Diesel exhaust fluid cap assembly and diesel exhaust fluid supply system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) cap assembly for a vehicle and a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) supply system for a vehicle, the DEF cap assembly including: a main body having a first opening and a second opening arranged on an opposite side of the first opening, the second opening being configured to be opened and closed; a flange portion protruding radially outward between the first opening and the second opening of the main body and having a plurality of through-holes and a flange gasket configured to be sealably coupled to an installation object to which the flange portion is mounted; and a membrane member coupled to the flange portion and configured to cover the plurality of through-holes and allow air to flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a diesel exhaust fluid cap assembly for a vehicle and a diesel exhaust fluid supply system including the cap assembly. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Generally, diesel vehicles include exhaust gas after-treatment equipment to reduce environmental pollution caused by exhaust gas. Among the exhaust gas after-treatment equipment, the known selective catalyst reduction (SCR) equipment not only reduces nitrogen oxides (NO x ), and reduces carbon monoxide.

[0004] The SCR device promotes a reaction between diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) including a urea solution and exhaust gas, thereby generating nitrogen and water. To operate the SCR device, DEF must be replenished at regular driving distances, so a DEF supply system is provided in the vehicle.

[0005] Figure 1 2 is a diagram schematically showing the DEF supply system. The DEF supply system includes a DEF tank 2, a DEF filler neck 4, and a DEF cap 6. Typically, a DEF inlet 8 is provided inside a fuel door of a vehicle.

[0006] The DEF inlet 8 is coupled to the DEF filler neck 4. DEF injected through the DEF inlet 8 is transferred to the DEF tank 2 through the DEF filler neck 4. Further, the DEF supply system includes an independent pipe configured to supply DEF to the exhaust system.

[0007] The DEF cap 6 is mounted on the DEF inlet 8 to prevent foreign matter from entering the DEF tank 2 or preventing DEF or urea solution from leaking to the outside. However, positive or negative pressure is generated when urea solution is recovered or injected, and to eliminate this pressure, the DEF cap 6 includes a venting structure. The venting structure includes a membrane that only allows airflow between the DEF tank 2 and the outside through the membrane. In other words, the DEF cap 6 seals the DEF supply system while allowing air exchange with the outside through the membrane.

[0008] DEF (i.e., urea solution) can be injected using the same method as fuel at a gas station, or using a bottle filled with urea solution. In the latter case, it was found difficult to monitor the amount of urea solution injected into the DEF tank 2, so when the DEF tank is full, the DEF may overflow from the tank. Furthermore, it was found that it is desirable to install an injection aid, such as a funnel, each time the DEF is refilled.

[0009] Specifically, when exposed to air, the liquid urea solution tends to crystallize into a white solid. Thus, when the urea solution contacts the vehicle during injection, the vehicle may be contaminated with the white solid.

[0010] The foregoing content is only intended to help understand the background technology of the present disclosure, and is not intended to indicate that the present disclosure falls within the scope of the relevant technology known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present disclosure provides a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) cap assembly for a vehicle that can improve user convenience when injecting a urea solution.

[0012] The present disclosure provides a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) cap assembly for a vehicle, wherein when a urea solution is injected through a bottle filled with the urea solution, a separate injection assist device may not be used.

[0013] The present disclosure provides a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) cap assembly for a vehicle that can suppress contamination due to the urea solution around a DEF inlet when the urea solution is injected.

[0014] The present disclosure provides a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) supply system having the above-mentioned diesel exhaust fluid cap assembly for a vehicle.

[0015] In one form, the present disclosure provides a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) cap assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a main body having a first opening and a second opening arranged on an opposite side of the first opening, the second opening being configured to be opened and closed; a flange portion protruding radially outward from the main body between the first opening and the second opening and having a plurality of through-holes and a flange gasket configured to be sealably coupled to a mounting object to which the flange portion is mounted; and a membrane member coupled to the flange portion to cover the through-holes and allow air flow.

[0016] In another form, the present disclosure provides a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) supply system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a filler neck connected to a DEF tank and including a plurality of ribs that protrude radially inward from an inner circumference of the filler neck and are spaced apart from each other by a specified interval; and a DEF cap assembly that is detachably mounted on the filler neck, wherein the DEF cap assembly includes: a main body; a flange portion configured to protrude radially outward from the main body, the flange portion being airtightly mounted on an end portion of the filler neck and including a plurality of through-holes; and a membrane member coupled to the flange portion to cover the through-holes and allow air flow.

