Fuel delivery device and fuel tank with such a fuel delivery device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel delivery device, comprising a flange, a pump carrier, a tank having a tank bottom and a surrounding tank wall, the tank wall having a tank rim facing away from the tank bottom, an inner tank wall circumference and an outer tank wall circumference, at least one force-transmitting fixed connection between the pump carrier and the tank, at least one predetermined breaking point and a guide, the guide connecting the flange in a force-transmitting manner to the pump carrier, the guide allowing a translational movement between the flange and the pump carrier, the flange being connected to the guide via a guide connection, the pump carrier being insertable into the tank on the tank rim side and being arranged in the tank. The at least one fixed connection can be loosened by means of the at least one predetermined breaking point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fuel delivery device having a flange, a pump support, and a reservoir / vortex tank (Schwalltopf). The reservoir has a reservoir bottom, a surrounding reservoir wall, a reservoir edge opposite to the reservoir bottom, an inner circumferential surface of the reservoir wall, and an outer circumferential surface of the reservoir wall.

[0002] In addition, the fuel delivery device has: at least one force-transmitting fixed connection that connects the pump bracket to the storage tank; at least one predetermined break point; and a guide that connects the flange to the pump bracket in a force-transmitting manner, wherein the guide allows linear movement between the flange and the pump bracket, wherein the flange is connected to the guide via the guide connection, and wherein the pump bracket can be introduced into the storage tank from the edge side and arranged within the storage tank.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a fuel tank having such a fuel delivery device. Background Technology

[0004] Most motor vehicles are equipped with an internal combustion engine, which constitutes the vehicle's drive system. A fuel delivery device is used to deliver fuel from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine. This fuel delivery device typically has a flange that seals the opening in the fuel tank for mounting the fuel delivery device. Of particular importance is that the flange seals the mounting opening in a fluid-tight manner to ensure that fuel does not accidentally leave the fuel tank.

[0005] Unintended escape of fuel from a vehicle's fuel tank can lead to environmental pollution or vehicle fire, posing corresponding risks to vehicle occupants and the surrounding environment.

[0006] Because various components of the fuel delivery system are fixed at the flange, in extreme situations, such as those that may occur during a traffic accident, the flange may be subjected to significant forces, causing damage and allowing fuel to escape from the tank. This poses a high risk to vehicle occupants and the environment.

[0007] A fuel delivery device is known from document DE 10 2005 175 519 A1, which has a flange, a pressure valve, and a coupling for piping. The coupling is part of the flange and has an annular groove that locally weakens the coupling.

[0008] A fuel delivery device is known from document DE 3840912 C2, which has a fuel pump and a safety device, wherein the safety device shuts off the fuel pump in the event of a traffic accident in order to prevent fuel from undesirably escaping from the fuel tank, and the fuel delivery device is arranged in the fuel tank.

[0009] A fuel delivery device is known from document DE 4018646 A1, which has a pump support and a flange, wherein the flange with the pump support is fixed to a hollow cylindrical wall. The pump support and the hollow cylindrical wall have a helically extending subtractive construction.

[0010] A disadvantage of existing devices is that they can only be implemented at a very high cost. Furthermore, the flanges of the fuel delivery device may be damaged by a large accelerating force acting on the reservoir and transmitted from there to the flange via a guide. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The first objective of this invention is to provide a fuel delivery device of the type mentioned at the beginning, which reliably prevents damage to the flange under a large accelerating force that can be applied to the fuel delivery device and transmitted from the reservoir to the flange through the guide, and is superior in its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

[0012] A second object of the present invention is to provide a fuel tank of the type mentioned at the beginning, having such a fuel delivery device.

