Liquid Vapor Separator Drain Valve

Abstract

The liquid vapor separator discharge valve includes an outer housing defining an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a partition. An upper housing coupled to the outer housing divides the upper chamber into an inner chamber and an outer chamber and defines an upper port for communication with the canister. The outer housing defines an outer port in communication with the outer chamber for communication with the fill limit valve. The upper and lower valves are positioned in the respective upper and lower chambers such that the valves and the upper and lower chambers are arranged in a vertically stacked, coaxial fashion. The lower valve vents fuel vapor to the upper chamber in the rest position and seals the separator vent passage when liquid fuel reaches a lower threshold. The upper valve vents fuel vapor to the upper port and seals the upper port when the liquid fuel reaches the upper threshold.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 901,158, filed November 7, 2013, and US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 530,075, filed October 31, 2013. The aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. technical field [0003] The present application relates generally to vapor drain systems for vehicle fuel systems, and more particularly to liquid vapor separator drain valve assemblies for fuel systems of motor vehicles. Background technique [0004] Conventional fuel systems for motor vehicles typically include multiple exhaust valves for managing the flow of vapors from the fuel tank to the canister associated with the vehicle's evaporative emissions system. These vent valves may be located remotely from the fuel tank, or may be located in and attached to the fuel tank. For the latter, typically, each vent valve is positioned in and attached t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These individually positioned valves increase the likelihood of a potential leak path and are often attached to the fuel tank in a manner that is difficult to repair and / or remove

Additionally, these vent valves and their associated plumbing add cost and complexity to the vehicle's fuel system

Thus, while conventional exhaust valve arrangements for motor vehicle fuel systems have worked for their intended purpose, there remains a need for improvement in the related art

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