JP4217464B2 - Fuel tank assembly - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly, and more particularly to a fuel tank assembly having a low profile fuel delivery module.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank having an access hole covered with a flange. The extended fuel delivery module is supported by the flange, protrudes downward from the flange, and reaches the bottom of the fuel tank. Usually, the total length of the module is defined by an electric motor and a fuel pump arranged continuously along a vertical rotation axis. The length of the module in the vertical direction defines the depth of the fuel tank or the minimum vertical height.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, the optimum outer shape of the fuel tank is limited by the vertical length of the fuel delivery module. Moreover, in order to optimize this already limited profile, the tank access holes must be located on the upper horizontal plane, possibly on the highest surface of the fuel tank.
[0004]
Positioning the access hole on the top of the tank is not preferable from the viewpoint of maintenance (maintenance maintenance). This is because the tank must be removed from the vehicle prior to accessing the internal components of the fuel tank assembly through the access hole. Since the fuel delivery module is cantilevered from the flange, the interconnection between the flange and the fuel tank (grid connection) itself is robust, and a high-speed vehicle that applies high torque or high torsional force to the flange Must be designed to pass the crash test. The larger the flange, the weaker the flange seal. Unfortunately, most of the surface area of the flange is occupied by the fuel delivery module, limiting the use of the area of the flange surface for mounting other components, i.e. for mounting components in the fuel tank. Has been.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a low profile fuel tank assembly with a suitably extended fuel delivery module that is normally mounted horizontally within the fuel tank, independent of the flange covering only one fuel tank access hole. The integrated fuel pump and the electric motor of the module preferably have a rotating shaft arranged substantially horizontally in the fuel tank. Since the fuel delivery module is supported by the shell or bottom of the fuel tank, the access holes are located on the fuel tank, independent of the flange, to simplify the fuel tank placement and simplify the repair procedure. It can be placed at any position. During assembly, preferably the module can be inserted into the fuel tank through the access hole and then attached to a bracket or strap assembly attached to the inner surface of the fuel tank, preferably by laser welding.
[0006]
Preferably, the fuel delivery module is inserted into the bracket adjacent to the base plate of the bracket attached to the inner bottom of the tank. During assembly, the fuel delivery module projects upwardly from the base plate and is centered laterally on the base plate of the bracket by two opposing sides. Preferably, the module further protrudes upward from the edge of the base plate and is centered longitudinally on the base plate by two pairs of opposing stop tabs.
[0007]
In a first preferred embodiment of the bracket, the fuel delivery module slides horizontally along connecting rails formed on both sides of the module for mounting between the bracket clasp and the module support structure. Engage with the bracket by sliding into the bracket. Preferably, the forward tab of the bracket prevents the module from sliding excessively forward. The locking tab protruding above the bracket and the support structure that elastically engages the locking tab act as a snap clip protruding forward, so that the module snap locks the bracket in place and moves it backward. Prevent migration and detachment.
[0008]
In a second preferred embodiment of the bracket, the base plate is the portion of the elastic tray that engages at least one elastic strap at each end of the strap. The bracket is designed to reduce the shear force applied to the weld between the tank and the base plate upon impact. For this purpose, the fuel delivery module is surrounded by a tray and a strap. Because the straps are stretched and tensioned when directly engaged with the fuel delivery module, there is a gap between the module and the side of the tray or retraction to allow some movement of the module relative to the bracket. .
[0009]
Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention include providing a low profile fuel tank assembly that allows the present invention to increase the degree of design freedom around the fuel tank of the vehicle and reduce the installation of the fuel tank. Simplify the maintenance procedure of the fuel system by making it easier, reduce the size of the flange, improve the sealing performance of the flange, increase the freedom of use of the flange surface area, and add additional parts to the fuel tank The present invention provides a relatively simple design, low cost, rugged and reliable fuel delivery module and tank assembly.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The fuel tank assembly of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel tank assembly 10 has a fuel tank 12 with an access hole 14 and is sufficiently large so that an extended fuel delivery module 16 is a fuel chamber 13 defined by the fuel tank 12. Can be inserted in. The tip 18 of the module 16 is located in front of the receiving end of the extended bracket 20 welded to the wall 22 of the bottom surface or inner surface 23 of the fuel tank 12. Bracket 20 and module 16 may be located on any other inner surface of fuel tank 12. However, positioning the module on the bottom surface eliminates the need for a pump inlet tube that may function as a fuel vapor lock. Furthermore, since the longitudinal direction of the module 16 is horizontal, the shape of the fuel tank 12 can be low profile. Preferably, the fuel tank 12 is made of blown plastic or high density polyethylene (HDPE) and the bracket 20 is made of injected plastic or HDPE. Since it is made of a substantially similar material, the plastic bracket 20 is welded to the inner surface 23 of the bottom wall 22 in a substantially horizontal position as well. The access hole 14 is covered, sealed or closed by the flange 24 shown in FIG.
