Fuel supply device

Abstract

To provide a fuel supply device which can suppress an electric corrosion of a power supply terminal while reducing a manufacturing cost with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A fuel supply device 1 includes: a fuel pump 4 which has an electric motor 15 and a pump part, and in which the electric motor 15 and the pump part are arranged side by side along a rotational axial line of the electric motor 15; power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c which project from one end part of a direction of a rotational axial line of the fuel pump 4 and supply power to the electric motor 15; and a wall part 37 which is provided at one end part of the fuel pump 4 and surrounds the periphery of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c. When a posture of the fuel pump 4 is in a state where the rotational axial line is in a horizontal direction, the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c are arranged apart upward from a site serving as a bottom part of the wall part 37.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel supply device.

Background Art

[0002] As a fuel supply device for vehicles such as motorcycles and automobiles, there is a case where a so-called in-tank type fuel supply device in which a fuel pump including an electric motor is disposed in a fuel tank is used. In this type of fuel supply device, a plurality of connector terminals that conduct between the inside and outside of the fuel tank and a power supply terminal provided on the fuel pump are electrically connected via, for example, a lead wire (harness) to supply power to the fuel pump. The fuel pump is immersed in the fuel in the fuel tank. For this reason, various techniques have been proposed to prevent the power supply terminal from being exposed to this fuel and suffering from electrolytic corrosion.

[0003] For example, a technique is disclosed in which the periphery of the power supply terminal is covered with a cylindrical cover portion, and the opening of the cover portion is closed with a grommet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The grommet is prevented from coming off the cover portion by a grommet stopper attached to the cover portion from above the grommet. The lead wire connected to the power supply terminal is drawn out from the cover portion through the grommet. By configuring in this way, electrolytic corrosion of the power supply terminal caused by fuel can be prevented.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above-described conventional technology, it is necessary to prepare a grommet or a grommet stopper in order to prevent electrolytic corrosion of the power supply terminal. For this reason, there has been a problem that the number of parts of the fuel supply device increases, the man-hours for assembling the fuel supply device increase, and the manufacturing cost of the fuel supply device increases.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a fuel supply device that can suppress electrolytic corrosion of a power supply terminal while reducing the manufacturing cost with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, in a first aspect of the present invention, a fuel supply device is provided in a fuel tank and is a fuel supply device for supplying fuel in the fuel tank to an internal combustion engine. The fuel supply device includes an electric motor and a pump unit, a fuel pump in which the electric motor and the pump unit are arranged side by side along the rotation axis of the electric motor, a power supply terminal provided to protrude from one end of the fuel pump in the direction of the rotation axis for supplying power to the electric motor, and a wall portion provided at the one end of the fuel pump and surrounding the periphery of the power supply terminal. In a state where the posture of the fuel pump is such that the rotation axis is along the horizontal direction, the power supply terminal is disposed at a position spaced upward from a portion that becomes the bottom of the wall portion.

[0008] By configuring in this way, it is possible to suppress the power supply terminal from being exposed to fuel by the wall portion. Since the wall portion only surrounds the periphery of the power supply terminal, it has a simple structure. Further, the power supply terminal is disposed at a position spaced upward from a portion that becomes the bottom of the wall portion. Therefore, even if fuel intrudes into the wall portion and fuel accumulates at the bottom, it is possible to suppress the power supply terminal from being exposed to fuel. Moreover, by surrounding the periphery of each power supply terminal with the wall portion, the creepage distance between the power supply terminals becomes long. That is, since the leakage current path of each power supply terminal becomes long, the durability against electrolytic corrosion can be improved. Therefore, the fuel supply device can have a simple structure, reducing the manufacturing cost and suppressing the electrolytic corrosion of the power supply terminals in the fuel supply device.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the fuel supply device according to the first aspect, the electric motor may include a brushless motor.

[0010] In the case of a brushless motor, each power supply terminal switches between an anode and a cathode. On the other hand, for example, in the case of a brushed motor, each power supply terminal is classified into an anode terminal and a cathode terminal, and the anode and the cathode do not switch. In this way, for the power supply terminals of the brushless motor, since the anode and the cathode switch, the time during which current is supplied to each power supply terminal is shorter compared to that of the brushed motor. Accordingly, the brushless motor can suppress the electrolytic corrosion of the power supply terminals compared to the brushed motor.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the fuel supply device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the wall portion may have an opening formed on the side opposite to the one end portion.

