Arrangement structure in fuel tank

Abstract

The present invention provides an arrangement structure in a fuel tank which facilitates work for mounting auxiliary devices to a fuel tank. An arrangement structure 1 in a fuel tank comprises: a fuel tank 2; a pump module 7 that is disposed in the fuel tank 2; a transfer tube 16 that is connected to the pump module 7; and a bracket 20 that is attached to the pump module 7 and the transfer tube 16. Before the pump module 7 and the transfer tube 16 are mounted in the fuel tank 2, the pump module 7 and the transfer tube 16 are assembled in advance with the bracket 20 interposed therebetween, and in this state, the pump module 7 and the transfer tube 16 are mounted in the fuel tank 2.

Description

Arrangement structure inside fuel tank

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement within a fuel tank of a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, fuel tanks built into vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and boats are equipped with fuel pumps for pumping fuel to the engine. For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "Publication 1 Invention"), the fuel pump is positioned within the fuel tank by a support base. Specifically, in the Publicly Known Publication 1 Invention, the bottom of the fuel tank protrudes inward to avoid interference with shafts or other components that pass through the outside of the bottom, and the fuel tank is divided into two tanks by this protruding portion. Therefore, the fuel tank is equipped with a transfer pump for transferring fuel from one tank to the other, separate from a fuel pump for delivering fuel to the engine. The fuel pump and transfer pump are located in one tank, and a transfer pipe connected to the transfer pump extends to the other tank. A support base is welded to the protruding portion of the bottom, and the fuel pump, transfer pump, and transfer pipe are attached to the support base.

[0003] Patent No. 2684099

[0004] However, as mentioned above, in the invention of the publicly known document 1, the accessories are attached to a support base welded to the inside of the fuel tank, so the attachment of the accessories must be done inside the fuel tank, which makes the installation work complicated and difficult.

[0005] The present invention has been proposed in light of the above circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to provide an internal fuel tank arrangement structure that allows for easy installation of auxiliary equipment to the fuel tank. In a broader sense, it is an object of the present invention to prevent malfunctions of auxiliary equipment and ensure safety, which is a universal issue.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the arrangement structure inside a fuel tank of the present invention comprises a fuel tank whose interior is divided into a first zone and a second zone by a protruding wall portion formed on the bottom surface portion, a pump module disposed in the first zone and transferring fuel from the second zone to the first zone, a transfer tube connected to the pump module and extending to the second zone, and a bracket that is attached to the pump module and the transfer tube in advance before the pump module is attached to the fuel tank, wherein the bracket has a first mounting portion that is attached to the pump module and a tube support portion to which the transfer tube is attached.

[0007] The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention is characterized in that the transfer tube has a bent portion that extends over the protruding wall portion.

[0008] The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention is characterized in that the bracket has a second mounting portion that is attached to the pump module.

[0009] The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention is characterized in that the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the height direction of the pump module.

[0010] The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention is characterized in that the first mounting portion is attached to a connecting portion of the pump module between the pump module and the transfer tube.

[0011] The arrangement structure within the fuel tank according to the present invention is characterized in that the bracket has a main body portion that extends from a position lower than the protruding wall portion in the first region to above the protruding wall portion, and the bent portion is supported above the protruding wall portion by the tube support portion formed at the end of the extension of the main body portion.

[0012] The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention is characterized in that the first mounting portion has a locking portion that locks into a groove formed on the outer surface of the connecting portion.

[0013] The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention is characterized in that the main body portion is formed with a hole through which fuel in the fuel tank passes.

[0014] The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention includes a fuel tank whose interior is divided into a first zone and a second zone by a protruding wall portion formed on the bottom surface thereof, a pump module disposed in the first zone and transferring fuel from the second zone to the first zone, a transfer tube connected to the pump module and extending to the second zone, and a bracket attached to the pump module and the transfer tube before the pump module is attached to the fuel tank, the bracket having a first mounting portion attached to the pump module and a tube support portion to which the transfer tube is attached. The pump module and the transfer tube are pre-assembled with the bracket interposed therebetween before installation inside the fuel tank, and the pump module and the transfer tube are installed inside the fuel tank in this state. This facilitates the installation of accessories into the fuel tank.

[0015] In the fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention, the transfer tube has a bent portion that passes over the protruding wall portion, so that the transfer tube can properly pass over the protruding wall portion and reach the second section without interfering with the protruding wall portion.

[0016] In the fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention, the bracket has a second mounting portion that is attached to the pump module. Because the bracket is connected to the pump module at two locations, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, it does not rotate relative to the pump module. Therefore, the transfer tube attached to the bracket also does not rotate relative to the pump module. This prevents adverse effects associated with rotation. For example, if the transfer tube is not restrained, the transfer tube may move due to vibrations or changes in fuel level, come into contact with other accessories, and cause false detection of the accessories. Furthermore, the transfer tube may hit the bottom of the fuel tank, causing abnormal noise.

[0017] In the fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the height direction of the pump module. Therefore, the bracket is attached to the pump module in a horizontal or nearly horizontal position, and does not take up much space in the height direction of the pump module. However, if the bracket and the transfer tube attached to the bracket were attached across the height direction of the pump module, it would be difficult for the bracket and the transfer tube to pass through the pump attachment / detachment opening when the pump module is attached to the fuel tank through the pump attachment / detachment opening.

[0018] In the fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention, the first mounting portion is attached to the pump module at a connection portion between the pump module and the transfer tube. The connection portion is provided on the pump module regardless of whether a bracket is provided, as a portion for connecting the transfer tube to the pump module. Therefore, it is convenient if the bracket is attached to the connection portion. Therefore, by utilizing the existing configuration, there is no need to add a structure for attaching the bracket, which reduces the number of parts. Furthermore, no complicated installation work is required.

[0019] In the fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention, the bracket has a main body portion that extends from a position lower than the protruding wall portion in the first section to above the protruding wall portion, and the bent portion is supported above the protruding wall portion by a tube support portion formed at the end of the extension of the main body portion. Since the transfer tube does not come into contact with the protruding wall portion of the fuel tank, abnormal noise caused by the transfer tube hitting the protruding wall portion can be prevented.

[0020] In the fuel tank in-placement structure according to the present invention, the first attachment portion has a locking portion that locks into a groove formed on the outer surface of the connecting portion. Therefore, even if a force acts on the bracket in a direction that would pull the transfer tube out of the connecting portion, the locking portion catches and the bracket does not come off the connecting portion.

[0021] The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to the present invention has a hole formed in the main body through which fuel in the fuel tank passes. By allowing the fuel to pass through the hole, it is possible to prevent abnormal noise caused by the fuel hitting the main body. It is also possible to suppress the effects of pressure caused by the fuel hitting the main body.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a top view of the fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line V-V in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a first bottom perspective view of the fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below. FIG. 7 is a second bottom perspective view of the fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a first top perspective view of a bracket of the fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. FIG. 9 is a first bottom perspective view of the bracket of the fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below. FIG. 10 is a second top perspective view of a bracket of the fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a second bottom perspective view of a bracket of the fuel tank in-placement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a top view of a bracket of the arrangement structure in a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a bottom view of the bracket of the arrangement structure in a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a first side view of the bracket of the arrangement structure in a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a second side view of the bracket of the arrangement structure in a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a third side view of the bracket of the arrangement structure in a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a fourth side view of the bracket of the arrangement structure in a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] 1 to 7 show an arrangement structure 1 inside a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] 1 to 3, the fuel tank in-placement structure 1 has accessories mounted inside a fuel tank 2 of an automobile. Specifically, the fuel tank in-placement structure 1 includes the fuel tank 2, a pump module 7 disposed in the fuel tank 2, a transfer tube 16 connected to the pump module 7, and a bracket 20 attached to the pump module 7 and the transfer tube 16. In the following description, the direction in which the transfer tube 16 extends away from the pump module 7 will be referred to as the front (Front), the direction in which the transfer tube 16 extends toward the pump module 7 will be referred to as the rear (Back), the height direction of the pump module 7 will be referred to as the up (Up) or down (Down), and the width direction of the pump module 7 will be referred to as the left side (Left Side) or right side (Right Side) (see FIG. 1).

[0025] The fuel tank 2 is a hollow container for storing fuel such as gasoline, and is disposed at the bottom of the automobile. A protruding wall 4 that protrudes upward is formed on a bottom surface 3 of the fuel tank 2. The protruding wall 4 extends along the bottom surface 3 and reaches the side wall of the fuel tank 2, so that the interior of the fuel tank 2 is divided by the protruding wall 4 into a first section 5 and a second section 6. A pump module 7 is disposed in the first section 5.

