Filtering tank

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a canister. The canister is provided with at least one chamber in which a fuel vapor adsorbent is disposed, an inflow port, an atmosphere port, an outflow port, and an adsorbent aggregate. The adsorbent aggregate is an aggregate of fibrous adsorbents disposed in a specific chamber, and the specific chamber is one of the at least one chamber. A first surface and a second surface that intersect the flow direction of the fluid are provided on the outer surface of the adsorbent aggregate, and the second surface is located on the opposite side of the first surface. At least one void is formed on the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate and extends from the first surface and / or the second surface along the flow direction to the bottom inside the adsorbent agglomerate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to filter canisters. Background Art

[0002] As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7244553, a technique is proposed in which the ventilation resistance of the filter canister is reduced by making the cross section of the adsorbent disposed in the adsorption chamber provided with an atmospheric port open to the atmosphere wider than the cross section of the adsorbent disposed in the other adsorption chambers. In addition, the cross section of the adsorbent refers to a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction of the fuel vapor.

[0003] Furthermore, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6568328, it is proposed to use an activated carbon fiber sheet for a canister of a vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0004] When an activated carbon fiber sheet is used in a filter tank, the activated carbon fiber sheet is sometimes processed into agglomerates of a predetermined shape, but in order to implement the above processing, the density of the activated carbon fiber sheet needs to be increased, and as a result, the ventilation resistance of the filter tank may increase. Here, as shown in the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, the ventilation resistance of the filter tank can be reduced by increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the agglomerates, but even with such a structure, the ventilation resistance may not be sufficiently reduced.

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to reduce the ventilation resistance of the canister while suppressing a decrease in fuel vapor adsorption performance.

[0006] One scheme of the present disclosure is a canister configured to be installed in a vehicle having an engine, the canister having at least one chamber, an inlet, an atmospheric port, an outlet, and an adsorbent agglomerate. An adsorbent for adsorbing fuel vapor is arranged in at least one chamber. The inlet is configured to allow fuel vapor to flow from a fuel tank of the vehicle into at least one chamber. The atmospheric port is configured to be open to the atmosphere. The outlet is configured to allow the fuel vapor adsorbed in the adsorbent to flow out toward the engine through the atmosphere flowing in from the atmospheric port. The adsorbent agglomerate is an aggregate of fibrous adsorbents arranged in a specific chamber, wherein the specific chamber is one of at least one chamber. A first surface and a second surface intersecting with the flow direction of the fluid in the specific chamber are provided on the outer surface of the adsorbent agglomerate, and the second surface is located on the opposite side of the first surface. At least one void is formed on the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate, and the at least one void extends from the first surface and / or the second surface along the flow direction to the bottom located inside the adsorbent agglomerate.

[0007] According to the above configuration, at least one void is provided on the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent aggregate, and the void does not penetrate the adsorbent aggregate, so that the fuel vapor adsorption performance can be suppressed from decreasing and the ventilation resistance of the canister can be reduced.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one void may be formed over the entire area of ​​the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate.

[0009] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the ventilation resistance of the canister while suppressing the flow bias of the fuel vapor.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one void may be formed on the first surface of the adsorbent agglomerate but not on the second surface.

[0011] According to the above configuration, since the orientation of the adsorbent aggregates can be easily grasped, the operation of placing the adsorbent aggregates in the specific chambers can be easily performed during the manufacturing process of the canister.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of chambers may be provided as at least one chamber, wherein the plurality of chambers include a chamber adjacent to the inlet and outlet and a chamber adjacent to the air port. A distance from the first surface along the flow direction to the air port may be longer than a distance from the second surface along the flow direction to the air port.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the first surface of the adsorbent aggregate having at least one void formed therein can be disposed at a position away from the atmosphere port. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outflow of fuel vapor from the atmosphere port to the outside of the canister.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one void may be formed on the first surface and the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the ventilation resistance of the canister can be reduced.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a chamber adjacent to the atmospheric port among the at least one chamber may be configured as a specific chamber.

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the ventilation resistance of the canister while suppressing the outflow of fuel vapor from the atmosphere port.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of pores may be formed on the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent aggregate as at least one void.

[0019] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the ventilation resistance of the canister while suppressing a decrease in the fuel vapor adsorption performance.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of holes may be arranged over the entire area of ​​the first surface and / or the second surface so as to be spaced apart from other adjacent holes at substantially constant intervals.

