JP2003120453A - Fuel feed unit for small-sized vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel feed unit for small-sized vehicle, capable of attaining size reduction in a flange to be mounted, and being mounted on a fuel tank with a relatively narrow ceiling area. SOLUTION: A fuel outlet tube 36 formed at the flange 35 to be mounted and a filter housing 32 for storing a fuel filter 27 for storing a fuel filter 27 so as to be continuously provided almost coaxially at a lower end thereof are disposed offset to one side from the center line of the flange 35 to be mounted. Regulator support tube 85, 86 for retaining a fuel regulator 28 so as to be continuously provided at the lower end of the filter housing 32 are disposed offset to the other side from the center line of the flange 35 to be mounted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel tank having a horizontal wall having an opening, a mounting flange attached to close the opening, and being inserted into the fuel tank through the opening. A fuel supply for a small vehicle in which a supporting bracket that supports an electric fuel pump for pumping fuel in a fuel tank, a fuel filter for filtering the fuel discharged from the fuel pump, and a pressure regulator for adjusting the discharge pressure of the fuel pump are supported. Regarding the improvement of the unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Such a small vehicle is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 313.
It is already known as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 0269.

[0003]

In the fuel supply unit disclosed in the above publication, the fuel filters on the outer periphery of the fuel pump are arranged concentrically, and therefore, the mounting flanges for supporting them are, of course, inserted therein. The opening of the fuel tank has to be formed to have a relatively large diameter, and it is difficult to attach it to the fuel tank of a small vehicle with a relatively small ceiling area.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the fuel supply for the small-sized vehicle has been made possible by reducing the diameter of the mounting flange and enabling mounting to a fuel tank having a relatively small ceiling area. The purpose is to provide a unit.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a horizontal wall of a fuel tank having an opening, with a mounting flange attached so as to close the opening, An electric fuel pump for pumping the fuel in the fuel tank, a fuel filter for filtering the fuel discharged from the fuel pump, and a pressure for adjusting the discharge pressure of the fuel pump are attached to a support bracket inserted into the fuel tank through the opening. In a fuel supply unit for a small vehicle that supports a regulator, a fuel outlet cylinder formed on a mounting flange and a filter housing that is coaxially connected to a lower end of the fuel outlet cylinder and accommodates a fuel filter are mounted on the flange. It is arranged offset to one side from the center line of the filter housing and is connected to the lower end of the filter housing. The regulator support cylinder that holds the regulator is arranged offset from the center line of the mounting flange to the other side, and the filter housing and the regulator support cylinder are housed within the projected area of the opening. The first feature is that a communication passage connected to the discharge port of the pump is connected.

According to the first feature, the fuel outlet cylinder and the filter housing, which are vertically arranged, and the pressure regulator are arranged so as to be offset from the center line of the mounting flange in directions opposite to each other. The diameter of the mounting flange and the diameter of the opening of the fuel tank can be reduced while allowing the fuel tank to be inserted into the fuel tank, making it easy to mount the fuel supply unit even on a relatively narrow horizontal wall of the fuel tank. Becomes Further, the communication passage between the fuel pump and the fuel filter can be shortened, and the pressure loss can be reduced.

The present invention also has a support bracket which is mounted on a horizontal wall of the fuel tank having an opening so as to close the opening and which is inserted into the fuel tank through the opening. To
An electric fuel pump that pumps up the fuel in the fuel tank,
In a fuel supply unit for a small vehicle supporting a fuel filter for filtering the fuel discharged from the fuel pump and a pressure regulator for adjusting the discharge pressure of the fuel pump, a fuel outlet tube formed on a mounting flange and the fuel outlet tube. A filter housing, which houses the fuel filter and is installed coaxially to the lower end of the filter, is arranged offset to one side from the center line of the mounting flange, and is connected to the lower end of the filter housing to hold the fuel regulator. The regulator support cylinder is placed offset from the center line of the mounting flange to the other side.
Put the regulator support cylinder within the projected area of the opening,
A second feature is that a pump holding cylinder that holds the fuel pump at substantially the same height as the pressure regulator and is held substantially horizontally is connected to the lower end of the filter housing.

According to the second feature, the fuel outlet cylinder and the filter housing, which are vertically arranged, and the pressure regulator are arranged so as to be offset from the center line of the mounting flange in directions opposite to each other. While enabling the insertion of the fuel supply unit, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the mounting flange and thus the diameter of the opening of the fuel tank, and to easily mount the fuel supply unit even on the relatively narrow horizontal wall of the fuel tank. Become. Further, the communication passage between the fuel pump and the fuel filter can be shortened, and the pressure loss can be reduced.

