Method for manufacturing filter tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a manufacturing method of a filter tank. The canister has an activated carbon molded body configured to adsorb evaporated fuel generated in a vehicle fuel tank, and an adsorption chamber accommodating the activated carbon molded body. A method for manufacturing a canister includes: pressing or sucking fibrous activated carbon in a predetermined direction to form a columnar activated carbon molded body; the molded activated carbon molded body is disposed inside the adsorption chamber such that the pressing direction or the suction direction of the activated carbon molded body is perpendicular to the flow direction of the evaporated fuel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a filter tank. Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2023 / 054088 describes a canister having an activated carbon molded body and an adsorption chamber. The activated carbon molded body is accommodated in the adsorption chamber. The activated carbon molded body is configured to adsorb evaporated fuel generated in a vehicle fuel tank. Summary of the invention

[0003] As described in International Publication No. 2023 / 054088, it is preferred that the pressure loss in the canister be small. In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is preferred to provide a technique for reducing the pressure loss in the canister.

[0004] One scheme of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a filter canister, which has an activated carbon molded body and an adsorption chamber. The activated carbon molded body is configured to adsorb evaporated fuel generated in a vehicle fuel tank. The adsorption chamber accommodates the activated carbon molded body. The method for manufacturing the filter canister includes the following (i) and (ii). (i) Pressing the fibrous activated carbon in a specified direction, or agglomerating the fibrous activated carbon in a specified direction by suction, thereby forming a columnar activated carbon molded body; (ii) arranging the formed activated carbon molded body inside the adsorption chamber in such a manner that the pressing direction or the suction direction of the activated carbon molded body is perpendicular to the flow direction of the evaporated fuel. According to the above-mentioned structure, the pressure loss in the filter canister can be reduced.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispersion containing the fibrous activated carbon can be loaded into a forming mold, wherein a plurality of through holes are formed on the bottom wall of the forming mold, and the fibrous activated carbon can be agglomerated toward the bottom wall by suction, thereby forming an activated carbon forming body. According to the above configuration, a filter tank with reduced pressure loss can be realized by a relatively simple device.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the equivalent diameter of the cross section of the activated carbon formed body disposed in the adsorption chamber in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the evaporated fuel may be greater than the length of the activated carbon formed body in the direction of the flow of the evaporated fuel. According to the above configuration, a canister having an activated carbon formed body having an equivalent diameter of the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the evaporated fuel greater than the length in the direction of the flow of the evaporated fuel and reducing pressure loss can be realized.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the outer peripheral surface of the activated carbon formed body disposed in the adsorption chamber, which surrounds the flow direction of the evaporated fuel, is in contact with the inner surface of the adsorption chamber.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the adsorption chamber is connected to an atmospheric port open to the atmosphere. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the canister according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing a forming process of the first embodiment; Figure 2B The forming process of the first embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 2A Schematic diagram of the state afterward; Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram showing the third adsorbent formed in the forming step of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement process of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing a forming process of a second embodiment; Figure 4B The forming process of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 4A Schematic diagram of the state afterward; Figure 4C This is a schematic diagram showing the third adsorbent formed in the forming step of the second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram showing a forming process of a forming step according to a third embodiment; Figure 5B is a schematic diagram showing a cutting process in a forming step of a third embodiment; Figure 5C This is a schematic diagram showing the third adsorbent formed in the forming step of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [1. First embodiment]

[0016] [1-1. Structure of filter tank]

[0017] Figure 1 The canister 1 shown is an evaporated fuel treatment device, which is configured to adsorb and desorb evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The canister 1 includes a filling port 2A, a purge port 2B, an atmospheric port 2C, a housing 3, a first adsorbent 4A, a second adsorbent 4B, a third adsorbent 4C, a first filter 5A, a second filter 5B, a third filter 5C, a fourth filter 5D, a fifth filter 5E, a first porous member 6A, a second porous member 6B, a first spring 7A, and a second spring 7B.

[0018] The filling port 2A is connected to the fuel tank of the vehicle through a pipe and is configured to introduce evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank into the canister 1 .

[0019] The purge port 2B is connected to an intake pipe of the vehicle internal combustion engine via a purge valve. The purge port 2B is configured to discharge evaporated fuel from the canister 1 and supply the evaporated fuel to the engine.

[0020] The atmospheric port 2C is open to the atmosphere via a duct. The atmospheric port 2C is configured to release the gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed into the atmosphere. The atmospheric port 2C is configured to desorb (ie, purge) the evaporated fuel adsorbed by the canister 1 by introducing external air (ie, purge air).

