Fuel tank valve device

Abstract

The present application provides a fuel tank valve device that prevents erroneous assembly of a lower cover to below a housing main body. The fuel tank valve device (10) has a housing (15), a first float valve (80) housed in a first valve chamber, and a second float valve (90) housed in a second valve chamber, the housing (15) having a housing main body (20) and a lower cover (50), the housing main body (20) having a housing main body peripheral wall (21) and a partition wall (30), the housing main body peripheral wall (21) having a first valve chamber formation wall (31) that forms an outer periphery of the first valve chamber and a second valve chamber formation wall (32) that forms an outer periphery of the second valve chamber in a different profile shape from the first valve chamber formation wall (31), and the lower cover (50) having a cover peripheral wall (51) that is in a shape that fits the housing main body peripheral wall (21).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a fuel tank valve device installed in a fuel tank of an automobile or the like, and provided with a full tank limiting valve and a fuel outflow preventing valve. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, a full tank limiting valve that prevents overfilling of a fuel tank by preventing a liquid level in the fuel tank from rising above a predetermined full tank liquid level, a fuel outflow preventing valve that prevents fuel in the fuel tank from leaking out of the fuel tank when the automobile is turning or tilting, and the like are installed in the fuel tank of an automobile.

[0003] As a valve device provided with two valves as described above, a fuel tank valve is described in Patent Document 1, which has an upper space that communicates with a canister, a lower chamber that is disposed in a fuel tank, a communication portion that communicates the upper space and the lower chamber, and a float body that closes the communication portion. The lower chamber is composed of an upper housing that has a substantially circular peripheral wall in cross section, and a lower housing that is attached to a lower opening of the upper housing and has a substantially circular peripheral wall in cross section that fits the peripheral wall of the upper housing. Further, a partition is disposed in each of the upper housing and the lower housing, and the lower chamber is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. Furthermore, the lower housing is assembled to the lower opening of the upper housing after the partition of the lower housing is aligned so as to match the partition of the upper housing. Note that a first float is disposed in the first chamber, and a second float is disposed in the second chamber.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-299577 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] In the fuel tank valve of Patent Document 1 described above, the partition of the upper housing is originally required to match the partition of the lower housing. However, since the peripheral walls of the upper housing and the lower housing are substantially circular in cross section, sometimes the lower housing is assembled to the lower opening of the upper housing in a wrong orientation (misassembly) even if the partitions of the two housings are not matched with each other.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a fuel tank valve device that can reliably prevent misassembly of a lower cover to a lower portion of a housing main body.

[0010] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0011] To achieve the above object, the fuel tank valve device of the present application is characterized by comprising:

[0012] a housing having a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber which communicate with the inside of the fuel tank and a vent chamber which communicates with the outside of the fuel tank, the first valve chamber and the vent chamber being provided below the housing with a partition wall, the second valve chamber and the vent chamber being provided above the housing with the partition wall, the partition wall having a first opening portion which communicates the first valve chamber with the vent chamber and a second opening portion which communicates the second valve chamber with the vent chamber, a first float valve which is housed in the first valve chamber so as to be able to ascend and descend, the first float valve closing the first opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank reaches a vicinity of a set full tank liquid level, and a second float valve which is housed in the second valve chamber so as to be able to ascend and descend, the second float valve closing the second opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank rises to a prescribed height or higher, the housing having a housing main body and a lower cover which is attached to the lower side of the housing main body, the housing main body having a housing main body peripheral wall which is open at the lower side, the housing main body peripheral wall having a first valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the first valve chamber and a second valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the second valve chamber in a different profile shape from the first valve chamber forming wall when viewed from the direction of the valve shaft, the lower cover having a cover peripheral wall which is shaped so as to fit the shape of the housing main body peripheral wall.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present application, the housing main body peripheral wall has a first valve chamber forming wall and a second valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the second valve chamber in a different profile shape from the first valve chamber forming wall when viewed from the direction of the valve shaft, and the lower cover has a cover peripheral wall which is shaped so as to fit the shape of the housing main body peripheral wall, so that when the lower cover is attached to the lower side of the housing main body, the lower cover can be reliably prevented from being erroneously assembled to the lower side of the housing main body because the attachment is performed in a state in which the corresponding portions of the cover peripheral wall are matched with the first valve chamber forming wall and the second valve chamber forming wall of the housing main body peripheral wall, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of the fuel tank valve device of the present application.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fuel tank valve device.

[0017] Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of Figure 2

[0018] Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of Figure 2

[0019] is a sectional view taken along the line C-C of Figure 5 Figure 1 ​​A perspective view of the case main body constituting the case in the fuel tank valve device, as viewed from a different direction.

[0020] Figure 6 A plan view of the case main body of the fuel tank valve device.

[0021] Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view of the lower cover constituting the case in the fuel tank valve device.

[0022] Figure 8 A plan view of the lower cover of the fuel tank valve device.

[0023] Figure 9 A sectional view of the fuel tank valve device in a state in which the first float valve and the second float valve are rising.

[0024] Figure 10 A perspective view showing another embodiment of the fuel tank valve device of the present application.

[0025] Figure 11 A perspective view of the case main body constituting the case in the fuel tank valve device, as viewed from a different direction. Figure 10

[0026] A perspective view of the lower cover constituting the case in the fuel tank valve device, as viewed from a different direction. Figure 12 Figure 10 A plan view of the lower cover of the fuel tank valve device.

[0027] Figure 13 A sectional view of the D-D line of

[0028] Figure 14 Figure 10 A sectional view of the E-E line of

[0029] Figure 15 (a) of FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged explanatory view showing a state before the lower end portion of the first valve chamber forming wall of the case main body is inserted into the groove of the lower cover, Figure 15 (b) of FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged explanatory view showing a state after the lower end portion of the first valve chamber forming wall of the case main body is inserted into the groove of the lower cover. Figure 15

[0030] A sectional view of the E-E line of Figure 16 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 10 (One embodiment of the fuel tank valve device)

[0031] Hereinafter, with reference to

[0032] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 1-9 ​​​An embodiment of the fuel tank valve device of the present application will be described.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the fuel tank valve device 10 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "valve device 10") in the present embodiment is mainly composed of: a housing 15 provided with a first valve chamber V1 and a second valve chamber V2 which communicate with the inside of a fuel tank via a partition wall 22 in the lower side, and a breather chamber R which communicates with the outside of the fuel tank in the upper side, and the first opening portion 23 and the second opening portion 24 are formed in the partition wall 22; a first float valve 80 which is housed in the first valve chamber V1 so as to be able to ascend and descend, and which closes the first opening portion 23 when the liquid surface in the fuel tank reaches the vicinity of a set full tank liquid surface; a second float valve 90 which is housed in the second valve chamber V2 so as to be able to ascend and descend, and which closes the second opening portion 24 when the liquid surface in the fuel tank rises to a prescribed height or more; a first urging spring S1 which urges the first float valve 80; and a second urging spring S2 which urges the second float valve 90.

[0034] Further, the housing 15 of the present embodiment has: a housing main body 20; a lower cover 50 attached to the lower side of the housing main body 20; and an upper cover 70 attached to the upper side of the housing main body 20. Note that the upper cover 70 has a cover peripheral wall 71 which is substantially circular in the outer periphery when viewed from the valve shaft direction (the specific configuration of the upper cover 70 will be described later).

[0035] Note that, in the following description, "fuel" refers to liquid fuel (including fuel mist as well), and "fuel vapor" refers to fuel after evaporation.

[0036] First, the housing main body 20 will be described with reference to Figure 1 , Figures 4-6 .

[0037] The housing main body 20 is substantially cylindrical with the partition wall 22 in the upper side and open in the lower side. Further, the housing main body 20 has: a housing main body peripheral wall 21; and a partition wall 30 which divides the inside space of the housing main body 20 into the first valve chamber V1 and the second valve chamber V2. As shown in Figures 3-6 , the partition wall 30 in the present embodiment is a flat plate which extends vertically along the axial direction of the housing 15 (the direction along the axis C1 of the housing 15) through the axis C1 of the housing 15 (refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 ). Note that the upper end portion of the partition wall 30 is joined to the back side of the partition wall 22.

[0038] Further, a partition wall 22 is provided above the casing body peripheral wall 21. Moreover, a plurality of first locking claws 21a are provided protruding below the casing body peripheral wall 21, and a plurality of second locking claws 21b are provided protruding above the casing body peripheral wall 21.

