Valve device

Abstract

A valve device is provided that can suppress fuel leakage from the opening even when the vehicle vibrates while the float valve is submerged. The valve device (10) has a housing (15) and a float valve (40). The float valve (40) has a main float (50), a secondary float (70), and a force spring (S1) for the secondary float. The secondary float (70) has a spring support (73) supporting the upper end of the force spring (S1) for the secondary float and a sealing part that contacts / separates from the opening. When the float valve (40) rises and the opening (23) is closed by the secondary float (70), the main float (50) can compress the force spring (S1) for the secondary float to move further upward relative to the secondary float (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a valve device that is fitted into the fuel tank of an automobile or the like and is used as a fuel outflow prevention valve, a full tank limit valve, etc. Background Technology

[0002] For example, fuel tanks in vehicles such as automobiles are equipped with valve devices that prevent fuel from leaking out of the tank when the vehicle tilts or overturns. Such valve devices generally have: a housing, a vent chamber at the top and a valve chamber at the bottom separated by a partition wall with vent holes; and a float valve configured to be raised and lowered within the valve chamber.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fuel leak prevention valve. This valve has a float valve within a chamber partitioned inside the housing. A raised step is formed at the center of the upper surface of the float valve. The valve also includes a retainer fixed to the upper surface of the float valve. The retainer has a flange and a cage. The flange covers the upper surface of the float valve, and the cage extends from the flange, creating a storage space between it and the raised step of the float valve. The retainer is configured to house the valve plate within the storage space, allowing it to swing. Furthermore, an opening is formed in the partition wall, and a valve seat is vertically disposed from the back periphery of the opening. When the float valve is submerged due to fuel sloshing, it rises, the valve plate inside the retainer's cage abuts against the valve seat, and the opening in the partition wall is closed.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-153182 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the case of the fuel tank valve device described in Patent Document 1, when the float valve is submerged and the valve plate abuts against the valve seat, the float valve will also vibrate when the vehicle vibrates, and the valve plate may sometimes detach from the valve seat through the retainer cover. In this case, the valve seat will open, and fuel may leak out of the fuel tank.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a valve device that can suppress fuel leakage from the opening even when the vehicle vibrates while the float valve is submerged.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the valve device of the present invention is characterized by having: a housing, a valve chamber communicating with the inside of a fuel tank at the bottom and a vent chamber communicating with the outside of the fuel tank at the top, wherein the partition wall has an opening communicating between the valve chamber and the vent chamber; and a float valve, which is housed in the valve chamber in a vertically movable manner to open and close the opening, the float valve having: a main float; a secondary float, which is held above the main float in a manner that allows it to move up and down a predetermined distance relative to the main float; and a force-applying spring for the secondary float, disposed between the main float and the secondary float, which applies an upward force to the secondary float relative to the main float, the secondary float having a spring support portion supporting the upper end of the force-applying spring for the secondary float and a sealing portion that contacts / separates from the opening, wherein, in the state where the float valve is raised and the opening is closed by the secondary float, the main float can compress the secondary float by the force-applying spring to move further upward relative to the secondary float.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, when the float valve is immersed in fuel, buoyancy acts on the float valve, causing it to rise. When the vehicle vibrates, and the sealing part of the auxiliary float abuts against the opening, thus closing the opening, the main float compresses the auxiliary float with a force spring and moves it upward relative to the auxiliary float. Therefore, the movement of the main float can absorb vehicle vibration, and while absorbing vehicle vibration through the extension and contraction of the auxiliary float with a force spring, the sealing part can be reliably maintained against the opening, thus reliably suppressing fuel leakage from the opening into the vent chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 An embodiment of the valve device of the present invention is shown, which is an exploded perspective view of the valve device.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a valve device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the main float of the float valve in a valve device constituting one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the auxiliary float holding part of the float valve in a valve device constituting one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the secondary float body of the secondary float of the float valve in one embodiment of the valve device.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the lifting valve holding part of the auxiliary float of the float valve in a valve device constituting one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a float valve in a valve device according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 It is the float valve from Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the state in which the opening is closed as it rises.

[0023] Figure 10 It is the main float from Figure 9 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the state in which the vehicle moves further upward relative to the auxiliary float due to vehicle vibration.

[0024] Figure 11 Another embodiment of the valve device of the present invention is shown, which is an exploded perspective view of the valve device.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a valve device according to another embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a cross-section of the housing in a valve device according to another embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to another embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 It is the float valve from Figure 14 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the state in which the opening is closed as it rises.

[0029] Figure 16 It is the main float from Figure 15 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the state in which the vehicle moves further upward relative to the auxiliary float due to vehicle vibration. Detailed Implementation

[0030] (One embodiment of the valve device)

[0031] 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 fuel after evaporation.

[0032] like Figures 1-3As shown, the valve device 10 in this embodiment includes: a housing 15 having a valve chamber V and a vent chamber R; and a float valve 40 disposed within the valve chamber V in a vertically movable manner. Furthermore, the float valve 40 includes: a main float 50; a secondary float 70 held above the main float 50 in a manner that allows it to move up and down a predetermined distance relative to the main float 50; and a secondary float force spring S1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "force spring S1") disposed between the main float 50 and the secondary float 70, applying upward force to the secondary float 70 relative to the main float 50. Moreover, the float valve 40 in this embodiment also includes a main float force spring S2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "force spring S2") that applies upward force to the main float 50.