[0021] The housing 3 is a box body with a space formed therein. The housing 3 is provided with a charging port 2A, a purge port 2B, and an atmosphere port 2C. The housing 3 has a first adsorption chamber 31 , a second adsorption chamber 32 , a third adsorption chamber 33 , and a communication portion 34 .

[0022] The first adsorption chamber 31 is a portion for accommodating the first adsorbent 4A. The first adsorption chamber 31 is in the shape of a bottomed cylinder. Hereinafter, the end of the first adsorption chamber 31 located on the bottom wall 311 side in the axial direction is referred to as the first end 31a of the first adsorption chamber 31. The end of the first adsorption chamber 31 located on the opposite side of the first end 31a in the axial direction is referred to as the second end 31b of the first adsorption chamber 31. A filling port 2A and a purge port 2B are provided on the bottom wall 311. In other words, the filling port 2A and the purge port 2B are connected to the first adsorption chamber 31. In more detail, the filling port 2A and the purge port 2B are connected to the first adsorption chamber 31, which means that the filling port 2A and the purge port 2B are not connected to the first adsorption chamber 31 via other chambers (i.e., directly).

[0023] The first adsorption chamber 31 communicates with the second adsorption chamber 32 at the second end 31b via the communication portion 34. The flow direction of the evaporated fuel in the first adsorption chamber 31 is parallel to the axial direction of the first adsorption chamber 31. The first adsorbent 4A, the first filter 5A, the second filter 5B, and the first porous member 6A are arranged inside the first adsorption chamber 31.

[0024] The first adsorbent 4A is configured to adsorb evaporated fuel. The first adsorbent 4A is, for example, an aggregate of granular activated carbon.

[0025] The first filter 5A and the second filter 5B are configured to allow gas to pass therethrough but not to allow the first adsorbent 4A to pass therethrough. In the first adsorption chamber 31, the first filter 5A and the second filter 5B are arranged so as to sandwich the first adsorbent 4A in the flow direction of the evaporated fuel. The first filter 5A is adjacent to the first end 31a side of the first adsorption chamber 31 with respect to the first adsorbent 4A. The second filter 5B is adjacent to the second end 31b side of the first adsorption chamber 31 with respect to the first adsorbent 4A.

[0026] The first porous member 6A is a plate-shaped member having ventilation holes formed therein. The first porous member 6A is, for example, lattice-shaped. The first porous member 6A is adjacent to the second end 31b side of the first adsorption chamber 31 (i.e., the side opposite to the first adsorbent 4A side) with respect to the second filter 5B.

[0027] In the first adsorption chamber 31, the first adsorbent 4A is pressed toward the filling port 2A and the purge port 2B by the first spring 7A via the second filter 5B and the first porous member 6A. The first spring 7A is an elastic member configured to bias an object in a predetermined direction.

[0028] The second adsorption chamber 32 is a portion for accommodating the second adsorbent 4B. The second adsorption chamber 32 is cylindrical. Hereinafter, the two ends of the second adsorption chamber 32 in the axial direction are respectively referred to as the first end 32a and the second end 32b of the second adsorption chamber 32. The second adsorption chamber 32 is arranged radially with the first adsorption chamber 31. The second adsorption chamber 32 is arranged so that the second end 31b of the first adsorption chamber 31 and the second end 32b of the second adsorption chamber 32 face the same side.

[0029] The second adsorption chamber 32 is connected to the first adsorption chamber 31 at the second end 32b via the communication portion 34. The second adsorption chamber 32 is connected to the third adsorption chamber 33 at the first end 32a. The flow direction of the evaporated fuel in the second adsorption chamber 32 is parallel to the axial direction of the second adsorption chamber 32. The second adsorbent 4B, the third filter 5C, the fourth filter 5D, and the second porous member 6B are arranged inside the second adsorption chamber 32.

[0030] The second adsorbent 4B is configured to adsorb evaporated fuel. The second adsorbent 4B is, for example, an aggregate of granular activated carbon.

[0031] The third filter 5C and the fourth filter 5D are configured to allow gas to pass therethrough but not to allow the second adsorbent 4B to pass therethrough. In the second adsorption chamber 32, the third filter 5C and the fourth filter 5D are arranged so as to sandwich the second adsorbent 4B in the flow direction of the evaporated fuel. The third filter 5C is adjacent to the first end 32a side of the second adsorption chamber 32 relative to the second adsorbent 4B. The fourth filter 5D is adjacent to the second end 32b side of the second adsorption chamber 32 relative to the second adsorbent 4B.

