Valve arrangement for a fuel tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve device for a fuel tank, comprising a housing having a tank connection for connecting the valve device to a discharge line to or from a fuel tank and a filter connection for connecting the valve device to a discharge line to or from an activated carbon filter, the tank connection and the filter connection being in fluid communication with one another within the housing via a discharge channel, a valve arranged within the housing for opening and at least partially closing the discharge channel, the valve having a valve element mounted so as to be movable within the housing along a longitudinal axis of the housing between an open position and a closed position, an actuating element accessible from outside the valve device, which is mounted so as to be movable within the housing along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the movement of the valve element such that a movement of the actuating element in a closing direction causes a movement of the valve element in the closing direction, a valve element return element designed to move the valve element in an opening direction, and arranged between the valve element and the housing outside the discharge channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to valve devices for fuel tanks in motor vehicles. In particular, it relates to valve devices for inlet and outlet systems of fuel tanks in motor vehicles, i.e., valve devices for drawing fluid from or introducing fluid into the fuel tank, preferably a gas or air, fuel vapor containing hydrocarbons, or air rich in or saturated with hydrocarbons. In other words, the valve device can be used in conjunction with the inlet or outlet of the fuel tank. The term "outlet" as used below should also include the possibility of outlet, i.e., an outlet passage can also be used as an outlet passage, an outlet line can also be used as an outlet line, and an outlet valve can also be used as an outlet valve. Background Technology

[0002] Modern motor vehicle fuel tank systems consist of multiple individual valves, each performing a different task. A fundamental task is to prevent fuel vapors from being released into the environment. Commercial gasoline is characterized by the emission of volatile components, more precisely, hydrocarbons. However, these hydrocarbon emissions must not enter the atmosphere, so they are directed through an activated carbon container or activated carbon filter (hereinafter also referred to as "AKF"), where the hydrocarbons are retained or adsorbed. To allow the AKF to be cleaned again, fresh air from the environment is drawn through it ("regeneration"). The hydrocarbons stored in the AKF are released into the passing air, fed to the engine, and burned in the engine during vehicle operation.

[0003] When refueling, hydrocarbon-rich air must be expelled from the tank, but not released directly into the atmosphere. In traditional European fuel tank systems, hydrocarbon emissions during refueling are recovered only through a pipe connecting the tank and the filler neck, and then drawn in via a nozzle.

[0004] This utilizes a so-called switching valve, which closes the exhaust passage from the fuel tank to the AKF during fuel refueling. The switching valve is directly actuated by a nozzle inserted into the filler tube of the fuel tank, or indirectly actuated by a valve (a so-called lead-free valve) actuated by the nozzle, and is placed in the closed position. Therefore, when refueling the vehicle, the AKF does not, or at least does not carry a large amount of hydrocarbons. To open or remain open the switching valve during vehicle operation, the valve includes a return spring that moves the valve element and holds it in the open position when the nozzle is not inserted. Thus, during vehicle operation, gas or air, or fuel vapor rich in or saturated with hydrocarbons, or hydrocarbon-laden air, can be directed from the fuel tank to the AKF.

[0005] For example, a valve device including a tankventil that performs the above-mentioned functions is known from EP 3 216 640 A1. This tankventil includes: a valve stem actuated by a nozzle or by a pivotable valve; and a tank valve body that can be moved by the valve stem to a closed position to close the tank valve, thereby closing the exhaust passage from the tank to the AKF during refueling. Here, a return spring for reopening the tank valve is arranged within the exhaust passage between the tank valve body and the housing of the valve device. The disadvantage of this is that the return spring is thus located in the flow area of ​​the exhaust passage, resulting in high flow resistance when the tank valve is open during normal vehicle operation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a valve device for a fuel tank, wherein the flow resistance is reduced compared with known valve devices.

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved by the valve device described below. Advantageous designs and extensions are given below.