[0012] By configuring in this way, the wall portion can have a simpler structure. Even if fuel enters the wall portion, the fuel can be quickly discharged from the opening of the wall portion. Therefore, while further reducing the manufacturing cost of the fuel supply device, the electrolytic corrosion of the power supply terminals can be reliably suppressed.

[0013] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel supply device according to the third aspect, it is attached to the fuel tank and includes a flange portion that supports the fuel pump. The flange portion may include a connector terminal that electrically connects the inside and the outside of the fuel tank, and a lead wire that connects the connector terminal and the power supply terminal.

[0014] In this way, in the fuel supply device in which the connector terminal and the power supply terminal are connected via a lead wire, since the wall portion has an opening, the lead wire can be easily connected to the power supply terminal through this opening. Therefore, the assembly work of the fuel supply device can be facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the fuel supply device can be further reduced. Since the wall portion surrounds the periphery of the power supply terminal, it can also function as a guide for routing the lead wire.

[0015] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel supply device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a plurality of the power supply terminals are provided, and the plurality of power supply terminals are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction of the fuel pump. The wall portion is provided between the power supply terminals, and may include an inclined wall extending in the radial direction of the fuel pump, an inner peripheral wall connecting the inner ends in the radial direction of each of the plurality of inclined walls, and an outer peripheral wall connecting the outer ends in the radial direction of each of the plurality of inclined walls.

[0016] With such a configuration, when the posture of the fuel pump is such that the rotation axis is along the horizontal direction, the inclined wall becomes the bottom portion and has a water gradient shape. Therefore, even if fuel intrudes into the wall portion, the fuel does not accumulate evenly at the bottom, but can be accumulated at one location at the bottom. Thus, even if fuel accumulates at the bottom, it is possible to more reliably prevent the power supply terminals from being exposed to the fuel.

[0017] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel supply device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a holder formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the rotation axis and housing the fuel pump, and a cup provided on the other end side of the holder opposite to the one end of the fuel pump and covering the opening of the holder are provided. The wall portion is formed on the holder, the one end side of the fuel pump is supported, the other end side of the fuel pump is supported by the cup, and a gap may be formed over the entire circumference between the outer surface of the fuel pump and the inner surface of the holder.

[0018] With such a configuration, even if fuel intrudes into the wall portion, the fuel can be quickly discharged from the gap between the outer surface of the fuel pump and the inner surface of the holder. Therefore, electrolytic corrosion of each power supply terminal can be reliably suppressed. Also, there is no need to prepare additional parts for suppressing electrolytic corrosion. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts for suppressing electrolytic corrosion can be suppressed, and an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, the fuel supply device has a simple structure, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and electrolytic corrosion of the power supply terminal in the fuel supply device can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] <Fuel Supply Device> Next, embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the fuel supply device 1. FIG. 2 is a view taken along the arrow II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the fuel supply device 1 is provided, for example, in a fuel tank 2 of an automobile or a motorcycle. The fuel supply device 1 pumps up the fuel in the fuel tank 2 and pumps the fuel to an internal combustion engine (not shown).

[0023] The fuel supply device 1 includes a flange portion 3 attached to the wall portion 2a of the fuel tank 2, a holder portion 30 attached to the flange portion 3, a fuel pump 4 supported by the flange portion 3 via the holder portion 30, and a suction filter 5 attached to the fuel pump 4. The fuel pump 4 is arranged to be immersed in fuel within the fuel tank 2. In the following description, with the fuel supply device 1 attached to the fuel tank 2, the terms "upward", "downward", and "horizontal direction" shall be used.

[0024] <Flange portion> The flange portion 3 includes a plate-shaped base portion 6 that closes an opening 2b formed in the wall portion 2a of the fuel tank 2 from the outside of the fuel tank 2, a connector block 7 provided on the outer surface 6a of the base portion 6 on the side opposite to the fuel tank 2, and a pump support portion 8 provided on the inner surface 6b of the base portion 6 on the fuel tank 2 side, which are integrally formed. The base portion 6 is formed in an oval shape that is long in the horizontal direction. The short side direction of the base portion 6 substantially coincides with the vertical direction.

