JPH0681933B2 - Fuel supply pump device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in the following order.

A. Industrial fields of use B. Prior art C. Problems D. Means for solving problems E. Action F. Example i. First example (Figs. 1, 2, 3) ii. Second embodiment (Fig. 4) iii. Third embodiment (Fig. 5) iv. Fourth embodiment (Figs. 6 and 7) v. Fifth embodiment (Fig. 8) vi. Sixth Embodiment (FIG. 9) G. Effects of the Invention [Industrial field of use] The present invention relates to a fuel supply pump device for supplying fuel to a vehicle engine. More particularly, it relates to a fuel supply pump arrangement for supplying fuel in two vehicle-mounted fuel tanks, which are at least partially separated from one another, to a vehicle engine.

[Prior art]

In recent years, it has become difficult to secure a large space because various devices and members are arranged in the passenger compartment of an automobile. Therefore, it is becoming difficult to dispose a large fuel tank having a single flat bottom portion in one place. Therefore, a recess is provided in a part of the bottom of the fuel tank so that the tank is separated into two tank parts so as to straddle existing devices and members, or a small-capacity fuel tank is provided in a plurality of empty spaces. The small-capacity fuel tanks are connected to each other and used as a large-capacity composite fuel tank.

[Problem] However, in the case of using the composite fuel tank having such a configuration, if the fuel pump is provided only in one of the fuel tanks (portions), the remaining amount becomes small and the communication of fuel between the fuel tanks (portions) is reduced. After being shut off, only the fuel in the fuel tank (part) where the fuel pump is provided is supplied, and the fuel in the other fuel tank (part) remains. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a self-driving fuel pump in each fuel tank (portion). However, this increases cost and is not preferable.

[Means for solving problems]

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel supply pump device capable of supplying the fuel in both fuel tanks (portions) to the engine without leaving any.

To achieve this object, in the present invention, there is provided a fuel supply pump device for supplying fuel in a first and a second fuel tank, which are at least partially separated from each other, to a vehicle engine, wherein A main fuel pump communicated with a fuel tank, the main fuel pump having an intake port communicating with the bottom of the first fuel tank, and a main discharge for communicating the discharge port of the main fuel pump with the vehicle engine. A flow path, a return flow path for returning the fuel discharged from the main fuel pump to the first fuel tank, an inlet of the return flow path connected to the return flow path, and a kinetic energy of fuel flowing in the return flow path. A jet pump that is operated, the suction port of which is in communication with the bottom of the second fuel tank and the outlet of which is in communication with the first fuel tank; And a switching means for switching the jet pump between an operating state and a non-operating state according to the remaining amount of fuel in the second fuel tank.

[Action]

The operation of the above configuration will be described. The jet pump is activated by the kinetic energy of the fuel pumped from the main fuel pump that communicates with the first fuel tank, and the fuel in the second fuel tank is sent to the first fuel tank. The jet pump is switched between the operating state and the non-operating state by the switching means according to the remaining amount of fuel in the second fuel tank.

This prevents unnecessary operation of the jet pump.

〔Example〕

The operation and effects of the present invention will be more apparent from the description of the embodiments given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a composite fuel tank 10 of a vehicle equipped with a fuel supply pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A part of the bottom of the composite fuel tank 10 is recessed. The drive shaft 12 and the exhaust pipe 13 extend in the recess 11, and the composite fuel tank 10 is installed in a state of straddling the drive shaft 12 and the like. Further, the composite fuel tank 10 is partially separated by the recess 11 into two fuel tanks 10A and 10B.

The fuel stored in the fuel tanks 10A and 10B is supplied to the vehicle engine 30 through the main discharge passage pipe 21 by the main fuel pump 20.
Is supplied to. The main fuel pump 20 is a conventionally known pump having a built-in DC motor driven by the on-vehicle battery 22 as a power source and a regenerative pump driven by the DC motor. A filter 23 is attached to the intake port 20A of the fuel pump 20, and a discharge port 20B.
Is connected to the main discharge flow pipe 21 and communicates with the engine 30. The main discharge flow path pipe 21 penetrates an iron flange 15 that covers the opening 14 of the fuel tank 10A. The flange 15 is screwed to the fuel tank 10A via a packing 16, and a bracket 17 for attaching the main fuel pump is welded.