[0008] The valve device for a fuel tank (particularly an exhaust system for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle) according to the invention comprises a housing having: a tank connector for connecting the valve device to an exhaust line leading to or from the fuel tank; and a filter connector for connecting the valve device to an exhaust line leading to or from an activated carbon filter. The tank connector and the filter connector are in fluid communication with each other within the housing via an exhaust passage to direct fluid, preferably gas or air, or fuel vapor containing hydrocarbons, or air rich in or saturated with hydrocarbons, from the fuel tank to the activated carbon filter. A valve (i.e., a so-called switching valve) is arranged within the housing for opening and at least partially closing the exhaust passage, wherein the valve has a valve element mounted within the housing movable between an open position and a closed position along the longitudinal axis of the housing. In other words, the valve element is axially movable within the housing along the longitudinal axis of the housing in an opening direction and a closing direction. Furthermore, the valve assembly includes an actuating element accessible from the outside of the valve assembly, particularly an actuating element extending into the filling tube of the fuel tank. This actuating element is mounted within the housing and movable along a longitudinal axis, and is movably coupled to the valve element such that movement of the actuating element in the closing direction causes movement of the valve element in the closing direction. In other words, movement of the actuating element in the closing direction (caused by actuation or force applied to the actuating element from outside the valve assembly, particularly directly by a nozzle inserted into the filling tube pushing or pressing the actuating element in the closing direction, or indirectly by a valve movable by the nozzle during refueling, which pushes or presses the actuating element in the closing direction) is transmitted to the valve element, causing the valve element to also move or be actuated in the closing direction. The valve assembly also includes a valve element reset element, designed to cause movement of the valve element in the opening direction once the actuating element is no longer actuated, i.e., no force is acting on the actuating element. In other words, the valve reset element is a reset element acting on the valve element in the opening direction. According to the present invention, a valve element reset element is arranged outside the discharge channel between the valve element and the housing.

[0009] Therefore, the advantage provided by this invention is that the valve element reset element is arranged outside the flow area of ​​the exhaust passage, which ensures that the valve is open during normal operation of the motor vehicle by moving the valve element to the open position or holding it in the open position. As a result, the flow resistance within the exhaust passage of the valve device can be significantly reduced without increasing its size, which is always advantageous in the field of motor vehicles due to the smaller space requirements.

[0010] Advantageously, the valve element reset element is supported on the housing at a first end facing the valve or valve opening, and on the valve element at a second end facing away from the valve or valve opening.

[0011] To further retain and guide the valve element reset element, preferably, the housing forms a first receiving portion (or: a first guide section) for a first end section forming a first end of the valve element reset element and / or a second receiving portion (or: a second guide section) for a second end section forming a second end of the valve element reset element. Specifically, the first receiving portion is formed by a wall section extending vertically inward in the opening direction from a wall section on the end face of the housing. Specifically, the second receiving portion is formed by a wall section extending outward away from the valve element with an L-shaped cross-section.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the valve element is at least partially arranged within and guided within the housing, and / or the actuating element is at least partially arranged within and guided within the valve element. Specifically, the valve element is guided within the housing by a wall section extending vertically inward in the opening direction from a wall section on the end face of the housing. To guide the actuating element, the valve element is preferably designed to be substantially hollow and cylindrical.

[0013] The valve element can be moved directly or indirectly by the movement of the actuating element. An advantageous extension specifies that a resilient element is arranged between the valve element and the actuating element, designed to transmit the movement of the actuating element in the closing direction to the valve element. Thus, motion coupling is indirectly achieved through the resilient element, wherein during valve closing, the resilient element is compressed to a lesser degree than the valve element reset element.

[0014] The resilient element is also specifically designed to absorb the force acting on the actuating element when the valve element is in the closed position. This prevents the force applied to the actuating element by the nozzle from being transmitted to the valve. Therefore, the valve's closing effect can be guaranteed at all times, and damage to the valve can be reliably prevented.

[0015] This can be achieved through a structurally advantageous approach, where the stiffness of the elastic element is greater than that of the valve element's reset element.

