Valve device

Abstract

Provided is a valve device that suppresses the impact sound when a float valve descends and that does not easily lift the float valve. The valve device (10) has a housing (15) having a peripheral wall (55), a bottom wall (53), and a partition wall (21), and a float valve (80, 85) housed in the valve chamber in a manner that is capable of ascending and descending, which opens and closes an opening portion, a slit (60) that extends continuously on the peripheral wall (55) and the bottom wall (53), an elastic piece (66) that is capable of flexibly deforming formed via the slit (60), and a free end portion of the elastic piece (66) on the bottom wall (53) side, on which a float valve support portion that supports the float valve (85) is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to valve devices, and in particular, to a valve device having a float valve that is fitted into a fuel tank of an automobile or the like. Background Technology

[0002] For example, fuel tanks in automobiles and other vehicles are equipped with: valve devices (shut-off valves) to prevent fuel from leaking out of the fuel tank when the vehicle turns or tilts, and valve devices (overfueling prevention valves) to prevent excessive fuel supply to the fuel tank so that the fuel level in the tank rises above the preset full level.

[0003] Such valve devices typically consist of a housing and a float valve. The housing has a vent chamber at the top and a valve chamber at the bottom, formed by a partition wall with vent holes. The float valve is positioned within the valve chamber in a vertically movable manner. Furthermore, when the float valve descends from its raised position, it abuts against the bottom surface of the housing, thus producing an impact sound. To suppress this impact sound, the valve device includes an elastic plate on the bottom surface of the housing that abuts against the float valve during its descent.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a valve device for a fuel tank, which includes a housing and a float. The housing has a vent valve port communicating with the outside of the tank and a fuel inlet. The float is vertically disposed within the housing. On the surface of the housing opposite the bottom of the float, an elastic sheet is formed by a first arc-shaped slot and a second arc-shaped slot. A portion of the elastic sheet abuts against the bottom of the float.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6113146 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] Furthermore, when fuel is supplied to the fuel tank, fluids such as air and fuel vapor inside the fuel tank are blown up and flow into the valve chamber. Therefore, this fluid may sometimes push the float valve up from the bottom side, causing the float valve to float.

[0010] In the fuel tank device of Patent Document 1, a first arc-shaped slot and a second arc-shaped slot are formed on the surface of the outer shell opposite the bottom of the float body, and the opening area is relatively large. Therefore, the following disadvantage exists: when fuel is supplied, fluids such as air can easily pass through the first arc-shaped slot and the second arc-shaped slot, and the float body can easily float.

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a valve device that can suppress the impact sound when the float valve descends and prevent the float valve from floating up.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the valve device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a housing having a peripheral wall, a bottom wall, and a partition wall, wherein a valve chamber communicating with the inside of a fuel tank is provided below the partition wall, and a vent chamber communicating with the outside of the fuel tank is provided above the partition wall, and an opening communicating between the valve chamber and the vent chamber is formed in the partition wall; and a float valve being housed in the valve chamber in a vertically movable manner, capable of opening and closing the opening, wherein a slit extends continuously on the peripheral wall and the bottom wall, and an elastic sheet capable of flexure and deformation is formed through the slit, wherein the bottom wall side of the elastic sheet forms a free end, and a float valve support portion supporting the float valve is provided at the free end.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to the present invention, the slits forming the elastic sheet extend continuously on the peripheral wall and the bottom wall, so even if the slit on the bottom wall side is shortened, the elastic sheet can be formed to be long by lengthening the slit on the peripheral wall side. Therefore, the elastic sheet can be easily flexed and deformed, thereby improving the impact noise suppression effect achieved by the float valve support when the float valve descends.

[0016] Furthermore, even if the elastic sheet is made long, the slit on the bottom wall side can be shortened, thus reducing the opening area of ​​the slit on the bottom wall side. Therefore, fluid blowing from the bottom wall side of the housing and pushing the float valve from the bottom surface side is less likely to pass through the slit on the bottom wall side, thus making the float valve less likely to float. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of the valve device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the valve device.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the valve assembly.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The sectional view at the A-A arrow.

[0021] Figure 5 It constitutes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of the lower cover of the valve device housing.

[0022] Figure 6 From and Figure 5 Observing from different directions Figure 5 An enlarged 3D view of the lower cover.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Top view of the lower cover.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A bottom view of the lower cover.

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 The sectional view at the B-B arrow.

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 Enlarged sectional view of the main part.

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view at the D-D arrow. Detailed Implementation

[0028] (One embodiment of the valve device)

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the valve device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following description, "fuel" refers to liquid fuel (including fuel droplets), and "fuel vapor" refers to evaporated fuel. Furthermore, the valve device 10 in this embodiment is a valve device for a fuel tank installed in the fuel tank of a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the valve device 10 of this embodiment mainly comprises the following components: a housing 15, separated by a partition wall 21 having a first opening 26 and a second opening 27, with a first valve chamber V1 and a second valve chamber V2 communicating with the inside of the fuel tank at the bottom, and a vent chamber R communicating with the outside of the fuel tank at the top; a first float valve 80, housed in the first valve chamber V1 in a liftable manner, which closes the first opening 26 when the liquid level in the fuel tank reaches near a set full tank level; a second float valve 85, housed in the second valve chamber V2 in a liftable manner, which closes the second opening 27 when the liquid level in the fuel tank rises above a predetermined height; a first force-applying spring S1, which applies force to the first float valve 80; and a second force-applying spring S2, which applies force to the second float valve 85. It should be noted that the second float valve 85 constitutes the "float valve" in this invention.

