Patent Publication Number: US-8992190-B2

Title: Fuel feed apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Applications No. 2010-204623 filed on Sep. 13, 2010, No. 2011-24340 filed on Feb. 7, 2011, and No. 2011-110618 filed on May 17, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated in their entirely herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a fuel feed apparatus equipped in a fuel tank of a vehicle for feeding fuel to an exterior of the fuel tank. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For example, a known fuel feed apparatus includes a bottomed tubular reservoir located in a fuel tank for storing fuel and a pump unit for discharging stored fuel to an exterior of the fuel tank. JP-A-2008-248801 discloses one example of such a reservoir-type fuel feed apparatus including an annular bracket located in a fuel tank. The annular bracket is mounted to an opening periphery of the reservoir for supporting a pump unit. 
     When a vehicle equipped with the fuel feed apparatus disclosed in JP-A-2008-248801 is inclined rapidly relative to the horizontal surface, fuel may spill from the opening of the reservoir. Consequently, the reservoir may not be able to secure fuel sufficiently for supplying to the exterior of the fuel tank. It is conceivable to increase the height of the reservoir in order to reduce such spill of fuel from the reservoir. However, when the height of the reservoir is increased, the reservoir may easily wobble due to vibration caused by the pump unit, which is supported by the opening periphery of the reservoir via the bracket, when the pump unit discharges fuel In addition, large stress works in the annular bracket of the fuel feed apparatus disclosed in JP-A-2008-248801, since the annular bracket supports the pump unit. Therefore, it is required that the bracket has a large rigidity. Consequently, vibration of the pump unit is easily transmitted to the reservoir. Such transmission of vibration may increase wobble of the reservoir and is not desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is made in view of the foregoing and other problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel feed apparatus configured to reduce wobble of a reservoir. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a fuel feed apparatus comprises a reservoir being in a bottomed tubular shape and located in a fuel tank. The fuel feed apparatus further comprises a lid member located in the fuel tank and mounted to a periphery of an opening of the reservoir to close the opening. The fuel feed apparatus further comprises a pump unit located in the fuel tank and configured to discharge fuel stored in the reservoir to an exterior of the fuel tank. The pump unit is supported by a holding portion of the lid member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a fuel feed apparatus according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view showing the fuel feed apparatus, the sectional view taken along the line II-II in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view showing the fuel feed apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view showing a reservoir of the fuel feed apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along the line V-V in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a lid member of the fuel feed apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in  FIG. 5  and showing the lid member and a pump unit assembled in the fuel feed apparatus; 
         FIGS. 9A to 9D  are sequential views showing a procedure for mounting the lid member to the pump unit of the fuel feed apparatus; 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view showing a pump unit of a fuel feed apparatus according to the second embodiment, the drawing corresponding to  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a lid member of the fuel feed apparatus according to the second embodiment, the drawing corresponding to  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view showing the lid member and a pump unit assembled in the fuel feed apparatus according to the second embodiment, the drawing corresponding to  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 13A to 13D  are sequential views showing a procedure for mounting the lid member to the pump unit of the fuel feed apparatus according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view showing a pump unit of a fuel feed apparatus according to the third embodiment, the drawing corresponding to  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing a lid member of the fuel feed apparatus according to the third embodiment, the drawing corresponding to  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view showing the lid member and a pump unit assembled in the fuel feed apparatus according to the third embodiment, the drawing corresponding to  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 17A to 17D  are sequential views showing a procedure for mounting the lid member to the pump unit of the fuel feed apparatus according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing a lid member of a fuel feed apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the drawing corresponding to  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 19  is a sectional view showing the lid member and a pump unit assembled in the fuel feed apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the drawing corresponding to  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
       FIGS. 1 ,  2  show a fuel feed apparatus according to the first embodiment. A fuel feed apparatus  1  is equipped in a fuel tank  2  of a vehicle for feeding fuel to an exterior of the fuel tank  2 . 
     General Configuration 
     The fuel feed apparatus  1  includes a flange  10 , a reservoir  20 , a lid member  30 , an adjustment device  40 , a pump unit  50 , and a remaining quantity detector  60 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , components  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50 , and  60  of the fuel feed apparatus  1  other than the flange  10  are located at a predetermined position inside the fuel tank  2 . The vertical direction in  FIG. 2  substantially coincides with the vertical direction of the vehicle being on a horizontal surface. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the flange  10  in a disc shape is formed of resin. The flange  10  is fitted in a through hole  2   b  to close the through hole  2   b . The through hole  2   b  extends through a top plate portion  2   a  of the fuel tank  2 . A fueling pipe  11  and an electrical connector  12  are provided to the flange  10 . The fueling pipe  11  is used for supplying fuel discharged from the pump unit  50  to the exterior of the fuel tank  2 . The electrical connector  12  is electrically connected with the pump unit  50  and the remaining quantity detector  60 . In the present configuration, a fuel pump  52  of the pump unit  50  is supplied with an electric power through the electrical connector  12 , thereby being driven and controlled. In addition, the remaining quantity detector  60  outputs a remaining quantity detection signal through the electrical connector  12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , the reservoir  20  being in a bottomed tubular shape is formed of resin. The reservoir  20  is accommodated in the fuel tank  2  and located on a bottom portion  2   c  of the fuel tank  2 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  5 , the reservoir  20  has a center axis Cs being offset from a center axis Cf of the flange  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 , a jet pump  21  is provided to a bottom portion  20   a  of the reservoir  20 . The jet pump  21  has an introduction passage  22  and a jet nozzle  23 . The introduction passage  22  communicates the interior of the fuel tank  2  with the interior of the reservoir  20 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , a pressure regulator  54  of the pump unit  50  exhausts surplus fuel. The jet nozzle  23  jets the exhausted surplus furl into the introduction passage  22 . The fuel jet causes a negative pressure in the introduction passage  22 . The negative pressure, which is lower than atmospheric pressure, causes the introduction passage  22  to draw fuel from the fuel tank  2  into the reservoir  20 . The reservoir  20  stores the fuel drawn in this way. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 , the lid member  30  formed of resin is in a tubular shape having a ceiling. The lid member  30  has a circumferential periphery  31   a  defining a lower opening  31 . The circumferential periphery  31   a  of the lid member  30  is fitted to a circumferential periphery  24   a  of an upper opening  24  of the reservoir  20 . The lid member  30  is coaxial with the reservoir  20 . As show in  FIGS. 3 ,  5 , a center axis Cc of the lid member  30  is offset from (i.e., located at a different position from) the center axis Cf of the flange  10 . The lid member  30  blocks the opening  24  of the reservoir  20  accommodated in the fuel tank  2 . The lid member  30  holds the pump unit  50  and the remaining quantity detector  60  in the fuel tank  2 . 