[0017] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order that the present disclosure may be fully understood, various forms of the present disclosure, given by way of example, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) supply system provided in a diesel vehicle;

[0020] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a DEF cap assembly for a vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the DEF cap assembly for the vehicle of FIG. 2 as viewed from the rear;

[0022] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a DEF cap assembly for a vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a DEF cap assembly for a vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A longitudinal sectional view taken along line BB' of FIG. 1 shows a state where the cover is removed;

[0025] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A longitudinal sectional view taken along line BB' shows a state where the cover is installed;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 an enlarged view of portion C;

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 an enlarged view of portion D;

[0028] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a filler neck on which a DEF cap assembly for a vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure is mounted;

[0029] Figure 10 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line EE';

[0030] Figure 11is a view illustrating an operating method of a DEF cap assembly for a vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 12 is a view showing one example of the operation of a DEF cap assembly for a vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure; and

[0032] Figure 13 is a view illustrating another example of the operation of a DEF cap assembly for a vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure.

[0033] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, various forms of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific structures or functions described in the various forms of the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only. The concepts of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms, and it should be understood that they should not be interpreted as limited to the forms described in this specification, but include all modifications, equivalents or alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0036] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. Conversely, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another element, there are no intervening elements. Other expressions describing the relationship between elements, such as, "between," "directly between," "adjacent to," or "directly adjacent to," should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0037] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals represent the same components. At the same time, the terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific forms and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" as used herein are intended to also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include", "have" and the like are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the components, steps, operations and / or elements, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and / or elements.

[0038] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] like Figure 2A and 2B As shown, a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) cap assembly 100 for a vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure includes a body 200 and a membrane member 400 .

[0040] refer to Figures 3 to 6 The main body 200 includes a first opening 210 and a second opening 220. The main body 200 is hollow, and the first opening 210 and the second opening 220 are connected to each other. The first opening 210 is formed at one end of the main body 200, and the second opening 220 is formed at the other end of the main body 200 opposite to the first opening 210. The first opening 210 has a smaller diameter than the second opening 220.

[0041] The second opening 220 is configured to be opened and closed. When the DEF cap assembly 100 is in operation, the first opening 210 remains open, and the second opening 220 can be closed or opened. According to one form of the present disclosure, a cover 230 is coupled to the second opening 220 to open or close the second opening 220.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover 230 and the main body 200 are detachably coupled to each other by a threaded engagement method. An external thread 232 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cover 230. An internal thread 242, which can be engaged with the external thread 232, is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body 200 near the portion of the second opening 220 coupled to the cover 230.

[0043] According to one form of the present disclosure, the cover 230 includes a grip portion 234. The grip portion 234 protrudes a specified length from the surface of the cover 230. Furthermore, a grip hole 236 is formed in the grip portion 234 so that a user can easily grip the grip portion 234 through the grip hole 236. According to one form of the present disclosure, the grip hole 236 penetrates the cover 230 in a direction parallel to the surface of the cover 230.

[0044] The body 200 includes a tapered portion 240, a flange portion 250, and an insert portion 260. The tapered portion 240, the flange portion 250, and the insert portion 260 of the body 200 are sequentially formed in a direction from the second opening 220 to the first opening 210.

[0045] The tapered portion 240 gradually becomes thinner (ie, funnel-shaped) from the second opening 220 to the first opening 210 . That is, the tapered portion 240 of the body 200 has a shape in which its diameter gradually decreases from the second opening 220 .

[0046] The flange portion 250 is formed between the first opening 210 and the second opening 220. The flange portion 250 may be formed at an end point of the tapered portion 240, that is, at a portion of the body 200 where the diameter thereof does not further decrease.

[0047] The flange portion 250 may protrude radially outward from the circumference of the main body 200. According to one form of the present disclosure, a plurality of through-holes 252 are arranged in the flange portion 250 and penetrate in a direction from one side of the flange portion 250 to the other side. Here, the direction from one side of the flange portion 250 to the other side is equal to the longitudinal direction of the main body 200. The plurality of through-holes 252 are arranged along the circumference of the flange portion 250. That is, each through-hole 252 having a specific size may be spaced apart from each other at a specified interval.

[0048] refer to Figure 7 , a connecting protrusion 254 may be formed at the end of the flange portion 250. The connecting protrusion 254 extends vertically from the end of the flange portion 250 toward the first opening 210. According to one form of the present disclosure, a flange groove 256 is formed in the connecting protrusion 254, and the flange groove 256 is provided in the inner surface of the connecting protrusion 254. The flange groove 256 may be concavely recessed from the inner surface of the connecting protrusion 254. The flange groove 256 may be formed between a pair of walls protruding from the inner surface of the connecting protrusion 254, or the flange groove 256 may be pressed into the inner surface of the connecting protrusion 254.