[0039] Further, a circular first opening portion 23 is formed in the partition wall 22, and the first valve chamber V1 communicates with the breather chamber R via the first opening portion 23. Figure 3 As shown, a second opening portion 24 having a smaller diameter than the first opening portion 23 is formed in the partition wall 22, and the second valve chamber V2 communicates with the breather chamber R via the second opening portion 24. Note that a valve seat 24a in the form of a ring-shaped protrusion having an inner surface in the form of a taper is provided protruding from the inner periphery of the second opening portion 24.

[0040] Moreover, a flange portion 25 is provided protruding from the upper periphery of the casing body peripheral wall 21. An annular attachment groove 25a is formed on the inner side of the flange portion 25, and an annular sealing ring 25b is attached to the attachment groove 25a.

[0041] Further, a cylindrical portion 26 having an upper opening is provided protruding from the periphery of the second opening portion 24 on the outer side of the partition wall 22. A lid 27 is attached to the upper opening of the cylindrical portion 26. As shown, Figure 3 As shown, pressure adjustment valves 28 are housed in the inner sides thereof in a manner that they can be raised and lowered, and pressure adjustment in the fuel tank can be performed.

[0042] As shown, Figure 6 The casing body peripheral wall 21 has a first valve chamber forming wall 31 that forms the outer periphery of the first valve chamber V1, and a second valve chamber forming wall 32 that forms the outer periphery of the second valve chamber V2 in a different profile shape from the first valve chamber forming wall 31 when viewed in the valve shaft direction. The first valve chamber forming wall 31 and the second valve chamber forming wall 32 extend in the same shape from the lower end to the upper end, and the upper end thereof is connected to the partition wall 22. Note that the "valve shaft direction" in the present application refers to the axial direction of the float valve 80, 90 (the direction along the axis of the float valve 80, 90) (the same applies to the following description).

[0043] In Figure 6 In the upper cover 70, a cover peripheral wall 71 in the form of a circle when viewed in the valve shaft direction is indicated by a double-dot chain line. As shown, Figure 6As shown, when viewed from the valve axis direction, in other words, when the housing body 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the housing 15 (referring to the direction along the axis C1 of the housing 15), the first valve chamber forming wall 31 has concentrically arranged portions 31a relative to the peripheral wall 71 of the upper cover 70. Furthermore, these concentrically arranged portions 31a are semi-circular. Moreover, at the two circumferential ends of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 that connect to the two sides of the spacer wall 30 in the width direction, there are bulging portions 31b, 31b that bulge out relative to the connecting portions 37d, 37d of the second valve chamber forming wall 32 and the spacer wall 30 when viewed from the valve axis direction. Each bulging portion 31b is a curved surface with rounded corners, bulging out relative to the connecting portion 37d of the second valve chamber forming wall 32. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, a vent 31c communicating with the first valve chamber V1 is formed above the first valve chamber forming wall 31.

[0044] On the other hand, such as Figure 6 As shown, the second valve chamber forming wall 32 has a portion located inside the circumcircle P1 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 when viewed from the valve shaft direction. In this embodiment, the entire second valve chamber forming wall 32 is located inside the circumcircle P1 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31. It should be noted that the circumcircle P1 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is a circle centered on the axis C1 of the housing 15 and connected to the outer periphery of the first valve chamber forming wall 31.

[0045] Furthermore, the second valve chamber forming wall 32 has an outer arcuate wall 34 disposed away from the partition wall 30. Additionally, an inner arcuate wall 35, formed along the circumscribed circle P2 of the outer arcuate wall 34, is disposed inside the second valve chamber V2. The second float valve 90 is disposed between the outer arcuate wall 34 and the inner arcuate wall 35. It should be noted that the circumscribed circle P2 of the outer arcuate wall 34 is a circle centered at the opening center C2 of the second opening 24 and coinciding with the outer periphery of the outer arcuate wall 34.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, the outer arc-shaped wall 34 is an arc extending circumferentially along the circumferential circle P2 for a predetermined length. Similarly, the inner arc-shaped wall 35 is also an arc extending circumferentially along the circumferential circle P2 for a predetermined length. Furthermore, the inner arc-shaped wall 35 is positioned opposite the outer arc-shaped wall 34 in the circumferential direction of the circumferential circle P2, and its circumferential center is connected to the partition wall 30. It should be noted that the inner arc-shaped wall 35, like the first valve chamber forming wall 31 and the second valve chamber forming wall 32, extends in the same shape from its lower end to its upper end, and its upper end is connected to the back side of the partition wall 22.

[0047] Moreover, the both end portions 35a, 35a (end portions adjacent to the outer arc-shaped wall 34) of the inner arc-shaped wall 35 in the circumferential direction are separated from the both end portions 34a, 34a of the outer arc-shaped wall 34 in the circumferential direction. Moreover, a gap 43 that communicates with the main flow path 41 (refer to Figure 5 and the like) is formed between one end portion 35a of the inner arc-shaped wall 35 and one end portion 34a of the outer arc-shaped wall 34, and between the other end portion 35a of the inner arc-shaped wall 35 and the other end portion 34a of the outer arc-shaped wall 34, respectively. Note that each gap 43 has the same opening area.

[0048] Further, as shown in Figure 6 , elongated walls 36, 36 extend from the both end portions 35a, 35a of the inner arc-shaped wall 35 toward the partition wall 30. Each elongated wall 36 extends orthogonally with respect to the partition wall 30, and the end portion of the extension direction thereof is connected to the partition wall 30.

[0049] Moreover, a main flow path forming wall 37 that extends from the both end portions 34a, 34a of the outer arc-shaped wall 34 in the outer diameter direction of the second float valve 90 and is connected to the partition wall 30 is provided. The main flow path 41 is formed between the main flow path forming wall 37 and the inner arc-shaped wall 35.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , each main flow path forming wall 37 in the present embodiment is composed of a first wall portion 37a, a second wall portion 37b, and a third wall portion 37c, the first wall portion 37a extends from the end portion 34a in the circumferential direction of the outer arc-shaped wall 34 in the outward direction in parallel with the partition wall 30, the second wall portion 37b extends from the end portion of the extension direction of the first wall portion 37a in the obliquely outward direction toward a direction away from the central portion 34b in the circumferential direction of the outer arc-shaped wall 34, and the third wall portion 37c extends from the end portion of the extension direction of the second wall portion 37b orthogonally with respect to the partition wall 30 and in parallel with the elongated wall 36. Further, the end portion of the extension direction of the third wall portion 37c constitutes the connection portion 37d, and the main flow path forming wall 37 is connected to the partition wall 30 via the connection portion 37d.

[0051] The main flow path 41 divided by the main flow path forming wall 37 and the inner arc-shaped wall 35 having the above-described configuration is provided in a range slightly closer to the upper end from the axial lower end of the housing main body 20, and constitutes a flow path through which a fluid such as gas (fuel vapor or air) and liquid flows. Note that, as shown in Figure 4 , a sub flow path 42 through which a fluid flows is also constituted between the outer arc-shaped wall 34 and the second float valve 90, and between the inner arc-shaped wall 35 and the second float valve 90. The main flow path 41 described above is formed to have a larger flow path area than the sub flow path 42.

[0052] In addition, an upper space 46 is formed above the main road 41, which is surrounded by the main road forming wall 37, the partition wall 30 and the extension wall 45, which extends from the inner arc-shaped wall 35 toward the main road forming wall 37.

[0053] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the extension wall 45 extends parallel to the partition wall 30 from the circumferential end 35a of the inner arcuate wall 35 above the inner arcuate wall 35. The extending end of the extension wall 45 is connected to the third wall portion 37c of the main flow forming wall 37. The upper space 46 is formed above the main flow 41 by being surrounded by the third wall portion 37c of the main flow forming wall 37, the partition wall 30, the extension wall 45 extending from the inner arcuate wall 35 toward the main flow forming wall 37, and the extension wall 36. It should be noted that the partition wall 22 is disposed above the upper space 46. Therefore, the upper space 46 is closed at the top and closed on the sides except for the vent 47, and open at the bottom.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, a vent 47 communicating with the second valve chamber V2 is formed above the second valve chamber forming wall 32 and adjacent to the protruding portion 31b of the first valve chamber forming wall 31. Furthermore, this vent 47 is formed in the main flow forming wall 37 to communicate with the upper space 46. More specifically, the vent 47 is circular and is formed in the third wall portion 37c constituting the main flow forming wall 37 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0055] In addition, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, multiple retaining ribs 48 are provided on the back side of the partition wall 22 and on the first valve chamber forming wall 31 that divides the first valve chamber V1. These retaining ribs 48 are disposed on the outer periphery of the sealing member 83 of the first float valve 80 to suppress tilting of the first float valve 80, etc. Moreover, multiple guide ribs 49 are provided on the inner arc-shaped wall 35 disposed in the second valve chamber forming wall 32 that divides the second valve chamber V2 and the second valve chamber V2. These guide ribs 49 guide the lifting and lowering movement of the second float valve 90.