     The adjustment device  40  includes a pillar  41 , an intermediate member  42 , and an elastic member  43 . The pillar  41  formed of metal is in a tubular shape. The pillar  41  is press-fitted to the flange  10  to be coaxial with the flange  10 . The pillar  41  is integrated with components (integrated components)  20 ,  30 ,  50 ,  60  via the intermediate member  42 . In this way, the flange  10  is connected with the integrated components  20 ,  30 ,  50 ,  60  via the pillar  41  being a single component. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the intermediate member  42  includes a pair of brackets  44 ,  45  formed of resin. The brackets  44 ,  45  are not rotative relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the pillar  41 . The brackets  44 ,  45  are movable relative to each other in the axial direction of the pillar  41 . The brackets  44 ,  45  are mounted to the lid member  30  and the pillar  41 . Thereby, the intermediate member  42  constructed of the brackets  44 ,  45  regulates relative movement between the pillar  41  and the integrated components  20 ,  30 ,  50 ,  60  in the circumferential direction of the pillar  41  while allowing relative movement between the pillar  41  and the integrated components  20 ,  30 ,  50 ,  60  in the axial direction of the pillar  41 . 
     In the present example, the elastic member  43  is a coil spring. The elastic member  43  is interposed between the bracket  45  of the intermediate member  42  and the lid member  30 . The bracket  45  is integrated with the pillar  41 . The elastic member  43  applies an elastic force in the axial direction of the pillar  41  to bias the integrated components  20 ,  30 ,  50 ,  60  toward the bottom portion  2   c  of the fuel tank  2 . Thereby, the elastic member  43  regularly biases the bottom portion  20   a  of the reservoir  20  onto the bottom portion  2   c  of the fuel tank  2 . In the present embodiment, the elastic member  43  and the intermediate member  42  function to stabilize the positions of the integrated components  20 ,  30 ,  50 ,  60  in the fuel tank  2 . 
     The pump unit  50  has a lower portion accommodated in the reservoir  20  and an upper portion projecting from the lid member  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  6 , the pump unit  50  includes a suction filter  51 , the fuel pump  52 , a fuel filter  53 , and the pressure regulator  54 . 
     The suction filter  51  is located at the lowermost portion of the pump unit  50 . The suction filter  51  is connected with a fuel inlet port  52   a  of the fuel pump  52  for removing large foreign matter contained in fuel drawn by the fuel pump  52  from the reservoir  20 . The fuel pump  52  is located on the upper side of the suction filter  51  in the pump unit  50 . The fuel inlet port  52   a  extends downward from the fuel pump  52 . A fuel outlet port  52   b  extends upward from the fuel pump  52 . The fuel pump  52  draws fuel from the reservoir  20  into the fuel inlet port  52   a  through the suction filter  51 . The quantity of fuel drawn by the fuel pump  52  corresponds to rotation of a built-in motor (not shown). The fuel pump  52  pressurizes the drawn fuel and discharges the pressurized fuel through the fuel outlet port  52   b.    
     The fuel filter  53  is located in the pump unit  50 . The fuel filter  53  surrounds the upper portion and the circumferential periphery of the fuel pump  52 . A filter case  55  of the fuel filter  53  includes tubular portions  55   a ,  55   b  formed of resin. The tubular portions  55   a ,  55   b  have a two-layer structure including an inner tubular portion  55   a  defining an inner space  55   c  in which the fuel pump  52  is located. The fuel pump  52  is coaxial with the tubular portion  55   a . A filter element  56  of the fuel filter  53  is, for example, a honeycomb-like filter sheet. The filter element  56  is accommodated in a space  55   d  between the inner tubular portion  55   a  and an outer tubular portion  55   b . The space  55   d  defined between the tubular portions  55   a ,  55   b  has a fuel upstream side and a fuel downstream side on both sides of the filter element  56 . The fuel upstream side and the fuel downstream side respectively communicate with the fuel outlet port  52   b  of the fuel pump  52  and a fuel outlet  59  of the fuel filter  53 . In the present structure, fuel flows from the fuel outlet port  52   b  into the space  55   d , and microscopic foreign matter contained in the flowing fuel is removed through the filter element  56 . The fuel is, as shown by the dashed dotted line in  FIG. 1 , discharged to the fueling pipe  11  connected with the fuel outlet  59 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the pressure regulator  54  is adjacent to the side of the fuel filter  53  in the pump unit  50 . Fuel is supplied to the fueling pipe  11 , and the fuel partially flows into the pressure regulator  54  connected with the fuel outlet  59  of the fuel filter  53 . In the present structure, the pressure regulator  54  controls a pressure of the fuel discharged to the fueling pipe  11 , which is outside of the fuel tank  2 . The pressure regulator  54  generates surplus fuel when regulating the pressure of fuel and discharges the surplus fuel to the jet nozzle  23  ( FIG. 4 ) of the jet pump  21  through an exhaust pipe  54   a.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , the remaining quantity detector  60  is supported on the lid member  30  and located outside of the reservoir  20 . In the present example, the remaining quantity detector  60  is a sender gauge including an arm  62  holding a float  61 . The float  61  floats in fuel stored in the fuel tank  2 . The remaining quantity detector  60  detects a quantity of fuel remaining in the fuel tank  2  according to the rotation angle of the arm  62 . 
