Fuel pump module
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure JP2026003555_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Fuel pump module
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel pump module.
[0002] A vehicle equipped with an engine has a fuel supply system that supplies fuel to the engine. The fuel supply system usually has a fuel pump module including a fuel pump disposed in a fuel tank and a fuel filter for filtration. The fuel pump pumps up fuel through the fuel filter and pumps it to the engine.
[0003] Also, the fuel pump module usually has a pressure control valve that adjusts the fuel pressure by discharging a part of the pumped fuel from a supply passage. In this case, a return pipe that guides the discharged fuel to the fuel filter may be connected to the pressure control valve. Thereby, when the vehicle body tilts or the like and the contact between the liquid level and the fuel filter is lost, it is possible to suppress a shortage of fuel pumped up by the fuel pump. Such a fuel pump module is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-241884.
[0004] The return pipe described in the above publication has one end connected to the pressure control valve and the other end fixed to the connection port of the fuel filter with the fuel pump. Therefore, since it is necessary to form a fixing structure for the fuel filter in the return pipe, the structure of the mold for forming the return pipe becomes complicated and the cost increases. Therefore, a return pipe with a lower cost and a simpler structure is required.
[0005] A fuel pump module as one aspect has a fuel filter that filters fuel, a fuel pump that pumps fuel that has passed through the fuel filter, a pressure control valve that adjusts the fuel pressure by discharging a part of the fuel as surplus fuel, and a return pipe that guides the surplus fuel to the outer surface of the fuel filter. The return pipe has a first pipe member connected to the pressure control valve, a second pipe member extending in a direction intersecting the first pipe member, and a connecting mechanism that is detachably connected to one end of the first pipe member so as to support one end of the second pipe member in a cantilevered manner.
[0006] In some embodiments, the first pipe member cantilevered support the second pipe member in this manner eliminates the need to provide a fixing structure for the fuel filter on the return piping, resulting in a simpler configuration. Furthermore, since the second pipe member is detachable, various second pipe members can be switched and attached to the first pipe member. For example, even if the arrangement or orientation of the fuel filter relative to the pressure control valve differs, excess fuel can be easily supplied to the fuel filter by changing the second pipe member.
[0007] In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism has an insertion portion formed on one of the first pipe member and the second pipe member, and an insertion portion formed on the other of the first pipe member and the second pipe member to receive the insertion portion. Therefore, a return pipe can be formed with a simple configuration in which one of the pipe members is inserted into the other.
[0008] In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism has an insertion portion formed in the first pipe member and an insertion portion formed in the second pipe member. As a result, the first pipe member is inserted into the second pipe member to form a return pipe.
[0009] In some embodiments, the insertion portion is press-fitted into the insertion portion so as not to create a gap between them. Therefore, the first pipe member and the second pipe member can be easily connected by press-fitting. Furthermore, fuel can be supplied to the fuel filter without leaking from the connecting mechanism.
[0010] In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism includes a claw portion formed on the first pipe member and an engaging piece formed on the second pipe member that snaps onto the claw portion when the insertion portion is inserted. Therefore, the snap-fit structure prevents the pipe members from coming apart. In addition, the circumferential positioning of the second pipe member relative to the first pipe member can be easily performed.
[0011] In some embodiments, the fuel filter has a flattened shape and a width that intersects the direction from the pressure control valve towards the fuel filter, but the entire return piping is within the width of the fuel filter. Therefore, for example, when introducing a fuel pump module into a fuel tank, the return piping can be smoothly inserted into the fuel tank if the opening is large enough for the fuel filter to pass through.
[0012] In some embodiments, the fuel filter has a recess to avoid interference with the return piping. Therefore, the recess allows the return piping and the fuel filter to be positioned close together without interfering with each other. This enables a more compact fuel pump module configuration.
[0013] This is a schematic diagram of a fuel tank equipped with a fuel pump module according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the fuel tank in Figure 1 in an inclined state. This is a perspective view of the fuel pump module. This is a plan view of the fuel pump module. This is a side view of the fuel pump module. This is a bottom view of the fuel pump module. This is a cross-sectional view of the fuel pump module in Figure 4 along the line VII-VII. This is a cross-sectional view of the fuel pump module in Figure 4 along the line VIII-VIII. This is a perspective view of the return piping. This is an exploded perspective view of the return piping. This is a cross-sectional view of the return piping in Figure 9 along the line XI-XI. This is a bottom view of the fuel pump module of another embodiment. This is a perspective view of the return piping of another embodiment. This is a diagram showing the state in which the second pipe member of Figure 13 is pressed in.