[0021] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the ventilation resistance of the canister while suppressing the flow bias of the fuel vapor.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adsorbent agglomerate may have a main body extending along an axis, and a plurality of protrusions disposed at a first end and / or a second end of the main body along the axis. At least one void in the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate may be formed by gaps between the plurality of protrusions disposed at the first end and / or the second end of the main body.

[0023] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the ventilation resistance of the canister while suppressing a decrease in the fuel vapor adsorption performance.

[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of protrusions may have a shape that becomes thinner toward a top.

[0025] According to the above configuration, at least one void can be appropriately formed by utilizing the gaps between the plurality of protrusions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the canister according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a front view of the adsorbent aggregate according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view including the central axis of the adsorbent aggregate disposed in the second adsorption chamber of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view including the central axis of an adsorbent aggregate according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view including the central axis of an adsorbent aggregate according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view including the central axis of an adsorbent aggregate according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 It is a front view of an adsorbent aggregate according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 It is a front view of an adsorbent aggregate according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 9 It is a front view of an adsorbent aggregate according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0035] Fig.10 This is a perspective view of an adsorbent aggregate according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Fig.11 This is a cross-sectional view including the central axis of the adsorbent aggregate according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Fig.12 It is a perspective view of an adsorbent aggregate according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0038] Fig.13 This is a cross-sectional view including the central axis of an adsorbent aggregate according to a modification of the second embodiment.

[0039] Fig.14 It is a perspective view of an adsorbent aggregate according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0040] Fig.15 This is a cross-sectional view including the central axis of an adsorbent aggregate according to a modification of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0042] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the following embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms within the technical scope to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0043] [1. First embodiment]

[0044] [(1) Structure of filter tank]

[0045] The canister 1 of the first embodiment is a device mounted on a vehicle and adsorbs and desorbs fuel vapor generated from a fuel tank (see Figure 1 ), wherein the fuel tank supplies fuel to the vehicle engine.

[0046] The canister 1 includes an inlet 2 , an outlet 3 , an air port 4 , first to third adsorption chambers 10 , 20 , 30 , and a connecting passage 5 .

[0047] The inlet 2 is connected to the fuel tank via a pipe, and is configured to introduce fuel vapor generated from the fuel tank into the canister 1 .

[0048] The outflow port 3 is connected to an intake pipe of the engine via a purge valve (not shown). The outflow port 3 is configured to discharge the fuel vapor accumulated in each adsorption chamber of the canister 1 toward the engine during purge.

[0049] The atmospheric port 4 is open to the atmosphere. That is, the atmospheric port 4 is connected to the outside of the vehicle and is configured to discharge air from which fuel vapor has been removed into the atmosphere. In addition, the atmospheric port 4 introduces the atmosphere (hereinafter referred to as purge air) during purging. The purge air flows downstream in the canister 1, so that the fuel vapor adsorbed by the adsorbent in each adsorption chamber in the canister 1 is desorbed and discharged through the outflow port 3.

[0050] The inlet 2 and the outlet 3 are provided at the ends of the flow path P of the fuel vapor and the purge air (in other words, the fluid) in the canister 1. On the other hand, the atmosphere port 4 is provided at the end opposite to the end where the inlet 2 and the outlet 3 are provided in the flow path P. The direction of the flow path P corresponds to the flow direction of the fluid in the canister 1.

[0051] Inside the canister 1 , the second adsorption chamber 20 , the first adsorption chamber 10 , and the third adsorption chamber 30 are sequentially provided along the flow path P from the atmospheric port 4 side. The atmospheric port 4 is adjacent to the second adsorption chamber 20 , and the inlet 2 and the outlet 3 are adjacent to the third adsorption chamber 30 .

[0052] The first adsorption chamber 10 and the second adsorption chamber 20 are arranged in a straight line, and the flow path P in the first adsorption chamber 10 and the second adsorption chamber 20 extends in a straight line. On the other hand, the first adsorption chamber 10 and the third adsorption chamber 30 are arranged in a manner of folding back through the connecting passage 5, and the flow path P in the first adsorption chamber 10 and the third adsorption chamber 30 folds back in a U shape. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first adsorption chamber 10 to the third adsorption chamber 30 may be arranged in a straight line, and the flow path P may extend in a straight line from one end to the other end.