Further, the present invention has a support bracket, which has a mounting flange mounted on a horizontal wall of the fuel tank having an opening so as to close the opening, and which is inserted into the fuel tank through the opening. For the fuel pump, an electric fuel pump for pumping the fuel in the fuel tank, a fuel filter for filtering the fuel discharged from the fuel pump, and a pressure regulator for adjusting the discharge pressure of the fuel pump are integrally supported. In a fuel supply unit for a small vehicle in which the wiring coupler is formed on a mounting flange, a fuel outlet cylinder formed on the mounting flange and a filter which is connected to a lower end of the fuel outlet cylinder on a substantially coaxial basis to accommodate a fuel filter. The housing and the mounting flange are placed offset to one side from the center line of the mounting flange, and the filter housing is A regulator support cylinder that is connected to the lower end of the fuel retainer and holds the fuel regulator and the wiring coupler are arranged offset from the center line of the mounting flange to the other side, and the filter housing, regulator support cylinder, and wiring coupler are A third feature is that a pump holding cylinder that holds the fuel pump at substantially the same height as the pressure regulator and is held substantially horizontally is connected to the lower end of the filter housing within the projected area of the opening.

According to the third feature, the fuel outlet cylinders and the filter housings arranged vertically, and the wiring couplers and the pressure regulators arranged vertically are arranged offset from the center line of the mounting flange in opposite directions. By doing so, it is possible to insert the fuel supply unit into the fuel tank, and at the same time, to secure the space for forming the wiring coupler, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the mounting flange and thus the diameter of the opening of the fuel tank. The fuel supply unit can be easily installed even on a relatively narrow horizontal wall. Moreover, the communication passage between the fuel pump and the fuel filter can be shortened,
It is possible to reduce pressure loss. Moreover, the fuel supply unit is formed in a substantially L-shape as a whole by placing the fuel filter vertically and the fuel pump horizontally.
The overall height can be set low and it can be applied to flat fuel tanks.

The horizontal wall of the fuel tank is the ceiling wall 18a of the fuel tank 18 in an embodiment of the present invention described later.
The regulator support cylinder corresponds to the upper and lower support cylinders 85 and 86, and the wiring coupler corresponds to the first wiring coupler 95.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on an embodiment of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the motorcycle, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1 taken in the direction of arrow 2, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a plan view of a fuel supply unit, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure of the fuel supply unit to the fuel tank.
-6 line sectional view, FIG. 7 is a 7-7 line sectional view of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a 8-8 line sectional view of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a 9-9 line sectional view of FIG. 6, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG.

In the following description, front and rear and left and right are referred to on the basis of the vehicle.

1 to 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a scooter type motorcycle as a small vehicle, the body frame 2 of which is a head pipe 2a and extends downward from the rear surface of the head pipe 2a at a steep angle. The down tube portion 2b, a floor support portion 2c that horizontally extends rearward from the lower end of the down tube portion 2b, a pillar portion 2d that rises vertically from the rear end of the floor support portion 2c, and an upward rearward direction from the upper end of the pillar portion 2d. The rear pipe portion 2e extends obliquely, and the steering pipe of the front fork 4, which pivotally supports the front wheel 3f, is steerably supported by the head pipe 2a. A suspension link 5 is elastically supported on the upper end of the pillar portion 2d.
A power unit 6 is suspended via a pivot 7 so as to be vertically swingable. And the power unit 6 and the rear rail part 2
The rear cushion 8 is attached between e.

The power unit 6 includes an engine 9 in which the cylinder portion 9a is tilted forward in a nearly horizontal state, and the engine 9
A continuously variable transmission 10 integrally connecting a rearwardly extending mission case 10a to one side of the transmission case 10a, and a rear wheel 3r, which is a drive wheel, is pivotally supported at the rear end of the mission case 10a.

A luggage box 15 for mounting a large luggage such as a helmet is mounted on the rear rail portion 2e, and a passenger seat 16 which also serves as a lid of the box 15 is attached to an upper front end portion of the luggage box 15.
Is hinged so that it can be opened and closed. .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fuel tank 18 is inserted into a large opening 17 provided in the central portion of the floor supporting portion 2c, and the flange 18a protruding from the peripheral wall of the fuel tank 18 is provided. It is fixed to the upper surface of the floor support portion 2c by a plurality of bolts 19. In this way, in the fuel tank 18, the center line Y in the front-rear direction is the motorcycle 1
It is arranged so as to match the center line of the front-back direction. On the ceiling wall 18b of the fuel tank 18 which is arranged substantially horizontally,
Tank cap 2 that opens and closes the fuel filler port 20 that opens there
1 and a fuel supply unit 2 for supplying fuel to the engine 9
2 and are attached. At that time, the fuel supply unit 22
Are arranged at the front of the fuel tank 18, that is, at a position closer to the front than the tank cap 21.