[0033] It should be noted that the force-applying springs S1 and S2 are helical springs made by winding wire of a specified diameter. Furthermore, the spring length (length along the axial direction) of the first force-applying spring S1 is shorter than the spring length of the second force-applying spring S2. Moreover, when the float valve 40 is raised and the opening 23 is closed by the auxiliary float 70, the spring force of the force-applying spring S1 is set to be less than the value obtained by subtracting the weight of the float valve 40 from the sum of the spring force of the force-applying spring S2 and the buoyancy of the float valve 40.

[0034] First, let’s describe the housing 15.

[0035] The housing 15 is generally cylindrical and has: a housing body 20 with a partition wall 22 on the top; a lower cover 30 attached to the bottom of the housing body 20; and an upper cover 35 attached to the top of the housing body 20.

[0036] The housing body 20 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 21, and a partition wall 22 is disposed above the peripheral wall 21. Multiple locking claws 21a protrude from the lower part of the peripheral wall 21, and multiple vent holes 21b are formed above the peripheral wall 21. Furthermore, a circular opening 23 is formed in the center of the partition wall 22. Moreover, as... Figure 3 As shown, the valve seat 23a protrudes downward from the back periphery of the opening 23 of the partition wall 22. In this embodiment, the valve seat 23a is generally cylindrical, extending along the axial direction of the valve device 10 (along the direction of the axis C of the valve device 10). It should be noted that this valve seat 23a constitutes a "cylindrical valve seat" in this invention. Figure 3 As shown, the valve seat 23a extends to a length reaching the gap K when the float valve 40 descends, wherein the gap K is formed inside the plurality of pressing portions 65 of the auxiliary float holding portion 60 described later. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, when the float valve 40 rises, the valve seat 23a can pass through the insertion hole 86a of the auxiliary float 70 and abut against the sheet valve 80 of the auxiliary float 70.

[0037] Furthermore, a box-shaped portion 25 with a bottom box shape is provided above the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 21. A vent 26a is formed in this box-shaped portion 25 (see reference). Figure 3 A generally cylindrical connecting pipe 26 extends outward from the outer periphery of the vent 26a. This connecting pipe 26 is connected to a pipe (not shown) that communicates with a canister or similar device located outside the fuel tank. Furthermore, on the surface side of the partition wall 22, a mounting portion 27 is provided to surround the opening 23 and the upper opening of the box-shaped portion 25. This mounting portion 27 assembles the valve device 10 into the fuel tank by engaging with a mounting bracket (not shown) located within the fuel tank.

[0038] On the other hand, the lower cover 30 has a generally circular plate-shaped bottom wall 31 and a peripheral wall 32 erected from the periphery of the bottom wall 31. A plurality of openings 31a are formed in the bottom wall 31, and a plurality of locking holes 32a are formed in the peripheral wall 32. Furthermore, the lower cover 30 is attached to the lower part of the housing body 20 by engaging each locking claw 21a of the housing body 20 with each locking hole 32a of the lower cover 30. As a result, a valve chamber V (see reference 22) communicating with a fuel tank (not shown) is formed below the housing via the partition wall 22. Figure 3 Furthermore, a circular protrusion-shaped spring support seat 33 is provided in the center of the bottom wall 31. The lower end of the force-applying spring S2 is supported on this spring support seat 33.

[0039] Furthermore, the upper cover 35 is generally elongated, and an annular wall portion 35a protrudes from the rear periphery of the upper cover 35. By inserting the upper cover 35 into the upper opening 27a of the mounting portion 27 of the housing body 20, the annular wall portion 35a engages with the inner periphery of the mounting portion 27, thereby attaching the upper cover 35 to the upper part of 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 22, separated by the partition wall 22. Figure 3 ).

[0040] Next, the float valve 40 will be explained.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the main float 50 constituting the float valve 40 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 51 and a top wall 52 disposed slightly below the upper end of the peripheral wall 51. Furthermore, guide ribs 51a extending axially along the float valve 40 are provided from the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 51 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. Moreover, an internal space 53 is formed inside the peripheral wall 51 and the top wall 52 (see reference). Figure 3Furthermore, a plurality of openings 51b communicating with the interior space 53 are formed below the peripheral wall 51. Moreover, a spring-receiving recess 54, which opens downwards and is recessed upwards, is formed from within the interior space 53 and from the lower surface side of the radial center of the top wall 52 (see reference). Figure 3 The force-applying spring S2 is housed within the spring-receiving recess 54.

[0042] Furthermore, a concave auxiliary float receiving recess 55, opening upwards and recessed downwards, is formed at the radial center of the top wall 52. The auxiliary float 70 is received within this auxiliary float receiving recess 55 in a vertically movable manner. Additionally, a plurality of engaging pins 52a protrude from the upper surface of the top wall 52 at evenly spaced intervals in the circumferential direction. Moreover, a first spring support portion 56 is provided at the bottom of the auxiliary float receiving recess 55. An annular protrusion-shaped spring support seat 56a (see reference) protrudes from the upper surface of this first spring support portion 56. Figure 3 In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the lower end of the force-applying spring S1 abuts against the upper surface of the first spring support portion 56, thereby the force-applying spring S1 is supported on the upper surface of the first spring support portion 56.

[0043] Furthermore, the upper end of the force-applying spring S2, housed within the spring receiving recess 54, abuts against the lower surface of the first spring support portion 56, thereby supporting the force-applying spring S2 on the lower surface of the first spring support portion 56. That is, as... Figure 3 As shown, the force-applying spring S2 is clamped between the main float 50 and the lower cover 30 in a compressed state, and an upward force is applied to the main float 50 through the force-applying spring S2.