[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the fuel pump module 1 is installed, for example, in the fuel tank 2a of a motorcycle.
[0015] <Fuel Tank> As shown in Figure 1, the fuel tank 2a is, for example, a horizontally elongated shape, longer in the horizontal direction than in the height direction. An opening is formed at the top of the fuel tank 2a, and a set plate 2b is attached to cover this opening.
[0016] <Fuel Pump Module> The fuel pump module 1 has a fuel pump 10 that draws up fuel. The fuel pump 10 is connected to a fuel filter 30 located at the bottom of the fuel tank 2a. The fuel pump 10 draws fuel from the fuel tank 2a through the fuel filter 30. The drawn-up fuel is pumped to the injector 20. The injector 20 injects the pumped fuel into the engine.
[0017] The fuel pump module 1 also has a pressure control valve 40 that adjusts the pressure of the fuel pumped from the fuel pump 10 so that it does not exceed a set pressure. The pressure control valve 40 is configured to return a portion of the pumped fuel to the fuel tank 2a as excess fuel. In this way, the pressure control valve 40 can adjust the fuel pressure. A return pipe 50 is connected to the pressure control valve 40 to guide the excess fuel discharged from the pressure control valve 40 to the fuel filter 30. The excess fuel is discharged towards the top surface of the fuel filter 30 through the return pipe 50.
[0018] As shown in Figure 2, excess fuel is returned directly to the fuel filter 30 via the return pipe 50. For example, suppose that the tilt of the fuel tank 2a due to the tilt of the vehicle body causes a situation where the fuel does not come into contact with the fuel filter 30. Even in such a case, the excess fuel is returned directly to the fuel filter 30 via the return pipe 50. This makes it easier to draw the excess fuel into the fuel pump 10. As a result, the time during which the fuel pressure is maintained when the fuel filter 30 is not in contact with the stored fuel can be extended as much as possible.
[0019] <Fuel Pump> The components of the fuel pump module 1 will be described in detail below. As shown in Figure 7, the fuel pump 10 is a cylindrical device with its axis oriented in the front-rear direction. The fuel pump 10 has a pump section (not shown) that sucks in fuel and pumps it to the engine, and a motor section (not shown) that rotates the pump section. The fuel pump 10 has an intake port 11 at one end (rear end) in the axial direction. The fuel pump 10 also has a discharge port 12 at the other end (front end) in the axial direction.
[0020] <Main Housing> As shown in Figure 3, the fuel pump module 1 has a main housing 60 extending downward from the set plate 2b and a pump holding case 70 connected to the side of the main housing 60. The fuel pump module 1 also has a discharge port 80 formed on the upper surface of the set plate 2b.
[0021] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the main housing 60 is a cylindrical member extending in the vertical direction. The main housing 60 is integrally formed in the center of the lower surface of the set plate 2b. An axially extending fuel passage 61 is formed inside the main housing 60. The fuel passage 61 penetrates the set plate 2b vertically and communicates with the pipeline of the discharge port 80.
[0022] The main housing 60 has a pump insertion portion 62 that protrudes from its side toward the rear. The pump insertion portion 62 is generally cylindrical in shape and communicates with the fuel passage 61. The discharge end (front part) of the fuel pump 10 is inserted axially into the pump insertion portion 62. This connects the discharge port 12 of the fuel pump 10 to the fuel passage 61.
[0023] <Pump Holding Case> As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the pump holding case 70 is a cylindrical member whose axis is oriented horizontally (front-to-back direction in the figures). The fuel pump 10 is installed inside the pump holding case 70. An engaging portion 72 for attachment to the main housing 60 is formed at the front of the pump holding case 70. The engaging portion 72 is assembled to the outside of the pump insertion portion 62 of the main housing 60 via a snap-fit mechanism (Figure 3). This integrally connects the pump holding case 70 to the main housing 60. The fuel pump 10 is also held in place by the main housing 60.
[0024] An intake port 71 is formed at the rear of the pump holding case 70, protruding toward the rear. The intake port 11 of the fuel pump 10 is connected to the piping of the intake port 71. The connecting pipe 36 of the fuel filter 30, which will be described later, is connected to the protruding end of the intake port 71.
[0025] <Fuel Filter> As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the fuel filter 30 has a filter body 31 that filters the fuel. The filter body 31 extends in a planar manner along the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The filter body 31 is formed to form a substantially L-shape when viewed from above or from below. That is, the filter body 31 forms a polygon in which one of the corners of a rectangle is missing, resulting in a recess 35.
