Patent Publication Number: US-7591250-B2

Title: Pump retaining structure for fuel pump module

Description:
This application is based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/692,956, filed on Jun. 22, 2005 and claims the benefit of thereof for priority purposes. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to fuel pump modules for automotive applications and, more particularly, to a pump retaining structure for resiliently retaining a fuel pump with respect to a filter of a fuel pump module. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Conventional fuel pumps of fuel pump modules for vehicle applications are mounted generally between a fuel filter for filtering fuel prior to being delivered to an engine, and a bottom of a fuel tank. Due to conventional fuel pump mounting, pump noise and vibration can occur. In addition, it is difficult to account for pump assembly tolerances in assembling the pump module. 
   Thus, there is a need to provide a pump retaining structure to suspend the pump so as to account for pump assembly tolerances and to reduce pump noise and vibration. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the invention is to fulfill the need referred to above. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, this objective is achieved by providing a fuel pump module for delivering fuel to an engine. The module includes a fuel pump for pumping fuel to the engine. A filter filters fuel prior to being pumped to the engine. A pump retaining structure is coupled to the filter. The pump retaining structure includes spring structure constructed and arranged to resiliently support the fuel pump in a suspended manner with respect to the filter. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fuel pump module for delivering fuel to an engine. The module includes a fuel pump for pumping fuel to the engine. A filter filters fuel prior to being pumped to the engine. Means are coupled to the filter for resiliently supporting the fuel pump in a suspended manner with respect to the filter. 
   In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a pump retaining structure is provided for supporting a fuel pump with respect to a fuel filter. The pump retaining structure includes a base member constructed and arranged to be coupled to the filter, spring structure coupled to the base member at one end thereof, and a pump retaining member coupled to another end of the spring structure. The pump retaining member is in spaced relation with respect to the base member and is constructed and arranged to retain and support the pump in a suspended manner with respect to the filter. 
   Other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and the functions of the related elements of the structure, the combination of parts and economics of manufacture will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a pump retaining structure shown retaining a fuel pump with respect to a filter in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
       FIG. 2   a  is a plan view of a pump retaining structure of another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2   b  is a front view of the pump retaining structure of  FIG. 2   a.    
       FIG. 2   c  is a side view of the pump retaining structure of  FIG. 2   a.    
       FIG. 2   d  is a sectional view of the pump retaining structure taken along the line  2   d - 2   d  of  FIG. 2   b.    
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the pump retaining structure of  FIG. 2   b  shown retaining a fuel pump in accordance with the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
   With reference to  FIG. 1 , a pump retaining structure is shown, generally indicated at  10 , in accordance with the principles of the invention. The pump retaining structure  10  is coupled to a filter  12  of a fuel pump module  14  so as to suspend a fuel pump  16  above a bottom  17  of a vehicle fuel tank. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the filter  12  includes mounting structure preferably in the form of tabs  18  extending there-from. Each tab  18  is received by a mounting structure, preferably in the form of a recess  19 , in a base member  20  of the pump retaining structure  10  in a clipping manner to secure the pump retaining structure  10  to the filter  12 . It can be appreciated that the recesses can be provided in the filter  12  with the tabs being provided in the pump retaining structure  10 . The pump retaining structure  10  is preferably made of resilient plastic that is suitable to be exposed to fuel. 
   In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d , the pump retaining structure  10 ′ has a base member  20  of generally cylindrical configuration. Spring structure  22  is coupled to the base member  20  at one end thereof with other end of the spring structure  22  being connected to a generally annular pump retaining member  24  that is in spaced relation with respect to the base member  20 . In the embodiment, three spring structures  22  are provided. The spring structures  22  are generally U-shaped. 
   The pump  16  can simply rest on the pump retaining member  24  ( FIG. 1 ) or, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the pump retaining member  24  can engage an outer surface of the pump  16  so as so retain and support the pump  16 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 1 , the pump retaining structure  10  can also include a bracket  26  that is constructed and arranged to support other components (e.g., regulator) when coupled thereto. 
   Thus, the pump retaining structure  10  with the spring structure  22  resiliently retains the pump  16  in a suspended manner with respect to the filter  12  and thus accounts for pump assembly tolerances and reduces pump noise and vibration. 
   The foregoing preferred embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the structural and functional principles of the present invention, as well as illustrating the methods of employing the preferred embodiments and are subject to change without departing from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit of the following claims.