[0044] In addition, the main float 50 has a secondary float holding part 60 for preventing the secondary float 70 from slipping off.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the auxiliary float holding part 60 has: a plurality of ribs 63 disposed separately along the outer periphery of the auxiliary float 70; and a pressing part 65 protruding from each rib 63 in a manner above the auxiliary float 70 to press the auxiliary float 70.

[0046] More specifically, in this embodiment, the auxiliary float holding portion 60 has a base 61 in the shape of a generally annular plate to fit the top wall 52 of the main float 50. A circular auxiliary float insertion hole 61a is formed in the radial center of the base 61. The auxiliary float 70 is inserted into the auxiliary float insertion hole 61a (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0047] Furthermore, on the upper surface of the base 61 and around the periphery of the auxiliary float insertion hole 61a, a plurality of generally triangular ribs 63 are radially arranged from the radial center of the main float 50. A pressing portion 65 extends from the upper end of each rib 63 toward the radial center of the main float 50. In each pressing portion 65, the inner periphery 65a and the outer periphery 65b form an arc-shaped curved surface, and the two side portions 65c, 65c are conical surfaces whose width gradually narrows toward the radial center of the main float 50. A gap K is defined in the portion surrounded by the inner periphery 65a of each pressing portion 65. Moreover, an engaging hole 61b is formed between the ribs 63, 63 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the base 61.

[0048] On the other hand, the auxiliary float 70 has a second spring support portion 73 that supports the upper end of the force-applying spring S1 for the auxiliary float and a sealing portion that contacts / separates from the opening portion 23. The auxiliary float 70 in this embodiment has: an auxiliary float body 71 having the second spring support portion 73; a lifting valve 80 that forms the sealing portion and is mounted above the auxiliary float body 71 in a swingable manner; and a lifting valve holding portion 85 that holds the lifting valve 80 in the auxiliary float body 71 to prevent it from falling off, and has a through hole 86a.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the auxiliary float body 71 has: a peripheral wall portion 72 extending to a predetermined length; and a second spring support portion 73 disposed at the midway along the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion 72, which is generally circular in shape. At two opposite locations along the circumference of the peripheral wall portion 72, locking grooves 72a, 72a are formed along the axial direction. Furthermore, notches 72b, 72b are formed on the peripheral wall portion 72 at positions orthogonal to the pair of locking grooves 72a, 72a. Moreover, a spring insertion hole 71c is formed at the lower end side of the peripheral wall portion 72 (see reference). Figure 3 ), which allows the force-applying spring S1 to be inserted.

[0050] And, as Figure 3 As shown, the upper end of the force-applying spring S1 abuts against and is supported on the lower surface of the second spring support portion 73. This second spring support portion 73 constitutes the "spring support portion for supporting the upper end of the force-applying spring for the auxiliary float" in this invention. It should be noted that the auxiliary float 70 is supported only by the force-applying spring S1 via this second spring support portion 73. Furthermore, a curved lifting valve support protrusion 73a is provided protruding from the center of the upper surface of the second spring support portion 73. Through this lifting valve support protrusion 73a, the circular plate-shaped lifting valve 80 is supported so that it can swing.

[0051] like Figure 7As shown, the lifting valve holding part 85 has an annular pressing part 86 with a circular insertion hole 86a. A pair of locking pieces 87, 87 are respectively provided extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the pressing part 86 at a position opposite each other in the circumferential direction. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 86a is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the lifting valve 80 and larger than the outer diameter of the valve seat 23a. A locking protrusion 87a is provided on the inner side of the top end of each locking piece 87 in the extension direction. Furthermore, with the lifting valve 80 supported on the lifting valve support protrusion 73a, the pair of locking pieces 87, 87 are inserted into a pair of locking grooves 72a, 72a, so that the locking protrusions 87a, 87a are respectively locked onto the outer peripheral edge of the back side of the second spring support part 73. Thus, with the lifting valve 80 placed between the auxiliary float body 71 and the lifting valve holding part 85, the auxiliary float 70 is assembled.

[0052] Furthermore, the assembly of the float valve 40 can be performed, for example, as follows.

[0053] That is, with the lower end of the first force-applying spring S1 abutting against and supported on the upper surface of the first spring support portion 56 of the auxiliary float receiving recess 55 of the main float 50, the auxiliary float 70 is accommodated and disposed within the auxiliary float receiving recess 55, and the second spring support portion 73 is placed on the upper end of the first force-applying spring S1, thereby supporting the auxiliary float 70 by the force-applying spring S1. Then, the base 61 of the auxiliary float holding portion 60 is placed on the top wall 52 of the main float 50, and the plurality of engaging pins 52a on the top wall 52 side engage with the corresponding plurality of engaging holes 61b on the base 61 side, thereby attaching the auxiliary float holding portion 60 above the main float 50 in an anti-detachment state, thus... Figure 8 As shown, float valve 40 is assembled.

