JP7727524B2 - fuel supply device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fuel supply device.

For example, there is a known fuel supply device for a vehicle that supplies fuel from a fuel tank to an engine. As described in Patent Document 1, a fuel supply device that is located at the bottom of the fuel tank is known. The fuel supply device includes a fuel pump that draws fuel stored in the fuel tank through an intake port and pumps it to the engine, and a filter that is attached to the intake port to prevent foreign matter from entering the fuel pump.

The fuel supply device, for example, comprises a cylindrical cup (exterior body) that houses a fuel pump, and a pressure regulator attached to the cup. The fuel pump discharges fuel through a discharge port (fuel extraction pipe). The pressure regulator prevents the pressure of the fuel supplied from the fuel supply device to the internal combustion engine from becoming excessive. For this reason, the pressure regulator is installed midway in the flow path from the discharge port of the fuel pump to the internal combustion engine.

In this fuel supply device, the fuel pump and cup (exterior body) are positioned with their axes parallel to the bottom of the fuel tank. The cup and the flange (lid member) that attaches the cup and pressure regulator to the tank are made of, for example, resin.

Patent No. 5554055

In the fuel supply device described in Patent Document 1, the cup and the flange are molded integrally.
However, when a cylindrical pressure regulator having an axis extending from a flat flange and a cylindrical cup having an axis substantially parallel to the flange surface are integrally molded, the number of divisions of the mold, i.e., the number of slides required and their directions, increases, resulting in a problem of a complicated mold structure. At the same time, when the number of divisions of the mold increases, the number of locations where ejector pins cannot be easily positioned increases, which can lead to a problem of poor demoldability of the molded product.

In other words, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires a complex mold structure, has limited freedom in ejector pin placement, and is poor in mold releasability, making it unrealistic to adopt such a structure as a fuel supply device.
Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the cup and flange are molded as a single unit, which means that if the shape of the pump, particularly its outer diameter or discharge shape, is changed, the technology cannot be adapted as is, resulting in poor versatility.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to achieve the objectives of preventing the mold from becoming too complicated, improving demolding properties, and increasing versatility.

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
A fuel supply device attached to a fuel tank and supplying fuel from the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank,
a flange member that covers an opening in a bottom wall of the fuel tank;
a fuel pump disposed horizontally at a bottom of the fuel tank along a placement surface of the flange member exposed inside the fuel tank;
a cylindrical pump housing member that houses the fuel pump and is attached to the flange member;
Equipped with
a guide rail structure that regulates the mounting direction in which the flange member and the pump accommodating member slide and are mounted to each other so that the mounting direction is along the arrangement surface of the flange member;
a snap-fit structure that engages the flange member and the pump accommodating member with each other at a position that is a sliding end in the mounting direction to restrict their positions;
Equipped with.

In the above configuration, the guide rail structure and snap-fit structure allow the flange member and the pump housing member to be attached by sliding relative to each other, so the flange member and the pump housing member can be molded as separate bodies. This simplifies the slide structure in the mold used to mold the flange member and the pump housing member, improves the flexibility of ejector pin placement, prevents the mold from becoming too complicated, reduces manufacturing costs by simplifying the mold structure, and improves productivity by improving demolding.
At the same time, by making the flange member and the pump housing member separate, pump housing members of different shapes can be attached to the flange member. This allows for changes to the fuel pump to be accommodated simply by changing the shape of the pump housing member. Therefore, it is possible to easily accommodate pumps of different shapes, improving versatility.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
The guide rail structure includes:
a vertical rail portion extending along the mounting direction and formed so as to protrude in a direction in which the flange member and the pump accommodating member face each other;
a vertical guide portion that extends along the mounting direction, protrudes toward the vertical rail portion, is fitted to the vertical rail portion, and is slidable in the mounting direction along the vertical rail portion;
a vertical guide rail structure that restricts the positions of the flange member and the pump accommodating member at least in the opposing direction,
The vertical guide rail structure is
The opposing ends of the vertical rail portions and the vertical guide portions are formed with protruding portions that protrude along the arrangement surface in a direction intersecting the mounting direction and are fitted together,
one of the vertical rail portion and the vertical guide portion is formed on the flange member, and the other is formed on the pump accommodating member;
It is possible.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
The vertical guide rail structure is
At least one of the protruding portions has an inclined portion inclined so that the flange member and the pump accommodating member are closer to each other in the opposing direction at a slide end point than at a slide start point in the mounting direction.
It is possible.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
The vertical guide rail structure is
Among the contact surfaces where the protrusion of the vertical rail portion and the protrusion of the vertical guide portion come into contact with each other,
the contact surface of the protrusion formed on the flange member is formed in a flat shape along the mounting direction,
The contact surface of the protrusion formed on the pump accommodating member has the inclined portion.
It is possible.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
The guide rail structure includes:
a lateral rail portion extending along the mounting direction and formed so as to protrude in a direction in which the flange member and the pump accommodating member face each other;
a lateral guide portion extending along the mounting direction and projecting toward the lateral rail portion, the lateral guide portion abutting against the lateral rail portion in a direction intersecting the mounting direction;
a lateral guide rail structure for regulating the positions of the flange member and the pump accommodating member in the intersecting direction,
The horizontal guide rail structure is
one of the lateral rail portion and the lateral guide portion is formed on the flange member, and the other is formed on the pump accommodating member;
It is possible.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
The lateral guide rail structure is
At least one of the lateral rail portion and the lateral guide portion has an inclined portion that is inclined so that the contact pressure between the lateral rail portion and the lateral guide portion in the intersecting direction is increased at a slide end point relative to a slide start point in the mounting direction.
It is possible.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
The guide rail structure includes:
The vertical guide rail structure and the horizontal guide rail structure are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the intersecting direction.
It is possible.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
The vertical guide rail structure is
The cross-sectional profile of the vertical rail portion in the intersecting direction is formed into a substantially T-shape,
the vertical guide portion is formed in a groove shape into which the vertical rail portion is slidably fitted,
The protrusion of the vertical rail portion and the protrusion of the vertical guide portion are in contact with each other on a contact surface thereof,
the contact surface of the protrusion formed on the flange member is formed in a plane that is aligned along the mounting direction and parallel to the placement surface,
the contact surface of the protrusion formed on the pump accommodating member has an inclined portion that is inclined so that the flange member and the pump accommodating member are closer to each other in the opposing direction at a slide end rather than a slide start end in the mounting direction, and has an inclined surface that is inclined so as to move away from the arrangement surface toward the slide end rather than the slide start end in the mounting direction.
It is possible.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
The snap-fit structure is disposed at a position where a slide end of the lateral guide rail structure in the mounting direction is extended.
It is possible.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
The flange member has:
a fuel flow path that supplies fuel from the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank;
a regulator accommodating portion that communicates with the fuel flow path and maintains a constant pressure in the fuel flow path, and that protrudes from the arrangement surface and that accommodates the fuel flow path;
is formed,
The snap-fit structure is disposed at a position corresponding to a tip of the regulator accommodating portion in the opposing direction.
It is possible.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
an opening portion that communicates the fuel flow path with the inside of the fuel tank is formed at a tip end of the regulator housing portion;
a covering piece formed on the pump accommodating member, the covering piece overlapping the opening when viewed in the opposing direction at a locking position by the snap-fit structure;
It is possible.

The fuel supply device according to the present invention comprises:
the covering piece has a gap with the edge of the opening when the covering piece is in the locked position by the snap-fit structure;
It is possible.

The present invention has the effect of providing a fuel supply device that prevents the mold from becoming too complicated, improves mold releasability, and increases versatility.

1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a fuel supply device according to the present invention; 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a fuel supply device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a flange member in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a pump housing member in a first embodiment of a fuel supply device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a guide rail structure of a pump housing member in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the XY plane showing a vertical guide rail structure in a first embodiment of a fuel supply device according to the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the XY plane showing a vertical guide rail structure in a first embodiment of a fuel supply device according to the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the YZ plane showing the vertical guide rail structure in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the XY plane showing a guide rail structure in a first embodiment of a fuel supply device according to the present invention. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the YZ plane showing another example of the vertical guide rail structure in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the YZ plane showing another example of the vertical guide rail structure in the first embodiment of the fuel supply device according to the present invention. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of a fuel supply device according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a fuel supply device according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the fuel supply device according to this embodiment. In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes the fuel supply device.
In the following description, the central axis of the fuel pump 10 described later is referred to as the central axis C (see FIG. 2 ), the direction along the central axis C is referred to as the mounting direction (sliding direction; X direction), the direction perpendicular to the mounting direction along the arrangement surface of the flange member 30 that closes the opening 2 b formed in the bottom wall 2 a of the fuel tank 2 described later is referred to as the intersecting direction (Y direction), and the normal direction to the arrangement surface is referred to as the opposing direction (Z direction).