[0013] According to the invention, the first objective is thus achieved, namely, at least one fixed connection can be loosened / released / detached through at least one predetermined fracture point. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] By means of at least one predetermined fracture point, the fixed connection between the reservoir and the pump support can be loosened under the large acceleration force acting on the fuel delivery device during a traffic accident, thereby breaking the force transmission from the reservoir to the flange, and especially to the guide connection. Therefore, the weight of the reservoir and the fuel contained therein cannot cause damage to the flange. In other words, in this case, flange damage is prevented by decoupling / disconnection of force transmission between the reservoir and the pump support. "Loosening of the fixed connection" is understood as mechanical failure / damage of the fixed connection. In other words, at least one predetermined fracture point breaks, thereby breaking the force transmission connection or fixation between the reservoir and the pump support, and thus also breaking the force transmission connection or fixation between the reservoir and the flange.

[0015] In the first embodiment, the fuel delivery device has a pump stage that can be driven by an electric motor. Preferably, this pump stage and the electric motor are housed in a pump support. Particularly suitable is that the pump stage is a peripheral channel pump stage or a side channel pump stage. Furthermore, it is particularly suitable that the electric motor is an internal rotor, constructed as a mechanically commutated DC motor or a permanent magnet synchronous motor.

[0016] In another embodiment, the flange has control electronics for the fuel delivery system. Particularly suitable is that the control electronics are protected by the flange from both the effects of fuel potentially present in the tank and environmental factors. This contributes to the functional reliability of the fuel delivery system and its control electronics. The invention protects relatively expensive and fuel-sensitive control electronics.

[0017] A particularly advantageous feature is the arrangement of more than one fixed connection between the reservoir and the pump support. This allows for a more compact design of each fixed connection. Similarly, it eliminates the need for cumbersome adjustments to the reservoir wall thickness during injection molding. In this design with multiple fixed connections, it is particularly preferable that each fixed connection is arranged circumferentially along the reservoir and / or pump support. Here, it is especially suitable that the fixed connections are arranged uniformly circumferentially. In other words, the fixed connections can be arranged with the same angular distance / interval relative to the central axis of the pump support or reservoir, and / or with the same absolute distance from each other. This results in a uniform load distribution on the fixed connections. In the case where the fixed connections are irregularly arranged circumferentially, the irregularity can be compensated for by selectively weakening individual fixed connections—compared to other fixed connections arranged closer to each other. In other words, a uniform load distribution on the fixed connections can be achieved. However, it is particularly preferable that all fixed connections are dimensioned identically, as this simplifies manufacturing by reducing variations in the fixed connections.

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the fixed connection is formed in a form-locking and / or force-locking (friction-locking) manner. The form-locking connection can be designed particularly simply if the form-locking is formed by the complementary geometry of the pump bracket and the reservoir. For example, the pump bracket and / or reservoir may have a protrusion that engages in a recess in the reservoir or pump bracket, thus forming a form-locking connection. Alternative force-locking fixed connections, or force-locking connections added in addition to form-locking connections, have the advantage that force locking prevents relative movement in the form of a gap between the pump bracket and the reservoir, which is impossible to eliminate solely through form-locking connections, for example, material warping / deformation during the injection molding process.

[0019] Another advantageous embodiment features a fixed connection formed by a locking and / or clamping connection. This provides a particular embodiment of a form-locking and / or force-locking fixed connection. The locking connection ensures the correct positioning of the two parts to be fixed during assembly because the locking of the connection can be relatively easily determined during fixing, for example, by touch or sound. The clamping connection significantly reduces the gap between the parts to be fixed.

[0020] Preferably, the locking connection is constructed such that the reservoir has at least one locking element that engages in a locking element recess of the pump bracket, and / or the pump bracket has at least one locking element that engages in a locking element recess of the reservoir. Particularly preferably, the locking element recess completely penetrates the pump bracket wall or the reservoir wall. In other words, particularly preferably, the locking element recess is constructed as a through-hole in the corresponding wall. This allows for visual or tactile inspection during assembly to determine if the locking element is located in the locking element recess. Visual inspection is particularly easy if the color of the locking element differs from the color of the component having the locking element recess.