[0054] In the above state, the plurality of pressing portions 65 of the auxiliary float holding portion 60 are positioned above the pressing portion 86 of the lifting valve holding portion 85 of the auxiliary float 70, and the auxiliary float 70 is held in a way that prevents it from slipping out, allowing it to move up and down between the auxiliary float receiving recess 55 and the auxiliary float holding portion 60. At this time, the second spring support portion 73 of the auxiliary float 70 is placed on the upper end of the force-applying spring S1, and the auxiliary float 70 is supported in a manner that is away from the first spring support portion 56 of the main float 50 (see reference). Figure 3 Moreover, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the above state, the force-applying spring S1 applies force upwards to the auxiliary float 70 relative to the main float 50, so that the pressing part 86 of the lifting valve holding part 85 of the auxiliary float 70 always abuts against the lower surface of the plurality of pressing parts 65 of the auxiliary float holding part 60. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the state shown, the valve 80 is lifted away from the valve seat 23a, and the opening 23 is open.

[0055] Furthermore, in this valve device 10, when the float valve 40 rises and the opening 23 is closed by the auxiliary float 70 (see reference...) Figure 9 ),like Figure 9 As indicated by arrow F1, the main float 50 can compress the force spring S1 to move further upward relative to the secondary float 70 (see reference). Figure 10 In this embodiment, when the main float 50 is immersed in fuel and thus submerged, the float valve 40 rises, causing the lifting valve 80 inside the auxiliary float 70 to abut against the valve seat 23a and close the opening 23, as follows: Figure 9 As shown, a gap G is formed between the upper part of the float valve 40 (here, the pressing part 65 of the auxiliary float holding part 60) and the lower surface of the partition wall 22. Therefore, as Figure 9 As indicated by arrow F1, the main float 50 can compress the force spring S1 to move further upward relative to the secondary float 70 (see reference). Figure 10 In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown by arrow F2, the main float 50 can also move downward relative to the secondary float 70.

[0056] It should be noted that the shapes and structures of the shell, main float, and auxiliary float described above are not limited to the above-described schemes. In addition, the force-applying springs for the auxiliary float and the main float can also be leaf springs, etc., instead of helical springs, as long as they can apply upward force to the auxiliary float and the main float.

[0057] (Effects)

[0058] Next, the effects of the valve device 10 of the present invention, which is composed of the above-described components, will be explained.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, when the fuel level in the fuel tank does not rise and the float valve 40 is not immersed or submerged in fuel, it is in the following state: In the valve chamber V, the float valve 40 descends, the valve 80 is pulled away from the valve seat 23a, and the opening 23 opens, through which the valve chamber V communicates with the vent chamber R. In this state, when the pressure inside the fuel tank increases due to fuel vapor increase caused by vehicle movement, fuel vapor flows into the valve chamber V from the opening 31a of the lower cover 30 and the vent hole 21b of the housing body 20, passes through the opening 23 and flows into the vent chamber R, and is sent to a tank (not shown) via the connecting pipe 26, thus suppressing the pressure rise inside the fuel tank.

[0060] Furthermore, 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. When the main float 50 of the float valve 40 is submerged in fuel, the float valve 40 rises as a whole due to the buoyancy of the main float 50 itself and the force applied by the force spring S2. As a result, as... Figure 9As shown, the valve seat 23a passes through the gap K formed inside the plurality of pressing portions 65 of the auxiliary float holding portion 60 and the insertion hole 86a of the lifting valve holding portion 85 of the auxiliary float 70, so that the lifting valve 80 of the auxiliary float 70 abuts against the valve seat 23a, and the opening 23 is closed. As a result, fuel in the valve chamber V is prevented from flowing out into the vent chamber R through the opening 23, and fuel leakage to the outside of the fuel tank is suppressed.

[0061] And, as Figure 9 As shown, when the main float 50 is submerged, causing the valve 80 to abut against the valve seat 23a and close the opening 23, vibrations may sometimes act on the vehicle. At this time, as... Figure 9 As indicated by arrow F1, the main float 50 can compress the auxiliary float using the force spring S1, thereby causing the main float 50 to move further upward relative to the auxiliary float 70 (see reference). Figure 10 Therefore, the main float 50 can absorb vehicle vibrations by moving upwards. At the same time, while absorbing vehicle vibrations by extending and retracting the auxiliary float with the force spring S1, the lifting valve 80 can be reliably maintained in the state of abutting against the valve seat 23a (i.e., the opening 23 is closed by the sealing part), and fuel leakage from the opening 23 to the vent chamber R can be reliably suppressed.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main float force spring S2, which applies force upward to the main float 50, is set to a value less than the sum of the spring force of the force spring S2 and the buoyancy of the float valve 40 minus the weight of the float valve 40 when the float valve 40 rises and the opening 23 is closed by the auxiliary float 70.

[0063] As described above, when the main float force spring S2 is used, the main float 50 easily rises when it is submerged. However, even in this case, when the float valve 40 is immersed in fuel, causing buoyancy to act on it and the float valve 40 rises, and the sealing part (lifting valve 80) of the auxiliary float 70 abuts against the opening 23, closing the opening 23, and the vehicle vibrates, since the spring force of the force spring S1 is set to be less than the value obtained by subtracting the weight of the float valve 40 from the sum of the spring force of the force spring S2 and the buoyancy of the float valve 40, the state in which the sealing part of the auxiliary float 70 abuts against the opening 23 and the opening 23 is closed can be reliably maintained, and fuel leakage from the opening 23 to the vent chamber R can be more reliably suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the auxiliary float 70 includes: an auxiliary float body 71 having a second spring support 73; a lifting valve 80 forming a sealing part, which is mounted above the auxiliary float body 71 in a swingable manner; and a lifting valve holding part 85 that holds the lifting valve 80 in the auxiliary float body 71 to prevent it from falling off, having an insertion hole 86a. The valve device 10 has a valve seat 23a that protrudes downward from the back periphery of the opening 23 of the partition wall 22, and can pass through the insertion hole 86a and abut against the lifting valve 80 when the float valve 40 rises.

