Fuel supply device

Abstract

Fuel supply device, with a cover-side unit (14) comprising a disc-shaped cover component (20) configured to close an opening (13) formed in an upper wall (12a) of a fuel tank (12), a pump-side unit (16) comprising a fuel pump (65) arranged inside the fuel tank (12) and a connection area (67) movably connected to the cover component (20) in a vertical direction, and a distance restriction mechanism (108) having an upper abutment area provided on the cover component (20) and a lower abutment area (85) provided on the connection area (67), wherein the distance restriction mechanism (108) is configured to restrict a minimum distance between the cover component (20) and the connection area (67) by mutual abutment of the upper abutment area and the lower abutment area (85), in which the upper impact area is a spacer area (42) having a tubular bearing area (43) and a left triangular and a right triangular wall (44) projecting from a rear wall (47) of the tubular bearing area (43) in a left-right direction, and the spacer area (42) extends downwards from the cover component (20) when viewed from a rear side and is formed in an obliquely cut semi-cylindrical shape, while its width narrows as it extends further downwards.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel supply device configured to supply fuel from within a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine (for example, an engine). State of the art

[0002] A conventional example of the fuel supply device will be described. Fig. 18 is a partially exposed side view of a fuel supply device. As shown in Fig. 18, the fuel supply device 500 includes a cover-side unit 502 and a pump-side unit 504. The cover-side unit 502 includes a cover member 509 for closing an opening 507 formed on an upper wall 506a of a fuel tank 506. A pair of connecting shafts 511 are provided on the cover member 509 in a suspended manner. The pump-side unit 504 includes a fuel pump 513 disposed within the fuel tank 506 and a sub-tank 515 configured to accommodate the fuel pump 513. The two connecting shafts 511 are connected to the sub-tank 515 such that they extend in an axial direction (vertical direction in Fig. 18). A spring 517 is provided between the cover member 509 and the sub-tank 515 for biasing them in a direction to enlarge the space therebetween.

[0003] The fuel tank 506 may deform, i.e., expand or contract, in response to a change in internal pressure within the tank, wherein the change in internal pressure within the tank may be caused by a change in ambient temperature and / or fuel quantity. This deformation may cause the height of the fuel tank 506 to vary, increasing or decreasing, and varying the height distance between the top wall 506a and a bottom wall 506b. In this case, the cover member 509 and the sub-tank 515 move relatively in the vertical direction to accommodate the change in distance between the top wall 506a and the bottom wall 506b of the fuel tank 506. Accordingly, the sub-tank 515 is maintained in a state of being pressed flush against the bottom wall 506b of the fuel tank 506 by the biasing force of the spring 517.Such a fuel supply device 500 is disclosed, for example, in JP 2004-138 046 A.

[0004] DE 10 2011 082 418 A1 and US 2009 / 0 165 753 A1 disclose a fuel supply device comprising a cover-side unit having a cover member capable of closing an opening in an upper wall of a fuel tank, a pump-side unit having a connecting portion movably connected to the cover member in a vertical direction, and a distance restricting mechanism capable of restricting a minimum distance between the cover member and the connecting portion.

[0005] Further fuel supply devices are disclosed in DE 10 2005 004 831 A1, DE 100 27 991 A1 and DE 103 29 104 A1. Disclosure of the invention Problem to be solved by the invention

[0006] According to the conventional example, the fuel tank 506 may contract excessively in height (in the vertical direction) due to the change in the internal pressure in the tank. In this case, a lower end of one of the (left-side in Fig. 18) Connecting shafts 511 come into contact with a protrusion 515a extending from a bottom portion of the sub-tank 515. This configuration can limit a minimum distance between the cover member 509 and the sub-tank 515. The cover member 509 is usually made of synthetic resin. Connecting shafts 511 made of metal with a small outer diameter are commonly used. Therefore, if the fuel tank 506 contracts excessively in the height direction, the connecting shaft 511 comes into contact with the protrusion 515a of the sub-tank 515, so that stress is locally concentrated on the cover member 509. Accordingly, it is considered that the cover member 509 may deform.Therefore, there has been a conventional need for a fuel supply device that can suppress the deformation of the cover member on the cover-side unit while suppressing the excessive contraction of the fuel tank in the height direction. Means of solving the problem

[0007] The above object is achieved by a fuel supply device according to claim 1.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present teachings, a fuel supply device includes a cover-side unit, a pump-side unit, and a clearance restriction mechanism. The cover-side unit includes a cover member configured to close an opening formed on an upper wall of a fuel tank. The pump-side unit includes a fuel pump disposed within the fuel tank and a connecting portion movably connected to the cover member in the vertical direction. The clearance restriction mechanism includes an upper abutment portion provided on the cover member and a lower abutment portion provided on the connecting portion. The minimum clearance between the cover member and the connecting portion is restricted by the mutual abutment of the upper abutment portion and the lower abutment portion.Therefore, in the event of excessive contraction of the fuel tank, the minimum distance between the cover member and the connecting portion can be restricted due to the abutment of the upper and lower abutment portions of the distance restriction mechanism. Furthermore, since the connecting shafts are not used as the distance restriction mechanism, the deformation of the cover member caused by the connecting shafts can be prevented. Accordingly, the deformation of the cover member of the cover-side unit can be prevented, while simultaneously preventing excessive contraction of the fuel tank in the height direction.

[0009] According to another aspect, the upper abutment portion is suspended from the cover member and configured to have a downwardly tapered shape. This configuration can distribute the stress applied to the cover member, the stress caused by the abutment between the upper abutment portion and the lower abutment portion of the clearance restriction mechanism. Consequently, deformation caused by the stress concentration in the cover member can be prevented.

[0010] According to another aspect, the upper abutment portion is configured in a tapered cylindrical shape. This configuration allows the upper abutment portion to be formed along an outer periphery of the cover member.

[0011] According to another aspect, the cover component includes a tubular fitting portion that fits into the opening of the fuel tank. The upper abutment portion is formed using at least a portion of the tubular fitting portion. This configuration allows at least a portion of the tubular fitting portion to be used as a part of the upper abutment portion.

[0012] According to another aspect, a hollow portion extending in the vertical direction is formed in the upper abutment portion. This configuration can reduce the weight of the upper abutment portion compared to the case where the upper abutment portion is formed as a solid body.

[0013] According to another aspect, an electrical connector is provided on the cover member. The fuel pump includes a connecting connector connected to the electrical connector. The connecting connector is arranged at a higher position than the opening of the fuel tank when the pump-side unit is placed inside the fuel tank and when the distance between the cover member and the connecting portion is maximum. This configuration can prevent the connecting connector from being caught between the opening edge around the opening of the fuel tank and the cover member when the fuel supply device is mounted in the fuel tank. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a power supply device according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of the fuel supply device. Fig. 3 is a right side view of the fuel supply device. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the fuel supply device. Fig. 5 is a descriptive view showing a relationship between both connecting shafts and a distance restricting mechanism. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a front view of the fuel supply device during assembly of the device in a fuel tank. Fig. 9 is a right side view of the fuel supply device during assembly in the fuel tank. Fig. 10 is a rear view of the fuel supply device during assembly in the fuel tank. Fig. 11 is a descriptive view showing the relationship between both of the connecting shafts and the clearance restricting mechanism during assembly of the fuel supply device to the fuel tank. Fig. 12 is a rear view showing the fuel supply device in its minimum height state. Fig. 13 is a descriptive view showing the relationship between both of the connecting shafts and the clearance restricting mechanism when the fuel supply device is in its minimum height state. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a flange main body when viewed from the bottom. Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the flange main body. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view along the line XVI-XVI in Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a metal forming tool used to form a tubular bearing portion. Fig. 18 is a partially exposed side view of the fuel supply device according to a conventional example. Embodiments

[0014] An exemplary embodiment for carrying out the present teachings will be described below with reference to the drawings. The fuel supply device according to the present embodiment is used to supply fuel within a tank to an engine. The fuel tank is mounted on a vehicle, such as an automobile, which is equipped with an engine, such as an internal combustion engine. Fig. 1 to 5, the directions forward, backward, right, left, up, and down correspond to each direction of the vehicle. Specifically, the front-to-back direction corresponds to the direction of the vehicle's length, the left-to-right direction corresponds to the direction of the vehicle's width, and the up-to-down direction corresponds to the direction of the vehicle's height. The figure on the far left of Fig. 5 shows a surrounding area of ​​a left-side connecting shaft 22(1). The middle figure of Fig. 5 shows a surrounding area of ​​a distance restriction mechanism (distance restriction means) 108. The figure on the far right of Fig. Figure 5 shows the surrounding area of ​​a right connecting shaft 22(2). The fuel supply device can be oriented in any direction with respect to the front-to-rear direction as well as the left-to-right direction.

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 3, a fuel supply device 10 is mounted in a fuel tank 12. The fuel tank 12 is made of a synthetic resin and is configured as a hollow container having a top wall 12a and a bottom wall 12b. A circular hole opening 13 is formed in the top wall 12a. The fuel tank 12 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown) with the top wall 12a and the bottom wall 12b in a horizontal orientation. Liquid fuel, such as gasoline, is stored in the fuel tank 12. The fuel tank 12 can deform (expand or contract mainly in the vertical direction) in response to the change in internal pressure in the tank.

[0016] The fuel supply device 10 may include a flange unit 14, a pump unit (pump-side unit) 16, a connecting mechanism 18, and the like. The flange unit (cover-side unit) 14 may include a flange main body 20, two left and right connecting shafts 22, and a fuel vapor valve 24 (see Fig. 3) and the like. The left connecting shaft 22 is designated by reference numeral (1), and the right connecting shaft 22 is designated by reference numeral (2).

[0017] The flange main body (cover member) 20 is described with reference to Fig. 14 to 16. The flange main body 20 is made of synthetic resin and is an integrally formed synthetic resin molded article by injection molding. The flange main body 20 mainly includes a circular disc-like cover plate 26. A cylindrical tubular fitting portion 27 is concentrically formed on a lower surface of the cover plate 26. The tubular fitting portion 27 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cover plate 26.

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the cover plate 26 is attached to the upper wall 12a of the fuel tank 12 and closes the opening 13. The outer periphery of the cover plate 26 is fitted onto an opening edge around the opening 13. Furthermore, the tubular fitting portion 27 is fitted into the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12.

[0019] As in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, an outlet opening 28 is formed on the cover plate 26. The outlet opening 28 is in the shape of a straight tube protruding from both the upper and lower surfaces of the cover plate 26. The outlet opening 28 is located at an obliquely rear left portion within the tubular fitting portion 27 (obliquely upper right portion in Fig. 15).

[0020] An electrical connector 30 is formed on the cover plate 26. The electrical connector 30 has two, upper and lower rectangular tubular connector portions 31, which protrude from both the upper and lower surfaces of the cover plate 26, respectively (see Fig. 3), as well as a plurality of metal terminals 32 which are embedded in the cover plate 26 by injection molding and arranged between both of the tubular connector portions 31 (see Fig. 15). The electrical connector 30 is at the front end (lower end in Fig. 15) is arranged within the tubular fitting area 27.

[0021] As in Fig. 14 to 16, a valve receiving portion 34 having a cylindrical shape with an upper surface is formed in the central portion of the cover plate 26. The valve receiving portion 34 includes a cylindrical tubular receiving portion 35, as well as an upper panel 36 closing an upper opening of the tubular receiving portion 35, and a pair of left and right attachment pieces 37 projecting downward from the tubular receiving portion 35. The lower end of the tubular receiving portion 35 is continuous with the cover plate 26. As shown in Fig. 1, an evaporation opening 38, which extends obliquely rearward to the right side, is formed at the upper end of the tubular receiving portion 35.

[0022] As in Fig. 16, the valve receiving portion 34 is configured to receive the upper portion of the fuel vapor valve 24, which fits into the valve receiving portion 34. Both of the attachment pieces (attachment portions) 37 are configured, for example, to secure the fuel vapor valve 24 by a snap-in engagement.

[0023] As in Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, two left and right shaft mounting portions 40, each of which has a cylindrical shape with a lid, are formed on the lower surface of the cover plate 26, spaced apart by a predetermined amount. Both shaft mounting portions 40 are located at the rear portion within the tubular fitting portion 27.

[0024] As in Fig. 14, a spacer portion 42 is formed on the lower surface of the cover plate 26. The spacer portion 42 includes a tubular support portion 43 and two triangular, left and right walls 44. The tubular support portion 43 has a cylindrical shape with a lid extending downward from a central part between the two shaft attachment portions 40. The tubular support portion 43 has a hollow inner portion 43a. A front end surface (a lower end surface) of the tubular support portion 43 is formed on a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the tubular support portion 43. The tubular support portion 43 has an oval cross-sectional shape, and the longitudinal direction of the oval is oriented in the left-right direction. The tubular support portion 43 includes a front wall 46 and a rear wall 47.

[0025] Both of the triangular walls 44 are formed symmetrically with respect to each other across the rear wall 47 of the tubular storage area 43. Both of the triangular walls 44 are formed in the shape of a right-angled triangular plate and their longer edges are continuous with both side edges of the rear wall 47. The upper edge of the front wall 46 of the tubular storage area 43 is continuous with the cover plate 26 (see Fig. 14). The upper edge of the rear wall 47 of the tubular bearing portion 43 and the short edges of both triangular walls 44 continuously occupy approximately one third of the outer circumference of the tubular fitting portion 27 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4). In particular, both of the triangular walls 44 and the rear wall 47 are formed in a slanted semi-cylindrical shape having the same radius of curvature as that of the tubular fitting portion 27. In a rear view (see Fig. 4) the spacer portion 42 extends downward from the flange main body 20, while its width narrows as it extends further downward.

[0026] As in Fig. 7, the inner wall surface of the tubular support portion 43 is formed with a plurality (for example, four) of guide ribs 48 extending in the direction of the central axis of the tubular support portion 43. The guide ribs 48 are spaced at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, for example, at 90-degree intervals. The guide ribs 48 extend linearly in an axial direction of the tubular support portion 43, ie, in the vertical direction (see the middle figure in Fig. 5). The front ends in the protruding direction of the guide ribs 48 are arranged on a circle around the central axis of the tubular support portion 43. A slotted groove 49 is formed on the lower portion of the rear wall 47 of the tubular support portion 43 (see Fig. 4). The slit groove 49 extends linearly in the vertical direction and is formed in a slit groove shape opening toward the lower end surface.

[0027] As in Fig. 15 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 16, ribs 51 collectively form a lattice-like shape on the rear surface of the cover plate 26 in the remaining area adjacent to the area collectively occupied by the outlet port 28, the tubular connector portion 31 of the electrical connector 30, the tubular receiving portion 35 of the valve receiving portion 34, both of the stem attachment portions 40, and the front wall 46 of the tubular support portion 43 of the spacer portion 42. The ribs 51 include a plurality of vertical rib portions 51a, lateral rib portions 51b, annular rib portions 51c, radial rib portions 51d, and inclined rib portions 51e, respectively. The vertical rib portions 51a extend linearly in the front-to-rear direction. The lateral rib portions 51b extend in the left-to-right direction.The annular rib portions 51c have a semi-circular shape that surrounds and is concentric with the shaft attachment portions 40. Both ends of the annular rib portions 51c are continuous with the tubular fitting portion 27 and the front wall 46. The radial rib portions 51d are formed radially between the shaft attachment portions 40 and with the annular portions defined jointly by the tubular fitting portion 27, the front wall 46, and the annular rib portions 51c.

[0028] As in Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 15, some of the radial rib portions 51d, which are continuous with the tubular fitting portion 27 having the triangular wall 44 as well as the front wall 46, are formed in rectangular plate shapes extending along the axial direction of the shaft attachment portion 40. Other radial rib portions 51d, which are continuous with the annular rib portions 51c, are each formed in rectangular plate shapes extending along the axial direction of the shaft attachment portion 40. The inclined rib portions 51e are linearly formed to obliquely connect the intersection points between the vertical rib portions 51a and the lateral rib portions 51b. A hook 56 is formed on the lateral rib portion 51b (for example, positioned in a left area) adjacent to the electrical connector 30.

[0029] As in Fig. 15, the ribs 51 are formed in a non-adjacent manner with or spaced from the tubular connector portion (tubular portion) 31 of the electrical connector 30 and the tubular receiving portion (tubular portion) 35 of the valve receiving portion 34. The vertical rib portions 51a and the side rib portions 51b in the vicinity of the tubular connector portion 31 are formed in a non-adjacent manner with the tubular connector portion 31. The vertical rib portions 51a, the side rib portions 51b, and the annular rib portions 51c in the vicinity of the tubular receiving portion 35 are formed in a non-adjacent manner with the tubular receiving portion 35.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 17, a mold for forming the tubular support portion 43 of the flange main body 20 is described. The mold 58 includes an outer mold 59 for forming an outer surface of the two walls 46 and 47 of the tubular support portion 43 and a hollow portion mold 61 for forming a hollow portion 43a of the tubular support portion 43. The outer mold 59 includes a slit groove forming part 60 for forming the slit groove 49 of the tubular support portion 43. A front end surface of the slit groove forming part 60 in the protruding direction (lower surface in Fig. 17) contacts the outer peripheral surface of the hollow portion die 61, where the two surfaces are opposite each other. A cooling air passage through which a coolant, such as water or air, flows is defined in the hollow portion die 61, if necessary. The outer die 59 may be formed from a plurality of dies. The slit groove forming part 60 may be formed in the hollow portion die 61 instead of the outer die 59.

[0031] As shown in the figure on the far left and in the figure on the far right in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the connecting shafts 22 are hollow tubes, which may be made of a metal or the like. One end (upper end) of each connecting shaft 22 is connected to the shaft attachment portions 40 of the flange main body 20 in a press-fit configuration. Accordingly, both the left and right connecting shafts 22(1, 2) extend downward from the flange main body 20 and are positioned parallel to each other.

[0032] As in Fig. 16, the outer contour of the fuel vapor valve (component, valve device) 24 has a columnar shape. The upper portion of the fuel vapor valve 24 is fitted and received within the valve receiving portion 34 of the flange main body 20. The fuel vapor valve 24 is fixedly attached to the attachment pieces 37 by a snap-in engagement. An integrated valve, such as a fuel vapor control valve and a full-tank regulating valve, may be used as the fuel vapor valve 24. The fuel vapor control valve closes when the internal pressure within the fuel tank 12 is less than a predetermined value and opens when the internal pressure is greater than the predetermined value. The full-tank regulating valve opens when the fuel tank 12 is not completely filled with fuel, and the valve remains closed when the fuel tank 12 is completely filled with fuel.

[0033] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the pump unit 16 is placed flush against the bottom wall 12b within the fuel tank 12 in a horizontal state (side-mounted state) in which its height in the vertical direction is at its minimum. The pump unit 16 includes a sub-tank 63, a fuel pump 65, and a connecting member 67, and the like.