[0026] The pump module 7 is generally cylindrical. It incorporates a fuel pump that pumps fuel from the fuel tank 2 to the engine and a transfer pump that transfers fuel within the fuel tank 2 (both not shown). In some cases, the pump module 7 may also incorporate a sub-tank (not shown). The pump module 7 is connected to a float switch 8 that detects the amount of fuel based on the water level, a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of the fuel, and other components. Because the temperature sensor is immersed in the fuel, a sensor cover 9 to which the temperature sensor is attached is formed on the outer surface of the pump module 7, as close as possible to the bottom of the fuel tank 2 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The presence or absence of a temperature sensor is optional.

[0027] The outer surface of the pump module 7 is formed with a protrusion 10 to which the bracket 20 is attached and a connection port 11 to which the transfer tube 16 is connected. The protrusion 10 protrudes forward from the vicinity of the bottom surface of the outer surface of the pump module 7 and is adjacent to the sensor cover 9. The connection port 11 protrudes forward from the vicinity of the bottom surface of the outer surface of the pump module 7. Therefore, the protrusion 10 and the connection port 11 are aligned in the left-right width direction, which is a direction intersecting the height direction of the pump module 7, and the positions of the protrusion 10 and the connection port 11 are aligned at approximately the same height relative to the pump module 7 from the bottom surface 3 of the fuel tank 2 (see FIG. 4 ).

[0028] A connector 12 is attached to the connection port 11 as a connecting portion between the connection port 11 and the transfer tube 16. The connector 12 can be freely attached and detached to the connection port 11. The connector 12 has a pump-side socket 13 that covers the connection port 11, and a tube-side socket 14 that is connected to the pump-side socket 13 and is inserted into the transfer tube 16. A ring-shaped groove 15 is formed around the outer surface of the connector 12 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0029] The transfer tube 16 has an attachment end 17 connected to the pump module 7 via the connector 12, a curved portion 18 connected to the end of the attachment end 17 that extends forward, and a bellows portion 19 connected to the end of the curved portion 18 that extends forward (see FIG. 3 ). The transfer tube 16 extends from the first section 5 of the fuel tank 2, in which the pump module 7 is disposed, to the second section 6, and straddles the protruding wall portion 4. The degree of bending of the curved portion 18 is predetermined. Therefore, the curved portion 18 does not deform freely. The degree of bending is such that, when the transfer tube 16 is assembled as the fuel tank interior arrangement structure 1, the transfer tube 16 can climb over the protruding wall portion 4 without contacting the protruding wall portion 4. The bellows portion 19 deforms freely.

[0030] Next, the bracket 20 will be described with reference to the drawings. 8 to 17 show the external appearance of the bracket 20.

[0031] As shown in Figures 8 to 17, the bracket 20 includes a curved, thin-plate-like main body 21, a tube support portion 24 formed on the right side of the front end 22 of the main body 21, a first mounting portion 27 formed on the left side of the rear end 23 of the main body 21, and a second mounting portion 28 formed on the right side of the rear end 23 of the main body 21. When viewed from above, the right edge 29 of the bracket 20 is linear and extends in the front-to-rear direction from the rear end 23 to the front end 22 (see Figures 12 and 13). Meanwhile, the left edge 30 of the bracket 20 is oblique and gradually approaches the right edge 29 from the rear end 23 toward the front end 22. Therefore, the front end 22 is narrower in width than the rear end 23 (in other words, the rear end 23 is wider in width than the front end 22). The front end portion 22 is gently bent downward relative to the main body portion 21, and has an inverted V-shape or an inverted U-shape with the boundary between the main body portion 21 and the front end portion 22 as the apex. A plurality of holes 31 are formed in the main body portion 21. The number, size, and shape of the holes 31 are arbitrary as long as they allow fuel to pass through.

[0032] The tube support portion 24 has a first tube support portion 25 and a second tube support portion 26. The first tube support portion 25 is connected to the right edge portion 29 near the boundary between the main body portion 21 and the front end portion 22. The first tube support portion 25 is concave and protrudes downward, and is U-shaped or C-shaped with open front, rear, and upper sides. The second tube support portion 26 is connected to the right edge portion 29 at the tip of the front end portion 22. The second tube support portion 26 is concave and protrudes upward, and is inverted U-shaped or C-shaped with open front, rear, and lower sides.

[0033] The second mounting portion 28 is concave and protrudes upward, and has an inverted U-shape or C-shape that is open at the front, rear, and bottom. A plurality of locking portions 32 are formed at the front end of the second mounting portion 28. The locking portions 32 protrude toward the space inside the second mounting portion 28. The first mounting portion 27 has a pair of upper and lower clamping pieces 33. The clamping pieces 33 protrude straight toward the left from the left edge 30 of the main body 21. The clamping pieces 33 are spaced apart vertically and staggered front to back.