The step floor 12 supported by the floor supporting portion 2c is arranged so as to cover the fuel tank 18, and the tank cap 21 and the fuel supply unit 22 are provided in the upper protruding portion 12a formed at the center thereof. The projecting portion from the upper surface of the fuel tank 18 is accommodated.

Next, the fuel supply unit 22 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The fuel supply unit 22 includes a fuel tank 18
An electric fuel pump 25 immersed in the fuel oil for pumping up the fuel inside, a fuel strainer 26 connected to an inlet 25a of the fuel pump 25, and a fuel filter communicating with an outlet 25b of the fuel pump 25. 27, a pressure regulator 28 for adjusting the discharge pressure of the fuel pump 25,
A fuel remaining amount sensor 29, a pump holder 30 for accommodating and holding the fuel pump 25, a support bracket 31 attached to the ceiling wall 18b of the fuel tank 18 while supporting the pump holder 30, and the support bracket 31 and the pump holder 30. It is comprised of a filter housing 32 that is held between and that houses the fuel filter 27. These components will be sequentially described in detail.

In FIGS. 4 to 7 and 9, the support bracket 31 is a disc-shaped mounting flange 3 made of synthetic resin.
5 and this mounting flange 35 are integrally formed,
The fuel outlet cylinder 36 protruding from both upper and lower surfaces thereof, a plurality of (a pair in the illustrated example) first supporting arms 37, 37 integrally provided on the lower surface of the mounting flange 35, and the lower surface of the mounting flange 35 are molded and coupled. And a plurality of (a pair in the illustrated example) second support arms 38, 38 made of steel plates. An elbow-shaped fuel take-out pipe 39 is detachably attached to the fuel outlet tube 36 from above via a joint 40. It is designed to be combined with. An annular seal groove 41 is provided on the lower surface of the mounting flange 35 in the vicinity of its outer peripheral edge, and a seal member 42 is attached to this.

On the other hand, on the ceiling wall 18b of the fuel tank 18, an opening 43 having a diameter smaller than that of the annular seal groove 41 is provided at a position offset by a predetermined distance A from the longitudinal centerline Y of the fuel tank 18 to the left and right. An annular shallow recess 44 that surrounds the opening 43 is formed on the upper surface of the ceiling wall 18b, and has an annular shape having a plurality of locking claws 45, 45 ... The body is welded to the ceiling wall 18b. Then, the mounting flange 35 is housed in the recess 44 while the first and second support arms 37, 38 are inserted into the opening 43, and the lock ring 46 for pressing the upper surface of the mounting flange 35 is rotated by a predetermined angle. The locking claws 45, 45 ... Engage with the plurality of engaging portions 46a, 46a of 46 to fix the mounting flange 35 at a fixed position of the fuel tank 18 while the sealing member 42 is in close contact with the ceiling wall 18b. 43 can be closed.

As clearly shown in FIG. 9, when the mounting flange 35 is fixed at a fixed position on the fuel tank 18, the fuel outlet tube 36 is moved from the center line of the flange 35 to the center line Y of the fuel tank 18. It is arranged to be offset by a predetermined distance B in the same direction as the offset direction of the opening 43.