[0053] The third adsorption chamber 30 is the main chamber with the largest volume among the plurality of adsorption chambers, and the third adsorbent 31 for adsorbing fuel vapor is arranged therein. The third adsorbent 31 may be, for example, activated carbon, and more specifically, it may be powdered activated carbon, granular activated carbon, activated carbon formed into a honeycomb shape, fibrous activated carbon formed into a sheet, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cylindrical shape, or a polygonal prism shape, etc.

[0054] On the other hand, the first adsorption chamber 10 and the second adsorption chamber 20 are both sub-chambers having a smaller volume than the third adsorption chamber 30 which is a main chamber. The first adsorbent 11 which is the same as the third adsorbent 31 is arranged in the first adsorption chamber 10. On the other hand, the second adsorption chamber 20 is configured as a specific chamber and is configured with the second adsorbent which is configured as an adsorbent aggregate 6.

[0055] [(2) Adsorbent Agglomerates]

[0056] The adsorbent aggregate 6 is configured to adsorb fuel vapor and is, as an example, a felt-like aggregate of fibrous activated carbon (see Figures 1 to 3 As an example, the adsorbent agglomerate 6 is formed by solidifying fibrous activated carbon with a binder or the like. In addition, the fibrous activated carbon can be formed by carbonizing a fiber material such as a non-woven fabric, for example. In addition, the adsorbent agglomerate 6 can also be formed by solidifying a fibrous adsorbent other than activated carbon.

[0057] As an example, the adsorbent agglomerate 6 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending along the axis A, and the length of the adsorbent agglomerate 6 in the direction of the axis A is smaller than the diameter (in other words, width) of its circular cross section (hereinafter also referred to as the cross section) orthogonal to the axis A. In addition, it is supplemented here that the axis A passes through the center of the cross section of the adsorbent agglomerate 6. In addition, the adsorbent agglomerate 6 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and for example, it may be a prism shape in which the length in the direction of the axis A is smaller than the width.

[0058] The adsorbent agglomerate 6 is arranged in the second adsorption chamber 20 in such a manner that the direction of the axis A coincides with the direction of the flow path P (in other words, the flow direction of the fluid). In addition, a first surface 60 and a second surface 61 are formed on the outer surface of the adsorbent agglomerate 6 at both ends of the direction of the axis A. As an example, the first surface 60 and the second surface 61 intersect the direction of the flow path P at approximately 90 degrees, and the second surface 61 is located on the opposite side of the first surface 60.

[0059] In addition, the second surface 61 is located on the atmospheric port 4 side in the flow direction of the fluid, and the first surface 60 is located on the inlet 2 and outlet 3 side (in other words, on the first adsorption chamber 10 side). That is, the distance from the first surface 60 to the atmospheric port 4 along the flow direction of the fluid is longer than the distance from the second surface 61 to the atmospheric port 4 along the flow direction of the fluid. In other words, the second surface 61 is closer to the atmospheric port 4 than the first surface 60, and the shortest port distance of the first surface 60 is longer than the shortest port distance of the second surface 61. In addition, the shortest port distance refers to the shorter distance of the distance from the first surface 60 and the second surface 61 to the atmospheric port 4 along the flow direction of the fluid, and the distance from the first surface 60 and the second surface 61 to the inlet 2 and outlet 3 along the direction, respectively, of the first surface 60 and the second surface 61.

[0060] In addition, a plurality of holes 62 (in other words, gaps) are formed on the first surface 60, and the plurality of holes 62 extend in a direction substantially consistent with the direction of the axis A (in other words, the flow direction of the fluid) (see Figure 2 and Figure 3As an example, the depths of the holes 62 are substantially the same, the bottoms 63 of the holes 62 are substantially located at the center of the adsorbent aggregate 6 in the direction of the axis A, and the holes 62 do not penetrate the adsorbent aggregate 6. On the other hand, no holes are formed on the second surface 61.

[0061] As an example, each hole 62 has a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of each hole 62 is not limited thereto, and its shape can be appropriately specified. In addition, the cross-sectional diameter of each hole 62 (in other words, the size of the hole 62) is approximately the same (as an example, the diameter is about 2 mm).

[0062] As an example, the holes 62 are arranged over the entire area of ​​the first surface 60 at substantially constant intervals from other adjacent holes 62. Preferably, the interval between two adjacent holes 62 is larger than the diameter (in other words, width) of each hole 62.