[0049] Insertion portion 260 extends from flange portion 250 toward first opening 210 . Insertion portion 260 has substantially the same diameter as the end of tapered portion 240 . That is, insertion portion 260 has substantially the same diameter as the minimum diameter of tapered portion 240 and is smaller than the diameter of flange portion 250 .

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, an insertion groove 262 is formed in the outer surface of the insertion portion 260. The insertion groove 262 is arranged along the circumference of the insertion portion 260 near the first opening 210. According to one form of the present disclosure, the insertion groove 262 is pressed into the surface of the insertion portion 260. According to another form of the present disclosure, a pair of walls protrude from the surface of the insertion portion 260, and the insertion groove 262 is formed between the walls.

[0051] The flange gasket 300 is mounted on the body 200. The flange gasket 300 may be mounted on the flange portion 250. In more detail, the flange gasket 300 may be placed in the flange groove 256 formed in the connection protrusion 254 of the flange portion 250. The flange gasket 300 is used to seal the interface with the installation object to which the flange portion 250 is mounted.

[0052] The DEF cap assembly 100 for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an insert gasket 500. The insert gasket 500 can be disposed in the insert groove 262. The insert gasket 500 is used to seal the interface with the contact object to which the insert portion 260 is to be attached. According to the present disclosure, each of the flange gasket 300 and the insert gasket 500 can include a mechanical gasket, i.e., an O-ring.

[0053] The film member 400 is coupled to the flange portion 250 to cover the through-hole 252 of the flange portion 250. The film member 400 may be substantially annular and attached to a lower surface of the flange portion 250.

[0054] Hereinafter, an exemplary operation of the DEF cap assembly 100 according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0055] like Figure 9 As shown, a DEF cap assembly 100 for a vehicle is mounted on a filler neck FN provided on the vehicle to inject a urea solution therein. A plurality of ribs RB, spaced apart at predetermined intervals, protrude from the inner circumference of the filler neck FN. The ribs RB extend along the inner circumference of the filler neck FN in the longitudinal direction of the filler neck FN.

[0056] like Figure 10 As shown, the insert portion 260 of the body 200 is inserted into the filler neck FN. The insert gasket 500 mounted on the insert portion 260 presses against the rib RB to fix the body 200. A passage PW for air flow is generated between the inner periphery of the filler neck FN and the insert portion 260.

[0057] The flange portion 250 of the main body 200 is located on the end of the filler neck FN, with the film member 400 interposed therebetween. The flange gasket 300 installed in the flange groove 256 is installed on the filler neck FN while sealing the space between the flange portion 250 and the filler neck FN (refer to FIG. Figure 7 ).

[0058] The flange gasket 300 seals the entire circumference of the filler neck FN, and air can flow into and out of the vehicle only through the membrane member 400 .

[0059] That is, the flow of air from the vehicle exterior to the DEF tank inside the vehicle begins when the air passes through the membrane member 400 mounted on the flange portion 250 and flows into the filler neck FN. The air flowing into the filler neck FN flows along the passage PW formed between the insert portion 260 and the rib RB of the filler neck FN, and continues along the filler neck FN to the DEF tank. The flow of air from the DEF tank to the vehicle exterior occurs in the reverse order, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] refer to Figures 11 to 13The DEF cap assembly 100 for a vehicle according to the present disclosure is configured to be detachably mounted on a filler neck FN. The DEF cap assembly 100 can be conveniently used when the injection nozzle N is used at a gas station or when a bottle filled with DEF is used.

[0061] When filling DEF into the DEF tank using the filling nozzle N at the filling station, Figure 11 When the gripping portion 234 is formed on the DEF cap assembly 100 in the direction P), the DEF cap assembly 100 is separated from the filler neck FN. Figure 12 As shown, in this state where the DEF cap assembly 100 is detached from the filler neck FN, DEF is injected into the DEF tank through the injection nozzle N. When the injection of DEF is completed, the DEF cap assembly 100 is inserted into the filler neck FN again.

[0062] On the other hand, when DEF is injected using a bottle filled with DEF, the cap 230 is moved along the Figure 11 The cover 230 is coupled to the main body 200 by threaded engagement, and when the cover 230 is rotated, the cover 230 can be separated from the main body 200 mounted on the filler neck FN (refer to FIG. Figure 13 Here, due to the tapering of the tapered portion 240 , it is not necessary to use any independent injection auxiliary device (such as a funnel or an injection hose), and the convenience of use can be improved.