     Configuration 
     As follows, a configuration of the fuel feed apparatus  1  will be described. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the lid member  30  formed of resin includes a mount portion  32 , an annular plate portion  33 , and a holding portion  34 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5 , the mount portion  32  is in a tubular shape and provided to the lowermost portion of the lid member  30 . The mount portion  32  has a circumferential periphery  31   a  defining a lower opening  31 . The mount portion  32  is mounted to be coaxial with the circumferential periphery  24   a  defining the upper opening  24  of the reservoir  20 . The annular plate portion  33  is in a disc shape and located at an intermediate portion of the lid member  30  in the vertical direction (axial direction). The annular plate portion  33  connects the mount portion  32  with the outer circumferential periphery  33   a  to be in coaxial with each other. The annular plate portion  33  has a through hole  33   b  being in a circular shape. The lid member  30 , when being viewed as a total element, has a center axis Cc offset from the through hole  33   b . The center axis Cc coincides with the center axis of the mount portion  32 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  7 , the holding portion  34  is provided to the uppermost portion of the lid member  30 . The holding portion  34  includes a holding main body  340 , an elastic piece (elastic nail)  341 , and, and an elastic nail  342  integrally formed with each other. 
     Specifically, the holding main body  340  being in a tubular shape is connected to be coaxial with the through hole  33   b . The annular plate portion  33  has the inner periphery defining the through hole  33   b . As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  8 , the filter case  55  of the pump unit  50  is inserted to be coaxial with the inner circumferential periphery of the holding main body  340  to define a gap  340   a  therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  7 ,  8 , each of the elastic pieces  341  is in a rectangle plate shape. The elastic pieces  341  protrude from multiple places (e.g., three locations) of the holding main body  340  radially inward to the filter case  55 . The elastic pieces  341  are spaced at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the holding main body  340 . In the present embodiment, each of the elastic pieces  341  is supported by a projected piece  340   b  of the holding main body  340 . The projected piece  340   b  is projected downward. In the present structure, each of the elastic pieces  341  is elastically deformable in the radial direction on the side of the outer circumferential periphery of the filter case  55 . Each of the elastic pieces  341  has an upper end portion  341   a  supporting the projected portion  55   e  upward from the lower side. The projected portion  55   e  is projected radially outward from the uppermost portion of the filter case  55 . 
     Each of the elastic nails  342  is in an inverted L-shape. The elastic nails  342  are respectively projected from multiple places (e.g., three places) of the holding main body  340 . The elastic nails  342  are spaced at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the elastic nails  342  is projected upward and bent radially inward to the filter case  55 . In the present embodiment, each of the elastic nails  342  is shifted relative to corresponding one of the elastic pieces  341  in the circumferential direction of the holding main body  340 . The elastic nail  342  is supported by an upper end portion  340   c  of the holding main body  340 . In the present structure, each of the elastic nails  342  has a bent-side tip end defining a hook  342   a . The hook  342   a  is located on the upper side of the filter case  55  and elastically deformable in the axial direction. The hook  342   a  and the upper end portion  341  a of corresponding one of the elastic pieces  341  interpose the projected portion  55   e  of the filter case  55  therebetween. 
     The lid member  30  having the above-noted structure is assembled to the filter case  55  of the pump unit  50 . Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, the holding main body  340  is first aligned with the projected portion  55   e  and mounted to the upper portion of the projected portion  55   e . In this way, the projected portion  55   e  is inserted into the inner circumferential periphery of the holding main body  340 . Before the insertion, as shown in  FIG. 9A , each of the elastic pieces  341  is inclined inward as it goes upward in the axial direction of the holding main body  340 . That is, the elastic piece  341  is inclined inward most at the upper portion in the axial direction. As shown in  FIG. 9B , when the insertion is started, each of the elastic pieces  341  is pressed radially outward by the projected portion  55   e  and elastically deformed. Subsequently, as shown in  FIG. 9C , as the insertion proceeds, each of the elastic pieces  341  being elastically deformed reaches to the lower portion of the projected portion  55   e . Then, as shown in  FIG. 9D , each of the elastic pieces  341  is restored to support the projected portion  55   e  at the upper end portion  341   a  from the lower side. Thus, the elastic piece  341  and the elastic nail  342  interpose the projected portion  55   e  therebetween. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the lid member  30  in the present state is equipped to the reservoir  20 . In the present configuration, the pump unit  50  is supported by the holding portion  34  such that the suction filter  51  being the lowermost portion of the pump unit  50  is floated to be spaced from the bottom portion  20   a  of the reservoir  20 . 
