fuel supply unit

Abstract

The snap-fit ​​mechanism that connects the housings of the fuel supply unit reduces impact loads and prevents detachment or damage. [Solution] The fuel supply device 1 has a flange 20a attached to a fuel tank, a cylindrical body 20b extending from the flange 20a, and a pump housing 10 that houses a fuel pump. The pump housing 10 has an insertion end 12, a plurality of snap-fit ​​walls 13, and a restricting piece 15. The insertion end 12 is inserted into the cylindrical body 20b. The snap-fit ​​walls 13 protrude from the insertion end 12 to cover the outer circumferential surface 20c of the cylindrical body 20b and have engagement holes 14 into which the claws 21 of the cylindrical body 20b engage. The restricting piece 15 protrudes from the insertion end 12 to cover the outer circumferential surface 20c of the cylindrical body 20b and protrudes toward the flange 20a side from the engagement holes 14 and is located between the plurality of snap-fit ​​walls 13. The restricting piece 15 and the insertion end 12 cooperate to restrict the radial movement of the pump housing 10 relative to the cylindrical body 20b.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to, for example, a fuel supply device provided with a fuel pump that supplies fuel in a fuel tank to an engine. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose a fuel supply device provided with a fuel pump. The fuel pump sucks the fuel in the fuel tank through a filter and discharges the fuel to the engine. The fuel pump is housed in a housing formed by connecting an upper structure (a flange, an upper case, and a sub-tank body) and a lower structure (a lower cup, a lower case, and a lower cover). One of the upper structure and the lower structure has a plurality of claws on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and the other has a plurality of engagement holes that engage with the claws. The upper structure and the lower structure are connected by a snap-fit mechanism that engages each claw with each engagement hole.

[0003] The fuel supply device is housed in a fuel tank. In the fuel supply devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 3, the upper structure is attached in a posture suspended from the upper wall of the fuel tank. That is, the fuel supply device is cantilever-supported on the upper wall of the fuel tank. In the fuel supply device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the lower structure is attached to the bottom wall of the fuel tank. That is, the fuel supply device is cantilever-supported on the bottom wall of the fuel tank.

[0004] In accordance with the demand for a deeper fuel tank, the fuel supply device is required to be elongated in the vertical direction. Since the fuel supply device is cantilever-supported by the fuel tank, elongating it in the vertical direction increases the influence of lateral impact loads. Therefore, higher durability is required for the snap-fit mechanism. In the structure of a conventional snap-fit mechanism, load reduction against impact loads is insufficient, and there is a risk of disengagement or damage. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-127607 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-135508 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-38696 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The problem that the technology disclosed herein seeks to solve is to reduce impact loads and prevent detachment or damage to a snap-fit ​​mechanism that connects the housings of fuel supply devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one feature of the present disclosure, a fuel supply device comprises a flange attached to a fuel tank, a cylindrical body extending from the flange, and a pump housing that accommodates a fuel pump. The pump housing has an insertion end, a plurality of snap-fit ​​walls, and a restricting piece. The insertion end is inserted into the cylindrical body. The snap-fit ​​walls extend from the insertion end to cover the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body and have engagement holes into which the claws of the cylindrical body engage. The restricting piece extends from the insertion end to cover the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body and extends toward the flange side from the engagement holes, and is located between the plurality of snap-fit ​​walls. The restricting piece and the insertion end cooperate to restrict the radial movement of the pump housing relative to the cylindrical body.

[0008] Therefore, the inner insertion end of the cylindrical body and the outer restricting piece work together to restrict the radial movement of the pump housing relative to the cylindrical body. Moreover, the restricting piece is aligned with the engagement hole of the snap-fit ​​wall in the circumferential direction. As a result, radial movement of the pump housing can also be restricted around the engagement hole. This prevents detachment or damage to the snap-fit ​​mechanism in which the engagement hole of the snap-fit ​​wall and the claw of the cylindrical body engage with impact loads applied to the pump housing, for example, in a fuel supply device that is long in the depth direction of the fuel tank. The pump housing may house the entire fuel pump, or the pump housing may house a part of the fuel pump and the cylindrical body may house the rest of the fuel pump. In either case, this disclosure can prevent detachment or damage to the snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0009] According to other features of this disclosure, the pump housing has a cylindrical housing body connected to an insertion end and having an outer diameter larger than the insertion end. A snap-fit ​​wall and a restricting piece extend radially outward from the housing body. Thus, the insertion end is connected to the housing body on the inner circumferential side. The snap-fit ​​wall and restricting piece are connected to the housing body on the outer circumferential side. As a result, the cylindrical body is sandwiched radially between the insertion end and the snap-fit ​​wall or restricting piece. This allows for more reliable restriction of the radial relative movement of the cylindrical body and the pump housing due to impact loads.