[0016] According to an advantageous extension, the resilient element is supported on the valve element at a first end facing the valve or discharge passage, and on the actuating element at a second end facing away from the valve or valve opening.

[0017] To further achieve retention and guidance of the elastic element, the valve element has a first receiving portion (or: first guiding portion) for a first end section forming a first end of the elastic element and / or the actuating element has a second receiving portion (or: second guiding portion) for a second end section forming a second end of the elastic element.

[0018] Specifically, the first receiving portion is formed by a section of the valve element facing the discharge passage and a wall section extending from the section of the end face in the opening direction. Specifically, the second receiving portion is formed by a recess (e.g., a hole introduced into the actuating element) extending along the longitudinal axis into the actuating element.

[0019] Advantageously, the valve reset element and / or the elastic element are designed as springs, wherein the spring constant of the elastic element is greater than that of the valve reset element.

[0020] Furthermore, in order to close the valve, a sealing element is preferably arranged on the upper side of the section of the valve element facing the discharge passage. This sealing element is fastened to the valve element and / or the housing and interacts with the valve seat to close the valve.

[0021] The sealing element is specifically designed as a flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm can be fastened to or clamped within the housing in the outer edge region. The diaphragm can also be fastened to the valve element and / or fixed in the central section to prevent rotation. Furthermore, the diaphragm can have surrounding circular flexible annular beads that act as a hinge (Scharnier) during valve movement.

[0022] As described above, the valve's primary function is to close the exhaust passage from the fuel tank to the activated carbon filter during refueling. However, in some cases, it is desirable to keep another exhaust passage open in a throttling manner. According to an advantageous design, the sealing element can therefore have an opening with a significantly smaller cross-section than the exhaust passage between the tank connector and the filter connector, and is designed to allow fluid communication between the filter connector and the filling tube.

[0023] The aforementioned opening can have any geometric shape, such as being designed as a circular hole, ellipse, triangle, polygon, or slit. In particular, the opening is designed with a cross-shaped groove profile so that the cross-section of the opening can vary according to the flow rate.

[0024] The housing of the valve assembly can be integrally formed. However, the housing is preferably multi-piece and has at least a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which are detachably or connectably connected to each other. This has the advantage, for example, that valve components (particularly valve elements, actuating elements, valve element reset elements, resilient elements, and sealing elements) can be pre-assembled with one of the housing components, and then the housing components can be connected to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of the valve device according to the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 The first embodiment is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the valve device according to the invention along a section intersecting the center of the housing connection member.

[0028] Figure 3 The first embodiment is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the valve device according to the invention along a section intersecting the center of the filter connection.

[0029] Figure 4 The valve device according to the invention according to the second embodiment is shown in the diagram. Figure 3 A sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The valve device 1 for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle has a housing 2, which in this example includes a first housing portion 2a and a second housing portion 2b. In this example, the first housing portion 2a and the second housing portion 2b are connected to or inserted into each other by means of a latch hook 24 present in the first housing portion 2a and a latch arch 23 formed on the second housing portion 2b. The housing 2 (first housing portion 2a in this example) has a tank connector 3 for connecting the valve device 1 to an exhaust line (not shown) leading to or from the fuel tank, and a filter connector 4 for connecting the valve device 1 to an exhaust line leading to or from an activated carbon filter (not shown). The tank connector 3 and the filter connector 4 are in fluid communication with each other within the housing 2 via an exhaust passage 5. During normal operation of the motor vehicle, a fluid, preferably a gas or air, or fuel vapor containing hydrocarbons, or air rich in or saturated with hydrocarbons, can flow from the fuel tank into the activated carbon filter through the exhaust passage 5, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As indicated by the middle arrow.