[0025] The base portion 6 is provided with a connector terminal 9 that electrically connects the outer surface 6a side and the inner surface 6b side. One end portion 9a of the connector terminal 9 on the inner surface 6b side protrudes from near one end in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 6. The other end portion (not shown) of the connector terminal 9 on the outer surface 6a side protrudes from the connector block 7.

[0026] The connector block 7 is provided with a connector 10 and a fuel supply pipe (not shown). The connector 10 has a connector housing 10a into which an external connector extending from an external power source such as a battery is fitted. The other end portion of the connector terminal 9 protrudes into the connector housing 10a. The fuel supply pipe (not shown) is connected to an internal combustion engine (both not shown) via a pipe. The fuel supply pipe communicates with the pump support portion 8.

[0027] The pump support portion 8 has four engaging pieces 11 disposed at the center in the longitudinal direction on the inner surface 6b of the base portion 6. The four engaging pieces 11 are distributed in two on each side in the short direction with the center in the short direction of the base portion 6 as the center. The engaging piece 11 is formed to be elastically deformable in the short direction of the base portion 6. The fuel pump 4 is snap-fitted and fixed to the flange portion 3 via the engaging piece 11.

[0028] In addition to this, on the inner surface 6b of the base portion 6, a base wall portion 12 covering the periphery of one end portion 9a of the connector terminal 9 and a flange-side connection pipe 13 are integrally formed. The base wall portion 12 is formed in an arc shape so as to correspond to the shapes at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 6 when viewed from the horizontal direction. A notch portion 12a is formed at a location corresponding to the center in the short direction of the base portion 6 in the base portion 6. The base wall portion 12 protects one end portion 9a of the connector terminal 9. For example, the base wall portion 12 protects the one end portion 9a of the connector terminal 9 from coming into contact with other components when the fuel supply device 1 is assembled to the fuel tank 2. Also, for example, the base wall portion 12 suppresses the connector terminal 9 from being exposed to fuel.

[0029] The flange-side connection pipe 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the inner surface 6b of the base portion 6. The flange-side connection pipe 13 communicates with a fuel supply pipe (not shown). A pump-side connection pipe 35 (to be described later) of the holder portion 30 is fitted to the flange-side connection pipe 13. Thereby, the fuel supply pipe (not shown) communicates with the fuel pump 4 via the flange-side connection pipe 13 and the pump-side connection pipe 35.

[0030] <Fuel Pump> The fuel pump 4 includes a cylindrical yoke portion 14, an electric motor portion 15 housed in the yoke portion 14, a pump portion 16, and an outlet cover portion 17. The fuel pump 4 is arranged such that the rotation axis A of the electric motor portion 15 extends along the horizontal direction. In the following description, the direction parallel to the rotation axis A of the electric motor portion 15 is referred to as the axial direction. The radial direction of the electric motor portion 15 is simply referred to as the radial direction, and the circumferential direction of the electric motor portion 15 is simply referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0031] The yoke portion 14 is formed of a conductive member. The central axis of the yoke portion 14 coincides with the rotation axis A. The electric motor portion 15 is a so-called brushless motor. The electric motor portion 15 includes a cylindrical stator 18 and a rotor 19 provided radially inside the stator 18. The rotor 19 includes a rotor shaft 21 rotatably provided about the rotation axis A and a rotor core 22 fitted to the rotor shaft 21. A pump portion 16 is connected to one axial end of the rotor shaft 21.

[0032] The pump portion 16 is a so-called non-positive displacement pump including an impeller 23 and a pump case 24 covering the entire impeller 23. The impeller 23 is formed in a disc shape by, for example, resin. The impeller 23 is connected to one axial end of the rotor shaft 21 in a non-rotatable manner. A plurality of blade portions are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the impeller 23 on the outer peripheral side. Spaces between these plurality of blade portions are formed to penetrate in the thickness direction of the impeller 23.

[0033] A suction pipe 25 is integrally formed with the pump case 24. The suction pipe 25 protrudes axially outward from the outer end face 24a of the pump case 24 on the side opposite to the electric motor portion 15. The suction pipe 25 is disposed at a position slightly shifted radially outward from the radial center of the outer end face 24a. The inside and outside of the pump case 24 communicate with each other through the suction pipe 25.