[0021] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the locking element is constructed on the outer peripheral surface of the pump support wall or the inner peripheral surface of the reservoir wall. Particularly advantageous is that the locking element is integrally constructed with the pump support or reservoir; in other words, it is constructed integratedly with the pump support or reservoir. Therefore, not only is it possible to avoid separately assembling the locking element at the pump support or reservoir, but manufacturing is further simplified when the locking element is formed during the injection molding process of manufacturing the pump support or reservoir.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the pump bracket or reservoir has a ramp, which, when the pump bracket is introduced into the reservoir, spacees the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir wall and the outer circumferential surface of the pump bracket wall apart, allowing the locking element to be introduced into the locking element recess between the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir wall and the outer circumferential surface of the pump bracket wall. In other words, when the pump bracket is inserted into the reservoir, the wall of the reservoir and / or the wall of the pump bracket deforms due to the ramp, allowing the locking element to be introduced into the locking element recess between the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir wall and the outer circumferential surface of the pump bracket wall. This significantly simplifies the fixing between the reservoir and the pump bracket, without requiring special assembly tools or additional assembly steps, such as special deformation of the reservoir or pump bracket.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable that the ramp construction serves as a reinforcing rib for the locking element. This allows the reinforcing rib to withstand forces that would otherwise act directly on the locking element during assembly. Simultaneously, the reinforcing rib contributes to the rigidity required by the locking element in the event of a traffic accident, ensuring that the predetermined fracture point is released when it is located not at the locking element itself or at a component containing the locking element, but rather at a component with a recessed portion of the locking element. That is, this ensures that the force is transmitted through the locking element to the predetermined fracture point. In other words, in this situation, the locking element will not yield due to the reinforcing rib.

[0024] A particularly advantageous feature is that the reinforcing rib extends from the outer circumferential surface of the pump bracket wall to the end of the locking element opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the pump bracket wall, or from the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir wall to the end of the locking element opposite to the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir wall. This ensures maximum rigidity of the locking element on the one hand, and prevents the pump bracket from jamming when it is inserted into the reservoir on the other, which simplifies assembly.

[0025] It is also advantageous that the dimensions of the locking element recess are determined such that the locking element and the ramp are received within the locking element recess. This ensures that neither the locking element nor the ramp causes deformation of the reservoir or pump bracket in the assembled state. Such deformation would lead to mechanical stress in the reservoir or pump bracket, which could potentially damage related components or reduce the force required to loosen the predetermined fracture site, thus compromising the functional reliability of the predetermined fracture site. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the locking element and the ramp are completely received within the locking element recess.

[0026] Another embodiment features a chamfered edge on the radially facing edge of the reservoir, which, when the pump bracket is inserted into the reservoir, acts in conjunction with a ramp, serving as an introductory ramp surface. This further simplifies the insertion of the pump bracket into the reservoir and reduces mechanical stress in the relevant components at the start of insertion.

[0027] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the reservoir has a groove on its inner circumferential surface extending from the edge of the reservoir to the recess of the locking element, and thus, in conjunction with the ramp and / or reinforcing ribs of the locking element, guides the locking element into the recess provided for this purpose when the pump bracket is inserted into the reservoir. It is also suitable that the width of the groove is configured to increase in the direction toward the edge of the reservoir. In other words, the groove at the edge of the reservoir is wider than the width at the recess of the locking element, thereby further simplifying the insertion of the pump bracket into the reservoir, because this simplifies the orientation of the pump bracket relative to the reservoir, as the ramp and / or reinforcing ribs can be easily inserted into the provided groove.

[0028] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the pump bracket has a pump bracket edge with a protrusion that at least partially, preferably completely, radially protrudes from the edge of the reservoir and serves as an axial stop for the reservoir edge, which restricts the insertion of the pump bracket into the reservoir. This ensures a defined final position of the pump bracket when it is inserted into the reservoir.

[0029] Similarly, the pump bracket edge is spaced apart from the locking element, such that the area between the locking element recess and the reservoir edge is clamped between the locking element and the protrusion of the pump bracket edge. This eliminates the gap between the pump bracket and the reservoir, enabling gapless and direct force transmission in the event of an accident from the component with the locking element, such as the pump bracket, through the locking element to the component with the locking element recess, such as the reservoir.