[0031] A valve 6 for opening and at least partially closing the discharge passage 5 is arranged within the housing 2. This valve has a valve element 7 mounted so that the housing is movable between an open position and a closed position along the longitudinal axis A of the housing 2. The valve element 7 is connected to a housing portion 2b by means of a latch 26, which engages in a recess 25 of the second housing portion 2b. The valve element 7 is designed to be substantially hollow cylindrical and carries a sealing element 9 (in the example, a flexible diaphragm) on the upper side of the section 8 facing the discharge passage (i.e., on the side facing the discharge passage) for closing the valve 6, which is sandwiched in the outer edge region between the first housing portion 2a and the second housing portion 2b. The figure shows the valve 6 in the open position, allowing fluid to flow through the discharge passage 5. In the closed position, the valve element 7 or the sealing element 9 interacts with a valve seat 10 formed on the first housing portion 2a. To prevent the sealing element 9 from separating from the valve element 7 when the valve 6 is open, the valve element 7, in this example, has a fixing lug 11 in the central section. This fixing lug is introduced into a recess present in the end face section 8 and engages behind the recess. Furthermore, the sealing element 9 also has a pin 12, which is introduced into another recess in the end face section 8 of the valve element 7 to secure the sealing element 9 and prevent its rotation.

[0032] The valve device 1 also includes an actuating element 13, which is externally accessible to the valve device 1 and mounted within the housing 2 for movement along a longitudinal axis A. The actuating element 13 is arranged within the valve element 7 and is movably coupled to the valve element 7 such that movement of the actuating element 13 in the closing direction causes movement of the valve element 7 in the closing direction.

[0033] A valve element reset element 14 (a spring in the example) is arranged between the housing 2 (second housing portion 2b in the example) and the valve element 7. This valve element reset element is designed to move the valve element 7 in the opening direction. According to the invention, the valve element reset element 14 is arranged outside the discharge passage 5 between the valve element 7 and the housing 2 (second housing portion 2b in the example). The valve element reset element 14 is supported on the housing 2 or the second housing portion 2b with its first end facing the valve 6 or the discharge passage 5 and on the valve element 7 with its second end facing away from the valve 6 or the discharge passage 5. In the example, the housing portion 2b forms a first receiving portion 15a for the valve element reset element 14, which is formed by a wall section 17 extending vertically inward in the opening direction from a section 16 on the end face of the housing portion 2b. In the example, the second receiving portion 15b is formed by a wall section 18 with an L-shaped cross-section extending outward away from the valve element 7.

[0034] The wall section 17 of the housing portion 2b also forms a guide section for the valve element 7, such that the valve element 7 is at least partially guided within the housing 2.

[0035] The actuating element 13 is at least partially arranged within the valve element 7 and is guided within the valve element 7.

[0036] An elastic element 19 (also a spring) is arranged between valve element 7 and actuating element 13. This elastic element 19 is designed to transmit the movement of actuating element 13 in the closing direction to valve element 7. Furthermore, the elastic element 19 is also designed to absorb the force acting on actuating element 13 when valve element 7 is in the closed position, so as not to impair the closing effect of valve 6, and to prevent damage to valve 6 by disengaging any possible force exerted by the nozzle on actuating element 13 from valve element 7 and thus from valve 6. For this purpose, the elastic element 19 has a greater stiffness than valve element reset element 14, in this example, a larger spring constant.

[0037] The resilient element 19 is supported on the valve element 7 at its first end facing the valve 6 or the discharge passage 5, and on the actuating element 13 at its second end facing away from the valve 6 or the valve opening. In this example, the valve element 7 forms a first receiving portion 20a for a first end section forming the first end of the resilient element 19, the first receiving portion 20a being formed by a section 8 of the end face of the valve element 7 and a wall section 21 extending therefrom in the opening direction. In this example, the actuating element 13 forms a second receiving portion 20b for a second end section forming the second end of the resilient element 19, the second receiving portion 20b being formed by a recess 22 extending into the actuating element 13 along the longitudinal axis A.

[0038] During refueling, the exhaust passage 5 is at least partially closed by the valve 6, as the actuating element is pressed in the closing direction by the nozzle and the valve element 7 is thus moved to the closed position. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the emission channel 5 is completely shut off.

