Fuel intake unit, vapor separator and outboard machine

Abstract

To provide a fuel intake unit and a vapor separator, which facilitate adjustment of an amount of liquid fuel and fuel vapor flowing into a fuel pump, and variation development.SOLUTION: A fuel intake unit 10 for a fuel pump 6 of a vapor separator 1, which is provided in a fuel supply system that supplies fuel to an engine, comprises a body part 20 having a fuel flow path 21 communicating with an intake port 7 of the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B), and a first port 22 and a second port 24 communicating with the fuel flow path 21; a first throttle component 50 provided in the first port 22 so as to regulate a flow rate of liquid fuel taken into the fuel flow path 21 through the first port 22; and a second throttle component 60 provided in the second port 24 so as to regulate a flow rate of fuel vapor taken into the fuel flow path 21 through the second port 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vapor separator provided in a fuel supply system of an engine. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Vapor separators that are provided in fuel supply systems for outboard motor engines and that supply fuel to the engines have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fuel supply module as a device that functions as a vapor separator, which includes a storage unit that stores fuel and a fuel pump that is provided inside the storage unit and pumps fuel from the storage unit. The fuel supply module (vapor separator) has a first fuel pump inlet for liquid fuel and a second fuel pump inlet for fuel vapor. In the fuel supply module (vapor separator) described in Patent Document 1, liquid fuel and fuel vapor in the storage unit are taken into the fuel pump from the first inlet and the second inlet, respectively, are pressurized in the fuel pump, and then discharged from the fuel pump outlet toward the engine (FIG. 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-526741 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, the performance of a fuel supply module (vapor separator) depends on the amount of liquid fuel and fuel vapor flowing into the fuel pump.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes the factors that determine the inflow amount of liquid fuel and fuel vapor into a fuel pump, stating that the size range of the first inlet is 1 mm to 12 mm, and the size range of the second inlet is 0.1 mm to 3 mm or more (maximum 7 mm). However, when adjusting the inflow amounts of liquid fuel and fuel vapor into the fuel pump by changing the size of the first inlet or the second inlet, it is difficult to change or fine-tune the flow rate of each fuel after the product design. Also, when developing a wide variety of products with different first inlet and second inlet sizes, it is difficult to standardize parts between the products, which increases the cost of developing variations of the fuel supply module (vapor separator).

[0006] In view of the above, at least some embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a fuel intake unit and vapor separator that can easily adjust the amount of liquid fuel and fuel vapor flowing into a fuel pump and that can be easily varied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A fuel intake unit according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is a fuel intake unit for a fuel pump of a vapor separator provided in a fuel supply system that supplies fuel to an engine, the fuel intake unit comprising: a main body having a fuel flow path communicating with an intake port of a fuel pump, and a first port and a second port communicating with the fuel flow path; a first throttle component provided in the first port to regulate the flow rate of liquid fuel taken into the fuel flow path through the first port; a second throttle component provided in the second port to regulate the flow rate of fuel vapor introduced into the fuel flow path through the second port; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to at least some embodiments of the present invention, the first and second throttle components, which are separate components from the main body, are provided at the first and second ports of the main body of the fuel suction unit, respectively. Therefore, by replacing the first and second throttle components, the inflow rates of liquid fuel and fuel vapor into the fuel pump can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, by standardizing at least some of the components of the fuel suction unit other than the first and second throttle components between product types, product variations can be easily expanded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vapor separator according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a vapor separator according to another embodiment. [Figure 2A] 1B is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel intake unit according to an embodiment corresponding to FIG. 1A. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel intake unit according to an embodiment corresponding to FIG. 1B. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first throttle component and its surroundings in the fuel intake unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a second throttle component and its surroundings in the fuel intake unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel intake unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an outboard motor according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0011] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a vapor separator according to one embodiment and another embodiment, respectively. In addition, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the flow of fuel in the vapor separator is indicated by arrows.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in some embodiments, the vapor separator 1 (1A, 1B) includes a tank 2 for storing liquid fuel, a fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B) provided in the tank 2, and a fuel suction unit 10 (10A, 10B) for the fuel pump 6.