Further, the plurality of first support arms 37, 37 are arranged at equal intervals on a concentric circle E surrounding the fuel outlet tube 36, and the plurality of second support arms 38, 38 are provided with the first support arms 38, 38. They are arranged at equal intervals on a concentric circle F with the mounting flange 35, which passes through the outside of the arms 37, 37. Locking holes 37a, 38a are provided in each of the first and second support arms 37, 38.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the joint 40 includes an elastic cylindrical portion 49 made of synthetic resin, which is locked to an annular protrusion 48 on the outer peripheral surface of the fuel take-out pipe 39, and the cylindrical portion 49.
A pair of photographing parts 50, 50 projecting from the upper end of the, and locking claws 61, 61 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular part 49 in the vicinity of the photographing parts 50, 50. On the other hand, a pair of locking holes 62, 62 corresponding to the locking claws 61, 61 are provided in the upper portion of the fuel outlet cylinder 36, and an annular seal member 63 is mounted on the inner circumference of the fuel outlet cylinder 36. It When the fuel take-out pipe 39 is inserted into the fuel outlet pipe 36 from above, the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the fuel take-out pipe 39 is sealed by the seal member 6.
3, the locking claws 61, 61 of the joint 40 fitted in the fuel outlet tube 36 are elastically engaged with the locking holes 62, 62 of the fuel outlet tube 36, so that 39 is connected to the fuel outlet tube 36. Shooting section 5
If 0 and 50 are compressed inward in the radial direction, the locking claws 61,
Since 61 is disengaged from the locking holes 62, 62, the fuel take-out pipe 39 can be pulled out from the fuel outlet tube 36.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, the fuel filter 27
The filter housing 32 for accommodating is welded to the upper housing half body 32a by integrally forming a cylindrical upper housing half body 32a having an upper communication tube 65 integrally formed on the upper end surface and a lower communication cylinder 66 on the lower end surface. The lower housing half 32b, and the engaging holes 37 of the first support arms 37, 37 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper housing half 32a.
A plurality of locking claws 67, 67 corresponding to a and 37a are projected. The upper communication tube 65 is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the fuel outlet tube 36 via a seal member 71, and at the same time, the locking claws 67, 67 are engaged with the locking holes 3 of the first support arms 37, 37.
7a and 37a are elastically engaged.

The fuel filter 27 in the filter housing 32 is constructed by joining upper and lower end plates 69, 70 to both end faces of a hollow cylindrical filter element 68. The upper and lower end plates 69, 70 are provided with recesses 69a, 70a recessed on the filter element 68 side,
Further, the lower end plate 70 is formed with a through hole 73 that communicates the inside and the outside in the recess 70a. Also, the upper end plate 69
In the concave portion 69a of the
It is arranged so that the inner end of the fuel take-out pipe 39 connected via 0 is exposed.

The fuel filter 27 is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the lower housing half body 32b and a plurality of ribs 74, 74 ... Radially formed on the ceiling surface of the upper housing half body 32a. The fuel flowing from 66 into the filter element 68 through the through hole 73 passes radially outward through the filter element 68, and passes through the fuel passage defined between the plurality of ribs 74, 74 ... It is supposed to move to 39. At this time, since the upper end plate 69 has a recess 69a facing the inner end of the fuel take-out pipe 39 connected to the fuel outlet tube 36, the fuel passage between the fuel take-out pipe 39 and the fuel filter 27 is narrowed. Instead, they can be placed close to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the pump holder 30 has the same cylindrical pump holding cylinder 75 for accommodating and holding the cylindrical electric fuel pump 25, and one end of the pump holding cylinder 75. A continuous flange portion 76 and a plurality of (a pair in the illustrated example) connecting arms 77, 77 projecting from the flange portion 76 toward the second support arms 38, 38 are provided. Connect the connecting arms 77, 77 to the second support arm 3
While inserting into the inner surface of 8, 38, the locking claws 77a, 77a protruding from the outer surface of the connecting arm 77, the second support arm 38,
The support bracket 31 and the pump holder 30 are connected to each other by elastically engaging with the locking holes 38 a of the 38.

On the upper surface of the flange portion 76 of the pump holder 30, a communication passage 80 communicating with the discharge port 25b of the fuel pump 25 is formed.
Is opened, and the filter housing 32 is provided in the opening.
The lower communication tube 66 of is fitted through the seal member 72,
It is adapted to receive the fuel discharged from the fuel pump 25. As a result, the fuel pump 25 and the fuel filter 27
The communication passage 80 between them can be shortened, and the pressure loss can be reduced.

The pump holding cylinder 75 is arranged so as to extend substantially horizontally from one side portion of the flange portion 76 toward the rear of the vehicle, and therefore the electric fuel pump 25 held by the pump holding cylinder 75 also assumes the same posture. The supply unit 22 has an L shape as a whole. 4, the axis of the pump holding cylinder 75 is the same as the fuel outlet cylinder 36 in a plan view, and is separated from the center line Y of the fuel tank 18 by a distance B from the center line Y of the mounting tank 35. It is placed with an offset so as to move away from the side.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the fuel strainer 26 includes a suction port 25 that opens at the rear end of the fuel pump 25.
connected to a. The fuel strainer 26 is attached to the outer periphery of the pump holding cylinder 75 and is housed in a wave canceling box 82 having an open upper surface. This wave-eliminating box 82 is the fuel tank 1
8 has an inlet 82a at the front portion opposite to the opening side of the intake port 25a of the fuel pump 25, and extends from one side of this inlet 82a to the vicinity of the rear wall of the wave canceller 82. A maze wall 83 is erected on the bottom of the wave-eliminating box 82 so that the fuel that has entered the inlet 82a is attenuated and sucked into the fuel pump 25.