[0056] The shape and configuration of the housing main body described above are not limited to the above-described example. For example, (1) one of the first valve chamber forming wall and the second valve chamber forming wall can be semicircular, and the other forming wall can be semicircular with a reduced diameter compared to the one forming wall, (2) one of the first valve chamber forming wall and the second valve chamber forming wall can be shaped like half of an ellipse, a rounded rectangle, a rectangle (triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon), and the other forming wall can be shaped like the one forming wall but smaller, or can be a completely different shape. That is, as the housing main body, at least the first valve chamber forming wall and the second valve chamber forming wall can be different from each other in shape.

[0057] Next, the lower cover 50 attached to the lower side of the housing main body 20 will be described with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0058] The lower cover 50 is a bottomed cover having an opening on the upper side and a bottom 53 on the lower side. Further, the lower cover 50 has a cover peripheral wall 51 shaped to fit the shape of the housing main body peripheral wall 21. The cover peripheral wall 51 in the present embodiment is shaped similarly to the housing main body peripheral wall 21 with one more turns than the outer peripheral shape of the housing main body peripheral wall 21, as shown in Figure 2 , and is disposed on the outer periphery of the housing main body peripheral wall 21.

[0059] Further, the bottom 53 is provided on the lower side of the cover peripheral wall 51 for supporting the first float valve 80 and the second float valve 90. The partition wall 55 that divides the internal space of the lower cover 50 into the first valve chamber V1 and the second valve chamber V2 is provided standing from the bottom 53. That is, the bottom 53 is configured to be divided into a first valve chamber side bottom 56 and a second valve chamber side bottom 57 by the partition wall 55. As shown in Figure 7 , the partition wall 55 is provided standing at a height slightly lower than the upper end of the cover peripheral wall 51, and, as shown in Figure 3 , overlaps (laps) with the lower end of the partition wall 30 of the housing main body 20 when attached to the lower side of the housing main body 20.

[0060] Further, a plurality of locking holes 51a are formed on the outer periphery of the cover peripheral wall 51. Then, as shown in Figure 2 , the respective first locking claws 21a of the housing main body 20 are respectively locked in the respective locking holes 51a of the lower cover 50, whereby the lower cover 50 is attached to the lower side of the housing main body 20. As a result, the first valve chamber V1 and the second valve chamber V2 that communicate with the fuel tank not shown are formed on the lower side of the housing by the partition wall 22 (see Figure 3 ). Note that the first valve chamber V1 and the second valve chamber V2 are divided into mutually independent spaces by the partition wall 50, and are configured so that the two valve chambers V1, V2 do not communicate with each other.

[0061] Further, a plurality of through-holes 56a in the shape of a circular hole, and a plurality of through-holes 56b in the shape of a slit groove are formed in the first valve chamber side bottom 56. Each of the through-holes 56a, 56b communicates with the first valve chamber Vl. Further, a shaft 58 in the shape of a cross section in the shape of a cross is provided to stand up from the first valve chamber side bottom 56 at a prescribed height. As shown in Figure 3 , the shaft 58 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 81a of the first float valve 80, and guides the up-and-down operation of the first float valve 80.

[0062] On the other hand, a bottom surface 59 lower than the first valve chamber side bottom 56 is provided to the second valve chamber side bottom 57 via a recessed portion 59a. A spring seat 59b in the shape of a circular protrusion is provided to protrude from the bottom surface 59, and supports the lower end of the second biasing spring S2. Further, a plurality of through-holes 59c in the shape of a circular hole which communicate with the second valve chamber V2 are formed in the bottom surface 59.

[0063] Further, a lid peripheral wall 51 in the shape suitable for the shape of the housing main body peripheral wall 21 has a first valve chamber forming wall 61 and a second valve chamber forming wall 62. Note that in the other embodiments described later, the first valve chamber forming wall 61 is referred to as "lid side first valve chamber forming wall 61", and the second valve chamber forming wall 62 is referred to as "lid side second valve chamber forming wall 62". The first valve chamber forming wall 61 is in the shape suitable for the first valve chamber forming wall 31 of the housing main body peripheral wall 21, and forms the outer periphery of the first valve chamber Vl integrally with the first valve chamber forming wall 31 of the housing main body peripheral wall 21. On the other hand, the second valve chamber forming wall 62 is in a different profile shape from the first valve chamber forming wall 61, and is in the shape suitable for the second valve chamber forming wall 32 of the housing main body peripheral wall 21, and forms the outer periphery of the second valve chamber V2 integrally with the second valve chamber forming wall 32 of the housing main body peripheral wall 21. Further, the second valve chamber forming wall 62 has outer side arcuate walls 64 suitable for the outer side arcuate wall 34 of the housing main body peripheral wall 21, and the first wall portion 37a, the second wall portion 37b, the third wall portion 37c of the main flow path forming wall 37, and the first wall portion 67a, the second wall portion 67b, the third wall portion 67c of the main flow path forming wall 67, respectively.

[0064] Further, as shown in Figure 7 , a cylindrical portion 61a is provided to depend from the first valve chamber forming wall 61 on the lower side than the first valve chamber side bottom 56. Although not particularly shown, the lower opening of the cylindrical portion 61a communicates with the through-holes 56a, 56b of the first valve chamber side bottom 56.

[0065] As for the lower lid described above, as long as it has at least a lid peripheral wall in the shape suitable for the shape of the housing main body peripheral wall, the shape and configuration thereof are not particularly limited.

[0066] Next, with reference to Figure 1 ,Figures 3-8 The upper cover 70 attached to the upper side of the housing main body 20 will be described.

[0067] The upper cover 70 is substantially hat-shaped, and is composed of a cover peripheral wall 71 having a substantially circular outer periphery, a top wall 72 disposed on the upper side of the cover peripheral wall 71, and a flange portion 73 extending outward from the lower side of the cover peripheral wall 71. As shown in Figure 3 , a discharge port 74a is formed in the cover peripheral wall 71, and a connection pipe 74 extends outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral edge of the cover peripheral wall 71. A tube (not shown) connected to a tank disposed on the outside of the fuel tank is connected to the connection pipe 74. Note that the flange portion 73 of the upper cover 70 is welded to the outer peripheral edge of a mounting hole of the fuel tank (not shown), and thus the valve device 10 is mounted to the fuel tank as a whole.

[0068] Further, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 , a pair of locking pieces 75, 75 extending downward are provided from a portion of the flange portion 73 on the first valve chamber V1 side in the circumferential direction. Also, as shown in Figure 4 , a pair of cover walls 77, 77 extending downward are provided from a portion of the flange portion 73 on the second valve chamber V2 side in the circumferential direction. Locking holes 75a, 77a are formed in each of the locking pieces 75 and the cover walls 77, respectively. Further, each of the cover walls 77 has an extension portion 77b extending longer in the circumferential direction of the cover peripheral wall 71 toward the opposite side from the portion where the locking hole 77a is formed. The extension portion 77b is disposed on the outside of the air passage hole 47 formed in the housing main body 20 and covers the air passage hole 47 in a state where the upper cover 70 is attached to the upper side of the housing main body 20.

[0069] Then, as shown in Figure 2 , Figure 4 , by causing each of the second locking claws 21b of the housing main body 20 to be locked in the locking holes 75a of the locking pieces 75 and the locking holes 77a of the cover walls 77, respectively, the upper cover 70 is attached to the upper side of the housing main body 20 in a state where the sealing ring 25b attached to the ring attachment groove 25a is in contact with the inner periphery of the cover peripheral wall 71 of the upper cover 70, as shown in Figure 3 . As a result, the air passage chamber R (see Figure 3 ) communicating with the outside of the fuel tank is formed on the upper side of the partition wall 22.

[0070] Note that the shape and configuration of the upper cover described above are not particularly limited.