[0013] The vapor separator 1 (1A, 1B) is provided in a fuel supply system for an engine used in, for example, an outboard motor, and is used midway along a fuel supply pipe that supplies fuel from a fuel tank to the engine. The vapor separator 1 (1A, 1B) is a closed-type vapor separator. Here, the closed-type vapor separator does not have a vent passage for fuel vapor, in contrast to an open-type vapor separator that has a vent passage for releasing fuel vapor in the tank 2 to the atmosphere to prevent an increase in the internal pressure of the tank 2. In the closed-type vapor separator, the fuel vapor is liquefied by the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B) and sent to the engine together with the liquid fuel.

[0014] The tank 2 includes a fuel inlet 3 through which fuel flows in and a fuel outlet 4 through which fuel pressurized by a fuel pump 6 flows out. The tank 2 stores liquid fuel and defines an internal space in which the fuel pumps 6 (6A, 6B) and the fuel suction units 10 (10A, 10B) are housed. The internal space of the tank 2 includes a liquid phase section 100 in which liquid fuel is present and a gas phase section 200 in which fuel vapor generated by vaporization of the liquid fuel is present. The interface between the liquid phase section 100 and the gas phase section 200 is the liquid level L within the tank 2. When the vapor separator 1 is in use, the fuel pump 6 and the fuel suction unit 10 are at least partially located below the liquid level L within the tank 2 and are immersed in the liquid fuel (liquid phase section 100). 1A and 1B, the tank 2 includes a bottomed lower member 2A and an upper member (lid member) 2B that closes an upper opening of the lower member 2A, and both the fuel inlet 3 and the fuel outlet 4 are provided in the upper member 2B. In other embodiments, at least one of the fuel inlet 3 and the fuel outlet 4 is provided in the lower member 2A. A sealing member (not shown) is provided on a joint surface 2C between the lower member 2A and the upper member 2B to prevent fuel from leaking from inside the tank 2 through the joint surface 2C.

[0015] The fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B) has an intake port 7 through which a mixed fluid of liquid fuel present in the liquid phase section 100 and fuel vapor present in the vapor phase section 200 is taken in. The mixed fluid of liquid fuel and fuel vapor taken in from the intake port 7 is pressurized in the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B) and is pumped through the fuel outlet 4 of the tank 2 toward the engine downstream of the vapor separator 1. The mixed fluid of liquid fuel and fuel vapor flowing into the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B) from the intake port 7 is a two-phase flow, but the fuel vapor contained in the mixed fluid is liquefied in the process of being pressurized by the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B), so the fuel discharged from the fuel pump 6 is substantially in a liquid state.

[0016] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, the intake port 7 is located at the bottom of the fuel pump 6A, and the fuel taken in through the intake port 7 passes upward through the fuel pump 6A. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1B, the intake port 7 is located at the top of the fuel pump 6B, and the fuel taken in through the intake port 7 passes downward through the fuel pump 6B.

[0017] A fuel suction unit 10 (10A, 10B) for guiding a mixture of liquid fuel and fuel vapor to the suction port 7 is provided on the suction side of the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B). The fuel suction unit 10 (10A, 10B) includes a liquid fuel inlet 12 that communicates with the liquid phase section 100 and a fuel vapor inlet 14 that communicates with the gas phase section 200. The liquid fuel taken in through the liquid fuel inlet 12 and the fuel vapor taken in through the fuel vapor inlet 14 pass through the inside of the fuel suction unit 10 (10A, 10B) and are guided to the suction port 7 of the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B) (see the arrows in Figures 1A and 1B).

[0018] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, fuel intake unit 10A directs fuel vapor from fuel vapor inlet 14 downward and merges the liquid fuel and fuel vapor flowing from liquid fuel inlet 12 to intake port 7, located at the bottom of fuel pump 6A, below liquid level L in tank 2. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, fuel suction unit 10B guides liquid fuel upward from liquid fuel inlet 12, and above the liquid level L in tank 2, fuel vapor flowing from fuel vapor inlet 14 toward suction port 7 located at the top of fuel pump 6B and the liquid fuel are merged. The specific configuration of the fuel intake unit 10 (10A, 10B) will be described in detail later.

[0019] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a pressure regulator 8 is provided on the discharge side of the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B). The pressure regulator 8 is one of the components of the vapor separator 1 (1A, 1B) housed in the tank 2. The pressure regulator 8 is located between the discharge port of the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B) and the fuel outlet 4 of the tank 2, and has the function of adjusting the pressure of the fuel flowing from the fuel outlet 4 toward the engine and returning excess fuel into the tank 2.