[0034] The outlet cover portion 17 is provided on the side opposite to the pump portion 16 with the electric motor portion 15 interposed therebetween. The outlet cover portion 17 is formed in a disc shape. A discharge pipe 26 is integrally formed with the outlet cover portion 17. The discharge pipe 26 protrudes axially outward from the outer end face 17a of the outlet cover portion 17 on the side opposite to the electric motor portion 15. The discharge pipe 26 is disposed at a position slightly shifted from the radial center of the outer end face 17a toward the flange portion 3. The inside and outside of the outlet cover portion 17 communicate with each other through the discharge pipe 26.

[0035] On the outer end surface 17a of the outlet cover portion 17, a plurality (three in this embodiment) of power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c (first power supply terminal 27a, second power supply terminal 27b, third power supply terminal 27c) are provided so as to protrude. The power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c have a three-phase (U-phase, V-phase, W-phase) structure. The power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c are electrically connected to the electric motor portion 15. Thereby, external power can be supplied to the electric motor portion 15 via each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c. Each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c is arranged near the outer peripheral portion on the side opposite to the discharge pipe 26 of the outer end surface 17a. Each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction so as to be arranged around the discharge pipe 26. In other words, each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c is arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0036] In addition, the outlet cover portion 17 is provided with a pressure regulator (not shown) so as to communicate with the discharge pipe 26. The electric motor portion 15, the pump portion 16, and the outlet cover portion 17 configured as described above are integrated by caulking both axial ends of the yoke portion 14.

[0037] <Holder portion> The holder portion 30 includes a pump holder 31 in which a fuel pump 4 formed in a cylindrical shape is housed, and a lower cup 32 that closes a first opening 31a at one axial end of the pump holder 31. The central axis of the pump holder 31 coincides with the rotation axis A. The first opening 31a is the opening on the side opposite to the connector terminal 9 side among the openings 31a, 31b (first opening 31a, second opening 31b) at both axial ends of the pump holder 31. The fuel pump 4 is housed in the pump holder 31 such that the pump portion 16 is arranged on the lower cup 32 side of the pump holder 31.

[0038] On the outer peripheral surface of the pump holder 31, a plurality (for example, four in this embodiment) of engaging claws 31c are formed on the lower cup 32 side. The plurality of engaging claws 31c are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The engaging claws 31c are used when fixing the lower cup 32 to the pump holder 31. On the outer peripheral surface of the pump holder 31, two legs 33 are integrally formed on the side opposite to the lower cup 32. The two legs 33 project from the outer peripheral surface of the pump holder 31 toward the base portion 6 of the flange portion 3. The two legs 33 are arranged at positions corresponding to the engaging pieces 11 of the pump support portion 8. Two engaging pieces 11 are snap-fitted to each of the legs 33. Thereby, the holder portion 30 is attached to the flange portion 3. The holder portion 30 attached to the flange portion 3 extends from a position closer to the longitudinal center of the base portion 6 than the connector terminal 9 to the side opposite to the connector terminal 9 when viewed from the normal direction of the inner surface 6b of the base portion 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 3).

[0039] In the second opening 31b on the connector terminal 9 side of the pump holder 31, a bottomed cylindrical discharge pipe support portion 34 into which the discharge pipe 26 of the fuel pump 4 is fitted is integrally formed. The discharge pipe support portion 34 is arranged with the opening 34a facing the fuel pump 4 side. By fitting the discharge pipe 26 into the discharge pipe support portion 34, one axial end of the fuel pump 4 is supported by the holder portion 30.

[0040] On the peripheral wall 34b of the discharge pipe support portion 34, a pump-side connection pipe 35 that is fitted to the flange-side connection pipe 13 is integrally formed. The inside and outside of the discharge pipe support portion 34 communicate with each other through the pump-side connection pipe 35. That is, the discharge pipe 26 of the fuel pump 4 and a fuel supply pipe (not shown) communicate with each other through the discharge pipe support portion 34, the pump-side connection pipe 35, and the flange-side connection pipe 13.

[0041] Further, between the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 34b of the discharge pipe support portion 34 and the inner peripheral surface of the pump holder 31, a plurality (for example, four in this embodiment) of partition walls 36 connected to these outer and inner peripheral surfaces are formed. Each partition wall 36 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 34b. In other words, each partition wall 36 extends along the radial direction.

[0042] Each partition wall 36 is arranged so as to block both circumferential sides of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c when viewed from the axial direction. That is, each partition wall 36 is arranged between each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27c and has an intermediate partition wall 36a that extends obliquely with respect to the vertical direction and an end partition wall 36b that is arranged on the flange portion 3 side of the three power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c and extends in the vertical direction.