[0032] The second porous member 6B is a plate-shaped member having ventilation holes formed therein. The second porous member 6B is, for example, lattice-shaped. The second porous member 6B is adjacent to the second end 32b side of the second adsorption chamber 32 (i.e., the side opposite to the second adsorbent 4B side) with respect to the fourth filter 5D.

[0033] In the second adsorption chamber 32, the second adsorbent 4B is pressed toward the third adsorption chamber 33 side (i.e., toward the air port 2C side as described below) by the second spring 7B via the fourth filter 5D and the second porous member 6B. The second spring 7B is an elastic member configured to apply force to the object in a predetermined direction.

[0034] The third adsorption chamber 33 is a part for accommodating the third adsorbent 4C. The third adsorption chamber 33 has a cylinder 331 and a cover 332. The cylinder 331 is a cylindrical part, for example, a square cylinder. In the following, the two ends of the cylinder 331 in the axial direction are referred to as the first end 331a and the second end 331b of the cylinder 331. The cover 332 is configured to cover the opening of the cylinder 331 located at the first end 331a. The cover 332 is joined to the cylinder 331 by, for example, vibration welding. An atmospheric port 2C is provided in the cover 332. That is, the atmospheric port 2C is connected to the third adsorption chamber 33. In more detail, the atmospheric port 2C is connected to the third adsorption chamber 33, which means that the atmospheric port 2C is not connected to the third adsorption chamber 33 via other chambers (that is, directly).

[0035] The third adsorption chamber 33 is arranged radially with the first adsorption chamber 31. The third adsorption chamber 33 is arranged so that the first end 331a of the cylinder 331 and the first end 31a of the first adsorption chamber 31 face the same side. The third adsorption chamber 33 is arranged axially with the second adsorption chamber 32. The axial direction of the third adsorption chamber 33 coincides with the axial direction of the cylinder 331.

[0036] The third adsorption chamber 33 communicates with the second adsorption chamber 32 at the second end 331b of the cylinder 331. The flow direction of the evaporated fuel in the third adsorption chamber 33 is parallel to the axial direction of the third adsorption chamber 33. The third adsorption chamber 33 contains a third adsorbent 4C and a fifth filter 5E.

[0037] The third adsorbent 4C is configured to adsorb evaporated fuel. The third adsorbent 4C is an activated carbon molded body formed of fibrous activated carbon. The third adsorbent 4C is integrally molded. In other words, the third adsorbent 4C is not a combination of a plurality of activated carbon molded bodies, but a single activated carbon molded body.

[0038] The third adsorbent 4C is columnar. For example, the third adsorbent 4C is in the shape of a square column. The third adsorbent 4C is arranged inside the third adsorption chamber 33 in such a way that the axial direction of the third adsorbent 4C is consistent with the axial direction of the third adsorption chamber 33. The outer peripheral surface of the third adsorbent 4C contacts the inner surface of the third adsorption chamber 33. The outer peripheral surface of the third adsorbent 4C refers to the outer surface of the outer surface of the third adsorbent 4C that surrounds the axial direction of the third adsorbent 4C (in other words, surrounds the flow direction of the evaporated fuel). In more detail, the flow direction of the evaporated fuel here is the flow direction of the evaporated fuel in the third adsorption chamber 33.

[0039] The equivalent diameter D of the cross section of the third adsorbent 4C in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the evaporated fuel is greater than the length L of the third adsorbent 4C in the direction of the flow direction of the evaporated fuel. The equivalent diameter D of the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the evaporated fuel refers to the average value of the diameter (D = (S / π) 1 / 2 × 2) of the area S having the same area as the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the evaporated fuel in the direction of the flow of the evaporated fuel.

[0040] The fifth filter 5E is configured to allow gas to pass therethrough but not to allow the third adsorbent 4C to pass therethrough. The fifth filter 5E is adjacent to the first end portion 331a side of the cylinder portion 331 with respect to the third adsorbent 4C.

[0041] The communication portion 34 is a portion where a connection passage 341 is formed to connect the first adsorption chamber 31 and the second adsorption chamber 32. The communication portion 34 is arranged to cover the opening of the first adsorption chamber 31 at the second end 31b and the opening of the second adsorption chamber 32 at the second end 32b.