[0020] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2A to 4, a specific configuration of the fuel suction unit 10 (10A, 10B) that can be used in the vapor separator 1 (1A, 1B) will be described. Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel suction unit according to an embodiment corresponding to Fig. 1A. Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel suction unit according to an embodiment corresponding to Fig. 1B. For ease of explanation, Figs. 2A and 2B also show the fuel pump 6, the liquid level L, the liquid phase section 100, and the gas phase section 200 in addition to the fuel suction unit 10 (10A, 10B). Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first throttle component and its surroundings in a fuel intake unit according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a second throttle component and its surroundings in a fuel intake unit according to one embodiment.

[0021] In some embodiments, the fuel intake unit 10 (10A, 10B) includes a main body portion 20, and a first throttling part 50 and a second throttling part 60 that are provided separately from the main body portion 20, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0022] The main body 20 has a fuel flow path 21 that communicates with the intake port 7 of the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B), and a first port 22 and a second port 24 that communicate with the fuel flow path 21. The liquid fuel in the liquid phase section 100 is taken into the fuel flow path 21 via the first port 22. On the other hand, the fuel vapor in the gas phase section 200 is taken into the fuel flow path 21 via the second port 24. The material of the main body 20 is not particularly limited, and may be metal or resin. For example, the main body 20 may be made of an aluminum alloy. If the main body 20 is made of metal, the fuel flow path 21, the first port 22, and the second port 24 may be formed in the main body 20 by drilling holes through machining. If the main body 20 is made of resin, the main body 20 having the fuel flow path 21, the first port 22, and the second port 24 may be obtained by injection molding.

[0023] The main body 20 may be configured as a single unit or may be configured as a plurality of parts. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the main body 20 includes, as components thereof, a base 30 connected to the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B) and an extension tube 40 connected to the base 30 for directing liquid fuel or fuel vapor to the first port 22 or the second port 24. The base 30 has a fuel passage 21 and at least one of a first port 22 or a second port 24. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the base 30 has the fuel passage 21, the first port 22, and the second port 24. In other embodiments, such as a fuel intake unit 10C described below with reference to Figure 5, the base 30 has the fuel passage 21 and one of the first port 22 or the second port 24, and the other of the first port 22 or the second port 24 is formed at the end of the extension tube 40.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the base portion 30 is connected to the suction side of the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B). Therefore, in the case of fuel suction unit 10A for fuel pump 6A in which suction port 7 opens downward (see FIG. 2A), base 30 is immersed in liquid phase 100 below liquid level L in tank 2. In contrast, in the case of fuel suction unit 10B for fuel pump 6B in which suction port 7 opens upward (see FIG. 2B), base 30 is exposed to gas phase 200 above liquid level L in tank 2.

[0025] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fuel passage 21 and first port 22 in the base 30 are defined by a first linear hole 32 extending through the base 30. 2A and 2B, the first straight hole 32 is drilled to extend horizontally within the base 30 toward the intake port 7 of the fuel pump 6 (6A, 6B). One end of the first straight hole 32 opens into the outer surface 31A of the end of the base 30 remote from the intake port 7. The other end of the first straight hole 32 opens into the intermediate chamber 26 that is provided adjacent to the intake port 7 and that connects the fuel flow path 21 and the intake port 7 to each other. Because the first straight hole 32 opens to the outer surface 31A of the base 30, the first throttle component 50 can be attached to the first port 22 from the opening end side of the first straight hole 32 on the outer surface 31A of the base 30. The axial direction of a through hole 52 of the first throttle component 50, which will be described later, coincides with the axial directions of the first straight hole 32 and the fuel flow path 21.

[0026] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the second port 24 in the base 30 is formed by a second linear hole 34 that intersects the first linear hole 32. The angle between the first linear hole 32 and the second linear hole 34 may be between 60° and 120°, or between 85° and 95°, for example, 90°. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the second linear hole 34 is perpendicular to the first linear hole 32 in a vertical plane. More specifically, the first linear hole 32 extends horizontally within the base 30, while the second linear hole 34 extends vertically within the base 30. The second straight hole 34 communicates with a portion of the first straight hole 32 that forms the fuel flow passage 21. That is, the second straight hole 34 communicates with the fuel flow passage 21 downstream of the first port 22 in the fuel flow direction. One end of the second straight hole 34 opens to an outer surface 31B of the base 30 that faces upward (in the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , an end face of an annular protrusion 36, described below, on the outer surface 31B). The other end of the second straight hole 34 opens to a portion of the first straight hole 32 that forms the fuel flow passage 21. Note that the outer surface 31B of the base 30 where one end of the second straight hole 34 opens is the surface of the outer surface of the base 30 that faces the liquid level L in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A , and is the surface of the outer surface of the base 30 that faces away from the liquid level L in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B . Because the second straight hole 34 opens to the outer surface 31B of the base 30, the second diaphragm component 60 can be attached to the second port 24 from the opening end side of the second straight hole 34 on the outer surface 31B of the base 30. The axial direction of a through hole 62 of the second diaphragm component 60, which will be described later, coincides with the axial direction of the second straight hole 34 and is perpendicular to the axial direction of the fuel flow path 21.