[0063] The plurality of holes 62 may be formed using a mold or the like when molding the adsorbent aggregate 6 , or may be formed by drilling holes in the first surface 60 after molding the adsorbent aggregate 6 .

[0064] [(3) Modification of adsorbent aggregates]

[0065] (1) Modification 1

[0066] The depths of the plurality of holes 62 in the first surface 60 may be different. Figure 4 As shown, the pores 62 may become deeper as they move from the center of the first surface 60 toward the edge. Generally speaking, the flow of a fluid is concentrated in the center of its flow path, and the flow rate of the fluid decreases as it moves toward the edge of the flow path. Therefore, by deepening the pores 62 from the center of the first surface 60 toward the edge, the flow of the fluid flowing through the adsorbent agglomerate 6 can be appropriately promoted.

[0067] Furthermore, for example, the adsorbent aggregate 6 may have a plurality of similar pores 62 formed on the second surface 61 instead of having pores formed on the first surface 60 .

[0068] In addition, a plurality of pores 62 may be formed on both the first surface 60 and the second surface 61 of the adsorbent aggregate 6 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

[0069] Specifically, for example Figure 5 As shown, the holes 62 on the first surface 60 and the holes 62 on the second surface 61 can be arranged so that their respective bottoms face each other in the direction of the axis A. In other words, they are arranged to overlap each other when the adsorbent agglomerates 6 are visually confirmed in the direction of the axis A. Thus, the ventilation resistance of the adsorbent agglomerates 6 can be reduced.

[0070] In addition, for example Figure 6 As shown, the holes 62 of the first surface 60 and the holes 62 of the second surface 61 may be arranged so that their respective bottoms 63 are not opposite to each other in the direction of the axis A. In other words, they are arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed from the direction of the axis A. Thus, when the fuel vapor flows through the adsorbent aggregates 6, a distance for the fuel vapor to move while contacting the adsorbent aggregates 6 can be ensured, thereby promoting adsorption of the fuel vapor to the adsorbent aggregates 6.

[0071] (2) Modification 2

[0072] The plurality of pores 62 may be formed at specific locations instead of being formed over the entire area of ​​the first surface 60 and / or the second surface 61 of the adsorbent aggregate 6 .

[0073] Specifically, the plurality of holes 62 may be formed at locations where the flow of the fluid is stagnant, such as, for example, Figure 7 As shown, the plurality of holes 62 may be formed so as to be arranged at substantially fixed intervals along the outer periphery of the first surface 60. Figure 8 As shown, the plurality of holes 62 may be formed in the entire region of one of the two semicircular regions dividing the first surface 60 into two.

[0074] In addition, the diameters (in other words, sizes) of the plurality of holes 62 formed on the first surface 60 and / or the second surface 61 may be different. Specifically, for example Fig. 9 As shown, the pores 62 may become larger as they go from the center of the first surface 60 toward the periphery. As described above, the flow rate of the fluid decreases as it goes toward the edge of the flow path. Therefore, by enlarging the pores 62 from the center of the first surface 60 toward the periphery, the flow of the fluid flowing through the adsorbent agglomerate 6 can be appropriately promoted.

[0075] Furthermore, a hole 62 may be formed in the first surface 60 and / or the second surface 61 .

[0076] [2. Second embodiment]

[0077] [(1) Adsorbent Agglomerates]

[0078] The canister 1 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the adsorbent aggregates 7 which are the second adsorbent disposed in the second adsorption chamber 20. The structure of the adsorbent aggregates 7 which is different from that of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0079] The adsorbent aggregate 7 includes a main body 72 and a plurality of first protrusions 73 (see Fig.10 and Fig.11 ).

[0080] As an example, the main body 72 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending along the axis A, and the length of the main body 72 in the direction of the axis A is shorter than the diameter (in other words, the width) of its cross section. In addition, it is supplemented here that the axis A passes through the center of the cross section of the main body 72. In addition, the main body 72 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a prism shape whose length in the direction of the axis A is shorter than its width.

[0081] The plurality of first protrusions 73 are cylindrical portions protruding from the end of the main body 72 in the direction of the axis A in the direction of the axis A. The first protrusions 73 have substantially the same height, and the first surface 70 of the adsorbent agglomerate 7 is formed by the top of each first protrusion 73. In addition, each first protrusion 73 becomes thinner toward the top thereof, thereby making it easier to remove the mold from the plurality of first protrusions 73 when molding the adsorbent agglomerate 7.