[0071] As shown in Figure 3 , the valve device 10 is mounted to the fuel tank 1.As shown, the first float valve 80 that opens / closes the first opening portion 23 is housed in the first valve chamber V1 so as to be able to ascend / descend with the lower cover 50 interposed therebetween in a state in which the first urging spring S1 is interposed therebetween. Further, the second float valve 90 that opens / closes the second opening portion 24 is housed in the second valve chamber V2 so as to be able to ascend / descend with the lower cover 50 interposed therebetween in a state in which the second urging spring S2 is interposed therebetween. The two float valves 80, 90 ascend due to their own buoyancy and the urging force of the urging springs S1, S2 when immersed in fuel, and descend due to their own weight when not immersed in fuel.

[0072] As shown, the first float valve 80 that opens / closes the first opening portion 23 is housed in the first valve chamber V1 so as to be able to ascend / descend with the lower cover 50 interposed therebetween in a state in which the first urging spring S1 is interposed therebetween. Further, the second float valve 90 that opens / closes the second opening portion 24 is housed in the second valve chamber V2 so as to be able to ascend / descend with the lower cover 50 interposed therebetween in a state in which the second urging spring S2 is interposed therebetween. The two float valves 80, 90 ascend due to their own buoyancy and the urging force of the urging springs S1, S2 when immersed in fuel, and descend due to their own weight when not immersed in fuel. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 As shown, the first float valve 80 that opens / closes the first opening portion 23 is housed in the first valve chamber V1 so as to be able to ascend / descend with the lower cover 50 interposed therebetween in a state in which the first urging spring S1 is interposed therebetween. Further, the second float valve 90 that opens / closes the second opening portion 24 is housed in the second valve chamber V2 so as to be able to ascend / descend with the lower cover 50 interposed therebetween in a state in which the second urging spring S2 is interposed therebetween. The two float valves 80, 90 ascend due to their own buoyancy and the urging force of the urging springs S1, S2 when immersed in fuel, and descend due to their own weight when not immersed in fuel. Figure 3 ) between the float body 81 and the sealing member 83. Further, a substantially cylindrical cylindrical portion 81a is provided in the float body 81 so as to be vertically downward. The support shaft 58 of the lower cover 50 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 81a, and the first float valve 80 is supported so as to be able to ascend / descend (see Figure 3 ). Further, a spring housing recess portion 81b that is open downward is formed in the float body 81, and the first urging spring S1 is housed in the spring housing recess portion 81b.

[0073] On the other hand, the second float valve 90 has a float body 91 that is circular in outer periphery, and a valve head 93 that is substantially triangular pyramid-shaped with rounded corners and that is provided so as to protrude upward from the center of the float body 91. The valve head 93 contacts / separates from the valve seat 24a of the second opening portion 24, and opens / closes the second opening portion 24. Further, a spring housing recess portion 91a that is open downward is formed in the float body 91, and the second urging spring S2 is housed in the spring housing recess portion 91a.

[0074] Note that the first float valve and the second float valve are not particularly limited in shape and configuration as long as they are capable of opening / closing the first opening portion and the second opening portion.

[0075] (EFFECTS)

[0076] Next, the effects of the valve device 10 configured by the above-described configuration will be described.

[0077] The respective members constituting the valve device 10, for example, can be assembled as described below. First, the float valves 80, 90 are respectively housed in the valve chambers V1, V2 of the housing main body 20. Further, the urging springs S1, S2 are respectively housed in the spring housing recesses 81b, 91a of the float valves 80, 90.

[0078] After that, while matching the first valve chamber forming wall 61 of the lower cover 50 with the first valve chamber forming wall 31 of the housing main body 20, the second valve chamber forming wall 62 of the lower cover 50 is matched with the second valve chamber forming wall 32 of the housing main body 20 to configure a state in which the lower cover 50 is positioned below the housing main body 20. In this state, the lower cover 50 is pressed into the housing main body 20. Then, the respective first locking claws 21a of the housing main body 20 are respectively locked in the corresponding respective locking holes 51a of the lower cover 50, so the lower cover 50 can be assembled to the housing main body 20.

[0079] At this time, in this valve device 10, when attaching the lower cover 50 below the housing main body 20, since the attachment is performed in a state in which the corresponding portions (the first valve chamber forming wall 61 and the second valve chamber forming wall 62) of the cover peripheral wall 51 are respectively matched with the first valve chamber forming wall 31 and the second valve chamber forming wall 32 of the housing main body peripheral wall 21, the lower cover 50 can be reliably prevented from being erroneously assembled below the housing main body 20.

[0080] Further, as described above, when attaching the upper cover 70 above the housing main body 20, the respective second locking claws 21b of the housing main body 20 are respectively locked in the locking holes 75a of the respective locking pieces 75 and the locking holes 77a of the respective cover walls 77 on the side of the upper cover 70, as shown in Figure 3 , so the upper cover 70 can be attached above the housing main body 20.

[0081] Further, in the present embodiment, the upper cover 70 has a cover peripheral wall 71 that is circular when viewed in the valve shaft direction, the first valve chamber forming wall 31 of the housing main body 20 has a concentric circular portion 31a that is provided concentrically with respect to the cover peripheral wall 71, and the second valve chamber forming wall 32 of the housing main body 20 has a portion (here, the entire second valve chamber forming wall 32) that is located inward of the circumscribed circle PI of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 (see Figure 6 ).

[0082] According to this scheme, the first valve chamber forming wall 31 has the concentric circular portion 31a, so the inner space of the first valve chamber V1 can be ensured to be wide, and the second valve chamber forming wall 32 has a portion that is located inward of the circumscribed circle PI of the first valve chamber forming wall 31, so the compactness of the second valve chamber V2 can be sought while making the second valve chamber forming wall 32 different in shape.

[0083] Then, as shown in Figure 3As shown, in a state where fuel is not sufficiently supplied into the fuel tank, in a state where the first float valve 80 and the second float valve 90 are not immersed in fuel, the two float valves 80, 90 drop due to their own weights, the first opening portion 23 and the second opening portion 24 are opened, and thus a state is established in which the first valve chamber Vl and the breather chamber R communicate through the first opening portion 23 and the second valve chamber V2 and the breather chamber R communicate through the second opening portion 24.

[0084] When fuel is supplied into the fuel tank in this state, air in the fuel tank flows mainly from the through-holes 56a, 56b of the lower cover 50 into the first valve chamber Vl, flows upward through the gap between the first float valve 80 and the first valve chamber forming wall 31, and further flows into the breather chamber R from the first opening portion 23, and is discharged to the tank outside the fuel tank. In addition, air in the fuel tank flows from the through-hole 59c of the lower cover 50 into the second valve chamber V2, flows upward through the main flow path 41 and the sub flow path 42, and flows into the breather chamber R from the second opening portion 24, and is discharged to the tank outside the fuel tank. In this way, air in the fuel tank is discharged to the outside of the fuel tank, and thus fuel can be supplied into the fuel tank.

[0085] When fuel is supplied into the fuel tank in the state described above, Figure 3 When fuel is supplied into the fuel tank in the state shown, fuel flows from the through-holes 56a, 56b of the lower cover 50 into the first valve chamber Vl, flows through the gap between the first float valve 80 and the first valve chamber forming wall 31, and the first float valve 80 gradually becomes immersed in fuel. Then, when the fuel level in the fuel tank reaches a set full tank level, the first float valve 80 rises due to the application of force of the first urging spring SI and the buoyancy of the first float valve 80 itself, the sealing valve body 85 thereof comes into abutment with the inner side peripheral portion of the first opening portion 23, and the first opening portion 23 is closed. As a result, air communication between the first valve chamber Vl and the breather chamber R through the first opening portion 23 is cut off. Then, fuel in the fuel tank causes the fuel supply pipe provided on the fuel tank to rise, fuel comes into contact with the full tank sensing sensor of the fuel supply nozzle inserted into the fuel supply port, and thus the full tank is sensed, and thus fuel supply into the fuel tank can be stopped, and full tank limitation can be sought.

[0086] Note that, in the case where the first float valve 80 rises, fuel flows from the through-hole 56b of the lower cover 50 into the second valve chamber V2, and the second float valve 90 becomes immersed in fuel. Thus, the second float valve 90 also rises, and the second opening portion 24 is closed (state in which both the opening portions 23, 24 are closed), but it is also possible to set the second float valve 90 so as not to close the second opening portion 24 when the first opening portion 23 is closed by the first float valve 80.