[0010] According to other features of this disclosure, the housing body has an inner surface with a larger inner diameter than the inner surface of the insertion end. The inner surface of the housing body is connected to the inner surface of the insertion end by an inclined surface whose inner diameter gradually decreases toward the inner surface of the insertion end. Therefore, by providing an inclined surface, the connection between the insertion end and the housing body can be given radial thickness, thereby increasing rigidity. As a result, the connection between the snap-fit ​​wall and the regulating piece and the housing body can also be made more rigid. This increases the strength of the snap-fit ​​wall and the regulating piece against impact loads.

[0011] According to other features of this disclosure, the insertion end protrudes toward the flange side beyond the snap-fit ​​wall and regulating piece, and has a tapered portion on its outer circumference. Therefore, when engaging the cylindrical body with the pump housing, the insertion end is inserted into the cylindrical body before the snap-fit ​​wall and regulating piece. Moreover, the tapered portion contacts the cylindrical body, allowing the pump housing to be positioned according to the inner circumference of the cylindrical body. This improves the ease of assembly between the cylindrical body and the pump housing.

[0012] According to other features of this disclosure, the snap-fit ​​wall has a claw guide portion that bulges radially from the engagement hole toward the flange side. Therefore, the claw guide portion is a part of the snap-fit ​​wall that is easily subjected to load from the claw due to impact. By making the claw guide portion radially thicker, it is possible to suppress the disengagement or damage of the snap-fit ​​mechanism due to impact load. In addition, when inserting the claw into the engagement hole, the claw guide portion can smoothly guide the claw to the engagement hole. This improves the ease of assembly between the cylindrical body and the pump housing.

[0013] According to other features of this disclosure, the cylindrical body has an anti-rotation piece that protrudes between the snap-fit ​​wall and the regulating piece. Therefore, by protruding the anti-rotation piece between the snap-fit ​​wall and the regulating piece, the pump housing can be easily positioned circumferentially relative to the cylindrical body. This improves the ease of assembly by engaging the claws of the cylindrical body with the engagement holes of the snap-fit ​​wall. In addition, the anti-rotation piece that protrudes between the snap-fit ​​wall and the regulating piece increases the circumferential strength against impact. This suppresses detachment or damage of the snap-fit ​​mechanism under impact load.

[0014] According to other features of this disclosure, the snap-fit ​​wall and the regulating piece each have an anti-rotation piece guide surface at the tip of the surface facing the anti-rotation piece, which is inclined toward the flange. Therefore, the anti-rotation piece guide surface can smoothly guide the anti-rotation piece between the snap-fit ​​wall and the regulating piece. This improves the ease of assembly between the cylindrical body and the pump housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the technology disclosed in the present specification, with regard to the snap-fit mechanism that connects housings of a fuel supply device, impact load can be reduced to suppress disengagement and damage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the fuel supply device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a front view of the fuel supply device. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of a flange unit and a pump housing of the fuel supply device. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the pump housing as viewed from the left rear side. [Figure 5] It is a front view of the pump housing. [Figure 6] It is a top view of the pump housing. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the flange unit and the pump housing taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 5. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7 in the direction of the arrows. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 7 in the direction of the arrows. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the fuel supply device of the present disclosure will be described based on Figs. 1 to 9. The same reference numerals in the description will not be repeated, but refer to the same elements having the same functions. The fuel supply device 1 according to the present embodiment, when mounted on a fuel tank of a vehicle, supplies fuel in the fuel tank to an engine, which is an internal combustion engine of the vehicle. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the fuel supply device, and Fig. 2 is a front view of the fuel supply device. The vertical direction in the drawings corresponds to the direction of gravity when the fuel supply device is mounted on the fuel tank, that is, the so-called vertical direction. The front, rear, left and right directions in the drawings are for convenience of description, and do not correspond to, for example, the front, rear, left and right directions of the vehicle when the fuel supply device is mounted on the fuel tank.

[0018] [Outline of Fuel Tank 7] As shown in Figure 2, the fuel tank 7 is a hollow container having an upper wall 7a and a bottom wall 7b. The fuel tank 7 is made of resin and stores, for example, gasoline as a liquid fuel. The upper wall 7a and the bottom wall 7b are approximately parallel to each other. The upper wall 7a is provided with a circular hole-shaped opening 7c that penetrates vertically. The fuel tank 7 is mounted on the vehicle in a position where the upper wall 7a and the bottom wall 7b are horizontal.

