Evaporated fuel processing device and method for manufacturing evaporated fuel processing device

Abstract

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an evaporated fuel processing apparatus. This evaporated fuel treatment device is provided with a hollow housing and an adsorbent aggregate. The hollow housing has an inner wall defining an interior space. The adsorbent agglomerates are housed in an inner space surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow housing. The adsorbent agglomerates are configured to adsorb the evaporated fuel flowing into the internal space. The adsorbent agglomerates are accommodated in the internal space in a state in which the ends of the adsorbent agglomerates are at least partially embedded into the inner wall of the hollow housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an evaporated fuel processing device and a method of manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle-mounted canister is known as an evaporated fuel treatment device. The canister absorbs evaporated fuel from a vehicle fuel tank to prevent the evaporated fuel from being discharged into the atmosphere. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-231380, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-143950, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-72475 disclose canisters.

[0003] The canister uses an adsorbent to adsorb evaporated fuel. The canister desorbs the fuel from the adsorbent through the inhaled air and then supplies the fuel to the engine. In an exemplary canister, the adsorbent agglomerate is disposed in an adsorption chamber connected to the atmosphere port. For example, the adsorbent agglomerate may be a collection of block-shaped adsorbents made of solidified activated carbon. Summary of the invention

[0004] Conventionally, adsorbent aggregates having a diameter larger than that of the adsorption chamber are prepared, and the adsorbent aggregates are installed in the adsorption chamber in a compressed state so that the adsorbent aggregates can be fixed in the adsorption chamber even if the vehicle vibrates.

[0005] However, if the adsorbent aggregates are installed in the adsorption chamber while being compressed, the adsorbent aggregates may break and the filter may be clogged with the fragments, thereby deteriorating the ventilation resistance of the canister.

[0006] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to provide a new technology that enables adsorbent agglomerates to be fixed in an evaporated fuel treatment device without compression.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an evaporated fuel processing device. The evaporated fuel processing device includes a hollow shell and adsorbent aggregates. The hollow shell has an inner wall defining an inner space. The adsorbent aggregates are accommodated in the inner space surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow shell.

[0008] The adsorbent aggregate is configured to adsorb evaporated fuel flowing into the internal space. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the adsorbent aggregate is housed in the internal space with the end of the adsorbent aggregate at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case.

[0009] When the adsorbent aggregates are fixed by embedding them into the inner wall of the hollow housing, the adsorbent aggregates can be properly fixed in the evaporated fuel processing device without compression, thereby preventing the adsorbent aggregates from being crushed by compression.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adsorbent agglomerate may have a porous surface. The adsorbent agglomerate may be embedded in the inner wall in a state where the material constituting the inner wall enters into a plurality of pores contained in the surface. By embedding, the adsorbent agglomerate may be properly fixed in the evaporated fuel processing device without compression.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adsorbent agglomerates can be accommodated in the inner space of the hollow shell by insert molding the hollow shell containing the adsorbent agglomerates so that the ends of the adsorbent agglomerates are at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow shell. The adsorbent agglomerates can be properly fixed in the evaporated fuel processing device without compression through insert molding.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adsorbent agglomerate may have an outer peripheral portion arranged along the inner wall of the hollow shell. The outer peripheral portion of the adsorbent agglomerate may be embedded in the inner wall of the hollow shell. By embedding the outer peripheral portion, the inner wall of the hollow shell and the outer peripheral portion of the adsorbent agglomerate can be closely attached. Therefore, the outflow of evaporated fuel can be appropriately suppressed.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an evaporative fuel processing device may include an outer shell having a filling port for the evaporative fuel. The outer shell may form a flow path for a gas inside, and the gas flows in from the filling port, wherein the gas contains the evaporative fuel. A hollow shell for accommodating adsorbent aggregates may be formed separately from the outer shell. The hollow shell may be arranged in the flow path for the gas inside the outer shell. By forming the hollow shell for accommodating adsorbent aggregates separately from the outer shell, the adsorbent aggregates can be simply fixed in the evaporative fuel processing device without compression.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hollow shell may include a shell body and a connection port. The shell body has an inner wall defining an internal space and may be configured to accommodate adsorbent aggregates. The connection port may be configured to introduce gas containing evaporated fuel into the internal space. The adsorbent aggregates may be accommodated in the internal space of the shell body in a state of being embedded in the inner wall to adsorb evaporated fuel contained in the gas introduced from the connection port.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hollow shell may include a shell body and a cover. The shell body has an inner wall defining an internal space and an open end, and may be configured to accommodate adsorbent agglomerates. The cover may be configured to be mounted to the shell body at a predetermined position of the shell body to close at least a portion of the open end.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing an evaporative fuel processing device may be provided. The evaporative fuel processing device may include a hollow shell and adsorbent agglomerates. The manufacturing method may include preparing a mold for forming the hollow shell. The hollow shell has an inner wall that defines an internal space. The manufacturing method may include arranging the adsorbent agglomerates at a specified position in the mold. The adsorbent agglomerates are configured to adsorb evaporated fuel. The manufacturing method may include filling the mold with a resin for forming the hollow shell in a state where the adsorbent agglomerates are arranged in the mold.