[0031] Furthermore, the housing 15 of this embodiment includes: a housing body 20; a lower cover 40 attached to the lower part of the housing body 20; and an upper cover 70 attached to the upper part of the housing body 20.

[0032] First, refer to Figures 1-4The housing body 20 will now be described. This housing body 20 is generally cylindrical, having a partition wall 21 at the top and an opening at the bottom. Furthermore, the housing body 20 has a peripheral wall 22 and a partition wall 23 (see reference) that divides the inner space of the housing body 20 into a first valve chamber V1 and a second valve chamber V2. Figure 4 It should be noted that the peripheral wall refers to the axial direction along the shell 15 (meaning along the direction shown in the image). Figure 4 The wall extending along the direction of the axis C of the housing 15 shown or along the lifting direction of the float valves 80 and 85. The aforementioned partition wall 21 is disposed above the peripheral wall 22. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 22 has: a first valve chamber forming wall 24 forming the outer periphery of the first valve chamber V1; and a second valve chamber forming wall 25 forming the outer periphery of the second valve chamber V2 with a different profile shape than the first valve chamber forming wall 24 (see reference). Figure 2 In this embodiment, the first valve chamber forming wall 24 is generally semi-circular in shape, while the second valve chamber forming wall 25 extends from both ends of the semi-circular portion of the first valve chamber forming wall 24 via a stepped portion 24a (see reference). Figure 2 ( ) The irregular profile shape with a reduced diameter.

[0033] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of first locking claws 22a are protruding below the peripheral wall 22, and a plurality of second locking claws 22b are protruding above it.

[0034] An opening is formed in the partition wall 21 to connect the valve chamber and the vent chamber R. In this embodiment, a circular first opening 26 is formed at a predetermined location in the partition wall 21, through which the first valve chamber V1 and the vent chamber R communicate (see reference). Figure 4 In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, a second opening 27 with a diameter smaller than the first opening 26 is formed in the partition wall 21, and the second valve chamber V2 and the ventilation chamber R are connected through the second opening 27.

[0035] Furthermore, a flange 28 protrudes from the upper outer periphery of the peripheral wall 22. An annular groove 28a is formed on the inner side of the flange 28, and an annular sealing ring 28b is fitted into the annular groove 28a.

[0036] Furthermore, a cylindrical wall 29 with an upper opening is provided protruding from the surface of the partition wall 21 and from the periphery of the second opening 27. A cover 30 is fitted to the upper opening of this cylindrical wall 29. Figure 4 As shown, a pressure regulating valve 31 is housed inside these components in a liftable manner, which can adjust the pressure inside the fuel tank.

[0037] like Figure 9As shown, the second valve chamber forming wall 25 has protruding wall portions 32, 32 that protrude along the outer diameter direction of the second float valve 85 at positions adjacent to both ends of the semicircular portion of the first valve chamber forming wall 24. An inner wall portion 33, which appears approximately L-shaped when viewed in axial section, is formed on the inner side of each protruding wall portion 32. Flow paths 34 for fluids such as gas (fuel vapor, air) and liquid are provided on the inner sides of these wall portions 32, 33. Furthermore, a through-hole 32a communicating with the flow path 34 is formed at a predetermined location on the protruding wall portion 32.

[0038] Next, refer to Figures 5-8 The lower cover 40, which is attached to the lower part of the housing body 20, will be described.

[0039] The lower cover 40 is a bottomed cover with an opening at the top and a bottom at the bottom. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the lower cover 40 has a peripheral wall 41 that is shaped to fit the peripheral wall 22 of the housing body 20. This peripheral wall 41 has a similar shape to the peripheral wall 22 of the housing body 20, being slightly larger than its outer periphery. Figure 2 As shown, the peripheral wall 41 is disposed on the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 22 of the housing body 20. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 41 has: a first peripheral wall 43 forming the outer periphery of the first valve chamber V1; and a second peripheral wall 44 forming the outer periphery of the second valve chamber V2 with a different profile shape than the first peripheral wall 43. Figure 7 As shown, the first peripheral wall 43 is generally semi-circular in shape, while the second peripheral wall 44 has an irregular profile shape that narrows from both ends of the semi-circular portion of the first peripheral wall 43 via the stepped portion 43a.

[0040] Furthermore, the bottom portion located below the peripheral wall 41 includes: a first bottom wall 47 positioned opposite the bottom surface of the first float valve 80; and a second bottom wall 53 positioned opposite the bottom surface 85a of the second float valve 85. It should be noted that the bottom wall refers to the wall opposite the bottom surface of the float valve. Additionally, a pair of canopy-like walls 57, 57 (described later) extend from both sides of the second bottom wall 53. Furthermore, a partition wall 46 is erected between the first bottom wall 47, the second bottom wall 53, and the pair of canopy-like walls 57, 57, dividing the internal space of the lower cover 40 into a first valve chamber V1 and a second valve chamber V2. This partition wall 46 overlaps with the lower end of the partition wall 23 of the housing body 20 when it is attached to the lower part of the housing body 20 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0041] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a pair of notches 43b are formed on the outer periphery of the first peripheral wall 43, and a notch 55a is also formed on the second peripheral wall 44. Furthermore, as... Figure 2As shown, by engaging the corresponding first locking claws 22a of the housing body 20 with the notches 43b and 55a of the lower cover 40, the lower cover 40 is mounted below the housing body 20. As a result, a first valve chamber V1 and a second valve chamber V2 (not shown) communicating with a fuel tank (not shown) are formed below the housing via the partition wall 21. Figure 4 It should be noted that the first valve chamber V1 and the second valve chamber V2 are spaces that are divided and independent of each other by the partition wall 23 of the housing body 20 and the partition wall 46 of the lower cover 40, and the two valve chambers V1 and V2 are not connected to each other.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, a large-diameter cylindrical portion 50 and a pair of smaller-diameter cylindrical portions 51 are vertically disposed on both sides of the cylindrical portion 50, extending vertically from the lower surface of the first bottom wall 47. The cylindrical portion 50 is approximately square-shaped, and the cylindrical portions 51 are approximately triangular-shaped; both are open at the bottom. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, cylindrical portions 52 are vertically arranged from the upper surface of the first bottom wall 47 and from a position aligned with the pair of cylindrical portions 51, 52. The fuel tank and the first valve chamber V1 communicate via these cylindrical portions 50, 51, 52.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of slits 48a are formed on the inner periphery of the first peripheral wall 43 of the first bottom wall 47, and a plurality of flexible elastic pieces 48 are provided through the slits 48a. It should be noted that a protruding float valve support portion 48b for supporting the first float valve 80 is provided on the upper surface of the free end of each elastic piece 48.

[0044] Moreover, such as Figure 5 As shown, a cross-shaped support shaft 49 is vertically installed at a predetermined height from the center of the upper surface of the first bottom wall 47. Figure 4 As shown, the support shaft 49 is inserted into the cylindrical part 81a of the first float valve 80 to guide the lifting and lowering action of the first float valve 80.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, the second bottom wall 53 is positioned lower than the first bottom wall 47 and is in the form of a roughly circular plate, partly cut into a straight line. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the portion of the second bottom wall 53 adjacent to the partition wall 46 is provided with a straight section 53a that is cut into a straight line.

[0046] Furthermore, an outer peripheral wall 55 is erected from the periphery of the second bottom wall 53 opposite to the straight portion 53a (see reference). Figure 5 and Figure 6The aforementioned notch 55a, which is cut into a slit shape and extends circumferentially, is formed above the outer peripheral wall 55. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, a pair of stepped peripheral walls 56, 56 are erected at a height lower than the outer peripheral wall 55 on both circumferential edges of the second bottom wall 53 (between the straight portion 53a and the outer peripheral wall 55). These peripheral walls 55, 56 are erected vertically relative to the second bottom wall 53. It should be noted that the aforementioned outer peripheral wall 55 constitutes one of the "peripheral walls" of this invention.

[0047] Furthermore, the lower cover 40 constituting the housing 15 also has a canopy-like wall 57 extending outward from the step relative to the second bottom wall 53 on the outer side of the step-forming peripheral wall 56. That is, as Figure 5 As shown, extending from the upper end of the raised section of the perimeter wall 56 formed by each step, a canopy-shaped wall 57 extends radially outward relative to the second bottom wall 53 in a canopy-like manner, as... Figure 11 As shown, a step is formed between the second bottom wall 53 and the canopy-like wall 57 to form a peripheral wall 56. The aforementioned step-forming peripheral wall 56 constitutes one of the "peripheral walls" in this invention. It should be noted that the canopy-like wall 57 extends parallel to the second bottom wall 53 and is orthogonal to the step-forming peripheral wall 56.

[0048] Furthermore, protruding peripheral walls 58, shaped to fit the protruding wall portions 32 of the housing body 20, are erected from the outer periphery of each canopy wall 57. Moreover, a circular spring seat 59 protrudes from the upper surface of the second bottom wall 53 (opposite to the second float valve 85) and from the radial center of that upper surface. This spring seat 59 supports the lower end of the second force-applying spring S2.

[0049] Furthermore, in this valve device 10, the slit extends continuously on the peripheral wall and the bottom wall, through which an elastic sheet capable of bending and deformation is formed. For example... Figures 5-7 As shown, in this embodiment, two types of elastic sheets 66 and 67 are formed by two types of slits 60 and 61. For example... Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, these slits 60, 61 are configured to be evenly spaced in the circumferential direction relative to the radial center C′ of the lower cover 40.

[0050] First, the slit 60 and the elastic sheet 66 formed through the slit 60 will be described.

[0051] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the slit 60 extends continuously on the outer peripheral wall 55 and the second bottom wall 53. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 , Figure 8As shown, the slit 60 is disposed at the circumferential center of the outer peripheral wall 55 and at the corresponding position of the second bottom wall 53. Furthermore, the slit 60 is composed of a pair of first slits 62, 62 and a second slit 63, wherein the pair of first slits 62, 62 extend axially along the lower cover 40 constituting the housing 15 on the outer peripheral wall 55 side and extends radially along the lower cover 40 on the second bottom wall 53 side, and the second slit 63 connects the ends of the pair of first slits 62, 62 to each other.

[0052] More specifically, regarding the pair of first slits 62, on the outer peripheral wall 55, the base end is positioned near the notch 55a formed on the outer peripheral wall 55. The pair of first slits 62 extend axially from this base end toward the second bottom wall 53, and on the second bottom wall 53, from its protruding tip (lower end) toward the radially inward side (towards) the lower cover 40. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The radial center C′ of the lower cover 40 shown extends in a parallel manner.

[0053] Furthermore, the slit portions (also referred to as groove portions or slit portions, as will be described below) on the outer peripheral wall 55 side of each of the first slits 62 are orthogonal to the slit portions on the second bottom wall 53 side, resulting in the first slits 62 being approximately L-shaped (see reference). Figure 5 and Figure 6 Furthermore, the second slit 63 is orthogonal to the first slit 62, connecting the protruding tips of the pair of first slits 62, 62 to each other. It should be noted that, regarding the slit 60 described above, the slit portion on the second bottom wall 53 side extends through the thickness direction of the second bottom wall 53, and the slit portion on the outer peripheral wall 55 side extends radially through the outer peripheral wall 55, thereby enabling communication between the second valve chamber V2 inside the lower cover 40 and the outside of the lower cover 40.

[0054] Moreover, such as Figure 6 As shown, the end of the slit located on the peripheral wall side (the base end of the second slit 62) and the notch 55a for mounting are arranged along the valve axis. It should be noted that "valve axis" in this invention refers to the axis of the float valves 80 and 85 (the direction along the axis of the float valves 80 and 85) (the same applies to the following description).

[0055] Regarding the elastic sheet 66 formed via the aforementioned slit 60, its end portion (base end portion) on the outer peripheral wall 55 side constitutes a fixed end portion connected to the outer peripheral wall 55, and its end portion (top end portion) on the second bottom wall 53 side constitutes a free end portion; the elastic sheet 66 is so-called cantilever beam shaped. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the elastic sheet 66 has: a peripheral wall-side protrusion 66a extending on the outer peripheral wall 55 side; a bottom wall-side protrusion 66b extending on the second bottom wall 53 side; and a bending portion 66c disposed between the peripheral wall-side protrusion 66a and the bottom wall-side protrusion 66b. It should be noted that the bending portion 66c has an R-shaped form with slightly rounded corners.

[0056] Simultaneously refer to Figure 10 The peripheral wall protrusion 66a extends axially along the lower cover 40, and the bottom wall protrusion 66b extends orthogonally to the axial direction of the lower cover 40 (extending horizontally along the surface direction of the second bottom wall 53), with the two protrusions 66a and 66b being orthogonal to each other. As a result, the elastic sheet 66 is approximately L-shaped (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0057] Next, the slit 61 and the elastic sheet 67 formed through the slit 61 will be described.

[0058] The slit 61 extends continuously on the canopy-like wall 57, the stepped peripheral wall 56, and the second bottom wall 53. For example... Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, a pair of slits 61, 61 are arranged on both sides of the second bottom wall 53 and at positions corresponding to a pair of canopy walls 57, 57.

[0059] Each slit 61 is composed of a pair of first slits 64, 64 and a second slit 65, wherein the pair of first slits 64, 64 extend along the radial direction of the lower cover 40 on the side of the canopy wall 57, and extend along the axial direction of the lower cover 40 on the side of the step forming peripheral wall 56, and further extend along the radial direction of the lower cover 40 on the side of the second bottom wall 53, and the second slit 65 connects the ends of the pair of first slits 64, 64 to each other.

[0060] More specifically, regarding a pair of first slits 64, the base end of the canopy wall 57 is located at a predetermined position on the canopy wall 57. The pair of first slits 64 extend from the base end toward the radially inner side of the lower cover 40 (towards the radial center C′ of the lower cover 40), and the step forming peripheral wall 56 extends axially from its protruding top end toward the second bottom wall 53, and then the second bottom wall 53 extends in a parallel manner toward the radially inner side of the lower cover 40 from its protruding top end (lower end).

[0061] Furthermore, the cut portions on the canopy-like wall 57 side of each of the first slits 64 are orthogonal to the cut portions on the step-forming peripheral wall 56 side, and the cut portions on the step-forming peripheral wall 56 side are also orthogonal to the cut portions on the second bottom wall 53 side. The result is that, Figure 6As shown, the first slit 64 is generally stepped. Furthermore, the second slit 65 is orthogonal to the first slit 64, connecting the protruding apexes of the pair of first slits 64, 64. It should be noted that, regarding the slit 61 described above, the slit portion on the second bottom wall 53 side and the slit portion on the canopy wall 57 side are continuous in the thickness direction of the second bottom wall 53 and the canopy wall 57, and the slit portion on the step-forming peripheral wall 56 side is continuous radially in the step-forming peripheral wall 56, thereby enabling communication between the second valve chamber V2 inside the lower cover 40 and the outside of the lower cover 40.

[0062] Regarding the elastic sheet 67 formed via the aforementioned slit 61, its end portion (base end portion) on the canopy wall 57 side constitutes a fixed end portion connected to the canopy wall 57, and its end portion (top end portion) on the second bottom wall 53 side constitutes a free end portion; the elastic sheet 67 is so-called cantilever beam shaped. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the elastic sheet 67 has: a canopy-like wall side protrusion 67a extending on the canopy-like wall 57 side; a peripheral wall side protrusion 67b extending on the step-forming peripheral wall 56 side; a bottom wall side protrusion 67c extending on the second bottom wall 53 side; and bent portions 67d and 67d, respectively disposed between the canopy-like wall side protrusion 67a and the peripheral wall side protrusion 67b, and between the peripheral wall side protrusion 67b and the bottom wall side protrusion 67c. It should be noted that the bent portion 67d has an R-shaped form with slightly rounded corners.

[0063] Simultaneously refer to Figure 11 The canopy-like wall side protrusion 67a extends orthogonally to the axial direction of the lower cover 40 (extending horizontally along the surface direction of the canopy-like wall 57), the peripheral wall side protrusion 67b extends along the axial direction of the lower cover 40, and the bottom wall side protrusion 67c extends orthogonally to the axial direction of the lower cover 40 (extending horizontally along the surface direction of the second bottom wall 53). Protrusions 67a and 67c are orthogonal to protrusion 67b, respectively. As a result, the elastic sheet 67 is approximately stepped (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0064] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, when the housing 15 is viewed from the axial direction, a portion of the pair of slits 61, 61 and a portion of the pair of elastic sheets 67, 67 formed through these slits 61, 61 are arranged in a position aligned with a pair of flow paths 34, 34 provided on the housing body 20.

[0065] At the free ends of the aforementioned elastic plates 66 and 67, on the surfaces opposite to the float valves, float valve support portions 68 are respectively provided to support the float valves. Here, the protruding float valve support portions 68 are respectively as follows... Figure 10 The top end of the portion 66b extending from the bottom wall side of the elastic sheet 66 is shown, and as shown... Figure 11The upper surface of each of the top portions of the protruding portions 67c constituting the bottom wall side of the elastic sheet 67 (opposite to the bottom surface 85a of the second float valve 85) protrudes toward the second valve chamber V2 formed within the housing. Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the float valve support 68 is in elastic contact with the bottom surface 85a of the second float valve 85.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 The upper cover 70, which is attached to the upper part of the housing body 20, will be described.

[0067] The upper cover 70 is composed of a generally circular peripheral wall 71, a top wall 72 disposed above the peripheral wall 71, and a flange portion 73 extending outward from the lower side of the peripheral wall 71, and is generally hat-shaped. Figure 4 As shown, a fuel vapor outlet 74a is formed on the peripheral wall 71, and a fuel vapor outlet pipe 74 extends from the outer periphery of the fuel vapor outlet 74a along the outer diameter direction. A bent tube (not shown) is connected to the fuel vapor outlet pipe 74 for connection to a canister. It should be noted that the valve device 10 is integrally assembled into the fuel tank by welding the flange 73 of the upper cover 70 to the outer periphery of the mounting hole (not shown) of the fuel tank.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of locking tabs 75 are provided extending downward from a circumferentially defined portion of the flange portion 73. Each locking tab 75 has a locking hole 75a for locking by a second locking claw 22b provided on the housing body 20.

[0069] And, as Figure 2 As shown, by engaging the corresponding second locking claws 22b of the housing body 20 with the locking holes 75a of each locking piece 75 of the upper cover 70, as... Figure 4 As shown, with the sealing ring 28b, fitted into the annular groove 28a, abutting against the inner circumference of the peripheral wall 71 of the upper cover 70, the upper cover 70 is fitted above the housing body 20. As a result, a vent chamber R (refer to) communicating with the outside of the fuel tank is formed above the partition wall 21. Figure 4 ).

[0070] like Figure 4As shown, within the first valve chamber V1, the first float valve 80, which opens and closes the first opening 26, is arranged in a way that allows it to rise and fall, with a first force-applying spring S1 sandwiched between it and the lower cover 40. Similarly, within the second valve chamber V2, the second float valve 85, which opens and closes the second opening 27, is arranged in a way that allows it to rise and fall, with a second force-applying spring S2 sandwiched between it and the lower cover 40. Both float valves 80 and 85 rise due to their own buoyancy and the force applied by the force-applying springs S1 and S2 when fuel is impregnated, and descend due to their own weight when fuel is not impregnated.

[0071] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the first float valve 80 of this embodiment has: a float body 81 that generates buoyancy when impregnated with fuel and has a circular outer periphery; and a sealing member 82 that is mounted above the float body 81 and moves up and down relative to the float body 81 to contact / separate from the first opening 26.

[0072] Furthermore, a sealing valve body 83, made of elastic materials such as rubber or elastomers, is installed above the sealing member 82. A vent hole 83a, with openings at the top and bottom, is formed through the center of the sealing valve body 83 (see reference). Figure 4 The sealing valve body 83 contacts / separates from the back periphery of the first opening 26 to open / close the first opening 26, thereby enabling the first float valve 80 to function as a full tank limiting valve.

[0073] Furthermore, between the float body 81 and the sealing member 82, the intermediate valve body 84 is supported so that it can tilt (see reference). Figure 4 The intermediate valve body 84 normally abuts against the lower end of the sealing valve body 83 to seal the vent 83a (see reference). Figure 4 When the float body 81 descends relative to the sealing member 82, the vent 83a is opened.

[0074] Furthermore, a generally cylindrical cylindrical portion 81a is vertically disposed within the float body 81. The support shaft 49 of the lower cover 40 is inserted into this cylindrical portion 81a, thereby supporting the first float valve 80 to allow it to rise and fall (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0075] On the other hand, the second float valve 85 has: a float body 86 with a circular outer periphery; and a valve head 87, which protrudes from the upper center of the float body 86 and is approximately triangular pyramidal in shape with rounded corners at the upper end. The valve head 87 contacts / separates from the back periphery of the second opening 27 to open / close the second opening 27, thereby enabling the second float valve 85 to function as a fuel outflow prevention valve.

[0076] The shape and structure of the shell, the shell body constituting the shell, the lower cover, the upper cover, the float valve, etc., described above are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the shell may not necessarily consist of the three components of the shell body, the lower cover, and the upper cover. Moreover, while the first float valve 80 in this embodiment is composed of multiple components such as the float body 81 and the sealing member 82, the float valve may also have a sealing member made of elastic material attached to the top, and its shape and structure are not particularly limited as long as the opening can be opened and closed.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure has two valve chambers (first valve chamber V1 and second valve chamber V2), two openings (first opening 26 and second opening 27), and two float valves (first float valve 80 and second float valve 85). However, it can also be applied to valves with one valve chamber, one opening, and one float valve, or valves with three or more valve chambers, openings, and float valves.

[0078] Furthermore, the valve device 10 in this embodiment is configured to have two types of elastic plates 66 and 67 with different shapes, and the number of elastic plates 67 is greater than the number of elastic plates 66. However, it is also possible to provide only one or more elastic plates 66 or any one of elastic plates 67, or to arrange more elastic plates 66 than elastic plates 67. The number, arrangement, and combination of elastic plates are not particularly limited. In addition, the elastic plate 66 is generally L-shaped, and the elastic plate 67 is stepped with a first step (a step formed by the second bottom wall 53 and the canopy wall 57), but the elastic plates are not limited to this shape. For example, as an elastic sheet, it can also be a shape consisting of an inclined peripheral wall and a horizontally extending bottom wall, a shape consisting of a vertically extending peripheral wall and an inclined bottom wall, a shape in which both the peripheral wall and the bottom wall extend inclinedly, a shape extending in a curved shape on the peripheral wall and the bottom wall, a shape having two or more steps, etc. As long as the slit extends continuously at least on the peripheral wall and the bottom wall, the elastic sheet is formed through the slit to be able to flex and deform, and its bottom wall side end constitutes a free end, it can also be any shape or structure.

[0079] (Effects)

[0080] Next, the effects of the valve device 10 of the present invention, which is composed of the above-described components, will be explained.

[0081] like Figure 4As shown, when fuel is not fully supplied to the fuel tank and the first float valve 80 and the second float valve 85 are not immersed in fuel, the two float valves 80 and 85 descend due to their own weight, and the first opening 26 and the second opening 27 open. This results in the first valve chamber V1 being connected to the vent chamber R through the first opening 26, and the second valve chamber V2 being connected to the vent chamber R through the second opening 27. Furthermore, the float valve support portions 48b of the plurality of elastic plates 48 abut against the bottom surface of the first float valve 80 to support it, and the float valve support portions 68 of the elastic plates 66 and 67 abut against the bottom surface 85a of the second float valve 85 to support it.

[0082] When fuel is supplied to the fuel tank in this state, the air in the fuel tank mainly flows into the first valve chamber V1 through the slit 48a of the lower cover 40, passes through the gap between the first float valve 80 and the first valve chamber forming wall 24, flows upward, and then flows into the vent chamber R through the first opening 26, and is discharged to the tank outside the fuel tank. In addition, the air in the fuel tank flows into the second valve chamber V2 through the slits 60 and 61 of the lower cover 40, passes through the flow path 34 (see reference). Figure 9 The air flows upwards and into the vent chamber R through the second opening 27, then exits into the tank outside the fuel tank. In this way, by expelling the air from inside the fuel tank, fuel can be supplied to the fuel tank.

[0083] When from the above Figure 4 When fuel is supplied to the fuel tank as shown, fuel flows into the first valve chamber V1 from the slit 48a of the lower cover 40. When the fuel level in the fuel tank reaches the set full tank level, the first float valve 80 rises, and its sealing valve body 83 abuts against the back periphery of the first opening 26, thus closing the back periphery. As a result, airflow between the first valve chamber V1 through the first opening 26 and the vent chamber R is blocked. The fuel in the fuel tank rises in the fuel supply pipe provided in the fuel tank, and the fuel comes into contact with the full tank sensing sensor inserted into the fuel supply nozzle at the fuel supply port, thus sensing that the tank is full and achieving full tank control.

[0084] Furthermore, when in such Figure 4 In the indicated state, when the vehicle is turning on a curve, driving on uneven roads or slopes, or overturning due to an accident, the fuel in the fuel tank shakes violently, causing the fuel level to rise. Through the applied force of the force spring S2 and the buoyancy of the second float valve 85 itself, the second float valve 85 rises, and the valve head 87 abuts against the inner periphery of the second opening 27 to close it. As a result, fuel is prevented from flowing into the vent chamber R through the second opening 27, thereby preventing fuel leakage from the fuel tank.