[0012]
Conventionally, the fuel delivery module is mounted vertically and supported by a flange so that the access hole 14 is provided at the top of the fuel tank 12. Since the fuel delivery module 16 of the present invention is not supported by the flange 24, the access hole 14 can be located anywhere on the fuel tank 12. Indeed, the access hole 14 can be easily installed through any side of the fuel tank 12. Such flexibility regarding the installation position facilitates maintenance and repair of the fuel tank assembly. Apart from the vertical mounting of the fuel delivery module in the conventional assembly and the support by the flange of the fuel delivery module, the fuel delivery module 16 of the present invention is the fuel described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,714 to Bucci et al. It can be the same as the pump assembly.
[0013]
As shown in FIGS. 2-5, in the assembly, the fuel delivery module 16 is slidably received between opposing clasps 26 that project upwardly from the substantially planar base plate 30 of the bracket 20. The fuel is stored in a fuel chamber 13 defined by the fuel tank 12. The base plate 30 is welded, embedded, or attached to the substantially horizontal bottom wall 22 of the fuel tank 12 and extends from its front portion 34 to its rear portion 32. When using an HDPE fuel tank shell having multiple layers including an intermediate fuel penetration barrier layer, it is preferable not to break the penetration barrier layer when the bracket 20 is attached to the fuel tank 12. Therefore, welding to the bottom surface 22 or the inner layer of the multilayer fuel tank is preferable as an attachment method. As another method, there is a method of forming protrusions in the fuel tank during the blow molding process of tank manufacture. In this case, the bracket 20 or the module 16 is directly press-fitted into the protrusion.
[0014]
As shown in FIGS. 4-6, when assembled, the clasps 26 are fuel delivery modules by an extended guideway 36 of each clasp 26 that slides into engagement with the connecting rails 38 of the fuel delivery module 16. 16 is prevented from moving upward away from the base plate 30. The guide way 36 and the rail 38 extend in the longitudinal direction between the front portion 34 and the rear portion 32 of the bracket 20. The stop tab 40 prevents the module 16 from moving too far forward and detaching from the guideway 36 and the rail 38. The stop tab 40 protrudes upward from the base plate 30 and can be engaged with the tip 18 of the fuel delivery module 16. When the fuel delivery module 16 moves rearward with respect to the bracket 20 during assembly, the fuel delivery module 16 is detached from the connection guide way 36 and the rail 36. This is prevented by a locking tab 42 projecting upward from 26 and a pair of snap clips 44 of the fuel delivery module 16 engaging the locking tab 42. The clasp 26 is typically flexible and can act as a bottom reference spring to absorb the bottom impact load on the fuel tank 12.