<Fuel supply device>
A fuel supply device 1 according to this embodiment is attached to a vehicle such as a motorcycle or a four-wheeled vehicle. The fuel supply device 1 is of a so-called bottom-mounted type. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the fuel supply device 1 is inserted through an opening 2b formed in a bottom wall 2a of a fuel tank 2 and attached to the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2. The fuel supply device 1 includes a fuel pump 10 disposed in the fuel tank 2, a cup (pump housing member) 20 that contains (houses) the fuel pump 10, a flange unit (flange member) 30 that supports the fuel pump 10 together with the cup 20 and is attached to the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2, and a pressure regulator 45 attached inside the flange unit 30.

That is, the fuel supply device 1 according to this embodiment includes a flange member 30 that covers the opening 2b in the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2; a fuel pump 10 that is placed horizontally near the bottom of the fuel tank 2, which is located on the lower side in the Z direction, along the mounting surface 30a of the flange member 30 exposed inside the fuel tank 2; a cylindrical pump housing member 20 that houses the fuel pump 10 and is attached to the flange member 30; an inlet cover 50 connected to the pump housing member 20; a guide rail structure 100 that regulates the mounting direction in which the flange member 30 and the pump housing member 20 slide relative to each other in the X direction so that the mounting direction is along the mounting surface 30a of the flange member 30, as described below; and a snap fit structure 200 that engages and regulates the position of the flange member 30 and the pump housing member 20 at the end of the sliding motion in the mounting direction.

<Fuel pump>
The fuel pump 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its central axis C aligned with the X direction. The fuel pump 10 has a motor section 11 disposed on the left side in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a pump section 12 disposed on the right side in FIGS. 1 and 2. The outer periphery of the fuel pump 10 is formed by a cylindrical housing case 13 made of, for example, metal. The housing case 13 supports the motor section 11 and the pump section 12 from the outside.

Note that the right side in the drawing means the right side in the X direction, i.e., the fuel suction side in the direction along the mounting surface 30a of the flange member 30 and the axial direction of the fuel pump 10. Similarly, the left side means the left side in the X direction, i.e., the fuel discharge side in the direction along the mounting surface 30a of the flange member 30 and the axial direction of the fuel pump 10.
The motor unit 11 is, for example, a DC motor 11a with brushes (not shown). The motor unit 11 has an output shaft 15 extending downward in the X direction at the center in the radial direction. The output shaft 15 extends from the left side of the motor unit 11 to the right side of the pump unit 12.

The pump section 12 uses a non-positive displacement pump having an impeller 16. In addition to the impeller 16, the pump section 12 also has an impeller case 18 formed to cover the entire impeller 16.
The impeller 16 is a disc-shaped member made of, for example, resin. An insertion hole 16a is formed in the radial center of the impeller 16. The output shaft 15 of the DC motor 11a is inserted through the insertion hole 16a. The output shaft 15 is arranged so that its axial direction is in the X direction.

A number of blades (not shown) are formed on the outer periphery of the left and right surfaces of the impeller 16. These blades penetrate the left and right surfaces of the impeller 16 between each other. Furthermore, a fuel flow path hole (not shown) is formed between the insertion hole 16a of the impeller 16 and the blade (not shown) that penetrates the left and right surfaces of the impeller 16. When the DC motor 11a is driven and the impeller 16 rotates, fuel F passes through the fuel flow path hole (not shown) and is pressure-fed from the right side to the left side of the impeller 16.

The impeller case 18 is formed to cover the left and right surfaces and outer periphery of the impeller 16. The lower end of the housing case 13 is crimped to the outer periphery of the right surface 18a of the impeller case 18. The fuel suction port 14 protruding toward the right is formed on the outer periphery of the right surface of the impeller case 18. Furthermore, a communication hole (not shown) penetrating the impeller case 18 in the X direction is formed, and the communication hole (not shown) is connected to the fuel suction port 14. As a result, fuel F is pumped into the pump section 12 via the fuel suction port 14 and the communication hole (not shown). On the right side of the fuel pump 10, an inlet cover 50 is attached to the cup 20.
A discharge port 51 is formed on the left side of the housing case 13. The discharge port 51 communicates with a fuel flow path 71 formed in the regulator accommodating portion 70.

An outlet cover 17 is provided on the right side of the motor unit 11. The outlet cover 17 is made of, for example, resin. The outlet cover 17 is integrated with a flange member 30. The outlet cover 17 abuts against the fuel pump 10 housed in a cylindrical cup 20. The outlet cover 17 is integrated with a regulator housing portion 70 that stands upright from a mounting surface 30a of the flange member 30, as will be described later.
The outlet cover 17 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape standing upright from the mounting surface 30a. The outlet cover 17 is configured to maintain the fuel pump 10 housed in the cup 20 when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 are engaged with each other by a snap-fit structure 200, which will be described later. Note that the outlet cover 17 may have any other shape as long as it can maintain the fuel pump 10 housed in the cup 20.
The outlet cover 17 is formed with a contact surface 17a that contacts the cup 20 and the fuel pump 10. The contact surface 17a is a flat surface that faces the cup 20 and the fuel pump 10 in the X direction. The contact surface 17a is formed to extend in the Z direction.

<Inlet cover>
The inlet cover 50 is disposed further to the right of the right end of the cylindrical cup 20. The inlet cover 50 is attached to the cup 20 by surrounding the right end of the cup 20. Furthermore, the fuel intake port 14, through which the fuel F flows into the fuel pump 10, is located inside and below the inlet cover 50.
A check valve (not shown) that communicates with the fuel intake port 14 may be housed inside the inlet cover 50. The check valve is intended to prevent the fuel F that has flowed in through the fuel intake port 14 from flowing back.

A liquid level detector may be attached to the inlet cover 50 to detect the liquid level of the fuel F stored in the fuel tank 2. A filter 14a is connected to the fuel intake port 14. The filter 14a is housed in the inlet cover 50. The filter 14a is located at the lowest point inside the fuel tank 2. The inlet cover 50 is open on the side opposite the cup 20 in the X direction, allowing the fuel F in the fuel tank 2 to flow in.

<Cup (pump housing member)>
The cup (pump housing member) 20 is made of, for example, a highly durable resin and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and an opening facing the regulator housing portion 70 on the left side in the X direction. That is, the cup 20 is attached so as to house the fuel pump 10 therein. The cup 20 is integrally formed with a cylindrical portion 22 that fits over the fuel pump 10 and an end wall 21 that closes the opening at the right end of the cylindrical portion 22.

A plate-shaped locking piece 202 is formed on the cylindrical portion 22 of the cup 20 and extends toward the right in the X direction. The locking piece 202 is formed on the top of the cylindrical portion 22 so that its outer periphery extends in the axial direction. The locking piece 202 has a covering piece 220 that extends to the upper end of the regulator accommodating portion 70. The locking piece 202 will be described later.
The cylindrical portion 22 of the cup 20 may be provided with a window portion 23 that opens on the outer circumferential surface. A plurality of windows 23 may be formed. The cylindrical portion 22 of the cup 20 is formed with a guide rail structure 100 at its lower portion that is slidable relative to the flange member 30.

The lower end of the cup 20 contacts the flange member 30. A thick slide portion 24 is formed on the lower side of the cup 20 in the Z direction, with a slide surface 20a, which is the lower end surface, as described below. The slide surface 20a is parallel to the placement surface 30a and extends in the X-Y direction. Furthermore, the Y-direction dimension of the slide portion 24 on which the slide surface 20a is formed is greater than the Y-direction dimension of the tubular portion 22 that houses the fuel pump 10, as described below.

The X-direction dimension of the slide surface 20a formed on the slide portion 24 is smaller than the X-direction dimension of the tubular portion 22 that houses the fuel pump 10, as described below. The Z-direction dimension, or thickness, of the slide portion 24 is designed to be strong enough to allow the flange member 30 and cup 20 to slide and to hold the fuel pump 10, even when a groove is formed as a guide rail structure 100, as described below.

<Flange unit>
The flange unit (flange member) 30 is made of, for example, a resin having excellent oil resistance. The flange unit 30 has a plate-shaped flange portion 32 that closes the opening 2b, a regulator housing portion 70 that is erected on the flange portion 32 facing inwardly toward the fuel tank 2, a cylindrical portion 34 that extends outwardly from the flange portion 32 toward the fuel tank 2, and a connector 33 that is spaced apart from the cylindrical portion 34 and extends outwardly from the flange portion 32 toward the fuel tank 2.