[0026] As shown in Figure 7, the filter body 31 has an upper filter member 32 and a lower filter member 33. The peripheral edges of each filter member 32 and 33 are welded to each other, forming the filter body 31 into a flat bag shape.
[0027] The upper filter member 32 has an opening in the center, and a connecting pipe 36 is attached to this opening. The connecting pipe 36 is made of resin and is formed in an L-shape. The connecting pipe 36 connects the inside of the filter body 31 and the intake port 71 of the pump holding case 70. Therefore, when the fuel pump 10 operates, fuel is drawn into the fuel pump 10 through the filter body 31 and the connecting pipe 36.
[0028] The fuel filter 30 has an internal frame member 34 provided between each filter member 32, 33. The internal frame member 34 maintains the spacing between each filter member 32, 33. This ensures that the internal volume of the filter body 31 is maintained. The internal frame member 34 can maintain the shape of the filter body 31 even when negative pressure is applied inside the filter body 31 by the fuel pump 10. This allows the fuel to pass through the inside of the filter body 31 properly. Therefore, pressure loss of the sucked fuel can be suppressed.
[0029] <Fuel Flow> As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the fuel drawn into the fuel pump 10 is pressurized in the pump section and discharged from the discharge port 12 into the fuel passage 61. The discharged fuel is regulated by the pressure control valve 40 so as not to exceed the set pressure. The regulated fuel then flows to the discharge port 80 and is pumped to the injector 20 (see Figure 1).
[0030] <Pressure Control Valve> As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the pressure control valve 40 is located at the bottom of the main housing 60. The pressure control valve 40 has a substantially cylindrical casing 41 with its axes oriented vertically. The pressure control valve 40 has a pressure receiving surface 42 at one end (upper end) in the axial direction of its casing 41, and a discharge port 43 at the other end (lower end). Although not shown, when the fuel pressure applied to the pressure receiving surface 42 of the pressure control valve 40 becomes higher than the set pressure, the valve body inside the pressure control valve 40 displaces against the spring force of the pressure regulating spring and opens the flow path. As a result, a portion of the fuel on the pressure receiving surface 42 side is guided into the casing 41 as excess fuel and discharged from the discharge port 43.
[0031] <Return Piping> As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the return piping 50 is made up of a first pipe member 51 and a second pipe member 53 that extend in different directions from each other and are connected to each other. Therefore, the return piping 50 has a bent shape in the middle. The first pipe member 51 is a pipe member that extends in a substantially straight line. An engagement cap portion 52 is formed at one end of the first pipe member 51. The engagement cap portion 52 has an engagement wall portion that is divided into multiple parts in the circumferential direction and is formed in a cap shape. An insertion portion 91 that constitutes a connecting mechanism 90 is formed at the other end of the first pipe member 51. The insertion portion 91 has a cylindrical shape that extends coaxially with the first pipe member 51.
[0032] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second pipe member 53 is a pipe member that extends in a substantially straight line. An insertion portion 96, which constitutes the connecting mechanism 90, is formed at one end of the second pipe member 53. An outlet 54 for discharging fuel discharged from the pressure control valve 40 is formed at the other end of the second pipe member 53. The insertion portion 96 has a cylindrical shape that is radially larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 91. Therefore, the insertion portion 91 can be inserted into the insertion portion 96.
[0033] The insertion portion 96 is provided such that its axial direction is different from the axial direction of the second pipe member 53. Therefore, when the insertion portion 91 and the insertion portion 96 are connected, the second pipe member 53 extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first pipe member 51. By connecting the second pipe member in this way so that it extends in a different direction from the first pipe member, the bent pipe shape of the return piping can be easily formed.
[0034] <Press-fit structure> As shown in Figure 11, the insertion portion 91 has a tip portion 93 and an enlarged diameter portion 94 that is radially wider on the base end side than the tip portion 93. An inclined surface 95 is formed on the outer circumferential surface between the tip portion 93 and the enlarged diameter portion 94, with the outer diameter gradually widening.
[0035] An inclined surface 97 is formed at the end of the insertion portion 96 to facilitate insertion of the insertion portion 91. The outer diameter of the tip portion 93 is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion portion 96. The outer diameter of the enlarged portion 94 is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion portion 96. Therefore, when the insertion portion 91 is inserted into the insertion portion 96, the enlarged portion 94 of the insertion portion 91 is press-fitted into the insertion portion 96. This causes the first pipe member 51 and the second pipe member 53 to be integrally connected to each other. When press-fitting the enlarged portion 94 into the insertion portion 96, the inclined surface 95 and the inclined surface 97 slide against each other, allowing the enlarged portion 94 to be press-fitted more smoothly.