[0082] The plurality of first protrusions 73 are disposed close to each other, and at least one gap 74 is formed by the gaps between the adjacent first protrusions 73, and the at least one gap 74 extends from the first surface 70 along the direction of the axis A (in other words, the flow direction of the fluid) and spreads over the entire area of ​​the first surface 70. The at least one gap 74 reaches the main body 72 or the vicinity of the main body 72 (hereinafter referred to as the bottom). In other words, the bottom of the at least one gap 74 corresponds to the portion around the root of the plurality of first protrusions 73 in the adsorbent agglomerate 7. In addition, the gaps between the plurality of first protrusions 73 may form a single connected gap 74, or may form a plurality of separate gaps 74.

[0083] On the other hand, the end portion of the main body portion 72 where the plurality of first protrusions 73 are not formed forms the second surface 71. In other words, no void is formed on the second surface 71.

[0084] Moreover, similar to the first embodiment, the adsorbent agglomerates 7 are arranged in the second adsorption chamber 20 in such a manner that the direction of the axis A coincides with the flow direction of the fluid. In addition, the second surface 71 is located on the atmospheric port 4 side in the flow direction of the fluid, and the first surface 70 is located on the inlet 2 and outlet 3 side (in other words, on the first adsorption chamber 10 side). That is, the distance from the first surface 70 to the atmospheric port 4 along the flow direction of the fluid is longer than the distance from the second surface 71 to the atmospheric port 4 along the flow direction of the fluid. In other words, the shortest port distance of the first surface 70 is longer than the shortest port distance of the second surface 71.

[0085] In addition, similarly, by forming a plurality of protrusions on the second surface 71 of the adsorbent aggregate 7 without forming a void on the first surface 70 , at least one void may be formed on the second surface 71 .

[0086] [(2) Modification example]

[0087] In the adsorbent aggregate 7 of the modified example, at least one void 74 and 76 are formed on the first surface 70 and the second surface 71, respectively (see Figures 12 to 15 ) That is, the adsorbent aggregate 7 includes a main body 72 , a plurality of first protrusions 73 , and a plurality of second protrusions 75 .

[0088] The main body portion 72 and the plurality of first protrusions 73 have the same configuration as those of the second embodiment.

[0089] On the other hand, a plurality of second protrusions 75 are formed at the end portion of the main body 72 opposite to the end portion where the plurality of first protrusions 73 are provided in the same manner as the plurality of first protrusions 73, and the second surface 71 of the adsorbent aggregate 7 is formed by the top portion of each second protrusion 75. In addition, similarly to the plurality of first protrusions 73, each second protrusion 75 becomes thinner toward its top portion, and at least one gap 76 is formed by the gaps between adjacent second protrusions 75, and the at least one gap 76 is spread over the entire area of ​​the second surface 71.

[0090] In addition, if Fig.12 and 13 As shown in FIG. 1 , each first protrusion 73 and each second protrusion 75 may be arranged so that they are opposed to each other in the direction of the axis A. In other words, they are arranged to overlap each other when the adsorbent agglomerate 7 is visually confirmed in the direction of the axis A. Thus, the bottom of at least one void 74 in the first surface 70 and the bottom of at least one void 76 in the second surface 71 are caused to overlap in the direction of the axis A, thereby reducing the ventilation resistance of the adsorbent agglomerate 7.

[0091] In addition, if Fig.14 and 15 As shown, each of the first protrusions 73 and each of the second protrusions 75 may be arranged so that they are not opposed to each other in the direction of the axis A. In other words, when the adsorbent aggregate 7 is visually confirmed in the direction of the axis A, they are arranged so as not to overlap each other. Thus, it is possible to suppress the bottom of at least one void 74 in the first surface 70 and the bottom of at least one void 76 in the second surface 71 from overlapping in the direction of the axis A. Thus, when the fuel vapor flows through the adsorbent aggregate 7, it is possible to ensure a distance for the fuel vapor to move while contacting the adsorbent aggregate 7, thereby promoting the adsorption of the fuel vapor to the adsorbent aggregate 7.