[0034] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the sub-tank 63 includes a tank main body 69, a fuel filter 71, and a bottom cover 73. The tank main body 69 is made of synthetic resin and formed into an inverted flat box shape with an open bottom surface. The tank main body 69 is formed into an elongated rectangular shape, with its longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction in a plan view. An opening is formed in the upper wall of the tank main body 69 for introducing fuel within the fuel tank 12 into the sub-tank 63.

[0035] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the fuel filter 71 includes a filter member 75. The filter member 75 is made of a nonwoven fabric made of synthetic resin and the like, and is formed in an elongated rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction in the left-right direction in a plan view, and is formed as a flat shape with its vertical length as the shortest. The filter member 75 is configured in a hollow bag shape having a hollow interior. The filter member 75 is arranged so as to close the opening in the lower surface of the tank main body 69. An upper surface of the filter member 75 faces toward the interior of the tank main body 69. Accordingly, a fuel storage space within the sub-tank 63 is defined by the tank main body 69 and the filter member 75. Therefore, the fuel stored in the sub-tank 63, that is,introduced into the fuel storage space from the opening in the upper wall of the tank main body 69, are stored within the fuel storage space.

[0036] Although not shown, an inner skeleton member made of synthetic resin is incorporated in the fuel filter 75, which serves to maintain the fuel filter member 75 in an expanded state. A connecting pipe made of synthetic resin is provided through the upper surface of the fuel filter member 75 so as to enable communication between the inside and the outside of the filter member 75. The connecting pipe and the inner skeleton member are connected to each other by a snap-in configuration or the like. The connecting pipe is disposed within the opening hole formed in the upper surface of the tank main body 69.

[0037] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the bottom cover 73 is made of a synthetic resin and formed in a mesh plate configuration through which fuel can flow. The bottom cover 73 is connected to the tank main body 69 by a snap-in engagement or the like. A peripheral edge around the filter member 75 is clamped and held between the tank main body 69 and the bottom cover 73. Therefore, even when the bottom cover 73 contacts the bottom wall 12b of the fuel tank 12, fuel within the fuel tank 12 can be sucked into the filter member 75 from the bottom of the filter member 75 through the mesh openings of the bottom cover 73.

[0038] As in Fig. 1, the fuel pump 65 is an electric fuel pump configured to pump fuel in and out. The outer contour of the fuel pump 65 has a substantially columnar shape. The fuel pump 65 is housed in the pump housing 77 made of synthetic resin. The pump housing 77 is connected to the tank main body 69 of the sub-tank 63 by a snap-in engagement or the like. The fuel pump 65 is arranged on the sub-tank 63 in a horizontal state, that is, in a side-placed state in which the axial direction of the fuel pump 65 is oriented in the left-right direction.

[0039] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the fuel pump 65 includes a connecting connector 80 electrically connected via a flexible wiring 79. The connecting connector 80 is connected to a lower tubular connector portion 31 of the electrical connector 30 on the flange main body 20 of the flange unit 14. Therefore, the power supplied from the power source is supplied to the fuel pump 65 from the electrical connector 30 via the wiring 79 of the connecting connector 80. The wiring 79 is suspended from a hook portion 56 of the flange main body 20.

[0040] As in Fig. 1, a suction pipe portion 77a is formed at a right end of the pump housing 77. The suction pipe portion 77a is connected to a connecting pipe of the fuel filter 71. The suction pipe portion 77a is connected to a fuel suction inlet (not shown) provided at one end (right end) of the fuel pump 65 in the axial direction. Therefore, after the fuel is filtered by the filter member 75, the fuel is sucked into the fuel pump 65. Specifically, the filter member 75 filters the fuel within the fuel tank 12, sucking the fuel from the lower side of the filter member 75 into the fuel pump 65, as well as the filter member 75 filters the fuel within the sub-tank 63, sucking the fuel from the lower side of the filter member 75 into the fuel pump 65. The filter component 75 is elongated in the left-right direction and has a large filter area.Therefore, even if the upper level of the fuel within the fuel tank 12 is inclined while the vehicle is cornering, the fuel may remain in the filter member 75, so that the fuel pump 65 may be prevented from sucking air.

[0041] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an outlet pipe portion 77b is formed at a left end of the pump housing 77. The outlet pipe portion 77b is connected to a fuel outlet (not shown) provided at the other axial end (left end) of the fuel pump 65. A housing 81 for a pressure regulator is connected to the outlet pipe portion 77b by a snap-in engagement or the like. The pressure regulator 82 is fitted into the housing 81, while a removal prevention member 81a for preventing the removal of the pressure regulator 82 is attached to the housing 81 using elastic deformation thereof. The pressure regulator 82 serves to adjust the pressure of the fuel in the housing 81 and discharge excess fuel in the fuel tank 12.The housing 81 for the pressure regulator is connected to the outlet opening 28 on the flange main body 20 of the flange unit 14 via a flexible pipe component 83, which is made of a hose, for example.

[0042] As in Fig. 4, the connecting member (connecting portion) 67 is made of synthetic resin and may be an integrally formed synthetic resin molded article by injection molding. The connecting member 67 mainly includes a connecting plate 85, which may be a vertically elongated strip plate. The connecting plate 85 is vertically elongated and has a narrower width in the left-right direction and a flat one in the front-back direction. The connecting plate 85 has an L-shape and has a notched recess 85a at the lower right portion (lower left portion in Fig. 4). The upper end of the connecting plate 85 is formed with a projecting plate 86 which is configured as a horizontal plate and extends in the rearward direction (see middle figure in Fig. 5). The front-to-back direction width of the upper surface of the connecting plate 85 corresponds to the front-to-back direction width of the tubular support portion 43 of the spacer portion 42 of the flange main body 20 on the flange unit 14.

[0043] A plurality of (for example, four) protruding strip portions 87, which extend linearly downward from the protruding plate 86, protrude on the rear surface of the connecting plate 85. The protruding width in the front-rear direction at the upper end of the protruding strip portions 87 with respect to the rear surface of the connecting plate 85 is determined to be equal to or substantially equal to the protruding width of the protruding plate 86. The protruding widths at the lower portions of the two protruding strip portions 87 on the left side (right side in Fig. 4) is determined in such a way that it is approximately half the protruding width of the projecting plate 86 (see middle figure in Fig. 5). Inclined edges 87a are defined at the rear ends of these two projecting strip portions 87, the inclined edges 87a being smoothly continuous between the upper ends and the lower end portions of the rear ends. Furthermore, inclined edges 87a (denoted by the same reference numeral) are defined at the other two projecting strip portions 87 on the right side (left side in Fig. 4), wherein the inclined edges 87a are aligned with the inclined edges 87a of the two projecting strip areas 87 on the left side (right side in Fig. 4) and the lower ends of these inclined edges 87a are continuous with the connecting plate 85 (see right figure in Fig. 5).