The flange portion 32 has a contour shape that corresponds to the contour shape of the opening 2b. In this embodiment, the flange portion 32 has a contour shape that is oval in plan view. The flange portion 32 has an arrangement surface 30a formed on the inside of the fuel tank 2. A regulator accommodating portion 70 is provided on the flange portion 32 at a position eccentric from the center in plan view.
A circumferential groove 32a that protrudes upward is formed in the flange portion 32 at a position corresponding to the opening 2b of the fuel tank 2. Then, the flange unit 30 is inserted into the opening 2b from the outside of the fuel tank 2, and a fixing member (not shown) is brought into contact with the flange portion 32 of the flange unit 30 from below on the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2, and this fixing member is fastened to the fuel tank 2 with bolts (not shown).

As a result, the area below the flange 32 (the cylindrical portion 34 and connector 33) is exposed to the outside of the fuel tank 2. The area above the flange 32 (the regulator housing 70) is immersed in the fuel F inside the fuel tank 2. A seal member 32b made of rubber or the like is provided between the flange 32 and the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2, ensuring a seal between the fuel supply device 1 and the fuel tank 2.

The regulator accommodating portion 70 extends from the mounting surface 30a of the flange portion 32 and has a fuel flow path 71 formed therein. The fuel flow path 71 penetrates the flange portion 32 and communicates with the interior of the tubular portion 34. The fuel flow path 71 extends in the Z direction. The pressure regulator 45 is housed near the end 70a of the regulator accommodating portion 70. The pressure regulator 45 is housed in a holding recess 73 that communicates with the fuel flow path 71. The holding recess 73 is formed at the upper end of the fuel flow path 71 in the Z direction. The holding recess 73 has an opening 73a that opens into the fuel tank 2 at the end 70a of the regulator accommodating portion 70. The pressure regulator 45 is fixed to the holding recess 73 by a protrusion 221 formed in the Y direction of the opening 73a. The protrusion 221 protrudes upward in the Z direction from a position on the Y-direction side of the periphery of the opening 73a. The protrusion 221 is a thermally caulked portion.

<Pressure regulator>
The pressure regulator 45 is used to maintain the fuel pressure of the fuel F flowing through the fuel flow path 71 at a certain value or below. The pressure regulator 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface of the pressure regulator 45 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the holding recess 73. The outer shape of the pressure regulator 45 substantially matches the inner shape of the holding recess 73.
Therefore, the pressure regulator 45 is securely held in the holding recess 73. This prevents the pressure regulator 45 from rattling.

Furthermore, a fuel inlet (not shown) provided below the pressure regulator 45 communicates with a fuel flow path 71 .
The fuel flow path 71 communicates with the exhaust port 51 via an exhaust flow path 71b that branches off in the X direction below the holding recess 73 and above the placement surface 30a in the Z direction. The pressure regulator 45 communicates with the exhaust port 51 via the fuel flow path 71 and the exhaust flow path 71b. An O-ring (not shown) is provided between the pressure regulator 45 and the bottom of the holding recess 73 to ensure sealing.

When the fuel pressure in the fuel flow path 71 exceeds a predetermined pressure, an on-off valve (not shown) provided in the pressure regulator 45 is pushed up by the fuel F filling the fuel flow path 71. The fuel F then flows into the pressure regulator 45 from below and is discharged into the fuel tank 2 from the upper opening 73a of the pressure regulator 45. When the fuel F is discharged into the fuel tank 2, the fuel pressure in the fuel flow path 71 is reduced. When the fuel pressure in the fuel flow path 71 returns to a normal value, the discharge of fuel F from the pressure regulator 45 is stopped. This causes the fuel pressure in the fuel flow path 71 to fall below a certain value.

The lower end of the fuel flow passage 71 in the Z direction passes through the flange portion 32 and extends into the cylindrical portion 34. A discharge pipe 34a extending in the X direction along the flange portion 32 is connected to the lower end of the cylindrical portion 34 in the Z direction. The extending direction of the discharge pipe 34a coincides with the axial direction of the fuel pump 10.
The fuel flow path 71 communicates with a second flow path 71c formed in the discharge pipe 34a from the cylindrical portion 34 at the lower end in the Z direction of the cylindrical portion 34. The outer end of the second flow path 71c communicates with the internal combustion engine 57 via the secondary filter 56. The cylindrical portion 34 and the discharge pipe 34a are integrally molded with the flange portion 32.

<Filter>
A primary filter 14a is disposed on the inlet cover 50 in a state where it is laid flat along the bottom wall 2a of the fuel tank 2. The primary filter 14a filters the fuel F pumped up by the fuel pump 10. The primary filter 14a is, for example, a suction filter. The primary filter 14a is formed into a bag shape by overlapping a pair of filter media (not shown) and welding their outer peripheries. The mesh diameter of the primary filter 14a is, for example, 70 μm.

On the other hand, the secondary filter 56, installed between the discharge pipe 34a and the internal combustion engine 57, is intended to further filter the fuel F filtered by the primary filter 14a with greater precision before supplying it to the internal combustion engine 57. The mesh diameter of the secondary filter 56 is smaller than that of the primary filter 14a, for example, 10 μm.

An external connector (not shown) connected to an external power source (not shown), a control device (not shown), or the like is fitted into a connector 33 provided on the underside of the flange portion 32, i.e., a portion exposed to the outside of the fuel tank 2. The connector 33 is a cylindrical member that is rectangular when viewed from the X direction. The connector 33 has a connector fitting portion 33a that opens radially outward.
A connector terminal 33b that provides electrical continuity between the inside and outside of the fuel tank 2 is provided inside the connector fitting portion 33a. The connector terminal 33b is a member made of a metal such as copper. The connector terminal 33b is electrically connected to the motor unit 11 and the liquid level detector via the regulator housing portion 70 and a harness 59 that is routed around the periphery of the fuel pump 10. This electrically connects the motor unit 11 and the liquid level detector to an external power source and a control device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the flange member 30 together with the guide rail structure in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cup (pump accommodating member) 20 in this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the guide rail structure in the cup (pump accommodating member) 20 in this embodiment. Note that FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cup (pump accommodating member) 20 as seen from the slide surface 20a side in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the Y-Z direction showing the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the guide rail structure 100 in this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to the guide surface 120a. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in the Y-Z direction showing the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the guide rail structure 100 in this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to the fixing surface 120c.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view in the X-Z direction showing the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the guide rail structure 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view in the X-Y direction showing the vertical guide rail structure 110 and the horizontal guide rail structure 150 in the guide rail structure 100 of this embodiment.

<Guide rail structure>
The guide rail structure 100 mounts the flange member 30 and the cup 20 housing the fuel pump 10 by sliding them relative to each other in the X direction.
The guide rail structure 100 is arranged on the placement surface 30a of the flange member 30 and the slide surface 20a of the cup 20, which face each other and come into contact with each other.

As shown in Figures 3 to 9, the guide rail structure 100 has one vertical guide rail structure (first guide portion) 110 and two horizontal guide rail structures (second guide portions) 150. The one vertical guide rail structure 110 and the two horizontal guide rail structures 150 both extend in the X direction. The one vertical guide rail structure 110 and the two horizontal guide rail structures 150 are arranged parallel to each other.

The two horizontal guide rail structures 150 are arranged spaced apart on both outer sides of the single vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction. The horizontal guide rail structures 150 are capable of mutually restricting the positions of the flange member 30 and the cup 20 in the Y direction when they slide. The vertical guide rail structure 110 is also capable of mutually restricting the positions of the flange member 30 and the cup 20 in the X and Y directions when they slide. Here, "outside in the Y direction" means the direction from the vertical guide rail structure 110 toward the horizontal guide rail structures 150 on both sides along the Y direction.

In this embodiment, the vertical guide rail structure (first guide portion) 110 and the horizontal guide rail structure (second guide portion) 150 are formed on the flange member 30 and the cup 20, respectively. The vertical guide rail structure 110 and the horizontal guide rail structure 150 are arranged on the placement surface 30a of the flange member 30 and the sliding surface 20a of the cup 20, which face each other and contact each other.

<Vertical guide rail structure>
The vertical guide rail structure 110 regulates the positions of the flange member 30 and the pump accommodating member 20 at least in the X and Z directions. The vertical guide rail structure 110 has a vertical rail portion 111 formed on the placement surface 30 a of the flange member 30 and a vertical guide portion 112 formed on the slide surface 20 a.

<Vertical rail section>
The vertical rail portion 111 is formed as a linear convex strip that protrudes upward in the Z direction from the placement surface 30a and extends in the X direction. The vertical rail portion 111 has a cross-sectional profile in the Y-Z direction that is formed to be approximately T-shaped. The vertical rail portion 111 has a base portion 113 that stands upright from the placement surface 30a, and protrusions 117 that extend in the Z direction from the base portion 113 and protrude on both sides in the Y direction at a Z-direction tip end 115 of the vertical rail portion 111. In other words, the Y-direction dimension of the tip end 115 of the vertical rail portion 111 is larger than the Y-direction dimension of the base portion 113. The Y-direction dimension of the tip end 115 of the vertical rail portion 111 increases toward both sides in the Y direction relative to the base portion 113.