[0065] According to the above scheme, the auxiliary float 70 has the above structure. When the float valve 40 rises, the valve seat 23a passes through the insertion hole 86a of the lifting valve holding part 85 and abuts against the lifting valve 80. Therefore, when the main float 50 is submerged and rises, and the lifting valve 80 abuts against the valve seat, when the vehicle vibrates, the lifting valve 80 is not easily separated from the valve seat 23a, which can further suppress fuel leakage from the opening 23 to the ventilation chamber R.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main float 50 has a secondary float holding portion 60 for preventing the secondary float 70 from slipping off. The secondary float holding portion 60 has: a plurality of ribs 63 disposed separately along the outer periphery of the secondary float 70; and a pressing portion 65 protruding from each rib 63 in a manner above the secondary float 70 to press down the secondary float 70.

[0067] Therefore, when the main float 50 is submerged and rises, causing the lifting valve 80 to abut against the valve seat 23a, fuel will be discharged between the ribs 63 when the vehicle vibrates, making it difficult for the hydraulic pressure of the fuel to act on the lifting valve 80 (sealing part) of the auxiliary float 70. As a result, it is easier to maintain the state where the lifting valve 80 abuts against the valve seat 23a, further suppressing fuel leakage from the opening 23 into the vent chamber R.

[0068] (Another embodiment of the valve device)

[0069] Figures 11-16 Another embodiment of the valve device of the present invention is shown in the figure. It should be noted that parts that are substantially the same as those in the described embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0070] like Figure 11 and Figure 14 As shown, with Figures 1-10Similarly, in the embodiment shown, the valve device 10A includes a housing 15A and a float valve 40A. Furthermore, the float valve 40A includes a main float 50A, a secondary float 70, a force-applying spring S1 for the secondary float, and a force-applying spring S2 for the main float. The housing 15A includes a housing body 20A, a lower cover 30A attached to the lower part of the housing body 20A, and an upper cover 35A attached to the upper part of the housing body 20A. Additionally, the main float 50A includes a secondary float holding portion 60A for preventing the secondary float 70 from slipping off.

[0071] The main body 20A of the housing has a canopy-shaped wall 24 located above the peripheral wall 21. A vertical wall 29 rises from the periphery of this canopy-shaped wall 24, and a partition wall 22 is positioned above the vertical wall 29. It should be noted that the vertical wall 29 has: a first arc-shaped wall 29a, which is an arc with a predetermined outer diameter; and a second arc-shaped wall 29b, located on the opposite side of the first arc-shaped wall 29a, which is an arc with a larger diameter than the first arc-shaped wall 29a. Furthermore, the second arc-shaped wall 29b and the partition wall 22 divide a larger space A above the main body 20A (see reference). Figure 13 and Figure 14 ).

[0072] Furthermore, a flange 21c extends from the upper outer periphery of the peripheral wall 21. An annular groove 21d is formed on the inner side of the flange 21c, and an annular sealing ring 21e is fitted into the annular groove 21d. Moreover, a plurality of locking claws 21f are provided protruding from the peripheral wall 21 at a position lower than the flange 21c.

[0073] Furthermore, the upper cover 35A is generally cap-shaped, consisting of a peripheral wall 36, a top wall 37, and a flange 38. The outer periphery of the peripheral wall 36 is generally circular, the top wall 37 is positioned above the peripheral wall 36, and the flange 38 extends outward from the lower side of the peripheral wall 36. A vent (not shown) is formed in the peripheral wall 36, and a connecting pipe 26 extends from the outer diameter direction along the outer periphery of the vent. Additionally, a plurality of locking tabs (not shown) are vertically arranged at predetermined circumferential locations on the flange 38. By locking these locking tabs to a plurality of locking claws 21f provided on the housing body 20A, with the sealing ring 21e, which is fitted into the annular mounting groove 21d, abutting against the inner periphery of the peripheral wall 36 of the upper cover 35A, the upper cover 35A is mounted on top of the housing body 20A (see reference). Figure 12 As a result, a vent chamber R communicating with the outside of the fuel tank is formed above the partition wall 22 (see reference). Figure 14 ).

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 13 , Figure 14As shown, the housing 15A has a cylindrical valve seat 23b that protrudes downwards in a cylindrical shape from the rear periphery of the opening 23 of the partition wall 22 of the housing body 20A. Figure 14 As shown, with the main float 50A not immersed in fuel, the cylindrical valve seat 23b extends to a length that allows it to be inserted into the auxiliary float holding portion 60A. In this embodiment, the cylindrical valve seat 23b extends to the middle of the thickness direction of the pressing portion 65A of the auxiliary float holding portion 60A at its lower end (see reference). Figure 14 ).

[0075] The auxiliary float 70 includes: an auxiliary float body 71 having a second spring support 73; a lifting valve 80 forming a sealing part, positioned above the auxiliary float 70 (here, the auxiliary float body 71) in a swingable manner; and a lifting valve holding part 85 for preventing the lifting valve 80 from dislodging from the auxiliary float body 71. Furthermore, the lifting valve holding part 85 has an insertion hole 86a through which the cylindrical valve seat 23b is inserted.