[0027] The extension pipe 40 connected to the base 30 extends vertically from an upstream end 42 to a downstream end 44 across both the liquid phase section 100 and the gas phase section 200 in the tank 2. The downstream end 44 of the extension pipe 40 is a connection end 45 of the extension pipe 40 with respect to the base 30. The upstream end 42 of the extension pipe 40 is formed with the liquid fuel inlet 12 or the fuel vapor inlet 14. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2A, the extension pipe 40 extends from the upstream end 42, which forms the fuel vapor inlet 14 that opens into the gas phase portion 200, to the downstream end 44, which is the connecting end 45 with the base portion 30 that is immersed in the liquid phase portion 100. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2B, the extension pipe 40 extends from the upstream end 42, which forms the liquid fuel inlet 12 that opens into the liquid phase portion 100, to the downstream end 44, which is the connecting end 45 with the base portion 30 that is exposed to the gas phase portion 200.

[0028] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the base 30 has an annular protrusion 36 into which the connecting end 45 of the extension tube 40 can be fitted, and the extension tube 40 is held to the base 30 by the fitting of the connecting end 45 of the extension tube 40 with the annular protrusion 36 of the base 30. Here, the annular protrusion 36 of the base 30 is provided as a part of the outer surface 31B of the base 30 facing upward. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A , when the base 30 is viewed from the extension direction of the second straight hole 34, the annular protrusion 36 protrudes annularly from another portion of the outer surface 31B of the base 30 in the extension direction of the second straight hole 34 so as to surround the second throttle component 60 attached to the second port 24. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B , the annular protrusion 36 protrudes annularly from the outer surface 31B of the base 30 toward the liquid level L at a position opposite the second straight hole 34 across the first port 22. In both cases of FIGS. 2A and 2B , the extension tube 40 is held in the base 30 by the engagement between the connection end 45 of the extension tube 40 and the annular protrusion 36 of the base 30, with the axial direction of the extension tube 40 aligned with the extension direction of the second straight hole 34.

[0029] As described above, the first port 22 of the main body 20 is provided with the first throttle component 50 that regulates the flow rate of liquid fuel taken into the fuel flow passage 21 from the liquid fuel inlet 12 via the first port 22. In contrast, the second port 24 of the main body 20 is provided with the second throttle component 60 that regulates the flow rate of fuel vapor taken into the fuel flow passage 21 from the fuel vapor inlet 14 via the second port 24.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first throttling component 50 is attached to the first port 22 located upstream of the fuel flow passage 21, as shown in FIG. The first throttle component 50 has a through hole 52 with a minimum diameter (throttle diameter) D1. The axial direction of the through hole 52 coincides with the axial direction of the fuel flow path 21. The minimum diameter D1 of the through hole 52 determines the effective flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first port 22. The liquid fuel flowing into the fuel flow path 21 via the first port 22 is adjusted by the first throttle component 50 to a flow rate corresponding to the minimum diameter D1. If multiple types of first throttle parts 50 having different minimum diameters D1 are prepared, the flow rate of liquid fuel introduced into the intake port 7 of the fuel pump 6 can be easily adjusted by replacing the first throttle part 50. In addition, it becomes easy to develop a wide variety of fuel intake units 10 according to the specifications of the fuel pump 6.