[0015]
As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, each laterally opposite guide 26 guideway 36 has a channel 54 defined by a rail 48, the longitudinal direction of the bracket. It is extended to. The guide way 36 is fixed vertically to a cross bar 47, and the cross bar 47 is attached to the upper edge of a substantially planar wall 46. The wall 46 projects vertically upward from the base plate 30 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the bracket 20. The rail 48 protrudes downward from the end of the cross bar 47 in the longitudinal direction toward the base plate 30 and extends parallel to the wall 46. When assembled, each channel 54 houses and connects to one of the support structure of the fuel delivery module 16 or the rail 38 protruding above the can 52. The rail 38 extends in the longitudinal direction and protrudes upward, and is fixed to a transverse spacer bar 56 attached to the can 52 along its lower edge. When the fuel delivery module 16 is engaged with the bracket 20, preferably the can 52 is spaced from the rail 38 and extends parallel to it to define a channel or slot 58 in which the rail 48 is disposed. It has a plane 50.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, each snap clip 44 is attached to one of the longitudinal sides 50 of the can 52. The snap clip 44 is disposed at a distance above the rail 38 of the can 52 so that the bar 47 of the clasp 26 on the bracket 20 can fit therebetween. Each snap clip 44 has a catch or lip 64 on one end of a flexible arm 64 with the other end cantilevered by a base 60 and attached to the longitudinal side 50 of the can 52. The base 60 supports the cantilevered arm 62 and separates it laterally outward from the longitudinal side 50. The cantilevered arm 62 is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal side 50 and protrudes forward as shown in FIG. The lip 64 protrudes outward in the lateral direction with respect to the arm 60 and the longitudinal side surface 50. As the fuel delivery module 16 slides into the bracket 20, the cantilevered arm 62 of each snap clip 44 bends inward toward the longitudinal side 50 of the can 52 due to the action of the locking tab 42, and the lip 64 is And slide along the inner surface of the locking tab 42. When the lip 64 slides over the locking tab 42 and engages the front stop surface 66 of the locking tab 42, the cantilevered arm 62 suddenly returns. When the lip 64 of the snap clip 44 hits the stop surface 66 of the lock tab 42, the fuel delivery module 16 is prevented from moving backward and being detached from the connection guide way 36 and the rail 36. To remove the fuel delivery module 16 from the bracket 20, a lateral inward force may be applied to the arm 62 of the snap clip 44 that extends vertically above the locking tab 42. When this detaching lateral force is applied to both clips, the lip 64 is detached from each locking tab 42, thereby allowing the fuel delivery module to slide backwards.
[0017]
During assembly, centering (positioning) when inserting the fuel delivery module 16 between the opposing clasps 26 is performed by being guided by an angled or inclined guide plate 68 of the clasp 26. . Each guide plate 68 is substantially planar, angled outward, and protrudes rearward from both the rearward vertical end of the locking tab 42 and the rear edge of the wall 46 of the clasp 26. The combination of both guide plates of the clasp 26 forms a type of funnel that guides the fuel delivery module 16 between the opposed clasps 26 to help center (position) it. The bar 47 extends rearward and engages the central portion of the guide plate 68 to reinforce the guide plate 68.
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 7-11, the can 52 of the fuel delivery module 16 houses a fuel supply pressure control assembly 70 and motor 72, shown as a pressure control regulator attached to the outlet of the fuel pump. The motor 72 is disposed substantially horizontally and has a rotating shaft 74 that is preferably inclined no more than 10 degrees from a horizontal plane when the fuel tank is in its normal orientation in the vehicle. However, the pressure control assembly 70 can also be a pressure conversion motor speed control system where the fuel pressure conversion feeds back to a variable speed fuel pump. The advantage of this system is that, unlike a pressure regulator, it does not always operate at the highest system voltage and therefore consumes less energy.
[0019]
The fuel flows from a receiver accommodated in the can 52 by a motor 72 and a fuel pump disposed in the can 52. As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel flows from the pump through the extended fuel filter 75 of the module 16 to the regulator 70. The filter 75 partially encloses the pump and the motor 72 and has a fuel injection nozzle 82 attached to the end of the filter 75 facing the regulator 70 or away from the regulator 70. Integrated with module 16 is a fuel level sensor assembly 77 that includes a swiveling floating arm sensor 78 and / or a fuel piezoelectric level sensor 76. The swivel floating arm sensor 78 functions as a fixed ohmic resistance card having a variable resistance that can be controlled by a float engaged with the end of the swivel arm.