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 4, a lower end of the connecting plate 85 is rotatably connected to the rear side of the tank main body 69 of the sub-tank 63 by means of a support shaft 89 extending in the front-rear direction. In this way, the sub-tank 63 of the pump unit 16 is connected to the connecting member 67 in the vertical direction (see directions indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2 in Fig. 4 are shown) are rotatably connected.

[0045] A curved surface 91 concentric with the support shaft 89 is formed at a corner defined by the lower surface and the left surface (right surface in Fig. 4) of the connecting plate 85. A rotation preventing surface 92 is formed on the lower surface of the right portion (left portion in Fig. 4) of the connecting plate 85, wherein the rotation preventing surface 92 is defined as a flat surface continuous with the curved surface 91 which is curved in an arcuate shape. A flat rotation preventing portion 94 is defined in the center of the rear surface of the bottom cover 73 of the sub-tank 63. The rotation preventing portion 94 abuts the bottom wall 12b of the fuel tank 12 in a surface-to-surface contact manner. Furthermore, the rotation preventing portion 94 can abut the rotation preventing surface 92 of the connecting plate 85 when the sub-tank 63 is in a horizontal state. This configuration can restrict the sub-tank 63 from rotating from the horizontal state in such a direction that the right end (left end in Fig. 4) of the sub-tank 63 tilts upwards (a direction indicated by the arrow Y1 in Fig. 4). This state corresponds to the horizontal state of the pump unit 16. Since the curved surface 91 is defined on the connecting plate 85, the rotation of the sub-tank 63 due to its own weight from the horizontal state is in such a direction that the right end (left end in Fig. 4) tilts downwards (a direction indicated by arrow Y2 in Fig. 4) is possible when the sub-tank 63 is suspended from the connecting component 67.

[0046] As in the middle figure in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a vertical guide post 96 is formed at the center in the left-right direction of the connecting plate 85, which includes the protruding plate 86. The guide post 96 is arranged to be concentric with the tubular support portion 43 of the spacer portion 42 of the flange unit 14. The outer peripheral portion of the guide post 96, which is opposite to the tubular support portion 43, forms a stop portion 99.

[0047] As in the middle figure in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the guide post 96 is formed in a hollow cylindrical configuration. A through-hole 97 is formed in the protruding plate 86, passing through the bottom surface of the guide post 96. Accordingly, the fuel present in the guide post 96 flows downward through the through-hole 97, thereby being discharged.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the connecting mechanism 18 is configured to movably connect the pump unit 16 in the vertical direction to the flange main body 20 of the flange unit 14. The connecting mechanism 18 includes two connecting shafts 22(1) and 22(2) provided on the flange main body 20 of the flange unit 14, as well as the connecting member 67 provided on the pump unit 16.

[0049] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a left tubular connector portion (hereinafter referred to as a "first tubular connector portion") 101 and a right tubular connector portion (hereinafter referred to as a "second tubular connector portion") 102 are formed on both the left and right sides of the connecting member 67 such that the tubular portions are parallel to each other. The hollow portions within both tubular connector portions 101 and 102 correspond to shaft insertion holes. As shown in the left figure in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the first tubular connector portion 101 includes a large-diameter tubular portion 101a extending in the vertical direction and a small-diameter tubular portion 101b continuously above the large-diameter tubular portion 101a, the portions 101a and 101b being concentric with each other. The large-diameter tubular portion 101a has a semi-cylindrical shape with its front side open (see Fig. 6). A lower end of the large diameter tubular portion 101a is at a position lower than the stopper portion 99 (see the middle figure in Fig. 5) of the connecting member 67 and is open. An upper end of the large-diameter tubular portion 101a, ie, a lower end of the smaller tubular portion 101b, is at a position higher than the stopper portion 99 (see the middle figure in Fig. 5) of the connecting member 67. The small-diameter tubular portion 101b is formed to have a smaller inner diameter than the inner diameter of the large-diameter tubular portion 101a. The first tubular connector portion 101 is arranged to be concentric with the left connecting shaft (hereinafter referred to as a "first connecting shaft") 22(1). The first connecting shaft 22(1) is movably or slidably inserted into the first tubular connector portion 101 in an axial direction (vertical direction).

[0050] As in the right figure in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the second tubular connector portion 102 includes a large-diameter tubular portion 102a extending in the vertical direction and a small-diameter tubular portion 102b continuously positioned above the large-diameter tubular portion 102a, the portions 102a and 102b being concentric with each other. A lower end of the large-diameter tubular portion 102a is at a higher position than the lower end of the large-diameter tubular portion 101a (see the left figure in Fig. 5) of the first tubular connector area 101, but lower than the stop area 99 (see middle figure in Fig. 5) of the connecting member 67 and is open. An upper end of the large-diameter tubular portion 102a, ie, a lower end of the small-diameter tubular portion 102b, is at a position higher than the lower end of the small-diameter tubular portion 101b (see the left figure in Fig. 5) of the first tubular connector portion 101. An upper end of the small diameter tubular portion 102b is arranged in a position at the same height as the upper end of the small diameter tubular portion 101b (see the left figure in Fig. 5) of the first tubular connector portion 101. The small diameter tubular portion 102b has the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the small diameter tubular portion 101b (see the left figure in Fig. 5) of the first tubular connector portion 101. The second tubular connector portion 102 is arranged concentrically with respect to the right connecting shaft (hereinafter referred to as a "second connecting shaft") 22(2). The second connecting shaft 22(2) is movably or slidably inserted into the second tubular connector portion 102 in the axial direction (vertical direction).

[0051] A shaft removal preventing member 104 formed in a C-ring shape and made of synthetic resin is attached to a small diameter axis portion (denoted by reference numeral 22a) at the lower end of the second connecting shaft 22(2) using elastic deformation. The outer peripheral diameter of the shaft removal preventing member 104 is smaller than the inner peripheral diameter of the large-diameter tubular portion 102a of the second tubular connector portion 102, but is larger than the inner peripheral diameter of the small-diameter tubular portion 102b of its tubular connector portion 102. Accordingly, the shaft removal preventing member 104 comes into contact with the lower end surface of the small-diameter tubular portion 102b when the connecting member 67 of the pump unit 16 is suspended from the flange main body 20 of the flange unit 14.In this way, the connecting member 67 is prevented from being removed from the second connecting shaft 22(2).

