Fuel pump and filter assembly

Abstract

A fuel pump and filter assembly includes a housing supporting a filter in a filter chamber, which is at least partially defined by first and second end walls, an outer wall extending therebetween, and an inner side wall disposed radially inwardly of the outer side wall. A fuel pump assembly is carried by the housing radially inwardly of the inner side wall and includes a sleeve that extends from the first end wall of the housing to the second end wall of the housing.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to fuel pumps and more particularly to fuel pump modules for placement in fuel tanks.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In-tank fuel pump modules are used in automotive fuel delivery systems to draw fuel from a fuel tank and supply the fuel under pressure for delivery to an engine. These modules usually include a fuel reservoir disposed within the fuel tank and carried by a mounting plate or flange closing an opening in an upper wall of the tank. The reservoir holds a relatively small quantity of fuel, and typically includes a reservoir inlet in communication with the interior of the fuel tank.[0003]The module typically includes an electric fuel pump assembly having a pump inlet in one end communicating with the reservoir downstream of the reservoir inlet, and a pump outlet in another end upstream of the reservoir outlet. The fuel pump assembly draws fuel from within the reservoir through the fuel pump inlet and delivers ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]At least some of the objects, features and advantages that may be achieved by at least certain embodiments of the invention include a fuel pump and filter assembly that is readily adaptable to various fuel pump modules, fuel tanks, and vehicle applications; routes pressurized fuel away from an electric motor portion of the assembly; reduces or eliminates pump flow-through losses; increases fuel pumping efficiency; decreases heat transferred to the fuel before it is discharged from the fuel pump assembly; improves the venting of fuel vapor from the fuel pump; lowers the electric current draw of the fuel pump; eliminates costly seals between a pump and a housing; allows for a reduction in axial height of a fuel pump module compared to prior art designs; enables an electrical connector of a fuel pump assembly to extend out of a fuel tank; eliminates one or more wiring harnesses; and is of relatively simple design, economical manufacture and assembly, rugged, durable, reliable, and in service has a long useful life.

Problems solved by technology

While generally effective at cooling the electric motor, pump assemblies of this type undesirably heat the fuel.

Such windage losses limit the efficiency of such pump assemblies.

But, current fuel pump modules are axially too long to be packaged in such a location.

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