[0085] Furthermore, when the fuel sloshing subsides and the second float valve 85 becomes a state where it no longer generates buoyancy, it descends by its own weight, and its bottom surface 85a is supported by the float valve support portion 68 provided on the free end side of the elastic plates 66 and 67 (see reference). Figure 10 and Figure 11 Thus, when the second float valve 85 descends, the float valve support 68 is pressed by the bottom surface 85a of the second float valve 85, and each elastic plate 66, 67 undergoes elastic deformation toward the outside of the lower cover via its fixed end, thereby absorbing the impact. The bottom surface 85a of the second float valve 85 is in elastic contact with the float valve support 68 of the elastic plates 66, 67, thus suppressing the impact sound when the second float valve 85 descends.

[0086] Furthermore, in this valve device 10, the slit 60 forming the elastic sheet 66 extends continuously on the outer peripheral wall 55 and the second bottom wall 53, and the slit 61 forming the elastic sheet 67 extends continuously on the step-forming peripheral wall 56 and the second bottom wall 53. Therefore, even if the slits 60 and 61 on the second bottom wall 53 side (the slit portions on the second bottom wall 53 side of the first slits 62 and 64) are shortened, the elastic sheets 66 and 67 can be formed longer by lengthening the slits 60 and 61 on the peripheral walls 55 and 56 side (the slit portions on the peripheral walls 55 and 56 side of the first slits 62 and 64). Therefore, the elastic sheets 66 and 67 can be easily flexed and deformed, thereby improving the impact sound suppression effect achieved by the float valve support 68 when the second float valve 85 descends.

[0087] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when fuel is supplied to the fuel tank, such as Figure 10 , Figure 11 As indicated by the arrow, fluid F, such as air and fuel vapor, inside the fuel tank is blown up and intends to flow into the second valve chamber V2 from below the housing 15 through slits 60 and 61. It should be noted that when the fuel vapor in the fuel tank increases due to vehicle movement, fluid F, which is fuel vapor, is also blown up and intends to flow into the second valve chamber V2 from below the valve device 10 through slits 60 and 61.

[0088] At this time, in the valve device 10, as described above, the slits 60 and 61 forming the elastic plates 66 and 67 extend continuously on the peripheral walls 55 and 56 and the second bottom wall 53. Therefore, even if the elastic plates 66 and 67 are formed to be long, the slits 60 and 61 on the second bottom wall 53 side can be shortened. Therefore, the opening area of ​​the slits 60 and 61 on the second bottom wall 53 side (the cut portions of the first slits 62 and 64 on the second bottom wall 53 side) can be reduced. As a result, the fluid F blown from the bottom wall side of the housing, pushing the second float valve 85 from the bottom surface 85a side of the second float valve 85, is less likely to pass through the slits 60 and 61 on the second bottom wall 53 side, thus making the second float valve 85 less likely to float. As a result, it is easy to set the second float valve 85 to not float when the fluid flow rate is below a specified value, and it is easy for the second float valve 85 to function as a shut-off valve, an over-supply prevention valve, etc.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figures 5-7 As shown, the elastic sheet 66 has: a peripheral wall side protrusion 66a extending on the side of the outer peripheral wall 55; a bottom wall side protrusion 66b extending on the side of the second bottom wall 53; and a bending portion 66c disposed between the peripheral wall side protrusion 66a and the bottom wall side protrusion 66b. The elastic sheet 67 has: a peripheral wall side protrusion 67b extending on the side of the step-forming peripheral wall 56; a bottom wall side protrusion 67c extending on the side of the second bottom wall 53; and a bending portion 67d disposed between the peripheral wall side protrusion 67b and the bottom wall side protrusion 67c.

[0090] According to the above scheme, the elastic sheets 66 and 67 can be easily flexed and deformed, and the bending parts 66c and 67d can make them have appropriate rigidity, which can suppress the breakage and damage of the elastic sheets 66 and 67.

[0091] Moreover, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, slit 60 is composed of a pair of first slits 62, 62 and a second slit 63. The pair of first slits 62, 62 extend axially along the outer peripheral wall 55 side of the housing 15 (lower cover 40) and radially along the second bottom wall 53 side of the housing 15. The second slit 63 connects the ends of the pair of first slits 62, 62 to each other. Furthermore, slit 61 is composed of a pair of first slits 64, 64 and a second slit 65. The pair of first slits 64, 64 extend axially along the step-forming peripheral wall 56 side of the housing 15 and radially along the second bottom wall 53 side of the housing 15. The second slit 65 connects the ends of the pair of first slits 64, 64 to each other.

[0092] According to the above scheme, the flexural deformation properties of the elastic sheets 66 and 67 can be maintained, and compared with the arc-shaped slot formed in the circumferential direction on the face of the outer shell opposite to the bottom of the float body, as in the fuel tank valve device of Patent Document 1, the opening area of ​​the slit (first slit 62, 64) at the second bottom wall 53 of the housing 15 (here, the lower cover 40) can be further reduced, making the second float valve 85 less likely to float.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 15 includes: a housing body 20; and a lower cover 40, which is attached to the lower part of the housing body 20 and has a second peripheral wall 44 and a second bottom wall 53. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a notch 55a for mounting the housing body 20 and the lower cover 40 is formed on the outer peripheral wall 55 of the second peripheral wall 44. The slit 60 extends continuously on the outer peripheral wall 55 and the second bottom wall 53. The end of the slit 60 (the base end of the second slit 62) located on the outer peripheral wall 55 side and the notch 55a for mounting are arranged along the valve axis.