[0031] 3 , the first throttle component 50 includes a small diameter portion 54 having a male thread 53 that screws into the female thread 23 provided in the first port 22, and a large diameter portion 56 that has a diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 54. The large diameter portion 56 is located upstream of the small diameter portion 54 in the flow direction of the liquid fuel, and has a locking surface 55 that is locked by a step provided on the inner wall of the first port 22 of the main body 20. In another embodiment, the first drawing part 50 is assembled to the first port 22 by press-fitting. In this case, the female thread 23 of the body 20 and the male thread 53 of the first drawing part 50 are not required.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second throttling component 60 is attached to the second port 24 that communicates with the fuel passage 21, as shown in FIG. The second throttle component 60 has a through hole 62 with a minimum diameter (throttle diameter) D2. The axial direction of the through hole 62 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the fuel flow path 21. The minimum diameter D2 of the through hole 62 determines the effective flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second port 24. The fuel vapor flowing into the fuel flow path 21 via the second port 24 is adjusted by the second throttle component 60 to a flow rate corresponding to the minimum diameter D2. If multiple types of second throttle parts 60 having different minimum diameters D2 are prepared, the flow rate of fuel vapor introduced into the intake port 7 of the fuel pump 6 can be easily adjusted by replacing the second throttle part 60. In addition, it becomes easy to develop a wide variety of vapor separators 1 according to the specifications of the fuel pump 6.

[0033] 4, the second throttling part 60 includes a small diameter portion 64 having a male thread 63 that screws into the female thread 25 provided in the second port 24, and a large diameter portion 66 that has a diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 64. The large diameter portion 66 is located upstream of the small diameter portion 64 in the flow direction of the fuel vapor, and has a locking surface 65 that is locked by a step provided in the inner wall of the second port 24 of the main body 20. In another embodiment, the second drawing part 60 is assembled to the second port 24 by press-fitting. In this case, the internal thread 25 of the body 20 and the external thread 63 of the second drawing part 60 are not required.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first throttle component 50 has a throttle passage with a larger cross-sectional flow area than the second throttle component 60 . That is, the effective flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first port 22 determined by the minimum diameter D1 of the through hole 52 of the first throttling component 50 is larger than the effective flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second port 24 determined by the minimum diameter D2 of the through hole 62 of the second throttling component 60. In addition, the minimum diameter D1 of the through hole 52 of the first throttling component 50 is larger than the minimum diameter D2 of the through hole 62 of the second throttling component 60.

[0035] In the fuel intake units 10A, 10B described above with reference to Figures 2A to 4, the first throttling part 50 and the second throttling part 60 are respectively assembled to the first port 22 and the second port 24 provided in the base 30 as a component part of the main body 20. In contrast, in some other embodiments, either the first throttling component 50 or the second throttling component 60 is assembled to the first port 22 or the second port 24 provided on the extension tube 40 .

[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel intake unit according to another embodiment. For ease of explanation, in addition to the fuel suction unit 10C, Fig. 5 also shows the fuel pump 6A, the liquid level L, the liquid phase section 100, and the gas phase section 200. Among the elements shown in Fig. 5, the elements that are the same as those described with reference to Fig. 2A are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 2A, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the fuel suction unit 10C differs from the fuel suction unit 10A described above with reference to FIG. 2A in that a second port 24 is provided at the connection end 45 of the extension pipe 40 connected to the base portion 30. Specifically, in the fuel intake unit 10C, the base 30 has a relay port 35 that connects the fuel flow passage 21, the first port 22, and the second port 24 to the fuel flow passage 21. The relay port 35 may be formed by a second straight hole 34 provided in the base 30. The second port 24 is provided in the connection end 45 of the extension pipe 40 adjacent to the relay port 35 so as to face the relay port 35, which opens on the outer surface 31B of the base 30 facing upward. The second throttling component 60 is assembled to the second port 24 provided in the connection end 45 of the extension pipe 40 by, for example, press-fitting or screw-fitting. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the second throttling component 60 is assembled to the second port 24 by press-fitting. When the connection end 45 of the extension pipe 40 to which the second throttling component 60 is attached is fitted to the annular protrusion 36 of the base 30, the second throttling component 60 is positioned on the inner circumferential side of the annular protrusion 36 of the base 30. That is, in the fuel intake unit 10C, the annular protrusion 36 of the base 30, when viewed from the extending direction of the second linear hole 34, surrounds the second throttle component 60 attached to the second port 24. The second throttle component 60 regulates the flow rate of fuel vapor flowing into the fuel flow passage 21 via the second port 24 and the relay port 35.

[0038] 5, in contrast to the fuel intake unit 10C shown in FIG. 5, the base 30 has the fuel flow passage 21, the second port 24, and a relay port that connects the first port 22 to the fuel flow passage 21. In this case, the first throttle component 50 is assembled to the first port 22 provided at the connection end 45 of the extension pipe 40. The first throttle component 50 regulates the flow rate of liquid fuel that flows into the fuel flow passage 21 via the first port 22 and the relay port.

