two units 2 and 3 with each other, that is, in order to use the tip of the cylindrical tube 50 as a guide convex portion, the extension tube portion 52 is extended at the tip of the cylindrical tube 50. As a result, the occupied volume of the cylindrical tube 50 entering the post filtration space 69 of the filter cartridge 60 is increased. As a result, the substantial volume of the space after filtration in the filter cartridge 60 can be reduced, and the gas volume in the filter cartridge 60 can be reduced. Incidentally, when a large amount of gas (air bubbles) is contained in the filter cartridge 60 (at high temperature, etc.), the fuel suction efficiency of the pump body 10 may be deteriorated, which may adversely affect the startability of the internal combustion engine. Such adverse effects can be mitigated.

Further, when the distal end side of the cylindrical tube 50 is made to largely enter the filter cartridge 60 with the guide convex portion, as described above, there is an advantage that the substantial volume of the space 69 after filtration in the filter cartridge 60 can be reduced. If the fuel suction port is only at the tip end opening of the cylindrical tube 50, a new problem arises that the fuel suction efficiency by the pump body 10 is conversely deteriorated. In particular, when the cylindrical tube 50 maintains a horizontal posture, it is difficult for the fuel to enter the inside of the cylindrical tube 50. Therefore, a slit 52a is provided on the peripheral wall of the extension tube portion 52 at the tip of the cylindrical tube 50 as a communicating portion such as a slit. By doing this, the fuel suction efficiency is improved and the gas-liquid exchange performance is improved. Further, the gas-liquid exchange performance can be improved by enlarging the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube 50. Further, by providing a communicating portion such as a slit in the peripheral wall on the tip side of the cylindrical tube 50, the gas-liquid exchange performance can be improved without being influenced by the diameter or the length of the cylindrical tube 50.

The number, shape and dimensions of the slits 52a are not limited. Moreover, you may provide a through-hole as a communicating part instead of the slit 52a. Also in this case, the number, shape, and size of the through holes do not matter. When the slits and the through holes are formed large, the rigidity of the tip end side (the extension pipe portion 52) of the cylindrical pipe 50 is insufficient. As a result, there is a possibility that the original purpose of the guide projection can not be achieved. For this reason, it is desirable to set the diameter of the cylindrical tube 50 and the shape and dimensions of the communicating portion (slit or through hole) so as to maintain necessary rigidity. In addition, when molding the cylindrical tube 50 with resin, the slit is preferable in terms of ease of molding.

Further, an insertion frame 27 and an insertion tongue 87 are provided next to the lock convex portion 26 and the lock tongue 86 so as to fit each other when the two units 2 and 3 are connected. For this reason, in the coupled state of the units 2 and 3, the rigidity around the mating portion of the filter unit case 80 can be enhanced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the ease of radially outward elastic deformation of the locking tongues 86. Moreover, displacement in the circumferential direction can also be prevented. Therefore, the engagement between the lock projection 26 and the lock hole 86a (snap fit) of the lock tongue 86 is not easily released.

Further, when locking, simply by sliding the two unit cases 20, 80 in the axial direction while sliding them to each other while aligning them, the lock convex portion 26 and the lock tongue piece 86 are engaged. can do. In addition to this, the insertion tongues 87 can also be fitted in the insertion frame 27. Therefore, it is possible to particularly exert strength against vibration and impact particularly in the twisting direction, while securing the ease of attachment and detachment. In addition, since the insertion frame 27 and the insertion tongue piece 87 may be disposed adjacent to the lock convex portion 26 and the lock tongue piece 86, the resistance to vibration and impact can be increased without increasing the outer diameter.

Further, the cylindrical hood portion 84 on the filter unit 3 side is fitted to the end of the pump unit 2. As a result, it is possible to increase the resistance to vibration and impact particularly in the twisting direction at the connection portion of both units 2 and 3.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes the above-described embodiment with various modifications, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the said embodiment, the case where the cross-sectional shape of the convex walls 43 and 63 provided in the mating surfaces 41a and 61a of the mating plates 40 and 61 was made into the rectangular shape was described. However, any shape such as a trapezoid, a triangle, a semicircle, or a waveform may be used. At this time, the shape of the recess into which the convex wall is fitted may be changed in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of the convex wall. In addition, the cross sectional shape of the convex wall of one mating surface may be different from the cross sectional shape of the other mating surface, or the cross sectional shapes of a plurality of convex walls in the same mating surface may be different.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, the case where the convex walls 43 and 63 were provided in both mating surfaces 41a and 61a was described. However, one mating surface may be a flat surface, and a convex wall may be provided only on the other mating surface.