2, 4 and 7, an upper support cylinder 85 communicating with the inside of the lower housing half 32b of the filter housing 32 is integrally formed at the bottom of the lower housing half 32b. A lower support cylinder 86 whose upper end is fitted to the surface is integrally formed with the pump holder 30, and these support cylinders 85 and 86 have a cylindrical pressure regulator 2
8 is mounted from below. At that time, both support cylinders 85, 86
The pressure regulator 28 is arranged with its axis offset from the center of the mounting flange 35 by a predetermined distance C on the side opposite to the offset direction of the fuel outlet tube 36. The pressure regulator 28 releases the excess fuel downward when the pressure in the filter housing 32, that is, the discharge pressure of the fuel pump 25 becomes a predetermined value or more. The fuel pump 25 arranged in a substantially horizontal state is arranged at substantially the same height as the pressure regulator 28.

The fuel remaining amount sensor 29 is a pump holding cylinder 75.
Sensor housing 90 attached to one side wall of the float, a float support arm 91 swingably supported by the sensor housing 90 and extending toward the rear of the vehicle, and a float 92 attached to a tip portion 91a of the float support arm 91.
And a potentiometer 93 which is housed in the sensor housing 90 and converts the rotation angle of the float support arm 91 into the amount of electricity as the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank 18. At that time, the sensor housing 90 is attached to the side wall of the pump holding cylinder 75 opposite to the offset direction with respect to the center of the attachment flange 35. The float support arm 91 extends from the outer side wall of the sensor housing 90 and immediately bends and extends rearward, and the tip end portion 91a is bent in an L shape so as to move away from the pump holding cylinder 75 in the lateral direction. A float 92 that is long in the bending direction is attached to the portion 91a.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mounting flange 35 has first and second wiring couplers projecting from both upper and lower surfaces of the flange 35 at a location offset from the center line in the direction opposite to the fuel outlet tube 36. 95 and 96 are formed adjacent to each other, and the inner ends of both wiring couplers 95 and 96 are arranged in the space above the pressure regulator 28. Both wiring couplers 95, 96 are provided with connecting terminals 97, 98 penetrating them vertically, and a lead wire connector (not shown) connected to the electric fuel pump 25 and the fuel level sensor 29 is provided. The wiring coupler 9 is connected to the lower part of the first and second wiring couplers 95 and 96.
An external wiring coupler (not shown) connected to a power switch and a fuel remaining amount indicator is connected to the upper portions of 5, 96.

In the above, the fuel outlet cylinder 36, the filter housing 32, the upper and lower support cylinders 85 and 86 are in the range of the projection surface of the opening 43 in order to enable the insertion into the opening 43 of the fuel tank 18. Is located in.

2 and 10, the intake port 10 of the cylinder 9a of the engine 9 is formed on the upper surface of the cylinder 9a.
An intake passage member 102 having an intake passage 101 continuing to 0 is bolted. The intake port member 102 includes an intake port 1
Fuel injection valve 103 for injecting fuel toward the downstream side of 00
Is attached, and a cup-shaped fuel connector 105 is fitted to the upper end portion where the fuel inlet is opened. A stay 105a protruding from a rear wall of the fuel connector 105 is fixed to a fixed position of the intake passage member 102 with a bolt 106. Further, the fuel connector 105 includes a connecting pipe 105b protruding rearward or obliquely rearward of the vehicle.
5b and the fuel take-out pipe 39 of the fuel supply unit 22
Both ends of the flexible fuel conduit 107 are firmly connected to each other. In this way, the fuel conduit 107 extends linearly from the fuel take-out pipe 39 to the rear of the vehicle while passing through the side of the tank cap 21, and makes a U-turn after passing the position of the fuel connector 105 backward to make a fuel take-out. Arranged to reach tube 39.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

In assembling the fuel supply unit 22, first, the fuel pump 25, the fuel strainer 26, the pressure regulator 28, and the fuel level sensor 29 are mounted on the pump holder 30, while the pair of first support arms of the support bracket 31 are mounted. The filter housing 32 is mounted between 37 and 37. When the pair of connecting arms 77, 77 of the pump holder 30 is inserted inside the pair of second supporting arms 38, 38, the connecting arm 77 is locked in the locking holes 38a, 38a of the second supporting arms 38, 38. By engaging the claws 77a and 77a, the support bracket 31 and the pump holder 30 can be coupled to each other and the filter housing 32 can be sandwiched therebetween. In this way, the support bracket 31
The fuel supply unit 22 is extremely easy to assemble because a special fixing member is not required for connecting the pump holder 30 and the pump holder 30.