[0019] [Overview of Fuel Supply System 1] As shown in Figure 2, the fuel supply device 1 includes a flange unit 20, a pump housing 10, and a fuel pump 3. The flange unit 20 is attached to the upper wall 7a of the fuel tank 7 so as to close the opening 7c. The pump housing 10 is connected vertically to the flange unit 20 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism 6. The snap-fit ​​mechanism 6 will be described later. The flange unit 20 and the pump housing 10 work together to form a housing for the fuel pump 3 and other components.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the flange unit 20 has an upper flange 20a and a lower cylindrical body 20b. The flange 20a and the cylindrical body 20b are integrally connected. The flange 20a has a disc-shaped top plate and a cylindrical shape extending from the top plate toward the cylindrical body 20b below. The cylindrical body 20b is provided in a cylindrical shape with its vertical direction as the axial direction. The flange 20a and the cylindrical body 20b are made of resin, for example, polyacetal (POM).

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the pump housing 10 has a cylindrical housing body 11 with its axial direction in the vertical direction. The outer circumferential surface 11a and inner circumferential surface 11b of the housing body 11 are approximately the same diameter as the outer circumferential surface 20c and inner circumferential surface 20d of the cylindrical body 20b (see Figures 8 and 9). The housing body 11 and the cylindrical body 20b are aligned vertically with their respective centers approximately coaxial. The housing body 11 and the cylindrical body 20b form a cylindrical shape that is elongated and connected in the vertical direction. The pump housing 10 is made of resin, for example, polyacetal (POM).

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the fuel pump 3 is cylindrical with its axial direction in the vertical direction. The entire fuel pump 3 is housed on the inner circumference of the housing body 11 of the pump housing 10. A relief valve for pressure regulation is provided at the top of the fuel pump 3. A disc-shaped cap 30 is attached to the lower end of the housing body 11. By covering the opening at the lower end of the housing body 11 with the cap 30, the fuel pump 3 is held in place so that it does not fall out downward from inside the housing body 11. The mounting structure of the housing body 11 and the cap 30 will be described later.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the fuel supply device 1 has a fuel filter 2 located below the pump housing 10. The fuel filter 2 has a flat, bag-shaped filter member that filters the fuel. The fuel supply device 1 has an intake port 4 that penetrates the cap 30 vertically. The fuel filter 2 communicates with the fuel pump 3 via the intake port 4. The fuel supply device 1 has a discharge port 5 located above the flange 20a. The discharge port 5 is located on the outside of the fuel tank 7. The discharge port 5 communicates with the downstream (upper) part of the fuel pump 3.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the fuel supply device 1 has a sender gauge 31. The sender gauge 31 detects the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank 7. The sender gauge 31 has a gauge body 31a, a float 31b, and an arm 31c. The gauge body 31a is attached to the front of the outer circumferential surface 11a of the housing body 11. The arm 31c extends generally in the left-right direction. The base end of the arm 31c is supported by the gauge body 31a so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. The float 31b is attached to the tip of the arm 31c. The float 31b moves vertically as the liquid level of the fuel in the fuel tank 7 changes. This causes the arm 31c to rotate vertically. The gauge body 31a outputs an electrical signal related to the rotation angle of the arm 31c.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the fuel supply device 1 has a gauge harness 33 and a pump harness 34. The gauge harness 33 is arranged on the outside of the cylindrical body 20b and the housing body 11. The lower end of the gauge harness 33 is connected to the gauge body 31a. The upper end of the gauge harness 33 is connected to the gauge connector on the upper surface of the flange 20a. The gauge body 31a is electrically connected to the power supply unit, control unit, etc. on the outside of the fuel tank 7 via the gauge harness 33. The electrical signal output by the gauge body 31a is sent to the control unit, etc. via the gauge harness 33.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the pump harness 34 has its upper end positioned outside the cylindrical body 20b, and its lower portion positioned inside the cylindrical body 20b and the housing body 11. The lower end of the pump harness 34 is connected to the fuel pump 3. The upper end of the pump harness 34 is connected to the pump connector on the upper surface of the flange 20a. The fuel pump 3 is electrically connected to the power supply unit, control unit, etc., outside the fuel tank 7 via the pump harness 34.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the fuel supply device 1 has a pressure regulator 32. A regulator holder 23 is provided on the outside of the outer circumferential surface 20c of the cylindrical body 20b. A regulator holder 17 is provided on the outside of the outer circumferential surface 11a of the housing body 11. The regulator holder 23 and the regulator holder 17 work together to hold the pressure regulator 32. The pressure regulator 32 adjusts the pressure of the pressurized fuel discharged from the fuel pump 3, in other words, the fuel supplied to the engine, to a predetermined pressure. The fuel adjusted by the pressure regulator 32 is discharged from the discharge port 5. Any excess fuel in the pressure regulator 32 is discharged into the fuel tank 7.