[0087] Further, when the vehicle turns or is greatly inclined, and the fuel level in the fuel tank rises, fuel flows from the through hole 59c of the lower cover 50 into the second valve chamber V2, and the second float valve 90 gradually dips in the fuel via the main flow path 41 and the sub flow path 42. Then, when the fuel level in the fuel tank rises to a prescribed height or higher, the second float valve 90 rises due to the urging force of the second urging spring S2 and the buoyancy of the second float valve 90 itself, the valve head 93 abuts against the valve seat 24a, and the second opening portion 24 is closed. At this time, the first float valve 80 also rises, and the first opening portion 23 is closed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, both of the opening portions 23 and 24 are closed, fuel flow into the breather chamber R via both of the opening portions 23 and 24 is prevented, and fuel leakage to the outside of the fuel tank can be prevented. Figure 9

[0088] Then, in the present embodiment, a fulcrum 58 that guides the raising and lowering operation of the first float valve 80 is provided in the lower cover 50 (see FIG. 6). Figure 7 Further, the concentric circular portion 31a of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is semicircular (see FIG. 6). Figure 6

[0089] According to this scheme, the guide rib for guiding the raising and lowering of the first float valve 80 is not needed, the inside space of the first valve chamber Vl can be used without waste, and further, the concentric circular portion 31a of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is semicircular, so the inside space of the first valve chamber Vl can be ensured to the maximum.

[0090] Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the second float valve 90 is disposed between the outer side arc-shaped wall 34 provided in the second valve chamber forming wall 32 and the inner side arc-shaped wall 35 disposed in the second valve chamber V2. Therefore, the second float valve 90 can be guided in the raising and lowering operation while the shaking is reduced. Figure 4

[0091] Further, the fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank due to the swing of the vehicle or the like mainly passes through the main flow path 41 provided in the second valve chamber V2, and is discharged into the breather chamber R from the second opening portion 24. At this time, the flow path area of this main flow path 41 can be ensured to be relatively large (for example, can be formed to be larger than the flow path area of the sub flow path 42), so the fuel vapor as described above can be quickly discharged to the breather chamber R side, and thus the blowing up of the second float valve 90 (the second float valve 90 rises to close the second opening portion 24 at a pressure lower than the prescribed closing valve pressure) can be suppressed.

[0092] Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the second float valve 90 is disposed between the outer side arc-shaped wall 34 provided in the second valve chamber forming wall 32 and the inner side arc-shaped wall 35 disposed in the second valve chamber V2. Therefore, the second float valve 90 can be guided in the raising and lowering operation while the shaking is reduced. Figure 4 ​​​As shown, the first valve chamber formation wall 31 has a bulging portion 31b that has a bulging shape with respect to the connecting portion 37d of the second valve chamber formation wall 32 and the partition wall 30 when viewed from the valve shaft direction, and a vent hole 47 that communicates with the second valve chamber V2 is formed above the second valve chamber formation wall 32 and at a position adjacent to the bulging portion 31b. A cover wall 77 that extends toward the lower side and is disposed outside the vent hole 47 is provided in the upper cover 70.

[0093] According to the above-described arrangement, the vent hole 47 that communicates with the second valve chamber V2 is formed at a position of the second valve chamber formation wall 32 adjacent to the bulging portion 31b, and thus after the second float valve 90 rises to close the second opening portion 24, air in the fuel tank can flow into the second valve chamber V2 through the vent hole 47, and thus the second opening portion 24 can be easily opened again.

[0094] Further, the cover wall 77 that extends toward the lower side and is disposed outside the vent hole 47 is provided in the upper cover 70, and thus when the fuel is sloshed, the fuel can not easily flow into the second valve chamber V2 from the vent hole 47 (here, the vent hole 47 is covered by the extension portion 77b of the cover wall 77, and thus the fuel can not easily flow in), and thus the fuel can not easily be discharged from the second opening portion 24 to the vent chamber R side.

[0095] Further, as shown in Figure 4 An upper space 46 surrounded by the main flow path formation wall 37, the partition wall 30, and an extension wall 45 that extends from the inner side arc-shaped wall 35 toward the main flow path formation wall 37 is formed above the main flow path 41, and the vent hole 47 is formed in the main flow path formation wall 37 in a manner that communicates with the upper space 46.

[0096] According to this arrangement, the vent hole 47 is formed in the main flow path formation wall 37 in a manner that communicates with the upper space 46, and thus when the fuel is sloshed, even if the fuel flows into the second valve chamber V2 from the vent hole 47, the fuel can not easily intrude into the second opening portion 24. That is, the upper side of the upper space 46 is closed, and the side other than the vent hole 47 is closed, and the lower side is open, and thus the fuel that flows into the upper space 46 through the vent hole 47 temporarily stays in the upper space 46 and then falls downward, and thus the fuel can not easily intrude into the second opening portion 24.

[0097] (Other Embodiments of the Fuel Tank Valve Device)

[0098] Figures 10-16 An embodiment of a fuel tank valve device according to the present application is described below. Note that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same portions as those of the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0099] As shown in Figure 10 , Figure 14The fuel tank valve device 10A (hereinafter, simply referred to as "valve device 10A") of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the valve device 10A is mainly composed of a housing 15A, a first float valve 80, a second float valve 90, a first urging spring S1 that urges the first float valve 80, and a second urging spring S2 that urges the second float valve 90. Further, the housing 15A has a housing main body 20A, a lower cover 50A attached to a lower side of the housing main body 20A, and an upper cover 70A attached to an upper side of the housing main body 20A. Figures 1-9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the valve device 10A is mainly composed of the housing 15A, the first float valve 80, the second float valve 90, the first urging spring S1 that urges the first float valve 80, and the second urging spring S2 that urges the second float valve 90. Further, the housing 15A has the housing main body 20A, the lower cover 50A attached to a lower side of the housing main body 20A, and the upper cover 70A attached to an upper side of the housing main body 20A.

[0100] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing main body 20A has a housing main body peripheral wall 21 that is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a partition wall 22 that is formed in a cylindrical shape and is disposed in the housing main body peripheral wall 21 so as to be coaxial with the housing main body peripheral wall 21. The partition wall 22 is formed so as to be continuous with the housing main body peripheral wall 21. Further, the partition wall 22 is formed so as to be continuous with the housing main body peripheral wall 21. Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 1, the housing main body peripheral wall 21 of the housing main body 20A has a first valve chamber forming wall 31 that forms an outer periphery of the first valve chamber V1, and a second valve chamber forming wall 32 that forms an outer periphery of the second valve chamber V2. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the lower cover 50A has a cover peripheral wall 51 that is formed in a shape that is fitted to the housing main body peripheral wall 21, and a groove 60 is formed in a bottom portion 53 thereof so as to be entered by the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 but not to be entered by the lower end portion 39 of the second valve chamber forming wall 32. Figures 12-14 As shown in FIG. 1, the housing main body peripheral wall 21 of the housing main body 20A has a first valve chamber forming wall 31 that forms an outer periphery of the first valve chamber V1, and a second valve chamber forming wall 32 that forms an outer periphery of the second valve chamber V2. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the lower cover 50A has a cover peripheral wall 51 that is formed in a shape that is fitted to the housing main body peripheral wall 21, and a groove 60 is formed in a bottom portion 53 thereof so as to be entered by the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 but not to be entered by the lower end portion 39 of the second valve chamber forming wall 32.

[0101] First, the detailed configuration of the housing main body 20A will be described.

[0102] The lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 in the axial direction of the housing main body 20A in the present embodiment protrudes downward by a prescribed length from a lower end surface of the lower end portion 39 of the second valve chamber forming wall 32 in the axial direction (see FIG. 1). That is, in the present embodiment, the lengths in the axial direction of the lower end portions 38, 39 of the two forming walls 31, 32 are different, and the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 extends more downward than the lower end portion 39 of the second valve chamber forming wall 32. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 has a linear portion 38c that is formed in a shape that is fitted to the linear extension of the partition wall 55 of the lower cover 50A. Figure 11 Figure 11

[0103] ​​As a result, the lower end 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 can enter the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A, but the lower end 39 of the second valve chamber forming wall 32 cannot enter the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A. That is, since the first valve chamber V1 houses the first float valve 80, which functions as a full-tank limiting valve, it is necessary to ensure airtightness (also known as sealing) (because if the airtightness of the first valve chamber V1 decreases, the full-tank limit will not be performed according to the specified fuel level, and the full-tank sensing accuracy may decrease). On the other hand, since the second valve chamber V2 houses the second float valve 90, which functions as a fuel leakage prevention valve, the necessity to ensure airtightness is less (because it is only necessary to make the second float valve 90 rise as the fuel level in the second valve chamber V2 rises). Thus, based on the necessity of ensuring the airtightness of the first valve chamber V1, the lower end 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is configured to enter the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A. On the other hand, based on the less necessary need to ensure the airtightness of the second valve chamber V2, the lower end 39 of the second valve chamber forming wall 32 is configured not to enter the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A.

[0104] It should be noted that, similar to the embodiment described above, the first valve chamber forming wall 31 and the second valve chamber forming wall 32 have different contour shapes when viewed in the valve axis direction.

[0105] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, a tapered surface 38a that gradually thins towards the lowest point in the axial direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 As shown in (b), a tapered surface 38b that gradually thins towards the lowest point in the axial direction is also formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31. Through these tapered surfaces 38a and 38b, the lower end 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 can easily enter the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A.

[0106] Furthermore, the lower end 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is pressed into the groove 60, which is formed around the entire circumference of the bottom (bottom 56 of the first valve chamber side) of the lower cover 50A on the first valve chamber V1 side.

[0107] Furthermore, the outer dimension L1 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 (the length from the predetermined position K of the first valve chamber V1 to the outer surface of the first valve chamber forming wall 31) and the outer dimension of the partition wall 55 (the length from the predetermined position K of the first valve chamber V1 to the outer surface of the partition wall 55) are formed to be larger than the dimension L2 (the length from the predetermined position K of the first valve chamber V1) of the inner surface 60a on the outer diameter side of the groove 60. As a result, when the lower end 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is inserted into the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A, the outer periphery of the lower end 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is pressed against the inner periphery of the cover-side first valve chamber forming wall 61, and simultaneously undergoes flexural deformation in the radially inward direction of the first valve chamber V1 (refer to...).Figure 15 The lower end portion 38 is inserted (pressed in, in this case) into the groove 60 in the state shown in (b) of FIG. 13. At this time, with respect to the linear portion 38c of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 that forms the first valve chamber, the outer periphery is guided to the inner periphery of the partition wall 55.

[0108] As described above, in the state in which the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is pressed into the groove 60, the first valve chamber forming wall 31 that has been elastically deformed in flexure attempts to elastically return toward the radial direction outside of the first valve chamber V1 (refer to the arrow in (b) of FIG. 13). The lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is strongly pressed against the inner side surface 60a on the outer diameter side of the groove 60, and thus the air tightness of the first valve chamber V1 can be ensured. In addition, the inner peripheral portion of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 abuts against the inner side surface 60b on the inner diameter side of the groove 60 (refer to (a) of FIG. 13), and thus excessive deformation of the lower end portion 38 is suppressed. That is, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 and the inner side surface 60a on the outer diameter side of the groove 60 mainly function as a press-fitting portion for ensuring the air tightness of the first valve chamber V1. On the other hand, the inner side surface 60b on the inner diameter side of the groove 60 functions as a deformation suppression portion of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 that is inserted into the groove 60. Figure 15 Figure 15

[0109] Next, the specific configuration of the lower cover 50A will be described in detail.

[0110] The lower cover 50A in the present embodiment has a bottom portion 53 provided below the cover peripheral wall 51, and the partition wall 55 that divides the internal space of the lower cover 50A into the first valve chamber V1 and the second valve chamber V2 is provided to stand from the bottom portion 53. This partition wall 55 divides the internal space of the housing main body 20A into the first valve chamber V1 and the second valve chamber V2, and has a linearly extending portion 55a (hereinafter, simply referred to as "linear portion 55a") (refer to (b) of FIG. 13). Note that the end portions 55b, 55b of the partition wall 55 in the extending direction are curved. Figure 12

[0111] ​​​Further, the bottom 53 is divided by the partition wall 55 into a first valve chamber side bottom 56 on the first valve chamber V1 side and a second valve chamber side bottom 57 on the second valve chamber V2 side. Also, the lid peripheral wall 51 is composed of a lid side first valve chamber forming wall 61 which is adapted to the first valve chamber forming wall 31 of the housing main body peripheral wall 21, a lid side second valve chamber forming wall 62 which is adapted to the second valve chamber forming wall 32 of the housing main body peripheral wall 21, and the first valve chamber forming wall 31 of the housing main body peripheral wall 21. Note that the lid side first valve chamber forming wall 61 means the "lid peripheral wall on the first valve chamber side" in the present application. Also, on the inner side of both end portions 61b, 61b of the lid side first valve chamber forming wall 61 in the circumferential direction of the bottom 53, a cylindrical portion 63, 63 is provided so as to stand up. Further, a plurality of through-holes 56c of a prescribed shape are formed in the first valve chamber side bottom 56.

[0112] Also, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the groove 60 is formed on the entire circumference of the first valve chamber side bottom 56 on the first valve chamber V1 side. Figure 12 Figure 13

[0113] The groove 60 in the present embodiment extends along the inner periphery of the lid side first valve chamber forming wall 61 and the inner periphery of the partition wall 55, and is continuously formed (formed without a cut-off portion in the middle of the extension) on the entire circumference of the first valve chamber side bottom 56. In other words, the lower lid 50A of the present embodiment is provided with the lid side first valve chamber forming wall 61 and the partition wall 55 so as to stand up from the edge portion of the inner side surface 60a on the outer diameter side of the groove 60. Then, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the entire portion of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is pressed into the entire circumference of the groove 60. Figure 16

[0114] Also, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the guide walls 65, 66, 68 which are provided so as to stand up from the edge portion of the inner side surface 60b on the inner diameter side of the groove 60 and extend along the groove 60 are provided on at least a portion of the circumference of the groove 60. Figure 12 Figure 13

[0115] In the present embodiment, from the edge portion of the inner side surface 60b on the inner diameter side of the groove 60, the first guide walls 65, 65 are provided on the inner side of the range of both end portions 61a, 61a of the lid side first valve chamber forming wall 61 from the portion other than the central portion of the linear portion 55a of the partition wall 55 to the circumferential direction. Each first guide wall 65 has a linear portion 65a which extends linearly, and a bent portion 65b which extends so as to bend from the long side direction one end of the linear portion 65a via a circular arc portion. The linear portion 65a of the first guide wall 65 is provided so as to stand up from the edge portion of the inner side surface 60b on the inner diameter side of the groove 60, and becomes a portion which extends in parallel to each other with respect to the portion which extends linearly of the partition wall 55 (linear portion 55a) (refer to Fig. 6). Figure 13

[0116] ​​​​​​Further, on the inner side of the inner side surface 60b of the inner diameter side of the groove 60 and the inner side of the circumferential central portion 61c of the lid side first valve chamber forming wall 61, a second guide wall 66 is provided. Further, on the inner side of the inner side surface 60b of the inner diameter side of the groove 60 and the circumferential both end portions 61b, 61b of the lid side first valve chamber forming wall 61, a third guide portion 68 is provided on the circumferential central portion 61c side of the cylindrical portion 63. When the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is inserted into the groove 60 of the lower lid 50A, the guide walls 65, 66, 68 abut against the inner periphery of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 which is elastically deformed radially inward of the first valve chamber V1, and guide the same.

[0117] (EFFECTS)

[0118] Next, the effects of the valve device 10A configured by the above-described configuration will be described.

[0119] That is, after the float valves 80, 90 and the urging springs S1, S2 are housed in the valve chambers V1, V2 of the housing main body 20A, and the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 of the housing main body 20A is inserted into the groove 60 of the lower lid 50A, as shown by the arrow of (a) of FIG. 10, the lower lid 50A is pressed into the housing main body 20A. Figure 15

[0120] Thus, the outer periphery of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is pressed against the inner periphery of the lid side first valve chamber forming wall 61, and is elastically deformed radially inward of the first valve chamber V1, the outer periphery of the linear portion 38c of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is guided by the inner periphery of the partition wall 55, and the inner periphery of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is guided by the plurality of guide walls 65, 66, 68, and at the same time, the lower lid 50A is pressed in, as shown in (b) of FIG. 10, the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is pressed into the groove 60. Further, in a state in which the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is pressed into the groove 60, the elastically deformed first valve chamber forming wall 31 elastically returns toward the radial outer side of the first valve chamber V1 (refer to the arrow of (b) of FIG. 10), and thus the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is strongly pressed against the inner side surface 60a of the outer diameter side of the groove 60. That is, as shown in (c) of FIG. 10, the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is pressed against the inner side surface 60a of the outer diameter side of the groove 60. Figure 15 Figure 15 Figure 15 ​​​The outer peripheral portion of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is press-fitted so as to overlap (in a lap manner) the inner side surface 60a on the outer diameter side of the groove 60, as indicated by the double-dot chain line of b. Note that the inner peripheral portion of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 abuts against the inner side surface 60b on the inner diameter side of the groove 60, thereby suppressing deformation thereof. In this way, the outer peripheral portion of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is press-fitted against the inner side surface 60a on the outer diameter side of the groove 60, and the inner peripheral portion abuts against the inner side surface 60b on the inner diameter side of the groove 60.

