A fuel supply module (FSM) for a vehicle

Abstract

The FSM (100) is positioned inside a fuel tank of the vehicle. The FSM (100) comprises a flange (102) which interfaces with a mounting hole of the fuel tank. The flange (102) comprises at least an outlet port (104) to supply fuel to an engine of the vehicle. The FSM (100) further comprises a reservoir (108) connected to the flange (102) through a guide rod assembly (116), and a housing (122) positioned inside the reservoir (108). The housing (122) comprises a first section (128) to hold a pump unit (118) and a second section (130) to hold a filter element (120). The pump unit (118) is upstream of the filter element (120), and the filter element (120) is fluidly coupled to the outlet port (104) in the flange (102) through a flexible conduit (106), characterized in that, the second section (130) comprises a tail end closed with end cap (110).

Description

R: 418112- 1 -DescriptionTitle of the Invention:A FUEL SUPPLY MODULE (FSM) FOR A VEHICLEField of the invention:

[0001] The present invention relates to a Fuel Supply Module (FSM) for a vehicle.Background of the invention:

[0002] A filter in pump holder design is currently not replaceable. In case of failure of filter the entire FSM has to be replaced which is very costly. In the existing series design, the filter is assembled in the pump holder, which is sealed both from top and bottom. Once it is assembled into the reservoir, the filter cannot be replaced. The entire FSM must be replaced in case of filter getting clogged due to particles.

[0003] A patent literature US2017241386 discloses a fuel pump module with replaceable filter unit. A fuel supply system includes a fuel pump having an inlet configured to pick up fuel and an outlet configured to discharge fuel. A pressure vessel is in fluid communication with the outlet of the fuel pump such that fuel is directed from the fuel pump into the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel having an outlet port. A pressure regulation valve subassembly is detachably coupled with the outlet port via a male-female interface that positively locks against axial separation upon axial coupling in a first orientation and relative rotation of less than 360 degrees to a second orientation. A reservoir defines an internal space at least partially receiving the fuel pump, the pressure vessel, and the pressure regulation valve subassembly. The reservoir includes an interior wall that obstructs rotation of the pressure regulation valve subassembly from the second orientation to the first orientation.R: 418112- 2 -Brief description of the accompanying drawings:

[0004] An embodiment of the disclosure is described with reference to the following accompanying drawing,

[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a Fuel Supply Module (FSM) for a vehicle with first configuration of locking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the first configuration of locking mechanism of an end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the FSM with the first configuration of locking mechanism of the end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] Fig. 4 illustrates a second configuration of locking mechanism of the end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0009] Fig. 5 illustrates a third configuration of locking mechanism of the end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention.Detailed description of the embodiments:

[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates a Fuel Supply Module (FSM) for a vehicle with first configuration of locking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A first view 124 shows a side cross-section of the FSM 100 and a second view 126 shows a perspective view of the FSM 100. The FSM 100 is positioned inside a fuel tank (not shown) of the vehicle. The FSM 100 comprises a flange 102 which interfaces with a mounting hole of the fuel tank. The flange 102 comprises at least an outlet port 104 to supply fuel to an engine of the vehicle. The flange 102 may also comprises other ports such as fuel return port as known in the art. The FSM 100 further comprises a reservoir 108 connected to the flange 102 through a guide rod assembly 116, and a housing 122 positioned inside the reservoir 108. The housing 122 comprises a first section 128 to hold a pump unit 118 and a second section 130 to hold a filter element 120. The pump unit 118 is upstream of the filter element 120, and the filter element 120 is fluidly coupled to the outlet port 104 in the flange 102 through a flexible conduit 106, characterized in that, the second section 130 comprises a tail end closed with an end cap 110. The end cap 110 is closed in removable manner and enables replacement of the filter element 120 when needed without disassembling the entire FSM 100. TheR: 418112- 3 -different components or parts of the FSM 100 is not explained for being state of the art, however the same must not understood in limiting manner. For example, a pre-filter is optionally provided at the inlet or upstream of the pump unit 118, and a fuel level sensor is provisioned in the reservoir 108.