[0028] [Overview of cylindrical body 20b] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the outer circumferential surface 20c of the cylindrical body 20b is provided with a plurality of claws 21 and a plurality of anti-rotation pieces 22 that protrude radially outward. There are a total of three claws 21, which are provided at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each claw 21 is provided at approximately the same height and in approximately the same shape from the lower end of the cylindrical body 20b. Each claw 21 has an upper surface 21a and a lower surface 21b. The upper surface 21a is approximately horizontal. The lower surface 21b is inclined upward toward the radially outward direction. There are a total of two anti-rotation pieces 22, which are provided on opposite sides in the radial direction, on the left and right sides in Figure 7. The lower end of the anti-rotation piece 22 is at approximately the same height as the lower end 20e of the cylindrical body 20b. The upper end of the anti-rotation piece 22 is located above the claws 21.

[0029] [Overview of Pump Housing 10] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pump housing 10 has an insertion end 12, a plurality of snap-fit ​​walls 13, and a plurality of restricting pieces 15. The insertion end 12 is provided in a cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as its axial direction. The insertion end 12 is provided above the housing body 11. The insertion end 12 and the housing body 11 are aligned vertically at positions where their centers are approximately coaxial. The insertion end 12 is partially notched in the circumferential direction at a rear notch 12e that communicates with the regulator holding portion 17. The outer circumferential surface 12a of the insertion end 12 has a smaller diameter than the outer circumferential surface 11a of the housing body 11 and is located on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential surface 11a.

[0030] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the inner circumferential surface 12b of the insertion end 12 has a smaller diameter than the inner circumferential surface 11b of the housing body 11 and is located on the inner side of the inner circumferential surface 11b. The inner circumferential surface 12b of the insertion end 12 is connected to the inner circumferential surface 11b of the housing body 11 at its lower end 12d via an inclined surface 11c. The inner diameter of the inclined surface 11c gradually decreases upward from the inner circumferential surface 11b of the housing body 11 to the inner circumferential surface 12b of the insertion end 12.

[0031] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the insertion end 12 has a substantially constant radial thickness from the upper end 12c to the lower end 12d. The radial thickness of the insertion end 12 is, for example, -20% to +20% of the radial thickness of the housing body 11, and is substantially the same as that of the housing body 11.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the upper end 12c of the insertion end 12 is approximately horizontal. The upper end 12c of the insertion end 12 is located above the upper end 13c of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the upper end 15c of the restricting piece 15, which will be described later. In other words, the insertion end 12 protrudes upward above the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the restricting piece 15. A tapered portion 12f is provided on the outer circumferential surface 12a side of the upper end 12c of the insertion end 12, tapering upward.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the snap-fit ​​wall 13 is a rectangular plate shape that extends vertically and circumferentially. The snap-fit ​​wall 13 is provided with rectangular engagement holes 14 that penetrate radially. The claws 21 of the cylindrical body 20b enter into and engage with each engagement hole 14. The snap-fit ​​mechanism 6 is composed of snap-fit ​​walls 13 equipped with claws 21 and engagement holes 14. As shown in Figure 6, a total of three snap-fit ​​walls 13 are provided at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in Figure 7, the three engagement holes 14 are positioned at the same circumferential position as each claw 21 of the cylindrical body 20b.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the outer circumferential surface 13a of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 is located further outward than the outer circumferential surface 11a of the housing body 11. The outer circumferential surface 13a of each snap-fit ​​wall 13 is approximately the same distance from the center of the housing body 11. The outer circumferential surface 13a of each snap-fit ​​wall 13 extends in an arc shape around the center of the housing body 11. The inner circumferential surface 13b of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 extends in an arc shape in the circumferential direction, following the outer circumferential surface 11a, at approximately the same radial position as the outer circumferential surface 11a of the housing body 11.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper end 13c of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 extends horizontally below the upper end 12c of the insertion end 12. The upper end 13c and lower end 13d of each snap-fit ​​wall 13 are at approximately the same height. A connecting portion 13e is provided above the lower end 13d of the snap-fit ​​wall 13. The snap-fit ​​wall 13 is radially connected to the housing body 11 at the connecting portion 13e. That is, the snap-fit ​​wall 13 is supported by the housing body 11 in a cantilevered manner, extending upward from the connecting portion 13e. A curved surface 13f is provided on the outer circumferential surface 13a side of the connecting portion 13e of the left rear and right rear snap-fit ​​walls 13. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the curved surface 13f has a circular arc cross-section that is concave radially inward and upward.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the outer opening 14c of the engagement hole 14 is rectangular. The engagement hole 14 penetrates the snap-fit ​​wall 13 radially in a substantially constant shape from the outer opening 14c to the inner opening 14d (see Figure 4). The upper end 14a and lower end 14b of the engagement hole 14 are planar, extending horizontally and radially. The upper end 14a of the engagement hole 14 is located below the upper end 13c of the snap-fit ​​wall 13, for example, below the upper end 13c by more than the radial thickness of the snap-fit ​​wall 13.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a claw guide portion 13g is provided above the engagement hole 14 of the snap-fit ​​wall 13. The claw guide portion 13g bulges radially upward relative to the other areas of the snap-fit ​​wall 13. The outer circumferential surface of the claw guide portion 13g extends radially outward from the upper end 14a of the outer opening 14c of the engagement hole 14. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the inclined surface 13h, which is the inner circumferential surface of the claw guide portion 13g, extends radially outward from the upper end 14a of the inner opening 14d of the engagement hole 14.