The main discharge passage pipe 21 is a pipe portion 21A made of an iron pipe.
And a piping portion 21B composed of a rubber hose, one end of which is connected to the piping portion 21A and the other end of which is connected to one opening 24A, and the other end of the three-way joint 2
4B and the other end is connected to the discharge port 20B of the main fuel pump 20 and a piping portion 21C made of a rubber hose.

When the fuel is supplied only by using the main fuel pump 20 as in the conventional case, when the remaining amount of the fuel becomes less than the level L1 (the same level as the bottom of the recess 11), the fuel tank 10A
The fuel inside is supplied by the main fuel pump 20, but the fuel left at the bottom of the fuel tank 10B remains without being sucked out.

Therefore, in the present invention, a jet pump is used together. That is, in this embodiment, the jet pump 40 is arranged in the fuel tank 10A. The inlet 40A of the jet pump 40 is connected to the third side of the three-way joint 24 via the return passage 41.
Through the opening 24C of the main discharge passage pipe 21.
The outlet 40B of the jet pump 40 is directed to the bottom of the fuel tank 10A. In addition, the suction port 40C of the jet pump 40
Is communicated with the bottom portion of the fuel tank 10B via an auxiliary suction flow pipe 42 arranged so as to straddle the recess 11 of the fuel tank 10. A filter 43 is also attached to the end of the auxiliary suction flow pipe 42. A solenoid valve 50, which is a valve device that connects or disconnects the main fuel pump 20 and the jet pump 40, is connected between the flow path portions 41A and 41B of the return flow path 41.

Next, the structure of the jet pump 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

The jet pump 40 has an inlet pipe 401 and an outlet pipe 402 made of resin, and has a flange portion 401A, 402A.
It is assembled by joining each other by ultrasonic welding. A filter 403 is press-fitted into the inlet 40A of the jet pump 40, that is, one opening of the inlet pipe 401. The other end of the inlet pipe 401 is connected to a tapered nozzle 401C, and fuel is ejected at high speed toward the outlet 40B of the jet pump 40, that is, one opening of the outlet pipe 402. This allows both pipes
The pressure in the working chamber 404 defined by 401 and 402 becomes a negative pressure.
Since another opening of the outlet pipe 402, that is, the suction port 40C of the jet pump 40 communicates with the bottom of the fuel tank 10B via the auxiliary suction flow pipe 42, the fuel tank 10B
The fuel left at the bottom of the fuel tank 1 passes through the suction port 40C, the working chamber 404 and the outlet 40B due to the negative pressure in the working chamber 404.
Moved to 0A. As a result, the fuel left behind at the bottom of the fuel tank 10B, which could not be supplied by the conventional single fuel pump, can be supplied without any residue.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, reference numeral 60 is a fuel gauge which is a control device for controlling the solenoid valve 50. The fuel gauge 60 has a rod-shaped main body 61 made of polyacetal resin having two flange portions 61A, 61B spaced apart in the axial direction at one end. The other end of the fuel gauge main body 61 has a flange 1 in the opening 17 formed in the fuel tank 10B.
Held through 8. A gasket 19 for absorbing vibration and the like is interposed between the opening 17 and the flange 18. A resin float 62, which is movable in the axial direction, is disposed between the flanges 61A and 61B. Flange 61A
Is arranged such that when the fuel gauge 60 is arranged in the fuel tank 10B, the lower surface comes into contact with the float 62 when the fuel remaining amount decreases to the same level as the level L1 at the bottom of the recess 11. ing. Further, the second flange 61B is formed on the main body 61 so that the upper surface thereof is arranged at substantially the same level as the level L2 of the filter 43. Spaces 63A and 63B are formed in the flanges 61A and 61B, respectively. Reed switches 64A and 64B made of magnetic material in each space
Is provided. Further, the float 62 has buoyancy with respect to the fuel, and ring-shaped rubber magnets 62A and 62B are embedded in both axial end surfaces thereof.