[0076] like Figure 11 As shown, multiple engaging protrusions 51c protrude from the outer periphery of the upper end of the generally cylindrical peripheral wall 51 of the main float 50A at evenly spaced intervals in the circumferential direction. It should be noted that the upper portion of the peripheral wall 51 is formed with a fixed outer diameter, while the peripheral wall 51 is tapered, gradually widening in diameter from the lower end of the fixed outer diameter portion towards the lowest point. Furthermore, multiple guide ribs 51a, in the form of protrusions, are provided at evenly spaced intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the tapered portion of the peripheral wall 51.

[0077] Moreover, such as Figure 11 As shown, the main float 50A has a secondary float holding part 60A for preventing the secondary float 70 from slipping, and the secondary float holding part 60A has a pressing part 65A located above the secondary float 70 and pressing down on the secondary float 70.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, the auxiliary float holding part 60A has an insertion opening 65e located above the insertion hole 86a and through which the cylindrical valve seat 23b is inserted.

[0079] Specifically, the auxiliary float holding part 60A in this embodiment has: a base 61, and an auxiliary float insertion hole 61a provided in the radial center (see reference). Figure 14 The base 61 is roughly annular in shape and has a peripheral wall 62 that extends vertically downward from the outer periphery of the base 61. Above the peripheral wall 62, a plurality of engaging holes 62a are formed at evenly spaced intervals in the circumferential direction. By engaging the corresponding engaging protrusions 51c of the main float 50A into these engaging holes 62a, the auxiliary float retainer 60A is mounted above the main float 50A in an anti-disengagement state (see reference). Figure 13).

[0080] Furthermore, multiple elongated ribs 63A are vertically arranged from the upper surface of the base 61 and from the periphery of the auxiliary float insertion hole 61a at uniform intervals in the circumferential direction. It should be noted that adjacent ribs 63A in the circumferential direction are connected to each other by arc-shaped walls 64, thereby strengthening the ribs 63A as a whole.

[0081] Furthermore, a pressing part 65A extends from the upper end of each rib 63A toward the radial center of the main float 50A. For example... Figure 13 As shown, in each pressing part 65A, and Figures 1-10 Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner periphery 65a and the outer periphery 65b form an arc-shaped curved surface, and the two side portions 65c, 65c are conical surfaces whose width gradually narrows towards the radial center of the main float 50. Furthermore, as... Figure 14 As shown, each pressing part 65A extends toward the cylindrical valve seat 23b with its top part 65d (the end facing the radial center side of the main float 50A) extending inward in the direction of the inner diameter of the insertion hole 86a of the lifting valve holding part 85.

[0082] And, as Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, an insertion opening 65e for inserting a cylindrical valve seat 23b is formed in the portion surrounded by the inner periphery of the top portion 65d of each pressing part 65A. Figure 14 As shown, the edge of the insertion opening 65e (the inner peripheral edge disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the insertion opening 65e) extends toward the cylindrical valve seat 23b in a manner that extends further inward than the edge of the insertion hole 86a provided in the lifting valve holding part 85 (the inner peripheral edge disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 86a).

[0083] Furthermore, a protrusion 66 protruding axially along the cylindrical valve seat 23b is provided at the edge of the insertion opening 65e. For example... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the protrusion 66 protrudes along the axial direction of the cylindrical valve seat 23b from the inner peripheral edge of the insertion opening 65e and from the upper surface side of the pressing part 65A.

[0084] And, as Figure 14 As shown, in valve device 10A, with the main float 50A not immersed in fuel, the cylindrical valve seat 23b is inserted into the auxiliary float holding part 60A. The cylindrical valve seat 23b and the auxiliary float holding part 60A form a first lifting guide above the float valve 40A, and the lower outer periphery of the main float 50A and the inner periphery of the housing 15A form a second lifting guide below the float valve 40A. It should be noted that the aforementioned lifting guide refers to the guide that causes the float valve 40A to rise and fall within the valve chamber V as the fuel level changes (see reference). Figure 15 and Figure 16 (The arrow pointing up and down).

[0085] In this embodiment, the insertion opening 65e, which extends further inward than the edge of the insertion hole 86a, and the cylindrical valve seat 23b constitute the aforementioned first lifting guide. That is, as... Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, a cylindrical valve seat 23b protruding downward from the partition wall 22 of the housing body 20A is inserted into the inner side of the insertion opening 65e of the auxiliary float holding part 60A, thereby forming the first lifting guide of the float valve 40A by the insertion opening 65e and the cylindrical valve seat 23b.

[0086] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the guide rib 51a of the main float 50A is arranged on the inner periphery of the peripheral wall 21 of the housing body 20A that constitutes the housing 15A, thereby forming the second lifting guide of the float valve 40A by the inner periphery of the peripheral wall 21 of the housing body 20A and the outer periphery of the guide rib 51a of the main float 50A.

[0087] It should be noted that, Figures 1-10 The implementation methods shown are also similar to Figures 11-16 The embodiment shown similarly constitutes a first lifting guide and a second lifting guide (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0088] Moreover, in this implementation scenario, it is also related to Figures 1-10 Similarly, in the embodiment shown, when the float valve 40A rises and the opening 23 is closed by the auxiliary float 70, the spring force of the force-applying spring S1 is set to be less than the value obtained by subtracting the weight of the float valve 40A from the sum of the spring force of the force-applying spring S2 and the buoyancy of the float valve 40A.

[0089] (Effects)

[0090] Next, the effects of the valve device 10A constructed as described above will be explained.

[0091] In this embodiment, similarly to the embodiment described above, when from Figure 14 As shown in the diagram, when the vehicle is traveling on uneven roads, slopes, etc., the main float 50A is submerged in fuel, and the float valve 40A rises as a whole. Figure 15 As shown, the lower end of the cylindrical valve seat 23b passes through the insertion hole 86a of the lifting valve holding part 85 between the top ends 65d of the plurality of pressing parts 65A and the lifting valve 85, and abuts against the lifting valve 80, thus closing the opening 23. As a result, fuel leakage from the valve chamber V into the vent chamber R through the opening 23 is suppressed, preventing fuel leakage from the fuel tank. Furthermore, when... Figure 15In the state shown, when vibration acts on the vehicle, the main float 50A can compress the force spring S1 to move further upward relative to the auxiliary float 70 (see reference). Figure 16 Therefore, it can absorb vehicle vibrations. In this way, while absorbing vehicle vibrations through the extension and retraction of the force spring S1, the lifting valve 80 can be reliably maintained in contact with the cylindrical valve seat 23b, and fuel leakage from the opening 23 to the ventilation chamber R can be reliably suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the float valve 40A rises and the opening 23 is closed by the auxiliary float 70, the spring force of the force spring S1 is set to be less than the value obtained by subtracting the weight of the float valve 40A from the sum of the spring force of the force spring S2 and the buoyancy of the float valve 40A. Therefore, when the sealing part (lifting valve 80) of the auxiliary float 70 abuts against the opening 23 and the opening 23 is closed, when the vehicle vibrates, the state in which the lifting valve 80 abuts against the opening 23 and the opening 23 is closed can be reliably maintained, and fuel leakage from the opening 23 to the ventilation chamber R can be more reliably suppressed.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 14 As shown, when the main float 50A is not immersed in fuel, the cylindrical valve seat 23b is inserted into the auxiliary float holding part 60A. The cylindrical valve seat 23b and the auxiliary float holding part 60A form a first lifting guide above the float valve 40A, and the lower part of the main float 50A and the inner periphery of the housing 15A form a second lifting guide below the float valve 40A.

[0094] Therefore, above and below the float valve 40, the lifting and lowering action of the float valve 40A is guided by two lifting guides, which improves the guiding performance of the float valve 40A during lifting and lowering, and allows the sealing part (here, the lifting valve 80) to abut against the opening 23 in a stable position.

[0095] Furthermore, the float valve 40A is guided above by a first lifting guide member consisting of a cylindrical valve seat 23b and a secondary float holding part 60A, thus increasing the freedom of the inner circumferential shape of the housing 15A. Therefore, there is no need to separately provide a guide structure for the float valve 40A on the outer side above it, allowing a shape such as... Figure 14 The larger space A shown (refer to) Figure 14 This space A can function as a space for fuel vapor storage (vapor storage section), thus helping to suppress fuel leakage into the ventilation chamber R.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the auxiliary float 70 has a lifting valve holding portion 85, which prevents the lifting valve 80, which forms a sealing portion and is placed above the auxiliary float 70, from falling off. The lifting valve holding portion 85 has an insertion hole 86a through which a cylindrical valve seat 23b is inserted. The auxiliary float holding portion 60A has an insertion opening 65e located above the insertion hole 86a and through which the cylindrical valve seat 23b is inserted. The edge of the insertion opening 65e extends toward the cylindrical valve seat 23b in a manner that extends further inward than the edge of the insertion hole 86a. The insertion opening 65e and the cylindrical valve seat 23b constitute a first lifting guide (see reference). Figure 14 ).

[0097] According to the above scheme, such as Figure 14 As shown, the edge of the insertion opening 65e, which constitutes the first lifting guide, extends toward the cylindrical valve seat 23b in a manner that extends further inward than the edge of the insertion hole 86a. This prevents the lower end of the cylindrical valve seat 23b, which also constitutes the first lifting guide, from abutting against the insertion hole 86a of the lifting valve retaining portion 85. As a result, the lifting and lowering of the float valve 40A above the float valve 40A, which is guided by the first lifting guide consisting of the insertion opening 65e and the cylindrical valve seat 23b, can be performed more reliably.

[0098] Moreover, in this embodiment, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, a protrusion 66 protruding axially along the cylindrical valve seat 23b is provided at the edge of the insertion opening 65e.

[0099] According to the above scheme, a protrusion 66 is provided at the edge of the insertion opening 65e, which protrudes axially along the cylindrical valve seat 23b. Therefore, when the main float 50A is not immersed in fuel, the axial length (length along the axial direction of the cylindrical valve seat 23b) of the insertion opening 65e constituting the first lifting guide can be ensured to be longer, and the lifting and lowering guidance of the float valve 40A above the float valve 40A can be carried out more reliably through the first lifting guide consisting of the insertion opening 65e and the cylindrical valve seat 23b.

[0100] Example

[0101] The valve device was installed in the fuel tank, and the extent of fuel leakage from the opening was tested during vibration testing.

[0102] (Example)

[0103] Manufactured with Figures 1-10 The valve device shown is similar to the embodiment of the valve device including a housing, a float valve consisting of a main float and a secondary float.

[0104] (Comparative Example)

[0105] A comparative example of a valve device with a float valve that does not have a main float or a secondary float was manufactured.

[0106] (Experimental Methods)

[0107] The valve devices of the above embodiments and comparative examples were assembled, and a test chamber with a specified amount of liquid flowing into it was placed in a known vibration testing apparatus and subjected to vertical vibration. The leakage rate (ml / min) of the liquid from the opening was measured. The test conditions were an acceleration of 5G, a frequency of 28.8Hz, and an amplitude of 1.5mm. Furthermore, two modes were employed: one with the internal pressure of the test chamber set to atmospheric pressure, and the other with the internal pressure of the test chamber increased to a specified pressure (4.9kPa). Measurements were performed three times for each mode. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0108] [Table 1]

[0109]

[0110] It can be confirmed that, for the valve device of the embodiment, compared with the valve device of the comparative example, the amount of leakage from the opening is less in either the case of atmospheric pressure inside the tank or the pressurized state of 4.9 kPa.

[0111] The present invention described above is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modified embodiments can 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.

[0112] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0113] 10, 10A: Valve device;

[0114] 15, 15A: Housing;

[0115] 20, 20A: Main body of the shell;

[0116] 22: Partition wall;

[0117] 23: Opening;

[0118] 23a: Valve seat;

[0119] 23b: Cylindrical valve seat;

[0120] 30, 30A: Lower cover;

[0121] 35, 35A: Top cover;

[0122] 40, 40A: Float valve;

[0123] 50, 50A: Main float;

[0124] 60, 60A: Secondary float holding section;

[0125] 63, 63A: Rib;

[0126] 65, 65A: Pressing part;

[0127] 66: protrusion;

[0128] 65e: Insert through opening;

[0129] 70: Secondary float;

[0130] 71: Main body of the secondary float;

[0131] 73: Second spring support (spring support);

[0132] 80: Lift valve;

[0133] 85: Lifting valve holding part;

[0134] 86a: Through hole;

[0135] S1: Auxiliary float force-applying spring;

[0136] S2: Force-applying spring for the main float.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that, have: The housing, separated by a partition wall, has a valve chamber at the bottom communicating with the inside of the fuel tank, and a vent chamber at the top communicating with the outside of the fuel tank. The partition wall has an opening connecting the valve chamber and the vent chamber. A float valve, housed in the valve chamber in a lifting and lowering manner, opens and closes the opening. The float valve has: Main float; The secondary float is positioned above the main float in a manner that allows it to rise or fall a predetermined distance relative to the main float; as well as The auxiliary float, using a force-applying spring, is positioned between the main float and the auxiliary float, applying an upward force to the auxiliary float relative to the main float. The auxiliary float has a spring support portion that supports the upper end of a force-applying spring for the auxiliary float and a sealing portion that contacts / separates from the opening. The housing has a cylindrical valve seat that protrudes downwards in a cylindrical shape from the rear periphery of the opening in the partition wall. The main float has a secondary float holding part that prevents the secondary float from detaching. The cylindrical valve seat and the auxiliary float retainer form a first lifting guide above the float valve, and the lower part of the main float and the housing form a second lifting guide below the float valve. The secondary float has: The auxiliary float body has the aforementioned spring support portion; The lifting valve, forming the sealing part, is placed above the auxiliary float body; as well as The lifting valve retaining part, which prevents the lifting valve from disengaging, is located on the auxiliary float body and has a through hole. The cylindrical valve seat is configured to pass through the through-hole and abut against the lifting valve when the float valve rises.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, With the float valve raised so that the opening is closed by the secondary float, the main float can cause the secondary float to move further upward relative to the secondary float by compressing it with a force spring.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein, The valve device has a main float force spring that applies upward force to the main float. When the float valve rises and the opening is closed by the auxiliary float, the spring force of the auxiliary float's force spring is set to be less than the value obtained by subtracting the weight of the float valve from the sum of the spring force of the main float's force spring and the buoyancy of the float valve.

4. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The auxiliary float holding part has: a plurality of ribs arranged separately along the outer periphery of the auxiliary float; and a pressing part protruding from each rib in a manner above the auxiliary float to press the auxiliary float.

5. A valve device, characterized in that, have: The housing, separated by a partition wall, has a valve chamber at the bottom communicating with the inside of the fuel tank, and a vent chamber at the top communicating with the outside of the fuel tank. The partition wall has an opening connecting the valve chamber and the vent chamber. A float valve, housed in the valve chamber in a lifting and lowering manner, opens and closes the opening. The float valve has: Main float; The secondary float is positioned above the main float in a manner that allows it to rise or fall a predetermined distance relative to the main float; as well as The auxiliary float, using a force-applying spring, is positioned between the main float and the auxiliary float, applying an upward force to the auxiliary float relative to the main float. The auxiliary float has a spring support portion that supports the upper end of a force-applying spring for the auxiliary float and a sealing portion that contacts / separates from the opening. The housing has a cylindrical valve seat that protrudes downwards in a cylindrical shape from the rear periphery of the opening in the partition wall. The main float has a secondary float holding part that prevents the secondary float from detaching. The cylindrical valve seat and the auxiliary float retainer form a first lifting guide above the float valve, and the lower part of the main float and the housing form a second lifting guide below the float valve. The auxiliary float has an insertion hole through which the cylindrical valve seat is inserted. The auxiliary float holding part has an insertion opening located above the insertion hole for the cylindrical valve seat to pass through. The edge of the insertion opening extends toward the cylindrical valve seat in a manner that extends further inward than the edge of the insertion hole, and the insertion opening and the cylindrical valve seat constitute the first lifting guide.

6. The valve device according to claim 5, wherein, The edge of the insertion opening is provided with a protrusion that protrudes axially along the cylindrical valve seat.

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