[0020]
Various appendages on the module 16 are led to and through the flange 24. These accessories include a wire harness (not shown) and a flexible tube 80. The tube 80 supplies fuel to the engine and communicates with the regulator 70 through a nozzle 81 that engages the can 52. Since the flange 24 of the present invention does not support the fuel delivery module 16, other parts are easily supported by the flange 24. These components include, for example, a vehicle-mounted diagnostic pressure transducer (OBD2) that detects a fuel tank leak due to a pressure difference, a filling limit vent valve (FLVV), and the like.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the second preferred embodiment of the fuel tank assembly 10 'of the present invention is useful for shock or G-forces absorption and reduces the pressure on the tank. Release to the bracket interface and release pressure on the fuel module to the bracket interface. The bracket 20 'allows the fuel delivery module 16' to move slightly in any direction and decelerates the module for a longer period of time when compared to the rigid assembly of the first preferred embodiment when there is a strong impact. Acts like
[0022]
The laser weld 90 does not require any special features or outlines and attaches the substantially planar base plate 30 'of the tray 89 of the bracket 20' to the inner surface 23 'of the fuel tank 12'. Although four laser weld points 90 are depicted in FIG. 10, more or less may be used depending on the weight of the fuel delivery module 16 ′ and the shape of the fuel tank assembly 10 ′. The tray 89 is preferably made of a material similar to the inner surface 23 'of the fuel tank 12'. As an example, when the material of the fuel tank is HDPE, the material of the tray 89 is also preferably HDPE in order to increase the strength of the welded portion. However, since HDPE tends to swell when immersed in a hydrocarbon fuel, tray 89 should be internally reinforced with glass fibers to reduce swelling. Laser welding is preferred over plate welding. This is because the tray 89 is designed to be flexible and is too thin to handle under the high heat generated during plate welding. Laser welding is advantageous from this point also because the laser welding instrument can separate the bracket 20 'from the tank access hole 14'. This separation is 6 to 12 inches (about 15 to 30 cm) for a typical automobile fuel tank. Fiber optics are used to position the weld point between the bracket 20 'and the tank 12'. When laser light having a wavelength of about 800 nm is used, the time required for welding is 3 to 5 seconds.
[0023]
For attaching the fuel delivery module 16 'to the bracket 20', there are two substantially opposite side guide plates or side frames 92, 94 of the tray 89, similar to the guide plate 68 in the first preferred embodiment. To play a role. The side frames 92, 94 protrude substantially upward from each longitudinal end of the base plate 30 ′ and extend in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 30 ′ between the front stop tab 96 and the rear stop tab 98 of the tray 89. ing. The forward stop tab 96 works similarly to the stop tab 40 in the first preferred embodiment and restricts forward movement of the fuel delivery module 16 'within the bracket 20'. The pair of front stop tabs 96 extend inward from each end of the side frames 92 and 94, that is, along the front end 100 of the base plate 30 ′. The additional pair of rear stop tabs 98 in the second preferred embodiment limit the rearward movement of the fuel delivery module 16 ′ within the bracket 20 ′ and are inward from each end of the side frames 92, 94. Toward, i.e., along the rearward end 102 of the base plate 30 '.
[0024]
After the base plate 30 ′ of the tray 89 is laser welded to the tank 12 ′, the extended support structure or can 52 ′ of the extended fuel delivery module 16 ′ is installed in the tray 89 from a substantially vertical direction. The front stop tab 96 and the rear stop tab 98 center (position) the can 52 ′ in the longitudinal direction of the tray 89, and the side frames 92 and 94 center the can 52 ′ laterally with respect to the tray 89.
[0025]
The front and rear elastic straps 104, 106 elastically directly fix the module 16 'to the welded base plate 30'. Each elastic strap 104, 106 has a long central strap 108 and a short end strap 110 that elastically extend above the fuel filter 75 'of the module 16' engaged with the can 52 '. The opposite ends 112, 114 of each strap 108, 110 are integrally engaged with the flaps 116, 118. The flap 116 is shown as hinged to the raised portion 120 of the frame 92 along the longitudinal axis of the base plate 30 ′. The flap 118 snap-locks to a raised portion 122 of the frame 94 by means of a snap-lock mechanism or to two apertures 126 that communicate with the flap 118 that receives two humps 124 projecting outwardly from the raised portion 122. A thumb catch 128 projects outwardly from the flap 118 between the apertures 126 to snap lock the flap 118 and strap 108 from the open position to the closed position.
[0026]
Since the bracket 20 'is a single piece, the straps 108, 110 are made of the same material as the base plate 30'. This material is preferably HDPE. The strap needs to be thin enough to be elastic and extend across the fuel filter 75 '. The thickness of the strap for obtaining this elasticity depends on the material used.
[0027]
Alternatively, the straps 108 and 110 and the flaps 116 and 118 can be integrated, or a single molded body separated from the base plate 30 '. In this case, the flap 116 has a snap lock mechanism instead of an elastic hinge. The strap and the flap can be made of a material different from the base plate 30 ', which has to be similar to the tank 12' for welding, and a material having excellent elastic properties. An example of such a material for straps and flaps is nylon.
[0028]
The fuel filter 75 ′ of the fuel delivery module 16 ′ is supported by the can 52 ′ and protrudes upward. A substantially outwardly facing outer surface 134 of the filter 75 ′ disposed above the can 52 ′ is in direct contact with the elastic straps 108, 110. The outer surface 134 has a forward shelf (shoulder) 136 that lies substantially in a plane disposed perpendicular to the base plate 30 '. The front shelf 136 is between the tip portion 138 and the central portion 140 of the outer surface 134 and is disposed substantially perpendicular to the tip portion 138. The short strap 110 of the elastic strap 104 is elastically directly engaged with the tip portion 138 of the outer surface 134. The long strap 108 of the elastic strap 104 usually elastically directly engages a central portion 140 that is located farther from the base plate 30 ′ than the tip portion 138. In the event of a strong impact, the front shelf 136 contacts the short strap 110 of the elastic strap 104, thereby limiting the forward movement of the fuel delivery module 16 'within the bracket 20'.
[0029]
Similarly, the outer surface 134 of the fuel filter 75 ′ has a rear shelf that lies in a plane that is disposed substantially parallel to the front shelf 136. The rear shelf is between the rear end portion 144 and the central portion 140 of the outer surface 134 and is disposed substantially perpendicular to the rear end portion 144. Of the elastic straps 106, the short strap 110 is elastically directly engaged with the rear end portion 144 of the outer surface 134. Of the elastic straps 106, the long elastic central strap 108 elastically engages the central portion 140 directly. In the event of a strong impact, the rear shelf contacts the flexible short strap 110 of the elastic strap 106, thereby limiting the rearward movement of the fuel delivery module 16 'within the bracket 20'. Depending on the surrounding dynamics, the shape of the fuel delivery module 16 ', and the weight distribution, other strap shapes may be used. For example, from within the channel defined by surface 134, one short strap may secure the module by engaging the outer surface of the filter.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 11, the movement of the fuel delivery module 16 ′ relative to the base plate 30 ′ and the laser welding point 90 is limited to about 2 millimeters for a typical automobile fuel tank. Due to the tight relationship between the front shelf, the back shelf and the short strap 110, the fuel delivery module 16 'positioned in the longitudinal center of the base plate 30' allows approximately 2 millimeters between the can 52 'and the front tab 96. Gap 146 exists. Similarly, for lateral movement, there is a gap 148 of about 2 millimeters between the can 52 'and the side frame 92, or between the can 52' and the side frame 94 of the base plate 30 'when not flexible. To do. Of course, the gap 118 is effectively removed at the junction of the raised portions 120 and 122 by the flap 118 snap-locked to the raised portion 122.
[0031]
Further, in order to facilitate the flexibility of the tray 89, two cutouts 150 extend laterally across the base plate 30 ', and some are connected to the side frames 92, 94 at the top. The parts 120 and 122 are not reached.
[0032]
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using preferable embodiment, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, Many other embodiment is possible. For example, the opposing clasp 26 can be replaced with a strap that encloses the module 16 and engages the base plate of the bracket at one end. Of course, various modifications can be made without departing from the subject matter and scope of the present invention.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has provided a low profile fuel tank assembly with a suitably extended fuel delivery module that is normally mounted horizontally within the fuel tank, independent of the flange covering only one fuel tank access hole. . This increases the design freedom around the fuel tank of the vehicle and simplifies the fuel system maintenance procedure by facilitating the installation of the fuel tank, reducing the size of the flange and improving the sealing performance of the flange. It was possible to reduce the fuel penetration by freeing the surface area of the flange and allowing the fuel tank to be equipped with additional parts.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel delivery module and a tank assembly according to the present invention, in which a part of a fuel tank is cut into a cross section, thereby showing the inside.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fuel delivery module, mounting bracket and flange of the assembly of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel delivery module and the mounting bracket taken along line 3-3 in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a front end perspective view of a fuel delivery module and a bracket.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket.
6 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of the fuel delivery module and the bracket, taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fuel delivery module and a bracket, in which a part of the fuel filter is cut and the inside is shown.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel delivery module and bracket along line 8-8 in FIG.
9 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the fuel delivery module, bracket and tank assembly, with a section cut through a portion of the fuel tank, showing the interior, FIG. FIG. 9 includes a cross-sectional view of the fuel delivery module and bracket along line 9-9.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the bracket, showing the bracket in an open position.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a fuel delivery module installed within the bracket, showing the bracket in an open position.