[0052] As in the middle figure in Fig. 5, a lower part of a spring 106, such as a metal coil spring, is fitted around the guide column 96. The lower end of the spring 106 abuts against the stop portion 99 of the connecting member 67. The upper portion of the spring 106 is inserted into the tubular support portion 43 of the spacer portion 42 of the flange main body 20 (see Fig. 7) is inserted or fitted. An upper end of the spring 106 abuts against an upper surface of the tubular support portion 43. Accordingly, the spring 106 is interposed between the flange main body 20 of the flange unit 14 and the connecting member 67. The spring 106 biases the flange main body 20 and the connecting member 67 in a direction to increase the distance between them. As a result, the pump unit 16 is elastically pressed onto the bottom wall 12b of the fuel tank 12.

[0053] As in the middle figure in Fig. 5, the guide column 96 is inserted into the spring (elastic member) 106 with a small clearance. Likewise, the spring 106 is arranged within the tubular support portion (tubular spring guide portion) 43 of the spacing portion 42, specifically, in a space surrounded by a plurality of guide ribs 48. As shown in Fig. 15, a plurality of guide ribs 48 are arranged around the spring 106, and each of the guide ribs 48 is in the vicinity of the spring 106. Accordingly, the spring 106 is guided in the axial direction by the plurality of guide ribs 48 and the guide post 96 when the spring 106 expands and contracts.

[0054] As in the middle figure in Fig. 5, the spacer portion 42 of the flange unit 14 and the stop portion 99 of the connecting member 67 are located opposite each other at a predetermined distance when the fuel supply device 10 is mounted in the fuel tank 12. As shown in Fig. 2, the fuel supply line (not shown) leading to an engine is connected to an upper end of the outlet port 28 of the flange main body 20. An external connector (not shown) is connected to the upper tubular connector portion 31 of the electrical connector 30. The evaporation port 38 of the flange main body 20 is connected to a fuel vapor pipe member formed of a hose leading to a canister (not shown) or the like. The canister includes absorbent (for example, activated carbon) that can absorb and desorb fuel vapor generated within the fuel tank 12. The fuel vapor generated within the fuel tank 12 is discharged into the canister when the fuel vapor control valve of the fuel vapor valve 24 opens.

[0055] The operation of the fuel supply device 10 is described below. The fuel pump 65 draws fuel from both the fuel tank 12 and the sub-tank 63 through the fuel filter 71, pressurizing this fuel when the fuel pump 65 is driven by the drive power supplied from the outside. The pressure regulator 82 regulates the fuel pressure and directs the fuel into the pipe member 83. The fuel is then supplied to an engine through the outlet port 28 of the flange unit 14.

[0056] The following describes a method for mounting the fuel supply device 10 into the fuel tank 12. The fuel supply device 10 is placed in the extended state before being mounted into the fuel tank 12. Specifically, the pump unit 16 is placed in a state such that it hangs from the flange unit 14. In this state, the connecting member 67 of the pump unit 16 moves downward with respect to the flange main body 20 of the flange unit 14, and the connecting member 67 is prevented from being removed by the shaft removal preventing member 104 of the second connecting shaft 22(2). Specifically, the distance between the flange main body 20 and the connecting member 67 becomes maximum in this state. The sub-tank 63 rotates with respect to the connecting member 67 (see arrow Y2 in Fig. 4) to achieve a downward inclined position.

[0057] Subsequently, the fuel supply device 10 is lowered from above in the extended state and inserted into the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12. The sub-tank 63 rotates until it reaches the horizontal state with respect to the connecting member 67 inside the fuel tank 12 (see the arrow Y1 in Fig. 4) and placed on the bottom wall 12b of the fuel tank 12. At this time, the anti-rotation surface 92 of the connecting member 67 comes into contact with the anti-rotation portion 94 of the bottom cover 73 of the sub-tank 63. This configuration can maintain the sub-tank 63 in the horizontal state. This state is in Fig. 8 to 11. The left figure in Fig. 11 shows the surrounding area of ​​the left connecting shaft 22(1), the middle figure shows the surrounding area of ​​a distance limiting mechanism 108, and the right figure shows the surrounding area of ​​the right connecting shaft 22(2). In Fig. 8 to 10 is the pipe component 83, which in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0058] As in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the distance between the flange main body 20 and the connecting member 67 is maximum in this state. In this state, the connecting connector 80 connected to the electrical connector 30 of the flange main body 20 is arranged above the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12. Therefore, the connecting connector 80 is positioned at a location where it does not interfere with the opening edge around the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12. Folded portions of the wiring 79 on the side of the connecting connector 80 suspended from the hook 56 of the flange main body 20 are also positioned at a location where they do not interfere with the opening edge around the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12.

[0059] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 10, a lower end of the tubular support portion 43 of the spacer portion 42 of the flange main body 20 is positioned lower than the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12. Therefore, the lower end of the tubular support portion 43 of the spacer portion 42 is positioned within the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12.

[0060] As in Fig. 9, the connecting component 67 is moved backwards (to the right in Fig. 9) is displaced relative to the opening edge around the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12 when the pump unit 16 is inserted into the fuel tank 12. In this case, the inclined edges 87a of the protruding strip portions 87 come into contact with and slide on the opening edge around the opening 13. In this way, the connecting member 67 can be smoothly inserted into the opening 13.

[0061] Subsequently, the flange unit 14 is pressed downward against the biasing force of the spring 106, while the flange unit 14 is positioned at a concentric position with the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12. At the same time, the rear wall 47 and the triangular walls 44 of the tubular support area 43 also serve as guides for the flange unit 14 while the flange unit 14 is inserted into the opening 13.

[0062] As in Fig. 2 to 5, the tubular fitting portion 27 of the flange main body 20 is fitted into the opening 13 of the upper wall 12a of the fuel tank 12. In this state, the outer periphery around the flange main body 20 of the flange unit 14 is fixed to the upper wall 12a of the fuel tank 12 by a fixing means (not shown) such as a metal fixing fitting or bolt. Accordingly, the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12 can be closed while the sub-tank 63 is maintained pressed against the bottom wall 12b of the fuel tank 12 by the biasing force of the spring 106. As described above, the assembly of the fuel supply device 10 to the fuel tank 12 is completed. In this way, the fuel supply device 10 is mounted in the fuel tank 12.