[0038] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the snap-fit ​​wall 13 has a substantially constant radial thickness from the upper end 13c to the upper end of the connecting portion 13e, i.e., in the cantilevered region. The radial thickness of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 is, for example, -20% to +20% of the radial thickness of the housing body 11, and is, for example, substantially the same as the housing body 11.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the restricting piece 15 is a rectangular plate that extends both vertically and circumferentially. As shown in Figure 6, a total of two restricting pieces 15 are provided between the multiple snap-fit ​​walls 13 in the circumferential direction. Between the left rear and right rear snap-fit ​​walls 13, a regulator holder 17 is provided instead of a restricting piece 15.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the outer circumferential surface 15a of the restricting piece 15 is located further outward than the outer circumferential surface 11a of the housing body 11. The outer circumferential surface 15a of each restricting piece 15 is arranged in an arc shape that is approximately the same as the outer circumferential surface 13a of each snap-fit ​​wall 13. The outer circumferential surface 15a of each restricting piece 15 extends in an arc shape around the center of the housing body 11. The inner circumferential surface 15b of the restricting piece 15 extends in an arc shape in the circumferential direction, following the outer circumferential surface 11a, at approximately the same radial position as the outer circumferential surface 11a of the housing body 11 and the inner circumferential surface 13b of the snap-fit ​​wall 13.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper end 15c of the restricting piece 15 extends horizontally below the upper end 12c of the insertion end 12. The upper end 15c and lower end 15d of each restricting piece 15 are at approximately the same height as the upper end 13c and lower end 13d of each snap-fit ​​wall 13. The upper end 15c of each restricting piece 15 is located above the upper end 14a of each engagement hole 14, for example, above the upper end 14a by more than the radial thickness of the restricting piece 15. The lower end 15d of each restricting piece 15 is located below the lower end 14b of each engagement hole 14, for example, below the lower end 14b by more than the radial thickness of the restricting piece 15.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a connecting portion 15e is provided above the lower end 15d of the restricting piece 15. The restricting piece 15 is radially connected to the housing body 11 at the connecting portion 15e. The restricting piece 15, like the snap-fit ​​wall 13, is supported by the housing body 11 in a cantilevered manner that extends upward. The outer circumferential surface side of the connecting portion 15e of the right front restricting piece 15 is provided as a curved surface, similar to the curved surface 13f of the snap-fit ​​wall 13.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a harness retaining portion 15g is provided on the right front regulating piece 15. The harness retaining portion 15g is provided on the upper end of the regulating piece 15 and protrudes radially outward. The harness retaining portion 15g is provided above the upper end 14a of the engagement hole 14. The gauge harness 33 is held in place by being sandwiched in the harness retaining portion 15g. By providing the harness retaining portion 15g on the regulating piece 15 and above the upper end 14a of the engagement hole 14, it is possible to prevent the gauge harness 33 from getting in the way when engaging, for example, the claw 21 with the engagement hole 14.