[0039] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows a valve device 1 according to a second embodiment, wherein, unlike the valve device 1 according to the first embodiment, partial flow is also possible through the discharge channel 5 in the closed position. For this purpose, the sealing element 9 has an opening 27, the cross-section of which is significantly reduced compared to the discharge channel 5. Thus, fluid communication is possible between the filter connector 4 and the filling tube in the closed position. Preferably, the opening 27 is designed in the form of a cross groove, so that the opening cross-section can vary according to the flow rate. In other aspects, Figure 4 The valve device 1 shown is with Figure 2 and Figure 3 The apparatus shown corresponds to the one described above; therefore, for further features, please refer specifically to the above description.

[0040] Reference tag list

[0041]

[0042] 。

Claims

1. A valve device (1) for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, the valve device (1) comprising: The housing (2) includes: a tank connector (3) for connecting the valve device (1) to an exhaust line leading to or from a fuel tank; and a filter connector (4) for connecting the valve device to an exhaust line leading to or from an activated carbon filter, wherein the tank connector (3) and the filter connector (4) are in fluid communication with each other within the housing (2) via an exhaust channel (5). A valve (6) is arranged within the housing (2) for opening and at least partially closing the discharge passage (5), wherein the valve (6) has a valve element (7) mounted within the housing (2) and movable between an open position and a closed position along the longitudinal axis (A) of the housing (2). An actuating element (13) accessible from the outside of the valve device (1) is mounted such that it is movable within the housing (2) along the longitudinal axis (A) and movably coupled to the valve element (7), such that movement of the actuating element (13) in the closing direction causes movement of the valve element (7) in the closing direction. A valve element reset element (14) is designed to move the valve element (7) in the opening direction. Its features are, The valve element reset element (14) is arranged outside the discharge channel (5) between the valve element (7) and the housing (2).

2. The valve device (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The valve element reset element (14) is supported on the housing (2) with its first end facing the valve (6) and on the valve element (7) with its second end facing away from the valve (6).

3. The valve device (1) according to claim 2. Its features are, The housing (2) has a first receiving portion (15a) for the valve element reset element (14) forming a first end section of the first end, and / or the valve element has a second receiving portion (15b) for the valve element reset element (14) forming a second end section of the second end.

4. The valve device (1) according to claim 3. Its features are, The first receiving portion (15a) is formed by a wall section (17) extending vertically inward in the opening direction from the wall section (16) at the end face of the housing (2), and / or the second receiving portion (15b) is formed by a wall section (18) extending outward away from the valve element (7) with an L-shaped cross-section.

5. The valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4. Its features are, The valve element (7) is guided at least partially within the housing (2), wherein the housing (2) forms a guide section for the valve element (7), the guide section being formed by a wall section (17) extending vertically inside from a wall section (16) on the end face of the housing (2).

6. The valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4. Its features are, The actuating element (13) is at least partially arranged within the valve element (7) and guided within the valve element (7).

7. The valve device (1) according to claim 5. Its features are, The actuating element (13) is at least partially arranged within the valve element (7) and guided within the valve element (7).

8. The valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4 and 7. Its features are, An elastic element (19) is arranged between the valve element (7) and the actuating element (13) and is designed to transmit the movement of the actuating element (13) in the closing direction to the valve element (7).

9. The valve device (1) according to claim 5. Its features are, An elastic element (19) is arranged between the valve element (7) and the actuating element (13) and is designed to transmit the movement of the actuating element (13) in the closing direction to the valve element (7).

10. The valve device (1) according to claim 6. Its features are, An elastic element (19) is arranged between the valve element (7) and the actuating element (13) and is designed to transmit the movement of the actuating element (13) in the closing direction to the valve element (7).

11. The valve device (1) according to claim 8. Its features are, The elastic element (19) is also designed to absorb the force acting on the actuating element (13) when the valve element (7) is in the closed position.

12. The valve device (1) according to claim 9 or 10. Its features are, The elastic element (19) is also designed to absorb the force acting on the actuating element (13) when the valve element (7) is in the closed position.

13. The valve device (1) according to claim 8. Its features are, The stiffness of the elastic element (19) is greater than the stiffness of the valve element reset element (14).