Further, the number of convex walls 43, 63 may be large, but may be small or one. However, the labyrinth effect can be obtained by providing two or more convex walls on one mating surface and inserting the convex wall of the other mating surface into the recess between the convex walls.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where the convex walls 43 and 63 were provided in the continuous cyclic | annular form was described, you may disperse | distribute and provide in point shape. In any case, if a labyrinth or at least one bottleneck is formed in the radial path, a certain degree of dust intrusion prevention effect can be obtained.

Moreover, although the discharge grooves 45 and 65 were formed by providing notch 43a, 63a in a part of circumferential direction of annular convex wall 43, 63, a discharge groove may not be sufficient. Further, even in the case of providing the discharge groove, the number of the discharge grooves is not limited. However, if the content is large, the possibility of dust etc. may increase.

Further, although it is desirable that the mating plates 40 and 61 be formed of resin (for example, POM: polyacetal) because their shapes are complicated, they may be made of any material such as metal instead of resin.

Further, in the case of manufacturing with resin, for example, if the penetration direction of some of the lock holes 86a of the plurality of lock tongues 86 is made to coincide with the axial direction of the fuel suction pipe 4, The matching of the removal direction enables simplification of the mold configuration.

In the above embodiment, the cylindrical boss 50 having the internal through hole 50a as the fuel suction port and the cylindrical boss 62 having the internal through hole 70 as the fuel outlet are used as the centering guide convex portion and the guide concave portion. Said. However, the guide convex portion and the guide concave portion may be provided at positions other than the cylindrical tube 50 and the cylindrical boss portion 62. The point is that alignment between the pump unit 2 and the filter unit 3 can be achieved. For this reason, it may be provided at any position of the alignment plates 40, 61 so as to be able to be fitted to each other, as long as the configuration is complicated.

In the above embodiment, the case where the cylindrical tube 50 having the function of the guide convex portion is provided on the pump unit 2 side and the cylindrical boss portion 62 having the function of the guide concave portion is provided on the filter unit 3 side has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. On the contrary, a cylindrical pipe having a function of a guide convex portion is provided on the filter unit 3 side, and a cylindrical boss having a function of a guide concave portion is provided on the pump unit 2 side. It is also good.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the lock convex portion 26 is provided on the pump unit 2 side and the lock tongue piece 86 which is elastically deformed on the filter unit 3 side and engaged with the lock convex portion 26 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. On the contrary, even if the lock convex portion is provided on the filter unit 3 side and the lock tongue piece elastically deformed on the pump unit 2 side and engaged with the lock convex portion is provided. Good. In this case, it is preferable to provide a cylindrical hood portion fitted on the outer periphery of the filter unit 3 on the pump unit 2 side. At this time, the insertion frame 27 and the insertion tongue 87 are also provided on the opposite side. That is, the insertion tongue is extended to the cylindrical hood portion provided on the pump unit 2 side, and the insertion frame is provided on the outer periphery on the filter unit 3 side.

Further, the number of lock means (the lock convex portion 26 and the lock tongue piece 86) and the number of deformation restricting means (the insertion frame 27 and the insertion tongue piece 87) are not limited.
Furthermore, although the case where the case (pump unit case 20 and filter unit case 80) to be coupled has a cylindrical case has been described in the above embodiment, the other cylindrical case may be used.

Further, the inner peripheral surface 81a of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 4a of the fuel suction pipe 4 may not necessarily be a perfect circular cylinder. Either or both of the inner peripheral surface 81a of the cylindrical peripheral wall 81 of the filter unit case 80 and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 4a of the fuel suction pipe 4 may be an inner peripheral surface of an elliptical shape or another cross-sectional shape .