[0039] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an outboard motor including the vapor separator 1 (1A, 1B) having the above-described configuration will be described. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an outboard motor according to one embodiment. As shown in the figure, an outboard motor 400 is attached to a transom 402 of a hull 404. The outboard motor 400 includes a vapor separator 1, an engine 410 for generating power by combusting fuel supplied via the vapor separator 1, and a propeller 420 driven by power from the engine 410. Engine 410 includes a cylinder block 412 and a cylinder head 414. The fuel that has passed through vapor separator 1 reaches fuel injector 418 via delivery pipe 416. Fuel injector 418 injects fuel into each cylinder of engine 410. The power generated by the engine 410 is transmitted to a propeller shaft 422 of the propeller 420 via a power transmission member 430. The power transmission member 430 includes a drive shaft 432 connected to a crankshaft (not shown) of the engine 410, and a bevel gear 434 provided between the propeller shaft 422 and the drive shaft 432.

[0040] The characteristic configurations of the fuel suction unit 10 (10A to 10C) and the vapor separator 1 (1A, 1B) according to the above-described embodiments are summarized as follows.

[0041] [1] A fuel intake unit (10; 10A to 10C) according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is a fuel intake unit (10; 10A, 10B) for a fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B) of a vapor separator (1; 1A, 1B) provided in a fuel supply system that supplies fuel to an engine, a main body (20) having a fuel flow path (21) communicating with an intake port (7) of a fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B), and a first port (22) and a second port (24) communicating with the fuel flow path (21); a first throttle element (50) provided in the first port (22) to regulate the flow rate of liquid fuel taken into the fuel flow path (21) through the first port (22); a second throttle element (60) provided in the second port (24) to regulate the flow rate of fuel vapor taken into the fuel flow path (21) through the second port (24); Equipped with.

[0042] According to the configuration [1], the first port (22) and the second port (24) of the main body (20) of the fuel suction unit (10; 10A-10C) are provided with the first throttle component (50) and the second throttle component (60), respectively, which are separate components from the main body (20). Therefore, by replacing the first throttle component (50) and the second throttle component (60), the amount of liquid fuel and fuel vapor flowing into the fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B) can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, by standardizing at least some of the components of the fuel suction unit (10; 10A-10C) other than the first throttle component (50) and the second throttle component (60) among the various types, product variations can be easily expanded.

[0043] [2] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [1] above, The main body (20) a base (30) connected to a fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B) and having a fuel flow path (21) and at least one of a first port (22) and a second port (24); an extension pipe (40) connected to the base (30) for directing liquid fuel or fuel vapor to the first port (22) or the second port (24); Includes.

[0044] According to the configuration [2] above, the main body (20) of the fuel suction unit (10; 10A-10C) includes the extension pipe (40), so that the extension pipe (40) can take in liquid fuel or fuel vapor into the fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B) regardless of the position of the base (30) provided on the suction side of the fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B). In addition, the flow rate of the liquid fuel or fuel vapor taken into the fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B) through the extension pipe (40) can be regulated by the first throttle component (50) or the second throttle component (60) described in [1] above.

[0045] [3] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [2] above, The fuel flow passage (21) and the first port (22) are formed by a first linear hole (32) extending through the base (30); The first throttle element (50) is attached to the first port (22) from the open end side of the first linear hole (32) in the outer surface (31A) of the base (30).

[0046] According to the configuration [3], the first throttle component (50) can be easily attached to the first port (22) provided in the base portion (30). In addition, the flow of liquid fuel flowing linearly from the first port (22) into the fuel flow path (21) is throttled by the first throttle component (50), accelerating the flow and reducing the pressure, and fuel vapor from the second port (24) communicating with the fuel flow path (21) can be effectively sucked into the fuel flow path (21).

[0047] [4] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [3] above, the second port (24) is formed by a second straight hole (34) extending within the base portion (30) in a direction intersecting the first straight hole (32) so as to communicate with a portion of the first straight hole (32) that forms the fuel flow path (21); The second throttle component (60) is attached to the second port (24) from the open end side of the second linear hole (34) in the outer surface (31B) of the base (30).

[0048] According to the configuration [4] above, the second throttle component (60) can be easily assembled to the second port (24) provided in the base portion (30). Furthermore, as described in [3] above, when the fuel flow path (21) and the first port (22) are formed by the first straight hole (32), the flow of the liquid fuel is accelerated when passing through the first throttle component (50), causing a pressure drop, and thus promoting the inflow of fuel vapor from the second port (24) into the fuel flow path (21).