[0036] When the first pipe member 51 and the second pipe member 53 are connected as described above, the second pipe member 53 is cantilevered to the first pipe member 51. In other words, the second pipe member 53 is not supported anywhere other than the first pipe member 51. Furthermore, the enlarged diameter portion 94 is connected so that there is no gap between its entire circumference and the portion to be inserted 96. This prevents excess fuel from leaking out from between the insertion portion 91 and the portion to be inserted 96.
[0037] <Snap-Fit Mechanism> As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a claw portion 92 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 91, protruding radially outward. A generally U-shaped, flexible engaging piece 98 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 96, which can snap onto the claw portion 92 of the insertion portion 91. The engaging piece 98 bends and overcomes the slope of the claw portion 92, catching onto the claw portion 92, thereby more reliably preventing the connecting mechanism 90 from coming loose. Furthermore, the claw portion 92 and the engaging piece 98 allow for easy circumferential positioning of the second pipe member 53 relative to the first pipe member 51.
[0038] <Return Piping Connection> As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the engaging cap portion 52 engages with the main body housing 60 so as to cover the lower part of the main body housing 60 from the outer circumference. This connects the first pipe member 51 to the discharge port 43 of the pressure control valve 40. The first pipe member 51 connected to the main body housing 60 extends toward the recess 35 of the fuel filter 30. It also extends upward as it approaches the fuel filter 30. As a result, the first pipe member 51 extends toward the fuel filter 30 while avoiding the pump holding case 70.
[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the connecting mechanism 90 extends upward above the filter body 31. The second pipe member 53 extends further upward from the connecting mechanism 90. As a result, the second pipe member 53 is positioned above the filter body 31.
[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the outlet 54 of the second pipe member 53 is positioned near the approximate center of the filter body 31 in the in-plane direction. This makes it easier for fuel to come into contact with the filter body 31 even if the fuel pump module 1 is tilted in any direction or if fuel discharged from the return pipe 50 is splashed due to the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. Since the second pipe member 53 is cantilevered by the connecting mechanism 90, the second pipe member 53 can be easily positioned in an appropriate location relative to the fuel filter 30 without directly connecting the second pipe member 53 and the fuel filter 30 to each other.
[0041] <Compactness of the Fuel Pump Module> As shown in Figure 5, the return pipe 50 extends through the recess 35 of the fuel filter 30 to approximately the center in the in-plane direction of the filter body 31, as described above. In other words, the recess 35 allows the return pipe 50 to be positioned appropriately close to the filter body 31 while avoiding interference between the return pipe 50 and the filter body 31.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, for example, consider a virtual strip-shaped region 37 that extends back and forth within the range of the lateral width 38 of the filter body 31 from the filter body 31 toward the front (the side of the pressure control valve 40). At this time, the return pipe 50 can be shaped and sized so that it is entirely within the range of the strip-shaped region 37 when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the strip-shaped region (the vertical direction). That is, the return pipe 50 does not project in the lateral direction from the lateral width of the filter body 31. Thereby, the fuel pump module 1 can be made into a more compact configuration. In particular, when inserting the fuel pump module 1 into the fuel tank 2a, the return pipe 50 can be smoothly passed through the opening through which the fuel filter 30 can pass.
[0043] Also, the return pipe 50 enters from the outlet 54 side of the second pipe member 53 when inserting the fuel pump module 1 into the fuel tank 2a. Therefore, by the engagement piece 98 of the snap-fit structure extending from the second pipe member 53 toward the first pipe member 51, for example, when inserting into the fuel tank 2a, it is possible to prevent the engagement piece 98 from being caught on the opening of the fuel tank 2a and the snap-fit from coming off.
[0044] <Different forms of the second pipe member> The second pipe member 53 is detachably attached to the first pipe member 51. For this reason, for example, even when changing the size or shape of the fuel filter 30, or the attachment position or attachment angle with respect to the fuel pump 10, etc., it is possible to discharge surplus fuel toward the appropriate position of the fuel filter by simply changing the form of the second pipe member without changing the form of the first pipe member 51. For example, a second pipe member having a different length or a second pipe member extending in a different direction with respect to the first pipe member 51 can be attached. Thus, even if the configuration of the fuel filter changes, it can be easily dealt with by only changing the second pipe member.