[0030] Another advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the locking element recess is arranged at the edge of the pump bracket or the edge of the reservoir. Alternatively, the locking element recess is provided in the region forming the locking element recess near the edge of the component.

[0031] Another advantage is that forces near the predetermined fracture site are introduced into the geometry. Therefore, since the forces acting on the fixed connection during an accident can be reliably directed to the predetermined fracture site, this contributes to the functional reliability of the predetermined fracture site. This also leads to the space-saving design of the present invention.

[0032] A particularly advantageous aspect is that the force-introducing geometry extends towards the predetermined fracture site. This further enhances the functional reliability of the predetermined fracture site because the introduced force is directly directed into it. In other words, this design scheme allows for the determination of the dimensions of the force-introducing geometry and the predetermined fracture site, enabling the fixed connection to loosen with very high reliability under a predetermined force value.

[0033] Equally advantageous is that the force introduced into the geometry is not oriented in the direction of a force that acts on a component with a predetermined fracture point when the pump bracket is inserted into the reservoir. This prevents the predetermined fracture point from being damaged or broken during the insertion of the pump bracket into the reservoir, which could lead to accidental loosening of the fixed connection. In other words, this prevents forces caused by the assembly process during assembly that could lead to the fixed connection loosening through the predetermined fracture point.

[0034] Another embodiment is characterized in that the predetermined fracture site extends from the locking element recess and / or the force-introducing geometry to the edge of the reservoir, or to the edge of the pump bracket or the edge of the pump bracket. The predetermined fracture site is constructed in an extremely compact manner, particularly when the locking element recess is located at the edge of the component or in a region of the component near the edge where the locking element recess is located.

[0035] Particularly suitable is that the locking element recess has a force-introducing geometry. The tool used to form the locking element recess can simultaneously form the force-introducing geometry, thus greatly simplifying manufacturing. Furthermore, if the locking element recess is formed by an injection molding process, manufacturing can be simplified. Here, a mold with both the geometry of the locking element recess and the geometry of the force-introducing geometry can be used during the injection molding process.

[0036] Similarly suitable is that the recess of the locking element has a basic rectangular or square shape, wherein a strong geometric structure is constructed in the two corners of the edge facing the component of the basic shape.

[0037] Furthermore, a locking element recess with a basic triangular shape can be considered. Preferably, the basic triangular shape is arranged such that one side of the triangle extends substantially parallel to the edge of the component with the locking element recess, and the corners of the basic triangular shape point towards the edge of the component. With this design of the locking element recess, the force introduction geometry is directly integrated into the basic shape because the corners of the basic triangular shape pointing towards the edge of the component have a cutout shape as a force introduction geometry. However, virtually any feasible shape for the locking element recess can be considered.

[0038] Also preferably, the force-introducing geometry has the shape of at least one notch. The notch is constructed as a recess in a reservoir or pump bracket, preferably with an acute angle. This presents a particularly simple and reliable force-introducing geometry, while also allowing for particularly simple dimensional determination.

[0039] Similarly suitable is the formation of the predetermined fracture location and / or force introduction geometry by subtractive construction. Such subtractive construction can be formed, for example, by means of perforation.

[0040] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the subtractive construction is formed by reducing the wall thickness of the reservoir or pump support. Particularly preferred is that the reduction in wall thickness is already achieved during the plastic injection molding process used to manufacture the reservoir or pump support. This eliminates the need for subsequent machining, thereby shortening the manufacturing process and reducing associated costs. Particularly preferred is that the wall thickness is reduced only locally.

[0041] As an alternative to constructing a predetermined fracture portion at a component with a recessed locking element, it is advantageous for the locking element to have a predetermined fracture portion. The predetermined fracture portion preferably extends transversely to the extending direction of the locking element, wherein the locking element extends radially away from the reservoir or pump support.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferable that the locking element is integrated with the reservoir or pump bracket. This further simplifies the manufacturing process, for example, by manufacturing the reservoir or pump bracket together with the locking element using an injection molding process.