[0042] In the canister 1, a substantially U-shaped flow path of evaporated fuel is formed by the first adsorption chamber 31, the communicating portion 34, the second adsorption chamber 32, and the third adsorption chamber 33. The evaporated fuel introduced from the filling port 2A is adsorbed by the first adsorbent 4A in the first adsorption chamber 31. The evaporated fuel that is not completely adsorbed in the first adsorption chamber 31 flows into the second adsorption chamber 32 through the connecting passage 341, and is adsorbed by the second adsorbent 4B in the second adsorption chamber 32. In addition, the evaporated fuel that is not completely adsorbed in the second adsorption chamber 32 flows into the third adsorption chamber 33, and is adsorbed by the third adsorbent 4C in the third adsorption chamber 33. The gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed is released from the atmosphere port 2C.

[0043] By supplying air from the atmospheric port 2C, the evaporated fuel adsorbed in the first adsorption chamber 31, the second adsorption chamber 32, and the third adsorption chamber 33 is discharged from the purge port 2B and enters the engine of the vehicle. Thus, air containing the evaporated fuel is supplied to the engine.

[0044] [1-2. Method for manufacturing filter tank]

[0045] use Figures 1 to 3 The method for manufacturing the canister 1 will be described. The method for manufacturing the canister 1 includes at least a forming step and an arranging step.

[0046] <Forming process>

[0047] The forming step is a step of forming the third adsorbent 4C by pressing the fibrous activated carbon 41 in a predetermined direction or agglomerating the fibrous activated carbon 41 in a predetermined direction by suction. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C As shown, the forming step of this embodiment is a step of agglomerating the fibrous activated carbon in a predetermined direction by suction to form the third adsorbent 4C. Hereinafter, the direction in which the fibrous activated carbon 41 is agglomerated by suction is referred to as a suction direction W1.

[0048] In the molding process of this embodiment, a molding device 100A is used. The molding device 100A includes a molding die 110 and a suction unit 120 .

[0049] The forming mold 110 is a mold having a forming surface for forming the fibrous activated carbon 41. For example, the forming mold 110 is made of metal. The forming mold 110 has a recess 111 corresponding to the outer shape of the third adsorbent 4C. The forming mold 110 has a bottom wall 112 constituting the bottom surface of the recess 111 and a side wall 113 constituting the side surface of the recess 111. The bottom surface and the side surface of the recess 111 correspond to the forming surface.

[0050] For example, the bottom wall 112 is a flat plate having a square shape when viewed from above. A plurality of through holes 114 are formed on the bottom wall 112. The bottom wall 112 is, for example, in a mesh shape.

[0051] The side wall 113 extends from the entire periphery of the surface of the bottom wall 112. The interval S1 between two opposing portions of the inner surface of the side wall 113 (ie, the side surface of the recess 111) is set to correspond to the length L of the third adsorbent 4C.

[0052] The suction portion 120 is configured to suck the inside of the recessed portion 111 through the plurality of through holes 114. In other words, the suction portion 120 is configured to suck the inside of the recessed portion 111 toward the bottom wall 112 side.

[0053] In the forming process, Figure 2AAs shown, the dispersion 42 in which the fibrous activated carbon 41 is dispersed is charged into the concave portion 111 of the forming die 110. The dispersion 42 may contain, for example, a binder and / or granular activated carbon in addition to the fibrous activated carbon 41.

[0054] The dispersion 42 loaded into the concave portion 111 is sucked toward the bottom wall 112 by the suction portion 120, thereby removing water in the dispersion 42 and causing the fibrous activated carbon 41 to aggregate toward the bottom wall 112. Figure 2B As shown, the moisture is removed and the fibrous activated carbon 41 agglomerates toward the bottom wall 112 until the height of the fibrous activated carbon 41 in the recess 111 from the bottom wall 112 is reduced to a predetermined height H. The predetermined height H is set corresponding to the equivalent diameter D of the third adsorbent 4C.

[0055] As described above, the dispersion 42 contained in the forming mold 110 is sucked, and the water is removed so that the fibrous activated carbon 41 is agglomerated, thereby forming the fibrous activated carbon 41 into a columnar shape. For example, the fibrous activated carbon 41 is formed into a square columnar shape. Figure 2C As shown in FIG. 1 , since the fibrous activated carbon 41 is formed into a columnar shape, the third adsorbent 4C is obtained. Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1 , in the process of agglomerating the fibrous activated carbon 41 by sucking the dispersion 42, the fibers in the fibrous activated carbon 41 contained in the dispersion 42 tend to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the suction direction W1. Figure 2C As shown, the third adsorbent 4C formed in the forming step tends to include a large amount of fibrous activated carbon 41 oriented perpendicularly to the suction direction W1 .