[0034] Each component is configured as described above. Next, the assembly procedure of each component will be described, along with the operation and effects of this embodiment.

[0035] 6 and 7, the pump module 7, transfer tube 16, and bracket 20 are pre-assembled before being attached to the fuel tank 2. First, the transfer tube 16 is attached to the pump module 7, and then the bracket 20 is attached to the pump module 7 and the transfer tube 16.

[0036] Specifically, the connector 12 is attached to the connection port 11 of the pump module 7. The attachment end 17 of the transfer tube 16 is attached to the connector 12. The second attachment portion 28 of the bracket 20 is attached to the connector 12. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the locking portion 32 of the second attachment portion 28 is locked into the groove 15 of the connector 12. The locking portion 32 prevents the second attachment portion 28 from shifting in the front-to-rear direction relative to the connector 12. The first attachment portion 27 of the bracket 20 is attached to the protrusion 10 of the pump module 7. Therefore, the first attachment portion 27 and the second attachment portion 28 are aligned in the width direction, which is a direction intersecting the height direction of the pump module 7, and the bracket 20 is positioned horizontally or nearly horizontally relative to the pump module 7. The bent portion 18 of the transfer tube 16 is attached to the tube support portion 24 of the bracket 20. The transfer tube 16 is aligned along the right edge 29 of the bracket 20 and does not extend above the front end 22 of the bracket 20. A float switch 8 and a temperature sensor are also attached to the pump module 7 as appropriate.

[0037] As described above, the pump module 7, transfer tube 16, and bracket 20 are pre-assembled. The connector 12 is provided on the pump module 7 as a portion for connecting the transfer tube 16 to the pump module 7, regardless of whether the bracket 20 is provided or not, so it is convenient if the bracket 20 is attached to the connector 12. Therefore, by utilizing the existing configuration, there is no need to add a configuration for attaching the bracket 20, and the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, complicated installation work is not required.

[0038] The pump module 7, with all components assembled, is inserted into a pump attachment / detachment opening (not shown) formed on the top surface of the fuel tank 2, and is installed inside the fuel tank 2. The height of the top surface of the fuel tank 2 is approximately the same as that of the pump module 7, and the size of the pump attachment / detachment opening is also sufficient to allow the pump module 7 to pass through.

[0039] First, the bellows portion 19 of the transfer tube 16 is brought close to the float switch 8, and both components are inserted into the pump attachment / detachment opening. Next, with the front side of the pump module 7 tilted forward, it is gradually inserted into the pump attachment / detachment opening from the bracket 20 side. Once the bracket 20 has passed through the pump attachment / detachment opening and entered the fuel tank 2, the pump module 7 is returned to a horizontal position and inserted into the pump attachment / detachment opening. At this time, because the degree of bending of the bent portion 18 of the transfer tube 16 is predetermined and the transfer tube 16 does not protrude above the front end 22 of the bracket 20, the transfer tube 16 and the bracket 20 will not get caught on the upper surface of the fuel tank 2. If the transfer tube 16 or bracket 20 were to hit and get caught on the inner surface of the fuel tank 2, the transfer tube 16 would be pulled in a direction such that it would be pulled out of the connector 12, but the locking portion 32 of the bracket 20 would get caught in the groove 15 of the connector 12, preventing the bracket 20 from coming off the connector 12. Furthermore, because the bracket 20 is attached to the pump module 7 in a horizontal or nearly horizontal position and does not take up much space in the height direction of the pump module 7, once the bracket 20 passes through the pump attachment / detachment opening, the pump module 7 also easily passes through the pump attachment / detachment opening.

[0040] The pump module 7 is installed at a predetermined position within the fuel tank 2 directly below the pump attachment / detachment opening. Specifically, the pump module 7 is disposed in the first section 5 of the fuel tank 2, the main body 21 of the bracket 20 extends from a position lower than the protruding wall portion 4 in the first section 5 to above the protruding wall portion 4, and the front end 22 of the bracket 20 is disposed above the protruding wall portion 4. The bent portion 18 of the transfer tube 16 is supported above the protruding wall portion 4 by a tube support portion 24 of the bracket 20 (see FIG. 3 ). The freely deformable bellows portion 19 is pressed against the bottom surface 3 of the fuel tank 2. Because the transfer tube 16 does not contact the protruding wall portion 4, noise caused by the transfer tube 16 hitting the protruding wall portion 4 can be prevented. In particular, the bent portion 18 is not freely deformable, and the degree of bending of the bent portion 18 is appropriately determined in advance in the fuel tank interior arrangement structure 1. Therefore, the transfer tube 16 can avoid interference with the protruding wall portion 4 and properly climb over the protruding wall portion 4 to reach the second section 6 .