The Y-direction dimension of the base 113 is formed to be the same from the placement surface 30a upward in the Z-direction to the lower end of the protrusion 117. The Y-direction dimension of the base 113 is formed to be approximately equal over the entire length of the vertical rail portion 111 in the X-direction.
The top end surface 111a of the vertical rail portion 111 in the Z direction is formed flush with the XY plane, and the height of the vertical rail portion 111 erected from the placement surface 30a in the Z direction is approximately uniform.

The protrusions 117 are formed over the entire length of the vertical rail portion 111 in the X direction. The protrusions 117 are formed over the entire length of the vertical rail portion 111 in the X direction. The protrusions 117 are formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the vertical rail portion 111 in the Y direction. The protrusions 117 protrude from the base portion 113 on both sides in the Y direction and are formed as ridges with rectangular cross sections in the Y-Z direction. The two protrusions 117 are formed to have the same shape in the Y direction. The protrusions 117 have a lower surface 119 that protrudes from the base portion 113 in the Y direction and forms a contact surface 119 that comes into contact with a contact surface 120 of the vertical guide portion 112, which will be described later.
The contact surface 119 is formed to be flat over the entire length in the X and Y directions. The contact surface 119 is formed to be parallel to the placement surface 30a over the entire length in the X and Y directions.

<Vertical guide section>
Two vertical guide portions 112 are formed parallel to the vertical rail portion 111, on both sides of the vertical rail portion 111 in the Y direction. Each vertical guide portion 112 is formed as a linear convex strip that protrudes downward in the Z direction from the slide portion 24 and extends in the X direction. The lower ends (tips) of both vertical guide portions 112 in the Z direction coincide with the slide surface 20a, and both are formed to be flush. The two vertical guide portions 112 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction and are formed linearly extending in the X direction so as to sandwich the vertical rail portion 111 therebetween. In other words, the two vertical guide portions 112 are formed so that the space between them in the Y direction forms a groove shape that opens as an opening 116 on the slide surface 20a. The two vertical guide portions 112 are formed symmetrically in the Y direction with respect to the center of the vertical rail portion 111 in the Y direction.

The groove between the two vertical guide portions 112 also opens to the side end surface 24a of the slide portion 24 that is closest to the regulator housing portion 70 in the X direction. The groove between the two vertical guide portions 112 is closed at the side end surface 24b of the slide portion 24 that is away from the regulator housing portion 70 in the X direction. The groove between the two vertical guide portions 112 opens to the slide surface 20a of the slide portion 24 over almost the entire length in the Y direction.

The top and bottom surfaces 112a of the groove between the two vertical guide portions 112 are flat surfaces parallel to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a. The two vertical guide portions 112 each have a protrusion 118 formed at the downward Z-direction tips thereof. The protrusions 118 of each vertical guide portion 112 protrude in the Y direction toward the base 113 of the vertical rail portion 111.
The two vertical guide portions 112 each have a cross-sectional profile in the YZ direction that is substantially L-shaped. Similarly, the cross-sectional shape of the vertical guide portion 112 that opens to the side end face 24a corresponds to a shape that follows the periphery of the profile shape of the vertical rail portion 111 in the same direction.

The groove formed by the two vertical guide portions 112 has a top-bottom surface 112a facing the top end surface 111a and furthest upward in the Z direction from the slide surface 20a, side surfaces 114 hanging downward in the Z direction from both ends of the top-bottom surface 112a in the Y direction, an opening 116 formed in the slide surface 20a at the lower end of the side surface 114 in the Z direction, and protrusions 118 formed on both sides in the Y direction to narrow the groove width of the opening 116.

The protrusion 118 is formed over the entire length of the vertical guide portion 112 in the X direction. The protrusions 118 protrude from the side surface 114, facing each other in the Y direction so that both sides of the opening 116 are sandwiched between them, and the upper surface protruding in the Y direction from the side surface 114 forms the contact surface 120 that comes into contact with the contact surface 119 of the vertical rail portion 111. The Z-direction distance between the contact surface 120 and the slide surface 20a varies in the X direction, as described below. Accordingly, the Z-direction height dimension from the top/bottom surface 112a to the contact surface 120 in the X direction varies in the X direction by the same amount as the Z-direction height dimension of the side surface 114.

<Contact surface>
The contact surface 120 is formed over the entire length of the vertical guide portion 112 in the X direction.
8, the contact surface 120 has three regions in the X direction. Specifically, in the X direction, from the side end surface 24a to the side end surface 24b of the contact surface 120, there are a guide surface 120a, an inclined surface 120b as an inclined portion, and a fixed surface 120c as a fixed portion.

The guide surface 120a is formed on the contact surface 120 at a position close to the side end surface 24a where the groove opens in the X direction. The guide surface 120a is formed at the position where the flange member 30 and the cup 20 first come into contact when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide, that is, at the tip of the vertical guide portion 112 in the installation direction (X direction). The guide surface 120a is parallel to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a. The Z-direction distance between the guide surface 120a and the slide surface 20a is smaller than the Z-direction distance between the placement surface 30a and the contact surface 119. In other words, the Z-direction thickness dimension of the protrusion 118 corresponding to the guide surface 120a is smaller than the Z-direction height dimension of the base 113.

The inclined surface (inclined portion) 120b is formed on the contact surface 120 at a position between the side end surfaces 24a and 24b in the X direction and spaced apart from the side end surfaces 24a and 24b in the X direction. The inclined surface 120b is inclined in the X direction from the side end surfaces 24a to 24b so as to move away from the slide surface 20a. In other words, the inclined surface 120b is inclined so as to approach the top/bottom surface 112a in the X direction as it moves from the side end surfaces 24a to 24b. The inclined surface 120b is formed contiguous with the guide surface 120a and above the protrusion 118 in the Z direction. The inclined surface 120b is formed at a position where the flange member 30 and the cup 20 come into contact with each other following the guide surface 120a when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide, i.e., midway in the installation direction (X direction) of the vertical guide portion 112.
The inclined surface (inclined portion) 120b can be formed as a draft when molding the flange member 30, but it is preferable to form it intentionally in order to accurately regulate the position.

The Z-direction distance between inclined surface 120b and sliding surface 20a is equal to the Z-direction distance between guide surface 120a and sliding surface 20a at a position adjacent to guide surface 120a. In other words, the Z-direction thickness dimension of protrusion 118 corresponding to inclined surface 120b is smaller than the Z-direction height dimension of base 113. The Z-direction distance between inclined surface 120b and sliding surface 20a is equal to the Z-direction distance between fixed surface 120c and sliding surface 20a at a position adjacent to fixed surface 120c (described below). In other words, the Z-direction thickness dimension of protrusion 118 corresponding to inclined surface 120b is approximately equal to the Z-direction height dimension of base 113.

The fixing surface 120c is formed on the contact surface 120 at a position close to the side end surface 24b where the groove is closed in the X direction. The fixing surface 120c is formed at the position where the flange member 30 and the cup 20 make final contact when sliding the flange member 30 and the cup 20, that is, at the base end of the vertical guide portion 112 in the installation direction (X direction). The fixing surface 120c is parallel to the sliding surface 20a and the placement surface 30a. The Z direction distance between the fixing surface 120c and the sliding surface 20a is approximately equal to the Z direction distance between the placement surface 30a and the contact surface 119. In other words, the Z direction thickness dimension of the protrusion 118 corresponding to the fixing surface 120c is approximately equal to the Z direction height dimension of the base 113.

<Horizontal guide rail structure>
The horizontal guide rail structure 150 regulates the positions of the flange member 30 and the pump accommodating member 20 at least in the X direction. The horizontal guide rail structure 150 is formed linearly extending in the X direction. Two horizontal guide rail structures 150 are formed on both sides of the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction. The horizontal guide rail structures 150 are formed spaced apart from the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction. The two horizontal guide rail structures 150 are formed symmetrically in the Y direction with respect to the vertical guide rail structure 110.

One of the lateral guide rail structures 150 has a lateral rail portion 151 formed on the placement surface 30a of the flange member 30, a lateral inner guide portion (lateral guide portion) 152 formed on the slide surface 20a, and a lateral outer guide portion (lateral guide portion) 153 formed on the slide surface 20a.
The horizontal guide rail structure 150 is arranged in the Y direction in the order of the horizontal inner guide portion 152, the horizontal rail portion 151, and the horizontal outer guide portion 153, spaced apart from the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction.