[Explanation of symbols]
10,10 'fuel tank assembly
12,12 'fuel tank
14 Access hole
16, 16 'Fuel delivery module
20, 20 'bracket
22 Bottom wall
23,23 'inner surface
24 Flange
26 Clasp
30, 30 'base plate
32 Rear part
34 Front
36 guideway
38 connecting rails
40 stop tab
42 Lock tab
44 snap clips
47 Crossbar
52,52 'can
56 Spacer bar
62 Cantilevered arm
64 lips
70 Fuel Supply Pressure Control Assembly
72 motor
75,75 'fuel filter
89 trays
92,94 side frame
96 Front stop tab
98 Rear stop tab
104,106 Elastic strap
136 Front shelf

Claims (30)

A fuel tank having an inner surface defining a fuel chamber;
An access hole provided in the fuel tank;
A flange that covers and seals the access hole;
A bracket permanently attached to the inner surface;
A fuel delivery module having a support structure engaging the bracket, a fuel pump, and an electric motor for operating the fuel pump;
In a fuel tank assembly comprising:
The fuel pump and the electric motor are housed and supported by the support structure;
The fuel delivery module is inserted into the fuel tank through the access hole and attached to the bracket so as to be horizontal in the fuel chamber without being supported by the flange ; and
The fuel tank assembly , wherein when the fuel delivery module is attached to the bracket, the rotating shaft of the electric motor is arranged substantially horizontally .   The fuel tank assembly of claim 1, further comprising a base plate of the bracket disposed between the inner surface of the fuel tank and a fuel delivery module, and a weld for attaching the base plate to the inner surface. .   The bracket delivery tray further comprising two longitudinal side frames projecting outward from the base plate away from the base plate and the inner surface of the fuel tank, the fuel delivery module being between the two side frames; The fuel tank assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fuel tank assembly is disposed on the fuel tank.   A front end tab projecting outward from the front end of the base plate away from the inner surface of the fuel tank and extending between the two side frames, the fuel delivery module being behind the front end tab; 4. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 3, wherein the fuel tank assembly is disposed and restricted in forward movement by the front end tab.   A rear end tab projecting outwardly from the rear end of the base plate away from the inner surface of the fuel tank and extending between the two side frames; the fuel delivery module in front of the rear end tab; 5. The fuel tank assembly of claim 4, wherein the fuel tank assembly is disposed and restricted in rearward movement by the rear end tab.   A gap provided between the fuel delivery module and the front end tab; a gap provided between the fuel delivery module and the rear end tab; and one each of the fuel delivery module and the two side frames. 6. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a gap provided therebetween.   A bracket tray in which the fuel delivery module is disposed; a weld disposed on the inner surface of a fuel tank to secure the tray to the inner surface; and a first engaging the tray. The elastic strap of the bracket having a second end, the strap elastically contacting a fuel delivery module disposed between the strap and the tray. Fuel tank assembly.   The bracket further comprises an elastic strap of the bracket having a first end engaging the first side frame of the tray and a second end opposite the second side frame, the strap comprising: 4. The fuel tank assembly of claim 3, wherein the fuel tank assembly elastically contacts a fuel delivery module disposed between the strap and the tray.   The fuel delivery module comprises an outwardly facing outer surface having a shelf lying in a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the base plate, the elastic strap elastically contacting the shelf, 9. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 8, wherein the movement of the fuel delivery module in the longitudinal direction of the tray is restricted by means of the fuel tank.   The fuel delivery module further comprises a tip portion of the outer surface of the fuel delivery module and a central portion of the outer surface disposed behind the tip portion, the center portion being further away from the tray than the tip portion. Projecting and the shelf is defined between the central portion and the tip portion, and the strap is in elastic contact with the tip portion, thereby limiting forward axial movement of the fuel delivery module. 10. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 9, wherein:   The outer surface has an axial rear end portion disposed axially rearward of the central portion, the central portion protrudes further from the tray as compared to the rear end portion, and the bracket is An elastic rear strap and an elastic front strap, wherein the elastic front strap is the elastic strap, and the elastic rear strap is in elastic contact with the rear end portion, thereby moving the fuel delivery module to the rear. 11. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 10, wherein the movement is restricted.   The bracket has an elastic central strap that is longer than the front strap and the rear strap, and the elastic central strap is in elastic contact with the central portion of the outer surface to allow movement of the fuel delivery module relative to the bracket. 12. The fuel tank assembly of claim 11, wherein the fuel tank assembly is limited.   8. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 7, wherein the inner surface of the fuel tank and the tray are made of high density polyethylene.   14. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 13, wherein the tray is reinforced with glass fibers.   15. The fuel tank assembly of claim 14, wherein the strap is integral with the tray and is made of high density polyethylene reinforced with glass fibers.   The fuel tank assembly of claim 13, wherein the strap is made of nylon.   3. The fuel tank assembly of claim 2, wherein the support structure is a can, and the can defines a fuel reservoir and a fuel pump disposed in the can.   The fuel tank assembly of claim 2, wherein the fuel delivery module includes a fuel supply pressure control assembly supported by the support structure.   And further comprising two opposing clasps of the bracket projecting from the base plate into the fuel chamber, wherein the support structure of the fuel delivery module is engaged between the two opposed clasps. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 17. The clasp has a wall and a cross bar, the wall extends between the base plate and the cross bar, the wall protrudes into the fuel chamber, and the cross bar is spaced from the base plate from the wall. Protruding outwards,
The support structure of the fuel delivery module has opposing longitudinal sides and spacer bars, the spacer bars projecting outward from each of the longitudinal sides to the crossbars of each of the brackets. 20. The fuel tank assembly of claim 19, wherein the fuel tank assembly engages and thereby limits movement away from the inner surface of the fuel tank of the fuel delivery module relative to the bracket.   The support structure includes a snap clip, the bracket includes a locking tab, and the snap clip is locked to the locking tab, thereby restricting rearward movement of the fuel delivery module relative to the bracket. 21. A fuel tank assembly according to claim 20, wherein: The snap clip includes a base, a cantilevered arm and a lip, the base engaging between one of the longitudinal sides of the support structure and the cantilevered arm, The held arm is arranged parallel to the side surface and extends longitudinally along the side surface, and the lip engages the end of the cantilevered arm and is transverse to the side surface of the support structure. Projecting
22. The fuel tank according to claim 21, wherein the locking tab has a contact surface facing forward, and the lip limits the backward movement of the fuel delivery module by contacting the contact surface. assembly.   The locking tab protrudes into the fuel chamber away from the inner surface of the fuel tank and the crossbar of the clasp, and the cantilevered arm is forward from the base of the snap clip along the side of the support structure. 23. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 22, wherein the fuel tank assembly protrudes toward the bottom.   24. The lip protrudes laterally outward with respect to an adjacent side surface, and the cantilevered arm is disposed between the adjacent side surface and the locking tab of the clasp. The fuel tank assembly as described. The clasp has a guideway defining a channel, the guideway of the clasp has an extended rail disposed parallel to the base plate and protruding toward the base plate, the channel being Defined between the wall and the rail;
The support structure of the fuel delivery module includes a slot and an extended connection rail projecting laterally from the spacer bar, the slot being defined between the connection rail and a side surface of the support structure. The fuel tank assembly of claim 21, wherein the extended rail of the clasp is disposed in the slot and the connecting rail of the support structure is disposed in the channel.   The base plate of the bracket has a forward end extending between two opposite ends, the bracket has a stop tab, the stop tab being an integral part from the base plate toward the fuel chamber. 26. The fuel tank assembly of claim 25, wherein the fuel tank assembly further protrudes and contacts the support structure of the fuel delivery module, thereby further preventing forward movement of the fuel delivery module.   The fuel tank has an upper side and a flange through which the upper side defines an access hole through which the fuel delivery module is inserted into the fuel tank, the flange engaging the upper side. The fuel tank assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fuel delivery module includes a wire harness and a fuel supply tube passing through the flange.   2. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the fuel tank is made of blow molded plastic and the bracket is made of injected plastic.   The fuel tank assembly according to claim 1, wherein a maximum height of the fuel tank is smaller than a length in a longitudinal direction of the fuel delivery module.   Blow molding a plastic fuel tank, inserting a bracket into the fuel tank through an access hole in the tank, welding the bracket to the fuel tank, and a fuel delivery module through the access hole in the tank. A fuel tank comprising: inserting the fuel delivery module into the bracket; and snap-locking the fuel delivery module to the bracket so that a longitudinal axis of the fuel delivery module is disposed substantially horizontally. Assembly manufacturing method.

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