[0041] As described above, the pump module 7, transfer tube 16, and bracket 20 are attached to the fuel tank 2 in a pre-assembled state, thereby completing the fuel tank interior arrangement structure 1. This facilitates the installation of accessories to the fuel tank 2. When the pump module 7 is operated, the transfer pump transfers fuel from the second section 6 to the first section 5 via the transfer tube 16, and the fuel from the first section 5 is pumped to the engine by the fuel pump. While the fuel flows within the fuel tank 2 and hits the bracket 20, passing through the hole 31 in the main body 21 prevents abnormal noise caused by the fuel hitting the main body 21. This also reduces the effects of pressure caused by the fuel hitting the main body 21.

[0042] Because bracket 20 is connected to pump module 7 at two locations, first mounting portion 27 and second mounting portion 28, bracket 20 does not rotate relative to pump module 7. Therefore, transfer tube 16 attached to bracket 20 also does not rotate relative to pump module 7. As a result, transfer tube 16 does not move and come into contact with float switch 8 or the like as a result of rotation, and float switch 8 or the like does not falsely detect something. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent abnormal noise caused by transfer tube 16 hitting bottom portion 3 of fuel tank 2 or the like.

[0043] In another embodiment of the present invention, the protruding wall portion of the fuel tank may have any shape. In another embodiment, the bent portion of the transfer tube is bellows-shaped. Even in this case, the transfer tube is supported by the tube support portion of the bracket and does not come into contact with the protruding wall portion of the fuel tank. In another embodiment, the bracket does not have a second mounting portion. In another embodiment, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion of the bracket are arranged side by side in the height direction of the pump module. In another embodiment, the connecting portion between the connection port portion of the pump module and the transfer tube is part of the connection port portion. Therefore, the connecting portion has a configuration equivalent to that of the connector 12. In another embodiment, the first mounting portion does not have a locking portion. In another embodiment, no hole is formed in the main body portion of the bracket.

[0044] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various design modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims. Vehicles to which the embodiments of the present invention can be attached include, for example, trains, ships, and aircraft.

[0045] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Arrangement structure inside fuel tank 2 Fuel tank 3 Bottom surface portion 4 Projecting wall portion 5 First section 6 Second section 7 Pump module 8 Float switch 9 Sensor cover 10 Projection portion 11 Connection port portion 12 Connector 13 Pump side socket portion 14 Tube side socket portion 15 Groove 16 Transfer tube 17 Mounting end portion 18 Bent portion 19 Bellows portion 20 Bracket 21 Main body portion 22 Front end portion 23 Rear end portion 24 Tube support portion 25 First tube support portion 26 Second tube support portion 27 First mounting portion 28 Second mounting portion 29 Right edge portion 30 Left edge portion 31 Hole 32 Locking portion 33 Clamping piece

Claims

1. An arrangement structure within a fuel tank, comprising: a fuel tank whose interior is divided into a first zone and a second zone by a protruding wall portion formed on the bottom surface; a pump module disposed in the first zone and transferring fuel from the second zone to the first zone; a transfer tube connected to the pump module and extending to the second zone; and a bracket attached to the pump module and the transfer tube before the pump module is attached to the fuel tank, wherein the bracket has a first mounting portion attached to the pump module and a tube support portion to which the transfer tube is attached.

2. The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to claim 1, wherein the transfer tube has a bent portion that extends over the protruding wall portion.

3. The arrangement structure in a fuel tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bracket has a second mounting portion that is attached to the pump module.

4. The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to claim 3, wherein the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the height direction of the pump module.

5. The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first mounting portion is attached to the pump module at a connection portion between the pump module and the transfer tube.

6. An arrangement structure within a fuel tank as described in claim 2, characterized in that the bracket has a main body portion that extends from a position lower than the protruding wall portion in the first region to above the protruding wall portion, and the bent portion is supported above the protruding wall portion by the tube support portion formed at the end of the extension of the main body portion.

7. The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to claim 5, characterized in that the first mounting portion has a locking portion that locks into a groove formed on the outer surface of the connecting portion.

8. The fuel tank interior arrangement structure according to claim 6, wherein the main body portion is formed with a hole through which fuel in the fuel tank passes.