[0056] <Configuration process>

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the arrangement step is a step of arranging the third adsorbent 4C formed in the forming step inside the third adsorption chamber 33. The third adsorbent 4C formed in the forming step is pressed into the inside of the cylinder 331 from the opening located at the first end 331a of the cylinder 331. The third adsorbent 4C is arranged inside the cylinder 331 in such a manner that the suction direction W1 of the third adsorbent 4C is perpendicular to the flow direction F of the evaporated fuel. More specifically, the flow direction F of the evaporated fuel here is the flow direction F of the evaporated fuel in the third adsorption chamber 33.

[0058] Next, the fifth filter 5E is press-fitted into the interior of the cylindrical portion 331 from the opening of the first end portion 331 a of the cylindrical portion 331 .

[0059] Then, the cover 332 is arranged so as to cover the opening at the first end 331a of the cylinder 331. The cover 332 is joined to the cylinder 331 by, for example, vibration welding.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the third adsorbent 4C is placed inside the third adsorption chamber 33 through the placement step.

[0061] <Other Processes>

[0062] The first adsorbent 4A, the first filter 5A, the second filter 5B, and the first porous member 6A are arranged inside the first adsorption chamber 31. The second adsorbent 4B, the third filter 5C, the fourth filter 5D, and the second porous member 6B are arranged inside the second adsorption chamber 32. The first spring 7A is arranged so as to press the first adsorbent 4A, and the second spring 7B is arranged so as to press the second adsorbent 4B. In the state where the first spring 7A and the second spring 7B are arranged, the connecting portion 34 is arranged. Specifically, the connecting portion 34 is arranged to cover the opening of the first adsorption chamber 31 at the second end 31b and the opening of the second adsorption chamber 32 at the second end 32b.

[0063] The canister 1 is manufactured through the above-mentioned steps.

[0064] [1-3. Effect]

[0065] According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0066] (1a) The manufacturing method of the canister 1 includes a forming step and an arrangement step. In the forming step, the fibrous activated carbon 41 is agglomerated in a predetermined direction by suction, thereby forming the third adsorbent 4C. In the arrangement step, the third adsorbent 4C is arranged inside the third adsorption chamber 33 in such a manner that the suction direction W1 of the third adsorbent 4C is perpendicular to the flow direction F of the evaporated fuel.

[0067] According to the above configuration, in the forming step, the third adsorbent 4C including a large number of fibrous activated carbons 41 oriented perpendicularly to the suction direction W1 can be formed. In the disposing step, the third adsorbent 4C formed in the forming step is disposed inside the third adsorption chamber 33 in the above manner. As a result, the fibrous activated carbons 41 oriented perpendicularly to the flow direction F of the evaporated fuel in the third adsorbent 4C disposed inside the third adsorption chamber 33 can be reduced. Therefore, the ventilation resistance in the third adsorbent 4C can be reduced. As a result, the pressure loss in the canister 1 can be reduced.

[0068] (1b) In the forming process, the dispersion 42 in which the fibrous activated carbon 41 is dispersed is loaded into the concave portion 111 of the forming mold 110, and the fibrous activated carbon 41 is agglomerated toward the bottom wall 112 by suction. Thus, the third adsorbent 4C is formed. According to the above-mentioned structure, the third adsorbent 4C containing a large amount of fibrous activated carbon 41 oriented perpendicular to the suction direction W1 can be formed by a relatively simple device. Therefore, the filter tank 1 with reduced pressure loss can be realized by a relatively simple device.

[0069] (1c) When an adsorbent having the above-mentioned length L smaller than the above-mentioned equivalent diameter D is formed, such as the third adsorbent 4C of the present embodiment, generally speaking, the fibrous activated carbon is sucked in a direction that is relatively smaller in size in the adsorbent, i.e., corresponding to the direction of the above-mentioned length L. When the adsorbent formed in the above manner is arranged inside the adsorption chamber, the suction direction of the adsorbent is parallel to the flow direction of the evaporated fuel in the adsorption chamber. That is, the adsorbent arranged inside the adsorption chamber tends to contain a large amount of fibrous activated carbon that is oriented perpendicular to the flow direction of the evaporated fuel. When the adsorbent contains a large amount of fibrous activated carbon that is oriented perpendicular to the flow direction of the evaporated fuel, the ventilation resistance in the adsorbent becomes large.