<Side rail section>
The lateral rail portion 151 is formed as a linear convex strip that protrudes upward in the Z direction from the placement surface 30a and extends in the X direction. The lateral rail portion 151 has a cross-sectional profile in the YZ direction that is substantially rectangular.
The horizontal rail portion 151 is formed so that the Y-direction dimension is uniform over the entire length in the X-direction. The horizontal rail portion 151 is formed so that the Z-direction dimension is uniform over the entire length in the X-direction.

The horizontal rail portion 151 is erected from the arrangement surface 30a, and the surface of the Y-direction side surface facing the vertical rail portion 111 serves as a horizontal contact surface (contact surface) 155. The horizontal contact surface 155 is a flat surface extending in the XZ plane. The horizontal contact surface 155 is formed over the entire length of the horizontal rail portion 151 in the X direction.
In the two horizontal guide rail structures 150 located on both sides of the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction, the horizontal contact surfaces 155 face each other in the Y direction.

The Z-direction tip of the horizontal rail portion 151 is formed as the top end surface 151a, parallel to the placement surface 30a over the entire length in the X direction. The Z-direction height of the horizontal rail portion 151, i.e., the height from the placement surface 30a to the top end surface 151a, is uniform over the entire length in the X direction. The Z-direction height of the horizontal rail portion 151 can be the same as the Z-direction height from the slide surface 20a to the top bottom surface 152a, described below.

<Side guide section>
The lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 are formed on both sides of the lateral rail portion 151 in the Y direction, parallel to the lateral rail portion 151. The lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 are both formed as linear convex strips that protrude downward in the Z direction from the slide portion 24 and extend in the X direction. The lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 are both formed so that their lower ends in the Z direction coincide with the slide surface 20a, and are flush with each other.

The inner lateral guide portion 152 and the outer lateral guide portion 153 are spaced apart in the Y direction and are both formed in straight lines extending in the X direction with the vertical rail portion 111 sandwiched between them. In other words, the inner lateral guide portion 152 and the outer lateral guide portion 153 are formed so that the space between them in the Y direction forms a groove shape that opens as an opening 156 on the slide surface 20a. The two vertical guide portions 112 are formed symmetrically in the Y direction with respect to the center of the vertical rail portion 111 in the Y direction.

The groove between the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 also opens to a side end surface 24a of the slide portion 24 that is close to the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction. The groove between the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 is closed at a side end surface 24b that is away from the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction of the slide portion 24. The groove between the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 opens to the slide surface 20a of the slide portion 24 over almost the entire length in the Y direction.
The top and bottom surfaces 152a of the groove between the inner lateral guide portion 152 and the outer lateral guide portion 153 are flat surfaces parallel to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a.

The outer lateral guide portion 153 has a cross-sectional profile in the YZ direction that is formed in a substantially rectangular shape.
The outer lateral guide portion 153 is formed so that the Y-direction dimension is uniform over the entire length in the X-direction. The outer lateral guide portion 153 is formed so that the Z-direction dimension is uniform over the entire length in the X-direction.

The horizontal inner guide portion 152 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile in the Y-Z directions. The horizontal inner guide portion 152 is formed so that its Z-direction dimension is uniform across its entire length in the X direction.

The groove formed by the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153 has a top-bottom surface 152a facing the top end surface 151a and furthest upward in the Z direction from the slide surface 20a; side surfaces 154 of the lateral outer guide portion 153 that extend downward in the Z direction from both ends of the top-bottom surface 152a in the Y direction to the opening 156; and lateral contact surfaces (contact surfaces) 158 of the lateral inner guide portion 152 that extend downward in the Z direction from both ends of the top-bottom surface 152a in the Y direction to the opening 156.

<Lateral contact surface>
The lateral contact surface (contact surface) 158 has a flat surface extending along the XZ plane and is formed over the entire length of the lateral inner guide portion 152 in the X direction.
9, the lateral contact surface 158 has three regions in the X direction. Specifically, the lateral contact surface 158 has, from the side end surface 24a to the side end surface 24b in the X direction, a lateral guide surface 158a, a lateral inclined surface 158b as an inclined portion, and a lateral fixing surface 158c as a fixing portion.

The lateral guide surface 158a is formed on the lateral contact surface 158 at a position close to the side end surface 24a where the groove opens in the X direction. The lateral guide surface 158a is formed at the position where the flange member 30 and cup 20 first come into contact when sliding between them, i.e., at the leading end side of the lateral inner guide section 152 in the installation direction (X direction). The lateral guide surface 158a is aligned along an X-Y plane perpendicular to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a. The Y-direction distance between the lateral guide surface 158a and the vertical guide rail structure 110 is constant over the entire length of the lateral guide surface 158a in the X direction. In other words, the Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide section 152 corresponding to the lateral guide surface 158a is constant over the entire length of the lateral guide surface 158a in the X direction.

The lateral inclined surface (inclined portion) 158b is formed on the lateral contact surface 158 at a position between the side end surfaces 24a and 24b in the X direction and spaced apart from the side end surfaces 24a and 24b in the X direction. The lateral inclined surface 158b is inclined so as to move away from the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction as it moves from the side end surface 24a to the side end surface 24b in the X direction. In other words, the lateral inclined surface 158b is inclined so as to move closer to the lateral outer guide portion 153 in the Y direction as it moves from the side end surface 24a to the side end surface 24b. The lateral inclined surface 158b is formed contiguous with the lateral guide surface 158a and on the Y-direction outer side of the lateral inner guide portion 152. The lateral inclined surface 158b is formed at a position where the flange member 30 and cup 20 come into contact after the lateral guide surface 158a when the flange member 30 and cup 20 slide, i.e., midway in the installation direction (X direction) of the lateral inner guide portion 152.

The Y-direction distance between the horizontal inclined surface 158b and the vertical guide rail structure 110 is equal to the Y-direction distance between the horizontal guide surface 158a and the vertical guide rail structure 110 at a position adjacent to the horizontal guide surface 158a. In other words, the Y-direction thickness dimension of the horizontal inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the horizontal inclined surface 158b is equal to the Y-direction thickness dimension of the horizontal inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the horizontal guide surface 158a at a position adjacent to the horizontal guide surface 158a. The Y-direction distance between the horizontal inclined surface 158b and the vertical guide rail structure 110 is equal to the Y-direction distance between the horizontal fixing surface 158c and the vertical guide rail structure 110 at a position adjacent to the horizontal fixing surface 158c described below. In other words, the Y-direction thickness dimension of the horizontal inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the horizontal inclined surface 158b is approximately equal to the Y-direction thickness dimension of the horizontal inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the horizontal fixing surface 158c.

The lateral fixing surface 158c is formed at a position on the lateral contact surface 158 close to the side end surface 24b where the groove is closed in the X direction. The lateral fixing surface 158c is formed at the sliding end position where the flange member 30 and the cup 20 last come into contact when sliding between them, i.e., at the base end in the mounting direction (X direction) of the lateral inner guide section 152. The lateral fixing surface 158c is along the X-Y plane perpendicular to the slide surface 20a and the placement surface 30a. The Y-direction distance between the lateral fixing surface 158c and the vertical guide rail structure 110 is constant over the entire length of the lateral fixing surface 158c in the X direction. The Y-direction distance between the lateral fixing surface 158c and the vertical guide rail structure 110 is greater than the Y-direction distance between the lateral guide surface 158a and the vertical guide rail structure 110. In other words, the Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral fixing surface 158c is constant over the entire length of the lateral fixing surface 158c in the X direction. The Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral fixing surface 158c is greater than the Y-direction thickness dimension of the lateral inner guide portion 152 corresponding to the lateral guide surface 158a.

The two lateral inner guide sections 152 located on both outer sides of the vertical guide rail structure 110 in the Y direction each have an inclined lateral surface 158b so that the lateral fixing surfaces 158c are positioned further outward in the Y direction than the lateral guide surfaces 158a. In other words, in the two lateral guide rail structures 150, the separation distance between the two lateral inclined surfaces 158b in the Y direction increases from the side end surface 24a toward the side end surface 24b in the X direction. Furthermore, in the two lateral guide rail structures 150, the separation distance between the lateral fixing surfaces 158c in the Y direction is greater than the separation distance between the lateral guide surfaces 158a in the Y direction. As a result, the lateral contact surface 155 in contact with the lateral contact surface 158 is pressed outward in the Y direction at the final stage of sliding between the flange member 30 and the cup 20. In other words, the lateral inclined surface 158b increases the contact pressure in the Y direction between the lateral inner guide section 152 and the lateral rail section 151.