The switching means of the present invention is mainly composed of the solenoid valve 50 and the fuel gauge 60.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

First, when the key switch 70 (FIG. 1) is closed, a voltage is applied from the battery 22 to the DC motor of the main fuel pump 20 through the conductors 22A and 22B to start the pump action. As a result, the fuel in the fuel tank is discharged at a rate of 90 / hr. Float if fuel remains above level L1
62 floats and contacts the first flange 61A of the fuel gauge. At that time, the reed switch 64A is closed by the suction force of the rubber magnet 62A. Then the voltage of battery 22 is
It is applied to the solenoid valve 50 through 22A, 22C and 22D to close the return flow passage piping. Therefore, no fuel is sent to the jet pump 40.

When the fuel tank 10 runs low and the fuel level drops below level L1, the float 62 also drops and the lead switch
63A is also released. This interrupts the voltage application to the solenoid valve and opens the solenoid valve. Therefore, the fuel is sent to the jet pump 40 through the return flow pipe 41, and the jet pump 40 starts operating. At this time, engine 30
The fuel is supplied at 80 / hr, and at 10 / hr, the fuel is sent to the jet pump 40 through the return flow pipe 41.
The fuel left at the bottom of the fuel tank 10B due to the operation of the jet pump 40 passes through the auxiliary suction passage pipe 42 to the fuel tank.
It is transferred to 10A and supplied to the engine 30 by the main fuel pump 20.

Further, when the remaining amount becomes small and the liquid level of the fuel drops below the level L2, the float 62 further drops and comes into contact with the second flange 61B of the remaining amount gauge 60. At that time, the reed switch 64B in the second flange 61B is closed by the suction force of the rubber magnet 62B of the float 62. This allows the solenoid valve 50
The voltage application to the device is restarted, and the return flow pipe is closed again. As a result, the jet pump 40 is deactivated, so that the jet pump 40 does not suck air from the empty fuel tank 10B, and the noise generated when sucking air is eliminated.

Next, a second embodiment in which the solenoid valve 50 and the jet pump 40 of the first embodiment described above are integrally configured will be described. Incidentally, in the second embodiment, the solenoid valve 50,
Since the configuration other than the return flow passage portion 41A and the jet pump 40 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the drawings and the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the jet pump 80 with a solenoid valve used in the second embodiment is an inlet pipe 801.
And an outlet pipe 802. A coil 803 is arranged in a tubular shape on the inner wall of the inlet pipe 801. The coil 803 is integrally formed when the inlet pipe 801 is injection-molded with polyacetal resin. One end of the inlet pipe 801 is connected to a tapered nozzle 801A. Inside the inlet pipe 801, there are a plunger 804 made of magnetic stainless steel, and a stainless steel spring 805 interposed between the plunger 804 and the nozzle 801A to bias the plunger 804 toward the other end of the inlet pipe 801. Is provided. A rubber valve element 8 is attached to the tip of the plunger 804.
06 is attached. A pipe joint 807 in which a filter 807A is press-fitted is connected to the other end of the inlet pipe 801. Similarly to the above, when the fuel in the fuel tank 10B is contained in the level L1 or more or decreases to the level L2 or less, the movement of the float 62 causes the lead switch 64A to move.
Alternatively, 64B is closed and voltage is applied to the coil 803. Then, the electromagnetic attraction force generated in the coil 803 pulls the plunger 804 against the pressing force of the spring 805 from the position shown in FIG.
Close the opening of 1A. As a result, the return flow passage 41 is closed and fuel does not flow, so that it does not operate as a jet pump and the working chamber 808 of the jet pump 80 does not become a negative pressure. If the fuel level is between levels L1 and L2,
Since both lead switches are open, no voltage is applied to coil 803. Therefore, the plunger 804 remains biased to the other end due to the pressing force of the spring 805. Fuel from the main fuel pump 20 flows at high speed toward the outlet 802B of the outlet pipe 802 through the pipe joint 807 and the opening 804A of the plunger 804. This allows the working chamber
The negative pressure is generated in 808, and the fuel in the fuel tank 10B is sucked into the inlet port 802A of the outlet pipe 802, the working chamber 808, and the outlet.
Transferred to fuel tank 10A through 802B.

Also in the case of this embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the residual fuel in the fuel tank 10B can be supplied and the generation of noise can be suppressed.