[0017] The evaporated fuel processing device can be manufactured by filling a mold with resin. The adsorbent agglomerates can be accommodated in the inner space of the hollow shell in a state where the ends of the adsorbent agglomerates are at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow shell by insert molding. The adsorbent agglomerates can be appropriately fixed in the evaporated fuel processing device without compression by insert molding.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner wall of the hollow shell may be a cylindrical inner wall having a central axis. The adsorbent agglomerate may have a columnar shape having a central axis. The mold and the adsorbent agglomerate may have a positioning structure for aligning the central axis of the adsorbent agglomerate with the central axis of the hollow shell.

[0019] Arranging the adsorbent aggregates may include positioning the adsorbent aggregates relative to the mold using a positioning structure, thereby arranging the adsorbent aggregates at a predetermined position in the mold. According to the above method, the adsorbent aggregates can be accurately positioned relative to the hollow shell during insert molding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the evaporated fuel processing device according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sleeve.

[0022] Figure 3A This is an explanatory diagram regarding insert molding of a hollow case using a mold in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow housing formed by insert molding using a mold in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel processing device corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a schematic perspective view of an adsorbent and a mold in a modified example.

[0026] Fig. 6A This is an explanatory diagram of insert molding of a hollow case using a mold in a modified example.

[0027] Figure 6B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow housing formed by insert molding using a mold in a modified example.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the evaporated fuel processing device according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel processing device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] [First embodiment]

[0032] Figure 1 The evaporated fuel treatment device 1 of the present embodiment shown is configured as a vehicle-mounted canister that adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel generated from a fuel tank of a vehicle.

[0033] The evaporated fuel processing device 1 includes an outer casing 2, and the outer casing 2 accommodates adsorbents 5 and 7 for adsorbing evaporated fuel and adsorbent aggregates 9. The outer casing 2 includes a charging port 21, a purge port 22, and an atmosphere port 23.

[0034] The outer casing 2 is configured to define an internal space. The outer casing 2 includes a first adsorption chamber 5R, a connecting passage 6, a second adsorption chamber 7R, and a third adsorption chamber 9R in the internal space. A flow path is formed in the outer casing 2 through the first adsorption chamber 5R, the connecting passage 6, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 9R, and the flow path serves as a flow path for the gas flowing in from the charging port 21.

[0035] The filling port 21 is connected to the fuel tank of the vehicle through a pipe. The filling port 21 is configured to introduce the evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank into the evaporated fuel processing device 1. The filling port 21 functions as an inflow port for the gas containing the evaporated fuel.

[0036] The purge port 22 is connected to an intake pipe of a vehicle engine via a purge valve. The purge port 22 is configured to supply the evaporated fuel in the evaporated fuel processing device 1 to the engine.

[0037] The atmospheric port 23 is configured to discharge the gas from which the fuel vapor has been removed into the atmosphere. The atmospheric port 23 is further configured to introduce external air (i.e., purge air). By introducing the external air from the atmospheric port 23, the evaporated fuel adsorbed by the evaporated fuel processing device 1 is desorbed and flows through the purge port 22 to be supplied to the engine.

[0038] The outer shell 2 includes a main body 2A and a cover 2B. The main body 2A has an open end. A filling port 21, a purge port 22, and an air port 23 are provided on the main body 2A. The outer shell 2 accommodates necessary components including adsorbents 5, 7 and adsorbent agglomerates 9 through the open end of the main body 2A. The cover 2B is mounted on the main body 2A to close the open end of the main body 2A.

[0039] The first adsorption chamber 5R is provided in a region near the charging port 21 and the purge port 22 in the inner space of the outer case 2. The adsorbent 5 is stored in the first adsorption chamber 5R. Examples of the adsorbent 5 include activated carbon and zeolite. In the first adsorption chamber 5R, the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charging port 21 is adsorbed by the adsorbent 5. The evaporated fuel adsorbed by the adsorbent 5 is discharged from the purge port 22.