The horizontal inclined surface 158b and the inclined surface 120b are aligned in the X direction. That is, the boundary between the horizontal guide surface 158a and the horizontal inclined surface 158b is aligned in the X direction with the boundary between the guide surface 120a and the inclined surface 120b.
Similarly, the boundary between the horizontal fixing surface 158c and the horizontal inclined surface 158b is aligned in the X direction with the boundary between the fixing surface 120c and the inclined surface 120b.

The snap-fit structure 200 locks the flange member 30 and the pump housing member 20 together at the end of the slide in the X direction (mounting direction), regulating their positions. Multiple snap-fit structures 200 can be provided spaced apart around the circumference of the cylindrical portion 22. In this embodiment, three snap-fit structures 200 are provided.

The snap-fit structure 200 is provided at two locations: the top of the regulator housing portion 70, and near the placement surface 30a on both sides of the pump housing member 20 in the Y direction. The snap-fit structure 200 has three locking pieces 202, 212, and 212 and corresponding locking protrusions 203, 213, and 213.
The locking piece 202 , the locking piece 212 , and the locking piece 212 all protrude from the pump housing member 20 in the X direction toward the regulator housing portion 70 .
The locking piece 202 is formed on the top of the regulator accommodating portion 70. The locking pieces 212 and 212 are provided on both sides in the Y direction of the pump accommodating member 20 near the placement surface 30a.

The locking piece 202 extends in the X direction so as to span the top of the regulator housing section 70. The locking piece 202 is connected to the Z-direction uppermost part, i.e., the top, of the tubular section 22, which is cylindrical around a central axis C along the X direction. The locking piece 202 has a predetermined dimension in the Y direction. The locking piece 202 is formed as a curved surface that is continuous with the cylindrical surface of the tubular section 22. An opening 201 is formed in the locking piece 202. The opening 201 has a substantially rectangular outline. The opening 201 is located approximately in the center of the locking piece 202 in the Y direction. The opening 201 opens up and down in the Z direction and penetrates the locking piece 202 in the Z direction. When viewed in the Z direction, the locking piece 202 and opening 201 are located at a position where the vertical guide rail structure 110 is extended in the X direction.

The locking protrusion 203 is formed on the top of the regulator accommodating section 70. The locking protrusion 203 is formed on the top of the outlet cover 17 in the Z direction. The locking protrusion 203 is formed in a position farther away from the pump accommodating member 20 in the X direction than the abutment surface 17a. The locking protrusion 203 is formed in a position closer to the pump accommodating member 20 in the X direction than the opening 73a. The locking protrusion 203 protrudes upward in the Z direction and is inserted into the opening 201 to lock the locking piece 202. When viewed in the Z direction, the locking protrusion 203 is positioned at a position where the vertical guide rail structure 110 is extended in the X direction. When viewed in the Z direction, the contour shape of the locking protrusion 203 is the same shape as the opening 201. The locking protrusion 203 has an inclined surface formed at a position away from the regulator housing portion 70 in the X direction, which facilitates the locking action of the locking piece 202 when the opening 201 is locked.

The locking piece 202 extends further in the X direction from the opening 201 and has a covering piece 220 that extends to a position above the opening 73a. The covering piece 220 overlaps the opening 73a when viewed in the Z direction. There is a gap between the covering piece 220 and the edge of the opening 73a. In other words, the covering piece 220 does not contact the entire periphery of the opening 73a; it simply overlaps and does not block the opening 73a. The covering piece 220 can come into contact with a protrusion 221 formed on the side of the opening 73a in the Y direction.

The covering piece 220 does not block the opening 73a and does not obstruct the fuel F being discharged from the pressure regulator 45 into the fuel tank 2, while at the same time preventing foreign matter from entering the regulator housing portion 70 from inside the fuel tank 2. In this way, the covering piece 220, which serves as a foreign matter prevention member, can be integrated with the locking piece 202, thereby reducing the number of parts.

The locking pieces 212 are formed on both sides of the tubular portion 22 in the Y direction in a plan view. The locking pieces 212 extend in the X direction from the side end surfaces 24a of the sliding portion 24. The locking pieces 212 are formed in the shape of flat plates with a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. The locking pieces 212 have a predetermined dimension in the Y direction. Each locking piece 212 has an opening 211 of the same shape. The opening 211 has a substantially rectangular outline. The opening 211 is located approximately in the center of the locking piece 212 in the Y direction. The opening 211 opens up and down in the Z direction and penetrates the locking piece 212 in the Z direction. The locking pieces 212 and opening 211 are both located at positions where the lateral guide rail structure 150 is extended in the X direction when viewed in the Z direction.

Each locking protrusion 213 extends upward in the Z direction from the placement surface 30a and is inserted into the opening 211 to lock the locking piece 212. The outline shape of the locking protrusion 213 when viewed in the Z direction is the same as the opening 211. The locking protrusion 213 has an inclined surface formed at a position away from the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction, facilitating the locking action of the locking piece 212 when the opening 211 is locked. The locking protrusion 213 is located at the X-direction end of the lateral rail portion 151 of the lateral guide rail structure 150. The locking protrusion 213 has an inclined surface formed at a position away from the regulator accommodating portion 70 in the X direction, facilitating the locking action of the locking piece 212 when the opening 211 is locked.

The X-direction length of the locking piece 212 is set so that when the flange member 30 and cup 20 slide, the sliding start end on the right side of the vertical rail portion 111 shown in Figures 1 to 3 reaches the inclined surface 120b, and at the same time, the X-direction tip of the locking piece 212 reaches the locking protrusion 203. The X-direction position of the opening 211 in the locking piece 212 is set so that when the flange member 30 and cup 20 slide, the sliding start end on the right side of the vertical rail portion 111 shown in Figures 1 to 3 reaches the fixed surface 120c, and then the opening 211 and the locking protrusion 213 simultaneously lock together.

Similarly, the X-direction length of the locking piece 202 and the X-direction position of the opening 201 in the locking piece 202 are set to correspond to the position of the sliding start end of the vertical rail portion 111 and the inclined surface 120b when the flange member 30 and the cup 20 slide.
Similarly, the X-direction length of locking piece 212 and the X-direction position of opening 211 in locking piece 212 correspond to the sliding start end of lateral rail portion 151 and the X-direction position of lateral inclined surface 158b when flange member 30 slides on cup 20. Furthermore, the X-direction length of locking piece 202 and the X-direction position of opening 201 in locking piece 202 correspond to the sliding start end of lateral rail portion 151 and the X-direction position of lateral inclined surface 158b.

In other words, the X-direction positions of the openings 201, 211 and the locking protrusions 203, 213 are set so that they lock together when the flange member 30 and cup 20 are positioned using the contact surface 120 and the lateral contact surface 158.

Next, we will explain the guide rail structure 100 used for assembly by sliding the flange member 30 and cup 20.

<Guide rail structure when sliding>
To assemble the flange member 30 and the cup 20, the guide rail structure 100 is assembled with the fuel pump 10 housed in the cup 20.
First, the position where the slide surface 20a abuts against the placement surface 30a is set so that the vertical rail portion 111 and the vertical guide portion 112 are aligned on the same straight line.
In this state, the cup 20 and the regulator accommodating portion 70 of the flange member 30 are moved in the X direction so as to approach each other.

At this time, the slide starting end, which is the right side of the vertical rail portion 111 shown in Figures 1 to 3, is inserted into the groove formed by the two vertical guide portions 112, 112 from the opening in the side end surface 24a. At the same time, the slide starting end is inserted so that the protrusions 117 on both sides in the Y direction are above the protrusions 118 in the groove opening in the side end surface 24a. Here, immediately after insertion, the contact surface 120 of the protrusion 117 is the guide surface 120a, so as shown in Figure 6, the contact surface 119 and the contact surface 120 do not come into contact, or there is enough room for the contact surfaces 119 and 120 to move in the Z direction.

At the same time, the slide starting end on the right side of the lateral rail portion 151 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is inserted through the opening in the side end surface 24a into the groove formed by the lateral inner guide portion 152 and the lateral outer guide portion 153. Immediately after insertion, the lateral contact surface 158 of the lateral inner guide portion 152 is the lateral guide surface 158a, so as shown in Figure 6, the lateral contact surface 155 and the lateral contact surface 158 do not come into contact, or there is sufficient room for the lateral contact surface 155 and the lateral contact surface 158 to move in the Y direction.

Furthermore, the cup 20 and regulator accommodating portion 70 are slid in the X direction so that they approach each other. Here, the sliding starting end on the right side of the vertical rail portion 111 abuts against the inclined surface 120b. The contact surface 119 is a constant distance from the placement surface 30a in the Z direction. Furthermore, the thickness of the protrusion 118 in the Z direction increases along the slope of the inclined surface 120b. Therefore, as the sliding movement continues, the protrusion 117 presses the protrusion 118 downward in the Z direction. As a result, the vertical guide portion 112 is pressed downward in the Z direction.