[0011] The first section 128 and the second section 130 corresponds to a holder or holding frame generally tubular in shape (but not limited to the same) to retain or hold the pump unit 118 and the filter element 120 respectively. The filter element 120 comprises filter media surrounding a central axial passageway. The fuel enters the filter media and passes into the passageway and exits from one end which is connected to the flexible conduit / tube 106.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a base 114 of the reservoir 108 comprises an opening 132 to access the tail end of the second section 130 for removal or insertion of the filter element 120 and the end cap 110. The tail end is the portion which is towards the base 114 of the reservoir 108. In other words, the tail end is the lower part of the second section 130. An upper part of the second section 130 is fluidly connected to the flexible conduit 106.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an inner periphery / edge of the opening 132 comprises cut-outs 112, and outer periphery of the end cap 110 comprises tabs 202 (shown in Fig. 2). A number of cut-outs 112 is same as a number of the tabs 202. In Fig. 1 , three cut-outs 112 and three tabs 202 are shown.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the end cap 110 is locked with the second section 130 using a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is selectable from any one of a first configuration, a second configuration and the third configuration. The three configurations are explained in the following description.

[0015] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the first configuration of locking mechanism of an end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The end cap 110 is locked with respect to the reservoir 108 using a locking mechanism, specifically with the first configuration of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises arrangement of the tabs 202 in conformation with the cut-outs 112 beforeR: 418112- 4 -insertion of the end cap 110 inside the opening 132. The locking mechanism further comprises rotation of the end cap 110 after insertion inside the second section 130.

[0016] In Fig. 2, only a portion of the housing 122 is shown with pump unit 118 and the filter element 120 are held inside the first section 128 and the second section 130 respectively. In addition, the end cap 110 is expanded to provide a detailed view. The end cap 110 is shown away from the second section 130 just before insertion. A projection 212 is also shown which is in the shape of a hexagonal tube but not limited to the same.

[0017] The first configuration of the locking mechanism comprises engagement of a first feature and a second feature to lock the end cap 110 with the second section 130 or with the base 114 of the reservoir 108. The first feature is anyone selected from a slot 204 and a protrusion 206, and the second feature is other of the slot 204 and the protrusion 206. For example, if the first feature is the slot 204, then the second feature is the protrusion 206, and similarly, if the first feature is the protrusion 206 then the second feature is the slot 204. The first feature is provided on the tab 202 and the second feature is provided on engagement surface facing the tabs 202. The engagement surface is anyone of a support member of the reservoir 108 and the tail end of the second section 130. The support member is that part of the reservoir 108 on which the second section 130 rests or seats.

[0018] The first feature and the second feature are complementary to each other and provided on surfaces which faces each other. Further, the first feature and the second feature are distributed over the surface to enable firm locking. Thus, two or more of the first feature and the second feature are used.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the end cap 110 comprises a cup-shaped cavity 210 and a projection 212 extending axially in outward direction from the cavity 210. The projection 212 provides surface to hold and rotate the end cap 110 for opening or closing the tail end of the second section 130.

[0020] According to the present invention, the controller 110 is applicable for different types of vehicle comprising but not limited to a two-wheeler vehicle such asR: 418112- 5 -motorcycle, a three-wheeler vehicle such as autorickshaw, a four-wheeler vehicle such as car, and multi-wheel vehicles such as buses, tractors, trucks and other types of vehicles in which the FSM 100 is installable.

[0021] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the FSM with the first configuration of locking mechanism of the end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing 122 is visible with clear depiction of the first section 128 and the second section 130. The pump unit 118 is held by the first section 128 whereas the filter element 120 is shown outside the reservoir 108 through the base 114.

[0022] Fig. 4 illustrates a second configuration of locking mechanism of end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 4, a third view 402 shows a perspective view of the FSM 100 having second configuration of locking mechanism and a fourth view 404 shows a cross-section view of the FSM 100 having the second configuration of locking mechanism. The internal components of the FSM 100 are not discussed again to avoid repetition.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first section 128 and the second section 130 completely extends to the base 114 of the reservoir 108, or partially extends towards the base 114 and pairs with a support member (not shown) of the reservoir 108 to accommodate the pump unit 118 and the filter element 120 respectively. The end cap 110 engages with an engagement surface which is anyone selected from a group comprising the second section 130 and the support member. Thus, either the second section 130 completely extends to the base 114 or pairs with matching support member which is part of the reservoir itself. Incase the second section 130 is used completely, then the tail end of the second section 130 comprises the engagement surface.

[0024] In the second configuration of locking mechanism, the end cap 110 is locked with the engagement surface through thread engagement. Specifically, external threads 408 are provided on a peripheral wall 208 of the end cap 110 and internal threads 406 are provided on the engagement surface in complementary manner. The end cap 110 is fastened and locked to the second section 130 by rotation and engagement of the internal threads 406 and the external threads 408.R: 418112- 6 -

[0025] Fig. 5 illustrates a third configuration of locking mechanism of end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 5, a fifth view 502 shows a perspective view of the FSM 100 with third configuration of locking mechanism and a sixth view 504 shows a cross-section view of the FSM 100 with the third configuration of the locking mechanism. The internal components of the FSM 100 are not discussed again to avoid repetition, but remains similar to the details mentioned in Fig. 1.

[0026] In the third configuration of the locking mechanism, the end cap 110 is locked with the engagement surface with a circlip 508. Specifically, a groove 506 is provided on an inner periphery of the engagement surface. The groove 506 is near to the tail end or at a distance more than the height of the filter element 120. The distance is to ensure that the filter element 120 is neither too tight nor too loose. The circlip 508 is positioned in the groove 506 after insertion of the filter element 120 in the second section 130. The circlip is inserted and removed with a standard tool as known in the art.

[0027] In all the first configuration, the second configuration and the third configuration the end cap 110 is flush with the base 114. In accordance to an embodiment, the first section 128 and the second section 130 are removably coupled with each other.

[0028] According to the present invention, a working of the FSM 100 is explained. The FSM 100 is designed in a manner to enable the filter element 120 replaceable based on certain criteria, such as distance travelled or time duration, etc. The reservoir 108 of the FSM 100 comprises the opening 132 and the second section 130 comprises the open tail end. The open tail end is closed by the openable end cap 110. The end cap 110 is used to close the second section 130 after the filter element 120 is assembled. This end cap 110 comprises necessary seal 412 (such as O-ring) to avoid any leakage. Whenever required / needed, the end cap 110 is opened, old filter element 120 is removed, a new filter element 120 is inserted and the end cap 110 is closed again. Any of the first configuration, the second configuration and the third configuration are usable.

[0029] The assembly and disassembly steps will be as follows. A method of assembling the FSM 100 is disclosed. First, the housing 122 is assembled inside theR: 418112- 7 -reservoir with respective parts / components and pump unit 118. The assembling is done through ultrasonic welding / hot plate welding or other known techniques. The filter element 120 is inserted into the second section 130 from the opening 132 provided in the reservoir 108. The end cap 110 is oriented according to the opening 132 of the reservoir 108. The end cap 110 is closed and locked.

[0030] A method of replacement of filter element 120 or disassembly is explained. First, the FSM 100 is taken out of the fuel tank. A tool is used to hold and rotate the end cap 110 using the projection 212. The filter element 120 is removed and replaced with a new filter element 120. The end cap 110 is closed and locked again. There is no need to remove flange 102 and guide rod assembly 116 to disassemble or replace the filter element 120.