[0063] Despite all this, the fuel tank 12 may undergo deformation, i.e., expansion or contraction, in response to the change in internal pressure in the tank due to a change in temperature and / or fuel quantity. This deformation may vary (increase or decrease) the height of the fuel tank 12, i.e., a distance between the top wall 12a and the bottom wall 12b. In this case, the flange unit 14 and the pump unit 16 may move relative to each other in the vertical direction via the link mechanism 18, so that the flange unit 14 and the pump unit 16 accommodate the changes in the height of the fuel tank 12. Accordingly, the sub-tank 63 of the pump unit 16 can be maintained pressed against the bottom wall 12b of the fuel tank 12 by a biasing force of the spring 106.

[0064] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the tubular support portion 43 of the flange unit 14 comes into contact with the stop portion 99 of the connecting member 67 when the fuel tank 12 experiences excessive contraction. This condition is shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. The left figure in Fig. 13 shows a surrounding area of ​​the left connecting shaft 22(1), the middle figure shows a surrounding area of ​​the distance restricting mechanism 108, and the right figure shows a surrounding area of ​​the right connecting shaft 22(2).

[0065] As in Fig. 12 and in the middle figure in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, in this state, the clearance portion (upper abutment portion) 42 of the flange main body 20 and the connecting plate (lower abutment portion) 85 of the connecting member 67 serve as a tension rod. This configuration can limit the minimum clearance between the flange main body 20 and the connecting member 67. Specifically, this configuration can bring the fuel supply device 10 to the minimum height. The clearance restriction mechanism 108 may include the clearance portion 42 and the connecting plate 85.

[0066] In relation to Fig. 12, the stress generated when the tubular support portion 43 of the spacer portion 42 contacts the connecting plate 85 of the connecting member 67 can be distributed by both of the triangular walls 44 of the spacer portion 42. The lower ends of the connecting shafts 22(1) and (2) do not interfere with the other components when the tubular support portion 43 contacts the stop portion 99 (see the left and right figures in Fig. 13) is affected.

[0067] As in Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the fuel supply device 10 includes the clearance restriction mechanism 108. The clearance restriction mechanism 108 includes the clearance portion 42 and the connecting plate 85, which serve to restrict the minimum clearance between the flange main body 20 of the flange unit 14 and the connecting member 67 of the pump unit 14 when the clearance portion 42 and the plate 85 abut each other. The minimum clearance between the flange main body 20 and the connecting member 67 can be restricted by abutting the clearance portion 42 and the connecting plate 85 with each other when the fuel tank 12 is excessively contracted. The connecting shafts 22 are not used as the clearance restriction mechanism 108. Therefore, deformation of the flange main body 20 due to the connecting shafts 22 can be prevented.Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the flange main body 20 of the flange unit 14 while restricting the excessive contraction of the fuel tank 12 in the height direction.

[0068] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the spacing portion 42 is formed integrally with the flange main body 20. The connecting plate 85 forms the main body of the connecting member 67. Therefore, the spacing restriction mechanism 108 can be configured in this manner without increasing the number of components.

[0069] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the spacer portion 42 is suspended from the flange main body 20 and has a downwardly tapered shape. With this configuration, the stress applied to the flange main body 20 is distributed due to the mutual abutment of the spacer portion 42 with the connecting plate 85 of the spacing restriction mechanism 108. Consequently, the deformation caused by the stress concentration on the flange main body 20 can be restricted.

[0070] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the spacer portion 42 is configured in a tapered semi-cylindrical shape. With this configuration, the spacer portion 42 can be formed along the outer periphery of the flange main body 20.

[0071] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the flange main body 20 includes a tubular fitting portion 27 that fits into the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12. The spacer portion 42 is formed using a portion of the tubular fitting portion 27. Specifically, at least a portion of the tubular fitting portion 27 may also be used as a portion of the spacer portion 42.

[0072] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the spacer portion 42 may be formed with a vertically extending hollow portion 43a. Therefore, the weight of the spacer portion 42 can be reduced compared to the case where the spacer portion 42 is formed from a solid body. As shown in Fig. 5, an upper portion of the spring 106 may be fitted into the spacer portion 42 using the hollow portion 43a of the spacer portion 42.

[0073] As in Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 9, the connecting connector 80 of the fuel pump 65 is connected to the electrical connector 30 of the flange main body 20. The connecting connector 80 is arranged at a higher position than the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12 when the pump unit 16 is arranged inside the fuel tank 12, while the distance between the flange main body 20 and the connecting member 67 is maximum. Therefore, the connecting connector 80 can be prevented from being caught between the opening edge around the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12 and the flange main body 20 when the fuel supply device 10 is mounted in the fuel tank 12.

[0074] As in the middle figure in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 7, a plurality of guide ribs 48 configured to guide the spring 106 in the axial direction are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular support portion 43 of the spacer portion 42. The spring 106 biases the flange main body 20 and the connecting member 67 in the direction such that they move away from each other. Therefore, since the plurality of guide ribs 48 guide the spring 106, the function of guiding the spring 106, that is, the function of preventing the spring 106 from buckling, can be ensured even if the length of the tubular support portion 43 is increased. Furthermore, since the plurality of guide ribs 48 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular support portion 43, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion 43a in the tubular support portion 43 is increased. Accordingly, the strength and durability of the hollow section mold 61 formed in Fig. 17, the formability of the tubular support portion 43 can be ensured while improving the formability of the tubular support portion 43 even if the length of the tubular support portion 43 is increased. Furthermore, a passage for cooling can be easily formed in the hollow portion die 61 by increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion die 61. Accordingly, the formability of the tubular support portion 43 can be improved while ensuring the function of guiding the spring 106 even if the length of the tubular support portion 43 and the flange main body 20 are increased. Furthermore, since the formability of the tubular support portion 43 is increased, the dimensional accuracy of the tubular support portion 43 can be improved.

[0075] As in Fig. 4, an axially extending slot groove 49 is formed in the tubular bearing portion 43 of the spacer portion 42. As shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 17, the outer forming die 59 for forming the outer surface of the tubular support portion 43 may support the hollow portion forming die 61 over the slit groove forming part 60 that forms the slit groove 49. This configuration can prevent the hollow portion forming die 61 from tilting and thereby improve the dimensional accuracy of the tubular support portion 43 even when the length of the hollow portion forming die 61 is increased.