[0043] Another embodiment is characterized in that the force-introducing geometry, the fixed connection, and / or the predetermined fracture point are designed such that the predetermined fracture point will not cause the fixed connection to loosen during the fixing period between the reservoir and the pump bracket. This design prevents the fixed connection from unintentionally loosening during the assembly process. This minimizes the possibility of defective products occurring during assembly.

[0044] Furthermore, preferably, the force-introducing geometry, the fixed connection, and / or the predetermined fracture point are designed such that the predetermined fracture point loosens the fixed connection under an acceleration of the fuel delivery device, wherein this acceleration is less than the minimum acceleration required for mechanical failure of the guide connection. Alternatively, the force value, rather than the acceleration, can be used as the basis for the design. The different dimensions of the fixed connection compared to the guide connection ensure that the fixed connection is loosened long before the guide connection fails during an accident. This ensures, for example, that the reservoir cannot damage the guide connection by its own weight or by the additional weight of the fuel contained in the reservoir. Avoiding damage to the guide connection is particularly important because it is located at a flange, and the flange seals the assembly opening in the fuel tank for the fuel delivery device in a fluid-tight manner. In other words, this reliably prevents flange damage and, consequently, fuel leakage from the fuel tank.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferable that the force-introducing geometry, the fixed connection, and / or the predetermined fracture point are designed such that, under an acceleration of up to 55 times the gravitational acceleration of the fuel delivery device, the predetermined fracture point will loosen the fixed connection. It is particularly preferable that the force-introducing geometry, the fixed connection, and / or the predetermined fracture point are designed such that, under an acceleration of up to 30 times the gravitational acceleration of the fuel delivery device, the predetermined fracture point will loosen the fixed connection. This ensures reliable loosening of the fixed connection in the event of an accident.

[0046] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the force-introducing geometry, the fixed connection, and / or the predetermined fracture point are designed such that, under an acceleration of at least eight or ten times the acceleration of the fuel delivery device, the predetermined fracture point causes the fixed connection to loosen. This prevents the fixed connection from accidentally loosening in the event of a minor rear-end collision.

[0047] Particularly preferred is that the minimum acceleration of the fuel delivery device (from which the fixed connection loosens) is combined with the maximum acceleration mentioned above. Therefore, the fixed connection can loosen between eight or ten times and 55 times the gravitational acceleration, or between eight or ten times and 30 times the gravitational acceleration. However, it is very particularly preferred that the force-introducing geometry, the fixed connection, and / or the predetermined fracture point are designed such that when the acceleration of the fuel delivery device is between 15 and 25 times the gravitational acceleration, the predetermined fracture point loosens the fixed connection.

[0048] Also particularly preferred is that the force-introducing geometry, the fixed connection, and / or the predetermined fracture point are designed such that the force acting on the component with the predetermined fracture point when the pump bracket is inserted into the reservoir will not cause the fixed connection to loosen due to the predetermined fracture point. This prevents damage or breakage of the predetermined fracture point when the pump bracket is inserted into the reservoir, which could lead to accidental loosening of the fixed connection. In other words, this prevents forces generated during assembly from causing the fixed connection to loosen via the predetermined fracture point.

[0049] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that if the predetermined fracture point causes the fixed connection to loosen, the force transmission between the pump bracket and the reservoir is interrupted. In other words, in this state, the force transmission from the reservoir to the flange is interrupted.

[0050] The second objective of the invention is thus achieved, namely, that the fuel tank has a fuel delivery device according to the invention.

[0051] Similarly suitable is a fuel tank having an assembly opening through which a pump bracket and a reservoir can be inserted. A flange closes the assembly opening via a liquid-tight connection between the flange and the fuel tank, preventing fuel contained in the fuel tank from escaping between the flange and the fuel tank. Furthermore, the force-introducing geometry, the fixed connection, and / or the predetermined fracture point are designed such that the predetermined fracture point breaks under an acceleration less than the minimum acceleration required for the connection between the flange and the fuel tank to become no longer liquid-tight. This design prevents damage to the liquid-tight connection between the flange and the fuel tank, which prevents fuel contained in the fuel tank from escaping, and because the fixed connection is loosened by the predetermined fracture point, the reservoir, for example, can no longer damage the connection between the flange and the fuel tank.