[0092] [3. Effect]

[0093] (1) According to the above embodiment, at least one void is provided on the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7. In addition, since the void does not penetrate the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7, it is possible to promote the fluid that has entered the second adsorption chamber 20 to pass through the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7. Thus, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the fuel vapor adsorption performance and reduce the ventilation resistance of the canister 1.

[0094] (2) In addition, at least one void is formed in the entire region of the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow bias of the fuel vapor and reduce the ventilation resistance of the canister 1.

[0095] (3) Furthermore, since at least one void is formed only on the first surface of the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7, it is easy to grasp the orientation of the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7. Therefore, during the manufacturing process of the canister 1, it is easy to arrange the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 in the second adsorption chamber 20.

[0096] (4) Furthermore, the first surface of the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 having at least one void is disposed on the first adsorption chamber 10 side, and the second surface is disposed on the atmospheric port 4 side. Therefore, outflow of fuel vapor from the atmospheric port 4 to the outside of the canister 1 can be suppressed.

[0097] (5) Furthermore, by providing at least one void on the first surface and the second surface of the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 , the ventilation resistance of the canister 1 can be further reduced.

[0098] (6) Furthermore, the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 are arranged in the second adsorption chamber 20 adjacent to the atmospheric port 4. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outflow of fuel vapor from the atmospheric port 4 and reduce the ventilation resistance of the canister 1.

[0099] [4. Other embodiments]

[0100] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 are arranged in the second adsorption chamber 20. However, the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 may be arranged in the first adsorption chamber 10 or the third adsorption chamber 30 in such a manner that the direction of the axis A is substantially consistent with the direction of the flow path P. In this case, the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 may be formed into a shape corresponding to the first adsorption chamber 10 or the third adsorption chamber 30, and the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 may be arranged in the entire area of ​​the first adsorption chamber 10 or the third adsorption chamber 30, or may be arranged in a partial area of ​​the first adsorption chamber 10 or the third adsorption chamber 30.

[0101] In this case, as an example, the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 having at least one void (in other words, at least one hole) formed only on the first surface may be arranged in the first adsorption chamber 10 in such a manner that the second surface thereof is located on the atmospheric port 4 side. In addition, as an example, the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 may be arranged in the third adsorption chamber 30 in such a manner that the second surface thereof is located on the inlet 2 and outlet 3 sides.

[0102] (2) In the above embodiment, the direction of the axis A of the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 disposed in the second adsorption chamber 20 is substantially consistent with the direction in which the first adsorption chamber 10 and the second adsorption chamber 20 are arranged, in other words, with the direction of the flow path P in the first adsorption chamber 10 (see Figure 1 ). Furthermore, since the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 have a laterally elongated shape, the second adsorption chamber 20 protrudes laterally than the first adsorption chamber 10 .

[0103] However, the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 may be arranged in the adsorption chamber 20 in such a manner that the direction of the axis A intersects the arrangement direction of the first adsorption chamber 10 and the second adsorption chamber 20 at a predetermined angle (90 degrees as an example). Then, the direction of the flow path P in the second adsorption chamber 20 may be appropriately adjusted so that the direction of the axis A is substantially consistent with the direction of the section of the flow path P that flows through the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7. Thus, the length of the second adsorption chamber 20 protruding in the lateral direction can be suppressed, and the installation performance of the canister 1 in the vehicle can be improved.

[0104] (3) The filter tank 1 of the above embodiment has three adsorption chambers 10 to 30, but the number of adsorption chambers provided in the filter tank 1 may be one or two, or may be four or more. Even in this case, the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 may be arranged in any adsorption chamber in the same manner as in the above embodiment. In addition, the adsorbent aggregates 6 and 7 may be arranged in a plurality of adsorption chambers in the filter tank 1.

[0105] (4) Multiple functions of one component in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized by multiple components. Multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. In addition, part of the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment may be omitted. At least part of the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment may be added to the structure of the above-mentioned other embodiment, or at least part of the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment may be replaced with the structure of the above-mentioned other embodiment.