[0121] After that, each of the first engagement claws 21a of the case main body 20A is engaged in each of the corresponding engagement holes 51a of the lower cover 50A, and thus the lower cover 50A can be assembled below the case main body 20A.

[0122] Then, in this valve device 10A, the groove 60 into which the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 enters but into which the lower end portion 39 of the second valve chamber forming wall 32 does not enter is formed in the bottom portion 53 of the lower cover 50A, and thus when the lower cover 50A is attached below the case main body 20A, the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 needs to be aligned with the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A, and thus erroneous assembly of the lower cover 50A below the case main body 20A can be reliably prevented.

[0123] Further, in the present embodiment, the groove 60 is formed in the entire periphery of the bottom portion 53 of the lower cover 50A on the first valve chamber V1 side, and the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is configured so as to be press-fitted into the groove 60. Figure 16 ) of the groove 60.

[0124] According to the above-described arrangement, the sealability of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 and the inner periphery (particularly, the inner side surface 60a on the outer diameter side) of the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A can be improved. As a result, when fuel is supplied and the liquid level in the fuel tank reaches the vicinity of the set full tank level, the first float valve 80 rising in the first valve chamber V1 reliably closes the first opening portion 23, and thus full tank limitation is sufficiently performed, and overfilling can be prevented. Note that in the case of low sealability described above, when fuel is supplied, air or fuel vapor or the like can leak from between the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 and the groove 60, and the pressure in the first valve chamber V1 is difficult to rise, and as a result, there is a possibility that the first float valve 80 does not close the first opening portion 23 even if the liquid level of the fuel reaches the vicinity of the set full tank level. Further, the entire portion of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is press-fitted into the entire periphery of the groove 60 (see Figure 16 ), and the entire groove 60 is covered by the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31, and thus leakage of fuel or air from the inner side of the groove 60 can be effectively prevented.

[0125] Further, in the present embodiment, the first valve chamber V1 side cover peripheral wall (cover side first valve chamber forming wall 61) and the partition wall 55 are provided upright from the edge portion of the inner side surface 60a of the outer diameter side of the groove 60. Further, when the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is inserted into the groove 60, the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is pressed by the inner periphery of the first valve chamber side cover peripheral wall, the outer periphery thereof is pressed against the inner side surface 60a of the outer diameter side of the groove 60, and the outer periphery of the linear portion 38c of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 which is adapted to the partition wall 55 is configured in a manner guided by the outer periphery of the partition wall 55.

[0126] According to the above-described arrangement, in order to attach the lower cover 50A to the lower side of the case main body 20A, when the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is inserted into the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A, the outer periphery of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is pressed by the inner periphery of the cover side first valve chamber forming wall 61, and is pressed into the groove 60 in a state of being flexibly deformed toward the inner side, and thus the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 which is elastically returned is pressed against the inner side surface 60a of the outer diameter side of the groove 60 (see (b) of FIG. 12). As a result, the sealability of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 and the inner periphery of the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A can be further improved, and the full tank limitation can be further reliably performed. Further, the outer periphery of the linear portion 38c of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 which is adapted to the partition wall 55 is guided by the outer periphery of the partition wall 55, and thus the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 can be easily inserted into the groove 60. Figure 15

[0127] Further, in the present embodiment, the guide walls 65, 66, 68 which are provided upright from the edge portion of the inner side surface 60b of the inner diameter side of the groove 60 and extend along the groove 60 are provided on at least a portion of the circumferential direction of the groove 60.

[0128] According to the above-described arrangement, in order to attach the lower cover 50A to the lower side of the case main body 20A, when the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is inserted into the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A, the inner periphery of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is guided by the guide walls 65, 66, 68 while being inserted, and thus the insertability of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 with respect to the groove 60 can be improved. Further, in a state where the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is inserted into the groove 60, when the lower cover 50A is immersed in fuel, even if the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is elastically deformed due to swelling of the fuel, the deformation thereof can be suppressed by the guide walls 65, 66, 68.

[0129] ​Further, in the present embodiment, the lower cover 50A has a partition wall 55 that divides the inner side space of the case main body 20A into the first valve chamber V1 and the second valve chamber V2, the partition wall 55 has a portion (straight portion 55a) that extends straight, and the guide wall 65 has a portion (straight portion 65a) that is provided standing from the edge of the inner side surface 60b of the inner diameter side of the groove 60 and extends in parallel with the straight portion 55a of the partition wall 55 (see Figure 13 ).

[0130] In order to attach the lower cover 50A to the lower side of the case main body 20A, when the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is inserted into the groove 60 of the lower cover 50A, the portion 38c that extends straight of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 (see Figure 11 ) is easily deformed in the inward direction. However, in this configuration, the guide wall 65 has the portion (straight portion 65a) that is provided standing from the edge of the inner side surface 60b of the inner diameter side of the groove 60 and extends in parallel with the straight portion 55a of the partition wall 55, and thus, as described above, even if the portion 38c that extends straight of the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 is deformed in the inward direction, it is blocked by the straight portion 65a of the guide wall 65, and thus, the deformation thereof can be suppressed. As a result, the lower end portion 38 of the first valve chamber forming wall 31 can be easily inserted into the groove 60.

[0131] Note that the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modified embodiments can be realized within the scope of the gist of the present application, and such embodiments are also included in the scope of the present application.

[0132] Explanation of Reference Numerals:

[0133] 10, 10A: fuel tank valve device (valve device); 15, 15A: case; 20, 20A: case main body; 21: case main body peripheral wall; 22: partition wall; 23: first opening portion; 24: second opening portion; 30: partition wall; 31: first valve chamber forming wall; 31a: concentric circular portion; 31b: bulging portion; 31c: vent hole; 32: second valve chamber forming wall; 34: outer side circular arc wall; 35: inner side circular arc wall; 37: main flow path forming wall; 41: main flow path; 45: extending wall; 46: upper side space; 47: vent hole; 50, 50A: lower cover; 51: cover peripheral wall; 60: groove; 61: first valve chamber forming wall; 64: outer side circular arc wall; 65, 66, 68: guide wall; 67: main flow path forming wall; 70: upper cover; 71: cover peripheral wall; 80: first float valve; 90: second float valve; R: vent chamber; S1: first urging spring; S2: second urging spring; V1: first valve chamber; V2: second valve chamber.

Claims

1. A valve device for a fuel tank, characterized by comprising: having: a housing having a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber which communicate with the inside of a fuel tank below a partition wall, and a breather chamber which communicates with the outside of the fuel tank above the partition wall, the partition wall having a first opening portion which communicates the first valve chamber with the breather chamber, and a second opening portion which communicates the second valve chamber with the breather chamber; a first float valve which is housed in the first valve chamber so as to be able to rise and fall, and which closes the first opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank reaches a vicinity of a set full tank level; and a second float valve which is housed in the second valve chamber so as to be able to rise and fall, and which closes the second opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank rises to a prescribed height or more, the housing having a housing main body, and a lower cover attached to the lower side of the housing main body, the housing main body having a housing main body peripheral wall which is open on the lower side, the housing main body peripheral wall having a first valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the first valve chamber, and a second valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the second valve chamber in a different profile shape from the first valve chamber forming wall when viewed from the direction of the valve shaft, the lower cover having a cover peripheral wall which is shaped so as to fit the shape of the housing main body peripheral wall, the second valve chamber forming wall having an outer side arcuate wall which is located on the inner side of the circumscribed circle of the first valve chamber forming wall when viewed from the direction of the valve shaft, the circumscribed circle of the outer side arcuate wall being smaller than the circumscribed circle of the first valve chamber forming wall.

2. The fuel tank valve device according to claim 1, wherein the housing further has an upper cover which is attached to the upper side of the housing main body, the upper cover having a cover peripheral wall which is circular when viewed from the direction of the valve shaft, the first valve chamber forming wall has a concentric circle shaped portion which is disposed concentrically with respect to the cover peripheral wall, a fulcrum is provided on the lower cover which guides the rising and falling action of the first float valve, the concentric circle shaped portion is semicircular.