[0052] Another advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine has a fuel tank according to the invention. By means of such a fuel tank with a fuel delivery device according to the invention, the safety of vehicle occupants and the environment is reliably improved in the event of a traffic accident involving the motor vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. As shown in the drawings,

[0054] Figure 1 A fuel delivery device according to the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 2 A liquid storage tank of a fuel delivery device according to the present invention is shown.

[0056] Figure 3 A detailed view of the locking element recess of the liquid storage tank is shown.

[0057] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the fixed connection portion of the fuel delivery device according to the present invention is shown.

[0058] List of reference numerals

[0059] 1. Fuel delivery device

[0060] 2 Flange

[0061] 3. Storage tank

[0062] 4. Pump bracket

[0063] 5. Recessed part of locking element

[0064] 6. Guiding Department

[0065] 7. Guide connection part

[0066] 8. Filter housing

[0067] 9. Bottom of the storage tank

[0068] 10. Predetermined fracture location

[0069] 11. Force introduced into geometry

[0070] 12 Fixed connection part

[0071] 13 Slope

[0072] 14 Pump bracket edge

[0073] 15. Edge of the storage tank

[0074] 16. Chamfered edge

[0075] 17. Reinforcing ribs

[0076] 18 differences

[0077] 19. Inner circumferential surface of the storage tank wall

[0078] 20 Pump support wall outer perimeter

[0079] 21 Fuel Pump

[0080] 22. Outer circumference of the storage tank wall

[0081] 23. Locking element Detailed Implementation

[0082] Figure 1 A fuel delivery device 1 is shown, comprising a flange 2 and a reservoir 3. The reservoir 3 has a reservoir bottom 9. A pump bracket 4 is located within the reservoir 3, and a fuel pump 21 is housed within the pump bracket. The fuel pump 21 is driven by an electric motor. Furthermore, a filter housing 8 with a fuel filter is also located within the pump bracket 4, the fuel filter removing impurities from the fuel to be delivered. A guide 6 allows translational movement between the flange 2 and the pump bracket 4. The guide 6 is connected to the pump bracket 4 on one side and to the flange 2 on the other via a guide connection 7. The reservoir 3 has multiple locking element recesses 5, which are part of the fixed connection structure between the pump bracket 4 and the reservoir 3.

[0083] Figure 2 A storage tank 3 of a fuel delivery device is shown. The storage tank 3 has a surrounding storage tank wall having an outer circumferential surface 22 and an inner circumferential surface 19. The storage tank 3 also has a storage tank bottom 9 and a storage tank edge 15 opposite to the storage tank bottom 9. The storage tank 3 has three locking element recesses 5 regularly distributed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged at the storage tank edge 15.

[0084] Figure 3A fixed connection 12 between the reservoir 3 and the pump bracket 4 is shown. The fixed connection 12 is formed by a locking element 23 integrally formed with the pump bracket 4 and a locking element recess 5 constructed in the reservoir 3. The locking element recess 5 has two force-introducing geometries 11, which are respectively shaped with cuts and oriented toward the respective predetermined fracture points 10. The locking element 23 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 20 of the pump bracket wall with its rectangular cross-section, wherein the two parallel sides of the rectangular cross-section extend transversely to the direction of gravity, and wherein these two sides are longer than the two sides of the rectangular cross-section that extend in the direction of gravity. A reinforcing rib 13 integrally formed with the pump bracket 4 and the locking element 23 is arranged below the locking element 23, and this reinforcing rib is also constructed as a ramp 17. By means of ramp 17—when the pump bracket 4 is inserted into the reservoir 3—the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir wall is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 20 of the pump bracket wall, allowing the locking element 23 to be introduced into the locking element recess 5 of the reservoir 3. The pump bracket 4 has a pump bracket edge 14, which acts as an axial stop as a protrusion of the reservoir 3, and thus restricts the insertion of the pump bracket 4 into the reservoir 3. Meanwhile, in the illustrated embodiment, the spacing between the pump bracket edge 14 and the locking element 23 is designed such that the region of the reservoir 3 located between the reservoir edge and the locking element recess 5 is clamped between the pump bracket edge 14 and the locking element 23 without gaps.