At the same time, when the cup 20 and flange member 30 are slid, the lateral contact surface 155 abuts against the lateral inclined surface 158b at the sliding start point, which is the right side of the lateral rail portion 151 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Here, the lateral contact surface 155 of the lateral rail portion 151 is a constant distance in the Y direction from the vertical guide rail structure 110. Furthermore, the distance between the two lateral contact surfaces 155 in the Y direction is constant for the two lateral rail portions 151. Furthermore, the thickness of the lateral inner guide portion 152 increases outward in the Y direction along the inclination of the lateral inclined surface 158b. In other words, for the two lateral inner guide portions 152, the distance between the two lateral inclined surfaces 158b in the Y direction increases toward the sliding end. Therefore, as the lateral rail portion 151 slides, the lateral inclined surface 158b presses the lateral contact surface 155 outward in the Y direction. As a result, the two horizontal rail portions 151 are both pressed outward in the Y direction by the two horizontal inner guide portions 152. The two horizontal inner guide portions 152 are both pressed inward in the Y direction by the two horizontal rail portions 151.

Furthermore, the cup 20 and the regulator housing portion 70 are slid in the X direction so that they approach each other. As a result, the sliding start end, which is the right side of the vertical rail portion 111, approaches the sliding end end of the vertical guide portion 112. The contact surface 119 abuts against the fixing surface 120c, and the protrusion 118 is pressed downward in the Z direction by the protrusion 117.
At the sliding end, the protrusion 118 is sandwiched between the contact surface 119 of the protrusion 117 and the placement surface 30a. The protrusion 117 is also sandwiched between the top and bottom surfaces 112a and the fixing surface 120c. As a result, the protrusions 117 and 118 are fixed in a press-fit state.
That is, the protrusion 118 is fixed in a state where it is restricted to a position in the Z direction defined by the placement surface 30 a and the contact surface 120 c. That is, the Z direction positions of the cup 20 and the flange member 30 are defined with the slide surface 20 a abutting against the placement surface 30 a.

At the same time, when the cup 20 and flange member 30 are slid, the sliding start end of the lateral rail portion 151 approaches the sliding end end of the lateral inner guide portion 152. The lateral contact surface 155 abuts against the lateral fixing surface 158c, and the lateral rail portion 151 is pressed outward in the Y direction by the lateral inner guide portion 152. The two lateral rail portions 151 are pressed outward in opposite directions in the Y direction by the lateral inner guide portions 152 with which they abut. Here, for the two lateral rail portions 151, the distance between the two lateral contact surfaces 155 in the Y direction is constant. For the two lateral inner guide portions 152, the distance between the two lateral fixing surfaces 158c in the Y direction increases toward the sliding end ends. As a result, the positions of the two horizontal rail portions 151 and the two horizontal inner guide portions 152 are regulated to a state determined by the Y direction position determined between the two horizontal fixing surfaces 158c and the Y direction position determined between the two horizontal contact surfaces 155. The two horizontal inner guide portions 152 are both pressed inward in the Y direction by the two horizontal rail portions 151, and their Y direction positions are fixed in a press-fit state.

Furthermore, when the sliding start end of vertical rail portion 111 abuts against inclined surface 120b while sliding cup 20 and flange member 30, the sliding start end of horizontal rail portion 151 abuts against horizontal inclined surface 158b. Furthermore, when the sliding start end of vertical rail portion 111 abuts against fixed surface 120c, the sliding start end of horizontal rail portion 151 abuts against horizontal fixed surface 158c. In other words, the positions of inclined surface 120b and horizontal inclined surface 158b during sliding correspond to each other in the X direction.
In this way, the guide rail structure 100 having the vertical rail portion 111 with a T-shaped cross section can maintain balance between the flange member 30 and the cup 20.

Next, we will explain the snap-fit structure 200 used for assembly by sliding the flange member 30 and cup 20.

<Snap-fit structure when sliding>
When the cup 20 and the flange member 30 are slid, the guide rail structure 100 restricts the sliding of the cup 20 and the flange member 30 relative to each other in the X direction.
At this time, the locking pieces 202 , 212 , 212 ride up onto the locking protrusions 203 , 213 , 213 in accordance with the sliding, and then the locking protrusions 203 , 213 , 213 are inserted into the openings 201 , 211 , 211 .

During the sliding of the cup 20 and the flange member 30, when the sliding start end of the vertical rail portion 111 abuts against the inclined surface 120b and the sliding start end of the horizontal rail portion 151 reaches the horizontal inclined surface 158b, the locking pieces 212, 212 abut against the locking protrusions 213, 213. In other words, the positions of the locking pieces 212 and the locking protrusions 213 during sliding correspond to the inclined surface 120b and the horizontal inclined surface 158b in the X direction.
When the pressing force applied to the sliding start end of the vertical rail portion 111 by the inclined surface 120b increases and the pressing force applied to the sliding start end of the horizontal rail portion 151 by the horizontal inclined surface 158b increases, the abutment between the locking piece 212 and the locking protrusion 213 is maintained.

When the sliding start end of vertical rail portion 111 is pressed by fixing surface 120c and the sliding start end of horizontal rail portion 151 is pressed by horizontal fixing surface 158c, locking protrusions 203, 213, 213 are inserted into openings 201, 211, 211. As a result, cup 20 and flange member 30 are fixed together by snap-fit structure 200 that is locked to each other.
In addition, the covering piece 220 of the locking piece 202 comes into contact with the locking protrusion 203 before the locking piece 212 and the locking protrusion 213 start to come into contact when sliding. The positional relationship of the covering piece 220 with the opening 73 a is set regardless of the locking by the snap-fit structure 200.

<Operation of the fuel supply device>
Next, the operation of the fuel supply system 1 will be described.
First, the fuel supply device 1 is attached to the fuel tank 2, and the fuel tank 2 is filled with fuel F. Then, the fuel supply device 1 is immersed in the fuel F.
Then, the fuel F flows into the flange unit 30 mainly through the gap between the opening 73a formed in the regulator accommodating portion 70 of the flange unit 30 and the covering piece 220, and the fuel F is stored in the holding recess 73, etc.

In this state, when the motor unit 11 is driven to operate the fuel pump 10, the fuel F is pumped up to the fuel intake port 14 of the fuel pump 10 via the primary filter 14a.
The fuel F pumped up into the fuel pump 10 is pumped toward the discharge port 51 by the rotation of the impeller 16 .
The fuel F pressure-fed toward the discharge port 51 is sent to the fuel flow path 71 via the check valve and the discharge flow path 71b. The fuel F then passes through the cylindrical portion 34 and is discharged from the discharge pipe 34a. The fuel F discharged from the discharge pipe 34a passes through the secondary filter 56 and is pressure-fed to the internal combustion engine 57.

When the fuel pressure in the fuel flow path 71 exceeds a predetermined pressure, the pressure regulator 45 discharges the fuel F filling the fuel flow path 71 into the fuel tank 2. This reduces the fuel pressure in the fuel flow path 71, causing the fuel pressure in the fuel flow path 71 to fall below a certain value. Therefore, the fuel F passes through the fuel flow path 71 and the cylindrical portion 34, and is discharged from the discharge pipe 34a, with the fuel pressure maintained below a certain value. In other words, the pressure regulator 45 maintains the pressure of the fuel F discharged from the fuel tank 2 via the fuel supply device 1 at a certain value or below.

In the above-described embodiment, the flange member 30 and cup 20 are separate components that can be molded separately. This eliminates the need to simultaneously mold the tubular portion 34, which has the regulator accommodating portion 70 and fuel flow path 71 with their axis in the Z direction, and the cup 20, which has its axis in the X direction. This simplifies the mold structure, increases the degree of freedom in positioning the flange mold relative to the E-pin (ejector pin), and suppresses deformation when the mold is released.

There is no need to simultaneously mold the regulator housing portion 70, which has its axis in the Z direction, and the cylindrical portion 34, which has the fuel flow path 71, and the cup 20, which has its axis in the X direction, which simplifies the structure of each part. Because the cup 20 is circular, the mold structure for the cup 20 is also cylindrical, which simplifies the process.

Using the guide rail structure 100 and snap-fit structure 200, the flange member 30 and cup 20 are secured together by fitting the vertical rail portion 111 with the vertical guide portion 112, and the horizontal rail portion 151 with the horizontal guide portions 152 and 153, resulting in higher rigidity and improved strength than a structure that uses snap-fit alone for fastening.

Because the flange member 30 and cup 20 are separate components, even if the diameter dimensions of the fuel pump 10 are changed to a different type, the same flange member 30 can be used to easily accommodate this.