[0044] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the restricting piece 15 has a substantially constant radial thickness from the upper end 15c to the upper end of the connecting portion 15e, i.e., in the cantilevered region. The radial thickness of the restricting piece 15 is, for example, -20% to +20% of the radial thickness of the housing body 11, and is substantially the same as, for example, the housing body 11. The radial thickness of the restricting piece 15 is substantially the same as, for example, the snap-fit ​​wall 13.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the regulator holder portion 17 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 11a of the housing body 11. The upper end of the regulator holder portion 17 extends horizontally at approximately the same height as the upper end 15c of the restricting piece 15. As shown in Figure 6, the inner circumferential end of the regulator holder portion 17 is at approximately the same radial position as the inner circumferential surface 15b of the restricting piece 15. Therefore, the regulator holder portion 17 also serves as a restricting piece that restricts the radial relative movement between the cylindrical body 20b and the pump housing 10.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, slits 16 extending linearly in the vertical direction are provided between the left rear snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the left front restricting piece 15 in the radial direction, and between the right rear snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the right front restricting piece 15 in the radial direction. The anti-rotation piece 22 of the cylindrical body 20b protrudes into each slit 16. An anti-rotation guide surface 13i is provided on the upper tip of the side of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 adjacent to the slit 16, i.e., the upper tip of the side facing the anti-rotation piece 22. An anti-rotation guide surface 15f is provided on the upper tip of the side of the restricting piece 15 adjacent to the slit 16, i.e., the upper tip of the side facing the anti-rotation piece 22. The anti-rotation guide surfaces 13i and 15f are inclined upwards, away from the slit 16.

[0047] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, a cylindrical gap is provided radially between the outer circumferential surface 12a of the insertion end 12 and the inner circumferential surface 13b of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 or the inner circumferential surface 15b of the restricting piece 15. The radial width of this gap is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the radial thickness of the cylindrical body 20b. By inserting the cylindrical body 20b into the gap so that it is covered from the radially outward by the inner circumferential surface 13b of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the inner circumferential surface 15b of the restricting piece 15, the radial relative movement between the cylindrical body 20b and the pump housing 10 can be restricted. A stop surface 11d is provided at the upper end of the housing body 11, which is the lower end of the cylindrical gap. By bringing the lower end 20e of the cylindrical body 20b against the stop surface 11d, the cylindrical body 20b can be positioned axially relative to the pump housing 10.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outer peripheral surface 11a of the lower part of the housing body 11 is provided with a plurality of claws 11e and a plurality of anti-rotation pieces 11f that protrude radially outward. The shape, circumferential position, axial position, etc., of each claw 11e and each anti-rotation piece 11f are the same as those of the claws 21 of the cylindrical body 20b.

[0049] [Overview of Cap 30] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cap 30 has a disc-shaped bottom surface 30a and a plurality of snap-fit ​​walls 30b extending upward from the periphery of the bottom surface 30a. Each snap-fit ​​wall 30b is provided with a rectangular engagement hole 30c that penetrates radially. The claws 11e of the housing body 11 engage with the engagement holes 30c. The bottom surface 30a is provided with a stopper 30d that protrudes radially outward. The stopper 30d protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 11a of the housing body 11. The bottom surface 30a with the stopper 30d can further prevent the fuel pump 3 housed in the housing body 11 from falling out.

[0050] [Operation of fuel supply device 1] The fuel pump 3 is powered by an external power supply. Fuel from the fuel tank 7 is drawn into the fuel pump 3 through the intake port 4 via the fuel filter 2 and pressurized. The pressurized fuel is then regulated by a relief valve at the top of the fuel pump 3 and discharged to the outside, i.e., supplied to the engine, through the discharge port 5 of the flange unit 20.

[0051] As described above, the fuel supply device 1 has a flange 20a attached to the fuel tank 7, a cylindrical body 20b extending from the flange 20a, and a pump housing 10 that houses the fuel pump 3, as shown in Figures 2, 3, 8, and 9. The pump housing 10 has an insertion end 12, a plurality of snap-fit ​​walls 13, and a restricting piece 15. The insertion end 12 is inserted into the cylindrical body 20b. The snap-fit ​​walls 13 protrude from the insertion end 12 to cover the outer circumferential surface 20c of the cylindrical body 20b and have engagement holes 14 into which the claws 21 of the cylindrical body 20b engage. The restricting piece 15 protrudes from the insertion end 12 to cover the outer circumferential surface 20c of the cylindrical body 20b and protrudes toward the flange 20a side from the engagement holes 14 and is located between the plurality of snap-fit ​​walls 13. The restricting piece 15 and the insertion end 12 cooperate to restrict the radial movement of the pump housing 10 relative to the cylindrical body 20b.