     In the fuel feed apparatus  1  described above, the circumferential periphery  24   a  of the opening  24  of the reservoir  20  is located in the fuel tank  2 . The mount portion  32  of the lid member  30  is attached to the circumferential periphery  24   a  of the opening  24  of the reservoir  20  thereby to close the opening  24 . Thereby, the lid member  30  prohibits spill of fuel from the reservoir  20  even when the vehicle inclines rapidly relative to the horizontal level. The pump unit  50  supported by the holding portion  34  of the lid member  30  may cause vibration when discharging fuel through the lid member  30 . The vibration of the pump unit  50  may be transmitted to the reservoir  20  through the lid member  30 . In the above-noted structure, such transmission of vibration can be restricted by reducing the height of the reservoir  20  in the vertical direction as much as possible. 
     In the fuel feed apparatus  1 , the annular plate portion  33  of the lid member  30  connects the holding portion  34  with the mount portion  32  to be in an annular arrangement. The annular plate portion  33  is formed to have a wide area. In the above-noted structure, the holding portion  34  is caused to support the pump unit  50  thereby to reduce stress working in the section of the annular plate portion  33 . In the present structure, the rigidity of at least the annular plate portion  33  may be reduced in the lid member  30  so as to attenuate vibration transmitted from the pump unit  50  to the reservoir  20  through the annular plate portion  33 . 
     Further, in the above-noted fuel feed apparatus  1 , the holding portion  34  of the lid member  30  enables floating support of the pump unit  50  such that the lowermost portion of the pump unit  50  is spaced out from the bottom portion  20   a  of the reservoir  20 . In this way, it is possible to restrict wobble of the reservoir  20  caused by transmission of vibration directly from the pump unit  50 . 
     Furthermore, in the fuel feed apparatus  1 , the holding portion  34  of the upper end portion  341  a of each of the elastic pieces  341  supports the pump unit  50  from the lower side. Therefore, elastic deformation caused in the elastic pieces  341  enables attenuation of vibration transmitted from the pump unit  50  to the upper end portion  341   a . In addition, the pump unit  50  is in contact with each of the elastic pieces  341  to cause elastic deformation in the elastic pieces  341 . Thereby, the elastic pieces  341  enable attenuation of vibration in the radial direction caused in the pump unit  50  as a vibration source. In the present structure, wobble caused in the reservoir  20  due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit  50  can be further effectively reduced. 
     In addition, in the fuel feed apparatus  1 , the holding portion  34  holds the projected portion  55   e , which is projected radially outward from the uppermost portion of the pump unit  50 , at the upper end portion  341   a  of each of the elastic pieces  341  from the lower side. In the present structure, the position of the barycenter of the pump unit  50  can be set downward relative to the position of the projected portion  55   e  supported by each of the elastic pieces  341 . The configuration of the barycenter position being set downward results in reduction in vibration caused in the pump unit  50 . Therefore, wobble of the reservoir  20  due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit  50  can be effectively reduced. 
     Furthermore, in the fuel feed apparatus  1 , the projected portion  55   e  of the pump unit  50  is interposed between the elastic piece  341  and the elastic nail  342  in each of the holding portion  34 . Therefore, elastic deformation caused in the elastic components  341 ,  342  effectively attenuate vibration caused in the pump unit  50 . In the present structure, wobble caused in the reservoir  20  due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit  50  can be also reduced. 
     In the above-noted structure of the fuel feed apparatus  1 , the holding main body  340  is coaxial with the filter case  55  of the pump unit  50  and located on the radially outside of the filter case  55 . The multiple elastic pieces  341  are arranged in the circumferential direction of the holding main body  340  and spaced from each other at regular intervals. The elastic pieces  341  are located on the lateral side of the filter case  55 . The elastic pieces  341  arranged in the circumferential direction in this way cause elastic deformation to apply resilience onto the pump unit  50  to pushback the center of the pump unit  50 . Thereby, the elastic pieces  341  center the position of the pump unit  50 . In the fuel feed apparatus  1 , the projected portion  55   e  of the pump unit  50  is interposed between the elastic components  341 ,  342 . Thereby, the pump unit  50  is also positioned in the vertical direction (axial direction), 
     Second Embodiment 
     The second embodiment being a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 10 to 13 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , according to the second embodiment, two projected portions  55   e - 1055   e  are provided to an upper portion of a filter case  1055  of a pump unit  1050 . The two projected portions  55   e - 1055   e  have substantially the same diameter. A groove  1055   f  is interposed between the projected portions  55   e - 1055   e . Similarly to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the projected portion  55   e  being an uppermost portion of the filter case  1055  is located on the lateral side (radially outside) of a joined portion  1055   g  joined (e.g., welded) with the filter element  56  included in the case  1055 . Similarly to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the filter case  1055  is constructed by joining (e.g., welding) two components  1055   h ,  1055   i  above and below. The two components  1055   h ,  1055   i  define a joint interface  1055   j  therebetween in the projected portion  55   e . In the present structure of the filter case  1055 , a projected portion  1055   e  arranged on the lower side of the projected portion  55   e  is offset downward relative to both the lateral side (radially outside) of the joined portion  1055   g  joined with the included component  56  and the joint interface  1055   j  between the two-components  1055   h ,  1055   i.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 , the holding portion  1034  of the lid member  1030  according to the second embodiment includes multiple elastic pieces  1341  and multiple elastic nails  1342  arranged at multiple places of the holding main body  340  in the circumferential direction. Each of the elastic pieces  1341  has a structure similar to that of the elastic piece  341  shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  according to the first embodiment, excluding the structure supporting the projected portion  1055   e , instead of supporting the projected portion  55   e , from the lower side. The elastic piece  1341  has a structure similar to that of the elastic piece  341 . The elastic piece  1341  includes a piece body  1341   c  and multiple ribs  1341   d . The piece body  1341   c  includes an upper end portion  341   a  and a lower end  1341   b . The upper end portion  341  a projects radially inward. The lower end  1341   b  is connected to the projected piece  340   b . Each of the ribs  1341   d  is located between the ends  341   a ,  1341   b  and projected radially inward from the main body  1341   c.    