[0045] Summarizing the above, the fuel pump module 1 includes a fuel filter 30 that filters fuel, a fuel pump 10 that pumps the fuel passing through the fuel filter 30, a pressure control valve 40 that adjusts the fuel pressure by discharging a part of the fuel as surplus fuel, and a return pipe 50 that guides the surplus fuel to the outer surface of the fuel filter 30. The return pipe 50 has a first pipe member 51 connected to the pressure control valve 40, a second pipe member 53 extending in a direction intersecting the first pipe member 51, and a connecting mechanism 90 that is detachably connected to one end of the first pipe member 51 so as to support one end of the second pipe member 53 in a cantilever manner. By thus supporting the second pipe member 53 in a cantilever manner by the first pipe member 51, it is possible to provide a simple configuration without the need to provide a fixing structure for the fuel filter 30 to the return pipe 50. Further, since the second pipe member 53 can be detached, various second pipe members 53 can be switched and attached to the first pipe member 51. For example, even when the arrangement or orientation of the fuel filter 30 with respect to the pressure control valve 40 is different, the surplus fuel can be easily supplied to the fuel filter 30 by replacing the second pipe member 53.
[0046] Further, the connecting mechanism 90 has an insertion portion 91 formed on one of the first pipe member 51 and the second pipe member 53, and a receiving portion 96 formed on the other of the first pipe member 51 and the second pipe member 53 and receiving the insertion portion 91. Therefore, the return pipe 50 can be formed with a simple configuration in which one of the pipe members 51, 53 is inserted into the other.
[0047] Further, the connecting mechanism 90 has an insertion portion 91 formed on the first pipe member 51 and a receiving portion 96 formed on the second pipe member 53. Thereby, the first pipe member 51 is inserted into the second pipe member 53 to form the return pipe 50.
[0048] Further, the insertion portion 91 is press-fitted into the receiving portion 96 so as not to create a gap between the insertion portion 91 and the receiving portion 96. Therefore, the first pipe member 51 and the second pipe member 53 can be easily connected by press-fitting. Also, the fuel can be supplied to the fuel filter 30 without leakage from the connecting mechanism 90.
[0049] Furthermore, the connecting mechanism 90 has a claw portion 92 formed on the first pipe member 51 and an engaging piece 98 formed on the second pipe member 53 that snaps onto the claw portion 92 when the insertion portion 91 is inserted. As a result, the snap-fit structure prevents the pipe members from coming apart. In addition, the circumferential positioning of the second pipe member 53 relative to the first pipe member 51 can be easily performed.
[0050] Furthermore, the fuel filter 30 has a flattened shape that extends in a planar manner and has a width 38 in a direction that intersects the direction from the pressure control valve 40 toward the fuel filter 30, but the entire return pipe 50 is within the width 38 of the fuel filter 30. Therefore, for example, when introducing the fuel pump module 1 into the fuel tank 2a, the return pipe 50 can be smoothly inserted into the fuel tank 2a if the opening is large enough for the fuel filter 30 to pass through.
[0051] Furthermore, the fuel filter 30 has a recess 35 to avoid interference with the return pipe 50. Therefore, the recess 35 allows the return pipe 50 and the fuel filter 30 to be positioned close together without interfering with each other. This makes the fuel pump module 1 more compact.
[0052] <First pipe member with protrusions> In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first pipe member 100 may have a pair of left and right protrusions 101 that project from its outer circumferential surface in the left-right direction. Each protrusion 101 can be triangular in shape when viewed from below, for example. Each protrusion 101 has an engagement surface 102 that extends perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe member 100. The engagement surface 102 of each protrusion 101 extends perpendicular to the insertion direction of the insertion portion 91. The engagement surface 102 is formed so that its surface faces toward the end of the first pipe member 100 opposite to the end where the insertion portion 91 is formed.
[0053] As shown in Figure 14, the engaging surface 102 is brought into contact with a predetermined receiving jig 103 when connecting the first pipe member 100 and the second pipe member. The receiving jig 103 can be composed of, for example, two plate-shaped members that are divided into left and right halves and arranged with a gap between them, and the engaging surface 102 of each protrusion 101 is brought into contact with the corresponding plate-shaped member of this receiving jig 103. This ensures that the receiving jig 103 can reliably receive the load applied to the first pipe member 100 by the insertion of the second pipe member via each protrusion 101. As a result, the insertion portion 96 can be firmly inserted into the insertion portion 91 to the appropriate position. Furthermore, since the load is not transmitted to the engaging cap portion 52 but is released to the receiving jig 103 midway through the first pipe member 100, deformation of the first pipe member 100 due to the load can be suppressed.