[0052] Therefore, the inner insertion end 12 and outer restricting piece 15 of the cylindrical body 20b cooperate to restrict the radial movement of the pump housing 10 relative to the cylindrical body 20b. Moreover, the restricting piece 15 is aligned with the engagement hole 14 of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 in the circumferential direction. As a result, radial movement of the pump housing 10 can also be restricted around the engagement hole 14. This prevents detachment or damage to the snap-fit ​​mechanism 6, in which the engagement hole 14 of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the claw 21 of the cylindrical body 20b engage, in the event of an impact load on the pump housing 10 in a fuel supply device 1 that is long in the depth direction of the fuel tank 7. The pump housing 10 may house the entire fuel pump 3, or the pump housing 10 may house a part of the fuel pump 3 and the cylindrical body 20b may house the remaining part of the fuel pump 3. In either case, this disclosure prevents detachment or damage to the snap-fit ​​mechanism 6.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3, 8, and 9, the pump housing 10 has a cylindrical housing body 11 connected to an insertion end 12 and having an outer diameter larger than the insertion end 12. A snap-fit ​​wall 13 and a restricting piece 15 extend radially outward from the housing body 11. Therefore, the insertion end 12 is connected to the housing body 11 on the inner circumferential surface 11b side. The snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the restricting piece 15 are connected to the housing body 11 on the outer circumferential surface 11a side. As a result, a cylindrical body 20b is sandwiched radially between the insertion end 12 and the snap-fit ​​wall 13 or restricting piece 15. This allows for more reliable restriction of the radial relative movement of the cylindrical body 20b and the pump housing 10 due to impact loads.

[0054] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the housing body 11 has an inner circumferential surface 11b with a larger inner diameter than the inner circumferential surface 12b of the insertion end 12. The inner circumferential surface 11b of the housing body 11 is connected to the inner circumferential surface 12b of the insertion end 12 by an inclined surface 11c whose inner diameter gradually decreases toward the inner circumferential surface 12b of the insertion end 12. Therefore, by providing the inclined surface 11c, the connection between the insertion end 12 and the housing body 11 can be given radial thickness, thereby increasing rigidity. As a result, the rigidity of the connection between the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the restricting piece 15 and the housing body 11 can also be increased. This increases the strength of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the restricting piece 15 against impact loads.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3, 8, and 9, the insertion end 12 protrudes toward the flange 20a side beyond the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the restricting piece 15, and has a tapered portion 12f on its outer circumferential surface 12a. Therefore, when engaging the cylindrical body 20b with the pump housing 10, the insertion end 12 is inserted into the cylindrical body 20b before the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the restricting piece 15. Moreover, the tapered portion 12f contacts the cylindrical body 20b, allowing the pump housing 10 to be positioned according to the inner circumferential surface 20d of the cylindrical body 20b. This improves the ease of assembly between the cylindrical body 20b and the pump housing 10.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3, 8, and 3, the snap-fit ​​wall 13 has a claw guide portion 13g that bulges radially toward the flange 20a side from the engagement hole 14. Therefore, the claw guide portion 13g is a point on the snap-fit ​​wall 13 that is easily subjected to load from the claw 21 due to impact. By making the claw guide portion 13g thicker in the radial direction, the snap-fit ​​mechanism 6 can be prevented from coming off or being damaged due to impact load. In addition, when inserting the claw 21 into the engagement hole 14, the claw guide portion 13g can smoothly guide the claw 21 to the engagement hole 14. This improves the ease of assembly between the cylindrical body 20b and the pump housing 10.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 7, the cylindrical body 20b has an anti-rotation piece 22 that protrudes between the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the regulating piece 15. Therefore, by protruding the anti-rotation piece 22 between the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the regulating piece 15, the pump housing 10 can be easily positioned circumferentially relative to the cylindrical body 20b. This improves the ease of assembly by engaging the claws 21 of the cylindrical body 20b with the engagement holes 14 of the snap-fit ​​wall 13. In addition, the anti-rotation piece 22 that protrudes between the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the regulating piece 15 increases the circumferential strength against impact. This suppresses detachment or damage of the snap-fit ​​mechanism 6 under impact load.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the restricting piece 15 each have an anti-rotation piece guide surface 13i and 15f at the tip of the surface facing the anti-rotation piece 22, which are inclined toward the flange 20a. Therefore, the anti-rotation piece guide surface 13i and 15f can smoothly guide the anti-rotation piece 22 between the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the restricting piece 15. This improves the ease of assembly between the cylindrical body 20b and the pump housing 10.

[0059] The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiments described above and is subject to various modifications. An example is given in which the entire fuel pump 3 is housed in the housing body 11. Alternatively, a portion of the fuel pump 3 may be housed in the housing body 11, while another portion enters the cylindrical body 20b.

[0060] An example is shown of an insertion end 12 that is connected as a single unit in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the insertion end 12 may be divided into multiple parts in the circumferential direction. The number of snap-fit ​​walls 13 and the number of restricting pieces 15 are not limited to those exemplified and may be changed as appropriate. An example is shown of a configuration in which one restricting piece 15 is provided between two snap-fit ​​walls 13. It is sufficient for the restricting piece 15 to be provided between any multiple snap-fit ​​walls 13; for example, multiple restricting pieces 15 may be provided between two snap-fit ​​walls 13. For example, it is not necessary for the restricting piece 15 to be provided between all snap-fit ​​walls 13. A configuration that also serves as a restricting piece, such as the regulator holding part 17 of this disclosure, may be provided between multiple snap-fit ​​walls 13.

[0061] The thickness and upper height of the insertion end 12, snap-fit ​​wall 13, and regulating piece 15 are not limited to those exemplified and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the thickness, upper height, or both of the snap-fit ​​wall 13 and the regulating piece 15 may differ. For example, the thickness, upper height, or both of the snap-fit ​​walls 13 or the regulating pieces 15 may differ from each other. For example, the upper end 15c of at least one regulating piece 15 should protrude towards the flange 20a more than the upper end 14a of the engagement hole 14 closest to the flange 20a.

[0062] The inclined surfaces such as the exemplified inclined surface 11c, tapered portion 12f, inclined surface 13h, and anti-rotation guide surfaces 13i and 15f may include curved surfaces or may be flat surfaces. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1...Fuel supply device 2…Fuel filter 3…Fuel pump 4…Inlet 5…Discharge port 6…Snap-fit ​​mechanism 7...Fuel tank, 7a...Top wall, 7b...Bottom wall, 7c...Opening 10... Pump Housing 11...Housing body, 11a...Outer circumferential surface, 11b...Inner circumferential surface, 11c...Slanted surface 11d...buttock surface, 11e...claw, 11f...anti-rotation piece 12... Insertion end, 12a... Outer surface, 12b... Inner surface, 12c... Upper end, 12d... Lower end 12e...notch, 12f...tapered section 13...Snap-fit ​​wall, 13a...Outer surface, 13b...Inner surface, 13c...Top end 13d...Lower end, 13e...Connecting part, 13f...Curved surface, 13g...Claw guide part, 13h...Inclined surface 13i... Anti-rotation guide surface 14...Engagement hole, 14a...Upper end, 14b...Lower end, 14c...Outer opening, 14d...Inner opening 15...Regulation piece, 15a...Outer circumferential surface, 15b...Inner circumferential surface, 15c...Upper end, 15d...Lower end 15e...Connecting part, 15f...Anti-rotation guide surface, 15g...Harness retaining part 16…Slit 17…Regulator holding part (regulating piece) 20...Flange unit, 20a...Flange, 20b...Cylinder, 20c...Outer surface, 20d...Inner surface 20e…lower end 21...Claw, 21a...Top surface, 21b...Bottom surface 22... Anti-rotation piece 23…Regulator holding part 30...Cap, 30a...Bottom, 30b...Snap-fit ​​wall, 30c...Engagement hole 30d... Stopper 31...Sender gauge, 31a...Gauge body, 31b...Float, 31c...Arm 32...Pressure Regulator 33... Harness for gauge 34… Pump harness

Claims

1. A fuel supply device, A flange that attaches to the fuel tank, A cylindrical body extending from the flange, It has a pump housing that houses a fuel pump, and the pump housing is An insertion end that is inserted into the cylindrical body, A plurality of snap-fit ​​walls are provided, which extend from the insertion end so as to cover the outer surface of the cylindrical body and have engagement holes into which the claws of the cylindrical body are engaged, The regulating piece extends from the insertion end so as to cover the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body and extends from the engagement hole toward the flange side, and is located between the plurality of snap-fit ​​walls, A fuel supply device in which the restricting piece and the insertion end cooperate to restrict the radial movement of the pump housing relative to the cylindrical body.

2. A fuel supply device according to claim 1, The pump housing has a cylindrical housing body connected to the insertion end and having an outer diameter larger than that of the insertion end. A fuel supply device in which the snap-fit ​​wall and the restricting piece extend radially outward from the housing body.

3. A fuel supply device according to claim 2, The housing body has an inner circumferential surface with an inner diameter larger than the inner circumferential surface of the insertion end, A fuel supply device in which the inner circumferential surface of the housing body is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the insertion end by an inclined surface whose inner diameter gradually decreases toward the inner circumferential surface of the insertion end.

4. A fuel supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The insertion end of the fuel supply device protrudes toward the flange side from the snap-fit ​​wall and the restricting piece, and has a tapered portion on its outer circumferential surface.

5. A fuel supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The snap-fit ​​wall of the fuel supply device has a claw guide portion that bulges radially from the engagement hole toward the flange side.

6. A fuel supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The cylindrical body is a fuel supply device having an anti-rotation piece that protrudes between the snap-fit ​​wall and the regulating piece.

7. A fuel supply device according to claim 6, The fuel supply device wherein the snap-fit ​​wall and the regulating piece each have an anti-rotation piece guide surface at the tip of the surface facing the anti-rotation piece that is inclined toward the flange.

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