     The elastic nails  1342  are located at multiple places distant from each other in the circumferential direction and shifted from corresponding one of the elastic pieces  1341 . Each of the elastic nails  1342  is partially separated from the holding main body  340 . Each of the elastic nails  1342  has a hook  1342   a  at the upper end portion. The hook  1342   a  projects radially inward to the filter case  1055 . In the present structure, each of the elastic nails  1342  is elastically deformable in the radial direction. In addition, the hook  1342   a  of each of the elastic nails  1342  interposes the projected portion  1055   e  located on the lower side with the upper end portion  341  a of the corresponding elastic piece  1341 . 
       FIGS. 13A to 13D  show an example of the lid member  1030  having the above-described structure mounted to the filter case  1055  of the pump unit  1050 . As shown in  FIGS. 13A ,  13 B, the holding main body  340  is first positioned relative to the projected portion  55   e  being the uppermost portion and placed to cover the projected portion  55   e  from the upper side. Thereby, the projected portion  55   e  is inserted into the radially inner side of the holding main body  340 . Before the insertion, as shown in  FIG. 13A , each of the elastic pieces  1341  is inclined inward as it goes upward in the axial direction of the holding main body  340 . That is, the elastic piece  341  is inclined inward most at the upper portion in the axial direction. As shown in  FIG. 13B , when the insertion is started, each of the elastic pieces  1341  is pressed radially outward by the projected portion  55   e  and elastically deformed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13C , as the insertion is carried out, each of the elastic pieces  1341  is further pressed radially outward by the projected portion  1055   e  from the lower side and further elastically deformed. At this time, the rib  1341   d  projected radially inward from each of the elastic pieces  1341  slides on the lateral side (outermost periphery) of the projected portion  1055   e . Thereby, the upper end portion  341   a , which projects radially inward, can be restricted from moving into the groove  1055   f  and from undesirably latching the projected portion  1055   e  from the upper side. In the present state, each of the elastic nails  1342  is pressed by the lateral side of the upper projected portion  55   e  and elastically deformed. 
     Subsequently, the insertion is further carried out, and each of the elastic pieces  1341 , which is being elastically deformed, reaches the lower position of the projected portion  1055   e . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 13D , each of the elastic pieces  1341  and each of the elastic nails  1342  are restored in shape. Consequently, the upper end portion  341   a  of each of the elastic pieces  1341  supports the projected portion  1055   e  from the lower side and interposes the projected portion  1055   e  with the hook  1342   a  of each of the elastic nails  1342 . In the present state, the lid member  1030  is equipped to the reservoir  20 . Similarly to the first embodiment, the pump unit  1050  is supported by the holding portion  1034  such that the suction filter  51  being the lowermost portion of the pump unit  1050  is floated at a position to be away from the bottom portion  20   a  of the reservoir  20 . 
     In the second embodiment, the filter case  1055  of the pump unit  1050  includes the projected portion  1055   e . The projected portion  1055   e  is formed to be away (offset) from the lateral side of the joined portion  1055   g , which is joined with the included component  56 . The projected portion  1055   e  is supported by each of the elastic pieces  1341  of the holding portion  1034 . When the case  1055  is joined with the included component  56  by, for example, welding, the case  1055  may be deformed due to, for example, welding heat. In the present structure, even when the case  1055  is deformed, each of the elastic pieces  1341  can securely support the projected portion  1055   e . Thus, transmission of vibration of the pump unit  1050  to the lateral side can be steadily restricted. In addition, the pump unit  1050  can be steadily centered. 
     In addition, both the projected portion  1055   e  supported by each of the elastic pieces  1341  and the projected portion  55   e  located on the lateral side of the joined portion  1055   g  are provided in the upper portion of the pump unit  1050 . Therefore, the barycenter position of the pump unit  1050  can be located downward thereby to reduce vibration. Further, each of the elastic pieces  1341  and each of the elastic nails  1342  of the holding portion  1034  interpose the projected portion  1055   e  therebetween to support the projected portion  1055   e . In the present structure, elastic deformation of the elastic components  1341  to  1342  enables damping of vibration and positioning of the projected portion  1055   e . In the present second embodiment, the filter case  1055  includes the two-components  1055   h ,  1055   i  defining the joint interface  1055   j  therebetween. The projected portion  1055   e  is formed to be away from the joint interface  1055   j  in the axial direction and interposed between each of the elastic pieces  1341  and each of the elastic nails  1342 . In the present structure, even if the case  1055  is deformed due to, such as, welding heat caused when the two-components  1055   h ,  1055   i  are joined together, the projected portion  1055   e  can be steadily supported. Thus, vibration dumping and positioning of the components can be effectively enabled. 