[0063] In the DEF cap assembly 100 according to the present disclosure, the tapered body 200 facilitates the injection of DEF. During use, the injection speed of DEF can be easily adjusted, and no injection aid, such as a funnel, is required.

[0064] Since the DEF cap assembly 100 according to the present disclosure is detachable, injection of DEF becomes convenient in the case of using the injection nozzle N at a gas station or in the case of using a filling bottle.

[0065] Furthermore, the DEF cap assembly 100 according to the present disclosure may be applied to a conventional filler neck FN without replacing or modifying the conventional filler neck FN, thereby having compatibility and reducing costs.

[0066] As apparent from the above description, the present disclosure provides a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) cap assembly for a vehicle that can improve user convenience when injecting a urea solution.

[0067] Further, when the urea solution is injected through the bottle filled with the urea solution, the DEF cap assembly for a vehicle according to the present disclosure does not require a separate injection assisting device.

[0068] Furthermore, the DEF cap assembly for a vehicle according to the present disclosure may suppress contamination due to the urea solution around the DEF inlet when the urea solution is injected.

[0069] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a DEF supply system including the above-mentioned DEF assembly for a vehicle, having improved convenience.

[0070] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described forms and drawings, and that various replacements, modifications, and changes may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A diesel exhaust treatment fluid cap assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a main body including: a first opening and a second opening disposed on an opposite side opposite to the first opening and configured to be opened and closed; a flange portion that projects radially outward from the main body and is disposed between the first opening and the second opening of the main body, wherein the flange portion includes a plurality of through-holes and includes a flange gasket configured to be sealingly coupled to an installation object to which the flange portion is installed; and A film member is coupled to the flange portion and is configured to cover the plurality of through-holes and allow air to flow.

2. The diesel exhaust treatment fluid cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The body further includes a cover coupled to the second opening and configured to open and close the second opening.

3. The diesel exhaust treatment fluid cap assembly according to claim 2, wherein: An internal thread is formed on an inner periphery of the main body near the second opening, and an external thread configured to engage with the internal thread is formed on an outer periphery of the cover.

4. The diesel exhaust fluid cap assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The cover includes a grip portion protruding from a surface of the cover, and the grip portion includes a grip hole penetrating the grip portion in a direction parallel to the surface of the cover.

5. The diesel exhaust fluid cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The main body further includes a tapered portion having a tapered shape, and a diameter of the tapered portion gradually increases from the flange portion to the second opening.

6. The diesel exhaust fluid cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The through holes of the plurality of through holes are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the flange portion and are arranged at specified intervals.

7. The diesel exhaust fluid cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The flange portion further includes a connecting protrusion, which vertically extends from the flange portion toward the first opening. Wherein, the connecting protrusion includes a flange groove configured to receive the flange washer.

8. The diesel exhaust fluid cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The main body further includes an insertion portion configured to extend from the flange portion toward the first opening, and the insertion portion has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the second opening.

9. The diesel exhaust fluid cap assembly according to claim 8, further comprising: an insert washer mounted on the outer periphery of the insert portion, Here, an insertion groove configured to receive the insertion gasket is formed in an outer circumference of the insertion portion.

10. A diesel exhaust treatment fluid supply system for a vehicle, the diesel exhaust treatment fluid supply system comprising: a filler neck connected to a diesel exhaust fluid tank and comprising a plurality of ribs protruding radially inward from an inner circumference of the filler neck, wherein ribs of the plurality of ribs are spaced apart from each other at designated intervals; and a diesel exhaust treatment fluid cap assembly, the diesel exhaust treatment fluid cap assembly being detachably mounted on the filler neck, Wherein, the diesel exhaust treatment fluid cap assembly includes: main body; a flange portion configured to protrude radially outward from the main body, the flange portion being airtightly mounted on an end portion of the filler neck and including a plurality of through-holes; and A membrane member is coupled to the flange portion and is configured to cover the plurality of through-holes and allow air to flow.

11. The diesel exhaust treatment fluid supply system according to claim 10, wherein: The main body further includes an inserting portion inserted into the filler neck, An insert gasket in airtight contact with the plurality of ribs is mounted on the insert portion.

12. The diesel exhaust fluid supply system according to claim 10, wherein: The body further includes a tapered portion disposed outside the filler neck and having a tapered shape.

13. The diesel exhaust fluid supply system according to claim 10, wherein: A flange gasket airtightly coupled to an outer circumference of the filler neck is mounted on the flange portion.

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