[0106] [5. Technical ideas disclosed in this specification]

[0107] [Project 1]

[0108] A canister is installed in a vehicle having an engine, wherein the canister is characterized by comprising:

[0109] at least one chamber, wherein an adsorbent for adsorbing fuel vapor is disposed in the at least one chamber;

[0110] an inlet configured to allow fuel vapor to flow from a fuel tank of the vehicle into the at least one chamber;

[0111] an atmospheric port, the atmospheric port being configured to be open to the atmosphere;

[0112] an outflow port configured to allow the fuel vapor adsorbed in the adsorbent to flow out toward the engine by the atmosphere flowing in from the atmosphere port; and

[0113] An adsorbent agglomerate, wherein the adsorbent agglomerate is a collection of fibrous adsorbents arranged in a specific chamber, wherein the specific chamber is one of the at least one chamber, and

[0114] A first surface and a second surface intersecting with the flow direction of the fluid in the specific chamber are provided on the outer surface of the adsorbent agglomerate, and the second surface is located on the opposite side of the first surface.

[0115] At least one void is formed on the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate, and the at least one void extends from the first surface and / or the second surface along the flow direction to a bottom located inside the adsorbent agglomerate.

[0116] [Project 2]

[0117] The filter tank according to item 1 is characterized in that:

[0118] The at least one void is formed over the entire area of ​​the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate.

[0119] [Item 3]

[0120] The filter tank according to item 1 or 2 is characterized in that:

[0121] The at least one void is formed on the first surface of the adsorbent agglomerate but not on the second surface.

[0122] [Item 4]

[0123] The filter tank according to item 3 is characterized in that:

[0124] A plurality of chambers are provided as the at least one chamber, wherein the plurality of chambers include a chamber adjacent to the inlet and the outlet and a chamber adjacent to the air port,

[0125] A distance from the first surface along the flow direction to the atmosphere port is longer than a distance from the second surface along the flow direction to the atmosphere port.

[0126] [Item 5]

[0127] The filter tank according to item 1 or 2 is characterized in that:

[0128] The at least one void is formed on the first surface and the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate.

[0129] [Item 6]

[0130] The filter tank according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that

[0131] A chamber adjacent to the atmospheric port among the at least one chamber is configured as the specific chamber.

Claims

1. A canister installed in a vehicle having an engine, wherein the canister is characterized by: at least one chamber, wherein an adsorbent for adsorbing fuel vapor is disposed in the at least one chamber; an inlet configured to allow fuel vapor to flow from a fuel tank of the vehicle into the at least one chamber; an atmospheric port, the atmospheric port being configured to be open to the atmosphere; an outflow port configured to allow the fuel vapor adsorbed in the adsorbent to flow out toward the engine by the atmosphere flowing in from the atmosphere port; and Adsorbent agglomerates, wherein the adsorbent agglomerates are aggregates of fibrous adsorbents arranged in a specific chamber, wherein: The particular chamber is one of the at least one chamber, and A first surface and a second surface intersecting with the flow direction of the fluid in the specific chamber are provided on the outer surface of the adsorbent agglomerate, and the second surface is located on the opposite side of the first surface. At least one void is formed on the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate, and the at least one void extends from the first surface and / or the second surface along the flow direction to a bottom located inside the adsorbent agglomerate.

2. The filter tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one void is formed over the entire area of ​​the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate.

3. The filter tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The at least one void is formed on the first surface of the adsorbent agglomerate but not on the second surface.

4. The filter tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: A plurality of chambers are provided as the at least one chamber, wherein the plurality of chambers include a chamber adjacent to the inlet and the outlet and a chamber adjacent to the air port, A distance from the first surface along the flow direction to the atmosphere port is longer than a distance from the second surface along the flow direction to the atmosphere port.

5. The filter tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The at least one void is formed on the first surface and the second surface of the adsorbent agglomerate.

6. The filter tank according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A chamber adjacent to the atmospheric port among the at least one chamber is configured as the specific chamber.

7. The filter tank according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A plurality of pores are formed on the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent aggregate as the at least one void.

8. The filter tank according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of holes are arranged over the entire area of ​​the first surface and / or the second surface so as to be spaced apart from other adjacent holes at substantially constant intervals.

9. The filter tank according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The adsorbent agglomerates have: a main body portion extending along an axis; as well as a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided at a first end portion and / or a second end portion of the main body portion along the direction of the axis, The at least one void in the first surface and / or the second surface of the adsorbent aggregate is formed by gaps between the plurality of protrusions provided at the first end portion and / or the second end portion of the main body portion.

10. The filter tank according to claim 9, characterized in that: The plurality of protrusions have a shape that becomes thinner toward a top.

Images