[0043] Then, each partition wall 36, the first opening 31b side of the pump holder 31, and the peripheral wall 34b of the discharge pipe support portion 34 are configured as wall portions 37 that separately surround the peripheries of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c. That is, the partition wall 36 is an example of the inclined wall in the claims. The peripheral wall 34b of the discharge pipe support portion 34 is an example of the inner peripheral wall in the claims. The first opening 31b side of the pump holder 31 is an example of the outer peripheral wall in the claims. The wall portion 37 has an opening 37a on the second opening 31b side (connector terminal 9 side).

[0044] Here, in the state where the fuel supply device 1 is attached to the fuel tank 2, since the rotation axis A of the electric motor unit 15 is along the horizontal direction, for each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c, the location that becomes the bottom of the wall portion 37 is different. That is, in the wall portion 37 that surrounds the periphery of the first power supply terminal 27a located at the uppermost part among the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c, the intermediate partition wall 36a and the peripheral wall 34b of the discharge pipe support portion 34 become the bottom. In the wall portion 37 that surrounds the periphery of the second power supply terminal 27b located in the middle among the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c, the intermediate partition wall 36a becomes the bottom. In the wall portion 37 that surrounds the periphery of the third power supply terminal 27c located at the lowermost part among the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c, the pump holder 31 becomes the bottom.

[0045] Also, when viewed in the axial direction, all the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, and 27c are separated from all the wall portions 37. In other words, each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, and 27c is disposed spaced upward from the location that becomes the bottom of the wall portion 37.

[0046] The lower cup 32 has a bottomed cylindrical cup body 41 that closes the first opening 31a of the pump holder 31. The lower cup 32 is disposed with the opening 41a of the cup body 41 facing the pump holder 31 side. The outer diameter and the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 41b of the cup body 41 are the same as the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the pump holder 31. An annular suction pipe support portion 42 into which the suction pipe 25 of the fuel pump 4 is inserted is integrally formed on the bottom wall 41c of the cup body 41. The suction pipe 25 of the fuel pump 4 protrudes from the bottom wall 41c of the cup body 41 via the suction pipe support portion 42.

[0047] A pair of cup engaging claws 44 are formed to protrude on both sides of the bottom wall 41c of the cup body 41 with the suction pipe support portion 42 interposed therebetween. These cup engaging claws 44 are used for fixing the suction filter 5.

[0048] A plurality (for example, four in this embodiment) of engaging pieces 43 extending from the opening 41a toward the pump holder 31 are formed to extend on the peripheral wall 41b of the cup body 41. The engaging piece 43 is formed in a plate shape, and its thickness is the same as the thickness of the peripheral wall 41b. The engaging piece 43 is formed to be elastically deformable in the radial direction. An opening 43a into which the engaging claw 31c of the pump holder 31 is fitted is formed in each engaging piece 43.

[0049] When attaching the lower cup 32 to the pump holder 31, each engaging piece 43 is elastically deformed so as to ride over the engaging claw 31c. Then, the engaging claw 31c is fitted into the opening 43a of each engaging piece 43, whereby the lower cup 32 is snap - fit fixed to the pump holder 31. Thereby, the pump holder 31 and the lower cup 32 are integrated.

[0050] Here, by inserting the suction pipe 25 of the fuel pump 4 into the suction pipe support portion 42 of the lower cup 32, the other axial end of the fuel pump 4 is supported by the holder portion 30. One axial end (discharge pipe 26) of the fuel pump 4 is supported by the discharge pipe support portion 34 of the pump holder 31. Therefore, the fuel pump 4 is supported in a form of being supported at both ends by the holder portion 30. In this state, a minute gap G is formed over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface (the outer peripheral surface of the yoke portion 14) of the fuel pump 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the pump holder 31.

[0051] <Suction filter> The suction filter 5 includes a filter medium 71 and a filter connection pipe 72 provided on the filter medium 71. The filter medium 71 is a non-woven fabric formed in a bag shape. The filter connection pipe 72 is formed in an L shape. The end portion 72a of the filter connection pipe 72 on the side opposite to the filter medium 71 is fitted to the suction pipe support portion 42 of the lower cup 32. At this time, the suction pipe 25 of the fuel pump 4 protruding through the suction pipe support portion 42 is inserted into the suction pipe support portion 42.

[0052] On the outer peripheral surface of the filter connection pipe 72, a pair of filter engaging claws 73 protrude and are formed at the end portion 72a. The pair of filter engaging claws 73 are arranged to face each other in the radial direction of the filter connection pipe 72. The pair of filter engaging claws 73 are engaged with the cup engaging claws 44 in a state where the filter connection pipe 72 is fitted to the suction pipe support portion 42. Thereby, the suction filter 5 is fixed to the lower cup 32. Since the filter connection pipe 72 is formed in an L shape, in a state where the suction filter 5 is fixed to the lower cup 32, the filter medium 71 is located more downstream than the fuel pump 4.

[0053] <Connection between the connector terminal and each power supply terminal> Next, the connection between the connector terminal 9 and each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27 will be described. The connector terminal 9 and each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27 are connected using a lead wire 60. Connection terminals 61 are attached to both ends of the lead wire 60. The connection terminal 61 attached to one end of the lead wire 60 is inserted into one end portion 9a of the connector terminal 9. Since this one end portion 9a protrudes from the inner surface 6b of the base portion 6, the connection terminal 61 can be easily inserted into the one end portion 9a.

[0054] The connection terminal 61 provided at the other end of the lead wire 60 is inserted into each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27. The wall portion 37 surrounding the periphery of each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27 has an opening 37a on the side of the second opening 31b (the side of the connector terminal 9). Therefore, the connection terminal 61 can be easily inserted into each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27 through the opening 37a. Since the wall portion 37 surrounds the periphery of each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27, it functions as a guide for routing the lead wire 60.

[0055] Under such a configuration, the connector terminal 9 and each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27 are connected via the lead wire 60. By fitting an external connector extending from an external power source such as a battery to the connector 10 of the flange portion 3, external power is supplied to the electric motor unit 15 via the connector terminal 9, the lead wire 60, and each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27.

[0056] <Operation of the fuel supply device> Next, the operation of the fuel supply device 1 will be described. First, when the electric motor unit 15 of the fuel pump 4 is driven, the impeller 23 rotates integrally with the rotor 19. Then, the fuel in the fuel tank 2 is inhaled from the suction pipe 25 in a state of being filtered through the suction filter 5, and further pumped up into the pump unit 16. And the fuel is pressurized in the pump unit 16 and the fuel is discharged into the electric motor unit 15.

[0057] The fuel discharged into the electric motor unit 15 flows into the discharge pipe 26 through, for example, the space between the stator 18 and the rotor 19 in the electric motor unit 15. After that, the fuel flows into a fuel supply pipe (not shown) via the discharge pipe support portion 34, the pump-side connection pipe 35, and the flange-side connection pipe 13. At this time, when the fuel pressure is within a predetermined value, the fuel flowing into the fuel supply pipe is pumped to an internal combustion engine (not shown). On the other hand, when the fuel pressure is higher than the predetermined value, the fuel is returned into the fuel pump 4 (outlet cover portion 17) via a pressure regulator (not shown). Thereby, the fuel pressure of the fuel discharged from the discharge pipe 26 is kept within a predetermined value.

[0058] Here, for example, it is assumed that the fuel in the fuel tank 2 surges with the vibration and sway during the running of an automobile or a motorcycle provided with the fuel supply device 1. In such a case, it becomes easier for the fuel to scatter to each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27. However, each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27 is surrounded by the wall portion 37. Therefore, it is possible to prevent each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27 from being exposed to the fuel by the wall portion 37.

[0059] Also, by surrounding the periphery of each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27 with the wall portion 37, the creepage distance between each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27 becomes longer. That is, since the leakage current path of each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27 becomes longer, the durability against electrolytic corrosion can be improved. Each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27c is arranged to be spaced upward from the location that becomes the bottom of the wall portion 37. Therefore, even if fuel intrudes into the wall portion 37 and accumulates at the bottom, it is possible to prevent each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27c from being exposed to the fuel.

[0060] Therefore, according to the above-described fuel supply device 1, since the wall portion 37 only surrounds the periphery of each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27, it can have a simple structure and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The electrolytic corrosion of each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27c can be suppressed by the wall portion 37.

[0061] The fuel supply device 1 employs a brushless motor as the electric motor unit 15. In the case of a brushless motor, each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27c switches between anode and cathode. On the other hand, in the case of a brushed motor, for example, each power supply terminal is classified into an anode terminal and a cathode terminal, and the anode and cathode do not switch. Thus, for the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c of the brushless motor, since the anode and cathode switch, the time during which current is supplied to each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c is shorter compared to that of a brushed motor. Accordingly, the brushless motor can suppress the electrolytic corrosion of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c compared to a brushed motor.

[0062] The wall portion 37 has an opening 37a. Therefore, even if fuel intrudes into the wall portion 37, the fuel can be quickly discharged from the opening 37a of the wall portion 37. Thus, while reducing the manufacturing cost of the fuel supply device 1, the electrolytic corrosion of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c can be surely suppressed.

[0063] The flange portion 3 of the fuel supply device 1 is provided with connector terminals 9. In the fuel supply device 1, in order to supply power to the electric motor unit 15, a structure is adopted in which the connector terminals 9 and the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c are connected using lead wires 60. At this time, since the opening 37a is formed in the wall portion 37, the connection terminals 61 of the lead wires 60 can be easily inserted into each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27c through the opening 37a. Thus, the assembly work of the fuel supply device 1 can be facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the fuel supply device 1 can be further reduced.

[0064] The wall portion 37 surrounds the periphery of each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27. Therefore, after connecting the lead wires 60 to each of the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, 27, the wall portion 37 can function as a guide for routing the lead wires 60.

[0065] The wall portion 37 is constituted by each partition wall 36, the first opening 31b side of the pump holder 31, and the peripheral wall 34b of the discharge pipe support portion 34. In the wall portion 37 surrounding the periphery of the first power supply terminal 27a, the intermediate partition wall 36a and the peripheral wall 34b of the discharge pipe support portion 34 serve as the bottom. In the wall portion 37 surrounding the periphery of the second power supply terminal 27b, the intermediate partition wall 36a serves as the bottom. In the wall portion 37 surrounding the periphery of the third power supply terminal 27c, the pump holder 31 serves as the bottom. Thus, each bottom is inclined with respect to the vertical direction in a state where the posture of the fuel pump 4 is such that the rotation axis A is along the horizontal direction. That is, each bottom has a shape with a water gradient. For this reason, even if fuel intrudes into the wall portion 37, the fuel does not accumulate evenly at the bottom, and the fuel can be accumulated at one location at the bottom. Therefore, even if fuel accumulates at the bottom, it is possible to more reliably suppress the exposure of each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27c to the fuel.

[0066] The fuel pump 4 is supported in a two-sided manner by the holder portion 30. In this state, a minute gap G is formed over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface (the outer peripheral surface of the yoke portion 14) of the fuel pump 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the pump holder 31. For this reason, even if fuel intrudes into the wall portion 37, the fuel can be quickly discharged from the minute gap G between the outer peripheral surface of the fuel pump and the inner peripheral surface of the pump holder 31. Therefore, the electrolytic corrosion of each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27c can be reliably suppressed. Also, there is no need to prepare additional parts for suppressing electrolytic corrosion. For this reason, an increase in the number of parts for suppressing electrolytic corrosion can be suppressed, and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the fuel pump 4 can be suppressed.

[0067] The structure of the fuel supply device 1 can be simplified, the manufacturing cost of the fuel supply device 1 can be reduced, and the electrolytic corrosion of each power supply terminal 27a, 27b, 27c can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to Goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations, "Ensure access for all people to affordable, reliable, and sustainable modern energy," and Goal 9, "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation."

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes those in which various modifications are made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the wall portion 37 has the opening 37a has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the opening 37a may be closed. Even in such a case, the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, and 27c are arranged so as to be spaced upward from the location that becomes the bottom portion of the wall portion 37. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, and 27c from being corroded by the fuel.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the case where a non-positive displacement regenerative pump having an impeller, for example, is used for the pump unit 16 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various well-known pump structures known by names such as a centrifugal pump and a volute pump can be adopted as the pump unit 16.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the rotation axis A of the fuel pump 4 is parallel to the horizontal direction has been illustrated and described. Also, the case where the suction filter 5 is disposed at the lowermost portion of the fuel supply device 1 and the filter medium 71 extends along the horizontal direction has been illustrated and described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the posture of the fuel supply device 1 only needs to have the rotation axis A of the fuel pump 4 along the horizontal direction, and it is not necessary for the rotation axis A to be completely parallel to the horizontal direction. Also, the direction and posture of the suction filter 5 can be arbitrarily determined.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the power supply terminals 27a, 27b, and 27c have a three-phase structure has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of power supply terminals can be arbitrarily changed according to the structure of the electric motor unit 15. In this case, the shape of the wall portion 37 can be changed according to the number of power supply terminals.

[0072] It is not necessary to form the wall portion 37 so as to surround one power supply terminal. For example, the wall portion 37 may be formed so as to surround two power supply terminals together. The wall portion 37 does not have to be constituted by each partition wall 36, the first opening portion 31b side of the pump holder 31, and the peripheral wall 34b of the discharge pipe support portion 34. It is sufficient that it is formed so as to surround the periphery of the power supply terminal. The power supply terminal may be arranged at a distance upward from the location that becomes the bottom portion of the wall portion.

Explanation of Signs

[0073] 1…Fuel supply device, 2…Fuel tank, 2a…Wall portion, 2b…Opening portion, 3…Flange portion, 4…Fuel pump, 5…Suction filter, 6…Base portion, 6a…Outer surface, 6b…Inner surface, 7…Connector block, 8…Pump support portion, 9…Connector terminal, 9a…One end portion, 10…Connector, 10a…Connector housing, 11…Engaging piece, 12…Base wall portion, 12a…Notch portion, 13…Flange side connection pipe, 14…Yoke portion, 15…Electric motor portion, 16…Pump portion, 17…Outlet cover portion, 17a…Outer end surface, 18…Stator, 19…Rotor, 21…Rotor shaft, 22…Rotor core, 23…Impeller, 24…Pump case, 24a…Outer end surface, 25…Suction pipe, 26…Discharge pipe, 27a…First power supply terminal, 27b…Second power supply terminal, 27c…Third power supply terminal, 30…Holder portion, 31…Pump holder, 32…Lower cup, 33…Leg portion, 34…Discharge pipe support portion, 35…Pump side connection pipe, 36…Partition wall, 37…Wall portion, 41…Cup main body, 41a…Opening portion, 41b…Peripheral wall, 41c…Bottom wall, 42…Suction pipe support portion, 43…Engaging piece, 43a…Opening portion, 44…Cup engaging claw, 60…Lead wire, 61…Connection terminal, 71…Filter material, 72…Filter connection pipe, 72a…End portion, 73…Filter engaging claw, A…Axis of rotation, G…Micro gap

Claims

1. A fuel supply device provided in a fuel tank for supplying fuel in the fuel tank to an internal combustion engine, comprising an electric motor and a pump section, and a fuel pump in which the electric motor and the pump section are arranged side by side along the rotation axis of the electric motor, a power supply terminal provided to protrude from one end of the fuel pump in the direction of the rotation axis for supplying power to the electric motor, a wall section provided at the one end of the fuel pump and surrounding the periphery of the power supply terminal, and in a state where the posture of the fuel pump is such that the rotation axis is along the horizontal direction, the power supply terminal is arranged to be spaced upward from a location that is the bottom of the wall section. A fuel supply device characterized by the above.

2. The electric motor includes a brushless motor. The fuel supply device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The wall section has an opening formed on the side opposite to the one end. The fuel supply device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. In the fuel supply device according to Claim 3, it is attached to the fuel tank and includes a flange section for supporting the fuel pump, the flange section includes a connector terminal for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the fuel tank, and includes a lead wire for connecting the connector terminal and the power supply terminal. A fuel supply device characterized by the above.

5. It has a plurality of power supply terminals, the plurality of power supply terminals are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction of the fuel pump, the wall section has an inclined wall provided between each of the power supply terminals and extending in the radial direction of the fuel pump, an inner peripheral wall that connects the inner ends in the radial direction among the plurality of inclined walls, and an outer peripheral wall that connects the outer ends in the radial direction among the plurality of inclined walls. and The fuel supply device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by the above.

6. In the fuel supply device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, a holder formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the rotation axis for housing the fuel pump, a cup provided on the other end side of the fuel pump in the holder, opposite to the one end, for covering the opening of the holder, and the wall section is formed on the holder, and the one end side of the fuel pump is supported, the other end side of the fuel pump is supported by the cup, and a gap is formed over the entire circumference between the outer surface of the fuel pump and the inner surface of the holder. A fuel supply device characterized by the above.

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