The flange member 30 and the cup 20 are attached and fixed by the three guide rail structures 100 extending in the X direction, so that the impact resistance of the fuel supply device 1 can be improved.
Furthermore, the flange member 30 and the cup 20 can be attached and fixed simply by sliding them in the X direction using the guide rail structure 100.

Just as the positions of the locking piece 212 and the locking protrusion 213 when slid correspond to the inclined surface 120b and the lateral inclined surface 158b in the X direction, the guide rail structure 100 and the snap-fit structure 200 are configured so that their positions in the X direction correspond when slid. Therefore, when attaching and fixing the flange member 30 to the cup 20, it is possible to simultaneously set the position of the flange member 30 and the cup 20 and to securely fasten the flange member 30 to the cup 20. This simplifies and reduces the number of work steps involved in the attachment and fixation, improving work efficiency.

This will improve work efficiency and reduce work loss in production activities, contributing to Goal 7 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all," and Goal 8, "Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all."

In this embodiment, the guide rail structure 100 is configured such that the vertical rail portion 111 and horizontal rail portion 151 are formed on the flange member 30, and the vertical guide portion 112 and horizontal guide portions 152 and 153 are formed on the cup 20. However, the opposite configuration is also possible, where the vertical rail portion 111 and horizontal rail portion 151 are formed on the cup 20, and the vertical guide portion 112 and horizontal guide portions 152 and 153 are formed on the flange member 30.

Furthermore, although the one vertical guide rail structure 110 and the two horizontal guide rail structures 150 are configured to be parallel and have approximately equal lengths in the X direction, this is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be used that includes the above-mentioned vertical guide rail structure 110 and a horizontal guide rail structure 150 whose length in the X direction is shortened only at the slide end.

Furthermore, the vertical guide rail structure 110 and the horizontal guide rail structure 150 can be configured to be offset in the X direction so that they do not overlap when viewed in the Y direction. In this case, a vertical guide rail structure 110 with a shorter X-direction length can be placed only at the start of the slide, and a horizontal guide rail structure 150 with a shorter X-direction length can be placed only at the end of the slide.

Alternatively, a configuration having one vertical guide rail structure 110 and one horizontal guide rail structure 150 may be used.
In this case, a vertical guide rail structure 110 with a shortened length in the X direction can be arranged only at the slide start end, and a horizontal guide rail structure 150 with a shortened length in the X direction can be arranged only at the slide end end.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, the end faces of the protrusions 117 and 118 in the Y-Z direction may not be rectangular, and the vertical guide rail structure 110 may be configured so that the contact surfaces 119 and 120a, 120b, and 120c are inclined relative to the placement surface 30a and the slide surface 20a.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the guide rail structure 100 can be configured so that the protrusions 117, 118 that contact each other in the vertical rail portion 111 and the vertical guide portion 112 protrude in only one direction in the Y direction, and these can be formed spaced apart in the Y direction to function as horizontal guide rails.

1... fuel supply device 2... fuel tank 2b... opening 10... fuel pump 20... cup (pump accommodating member)
20a... slide surface 24... slide portions 24a, 24b... side end surface 30... flange unit (flange member)
30a... placement surface 32... flange portion 45... pressure regulator 70... regulator accommodating portion 71... fuel flow path 73... holding recess 73a... opening 100... guide rail structure 110... vertical guide rail structure 111... vertical rail portion 112... vertical guide portion 116... openings 117, 118... protrusions 119, 120... contact surface 120a... guide surface 120b... inclined surface (inclined portion)
120c...fixing surface 150...horizontal guide rail structure 151...horizontal rail portion 152...horizontal inner guide portion (horizontal guide portion)
153... outer lateral guide portion (lateral guide portion)
155, 158... Lateral contact surface (contact surface)
156... Opening 158a... Lateral guide surface 158b... Lateral inclined surface (inclined part)
158c... Lateral fixing surface 200... Snap fit structure 201, 211... Openings 202, 212... Locking pieces 203, 213... Locking protrusion 220... Covering piece

Claims (10)

A fuel supply device attached to a fuel tank and supplying fuel from the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank,
a flange member that covers an opening in a bottom wall of the fuel tank;
a fuel pump disposed horizontally at a bottom of the fuel tank along a placement surface of the flange member exposed inside the fuel tank;
a cylindrical pump housing member that houses the fuel pump and is attached to the flange member;
Equipped with
a guide rail structure that regulates the mounting direction in which the flange member and the pump accommodating member slide and are mounted to each other so that the mounting direction is along the arrangement surface of the flange member;
a snap-fit structure that engages the flange member and the pump accommodating member with each other at a position that is a sliding end in the mounting direction to restrict their positions;
Equipped with
The guide rail structure includes:
a vertical rail portion extending along the mounting direction and formed so as to protrude in a direction in which the flange member and the pump accommodating member face each other;
a vertical guide portion that extends along the mounting direction, protrudes toward the vertical rail portion, is fitted to the vertical rail portion, and is slidable in the mounting direction along the vertical rail portion;
a vertical guide rail structure that restricts the positions of the flange member and the pump accommodating member at least in the opposing direction,
The vertical guide rail structure is
The opposing ends of the vertical rail portions and the vertical guide portions are formed with protruding portions that protrude along the arrangement surface in a direction intersecting the mounting direction and are fitted together,
one of the vertical rail portion and the vertical guide portion is formed on the flange member, and the other is formed on the pump accommodating member,
The guide rail structure includes:
a lateral rail portion extending along the mounting direction and formed so as to protrude in a direction in which the flange member and the pump accommodating member face each other;
a lateral guide portion extending along the mounting direction and projecting toward the lateral rail portion, the lateral guide portion abutting against the lateral rail portion in a direction intersecting the mounting direction;
a lateral guide rail structure for regulating the positions of the flange member and the pump accommodating member in the intersecting direction,
The horizontal guide rail structure is
one of the lateral rail portion and the lateral guide portion is formed on the flange member, and the other is formed on the pump accommodating member ;
A fuel supply device characterized by: The vertical guide rail structure is
At least one of the protruding portions has an inclined portion inclined so that the flange member and the pump accommodating member are closer to each other in the opposing direction at a slide end point than at a slide start point in the mounting direction.
2. The fuel supply system according to claim 1 . The vertical guide rail structure is
The protrusion of the vertical rail portion and the protrusion of the vertical guide portion are in contact with each other on a contact surface thereof,
the contact surface of the protrusion formed on the flange member is formed in a flat shape along the mounting direction,
3. The fuel supply device according to claim 2 , wherein the contact surface of the protrusion formed on the pump housing member has the inclined portion. The lateral guide rail structure is
At least one of the lateral rail portion and the lateral guide portion has an inclined portion that is inclined so that the contact pressure between the lateral rail portion and the lateral guide portion in the intersecting direction is increased at a slide end point relative to a slide start point in the mounting direction.
2. The fuel supply system according to claim 1 . The guide rail structure includes:
The vertical guide rail structure and the horizontal guide rail structure are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the intersecting direction.
5. A fuel supply system according to claim 1 or 4 . The vertical guide rail structure is
The cross-sectional profile of the vertical rail portion in the intersecting direction is formed into a substantially T-shape,
The vertical guide portion is formed in a groove shape into which the vertical rail portion is slidably fitted, and the contact surface where the protrusion portion of the vertical rail portion and the protrusion portion of the vertical guide portion come into contact with each other is
the contact surface of the protrusion formed on the flange member is formed in a plane that is aligned along the mounting direction and parallel to the placement surface,
the contact surface of the protrusion formed on the pump accommodating member has an inclined portion that is inclined so that the flange member and the pump accommodating member are closer to each other in the opposing direction at a slide end rather than a slide start end in the mounting direction, and has an inclined surface that is inclined so as to move away from the arrangement surface toward the slide end rather than the slide start end in the mounting direction.
6. A fuel supply system according to claim 1 . 5. The fuel supply device according to claim 4 , wherein the snap-fit structure is disposed at a position where a slide end of the lateral guide rail structure in the mounting direction is extended. The flange member has:
a fuel flow path that supplies fuel from the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank;
a regulator accommodating portion that communicates with the fuel flow path and maintains a constant pressure in the fuel flow path, and that protrudes from the arrangement surface and that accommodates the fuel flow path;
is formed,
The snap-fit structure is disposed at a position corresponding to a tip of the regulator accommodating portion in the opposing direction.
8. A fuel supply system according to claim 1 . an opening portion that communicates the fuel flow path with the inside of the fuel tank is formed at a tip end of the regulator housing portion;
a covering piece is formed on the pump accommodating member at a position overlapping the opening when viewed from the opposing direction when the pump accommodating member is in an engagement position by the snap-fit structure;
9. The fuel supply system according to claim 8 . the covering piece has a gap with the edge of the opening when the covering piece is in the locked position by the snap-fit structure;
10. The fuel supply system according to claim 9 .