The fuel supply unit 22 which has been assembled
Is inserted into the opening 43 of the ceiling wall 18b of the fuel tank 18 from the pump holding cylinder 75 side, and the fuel holding strainer 26 is placed on the bottom wall of the fuel tank 18 with the pump holding cylinder 75 facing the rear wall side of the fuel tank 18. Install. At this time, the mounting flange 35 of the support bracket 31 is fitted in the recess 44 on the upper surface of the fuel tank 18, and the lock ring 46 that presses the recess 44 from above is engaged with the lock claws 45, 45 ... Is fixed and the opening 43 is closed.

On the other hand, at both ends of the fuel conduit 107, the connecting pipe 105b of the fuel connector 105 and the fuel take-out pipe 3 are previously provided.
9 are connected respectively. Then, first, the fuel connector 105 is fitted into the fuel injection valve 103 of the engine 9, and is fixed to the fixed position of the intake passage member 102 with the bolt 106. When the fuel connector 105 is positioned by the bolts 106 in this way, its connecting pipe 105b faces a predetermined rearward or oblique rearward, so that the fuel pipe 107 is pulled out while the fuel take-out pipe 39 is pulled forward.
When it is arranged to the side of 1, the predetermined U-turn portion is naturally formed at the rear portion of the fuel conduit 107. Therefore,
The fuel take-out pipe 39 is connected to the fuel outlet tube 36 of the fuel supply unit 22 previously attached to the fuel tank 18 via the joint 40. Thus, the fuel conduit 107 can be easily installed without displacement.

Thus, the fuel conduit 107 is guided to the rear of the vehicle from the fuel take-out pipe 39 in the front position of the tank cap 21 while passing through the side of the tank cap 21 and forming a slack portion having a large radius of curvature. By bending to the fuel injection valve 103, the flow path resistance can be reduced, interference with an adjacent member can be avoided, and the bending angle of the fuel conduit 107 can be kept small even when the power unit 6 swings up and down. This is advantageous in ensuring durability.

Further, at the time of assembly, by removing the joint 40 from the fuel outlet tube 36 of the fuel supply unit 22 as described above, the connection of the fuel conduit 107 to the fuel injection valve 103 and the piping can be easily performed. Further, the maintenance of the fuel supply unit 22 can be easily performed without being disturbed by the fuel conduit 107. Moreover, the connection of the fuel take-out pipe 39 to the fuel supply unit 22 can be easily and quickly performed through the joint 40, and the assembling property can be improved.

In the fuel supply unit 22, the upper end plate 69 of the fuel filter 27 arranged immediately below the fuel outlet tube 36 faces the inner end of the fuel take-out pipe 39.
Since 9a is provided, it is possible to dispose the fuel take-out pipe 39 close to the fuel filter 27, reduce the amount of projection of the fuel take-out pipe 39 above the fuel tank 18, and avoid the interference of the fuel conduit 107 with the step flower 12. Can be done easily.

During operation of the engine 9, the fuel pump 25
The fuel in the fuel tank 18 is sucked through the fuel strainer 26 and discharged to the fuel filter 27. After the fuel is filtered by the fuel filter 27, the fuel take-out pipe 39,
It is supplied to the fuel injection valve 103 through the fuel conduit 107 and the fuel connector 105 in order. Meanwhile, the fuel pump 25
When the discharge pressure of exceeds a predetermined value, the pressure regulator 28
Operates to directly discharge the fuel having the excess pressure into the fuel tank 18. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect a special fuel return pipe to the fuel tank 18 to the pressure regulator 28, and the structure can be simplified.

By the way, the fuel supply unit 22 is
The fuel filter 27 is placed vertically, the fuel pump 25 is placed horizontally, and the fuel pump 25 is placed at the same height as the pressure regulator 28 that is placed below one side of the fuel filter 27. Since it is formed in the step height, the overall height can be effectively set low, and the step floor 12
It can be effectively applied to the flat type fuel tank 18 disposed below the.