14. The valve device (1) according to any one of claims 9-11. Its features are, The stiffness of the elastic element (19) is greater than the stiffness of the valve element reset element (14).

15. The valve device (1) according to claim 12. Its features are, The stiffness of the elastic element (19) is greater than the stiffness of the valve element reset element (14).

16. The valve device (1) according to claim 8. Its features are, The elastic element (19) is supported on the valve element (7) with its first end facing the valve (6) and on the actuating element (13) with its second end facing away from the valve (6).

17. The valve device (1) according to any one of claims 9-11, 13 and 15. Its features are, The elastic element (19) is supported on the valve element (7) with its first end facing the valve (6) and on the actuating element (13) with its second end facing away from the valve (6).

18. The valve device (1) according to claim 12. Its features are, The elastic element (19) is supported on the valve element (7) with its first end facing the valve (6) and on the actuating element (13) with its second end facing away from the valve (6).

19. The valve device (1) according to claim 14. Its features are, The elastic element (19) is supported on the valve element (7) with its first end facing the valve (6) and on the actuating element (13) with its second end facing away from the valve (6).

20. The valve device (1) according to any one of claims 16 and 18-19. Its features are, The valve element (7) has a first receiving portion (20a) for the first end section forming the first end of the elastic element (19), and / or the actuating element (13) has a second receiving portion (20b) for the second end section forming the second end of the elastic element (19).

21. The valve device (1) according to claim 17. Its features are, The valve element (7) has a first receiving portion (20a) for the first end section forming the first end of the elastic element (19), and / or the actuating element (13) has a second receiving portion (20b) for the second end section forming the second end of the elastic element (19).

22. The valve device (1) according to claim 20. Its features are, The first receiving portion (20a) is formed by a section (8) of the end face of the valve element (7) and a wall section (21) extending from the section (8) of the end face in the opening direction, and / or the second receiving portion (20b) is formed by a recess (22) extending along the longitudinal axis (A) into the actuating element (13).

23. The valve device (1) according to claim 21. Its features are, The first receiving portion (20a) is formed by a section (8) of the end face of the valve element (7) and a wall section (21) extending from the section (8) of the end face in the opening direction, and / or the second receiving portion (20b) is formed by a recess (22) extending along the longitudinal axis (A) into the actuating element (13).

24. The valve device (1) according to claim 8. Its features are, The valve element reset element (14) and / or the elastic element (19) are springs, wherein the spring coefficient of the elastic element (19) is greater than the spring coefficient of the valve element reset element (14).

25. The valve device (1) according to any one of claims 9-11, 13, 15-16, 18-19 and 21-23. Its features are, The valve element reset element (14) and / or the elastic element (19) are springs, wherein the spring coefficient of the elastic element (19) is greater than the spring coefficient of the valve element reset element (14).

26. The valve device (1) according to any one of claims 22-23. Its features are, In order to close the valve, a sealing element (9) is arranged on the upper side of the section (8) of the end face of the valve element (7) and is fastened to the valve element (7) and / or the housing (2).

27. The valve device (1) according to claim 26. Its features are, The sealing element (9) is designed as a flexible membrane.

28. The valve device (1) according to claim 26. Its features are, The sealing element (9) has an opening (27) with a cross-section significantly smaller than that of the discharge channel (5), and the opening is designed to allow fluid communication between the filter connector (4) and the filling tube in the closed position.

29. The valve device (1) according to claim 27. Its features are, The sealing element (9) has an opening (27) with a cross-section significantly smaller than that of the discharge channel (5), and the opening is designed to allow fluid communication between the filter connector (4) and the filling tube in the closed position.

30. The valve device (1) according to claim 28 or 29. Its features are, The opening (27) is designed as a cross groove profile.

31. The valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, 7, 9-11, 13, 15-16, 18-19, 21-24 and 27-29. Its features are, The housing (2) has a first housing portion (2a) and a second housing portion (2b) that are detachably or connectably connected to each other.

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