[0085] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the storage tank 3 and the pump bracket 4 is shown, the pump bracket having a fixed connection 12. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 Thus, a locking element 23 integrally formed with the pump bracket 4 is shown here. This locking element has a reinforcing rib 13 configured as a ramp 17 and is arranged on the outer peripheral surface 20 of the pump bracket wall. The locking element 23 engages in a locking element recess 5, where the locking element works in conjunction with the pump bracket edge 14, such that the region of the reservoir 3 between the locking element recess 5 and the protruding pump bracket edge 14 is clamped between the locking element 23 and the pump bracket edge 14. The radially facing edge of the reservoir edge 15 towards the pump bracket 4 is configured as a chamfer 16. When the pump bracket 4 is inserted into the reservoir 3, the chamfer 16 serves as an introduction ramp and, in conjunction with the ramp 17, helps to space the inner peripheral surface 19 of the reservoir wall from the outer peripheral surface 20 of the pump bracket wall. As can be seen in this view, the pump bracket edge 14 protrudes radially beyond the reservoir edge 15 and also beyond the locking element 23. Meanwhile, the locking element 23 does not protrude beyond the outer peripheral surface 22 of the reservoir wall. This prevents excessive deformation of the pump support 4 and the reservoir 3 when the pump support 4 is inserted into the reservoir 3. In other words, the locking element 23 is retracted or spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface 22 of the reservoir wall by the difference 18 between the radial dimension of the locking element and the outer peripheral surface of the reservoir wall.

Claims

1. A fuel delivery device (1), comprising: - Flange (2), - Pump bracket (4). - A storage tank (3) having: a storage tank bottom (9) and a surrounding storage tank wall having a storage tank edge (15) opposite to the storage tank bottom (9), an inner circumferential surface (19) of the storage tank wall and an outer circumferential surface (22) of the storage tank wall. - At least one force-transmitting fixed connection (12) that connects the pump bracket (4) to the liquid storage tank (3), - At least one predetermined fracture site (10). - Guide section (6), which connects the flange (2) to the pump bracket (4) in a force-transmitting manner. wherein The guide section (6) allows translational movement between the flange (2) and the pump bracket (4). The flange (2) is connected to the guide part (6) via the guide connection part (7). The pump bracket (4) can be inserted into the storage tank (3) from the edge of the storage tank and is arranged inside the storage tank (3). It is characterized in that at least one fixed connection (12) can be loosened by the at least one predetermined fracture point (10), wherein the force-introducing geometry (11), the fixed connection (12), and / or the predetermined fracture point (10) are designed such that the predetermined fracture point (10) loosens the fixed connection (12) under the following acceleration of the fuel delivery device (1): this acceleration is less than that causing the guide connection to... The minimum acceleration of mechanical failure of part (7) wherein the predetermined fracture site (10) is adjacent to the force-introducing geometry (11), the force-introducing geometry (11) extends toward the predetermined fracture site (10), and the force-introducing geometry (11) is not oriented in the direction of the force that acts on the part having the predetermined fracture site (10) when the pump bracket (4) is inserted into the reservoir (3), and if the predetermined fracture site (10) causes the fixed connection (12) to loosen, the force transmission between the pump bracket (4) and the reservoir (3) is broken.

2. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed connection part (12) has a locking and / or force-locking structure.

3. The fuel delivery device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fixed connection (12) is formed by a locking connection and / or a clamping connection.

4. Fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The locking mechanism is formed as follows: - The storage tank (3) has at least one locking element (23), which engages in a locking element recess (5) of the pump bracket (4), and / or, - The pump bracket (4) has at least one locking element (23) which engages in the locking element recess (5) of the reservoir (3).

5. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking element (23) is constructed on the outer circumferential surface (20) of the pump support wall or the inner circumferential surface (19) of the reservoir wall.

6. Fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The pump bracket (4) or the reservoir (3) has a ramp (13) that, when the pump bracket (4) is inserted into the reservoir (3), separates the inner circumferential surface (19) of the reservoir wall from the outer circumferential surface (20) of the pump bracket wall, so that the locking element (23) can be introduced into the locking element recess (5) between the inner circumferential surface (19) of the reservoir wall and the outer circumferential surface (20) of the pump bracket wall.

7. Fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The ramp (13) is constructed as a reinforcing rib (17) of the locking element (23).

8. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reinforcing rib (17) extends from the outer peripheral surface (20) of the pump support wall to the end of the locking element (23) opposite to the outer peripheral surface (20) of the pump support wall, or, The reinforcing rib (17) extends from the inner circumferential surface (19) of the liquid storage tank wall to the end of the locking element (23) opposite to the inner circumferential surface (19) of the liquid storage tank wall.

9. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dimensions of the locking element recess (5) are determined such that the locking element (23) and the ramp (13) are both received in the locking element recess (5).

10. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The edge (15) of the reservoir has a chamfer (16) on the radial side facing the pump bracket (4). When the pump bracket (4) is inserted into the reservoir (3), the chamfer works together with the ramp (13) to serve as the introductory ramp (13).

11. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The pump bracket (4) has a pump bracket edge (14) with a protrusion that serves as an axial stop for the edge (15) of the storage tank, which restricts the insertion of the pump bracket into the storage tank.

12. Fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The pump bracket edge (14) is spaced apart from the locking element (23), such that the area of ​​the reservoir (3) between the locking element recess (5) and the reservoir edge (15) is clamped between the locking element (23) and the protrusion of the pump bracket edge (14).

13. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The locking element recess (5) is located at the edge (14) of the pump bracket or the edge (15) of the liquid storage tank.

14. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The predetermined fracture site (10) extends from the locking element recess (5) and / or from the force introduction geometry (11) all the way to the edge of the reservoir (15), or to the edge of the pump bracket (14).

15. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The locking element recess (5) has a force-introducing geometry (11).

16. Fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The force-introduced geometry (11) has a shape with at least one cut.

17. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The predetermined fracture site (10) and / or force-introduced geometry (11) are formed by subtractive construction.

18. Fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that The subtractive construction is formed by reducing the wall thickness of the storage tank (3) or pump support (4).

19. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking element (23) has a predetermined fracture point (10).

20. Fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The locking element (23) is integrally formed with the liquid storage tank (3) or the pump bracket (4).

21. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The force-introducing geometry (11), the fixed connection (12) and / or the predetermined fracture point (10) are designed such that the predetermined fracture point (10) does not loosen the fixed connection (12) during the fixation of the reservoir to the pump bracket.

22. The fuel delivery device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The force-introducing geometry (11), the fixed connection (12) and / or the predetermined fracture point (10) are designed such that the predetermined fracture point (10) loosens the fixed connection (12) under the maximum acceleration of the fuel delivery device (1) equivalent to 55 times the acceleration of gravity.

23. A fuel tank having a fuel delivery device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fuel tank has an assembly opening through which the pump bracket (4) and the reservoir (3) can be inserted. The flange (2) closes the assembly opening through a liquid-tight connection between the flange and the fuel tank, so that fuel that can be contained in the fuel tank cannot escape from between the flange (2) and the fuel tank. The force-introducing geometry (11), the fixed connection (12), and / or the predetermined break point (10) are designed such that the predetermined break point (10) loosens the fixed connection under the following acceleration of the fuel delivery device (1): the acceleration is less than the minimum acceleration at which the connection between the flange (2) and the fuel tank is no longer liquid-tight.

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