3. A valve device for a fuel tank, characterized by having: a housing having a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber which communicate with the inside of a fuel tank below a partition wall, and a breather chamber which communicates with the outside of the fuel tank above the partition wall, the partition wall having a first opening portion which communicates the first valve chamber with the breather chamber, and a second opening portion which communicates the second valve chamber with the breather chamber; a first float valve which is housed in the first valve chamber so as to be able to rise and fall, and which closes the first opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank reaches a vicinity of a set full tank level; and a second float valve which is housed in the second valve chamber so as to be able to rise and fall, and which closes the second opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank rises to a prescribed height or more, the housing having a housing main body, and a lower cover attached to the lower side of the housing main body, the housing main body having a housing main body peripheral wall which is open on the lower side, the housing main body peripheral wall having a first valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the first valve chamber, and a second valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the second valve chamber in a different profile shape from the first valve chamber forming wall when viewed from the direction of the valve shaft, the lower cover having a cover peripheral wall which is shaped so as to fit the shape of the housing main body peripheral wall, the second valve chamber forming wall having an outer side arcuate wall which is located on the inner side of the circumscribed circle of the first valve chamber forming wall when viewed from the direction of the valve shaft, the circumscribed circle of the outer side arcuate wall being smaller than the circumscribed circle of the first valve chamber forming wall. The housing body has a partition wall that divides an inner space of the housing body into the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber, The second valve chamber forming wall has an outer side circular arc shaped wall disposed at a position away from the partition wall, An inner side circular arc shaped wall is disposed inside the second valve chamber along a circumscribed circle of the outer side circular arc shaped wall, The second float valve is disposed between the outer side circular arc shaped wall and the inner side circular arc shaped wall, A main flow path forming wall that extends from a peripheral end portion of the outer side circular arc shaped wall toward an outer diameter direction of the second float valve and is joined to the partition wall is provided, A main flow path is formed between the main flow path forming wall and the inner side circular arc shaped wall, A gap that communicates with the main flow path is formed between an end portion of the inner side circular arc shaped wall that is adjacent to the outer side circular arc shaped wall and the peripheral end portion of the outer side circular arc shaped wall.

4. A valve device for a fuel tank, characterized by comprising: Having: a housing having a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber that communicate with the inside of a fuel tank and a vent chamber that communicates with the outside of the fuel tank, the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber being provided on the lower side of the housing with a partition wall, the vent chamber being provided on the upper side of the housing, the partition wall having a first opening portion that communicates the first valve chamber with the vent chamber and a second opening portion that communicates the second valve chamber with the vent chamber; a first float valve that is housed in the first valve chamber so as to be able to move up and down, the first float valve closing the first opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank reaches a set full tank level; a second float valve that is housed in the second valve chamber so as to be able to move up and down, the second float valve closing the second opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank rises to a predetermined height or more, The housing has a housing body and a lower cover attached to the lower side of the housing body, The housing body has a housing body peripheral wall that is open on the lower side, The housing body peripheral wall has a first valve chamber forming wall that forms the outer periphery of the first valve chamber and a second valve chamber forming wall that forms the outer periphery of the second valve chamber in a different profile shape from the first valve chamber forming wall when viewed from the valve shaft direction, The lower cover has a cover peripheral wall that is shaped to fit the housing body peripheral wall, The housing further has an upper cover attached to the upper side of the housing body, The housing body has a partition wall that divides an inner space of the housing body into the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber, The first valve chamber forming wall has a bulging portion that is shaped to bulge with respect to the joint portion of the second valve chamber forming wall and the partition wall when viewed from the valve shaft direction, A vent hole that communicates with the second valve chamber is formed at a position above the second valve chamber forming wall and adjacent to the bulging portion, A cover wall that extends toward the lower side and is disposed outside the vent hole is provided on the upper cover.

5. The fuel tank valve device according to claim 4, wherein The second valve chamber forming wall has an outer side circular arc shaped wall disposed at a position away from the partition wall, An inner side circular arc shaped wall is disposed inside the second valve chamber along a circumscribed circle of the outer side circular arc shaped wall, The second float valve is disposed between the outer side circular arc shaped wall and the inner side circular arc shaped wall, A main flow path forming wall extending from a circumferential end portion of the outer side arc-shaped wall toward the outer diameter direction of the second float valve and connected to the partition wall, A main flow path is formed between the main flow path forming wall and the inner side arc-shaped wall, An upper space surrounded by the main flow path forming wall, the partition wall, and an extension wall extending from the inner side arc-shaped wall toward the main flow path forming wall is formed above the main flow path, The vent hole is formed in the main flow path forming wall in a manner that communicates with the upper space.

6. A valve device for a fuel tank, characterized by Having: A housing provided with a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber which communicate with the inside of a fuel tank below a partition wall, and a vent chamber which communicates with the outside of the fuel tank above the partition wall, a first opening portion which communicates the first valve chamber and the vent chamber, and a second opening portion which communicates the second valve chamber and the vent chamber are provided in the partition wall; A first float valve which is housed in the first valve chamber in a manner that can be raised and lowered, and which closes the first opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank reaches a set full tank liquid level vicinity; and A second float valve which is housed in the second valve chamber in a manner that can be raised and lowered, and which closes the second opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank rises to a prescribed height or more, The housing has a housing main body and a lower cover attached to the lower side of the housing main body, The housing main body has a housing main body peripheral wall which is open at the lower side, The housing main body peripheral wall has a first valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the first valve chamber, and a second valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the second valve chamber, The lower cover has a cover peripheral wall which is shaped to fit the housing main body peripheral wall, and a groove is formed in the bottom portion thereof into which the lower end portion of the first valve chamber forming wall enters but into which the lower end portion of the second valve chamber forming wall does not enter, The groove is formed in the entire periphery of the bottom portion of the first valve chamber side of the lower cover, The lower end portion of the first valve chamber forming wall is pressed into the groove, The fuel tank valve device is configured such that, in a state in which the lower end portion of the first valve chamber forming wall is pressed into the groove, the first valve chamber forming wall which has been elastically deformed by being bent is elastically returned toward the radial direction outside of the first valve chamber, the lower end portion of the first valve chamber forming wall is pressed against the inner side surface of the outer diameter side of the groove, and the inner peripheral portion of the first valve chamber forming wall abuts against the inner side surface of the inner diameter side of the groove, thereby suppressing deformation of the lower end portion.

7. The fuel tank valve device according to claim 6, wherein The lower cover has a partition wall which divides the inner side space of the lower cover into the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber, The cover peripheral wall of the first valve chamber side and the partition wall are provided standing up from the edge portion of the inner side surface of the outer diameter side of the groove.

8. The fuel tank valve device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein A guide wall which is provided standing up from the edge portion of the inner side surface of the inner diameter side of the groove and extends along the groove is provided in at least a portion of the circumference of the groove.

9. A valve device for a fuel tank, characterized by Having: A housing has a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber which communicate with the inside of a fuel tank, a vent chamber which communicates with the outside of the fuel tank, and a first opening portion which connects the first valve chamber and the vent chamber and a second opening portion which connects the second valve chamber and the vent chamber are provided in a partition wall; A first float valve is housed in the first valve chamber so as to be able to ascend and descend, and closes the first opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank reaches a set level near the full tank level; A second float valve is housed in the second valve chamber so as to be able to ascend and descend, and closes the second opening portion when the liquid level in the fuel tank rises to a predetermined height or more, The housing has a housing main body and a lower cover which is attached to the lower side of the housing main body, The housing main body has a housing main body peripheral wall which is open at the lower side, The housing main body peripheral wall has a first valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the first valve chamber and a second valve chamber forming wall which forms the outer periphery of the second valve chamber, The lower cover has a cover peripheral wall which is shaped to fit the housing main body peripheral wall, and a groove is formed in the bottom portion thereof so that the lower end portion of the first valve chamber forming wall enters but the lower end portion of the second valve chamber forming wall does not enter, A guide wall which is provided so as to rise from the edge portion of the inner side surface of the inner diameter side of the groove and extend along the groove is provided in at least a portion of the circumferential direction of the groove, The lower cover has a partition wall which divides the inner side space of the housing main body into the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber, and the partition wall has a portion which extends in a straight line shape, The guide wall has a portion which is provided so as to rise from the edge portion of the inner side surface of the inner diameter side of the groove and extend in parallel with the portion of the partition wall which extends in a straight line shape.

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