[0054] As shown in Figure 13, each protrusion 101 can be formed approximately in the center of the extension direction of the first pipe member 100. Each protrusion 101 can be formed closer to the engaging cap portion 52 than to the claw portion 92 of the connecting mechanism 90. Each protrusion 101 can be formed in a position and size that does not interfere with the engaging piece 98 of the connecting mechanism 90. Furthermore, each protrusion 101 can be formed in a position and size that does not interfere with the fuel filter 30. Each protrusion 101 can be formed so as not to protrude vertically from the first pipe member 100. This prevents the vertical size of the first pipe member 100 from increasing.
[0055] In another embodiment, the protrusion 101 may protrude along the vertical direction. Alternatively, the protrusion 101 may be formed over the entire circumference of the first pipe member 100. The protrusion 101 may be formed at one location, three or more locations, rather than just two locations in the circumferential direction. The engaging surface 102 may be formed by a recess extending circumferentially along the outer surface of the first pipe member 100.
[0056] In summary, the first pipe member 100 has an engaging surface 102 that extends perpendicular to the insertion direction of the insertion portion 91 and faces toward the other end opposite to the end where the connecting mechanism 90 of the first pipe member 100 is formed. Therefore, when a load is applied to the first pipe member 100 by inserting the insertion portion 91, the first pipe member 100 can be properly supported via the engaging surface 102. This allows the insertion portion 91 to be properly inserted into the insertion portion 96.
[0057] Furthermore, the first pipe member 100 has a protrusion 101 that projects from its outer circumferential surface. The engagement surface 102 is formed on the protrusion 101. Therefore, the engagement surface 102 can be formed with a simple configuration in which the protrusion 101 projects from the first pipe member 100.
[0058] <Other Embodiments> In another embodiment, the fuel pump module can be applied to vehicles other than motorcycles, such as (four-wheeled) automobiles, and to vehicles other than automobiles. The filter body may have a flat shape that extends planarly along the top and bottom.
[0059] In another embodiment, the return piping may be formed by press-fitting a second pipe member having an insertion portion into a first pipe member having an insertion portion. A snap-fit engaging piece may be formed on the first pipe member, and a claw portion may be formed on the second pipe member. The second pipe member may be longer than the first pipe member.
[0060] Although various embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to those embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various other modifications, substitutions, and improvements.
Claims
1. A fuel pump module disposed in a fuel tank, comprising: a fuel filter for filtering fuel; a fuel pump for pumping fuel that has passed through the fuel filter; a pressure control valve for adjusting fuel pressure by discharging a portion of the fuel as excess fuel; and a return pipe for guiding the excess fuel to the outer surface of the fuel filter, wherein the return pipe comprises: a first pipe member connected to the pressure control valve; a second pipe member extending in a direction intersecting the first pipe member; and a connecting mechanism for detachably connecting one end of the second pipe member to one end of the first pipe member so as to support one end of the second pipe member in a cantilevered manner.
2. A fuel pump module according to claim 1, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises an insertion portion formed in one of the first pipe member and the second pipe member, and an insertion portion formed in the other of the first pipe member and the second pipe member, which receives the insertion portion.
3. A fuel pump module according to claim 2, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises an insertion portion formed in the first pipe member and an insertion portion formed in the second pipe member.
4. A fuel pump module according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the insertion portion is press-fitted into the portion to be inserted such that no gap is created between the insertion portion and the portion to be inserted.
5. A fuel pump module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a claw portion formed on the first pipe member and an engaging piece formed on the second pipe member that snaps onto the claw portion when the insertion portion is inserted.
6. A fuel pump module according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first pipe member extends perpendicular to the insertion direction of the insertion portion and has an engaging surface facing toward the other end of the first pipe member opposite to the end where the connecting mechanism is formed.
7. A fuel pump module according to claim 6, wherein the first pipe member has a protrusion projecting from its outer circumferential surface, and the engaging surface is formed on the protrusion.
8. A fuel pump module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fuel filter is flat and has a width in a direction intersecting the direction from the pressure control valve toward the fuel filter, and the entire return piping is within the width of the fuel filter.
9. A fuel pump module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fuel filter has a recess to avoid interference with the return piping.