[0049] [5] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [4] above, the base portion (30) has an annular protrusion (36) surrounding a second throttle component (60) attached to the second port (24) when viewed from the extending direction of the second linear hole (34); The extension pipe (40) is held in the base (30) by the engagement between the end of the extension pipe (40) and the annular protrusion (36), with the axial direction of the extension pipe (40) aligned with the extension direction of the second linear hole (34).

[0050] According to the configuration [5] above, the second throttle component (60) can be mounted near the fuel flow path (21), and the pressure drop caused by the acceleration of the flow of liquid fuel in the first throttle component (50) can be utilized to effectively promote the flow of fuel vapor from the second port (24) into the fuel flow path (21). Furthermore, before the extension pipe (40) and the base portion (30) are joined together, it is easy to access the area where the second throttle component (60) is to be installed near the fuel flow path (21). Therefore, the installation of the second throttle component (60) can be performed more easily than when the second throttle component (60) is installed near the fuel flow path (21) from the upstream end side of the extension pipe (40) through the extension pipe (40).

[0051] [6] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [2] or [3] above, the base portion (30) has a fuel flow path (21), one of a first port (22) and a second port (24), and a relay port (35) that connects the other of the first port (22) and the second port (24) to the fuel flow path (21); The other of the first port (22) and the second port (24) is provided at the connection end (45) of the extension pipe (40) connected to the base (30) so as to face the relay port (35) opening on the outer surface (31B) of the base (30).

[0052] According to the above configuration [6], the throttle components (50, 60) can be easily attached to the ports (22, 24) provided at the connecting end (45) of the extension pipe (40).

[0053] [7] In some embodiments, in any of the configurations [1] to [6] above, The first throttle component (50) has a throttle passage having a larger flow passage cross-sectional area than the second throttle component (60).

[0054] According to the above configuration [7], it is possible to achieve an appropriate balance between the amount of liquid fuel and fuel vapor flowing into the intake port (7) of the fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B).

[0055] [8] The vapor separator (1; 1A, 1B) according to at least some embodiments of the present invention comprises: a tank (2) for storing liquid fuel; a fuel suction unit (10; 10A to 10C) having the above-mentioned configurations [1] to [6], which is provided in the tank (2) and serves to suck in liquid fuel and fuel vapor generated by vaporization of the liquid fuel; a fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B) provided in the tank (2) for pressurizing liquid fuel and fuel vapor sucked through a fuel suction unit (10; 10A to 10C); Equipped with.

[0056] According to the configuration [8] above, as described in [1] above, the first port (22) and the second port (24) of the main body (20) of the fuel suction unit (10; 10A-10C) are provided with the first throttle element (50) and the second throttle element (60), respectively, which are separate components from the main body (20). Therefore, by replacing the first throttle element (50) and the second throttle element (60), the amount of liquid fuel and fuel vapor flowing into the fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B) can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, by standardizing at least some of the components of the fuel suction unit (10; 10A-10C) other than the first throttle element (50) and the second throttle element (60) among the various types, product variations can be easily expanded.

[0057] [9] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [8] above, The main body (20) of the fuel intake unit (10; 10A, 10C) comprises: a base (30) connected to a fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B) and having a fuel flow path (21), a first port (22), and a second port (24) or a relay port (35) communicating with the second port (24); an extension pipe (40) connected to the base (30) for directing fuel vapor to the second port (24); Including, a first port (22) of the fuel suction unit (10; 10A, 10C) is configured to be immersed in the liquid fuel stored in the tank (2) and to take the liquid fuel into the fuel flow path (21); The inlet (14) of the extension pipe (40) of the fuel suction unit (10; 10A, 10C) communicates with the gas phase (200) of the tank (2), The second port (24) of the fuel suction unit (10; 10A, 10C) is configured to take fuel vapor from the gas phase section (200) into the fuel flow path (21) through the extension pipe (40).

[0058] According to the configuration [9], the main body (20) of the fuel suction unit (10; 10A, 10C) includes the extension pipe (40). Therefore, the liquid fuel taken in through the first port (22) provided in the base (30) at a position immersed in the liquid fuel (liquid phase portion 100) can be introduced into the suction port (7) of the fuel pump (6A) along with the liquid fuel taken in through the first port (22) provided in the base (30).