[0094] According to the above scheme, the base end of the second slit 62 located on the outer peripheral wall 55 side of the lower cover 40 and the mounting notch 55a formed on the outer peripheral wall 55 of the lower cover 40 are arranged to be aligned along the valve axis. Therefore, the elastic sheet 66 formed through the slit 60 can be more easily flexed and deformed (the base end of the elastic sheet 67 is also easily deformed in the outer peripheral wall 55 because the base end of the elastic sheet 67 is connected to the vicinity of the notch 55a forming part), which can further improve the impact sound suppression effect.

[0095] Moreover, in this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the housing 15 (here, the lower cover 40) also has a canopy wall 57 extending outward from the outer side of the peripheral wall (step-forming peripheral wall 56) via the step to the outer side of the bottom wall (second bottom wall 53), and the slit 61 extends continuously on the canopy wall 57, the step-forming peripheral wall 56 and the second bottom wall 53.

[0096] According to the above scheme, the slit 61 extends continuously on the canopy wall 57, the step forming peripheral wall 56 and the second bottom wall 53. Therefore, even when the lower cover 40 has a canopy wall 57, the elastic sheet 67 can be formed to be long, making the elastic sheet 67 easy to flex and deform.

[0097] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modified embodiments may be adopted within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, and such embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0098] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0099] 10: Valve device;

[0100] 15: Shell;

[0101] 20: Main body of the shell;

[0102] 21: Partition wall;

[0103] 40: Lower cover;

[0104] 44: The second wall;

[0105] 53: Second bottom wall (bottom wall);

[0106] 55: Lateral peripheral wall;

[0107] 55a: Notch;

[0108] 56: Steps form the perimeter wall;

[0109] 57: shed-like wall;

[0110] 60, 61: narrow slits;

[0111] 62, 64: First slit;

[0112] 63, 65: Second slit;

[0113] 66, 67: Elastic sheet;

[0114] 66a, 67b: Lateral extensions of the peripheral wall;

[0115] 66b, 67c: Side extensions on the bottom wall;

[0116] 66c, 67d: Bending section;

[0117] 68: Float valve support section;

[0118] 70: Upper cover;

[0119] 80: First float valve;

[0120] 85: Second float valve (float valve).

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that, have: The housing has a peripheral wall, a bottom wall and a partition wall. A valve chamber communicating with the inside of the fuel tank is provided below the partition wall, and a vent chamber communicating with the outside of the fuel tank is provided above the partition wall. An opening is formed in the partition wall to communicate with the valve chamber and the vent chamber. as well as A float valve, housed in the valve chamber in a lifting and lowering manner, opens and closes the opening. The slit extends continuously on the peripheral wall and the bottom wall, through which an elastic sheet capable of flexural deformation is formed. The bottom wall side of the elastic sheet forms a free end, and a float valve support portion for supporting the float valve is provided at the free end.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic sheet has: a peripheral wall side protrusion extending on the peripheral wall side; and a bottom wall side protrusion extending on the bottom wall side. And a bent portion, located between the peripheral wall side protrusion and the bottom wall side protrusion.

3. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The slit is composed of a pair of first slits and a second slit, wherein the pair of first slits extends axially along the periphery of the housing and radially along the bottom wall, and the second slit connects the ends of the pair of first slits to each other.

4. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing comprises: a housing body, consisting of a cylindrical body with the partition wall; and a lower cover, attached to the lower part of the housing body, having the peripheral wall and the bottom wall. A notch is formed on the peripheral wall of the lower cover for attaching the housing body and the lower cover. The slit extends continuously on the peripheral wall and the bottom wall of the lower cover, and the ends of the slit located on the peripheral wall side and the mounting notch are arranged along the valve axis.

5. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein, The housing comprises: a housing body, consisting of a cylindrical body with the partition wall; and a lower cover, attached to the lower part of the housing body, having the peripheral wall and the bottom wall. A notch is formed on the peripheral wall of the lower cover for attaching the housing body and the lower cover. The slit extends continuously on the peripheral wall and the bottom wall of the lower cover, and the ends of the slit located on the peripheral wall side and the mounting notch are arranged along the valve axis.

6. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The shell also has a canopy-like wall extending outward from the bottom wall via steps on the outer side of the peripheral wall. The slit extends continuously on the canopy wall, the peripheral wall, and the bottom wall.

7. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein, The shell also has a canopy-like wall extending outward from the bottom wall via steps on the outer side of the peripheral wall. The slit extends continuously on the canopy wall, the peripheral wall, and the bottom wall.

8. The valve device according to claim 4, wherein, The shell also has a canopy-like wall extending outward from the bottom wall via steps on the outer side of the peripheral wall. The slit extends continuously on the canopy wall, the peripheral wall, and the bottom wall.

9. The valve device according to claim 5, wherein, The shell also has a canopy-like wall extending outward from the bottom wall via steps on the outer side of the peripheral wall. The slit extends continuously on the canopy wall, the peripheral wall, and the bottom wall.

Images