In addition, as in the first or second embodiment, the fuel tank 10
There is an embodiment in which not only the solenoid valve is controlled according to the remaining amount of fuel in B, but also a power control unit for lowering the voltage applied to the main fuel pump according to the operation of the solenoid valve is added. The third embodiment has the same structure as that of the first or second embodiment, and only the power control unit 90 of the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 5 is added. Where code 20A
Indicates a DC motor of the main fuel pump 20.

The power control unit 90 has a relay 91, a fixed resistor 92, and a bypass lead wire 93.

The operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the circuit diagram shown in FIG.

First, when the remaining fuel amount in the fuel tank 10B is level L1 or more or level L2 or less, that is, when the jet pump does not need to be operated (when one of the reed switches is closed), the key switch 70 is closed and the relay 91 operates to switch to contact 91A, battery 22 which is a power unit for supplying power to motor 20A is connected to motor 20A of main fuel pump 20 through relay 91 and fixed resistor 92, and solenoid valve is also energized. It This closes the solenoid valve and deactivates the jet pump. Also,
Due to the voltage drop due to the fixed resistor 92, the voltage applied to the motor 20A becomes lower than the voltage of the battery 22. However, the main fuel pump 20 has a capacity capable of supplying the fuel at a flow rate necessary for the engine even when the lowered voltage is applied to the motor 20A, so that there is no problem.

Next, when the fuel remaining amount in the fuel tank 10B is between the levels L1 and L2, that is, when the jet pump needs to be operated, when the key switch 70 is closed, all the lead switches are released, and the relays are released. 91 does not operate, the solenoid valve is not energized, the return passage opens, and the jet pump operates. The contact of the relay 91 is switched to 91B, and the motor 20A is directly connected to the battery 22 without a fixed resistor (no voltage drop). This allows the main fuel pump 20
The discharge amount of is increased. The main fuel pump 20 is set so that this increase is equal to the flow rate returned to the jet pump.

According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects obtained in the first and second embodiments, the motor 20A of the main fuel pump 20 is applied except when it is necessary to operate the jet pump. Since the voltage is low, the life of the motor is extended. A micro computer may be used instead of the combination of the fixed resistor and the relay.

Further, another embodiment using a float valve instead of the solenoid valve as a valve device for opening and closing the return passage will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

In this embodiment, the jet pump 100 is arranged at the bottom of the fuel tank 10B. Inlet 100 of the jet pump 100
The filter 43 is directly attached to C. Also,
Fuel tank recess 11 at outlet 100B of the jet pump 100
Sub discharge flow path pipe 1 that extends to the fuel tank 10A across
01 is connected. The inlet 100A of the jet pump 100 is connected to the third opening 2 of the three-way joint via the return flow pipe 102.
Connected to 4C. A float valve 110 described later is connected in the middle of the return flow pipe 102. Other configurations are the same as those described above.

The float valve 110, the details of which are shown in FIG. 7, has a pipe main body 111, and an inlet pipe 112 and an outlet pipe 113 welded to both ends of the main pipe 111. All of these pipes are made of polyacetal resin. Also,
The float valve 110 has a float 115 that is movable along the pipe body 111 and that has floatability with respect to fuel. The float 115 is composed of a tubular rare earth magnet 115A and a urethane resin float 115B integrally attached to the outside thereof. A spherical valve body 114 made of rubber magnet is movably accommodated in the pipe body 111. The inlet pipe 112 and the outlet pipe 113 are formed with valve seats 112B and 113B that cooperate with flanges 112A and 113A that act as stoppers that prevent the movement of the float 115 and valve body 114 to close the flow path. . In addition, the pipe body 1
11, the total length of the float type valve 110 is determined such that the valve seats 112B and 113B are at the same level as the fuel tank levels L1 and L2 when the float valve 110 is disposed in the fuel tank 10B. .

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

First, when the key switch 70 is closed, the voltage of the battery 22 is applied to the motor 20A of the main fuel pump 20.
Works. As a result, the fuel in the fuel tank is supplied to the engine 30 through the main discharge passage pipe 21. If fuel is left in the fuel tank above level L1, float 115
Is in contact with the flange 112A of the inlet pipe 112, and the valve body 1
14 also rises according to the magnetic force of the ring-shaped magnet 115A and sits on the valve seat 112B to close the return passage 102. As a result, no fuel is sent from the main fuel pump 20, and the jet pump 100 does not operate.