     In the present structure of the second embodiment, wobble caused in the reservoir  20  due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit  1050  can be also reduced. Counter force may be caused from each of the elastic pieces  1341  radially inward to the projected portion  1055   e  of the case  1055  when supporting the projected portion  1055   e . In the second embodiment, even if such counter force is caused, the counter force works on the projected portion  1055   e  away from the joined portion  1055   g  in the axial direction. That is, the counter force does not work directly on the lateral side of the joined portion  1055   g . Therefore, the counter force works not to squash the joined portion  1055   g . Thus, durability of the joined portion  1055   g  can be enhanced. 
     Third Embodiment 
     The third embodiment being a modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 14 to 17 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , according to the third embodiment, a projected portion  2055   e  is provided to an upper portion of a filter case  2055  of a pump unit  2050 . The projected portion  2055   e  is arranged on the lower side of the projected portion  55   e . The projected portion  2055   e  includes a projected portion main body (projected-side tip end)  2055   k  and a projection (projection element)  20551 . The projected portion main body  2055   k  has a similar structure as that of the projected portion  1055   e  of the second embodiment and interposes the groove  1055   f  with the projected portion  55   e . The projection  20551  (projection element) projects further radially outward from a projected-side tip end on the lateral side (projection side) of the main body  2055   k . In the present structure, the projected portion  2055   e  is also away downward from both the lateral side (radially outer side) of the joined portion  1055   g , at which the filter case  2055  is joined with the included component  56 , and the joint interface  1055   j  between the two-components  1055   h ,  1055   i . In the third embodiment, multiple projections  20551  are provided respectively at multiple places of the filter case  2055  in the circumferential direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15 ,  16 , a holding portion  2034  of a lid member  2030  according to the third embodiment has multiple fitting recesses  2342  arranged at multiple places of the holding main body  340  in the circumferential direction. Each of the fitting recesses (fitting element)  2342  is shifted from corresponding one of the elastic pieces  1341  in the circumferential direction of the holding main body  340  and dented radially outward to the opposite side of the filter case  2055 . In the present structure, each of the fitting recesses  2342  on the upper side is fitted with corresponding one of the projections  20551  of the projected portion  2055   e . Thereby, the projected portion main body  2055   k  of the projected portion  2055   e  is interposed between the fitting recess  2342  and the upper end portion  341   a  of corresponding one of the elastic pieces  1341 . 
       FIGS. 17A to 17D  show an example of the lid member  2030  having the above-described structure mounted to the filter case  2055  of the pump unit  2050 . As shown in  FIG. 17A , each of the elastic pieces  1341  is inclined radially inward before the holding main body  340  is inserted. As shown in  FIGS. 17A ,  17 B, the holding main body  340  is first positioned relative to the projected portion  55   e  being the uppermost portion from the upper side. Simultaneously, the projected portion  55   e  is caused to press the elastic pieces  1341  to elastically deform each of the elastic pieces  1341  radially outward. 
     Subsequently, as shown in  FIG. 17C , the holding main body  340  is placed to cover the projected portion  55   e  from the upper side. Thereby, the projected portion  55   e  is inserted into the radially inner side of the holding main body  340 . In the present state, each of the elastic pieces  1341  is pressed by the lateral side of the projected portion main body  2055   k  of the projected portion  2055   e  from the lower side and elastically deformed. At this time, the rib  1341   d  projected radially inward from each of the elastic pieces  1341  slides on the lateral side (outermost periphery) of the projected portion main body  2055   k . Thereby, the upper end portion  341   a , which projects radially inward, can be restricted from moving into the groove  1055   f  and from undesirably latching the projected portion main body  2055   k  from the upper side. 
     Subsequently, the insertion is further carried out, and each of the elastic pieces  1341 , which is being elastically deformed, reaches the lower position of the projected portion main body  2055   k . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 17D , each of the elastic pieces  1341  is restored in shape. In addition, each of the fitting recesses  2342  is fitted to the projection  20551  of each of the projected portions  2055   e  from the upper side. Consequently, the upper end portion  341   a  of each of the elastic pieces  1341  supports the projected portion  2055   e  from the lower side and interposes the projected portion  2055   e  with each of the fitting recess  2342 . In the present state, the lid member  2030  is equipped to the reservoir  20 . Thus, the pump unit  2050  is supported by the holding portion  2034  such that the suction filter  51  being the lowermost portion of the pump unit  2050  is floated at a position to be away from the bottom portion  20   a  of the reservoir  20 . 
     In the present third embodiment, each of the elastic pieces  1341  and each of the fitting recesses  2342  of the holding portion  2034  interpose the projected portion  2055   e  therebetween. In the present structure, elastic deformation of the elastic component  1341  enables damping of vibration and positioning of the supported component. In addition, the projected portion  2055   e  is formed in the upper portion of the pump unit  2050  and supported by each of the elastic pieces  1341 . The projected portion  2055   e  is away (offset) from both the lateral side of the joined portion  1055   g  at which the filter case  2055  is joined with the included component  56  and the joint interface  1055   j  between the two-components  1055   h ,  1055   i . Therefore, similarly to the second embodiment, transmission of vibration from the pump unit  2050  can be reduced, and the pump unit  2050  can be centered. In addition, the barycenter position of the pump unit  2050  can be lowered to reduce vibration. Thus, reduction in vibration and positioning of components can be enhanced. 
     In the present structure of the third embodiment, wobble caused in the reservoir  20  due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit  2050  can be also further reduced. Counter force may be caused from each of the elastic pieces  1341  radially inward to the pump unit  2050  when supporting the pump unit  2050 . In the third embodiment, even if such counter force is caused, the counter force hardly works on the joined portion  1055   g  away from the projected portion  1055   e  in the axial direction. That is, the counter force does not work directly on the lateral side of the joined portion  1055   g . Thus, durability of the joined portion  1055   g  can be enhanced. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     The fourth embodiment being a modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 18 to 19 . As shown in  FIG. 18 ,  19 , a holding portion  3034  of a lid member  3030  according to the fourth embodiment includes fitting surface portions  3342 . The fitting surface portions  3342  are defined by a lower surface  3033   c  of the annular plate portion  33  located around the through hole  33   b . The through hole  33   b  is connected with the holding main body  340 . The fitting surface portions  3342  (fitting elements) are located at multiple locations each being shifted from corresponding one of the elastic pieces  1341  in the circumferential direction of the connection body (holding main body)  340  and the through hole  33   b . Each of the fitting surface portions  3342  is in a flat shape. The fitting surface portions  3342  is a part of the lower surface  3033   c  being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. In the present structure, each of the fitting surface portions  3342  on the upper side is fitted with corresponding one of the projections  20551  of the projected portion  2055   e  to be in a surface-contact state. Thereby, the projected portion main body  2055   k  of the projected portion  2055   e  is interposed between the fitting surface portion  3342  and the upper end portion  341   a  of corresponding one of the elastic pieces  1341 . 
     When the lid member  3030  is mounted to the filter case  2055 , a series of processes described in the third embodiment is performed excluding the process shown in  FIG. 17D  in which each of the fitting surface portions  3342  is fitted from the upper side to the projection  20551  of each of the projected portions  2055   e . Consequently, in the fourth embodiment, the upper end portion  341  a of each of the elastic pieces  1341  supports the projected portion  2055   e  from the lower side. In addition, each of the elastic pieces  1341  interposes the projected portion  2055   e  with corresponding one of the fitting surface portions  3342 . In this state, the lid member  3030  mounted to the reservoir  20  supports the pump unit  2050  such that the pump unit  2050  is floated and supported. 
     In the present fourth embodiment, each of the elastic pieces  1341  and each of the fitting surface portions  3342  of the holding portion  3034  interpose the projected portion  2055   e  therebetween. In the present structure, elastic deformation of the elastic component  1341  enables damping of vibration and positioning of the supported component. Therefore, vibration of the reservoir  20  due to transmission of vibration from the pump unit  2050  can be reduced, similarly to the third embodiment. Thus, the durability of the joined portion  1055   g  can be enhanced. 
     Other Embodiment 
     As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and is capable of being applied to various embodiments and combinations as long as being undeviating from the gist thereof. 
     For example, the holding portion  34 ,  1034 ,  2034 ,  3034  of the lid member  30 ,  1030 ,  2030 ,  3030  may have various structures other than the structure for supporting the pump unit  50 ,  1050 ,  2050  from the lower side using the elastic piece  341 ,  1341 , as described in the first to fourth embodiments. For example, the holding main body  340  may directly support the pump unit  50 ,  1050 ,  2050 . 
     The elastic nails  342 ,  1342  or the fitting elements  2342 ,  3342  may be omitted from the holding portion  34 ,  1034 ,  2034 ,  3034  of the lid member  30 ,  1030 ,  2030 ,  3030 . The holding portion  34 ,  1034 ,  2034 ,  3034  of the lid member  30 ,  1030 ,  2030 ,  3030  may support various portions of the pump unit  50 ,  1050 ,  2050  other than the upper portion as described in the first to fourth embodiments. The holding portion  34 ,  1034 ,  2034 ,  3034  may support an intermediate portion or a lower portion of the pump unit  50 ,  1050 ,  2050  in the vertical direction (axial direction) using the holding portion  34 ,  1034 ,  2034 ,  3034 . Instead of the projected portion  2055   e , the projection  20551  may be provided to the projected portion  55   e  in the holding portion  2034 ,  3034  according to the third and fourth embodiments. In this case, the projected portion  55   e  may be interposed between the elastic nails  1341  and the fitting element  2342 ,  3342 . The holding portion  34 ,  1034 ,  2034 ,  3034  of the lid member  30 ,  1030 ,  2030 ,  3030  may support the pump unit  50 ,  1050 ,  2050  such that the pump unit  50 ,  1050 ,  2050  is at least partially in contact with the bottom portion  20   a  of the reservoir  20 . 
     Summarizing the above embodiments, the furl feed apparatus includes: the bottomed tubular reservoir located in the fuel tank; the lid member located in the fuel tank and mounted to the periphery of the opening of the reservoir to close the opening; and the pump unit located in the fuel tank and supported by the holding portion of the lid member for discharging fuel stored in the reservoir to the exterior of the fuel tank. 
     In the present structure, the lid member located in the fuel tank is mounted to the periphery of the opening of the reservoir to block the opening. Therefore, even when the vehicle inclines rapidly relative to the horizontal surface, the lid member may avoid leakage of fuel from the opening. In the present structure, the pump unit supported by the holding portion of the lid member may cause vibration when discharging fuel through the lid member. The vibration of the pump unit may be transmitted to the reservoir through the lid member. In the above-noted structure, such transmission of vibration can be restricted by reducing the height of the reservoir in the vertical direction as much as possible. In addition, the lid member closing the opening of the reservoir has a wide area. Therefore, stress caused by supporting the becomes small. Thus, rigidity of the lid member may be set small to reduce vibration, which causes wobble in the reservoir. 
     The lid member may include the annular plate portion and the mount portion. In this case, the annular plate portion may be in a ring-plate shape to have the inner periphery connected with the holding portion. The mount portion may be connected to the outer circumferential periphery of the annular plate portion and mounted to the periphery of the opening of the reservoir. In this case, the holding portion supporting the pump unit is connected to the inner periphery of the lid member. In addition, the annular plate portion has the outer periphery connected with the mount portion. The mount portion is mounted to the periphery of the reservoir defining the opening. The annular plate portion is formed in a ring-plate shape to have a wide area. Therefore, stress caused due to supporting the pump unit becomes small. In the present structure, the rigidity of at least the annular plate portion may be reduced in the lid member so as to attenuate vibration transmitted from the pump unit to the reservoir through the annular plate portion. 
     The holding portion may support the pump unit to float the pump unit at the position distant from the bottom portion of the reservoir. In the present structure, wobble of the reservoir due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit can be reduced by supporting the pump unit using the holding portion of the lid member to float the pump unit at the position distant from the bottom portion of the reservoir. 
     The holding portion may include an elastic piece formed on the lateral side of the pump unit and elastically deformable. In this case, the holding portion may support the pump unit from the lower side by using the upper end portion of the elastic piece. In the present structure, in which the holding portion of the lid member supports the pump unit from the lower side via the upper end portion of the elastic piece, the elastic piece may be elastically deformed to attenuate vibration transmitted from the pump unit to the upper end portion. In addition, the pump unit is in contact with the elastic piece to cause elastic deformation in the elastic piece. Thereby, the elastic piece enables attenuation of vibration to the lateral side caused in the pump unit as a vibration source. In the present structure, wobble caused in the reservoir due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit can be further reduced. 
     The pump unit may have a projected portion projected to the lateral side at the upper portion. In this case, the holding portion may support the projected portion from the lower side using the upper end portion of the elastic piece. In the present structure, the holding portion of the lid member supports the projected portion, which is projected from the upper portion of the pump unit to the lateral side, from the lower side by using the upper end portion of the elastic piece. Therefore, the barycenter position of the pump unit may be easily set downward relative to the support position at which the projected portion is supported by the elastic piece. The configuration of the barycenter position being set downward results in reduction in vibration caused in the pump unit. Therefore, wobble of the reservoir due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit can be effectively reduced. 
     The pump unit may include the case formed with the projected portion away from the lateral side of the joined portion joined with the included element (e.g., filter element). In the present structure, the holding portion of the lid member supports the projected portion using the elastic piece. The projected portion is formed to be away from the lateral side of the joined portion of the case of the pump unit. The joined portion is joined with the included component. Even when the case is deformed due to joining with the included component, the projected portion can steadily support the pump unit by using the elastic piece in this way. Therefore, the elastic piece can steadily reduce transmission of vibration to the lateral side of the pump unit. Thus, wobble of the reservoir due to transmission of vibration from the pump unit can be steadily reduced. In addition, even if counter force works on the projected portion of the case when being supported by the elastic piece, the counter force hardly works on the joined portion, which is away from the lateral side of the projected portion. Therefore, the durability of the joined portion can be enhanced. 
     The holding portion may have the elastically deformable elastic nail formed to interpose the projected portion with the upper end portion of the elastic piece. In the present structure, the holding portion of the lid member causes the upper end portion of the elastic piece and the elastic nail to interpose the projected portion of the pump unit therebetween. Therefore, the elastic piece and the elastic nail elastic deform to attenuate steadily vibration of the pump unit. Thus, wobble caused in the reservoir due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit can be further reduced. 
     The projected portion may include the projection element. The projection element further projects from the projected-side tip end to the lateral side. In this case, the holding portion may include the fitting element. The fitting element is fitted to the projection element from the upper side. Thereby, the fitting element and the upper end portion of the elastic piece interpose the projected portion therebetween. In the present structure, the projection element is further projected to the lateral side from the projected-side tip end of the projected portion of the pump unit. The holding portion of the lid member causes the upper end portion of the elastic piece and the fitting element to interpose the projection element therebetween. Therefore, vibration of the pump unit can be steadily attenuated by elastic deformation of the elastic piece. Thus, wobble caused in the reservoir due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit can be further reduced. 
     The pump unit may include the case including two components joined in the vertical direction. The projected portion is formed to be away from the joint interface between the two components. In the present structure, the holding portion of the lid member causes the elastic piece and the elastic nail or the fitting element to interpose the projected portion therebetween. The projected portion is formed to be away (offset) from the joint interface between the two components in the pump unit. In this way, even when the case is deformed by joining the two components, the projected portion can be steadily interposed by the components of the lid member. Therefore, wobble of the reservoir due to vibration transmitted from the pump unit can be reduced. 
     When only a part of a structure of an element is described in an embodiment, other part of the structure of the element in another foregoing embodiment may be applied to the embodiment. The combinations of the components are not limited to those in the above-described embodiments. The components in different embodiments may be partially or entirely combined, as long as the components can be properly combined, even if such a combination is not explicitly described. 
     It should be appreciated that while the processes of the embodiments of the present invention have been described herein as including a specific sequence of steps, further alternative embodiments including various other sequences of these steps and/or additional steps not disclosed herein are intended to be within the steps of the present invention. 
     Various modifications and alternations may be diversely made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.