[0040] The first adsorption chamber 5R is defined by a first filter 5A and a second filter 5B disposed in the internal space of the outer case 2. The first filter 5A and the second filter 5B are configured to allow gas to pass therethrough but not to allow the adsorbent 5 to pass therethrough.

[0041] The first filter 5A defines a space communicating with the charging port 21 and the purge port 22 and the first adsorption chamber 5R. The second filter 5B defines a connection passage 6 communicating with the second adsorption chamber 7R and the first adsorption chamber 5R.

[0042] The second filter 5B is pressed toward the filling port 21 and the purge port 22 via the porous member 5C. Thus, the filters 5A and 5B sandwich the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R. The porous member 5C may be configured in a mesh shape, a slit shape, or a porous shape.

[0043] The evaporated fuel that has flowed in from the charging port 21 and is not adsorbed by the adsorbent 5 in the adsorption chamber 1R moves to the adsorption chamber 2R through the connecting passage 6 and is adsorbed by the adsorbent 7 in the adsorption chamber 2R.

[0044] The connection passage 6 is provided in a region adjacent to the main body 2A and the cover 2B in the internal space of the outer case 2 , and forms a flow path of the gas containing the evaporated fuel between the first adsorption chamber 5R and the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0045] The second adsorption chamber 7R is configured so that gas can flow freely between the second adsorption chamber 7R and the first adsorption chamber 5R through the connecting passage 6. Figure 1As shown, the first adsorption chamber 5R and the second adsorption chamber 7R are arranged adjacent to the connection passage 6. That is, the second adsorption chamber 7R is arranged radially with the first adsorption chamber 5R so that the gas flow direction is parallel to the first adsorption chamber 5R.

[0046] The second adsorption chamber 7R accommodates the adsorbent 7. Examples of the adsorbent 7 include activated carbon and zeolite. The adsorbent 7 may be made of the same material as the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R, or may be made of a different material.

[0047] The second adsorption chamber 7R is defined by a first filter 7A and a second filter 7B disposed in the internal space of the outer case 2. The first filter 7A and the second filter 7B defining the second adsorption chamber 7R are configured to allow gas to pass therethrough but not to allow the adsorbent 7 to pass therethrough.

[0048] The first filter 7A divides the second adsorption chamber 7R and the space in which the third adsorption chamber 9R is arranged. The second filter 7B divides the connection passage 6 and the second adsorption chamber 7R. The second filter 7B is pressed toward the second adsorption chamber 7R and the air port 23 via the porous member 7C. Thus, the filters 7A and 7B hold the adsorbent 7 in the second adsorption chamber 7R. The porous member 7C may be configured in a grid shape, a slit shape, or a porous shape.

[0049] The third adsorption chamber 9R is provided inside the sleeve 10 in the inner space of the outer case 2, wherein the sleeve 10 is installed in a region adjacent to the air port 23. The sleeve 10 is a separate member from the outer case 2 and is accommodated in the inner space of the outer case 2.

[0050] The filter 9A is provided in the outer housing 2 to cover the flow path from the atmospheric port 23 to the third adsorption chamber 9R. The filter 9A is disposed between the atmospheric port 23 and the sleeve 10. The sleeve 10 is provided at a position close to the filter 9A. The filter 9A is configured to allow gas to pass therethrough but not to allow adsorbent aggregates 9 to pass therethrough.

[0051] The sleeve 10 includes a cylindrical hollow shell 11 and adsorbent aggregates 9. The hollow shell 11 has a cylindrical inner wall 11A, and the inner wall 11A defines the internal space of the sleeve 10. The adsorbent aggregates 9 are accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall 11A of the hollow shell 11. The inner wall 11A of the hollow shell 11 defines a third adsorption chamber 9R.

[0052] A sealing member 13 having an annular shape and elasticity is provided on the outer periphery of the hollow housing 11. A groove member 12 for positioning the sealing member 13 is provided on the outer periphery of the hollow housing 11. The sealing member 13 is positioned by the groove member 12 provided on the outer periphery of the hollow housing 11. Through the above positioning, the sealing member 13 is mounted on the outer periphery of the hollow housing 11. An example of the sealing member 13 includes an O-ring.

[0053] The sleeve 10 is installed inside the outer housing 2 in a manner of being positioned via the sealing member 13. According to one example, the inner periphery of the outer housing 2 and the outer periphery of the hollow housing 11 are both circular. The outer periphery diameter of the hollow housing 11 is smaller than the inner periphery diameter of the outer housing 2. According to this example, the sleeve 10 having a circular cross section is installed in the inner space of the outer housing 2 in a manner of being embedded in the inner space of the outer housing 2 having a circular cross section.

[0054] When the sleeve 10 is installed in the correct position in the outer housing 2, the sealing member 13 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the outer housing 2 and elastically deforms. As a result, the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the outer housing 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the hollow housing 11 is closed by the sealing member 13 so that the gas containing the evaporated fuel cannot pass through. In other words, the sleeve 10 is fixed in the outer housing 2 by the elastic force of the sealing member 13 and does not move.

[0055] The adsorbent aggregates 9 are housed in the hollow casing 11 so as to cover the entire cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the hollow casing 11 in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall 11A of the hollow casing 11 .

[0056] The adsorbent agglomerates 9 are columnar adsorbent agglomerates, which have an outer shape corresponding to the inner space of the hollow shell 11. According to one example, the hollow shell 11 is a cylindrical shell, and the adsorbent agglomerates 9 are cylindrical adsorbent agglomerates.

[0057] For example, the adsorbent aggregate 9 is an aggregate of granular or fibrous adsorbents. For example, the adsorbent aggregate 9 may be an aggregate of granular adsorbents such as activated carbon or zeolite. According to another example, the adsorbent aggregate 9 may be an adsorbent aggregate formed using fibrous activated carbon.

[0058] The feature of this embodiment is that the adsorbent aggregates 9 are housed in the hollow shell 11 in such a manner that the outer peripheral edge 9E of the adsorbent aggregates 9 is embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow shell 11 in the entire inner peripheral direction of the hollow shell 11. The adsorbent aggregates 9 are embedded in the hollow shell 11 by insert molding. The outer peripheral edge 9E is an edge around the axis of the adsorbent aggregates 9.

[0059] That is, the hollow shell 11 and the adsorbent aggregate 9 are integrally formed by insert molding. Figure 2 The state in which the outer peripheral edge portion 9E of the adsorbent aggregate 9 is embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow casing 11 is shown.

[0060] like Figure 3AAs shown, the sleeve 10 is manufactured by preparing a mold 30 for forming the hollow shell 11, and placing the adsorbent aggregate 9 at a predetermined position in the mold 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B As shown, the mold 30 is filled with resin RS.

[0061] The adsorbent agglomerate 9 is made of a porous material. Therefore, the adsorbent agglomerate 9 has a porous surface. When the resin RS before curing flows into the mold 30, the resin RS constituting the hollow shell 11 flows into the numerous pores contained in the surface of the adsorbent agglomerate 9. The resin RS is cured in a state where the adsorbent agglomerate 9 is embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow shell 11 and is accommodated in the hollow shell 11.

[0062] like Figure 3A As shown, the mold 30 includes columnar mold parts 31, 33 and a cylindrical mold part 35 for forming the internal space of the hollow shell 11. The cylindrical mold part 35 is arranged to surround the columnar mold parts 31, 33. The columnar mold parts 31, 33 include a first mold part 31 and a second mold part 33. The first mold part 31 supports the adsorbent agglomerate 9 from below so as to arrange the adsorbent agglomerate 9 at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the hollow shell 11. The second mold part 33 is arranged above the adsorbent agglomerate 9.

[0063] The adsorbent agglomerate 9 is arranged between the first columnar mold member 31 and the second mold member 33 located inside the cylindrical mold member 35. At this time, the adsorbent agglomerate 9 is arranged in the mold 30 so that the central axis of the adsorbent agglomerate 9, the central axis of the cylindrical mold member 35, and the central axes of the columnar mold members 31 and 33 overlap with each other. As the adsorbent agglomerate 9, a columnar adsorbent agglomerate having a diameter larger than the outer circumference of the columnar mold members 31 and 33 and smaller than the inner circumference of the cylindrical mold member 35 is prepared.

[0064] The sleeve 10 in which the entire outer peripheral edge portion 9E of the adsorbent aggregate 9 is embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow casing 11 is manufactured by filling the resin RS into the gap between the cylindrical mold member 35 and the columnar mold members 31 , 33 .

[0065] In the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the present embodiment, the evaporated fuel introduced from the charging port 21 is adsorbed on the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R. The evaporated fuel that is not completely adsorbed in the first adsorption chamber 5R moves to the second adsorption chamber 7R through the connecting passage 6 and is adsorbed on the adsorbent 7 in the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0066] The evaporated fuel that is not completely adsorbed in the second adsorption chamber 7R moves to the third adsorption chamber 9R and is adsorbed on the adsorbent aggregate 9 in the third adsorption chamber 9R. The gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed by adsorption is discharged from the atmosphere port 23 .

[0067] In addition, the evaporated fuel adsorbed on the adsorbents 5 , 7 and the adsorbent aggregates 9 in the first adsorption chamber 5R, the second adsorption chamber 7R and the third adsorption chamber 9R, respectively, is discharged from the purge port 22 to the engine by air supplied from the atmospheric port 23 .

[0068] <Effect>

[0069] In the present embodiment, the adsorbent aggregates 9 are fixed so as to be embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow housing 11. Therefore, even if the vehicle vibrates, a gap is hardly generated between the inner wall 11A of the hollow housing 11 and the adsorbent aggregates 9. The evaporated fuel is adsorbed on the adsorbent aggregates 9 appropriately.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral edge portion 9E of the adsorbent agglomerate 9 is integrally formed with the inner wall 11A of the hollow shell 11, so the adsorbent agglomerate 9 is not damaged by compression. In the prior art, in order to fix the adsorbent agglomerate to the inner side of the hollow shell 11, the adsorbent agglomerate having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the hollow shell 11 is radially compressed while being accommodated in the hollow shell 11.

[0071] Compression can make the outer peripheral edge of the adsorbent agglomerate fit closely with the inner wall 11A of the hollow shell 11. However, due to compression, a load is applied to the outer peripheral edge of the adsorbent agglomerate. In the prior art, the adsorbent agglomerate is damaged by the load and the resulting fragments may cause the filter 7A, 9A to be blocked. That is, due to the breakage of the adsorbent agglomerate, the ventilation resistance may increase.

[0072] In contrast, the present embodiment can suppress the damage of the adsorbent agglomerates 9 due to compression. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly durable evaporative fuel processing device 1 that can maintain good ventilation resistance for a long time. The sleeve 10 can be circulated on the market as a component of the evaporative fuel processing device 1. In a broad sense, the sleeve 10 itself is also a type of evaporative fuel processing device.

[0073] [Modification of the first embodiment]

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, instead of the above-mentioned adsorbent agglomerates 9, the sleeve 10 may be provided with adsorbent agglomerates 15 having recesses 15A for positioning. Figure 4 The evaporated fuel processing device 101 of the modified example shown in FIG. Figure 1The difference of the evaporated fuel processing device 1 shown is that the evaporated fuel processing device 101 includes an adsorbent aggregate 15 having a recess 15A instead of the above-mentioned adsorbent aggregate 9 .

[0075] On the other hand, in addition to the above-mentioned differences, the structure of the evaporated fuel processing device 101 of the modified example is the same as that of the Figure 1 Hereinafter, the same reference numerals as those of the evaporated fuel processing device 1 are used to designate the same parts of the evaporated fuel processing device 101 of the modified example as those of the evaporated fuel processing device 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] In this modification, the sleeve 10 accommodates the adsorbent aggregate 15 having the concave portion 15A in the hollow shell 11. When the hollow shell 11 and the adsorbent aggregate 15 are integrally formed by insert molding, a mold member 31 is used instead of the mold member 31. Figure 5 The mold part 32 is shown.

[0077] The mold member 32 has a cylindrical convex portion 32A corresponding to the concave portion 15A having a circular cross section of the adsorbent aggregate 15. The convex portion 32A and the concave portion 15A are configured to have such dimensions that relative displacement in the radial direction does not occur when they are engaged with each other.

[0078] The projection 32A is provided on the upper surface of the mold member 32 so that the central axis thereof coincides with the central axis of the mold member 32. The recess 15A is provided on the lower surface of the adsorbent aggregate 15 so that the central axis thereof coincides with the central axis of the adsorbent aggregate 15.

[0079] like Fig. 6A As shown, the adsorbent aggregate 15 is arranged on the mold member 32 so as to be positioned by the engagement between the convex portion 32A and the concave portion 15A. Thus, the adsorbent aggregate 15 is arranged so that the central axis thereof coincides with the central axis of the mold member 32.

[0080] The mold member 32 is disposed so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical mold member 35. Thus, the adsorbent aggregate 15 is arranged in the space surrounded by the mold members 32, 33, and 35 so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical mold member 35.

[0081] By injecting the resin RS in a state where the adsorbent agglomerate 15 is arranged between the mold parts 32, 33 and 35, as shown in FIG. Figure 6BAs shown, the sleeve 10 is manufactured in such a way that the central axis of the adsorbent aggregate 15 coincides with the central axis of the hollow shell 11 , in which the adsorbent aggregate 15 is accommodated in the hollow shell 11 and the outer peripheral edge portion 15E of the adsorbent aggregate 15 is embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow shell 11 .

[0082] The convex part 32A and the concave part 15A function as a positioning structure for aligning the central axis of the adsorbent aggregate 15 with the central axis of the hollow shell 11. In this embodiment, the sleeve 10 that properly accommodates the adsorbent aggregate 15 in the hollow shell 11 can be manufactured by insert molding using the mold 30 including the mold parts 32, 33, and 35.

[0083] Here, an example is described in which the recessed portion 15A is provided in the adsorbent aggregate 15 and the protruding portion 32A is provided in the mold member 32 . However, the protruding portion may be provided in the adsorbent aggregate 15 and the recessed portion that engages with the protruding portion may be provided in the mold member 32 .

[0084] [Second embodiment]

[0085] Figure 7 The evaporated fuel processing device 201 of the second embodiment shown in the figure includes an outer case 202 without an air port 23. The evaporated fuel processing device 201 includes an adsorbent aggregate 209 instead of the adsorbent aggregate 9. The evaporated fuel processing device 201 is different from the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment in that an outer peripheral edge portion 209E of the adsorbent aggregate 209 is embedded in an inner wall 202W of the outer case 202.

[0086] The evaporated fuel processing device 201 of the second embodiment has a port component 223 that constitutes the atmosphere port 23. The evaporated fuel processing device 201 is different from the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment in that the port component 223 is attached to the outer case 202.

[0087] In other configurations, the evaporated fuel processing device 201 of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used to denote the same parts of the evaporated fuel processing device 201 of the second embodiment as those of the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] In the evaporated fuel processing device 201 of the present embodiment, the outer case 202 includes a main body 202A and a cover 2B. The main body 202A includes a charging port 21 and a purge port 22. The cover 2B is attached to a predetermined position of the main body 202A to close the open end of the main body 202A.

[0089] The outer shell 202 is configured to define an internal space. The outer shell 202 includes a first adsorption chamber 5R, a connecting passage 6, a second adsorption chamber 7R, and a third adsorption chamber 209R in the internal space. A flow path is formed in the outer shell 202, passing through the first adsorption chamber 5R, the connecting passage 6, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 209R, and the flow path serves as a flow path for the gas flowing in from the charging port 21. The outer shell 202 has an opening 202C at a position close to the third adsorption chamber 209R.

[0090] The port component 223 is mounted on the outer housing 202 so as to cover the opening 202C. The port component 223 may be fixed to the outer housing 202 by an adhesive or by a fixing member such as a screw.

[0091] In the first adsorption chamber 5R, the adsorbent 5 is sandwiched between the filters 5A and 5B. In the second adsorption chamber 7R, the adsorbent 7 is sandwiched between the filters 7A and 7B.

[0092] The adsorbent aggregate 209 is disposed in a region adjacent to the opening 202C in the internal space of the outer shell 202 and adjacent to the filter 7A. The adsorbent aggregate 209 has the same configuration as the adsorbent aggregate 9 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the adsorbent aggregate 209 is a columnar adsorbent aggregate having an outer shape corresponding to the inner periphery of the outer shell 202 that accommodates the adsorbent aggregate 209.

[0093] In this embodiment, the adsorbent aggregates 209 are stored in a region adjacent to the opening 202C in the outer case 202. The adsorbent aggregates 209 are stored in the outer case 202 in such a manner that the outer peripheral edge 209E of the adsorbent aggregates 209 is embedded in the inner wall 202W of the outer case 202 over the entire inner circumference of the outer case 202. As in the first embodiment, the adsorbent aggregates 209 are embedded in the inner wall 202W of the outer case 202 by insert molding.

[0094] The outer shell 202 is molded using resin RS. When the outer shell 202 is molded, the adsorbent aggregates 209 are arranged in a mold for molding the main body 202A of the outer shell 202. The main body 202A of the outer shell 202 is molded by injecting resin RS into the mold in a state where the adsorbent aggregates 209 are arranged, and the outer peripheral edge 209E of the adsorbent aggregates 209 is embedded in the inner wall 202W in the outer shell 202.

[0095] The evaporated fuel processing device 201 is completed by housing the filters 5A, 5B, the adsorbent 5, the porous member 5C, the filters 7A, 7B, the adsorbent 7, and the porous member 7C in the main body 202A of the outer case 202 integrally formed with the adsorbent aggregate 209, and installing the port component 223 in the opening 202C. According to the present embodiment, the outer case 202 corresponds to the hollow case of the evaporated fuel processing device 201.

[0096] Similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the adsorbent aggregates 209 are also arranged in the evaporated fuel processing device 201 by insert molding. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the damage of the adsorbent aggregates 209 due to compression, and it is possible to suppress the adsorption of the fragments of the adsorbent aggregates 209 generated by the damage on the filter 7A to increase the ventilation resistance.

[0097] [Third Embodiment]

[0098] Figure 8 The evaporated fuel processing device 301 of the third embodiment shown in the figure includes an outer casing 302. The evaporated fuel processing device 301 is different from the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment in that a sleeve 310 including an adsorbent aggregate 319 is provided outside the outer casing 302 instead of the adsorbent aggregate 9. In other configurations, the evaporated fuel processing device 301 of the third embodiment is basically the same as the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are given to the same parts of the evaporated fuel processing device 301 of the third embodiment as those of the evaporated fuel processing device 1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, the outer case 302 in the evaporated fuel processing device 301 includes a main body 302A and a cover 2B. The main body 302 includes a charging port 21, a purge port 22, and an air port 23. The cover 2B is attached to the main body 302A to close the open end of the main body 302A.

[0100] The outer shell 302 is configured to define an internal space. The outer shell 302 includes a first adsorption chamber 5R, a connecting passage 6, and a second adsorption chamber 7R in the internal space. A flow path passing through the first adsorption chamber 5R, the connecting passage 6, and the second adsorption chamber 7R is formed in the outer shell 302, and the flow path serves as a flow path for the gas flowing in from the charging port 21.

[0101] In the first adsorption chamber 5R, the adsorbent 5 is held between filters 5A and 5B. In the second adsorption chamber 7R, the adsorbent 7 is held between filters 7A and 7B. The filter 7A defines a space communicating with the atmosphere port 23 and the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0102] The atmospheric port 23 is connected to the connection pipe 308, and the connection pipe 308 connects the sleeve 310 and the atmospheric port 23. The first end of the connection pipe 308 is connected to the atmospheric port 23, and the second end of the connection pipe 308 is connected to the connection port 311A ​​of the sleeve 310.

[0103] The sleeve 310 is connected to the atmospheric port 23 via the connection pipe 308. The sleeve 310 is configured as an external component separate from the outer housing 302. The sleeve 310 includes a connection port component 311, an atmospheric port component 313, and a housing body 315.

[0104] The connection port component 311, the air port component 313, and the housing body 315 constitute the hollow housing of the sleeve 310. The housing body 315 has an inner wall 315A defining an internal space. The housing body 315 is a cylindrical housing body with both ends open. Examples of the housing body 315 include a cylindrical housing body.

[0105] The connection port component 311 is a component that functions as a cover, and is fixed to the housing body 315 so as to cover the first opening end of the housing body 315. The connection port component 311 has a first end that constitutes a connection port 311A. The second end of the connection port component 311 is connected to the first opening end of the housing body 315. The connection port 311A ​​functions as an introduction port for introducing gas containing evaporated fuel into the internal space of the sleeve 310.

[0106] The atmospheric port component 313 is a component that functions as a cover, and is fixed to the housing body 315 so as to cover the second opening end of the housing body 315. The first end of the atmospheric port component 313 is connected to the second opening end of the housing body 315. The atmospheric port component 313 has a second end that constitutes an atmospheric port 313A, and the second end is located on the opposite side of the first end.

[0107] The adsorbent aggregate 319 is accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall 315A of the housing body 315. The adsorbent aggregate 319 has the same structure as the adsorbent aggregate 9 of the first embodiment. The adsorbent aggregate 319 is accommodated in the housing body 315 in such a manner that its outer peripheral edge portion 319E is embedded in the inner wall 315A of the housing body 315.

[0108] Specifically, the housing body 315 and the adsorbent aggregate 319 are integrally formed by insert molding. The adsorbent aggregate 319 has a porous surface. By the insert molding, the adsorbent aggregate 319 is embedded in the inner wall 315A of the housing body 315 in a state where the resin constituting the inner wall 315A of the housing body 315 enters into the plurality of pores included in the surface of the adsorbent aggregate 319.

[0109] In the above-mentioned evaporated fuel processing device 301, the evaporated fuel introduced from the filling port 21 is adsorbed on the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R. The evaporated fuel that is not completely adsorbed in the first adsorption chamber 5R moves to the second adsorption chamber 7R through the connecting passage 6 and is adsorbed on the adsorbent 7 in the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0110] The evaporated fuel that is not completely adsorbed in the second adsorption chamber 7R flows into the internal space of the sleeve 310 having the adsorbent aggregate 319 through the atmospheric port 23 and the connecting pipe 308. The internal space of the sleeve 310 functions as a third adsorption chamber. The evaporated fuel that flows into the internal space of the sleeve 310 is adsorbed by the adsorbent aggregate 319. The gas from which the evaporated fuel is removed by adsorption is discharged from the atmospheric port 313A of the sleeve 310.

[0111] Furthermore, by the gas supplied from the atmospheric port 313A, the evaporated fuel adsorbed on the adsorbents 5, 7 and the adsorbent aggregates 319 is discharged into the engine from the purge port 22. By this discharge, the evaporated fuel is supplied to the engine.

[0112] Similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the adsorbent agglomerates 319 are also arranged in the sleeve 310 by insert molding, so that the damage of the adsorbent agglomerates 319 caused by compression can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the increase of ventilation resistance. The advantage of this embodiment is that it is easy to replace the sleeve 310. Aged adsorbent agglomerates 319 can be easily replaced.

[0113] [Other embodiments]

[0114] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various forms may be adopted. For example, corresponding to the shapes of the hollow shell 11, the outer shell 202, and the shell body 315, the adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 may adopt various shapes, such as cylindrical, rectangular, prism, etc. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 may also be in the shape of a corrugated tube. The corrugated tube-shaped adsorbent agglomerates may have a periodic corrugated shape in a direction perpendicular to the ventilation direction.

[0115] The technology disclosed in the present invention is of great significance for adsorbent agglomerates that may be damaged by compression. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 are not limited to agglomerates of activated carbon or zeolite, but may also be other adsorbent agglomerates that may be damaged by compression. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 may be porous materials with micropores. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 may be ceramic agglomerates.

[0116] The functions of one component in the above-mentioned embodiment may be dispersed and arranged in a plurality of components. The functions of a plurality of components may also be integrated into one component. In addition, a part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiment may be omitted. At least a part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiment may also be added to the components of the above-mentioned other embodiments, or at least a part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiment may be replaced with the components of the above-mentioned other embodiments. All modes included in the technical ideas determined by the sentences recorded in the present disclosure are embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A vapor fuel processing device, characterized in that: have: a hollow housing having an inner wall defining an interior space; and an adsorbent agglomerate, the adsorbent agglomerate being accommodated in the inner space surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow shell and configured to adsorb the evaporated fuel flowing into the inner space, and The adsorbent aggregates are accommodated in the internal space in a state where ends of the adsorbent aggregates are at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow casing.

2. The evaporated fuel processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adsorbent aggregate has a porous surface, and the adsorbent aggregate is embedded in the inner wall in a state where a material constituting the inner wall enters into a plurality of pores included in the surface.

3. The evaporated fuel processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The adsorbent agglomerates are accommodated in the inner space of the hollow shell by insert molding the hollow shell containing the adsorbent agglomerates so that the ends of the adsorbent agglomerates are at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow shell.

4. The evaporated fuel processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The adsorbent aggregate has an outer peripheral edge portion disposed along the inner wall, and the outer peripheral edge portion is embedded in the inner wall.

5. The evaporated fuel processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The evaporated fuel processing device includes an outer casing having a charging port for the evaporated fuel, and the outer casing forms a flow path for a gas inside thereof, the gas flowing in from the charging port contains the evaporated fuel, The hollow casing that accommodates the adsorbent aggregates is formed separately from the outer casing, and the hollow casing is arranged in the flow path of the gas inside the outer casing.

6. The evaporated fuel processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The hollow shell comprises: a housing body having the inner wall defining the inner space and an open end and configured to accommodate the adsorbent aggregates; and The cover is configured to be mounted on the housing body at a predetermined position of the housing body to close at least a portion of the open end.

7. A method for manufacturing an evaporative fuel processing device, the evaporative fuel processing device comprising a hollow shell and adsorbent aggregates, the method for manufacturing the evaporative fuel processing device comprising: preparing a mold for forming the hollow shell, wherein the hollow shell has an inner wall defining an inner space; disposing the adsorbent agglomerates at predetermined positions in the mold, wherein the adsorbent agglomerates are configured to adsorb evaporated fuel; and The mold is filled with a resin for forming the hollow shell in a state where the adsorbent aggregate is arranged in the mold, and The evaporated fuel processing device is manufactured by filling the mold with the resin, and the adsorbent aggregates are accommodated in the inner space of the hollow case in a state where ends of the adsorbent aggregates are at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case by insert molding.

8. The method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner wall of the hollow shell is a cylindrical inner wall having a central axis. The adsorbent agglomerate has a columnar shape having a central axis. The mold and the adsorbent agglomerate are provided with a positioning structure for aligning the central axis of the adsorbent agglomerate with the central axis of the hollow shell. Arranging the adsorbent agglomerates includes positioning the adsorbent agglomerates relative to the mold using the positioning structure, thereby arranging the adsorbent agglomerates at a prescribed position in the mold.

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