Further, the fuel outlet cylinder 36 and the filter housing 32 which are vertically arranged, and the wiring coupler 9 which is vertically arranged
5, 96 and the pressure regulator 28 are arranged so as to be offset from the center line of the mounting flange 35 in opposite directions, and therefore the fuel pump 25 and the fuel level sensor 29 are also opposite to each other from the center line of the mounting flange 35. Since the fuel supply unit 22 can be inserted into the fuel tank 18, the diameter of the mounting flange 35 can be reduced and the fuel tank 18 can be extended.
The diameter of the opening 43 of the fuel tank 1 can be reduced.
8 is a relatively narrow ceiling wall 18b, the fuel supply unit 22
Is easy to install. Further, it is possible to reduce the load on the mounting flange 35.

Further, the mounting flange 35 of the fuel supply unit 22 is fixed at a position offset to the left and right from the longitudinal centerline Y of the fuel tank 18, and the fuel outlet tube 36 is in the same direction from the central line of the mounting flange 35. The pump holding cylinder 75
The remaining fuel amount sensor 29 is attached to the side wall opposite to the offset direction, and the tip end portion of the float support arm 91 of the sensor 29 is bent in the L-shape toward the opposite side to the offset direction to make the float 92. Since the float 92 is arranged close to the longitudinal center line of the fuel tank 18, the float 92 is long in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the float 92 rolls in the rolling direction of the motorcycle 1. Therefore, the remaining fuel amount in the fuel tank 18 can be detected relatively accurately because it is unlikely to be affected by the fluctuation of the fuel oil level in the fuel tank 18.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the opening 43 is formed in the bottom wall of the fuel tank 18.
The mounting flange 35 of the fuel supply unit 22 inserted therein can be attached to the bottom wall.

[0051]

As described above, according to the first feature of the present invention, the fuel outlet cylinder and the filter housing are arranged vertically,
The pressure regulator and the mounting flange are arranged offset from each other in opposite directions to allow insertion into the fuel tank of the fuel supply unit,
The diameter of the mounting flange can be reduced, and the diameter of the opening of the fuel tank can be reduced, and the fuel supply unit can be easily mounted even on the relatively narrow horizontal wall of the fuel tank. Further, the communication passage between the fuel pump and the fuel filter can be shortened, and the pressure loss can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the fuel outlet cylinder and the filter housing, which are vertically arranged, and the pressure regulator are arranged offset from each other in the opposite directions from the center line of the mounting flange. While allowing the fuel supply unit to be inserted into the tank, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the mounting flange and thus the diameter of the opening of the fuel tank, and to mount the fuel supply unit even on a relatively narrow horizontal wall of the fuel tank. Will be easier. Further, the communication passage between the fuel pump and the fuel filter can be shortened, and the pressure loss can be reduced.

Further, according to the third feature of the present invention, the fuel outlet cylinder and the filter housing which are vertically arranged, and the wiring coupler and the pressure regulator which are vertically arranged are offset from the center line of the mounting flange in opposite directions. This allows the fuel supply unit to be inserted into the fuel tank and also secures the space for the formation of the wiring coupler to reduce the diameter of the mounting flange and thus the diameter of the opening of the fuel tank. Therefore, the fuel supply unit can be easily mounted even on a relatively narrow horizontal wall. Further, the communication passage between the fuel pump and the fuel filter can be shortened, and the pressure loss can be reduced. Moreover, the fuel supply unit has a fuel filter placed vertically and a fuel pump placed horizontally, and is formed into a substantially L-shape as a whole, so that the overall height can be set low and the fuel tank can be installed in a flat type fuel tank. Applicable.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a motorcycle.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of FIG.

3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a fuel supply unit.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting structure of a fuel supply unit to a fuel tank.

6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG.

7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.

9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG.

10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Small vehicle (motorcycle) 18 ... Fuel tank 18a ... Horizontal wall (ceiling wall) 22 ... Fuel supply unit 25 ... Fuel pump 27 ... Fuel filter 28 ... Pressure regulator 31 Support bracket 32 ... Filter housing 35 ... Mounting flange 36a ... Fuel outlet tube 43 ... Fuel tank opening 75 ... ..Pump holding cylinder 80 ... Communication passages 85, 85 ... Regulator holding cylinder (upper and lower support cylinders) 95 ... Wiring coupler (first coupler)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) B62J 37/00 B62J 37/00 Z F02M 37/00 F02M 37/00 A 69/00 340 69/00 340T ( 72) Inventor Shunji Akamatsu 1-4-1 Chuo, Wako-shi, Saitama Stock Research Institute Honda Technical Research Institute (72) Inventor Nobuhiro Shimada 1-4-1 Chuo, Wako-shi Saitama Honda Research Institute ( 72) Inventor Kenichi Sueda 1-4-1 Chuo, Wako-shi, Saitama, Ltd. Honda R & D Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Osamu Suzuki, 197-1 Kakuda Kakuda, Kakuda City, Miyagi Prefecture Kakuhin Kakuda Development Center (72) ) Inventor Mineo Tokui Kakuda, Kakuda, Miyagi Prefecture 197-1, Keihin Kakuda Development Center Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshihiko Naito Kakuda, Kakuda, Miyagi Flow 197-1 Keihin Kakuda Development Center Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An opening (43) in a fuel tank (18).
In the horizontal wall (18b) having the opening (43)
Mounting flange (3
5) A support bracket (31) which has 5) and is inserted into the fuel tank (18) through the opening (43).
In addition, an electric fuel pump (25) for pumping the fuel in the fuel tank (18), a fuel filter (27) for filtering the fuel discharged from the fuel pump (25), and a discharge pressure of the fuel pump (25) are adjusted. Pressure regulator (2
In a fuel supply unit for a small vehicle supporting 8), a fuel outlet tube (36) formed on a mounting flange (35) and a fuel outlet tube (36) continuously connected to the lower end of the fuel outlet tube (36) substantially coaxially. A filter housing (32) accommodating the filter (27) is arranged offset from the center line of the mounting flange (35) to one side, and is connected to the lower end of the filter housing (32) to be connected to the fuel regulator (28). ) Holding regulator support cylinder (85, 86)
Is arranged offset from the center line of the mounting flange (35) to the other side, and the filter housing (32),
Insert the regulator support cylinder (85, 86) into the opening (4
3) A fuel supply unit for a small vehicle, characterized in that the communication path (80) connected to the discharge port of the fuel pump (25) is connected to the lower end of the filter housing (32) within the projected area of 3). 2. An opening (43) in the fuel tank (18).
In the horizontal wall (18b) having the opening (43)
Mounting flange (3
5) A support bracket (31) which has 5) and is inserted into the fuel tank (18) through the opening (43).
In addition, an electric fuel pump (25) for pumping the fuel in the fuel tank (18), a fuel filter (27) for filtering the fuel discharged from the fuel pump (25), and a discharge pressure of the fuel pump (25) are adjusted. Pressure regulator (2
In a fuel supply unit for a small vehicle supporting 8), a fuel outlet tube (36) formed on a mounting flange (35) and a fuel outlet tube (36) continuously connected to the lower end of the fuel outlet tube (36) substantially coaxially. A filter housing (32) accommodating the filter (27) is arranged offset from the center line of the mounting flange (35) to one side, and is connected to the lower end of the filter housing (32) to be connected to the fuel regulator (28 ) Holding regulator support cylinder (85, 86)
Is arranged offset from the center line of the mounting flange (35) to the other side, and the filter housing (32),
Insert the regulator support cylinder (85, 86) into the opening (4
Fitted within the projected area of 3), the filter housing (32)
Attach the fuel pump (25) to the pressure regulator (2
8) A pump holding cylinder (7) which holds the same height as that of (8)
5) A fuel supply unit for small vehicles, which is characterized in that they are connected in series. 3. An opening (43) in the fuel tank (18).
In the horizontal wall (18b) having the opening (43)
Mounting flange (3
5) A support bracket (31) which has 5) and is inserted into the fuel tank (18) through the opening (43).
In addition, an electric fuel pump (25) for pumping the fuel in the fuel tank (18), a fuel filter (27) for filtering the fuel discharged from the fuel pump (25), and a discharge pressure of the fuel pump (25) are adjusted. Pressure regulator (2
8) is integrally supported and a wiring coupler (95) for the fuel pump (25) is formed on the mounting flange (35), in a fuel supply unit for a small vehicle, the fuel formed on the mounting flange (35). An outlet tube (36) and a filter housing (3) that is substantially coaxially connected to the lower end of the fuel outlet tube (36) to accommodate the fuel filter (27).
2) and are arranged offset to one side from the center line of the mounting flange (35), and the filter housing (32)
The regulator support cylinders (85, 86) connected to the lower end of the fuel holder (28) for holding the fuel regulator (28) and the wiring coupler (95) are arranged offset from the center line of the mounting flange (35) to the other side. Then, the filter housing (32), the regulator support cylinder (85, 86) and the wiring coupler (95) are housed within the projected area of the opening (43), and the fuel pump (25) is attached to the lower end of the filter housing (32). Fuel supply unit for a small vehicle, characterized in that a pump holding cylinder (75) for holding the pressure regulator (28) at substantially the same height as the pressure regulator (28) is provided substantially horizontally.