According to the above-described fuel filter and fuel pump module, it is possible to smoothly carry out the discharge of bubbles generated in the filter case to the fuel tank side and the inflow of fuel from the fuel tank into the filter case. And gas-liquid exchangeability can be improved. As a result, a sufficient amount of fuel can be stored in the filter case, and the shortage of fuel supply to the pump unit can be prevented.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fuel pump module 2 ... Pump unit 3 ... Filter unit 4 ... Fuel suction pipe 4a ... Cylinder inner peripheral surface (2nd cylinder inner peripheral surface)
4b ... tip opening 4c ... inner bottom surface 4h on the base end side ... communication port 4x ... central axis 5 ... fuel discharge pipe 10 ... pump main body 11 ... suction port 12 ... discharge port 13 ... O ring 20 ... pump unit case 21 ... cylindrical peripheral wall 22 ... pump body accommodation space 23 ... end wall 26 ... lock convex part 27 ... insertion frame 40 ... pump unit side mating plate 41 ... plate body 41 a ... mating surface 42 ... abutment groove 42 a ... abutment surface 43 ... convex wall 43 a ... notch Reference Signs List 44 concave part 45 discharge groove 48 support rod 48 a slit 50 cylindrical pipe 50 a fuel suction port 51 step part 52 extension part (guide convex part) of cylindrical pipe
56: O ring 60: filter cartridge 61: mating plate 61a: mating surface 62: cylindrical boss 62a: abutment surface 63: convex wall 63a: notch 64: recess 65: discharge groove 67: back surface plate 68: filter element 69: Space after filtration 70 ... through hole (fuel outlet)
80 ... filter unit case 81 ... cylindrical peripheral wall (cylindrical peripheral wall)
81a ... cylindrical inner circumferential surface (first cylindrical inner circumferential surface)
82: filter cartridge housing space 83: end wall 84: hood portion 85: mating plate annular support portion 86: locking tongue 86a: locking hole 87: insertion tongue X: central axis M of the filter unit: mutual line

Claims (8)

1. A bottomed cylindrical filter unit case having a cylindrical peripheral wall and an end wall closing an end opening of the cylindrical peripheral wall;
   A fuel suction pipe which has a tubular shape extending in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the filter unit case, the base end side of which is joined to the outer surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the filter unit case;
   A filter cartridge accommodated concentrically with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall inside the filter unit case;
   Equipped with
   An internal passage of the fuel suction pipe is connected to the filter unit through a communication port surrounded by a continuous line where the inner peripheral surface of the fuel suction pipe and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the filter unit case intersect. It is in communication with the internal space of the case,
   A fuel filter, wherein a part of the inner passage protrudes outward beyond an inner space of the filter unit case when viewed from an extension direction of the fuel suction pipe.
2. When the fuel suction pipe is viewed in the extension direction of the fuel suction pipe, a half or more of the opening area of the internal passage overlaps the internal space of the filter unit case. Fuel filter.
3. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the filter unit case is a first cylindrical inner peripheral surface of a radius R, and the inner peripheral surface of the fuel suction pipe is a second cylindrical inner peripheral surface of a radius r Has been
   When a distance between a first central axis of the first cylindrical inner circumferential surface and a second central axis of the second cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the fuel suction pipe is D, the radius R and the radius r are
   2r <R
   R-r <D
   The fuel filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel filter is set to satisfy
4. The radius R, the radius r, and the distance D are
   R-r <D ≦ R
   The fuel filter according to claim 3, wherein the fuel filter is set to satisfy.
5. Assuming that a value obtained by subtracting the height of the proximal end of the internal passage of the fuel suction pipe from the height of the central axis of the filter unit case is Z1, the value Z1 and the radius R are
   0 <Z1 <R
   5. The fuel filter according to claim 4, wherein the fuel filter is set to satisfy.
6. The fuel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a base end side of the fuel suction pipe is joined to a corner from the outer surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the filter unit case to the end wall. filter.
7. The filter cartridge is
   A cylindrical filter element that filters the fuel as the fuel permeates from the outer peripheral side toward the inner peripheral side;
   A back plate disposed close to an end wall of the filter unit case while closing one end opening of the filter element;
   A front plate having a fuel outlet port for closing the opening at the other end of the filter element and guiding the fuel transmitted to the space on the inner peripheral side of the filter element to the outside at the center portion;
   The fuel filter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the internal passage and the back plate overlap when the fuel suction pipe is viewed in the extending direction of the fuel suction pipe.
8. A fuel filter according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
   A pump unit that sucks in liquid fuel from the fuel tank and discharges it to the outside;
   A fuel pump module configured to filter liquid fuel introduced from the fuel tank and lead it out to the pump unit;

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