[0031] According to the present invention, a replaceable concept for filter element 120 (also known as fine filter) in FSM 100 is disclosed. The design of the FSM 100 as per the present invention ensures the filter element 120 is replaceable. For this the filter element 120 or filter cartridge is removed and reassembled through the reservoir 108. In order to change the filter element 120, first the FSM 100 is removed outside the fuel tank, followed by removal of the end cap 110 (or capnut) and then the filter element 120 through the base 114. The used filter element 120 is replaced with a new filter element 120 and reassembled. There is no need to disassemble any other component like the flange 102 and guide rod assembly 116.

[0032] It should be understood that embodiments explained in the description above are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of this invention. Many such embodiments and other modifications and changes in the embodiment explained in the description are envisaged. The scope of the invention is only limited by the scope of the claims.

Claims

R. 418112- 8 -We claim:

1. A Fuel Supply Module (FSM) (100) for a vehicle, said FSM (100) is positioned inside a fuel tank of said vehicle, said FSM (100) comprises:a flange (102) which interfaces with a mounting hole of said fuel tank, said flange (102) comprises at least an outlet port (104) to supply fuel to an engine of said vehicle, anda reservoir (108) connected to said flange (102) through a guide rod assembly (116), anda housing (122) positioned inside said reservoir (108), said housing (122) comprises a first section (128) to hold a pump unit (118) and a second section (130) to hold a filter element (120), said pump unit (118) is upstream of said filter element (120), and said filter element (120) is fluidly coupled to said outlet port (104) in said flange (102) through a flexible conduit (106), characterized in that, said second section (130) comprises a tail end closed with an end cap (110), said end cap (110) is closed in removable manner and enables replacement of said filter element (120) when needed.

2. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a base (114) of said reservoir (108) comprises an opening (132) to access said tail end of said second section (130) for removal or insertion of said filter element (120) and said end cap (110).

3. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein an inner periphery of said opening (132) comprises cut-outs (112), and an outer periphery of said end cap (110) comprises tabs (202), wherein a number of cut-outs (112) is same as a number of said tabs (202).

4. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said end cap (110) is locked with respect to said reservoir (108) using a locking mechanism, a first configuration of said locking mechanism comprises arrangement of said tabs (202) in conformationR. 418112- 9 -with said cut-outs (112) before insertion of said end cap (110) inside said opening (132), and rotation of said end cap (110) after insertion.

5. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said locking mechanism comprises engagement of a first feature and a second feature to lock said end cap (110) within said reservoir (108), wherein said first feature is anyone selected from a slot (204) and a protrusion (206), and said second feature is other of said slot (204) and said protrusion (206), and wherein said first feature is provided on said tab (202) and second feature is provided on engagement surface facing said tabs (202), wherein said engagement surface is anyone of a support member of said reservoir (108) and said second section (130).

6. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said end cap (110) comprises a cupshaped cavity (210) and a projection (212) extending axially in outward direction from said cavity (210), said projection (212) provides surface to hold and rotate said end cap (110).

7. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one of said first section (128) and said second section (130) completely extends to said base (114) of said reservoir (108), or partially extends towards said base (114) and pairs with a support member of said reservoir (108) to accommodate said pump unit (118) and said filter element (120) respectively, and wherein said end cap (110) engages with an engagement surface which is anyone selected from a group comprising said second section (130) and said support member.

8. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said end cap (110) is locked with said engagement surface through thread engagement, wherein external threads (408) are provided on a peripheral wall (208) of said end cap (110) and internal threads (406) are provided on said engagement surface.

9. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said end cap (110) is locked with said engagement surface with a circlip (508), wherein a groove (506) is provided on an inner periphery of said engagement surface, said groove (506) is at a distance more than height of said filter element 120, and wherein said circlip (508) is positioned inR. 418112- 10 -said groove (506) after insertion of said filter element (120) in said second section (130).

10. The FSM (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first section (128) and said second section (130) are removably coupled with each other.

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