However, when the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank falls between the levels L1 and L2, that is, when the jet pump 100 needs to be actuated, the valve element 114 moves the valve seat 112B in response to the movement of the float 115.
Away, the return channel 102 opens. Fuel tank 10B
Residual fuel inside the fuel tank 10A by the jet pump 100
And is supplied to the engine 30 by the main fuel pump 20.

Furthermore, when the remaining amount becomes low and the level becomes L2 or less, that is, when it is not necessary to operate the jet pump 100,
In accordance with the movement of 15, the valve body 114 also descends, sits on the valve seat 113B, and closes the return passage 102. As a result, the jet pump 100 becomes inactive again. It can be said that this pump device is of a type in which a valve device provided in the return passage and a control device for controlling the operation of the valve device are integrally configured.

In the case of this embodiment as well, the operation of the jet pump allows the fuel to be supplied to the engine which has not been supplied in the tank until now, and the jet pump operates when the fuel tank 10B becomes empty. Since it is not performed, air is not sucked in, and noise generated when sucking in air can be suppressed.

In addition to the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the fuel supply pump device according to the present invention can be applied to a structure in which a large fuel tank is partitioned and completely separated into two fuel tanks. . Further, as shown in FIG. 9, it can also be applied to a composite fuel tank in which two independent tanks arranged separately are connected.

〔The invention's effect〕

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, the fuel in both tanks separated from each other can be supplied to the engine without leaving, and since one pump is a jet pump,
The structure is simpler than that of the conventional one in which a self-driving main fuel pump is provided in both tanks, and the cost can be suppressed.

Further, by providing the switching means for switching the jet pump between the operating state and the non-operating state, it is possible to prevent the useless operation of the jet pump.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a fuel tank to which a pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the jet pump shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fuel gauge shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve device of another embodiment, and FIG. 5 is power control of a control device of another embodiment. Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a unit, Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a fuel tank to which another embodiment is applied, Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the float valve shown in Fig. 6, and FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are sectional views of a fuel tank to which still another embodiment is applied. 10A, 10B …… Fuel tank, 20 …… Main fuel pump, 21 ……
Main discharge flow pipe, 41 ...... Return flow pipe, 40 ...... Jet pump, 50 ...... Valve device, 60 ...... A fuel gauge that is a control device for controlling the valve device.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A fuel supply pump device for supplying fuel to a vehicle engine in first and second fuel tanks that are at least partially separated from each other, the main fuel communication device being in communication with the first fuel tank. A fuel pump, the main fuel pump of which the suction port communicates with the bottom of the first fuel tank, a main discharge passage for communicating the discharge port of the main fuel pump with the vehicle engine, the main fuel A return flow channel for returning the fuel discharged from the pump to the first fuel tank, and a jet pump whose inlet is connected to the return flow channel and which is operated by the kinetic energy of the fuel flowing in the return flow channel. A jet pump whose intake port communicates with the bottom of the second fuel tank and whose outlet communicates with the first fuel tank; and a fuel in the second fuel tank. Depending on the amount, the operating the jet pump, the fuel supply apparatus characterized by having a switching means for switching to a non-operating state. 2. The fuel supply pump device according to claim 1, wherein the switching means is a solenoid valve and is provided in the second fuel tank to detect the amount of fuel remaining in the second fuel tank. And a control unit for receiving a remaining amount instruction signal from the remaining amount detecting device and sending a control signal for controlling the operation of the solenoid valve to the jet pump to operate or inactivate the jet pump. A fuel supply pump device characterized by the above. 3. The fuel supply pump device according to claim 1, wherein the switching means is configured to move a float that moves according to the remaining fuel amount in the second fuel tank, and to move the float. And a valve that opens and closes a flow path that communicates with the jet pump. 4. The fuel supply pump device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching means is provided in the second fuel tank and is configured to change a remaining fuel amount in the second fuel tank. A remaining amount detecting device for detecting; a power control unit for controlling an applied voltage to the main fuel pump according to the remaining amount of fuel in the second fuel tank detected by the remaining amount detecting device; And a valve for opening and closing a flow path communicating with the jet pump to switch the jet pump between an operating state and a non-operating state according to the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank.