Filtering canister

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a filter can. The filter can includes a flow inlet, an adsorption material, an atmospheric port, a flow outlet, and an adjustment member. The adjustment member has a plurality of rod-shaped portions. The adjustment member has a positioning portion that is capable of being inserted into a second cylindrical portion and incapable of being inserted into a first cylindrical portion, thereby capable of determining a position of the adjustment member in the subject chamber, wherein the second cylindrical portion is cylindrical and forms a portion having a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first cylindrical portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to filter tanks. Background Technology

[0002] A filter canister containing adsorbent materials such as activated carbon is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a filter canister containing adsorbent materials and an adjustment component. The adjustment component has multiple elongated rod-shaped portions and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is configured to connect one end of the multiple rod-shaped portions together. The incoming fuel vapor and purge air can easily flow near each rod-shaped portion.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6591955 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in a filter canister, the higher the uniformity of the gas flow velocity in the width direction of the chamber filled with adsorbent material (i.e., the direction orthogonal to the gas flow direction), the better the adsorbent material can perform its adsorption function. This is because adsorbent material positioned at high flow velocities adsorbs more fuel vapor in the early stages, thus reducing its adsorption capacity in the early stages. Consequently, even if the adsorbent material positioned at low flow velocities has a surplus adsorption capacity, permeation occurs at high flow velocities because fuel vapor is not adsorbed. Here, the larger the proportion of the adjusting component in the cross-section orthogonal to the gas flow direction, the lower the uniformity of the gas flow velocity. Furthermore, in the filter canister of Patent Document 1, the ventilation resistance is significantly reduced due to the arrangement of multiple rod-shaped sections. However, further reduction of fuel vapor permeation and efficient fuel adsorption and desorption are needed. Therefore, it is desirable to configure the adjusting component so that it does not deviate from the required position.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure provides a technique for configuring adjustment components in a predetermined position.

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a filter canister to be installed on a vehicle with an engine, and having formed at least one chamber. The filter canister includes an inlet, an adsorbent material, an vent, an outlet, and adjustment components. The inlet is configured to allow fuel vapor from the vehicle's fuel tank to flow into at least one chamber.

[0011] An adsorbent material is disposed in each of at least one chamber and configured to adsorb fuel vapor. An atmospheric inlet is configured to allow air to flow from outside the vehicle into at least one chamber. An outlet is configured to allow the fuel vapor adsorbed in the adsorbent material to flow out toward the engine via the air flowing in from the atmospheric inlet.

[0012] The adjusting component has multiple rod-shaped portions. The adjusting component and the adsorbent material are disposed together in the target chamber. Furthermore, the target chamber is at least one of at least one chambers, and a target port is connected to the target chamber. The target port is at least one of an inlet, an air outlet, and an outlet.

[0013] The target chamber has at least a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, and a connecting portion. The first cylindrical section is cylindrical and forms part of the wall of the target chamber. The second cylindrical section is cylindrical and is positioned further away from the target opening than the first cylindrical section when viewed from the target opening, and the second cylindrical section is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the second cylindrical section at the intersection is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cylindrical section at the intersection. The intersection refers to any cross-section orthogonal to the flow direction of fuel vapor and atmosphere.

[0014] The connecting part is cylindrical, and a portion is formed between the first and second cylindrical parts such that the cross-sectional area at the intersection increases as it moves away from the target opening. The adjusting member has a positioning part that can be inserted into the second cylindrical part but not into the first cylindrical part, thereby determining the position of the adjusting member within the target chamber.

[0015] According to the above structure, since the positioning part cannot be inserted into the first cylinder, it is possible to suppress the adjustment member from deviating towards the target opening. Therefore, the adjustment member can be positioned at a predetermined location so that it does not get excessively close to the target opening.

[0016] In one embodiment of this disclosure, at least one protrusion may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion. The at least one protrusion is configured to abut against the positioning portion, thereby inhibiting the movement of the adjusting member toward the object opening side. According to the above structure, since at least one protrusion abuts against the positioning portion, the adjusting member can be fixed more stably.

[0017] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a buffer zone can be provided in the object chamber, the buffer zone being the area closest to the object opening. The area of ​​the multiple rod-shaped portions on the intersecting cross-section of the buffer zone can be smaller than the area of ​​the multiple rod-shaped portions on the intersecting cross-section at a position farther from the object opening than the buffer zone.

[0018] According to the above structure, since there are fewer adjustment components disposed in the buffer area on the side communicating with the target port, the uniformity of atmospheric and fuel vapor flow can be maintained to a high extent in the buffer area. If the uniformity is low and a relatively large amount of fuel vapor passes near the adjustment components, the adsorbent material near the adjustment components will reach saturation and cease adsorption relatively early. In this case, fuel vapor passes around the adsorbent material without being adsorbed. However, according to the above structure, the amount of fuel vapor passing through the buffer area without being adsorbed by the adsorbent material can be effectively reduced.

[0019] Here, compared to the case where the buffer zone is not located on the side connected to the interface, having the buffer zone on the side connected to the interface further reduces fuel vapor penetration. This suppresses both fuel vapor penetration and the ventilation resistance of the filter canister.

[0020] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the buffer region may be a region without adjustment components. According to the above structure, since no adjustment components are configured in the buffer region, the decrease in uniformity caused by multiple rod-shaped portions can be effectively suppressed. Therefore, the penetration of fuel vapor can be suppressed more effectively.

[0021] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning part can be formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the second cylinder. According to the above structure, the positioning part can abut against the protrusion at any point on the protrusion side. Therefore, when assembling the adjusting member into the target chamber, it is possible to avoid a situation where the abutment portion of the positioning part deviates from the protrusion, preventing the adjusting member from being secured.

[0022] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the thickness of the positioning portion at the intersecting cross section can decrease as it moves from the first cylinder side to the second cylinder side. According to this structure, atmospheric air and fuel vapor can flow smoothly from the first cylinder to the second cylinder around the positioning portion. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the filter tank of the embodiment, viewed from the side.

[0024] Figure 2A This is a sectional perspective view of the second room.

[0025] Figure 2B It is a 3D view of the adjustment components.

[0026] Figure 2C This is a sectional perspective view showing the state after the adjustment components have been assembled into the second chamber.

[0027] Figure 3This diagram illustrates the flow of purge air and fuel vapor near the positioning section.

[0028] Figure 4A This is a three-dimensional view of the rod-shaped part (triangular prism) of the modified example.

[0029] Figure 4B This is a three-dimensional view of the rod-shaped part (square) of the modified example.

[0030] Figure 4C This is a three-dimensional view of the rod-shaped part (rectangular) of the modified example.

[0031] Figure 4D This is a three-dimensional view of the rod-shaped part (elliptical) of the modified example.

[0032] Figure 4E This is a three-dimensional view of the rod-shaped part (strip-shaped) of the modified example.

[0033] Figure 4F This is a perspective view of the rod-shaped part (with a pointed end) of the modified example.

[0034] Figure 4G It is a 3D view of the material particles.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic illustration of the interior space of the second chamber of the filter tank in an embodiment. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view at point VV.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the adjustment component in the modified example.

[0037] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the flow of purge air and fuel vapor near the positioning section in the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] [1. Implementation Method]

[0040] [1-1. Composition]

[0041] Figure 1The filter canister 1 of the illustrated embodiment is installed in a vehicle having an engine (not shown). The filter canister 1 has a container 10 made of synthetic resin. The container 10 has a first chamber 20 and a second chamber 30 forming internal spaces. Adsorbent materials 60 and 62 for adsorbing fuel vapors are disposed in the internal spaces of each chamber. The adsorbent materials 60 and 62 are aggregates of multiple objects in powder or granular form. These multiple objects can be, for example, activated carbon or objects generated from activated carbon. Furthermore, the multiple objects can be any object capable of adsorbing fuel vapors, and for example, they can be substances other than activated carbon.

[0042] An inlet 11, an outlet 12, and an air vent 13 are provided at one end of the container 10. The inlet 11 and the outlet 12 connect the internal space of the first chamber 20 to the outside of the container 10. In addition, the air vent 13 connects the internal space of the second chamber 30 to the outside of the container 10.

[0043] The inlet 11 is connected to the vehicle's fuel tank (not shown) and allows fuel vapor to flow into the chambers of the filter canister 1. The fuel tank stores fuel supplied to the vehicle's engine. Fuel vapor generated from this fuel flows into the interior of the filter canister 1 through the inlet 11 and is adsorbed by the adsorbent materials 60, 62 disposed in each chamber. Thus, fuel accumulates inside the filter canister 1.

[0044] Furthermore, outlet 12 is connected to the engine intake manifold (not shown). Atmosphere flowing in from atmospheric port 13 causes fuel vapor adsorbed in adsorbent materials 60 and 62 to flow toward the engine through outlet 12. Atmosphere port 13 is connected to the outside of the vehicle. Moreover, atmospheric air (hereinafter referred to as purge air) flows into each chamber of filter canister 1 through atmospheric port 13 via the engine's intake negative pressure. Fuel adsorbed in adsorbent materials 60 and 62 is desorbed by the inflow of purge air. The desorbed fuel, along with the purge air, flows out from outlet 12 toward the intake manifold. Thus, fuel adsorbed in activated carbon is removed, thereby regenerating the activated carbon. Regenerating activated carbon in this manner is called purging.

[0045] The structure of the filter canister 1 will now be described in detail. Hereinafter, the side of the container 10 of the filter canister 1 that has the inlet 11, the outlet 12, and the vent 13 will be referred to as the inlet side. Furthermore, the container 10 has an opening 64 on the opposite side of the inlet side. This opening 64 is closed by a cover member 14. Hereinafter, the side opposite to the inlet side (in other words, the side where the cover member 14 is located) will be referred to as the cover side.

[0046] As an example, chamber 20 is generally rectangular or cylindrical in shape. The inlet end of chamber 20 is connected to an inlet 11 and an outlet 12. Furthermore, a filter 21 is disposed at the inlet end of one of the two ends of chamber 20. A filter 22 is disposed at the cover end of one of the two ends of chamber 20. Adsorbent material 60 is disposed between the filters 21 and 22. Additionally, the entire space between filters 21 and 22 is filled with adsorbent material 60, but only a portion of the adsorbent material 60 is shown. The other chambers are similarly shaped.

[0047] Furthermore, the end of the first chamber 20 on the cover side is connected to the channel 15. The channel 15 extends along the cover member 14 and communicates the first chamber 20 with the second chamber 30. Moreover, a perforated plate 23 is disposed between the filter 22 located on the cover side at both ends of the first chamber 20 and the channel 15. The perforated plate 23 has permeability that allows fuel vapor and purge air to pass through. In addition, a helical spring 16 is disposed between the perforated plate 23 and the cover member 14. The helical spring 16 presses the perforated plate 23 toward the opening side. Inside the filter tank 1, fluid can travel back and forth between the first chamber 20 and the second chamber 30 via the channel 15.

[0048] The second chamber 30 is generally formed into an elongated shape extending from the channel 15 to the atmospheric opening 13. In this embodiment, as an example, the second chamber 30 is cuboid in shape. However, the second chamber 30 can also be formed into other shapes. As an example, the second chamber 30 can be cylindrical.

[0049] The second chamber 30 is formed by at least a first cylindrical portion 301, a second cylindrical portion 302, and a connecting portion 303. The first cylindrical portion 301 is a cylindrical part that forms part of the wall of the second chamber 30. More specifically, the first cylindrical portion 301 forms the wall of the second chamber 30 that connects to the end on the opening side. The second cylindrical portion 302 is also a cylindrical part that forms part of the wall of the second chamber 30. Viewed from the atmospheric opening 13, the second cylindrical portion 302 is positioned further away from the atmospheric opening 13 than the first cylindrical portion 301. Furthermore, the second cylindrical portion 302 is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the second cylindrical portion 302 at the intersection is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cylindrical portion 301 at the intersection. In addition, the intersection refers to any cross-section orthogonal to the flow direction of fuel vapor and atmosphere. In other words, the intersection is the cross-section obtained when the filter canister 1 is cut by any virtual plane orthogonal to the flow direction of purge air and fuel vapor. In the following text, the "flow direction of the purge air and fuel vapor" will be referred to simply as the "flow direction".

[0050] The connecting portion 303 is also a cylindrical part forming part of the wall of the second chamber 30. The connecting portion 303 is formed such that, when the intersecting section between the first cylindrical portion 301 and the second cylindrical portion 302 moves in the direction away from the atmospheric opening 13, the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space at the intersecting section expands. As an example, the connecting portion 303 is formed into a cone shape such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space enclosed by the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 303 gradually increases with distance from the first cylindrical portion 301. When viewed from the opening side, the first cylindrical portion 301, the connecting portion 303, and the second cylindrical portion 302 are arranged sequentially.

[0051] The end of the second chamber 30 on the opening side is connected to an air vent 13. Furthermore, a filter 31 is disposed at the end of the second chamber 30 on the cover side at one of its two ends. A filter 41 is disposed at the end of the second chamber 30 on the opening side at one of its two ends. Moreover, an adsorbent material 62 is disposed between the filters 31 and 41 in the second chamber 30.

[0052] Furthermore, a perforated plate 32 is disposed between the filter 31 and the channel 15 on both ends of the second chamber 30 on the cover side. The perforated plate 32 has permeability that allows fuel vapor and purge air to pass through. Moreover, a coil spring 17 is disposed between the perforated plate 32 and the cover member 14. The coil spring 17 presses the perforated plate 32 toward the opening side.

[0053] like Figure 2A as well as Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of protrusions 91 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 303. Additionally, in Figure 2A , Figure 2C , Figure 3 In the middle, the upper side is the cover side, and the lower side is the opening side. Multiple protrusions 91, by abutting against the positioning part 90 (described later), prevent the adjustment member 50 (described later) from moving towards the atmospheric opening 13. The multiple protrusions 91 are formed such that a portion of the wall surface of the connecting part 303 protrudes inward towards the second chamber 30. In this embodiment, four protrusions 91 are provided. One of the four protrusions 91 is provided on each of the four side walls 44 of the second chamber 30, which is in the shape of a cuboid. Each side wall 44 is arranged opposite to its paired counterpart. Furthermore, in... Figure 2A The diagram only shows three protrusions 91 and two sidewalls 44.

[0054] Four protrusions 91 are each formed near the center of the circumference of each sidewall 44. The sidewall 44 is a wall portion that contacts the side surface of the interior space of the second chamber 30 (hereinafter referred to as the second space 42). The two protrusions 91 provided on two opposing sidewalls 44 are arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the center of the intersecting section of the second chamber 30. The faces of the four protrusions 91 facing the opening are formed to exist on the same plane. Furthermore, the faces of the four protrusions 91 facing the adjustment member 50, i.e., the inward-facing faces, are formed to be on the same plane as the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion 301. However, the aforementioned inward-facing faces may not be on the same plane as the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion 301.

[0055] [1-2. Adjustment components]

[0056] In the filter tank 1 of this disclosure, at least one of the at least one chamber disposed within the filter tank is a target chamber. The target chamber is the chamber in which the adsorbent material 62 and the adjustment component 50 are disposed. Furthermore, the target chamber refers to the chamber connected to a target port, which is at least one of the inlet 11, outlet 12, and atmospheric port 13. In this embodiment, as an example, the second chamber 30 is the target chamber, and an atmospheric port 13 is connected to the target chamber. Of course, the first chamber 20 may also replace the second chamber 30 as the target chamber. Alternatively, both the first chamber 20 and the second chamber 30 may be target chambers. The adjustment component 50 disposed in the second chamber 30 will be described below.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, adsorption material 62 and adjustment component 50 are disposed in the interior space of the second chamber 30, i.e., the second space 42.

[0058] like Figure 2B As shown, the adjustment component 50 has multiple elongated rod-shaped portions 51 and multiple connecting portions 52.

[0059] The plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 extend in a straight or substantially straight shape. "Substantially straight" means that the overall shape is approximately straight. For example, some or all of the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 may be bent with a small curvature. In other words, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 include rod-shaped portions that appear to be straight. Furthermore, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 extend in the same direction or substantially in the same direction. More specifically, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 extend in a direction from the opening side of the second chamber 30 toward the cover side or in a direction substantially the same as that direction. In other words, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 are arranged in the direction of the purge air and fuel vapor flow or in a direction substantially the same as that direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 may be the same as the direction of the purge air and fuel vapor flow, or it may have a small angle relative to that direction.

[0060] Furthermore, as an example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2B As shown, each rod-shaped portion 51 is cylindrical. However, each rod-shaped portion 51 can also be other shapes. Specifically, as... Figure 4F As shown, each rod-shaped portion 51 can be shaped such that its diameter gradually decreases towards the front end. Furthermore, each rod-shaped portion 51 can also be prismatic, for example. More specifically, as... Figure 4A As shown, each rod-shaped part 51 can be a triangular prism, such as... Figure 4B , Figure 4C As shown, each rod-shaped portion 51 can also be a quadrangular prism with a square or rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, for example... Figure 4D As shown, the cross-section of each rod-shaped portion 51 can also be elliptical. Furthermore, for example... Figure 4E As shown, each rod-shaped portion 51 can have a strip-like shape, such as... Figure 4F As shown, each rod-shaped portion 51 may also have a tapered shape at the end. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the cross-section of each rod-shaped part 51 can be, for example, cross-shaped (X-shaped).

[0061] On the other hand, a plurality of connecting portions 52 are distributed on a plurality of rod-shaped portions 51, and the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 are joined together as a single component. In this embodiment, the plurality of connecting portions 52 are distributed at two different locations in the direction of purge air and fuel vapor flow. In addition, the adjusting component 50 may have a plurality of elongated rod-shaped portions 51 and a connecting portion 52.

[0062] Furthermore, the space surrounding each rod-shaped portion 51 (in other words, the space on its sides) is in a connected state. That is, each rod-shaped portion 51 is arranged at a distance of more than a predetermined length relative to other rod-shaped portions. Therefore, although the second space 42 is surrounded by a plurality of rod-shaped portions 51, there is no space in the second space 42 that is isolated from other spaces.

[0063] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 are arranged to be distributed equally or substantially equally along a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the second chamber 30. Furthermore, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 are arranged such that they are spaced from the sidewall 44 by a distance of a predetermined length or more, wherein the sidewall 44 is a wall portion that contacts the side surface of the second space 42. Furthermore, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 are arranged such that they pass through the center and the central periphery of the second space 42 in the width direction.

[0064] In addition, such as Figure 2BAs shown, a positioning part 90 is provided on the adjusting member 50. The positioning part 90 can be inserted into the second cylindrical part 302 but not into the first cylindrical part 301, thereby determining the position of the adjusting member 50 within the second chamber 30. The positioning part 90 is formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical part 302. That is, the length of the outer circumference of the positioning part 90 is less than the length of the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical part 302, but greater than the length of the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical part 301. When the second chamber 30 is cylindrical, the diameter of the positioning part 90 is less than the diameter of the second cylindrical part 302, but greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical part 301. The positioning part 90 is connected to the rod-shaped part 51 via a connecting member 94 extending from the end of the rod-shaped part 51 located on the cover side. Figure 2C As shown, the positioning part 90 determines the position of the adjusting member 50 by abutting against the surface of one of the plurality of protrusions 91 facing the cover side. At this time, there is a slight gap between the positioning part 90 and the side wall 44. Furthermore, the thickness of the positioning part 90 at the intersecting section is less than the distance from the side wall 44 of the first cylindrical part 301 to the side wall 44 of the second cylindrical part 302 at the intersecting section. That is, the thickness of the positioning part 90 is designed so that it does not protrude into the inside of the first cylindrical part 301.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the second chamber 30 has a buffer region 93 in the area of ​​the second space 42 located at the inlet side. More specifically, the buffer region 93 is formed within the first cylindrical portion 301. In this embodiment, the buffer region 93 refers to the area where the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 are not disposed. As an example, when the adjustment member 50 is disposed, the entire area from 10 mm below the filter 41 upwards is left empty, and then the adjustment member 50 is disposed. In the flow direction, the buffer region 93 is narrower than the area where the adjustment member 50 is disposed. In addition, the area where the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 are not disposed can be, for example, about 2 mm, or about the average particle size of the adsorbent material 62 particles and / or powder. Furthermore, the buffer region 93 can be provided at the inlet side of the target chamber such that the length of the buffer region 93 in the flow direction is less than 30% of the length of the target chamber.

[0066] Furthermore, the adsorbent material 62 disposed in the second chamber 30 can be an aggregate of multiple granular objects having a predetermined shape. Specifically, for example, the adsorbent material 62 can be an aggregate of multiple particles 61. The particles 61 are granular activated carbon. The particles 61 are generated by mixing powdered activated carbon with a binder and shaping them into a predetermined shape. Additionally, as... Figure 4GAs shown, in this embodiment, as an example, the particle 61 is cylindrical. Furthermore, as an example, the diameter of the bottom surface of the particle 61 can be approximately 2 mm. Additionally, as an example, the distance (in other words, the length) between the two bottom surfaces of the particle 61 can be approximately 3 to 5 mm. However, the particle 61 can also have other shapes. Furthermore, an adsorbent material other than the particle 61, such as powdered activated carbon, can be disposed in the second chamber 30.

[0067] Furthermore, the spacing between the multiple adjacent rod-shaped portions 51 is determined according to the size of the material particles 61 (as an example, Figure 5 (D0). Specifically, this interval can be, for example, greater than either the diameter of the bottom surface of the particle 61 or the length of the particle 61.

[0068] Furthermore, the distance between the side of each rod-shaped portion 51 and the sidewall 44 of the second space 42 is specified according to the size of the material particles 61 (as an example, Figure 5 The minimum value of D1). Specifically, this minimum value can be greater than either the diameter of the bottom surface of the particle 61 or the length of the particle 61. In other words, the distance between the side of one or more of the outermost rods 51 and the sidewall 44 of the second space 42 can be greater than either the diameter of the bottom surface of the particle 61 or the length of the particle 61.

[0069] Figure 5 42A represents the intersecting section of the second space 42. Furthermore, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 on the intersecting section is defined as the total cross-sectional area. Additionally, Figure 5 51A represents the cross-section of the rod-shaped portion 51 on the intersecting section 42A. Furthermore, the number of rod-shaped portions 51 and the thickness of each rod-shaped portion 51 can be configured such that the total cross-sectional area is within a range of 1% to 30% of the total area of ​​the intersecting section 42A. Therefore, in the second chamber 30, both fuel adsorption and desorption can be effectively carried out, and ventilation resistance can be suppressed.

[0070] Additionally, as an example, in Figure 5 On the intersecting section 42A shown, the total cross-sectional area is approximately 7.5% of the total area of ​​the intersecting section 42A.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second space 42 is an elongated space with a fixed width. Additionally, each rod-shaped portion 51 is cylindrical, and its width remains constant. That is, when an intersecting section 42A is provided at any position in the second space 42, the size of the intersecting section 42A and the size of the cross-section of each rod-shaped portion 51 remain constant.

[0072] However, the width of the second space 42 and / or the width of each rod-shaped portion 51 may not be fixed. That is, the size of the intersecting section 42A and / or the size of the cross-section of each rod-shaped portion 51 may vary depending on the position of the intersecting section 42A provided in the second space 42. Moreover, in the above case, the number of the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 and the thickness of each rod-shaped portion 51 may be configured such that, regardless of the position of the intersecting section, the total cross-sectional area is within the range of 1% to 30% of the total area of ​​the intersecting section 42A. In the buffer region 93 of this embodiment, the total cross-sectional area is configured to be 0% of the total area of ​​the intersecting section 42A, and the buffer region 93 is filled with material particles 61. In addition, the total cross-sectional area in the buffer region 93 only needs to be less than the total cross-sectional area excluding the buffer region 93.

[0073] [1-3. Effects]

[0074] Based on the implementation methods detailed above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0075] (1a) The positioning part 90 can be inserted into the second cylinder part 302 but cannot be inserted into the first cylinder part 301. According to the above structure, it is possible to suppress the situation where the adjustment part 50 deviates towards the opening side, causing a decrease in the uniformity of gas flow caused by the multiple rod-shaped parts 51 near the target opening.

[0076] (1b) The connecting portion 303 is formed such that, when the intersecting section between the first cylinder portion 301 and the second cylinder portion 302 is moved in the direction away from the atmospheric opening 13, the cross-sectional area at the intersecting section is enlarged. Consider the following scenario: assuming the second chamber 30 does not have the connecting portion 303, the second cylinder portion 302 is positioned further away from the atmospheric opening 13 than the first cylinder portion 301 when viewed from the atmospheric opening 13, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second cylinder portion 302 at the intersecting section is larger than that of the first cylinder portion 301 at the intersecting section. That is, assuming a right-angled step structure is formed at the connecting portion between the first cylinder portion 301 and the second cylinder portion 302. In this structure, the flow of purge air and fuel vapor becomes poor at the step portion. However, according to the structure of the present disclosure described above, since the connecting portion 303 does not have a step, the purge air and fuel vapor can flow smoothly.

[0077] (1c) The multiple protrusions 91 abut against the positioning part 90, thereby preventing the adjustment member 50 from moving toward the atmospheric opening 13. According to the above structure, since the protrusions 91 abut against the positioning part 90, the adjustment member 50 can be fixed more stably.

[0078] (1d) The positioning part 90 is formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the second cylindrical part 302. According to the above structure, since the second chamber 30 is cuboid in shape, it is possible to prevent the positioning part 90 from rotating and causing the adjusting member 50 to deviate from the predetermined position. In addition, when the second chamber 30 is cylindrical, the positioning part 90 abuts against the protrusion 91 with its surface regardless of which direction it is inserted in the circumferential direction, thus facilitating assembly.

[0079] (1e) The filter canister 1 has a buffer area 93 without the plurality of rods 51. According to the above structure, the decrease in uniformity caused by the plurality of rods 51 can be effectively suppressed. As a result, the penetration of fuel vapor can be suppressed more effectively.

[0080] (1f) The spacing between the plurality of adjacent rod-shaped portions 51 is determined according to the size of the material particles 61. Thus, an appropriate spacing is provided between each rod-shaped portion 51. As a result, the plurality of material particles 61 fill the entire space between each rod-shaped portion 51. Therefore, the formation of excessively large gaps in the plurality of material particles 61 filling the space can be suppressed. Thus, the space is adequately filled by the plurality of material particles 61.

[0081] (1g) The minimum distance between the side portion of each of the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 and the sidewall 44 of the second space 42 is determined according to the size of the granules 61. This allows for a suitable spacing between each rod-shaped portion 51 and the sidewall 44. As a result, the plurality of granules 61 fill the entire space between each rod-shaped portion 51 and the sidewall 44. Therefore, excessively large gaps can be suppressed in the plurality of granules 61 filling the space. Thus, the space is adequately filled by the plurality of granules 61.

[0082] (1h) The number of the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 and the thickness of each rod-shaped portion 51 can be configured such that the total cross-sectional area is within a range of 1% to 30% of the total area of ​​the intersecting cross-section 42A of the second space 42. This allows for both effective fuel adsorption and desorption in the second chamber 30 and suppression of ventilation resistance. Furthermore, if the total cross-sectional area of ​​the buffer region 93 is less than one-third of the total cross-sectional area excluding the buffer region 93, the effect described above (1e) is significantly improved. As shown in this embodiment, in the region excluding the buffer region 93, the total cross-sectional area is approximately 7.5% of the total area of ​​the intersecting cross-section 42A. In this case, when the total cross-sectional area of ​​the buffer region 93 is less than 2.5% of the total area of ​​the intersecting cross-section 42A, the effect is significantly improved.

[0083] (1i) A buffer zone 93 is provided in the second chamber 30 connected to the atmospheric port 13. According to the above structure, since the buffer zone 93 is provided near the atmospheric port 13, it is possible to suppress the situation where fuel vapor is not adsorbed by the adsorbent material 62 and is discharged into the atmosphere through the target chamber from the atmospheric port 13.

[0084] [2. Other Implementation Methods]

[0085] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various embodiments may be adopted within the scope of the technology to which this disclosure pertains.

[0086] (2a) In the above embodiment, the filter tank 1 has two chambers. However, in a filter tank having one or more chambers, at least one chamber may be configured as the chamber to which the adjustment component 50 is configured.

[0087] (2b) In the above embodiment, a plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 are arranged in at least one target chamber extending along the flow direction of fuel vapor and purge air. Furthermore, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 extend in a straight or substantially straight shape. However, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 may, for example, extend along the flow direction in a bent or zigzag manner at more than one location. Furthermore, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 may, for example, extend in a spiral shape along the flow direction. Additionally, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 may each have a different shape.

[0088] Furthermore, the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 may extend in a direction different from the flow direction of the fuel vapor and the purge air. Furthermore, the directions in which the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 extend may differ from each other. Additionally, assuming there are three or more rod-shaped portions 51, two of them may extend in the same direction, while the others may extend in different directions.

[0089] (2c) In the above embodiment, a structure in which a buffer region 93 is provided on the side of the atmospheric outlet 13 is illustrated. However, the location of the buffer region 93 is not limited to this. For example, the buffer region 93 can be provided in the chamber where the inlet 11 or the outlet 12 is configured. More specifically, it can be provided in... Figure 1 An adjustment component is disposed in the first chamber 20. The adjustment component can be disposed at a position away from the inlet 11 or the outlet 12. For example, the entire area from 10 mm below the filter 21 upwards can be left empty, and then the adjustment component 50 can be disposed there. Alternatively, the buffer area 93 may not be provided. That is, a plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 can extend from the end of the first cylindrical portion 301 located on the cover side to the end located on the outlet side.

[0090] (2d) In the above embodiment, a structure is shown in which the adjustment member 50 is not disposed in the buffer region 93. However, the structure of the buffer region is not limited to this. The area of ​​the rod-shaped portion 51 on the intersecting section of the buffer region 93 is only required to be smaller than the area of ​​the rod-shaped portion 51 on the intersecting section at a position farther from the atmospheric opening 13 than the buffer region 93. For example, the structure of the buffer region 93 may be such that the number of the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 in the buffer region 93 is relatively small compared to the position far from the atmospheric opening 13. Furthermore, the structure of the buffer region 93 may also be such that the thickness of the plurality of rod-shaped portions 51 in the buffer region 93 is relatively thin compared to the position far from the atmospheric opening 13.

[0091] According to the above structure, since there are fewer rod-shaped portions 51 in the buffer region 93 on the side communicating with the atmospheric vent 13, the uniformity of the purge air and fuel vapor flow can be maintained to a high degree in the buffer region 93. If the uniformity is low and a relatively large amount of fuel vapor passes near the adjusting member 50, the adsorbent material 62 near the adjusting member 50 will reach saturation and become unable to adsorb any more fuel vapor relatively early. However, according to the above structure, the amount of fuel vapor that passes through the buffer region 93 without being adsorbed by the adsorbent material 62 can be effectively reduced. Here, compared to the case where the buffer region 93 is not located on the side communicating with the interface, when the buffer region 93 is located on the side communicating with the interface, fuel vapor penetration can be further reduced. Therefore, both fuel vapor penetration and ventilation resistance of the filter canister 1 can be suppressed.

[0092] (2e) In the above embodiment, a structure in which four protrusions 91 are provided in the connecting portion 303 is shown. However, the number of protrusions 91 is not limited to this. For example, three or fewer protrusions 91 may be provided in the connecting portion 303, or five or more protrusions 91 may be provided.

[0093] Furthermore, the protrusion may not be provided in the connecting portion 303. In this case, the positioning portion 90 may be formed such that its diameter increases as it moves from the first cylindrical portion 301 side to the second cylindrical portion 302 side. That is, the positioning portion 90 may be formed in a tapered shape along the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 303. According to the above structure, the position of the adjusting member 50 can be fixed by the outer circumferential surface of the positioning portion 90 abutting against the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 303.

[0094] (2f) In the above embodiment, the positioning part 90 is shown to be formed in a ring shape. However, the shape of the positioning part 90 is not limited to this. For example, the positioning part 90 can be formed entirely in a ring shape, or it can be partially discontinuous. In addition, the positioning part may not be formed in a ring shape. For example, the positioning part 90 may be a structure in which the end of the rod-shaped part 51 extends in a hook shape and is engaged with the protrusion 91.

[0095] In addition, it can have the following features: Figure 6 and Figure 7 The positioning portion 190 is shown. The positioning portion 190 can be formed such that, as it moves from the cylindrical portion 301 side towards the second cylindrical portion 302 side (for example, in...), it extends outwards. Figure 7 In the example shown, the thickness of the positioning portion 190 decreases at the intersecting cross-section (approaching from the lower side to the upper side). That is, the cross-section of the positioning portion 190 in the flow direction can be formed into a roughly triangular shape. In other words, the positioning portion 190 is annular, and the positioning portion 190 is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space enclosed by the inner peripheral surface of the positioning portion 190 increases as it moves away from the first cylinder portion 301. According to the above structure, purge air and fuel vapor flow smoothly from the first cylinder portion 301 toward the second cylinder portion 302 around the periphery of the positioning portion 190.

[0096] Furthermore, even if the positioning portions 90 and 190 are annular, they do not necessarily need to follow the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 302. For example, even if the second cylindrical portion 302 is cuboid in shape, the positioning portions 90 and 190 can be triangular. In the above structure, if the positioning portions 90 and 190 rotate, they will contact the side wall 44, so the positioning portions 90 and 190 will not rotate significantly, thereby suppressing the adjustment member 50 from deviating from the predetermined position.

[0097] (2g) The one or more functions of one constituent element in the above embodiments can be distributed among multiple constituent elements, or the one or more functions of multiple constituent elements can be integrated into one constituent element. Furthermore, a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments can be omitted. Additionally, at least a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments can be added to the configuration of other embodiments, or at least a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments can be substituted with the configuration of other embodiments, etc.

[0098] [The technical concepts disclosed in this specification]

[0099] [Project 1]

[0100] A filter canister, to be installed in a vehicle having an engine, and having formed at least one chamber, characterized in that it comprises:

[0101] An inlet, configured to allow fuel vapor to flow from the vehicle's fuel tank into the at least one chamber;

[0102] An adsorbent material is disposed in each of the at least one chamber and configured to adsorb the fuel vapor;

[0103] An air vent, configured to allow air to flow from outside the vehicle into the at least one chamber;

[0104] An outlet, configured to allow the fuel vapor adsorbed in the adsorbent material to flow out toward the engine via the air flowing in from the atmospheric inlet, and

[0105] Adjustment component, the adjustment component having multiple rod-shaped portions,

[0106] At least one of the at least one chambers serves as the object chamber, and an object port is connected to the object chamber. The object port is at least one of the inlet, the air outlet, and the outlet.

[0107] The adjustment component and the adsorbent material are disposed together in the target chamber.

[0108] The object chamber has:

[0109] The first cylindrical section is cylindrical and forms part of the wall surface of the object chamber;

[0110] A second cylindrical section, the second cylindrical section being cylindrical and positioned further away from the object opening than the first cylindrical section when viewed from the object opening, and the second cylindrical section being formed such that its cross-sectional area at the intersecting section is larger than that of the first cylindrical section at the intersecting section, the intersecting section being a section orthogonal to the flow direction of the fuel vapor and the atmosphere; and

[0111] The connecting portion is cylindrical, and forms a portion between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion such that the cross-sectional area at the intersecting section increases as it moves away from the object opening.

[0112] The adjusting component has a positioning part configured to be insertable into the second cylindrical part but not into the first cylindrical part, thereby determining the position of the adjusting component in the target chamber.

[0113] [Project 2]

[0114] The filter tank according to Project 1 is characterized in that,

[0115] At least one protrusion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion, and the adjustment member is suppressed from moving toward the object opening side by the abutting of the at least one protrusion with the positioning portion.

[0116] [Project 3]

[0117] The filter tank according to Project 1 or Project 2 is characterized in that,

[0118] A buffer area is provided in the object chamber, the buffer area being the area near the object opening.

[0119] The area of ​​the plurality of rod-shaped portions on the intersecting section of the buffer region is smaller than the area of ​​the plurality of rod-shaped portions on the intersecting section at a position farther away from the object opening than the buffer region.

[0120] [Project 4]

[0121] The filter tank according to item 1 or 2 is characterized in that,

[0122] A buffer area is provided in the object chamber, the buffer area being the area near the object opening.

[0123] The buffer area is the area where the adjustment component is not configured.

[0124] [Project 5]

[0125] The filter tank according to any one of items 1 to 4 is characterized in that...

[0126] The positioning part is formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the second cylinder.

[0127] [Project 6]

[0128] The filter tank according to any one of items 1 to 5 is characterized in that,

[0129] The thickness of the positioning part at the intersecting cross section decreases as it moves from the first cylindrical part side to the second cylindrical part side.

Claims

1. A filter canister to be installed in a vehicle having an engine, and having formed at least one chamber, the filter canister being characterized in that it comprises: An inlet, configured to allow fuel vapor to flow from the vehicle's fuel tank into the at least one chamber; An adsorbent material is disposed in each of the at least one chamber and configured to adsorb the fuel vapor; An air vent, configured to allow air to flow from outside the vehicle into the at least one chamber; An outlet, configured to allow the fuel vapor adsorbed in the adsorbent material to flow out toward the engine via the air flowing in from the atmospheric inlet, and Adjustment component, the adjustment component having multiple rod-shaped portions, At least one of the at least one chambers serves as the object chamber, and an object port is connected to the object chamber. The object port is at least one of the inlet, the air outlet, and the outlet. The adjustment component and the adsorbent material are disposed together in the target chamber. The object chamber has: The first cylindrical section is cylindrical and forms part of the wall surface of the object chamber; The second cylindrical section is cylindrical and is positioned further away from the object opening than the first cylindrical section when viewed from the object opening. The second cylindrical section is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the second cylindrical section at the intersection is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cylindrical section at the intersection, where the intersection represents a section orthogonal to the flow direction of the fuel vapor and the atmosphere. as well as The connecting portion is cylindrical, and forms a portion between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion such that the cross-sectional area at the intersecting section increases as it moves away from the object opening. The adjusting component has a positioning part configured to be insertable into the second cylindrical portion but not into the first cylindrical portion, thereby determining the position of the adjusting component within the target chamber. At least one protrusion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion, and the adjustment member is suppressed from moving toward the object opening side by the abutting of the at least one protrusion with the positioning portion.

2. The filter tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, A buffer area is provided in the object chamber, the buffer area being the area near the object opening. The area of ​​the plurality of rod-shaped portions on the intersecting section of the buffer region is smaller than the area of ​​the plurality of rod-shaped portions on the intersecting section at a position farther away from the object opening than the buffer region.

3. The filter tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, A buffer area is provided in the object chamber, the buffer area being the area near the object opening. The buffer area is the area where the adjustment component is not configured.

4. The filter tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The positioning part is formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the second cylinder.

5. The filter tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the positioning part at the intersecting cross section decreases as it moves from the first cylindrical part side to the second cylindrical part side.

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