[0076] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the flange main body 20 includes the tubular fitting portion 27, which is fitted into the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12. The tubular support portion 43 is formed using a part of the tubular fitting portion 27. Therefore, a part of the tubular fitting portion 27 can also be used as a part of the tubular support portion 43.

[0077] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 10, when the pump unit 16 is placed inside the fuel tank 12, the lower end of the tubular support portion 43 of the spacer portion 42 is located at a lower position than the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12 while the distance between the flange main body 20 and the connecting member 67 is maximum. Therefore, the spring 106 can be prevented from contacting the opening edge around the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12 when the fuel supply device 10 is mounted in the fuel tank 12. In this way, it is possible to prevent the generation of noise or damage around the opening 13, which may be caused by the spring 106 contacting the opening edge around the opening 13 of the fuel tank 12.

[0078] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the tubular connector portion 31 of the electrical connector 30 is formed so that it is not adjacent to the ribs 51 of the cover plate 26. Therefore, the tensile stress caused by bending deformation of the flange main body 20 cannot be applied from the ribs 51 to the base portion of the tubular connector portion 31. Consequently, the stress concentration applied to the base portion of the tubular connector portion 31 of the flange main body 20 can be relieved.

[0079] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the tubular receiving portion 35 of the valve receiving portion 34 is formed so as not to be contiguous with the ribs 51 of the cover plate 26. Therefore, the tensile stress caused by bending deformation on the flange main body 20 cannot be applied from the ribs 51 to the base portion of the tubular receiving portion 35. Consequently, the stress concentration applied to the base portion of the tubular receiving portion 35 of the flange main body 20 can be relieved.

[0080] As in Fig. 14 and Fig. 16, the fuel vapor valve 24 may be received in the tubular receiving portion 35 of the valve receiving portion 34, and the fuel vapor valve 24 may be attached to the attachment pieces 37.

[0081] The present teachings are not limited to the exemplary embodiments, but can be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the present teachings may not be limited to being applied to the fuel supply device 10 for a vehicle such as an automobile, but may also be applied to a fuel supply device for other vehicles. Furthermore, the number of components provided for each of the units 14 and 16 for the fuel supply device 10 may be appropriately increased or reduced, and / or the components may be modified. Furthermore, the connecting member 67 may be fixed to the pump housing 77 or the tank main body 69 of the sub-tank 63, or may be integrally formed with the pump housing 77 or the tank main body 69 of the sub-tank 63.The pump-side unit is not limited to the pump unit 16 of the exemplary embodiments, but may be the type having a cup-shaped sub-tank, and the fuel pump is arranged inside the sub-tank. The connecting mechanism 18 can be appropriately modified as long as it is configured as a mechanism for connecting the connecting member 67 to the flange main body 20 such that it is movable in the vertical direction.

[0082] The configuration of the spacer portion 42 and / or the connecting plate 85 for the spacing restriction mechanism 108 can be appropriately modified. For example, both of the triangular walls 44 can be omitted, so that the spacer portion 42 is formed only with the tubular support portion 43. The spacer portion 42 can be formed separately from the tubular fitting portion 27. The tubular support portion 43 is not limited to an oval shape, but can be modified to have a cylindrical shape, a rectangular tubular shape, a C-shaped cylindrical shape, or the like. The tubular support portion 43, referred to as a "pillar portion" in the present specification, can be formed to have a solid body or be formed as a plate. The front wall 46 of the tubular support portion 43 can be omitted.In this case, the tubular support portion 43 may be formed to have a cylindrical shape, a tapered cylindrical shape, or a tapered cylindrical shape using the entire tubular fitting portion 27. The spacer portion 42 may be formed into a trapezoidal shape, such as a truncated pyramid, a truncated cone, or the like. The connecting plate 85, specifically, an abutting portion contacting the spacer portion 42, may be formed into a trapezoidal shape, such as a truncated pyramid, a truncated cone, or the like.

[0083] Valve devices other than the fuel vapor valve 24 or components other than the valve device may be used as a component that can be received in the valve receiving portion 34. Different components from the attachment pieces 37 may be used to attach the fuel vapor valve 24 to the tubular receiving portion 35 of the valve receiving portion 34.

[0084] The various exemplary embodiments described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings are intended to be representative of the present invention and thus are non-limiting embodiments. The detailed description is intended to teach one skilled in the art to make, use, and / or practice various aspects of the present invention and is thus not in any way limiting of the scope of the invention. Moreover, each of the additional features and teachings disclosed above may be applied and / or used, separately or in any combination with other features and teachings, to provide improved fuel delivery devices and / or methods of manufacture and uses thereof.

Claims

[1] Fuel supply device, with a cover-side unit (14) having a disc-shaped cover member (20) configured to close an opening (13) formed in an upper wall (12a) of a fuel tank (12), a pump-side unit (16) comprising a fuel pump (65) arranged within the fuel tank (12) and a connecting portion (67) movably connected to the cover member (20) in a vertical direction, and a distance restriction mechanism (108) having an upper abutment portion provided on the cover component (20) and a lower abutment portion (85) provided on the connecting portion (67), wherein the distance restriction mechanism (108) is configured to restrict a minimum distance between the cover component (20) and the connecting portion (67) by mutual abutment of the upper abutment portion and the lower abutment portion (85), in which the upper abutment portion is a spacer portion (42) having a tubular support portion (43) and left triangular and right triangular walls (44) projecting from a rear wall (47) of the tubular support portion (43) in a left-right direction, and the spacer portion (42) extends downward from the cover member (20) when viewed from a rear side and is formed in an obliquely cut semi-cylindrical shape while narrowing its width as it extends further downward. [2] A fuel supply device according to claim 1, wherein the upper abutment portion is suspended from the cover member (20) and is configured to have a shape that tapers downwards. [3] A fuel supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover member (20) has a tubular fitting portion (27) fitted into the opening (13) of the fuel tank (12), and wherein the upper abutment portion is formed using at least a part of the tubular fitting portion (27). [4] A fuel supply device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a hollow portion (43a) extending in the vertical direction is formed within the upper abutment area. [5] Fuel supply device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein an electrical connector (30) is provided on the cover member (20), wherein the fuel pump (65) has a connecting connector (80) connected to the electrical connector (30), and wherein the connecting connector (80) is arranged at a higher position than the opening (13) of the fuel tank (12) when the pump-side unit (16) is arranged inside the fuel tank (12) while a distance between the cover member (20) and the connecting portion (67) is maximum.

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