[0059]

[10] In at least some embodiments of the present invention, an outboard motor (400) includes: A vapor separator (1) having the configuration of [8] or [9] above; an engine (410) for generating power by combusting fuel supplied via a vapor separator (1); a propeller (420) driven by power from an engine (410); Equipped with.

[0060] According to the configuration

[10] above, as described in [8] above, by replacing the first throttle component (50) and the second throttle component (60), the amount of liquid fuel and fuel vapor flowing into the fuel pump (6; 6A, 6B) can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, by standardizing at least some of the components of the fuel suction unit (10; 10A to 10C) other than the first throttle component (50) and the second throttle component (60) among the various types, product variations can be easily expanded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1: Vapor separator 2: Tank 6, 6A, 6B: Fuel pump 7: Intake port 10, 10A, 10B, 10C: Fuel intake unit 20: Main body 21: Fuel flow path 22: First port 24: Second port 30: Base 31A:Outer surface 31B:Outer surface 32: 1st straight hole 34: 2nd straight hole 35: Relay port 36: Annular protrusion 40: Extension tube 45: Connection end 50: First aperture part 60: Second drawing part 200: Gas phase 400: Outboard motor 410: Engine 420: Propeller

Claims

1. A fuel intake unit for a fuel pump of a vapor separator provided in a fuel supply system that supplies fuel to an engine, comprising: a main body having a fuel flow path communicating with an intake port of the fuel pump, and a first port and a second port communicating with the fuel flow path; a first throttle component provided in the first port to regulate a flow rate of liquid fuel taken into the fuel flow passage through the first port; a second throttle element provided in the second port to restrict a flow rate of fuel vapor introduced into the fuel flow passage through the second port; Equipped with Fuel intake unit.

2. The main body portion is a base portion connected to the fuel pump and having the fuel flow passage and at least one of the first port and the second port; an extension pipe connected to the base for directing the liquid fuel or the fuel vapor to the first port or the second port; Contains 2. The fuel intake unit according to claim 1.

3. the fuel passage and the first port are defined by a first linear hole extending through the base; The first diaphragm part is attached to the first port from the open end side of the first linear hole on the outer surface of the base.

3. A fuel intake unit according to claim 2.

4. the second port is formed by a second straight hole extending within the base portion in a direction intersecting the first straight hole so as to communicate with a portion of the first straight hole that forms the fuel flow path, The second suction part is attached to the second port from the open end side of the second linear hole on the outer surface of the base.

4. A fuel intake unit according to claim 3.

5. the base portion has an annular protrusion that surrounds the second throttle component attached to the second port when viewed from the extending direction of the second linear hole, The extension tube is held on the base by the engagement between the end of the extension tube and the annular protrusion, with the axial direction of the extension tube aligned with the extending direction of the second linear hole.

5. A fuel intake unit according to claim 4.

6. the base portion includes the fuel flow path, one of the first port and the second port, and a relay port that connects the other of the first port and the second port to the fuel flow path, The other of the first port and the second port is provided at a connection end of the extension pipe connected to the base portion so as to face the relay port that opens on the outer surface of the base portion.

4. A fuel intake unit according to claim 2 or 3.

7. The first throttle component has a throttle passage having a larger flow passage cross-sectional area than the second throttle component.

3. A fuel intake unit according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a tank for storing liquid fuel; a fuel intake unit according to claim 1, which is provided in the tank and which draws in the liquid fuel and fuel vapor generated by vaporization of the liquid fuel; a fuel pump provided in the tank for pressurizing the liquid fuel and the fuel vapor drawn in through the fuel suction unit; A vapor separator comprising:

9. The main body of the fuel suction unit is a base portion connected to the fuel pump, the base portion including the fuel flow path, the first port, and the second port or a relay port communicating with the second port; an extension tube connected to the base for directing the fuel vapor to the second port; Including, the first port of the fuel suction unit is configured to be immersed in the liquid fuel stored in the tank and to take in the liquid fuel into the fuel flow path; an inlet of the extension pipe of the fuel suction unit communicates with a gas phase portion of the tank; The second port of the fuel suction unit is configured to take the fuel vapor from the gas phase portion into the fuel flow path through the extension pipe. The vapor separator of claim 8.

10. The vapor separator according to claim 8 or 9; an engine for generating power by combusting fuel supplied via the vapor separator; a propeller driven by the power from the engine; An outboard motor equipped with

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