[0070] In contrast, in the manufacturing method of the canister 1 of the present embodiment, although the equivalent diameter D of the third adsorbent 4C is larger than the length L, in the forming step, the fibrous activated carbon 41 is sucked in the direction corresponding to the equivalent diameter D in the third adsorbent 4C to be formed. In the disposing step, the third adsorbent 4C formed in the forming step is disposed inside the third adsorption chamber 33 so that the suction direction W1 of the third adsorbent 4C is perpendicular to the flow direction F of the evaporated fuel. According to the above configuration, the canister 1 having the third adsorbent 4C having the equivalent diameter D larger than the length L and having reduced pressure loss can be realized.

[0071] (1d) As described in International Publication No. 2023 / 054088, when a plurality of plate-shaped activated carbon bodies are stacked on each other to form an adsorbent, when the adsorbent is arranged inside an adsorption chamber, a fixing device is generally used to fix the activated carbon bodies together to prevent the activated carbon bodies from separating from each other.

[0072] In contrast, the third adsorbent 4C is formed as a columnar activated carbon molded body. The third adsorbent 4C is arranged inside the third adsorption chamber 33 without using a fixing member. In the finished canister 1, the outer peripheral surface of the third adsorbent 4C surrounding the flow direction of the evaporated fuel contacts the inner surface of the third adsorption chamber 33.

[0073] According to the above configuration, the number of steps and the number of parts in manufacturing the canister 1 can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the canister 1 can be reduced.

[0074] [2. Second embodiment]

[0075] [2-1. Method for manufacturing filter tank]

[0076] The manufacturing method of the canister 1 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and includes at least a forming step and an arranging step. The same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment represent the same structures, and the above description is referred to.

[0077] <Forming process>

[0078] The forming step of the first embodiment is a step of sucking the fibrous activated carbon 41 and agglomerating the fibrous activated carbon 41 in a predetermined direction to form the third adsorbent 4C. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C As shown, the forming step of the second embodiment is a step of pressing the fibrous activated carbon 41 in a predetermined direction to form the third adsorbent 4C. Hereinafter, the pressing direction of pressing the fibrous activated carbon 41 in the second embodiment is referred to as a pressing direction W2.

[0079] A molding device 100B is used in the molding process of the second embodiment. The molding device 100B includes a molding die 130 and a pressing unit 140 .

[0080] The forming mold 130 is a mold having a forming surface for forming the fibrous activated carbon 41. For example, the forming mold 130 is made of metal. The forming mold 130 has a concave portion 131 corresponding to the outer shape of the third adsorbent 4C. The forming mold 130 has a bottom wall 132 constituting the bottom surface of the concave portion 131 and a side wall 133 constituting the side surface of the concave portion 131. The bottom surface and the side surface of the concave portion 131 correspond to the forming surface.

[0081] For example, the bottom wall 132 is in the shape of a flat plate having a square outer shape when viewed from above.

[0082] The side wall 133 extends from the entire periphery of the surface of the bottom wall 132. The interval S2 between two opposing portions of the inner surface of the side wall 133 (ie, the side surface of the recess 131) is set to correspond to the length L of the third adsorbent 4C.

[0083] The pressing portion 140 is configured to be able to slide inside the recess 131. The pressing portion 140 is configured to press the inside of the recess 131. The pressing surface of the pressing portion 140 corresponds to the forming surface. The pressing surface of the pressing portion 140 refers to the outer peripheral surface of the pressing portion 140 that faces the bottom wall 132 when pressing the inside of the recess 131. The pressing surface is, for example, a flat surface.

[0084] like Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , in the forming process, the fibrous activated carbon 41 is loaded into the concave portion 131 of the forming mold 130. The fibrous activated carbon 41 loaded into the concave portion 131 is pressed toward the bottom wall 132 by the pressing portion 140. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B As shown, the fibrous activated carbon 41 is pressed toward the bottom wall 132 until the height of the fibrous activated carbon 41 in the recess 131 from the bottom wall 132 is reduced to a predetermined height H. The predetermined height H is the same as the predetermined height H in the first embodiment.

[0085] By pressing the fibrous activated carbon 41 in the above manner, the fibrous activated carbon 41 is formed into a columnar shape. For example, the fibrous activated carbon 41 is formed into a square columnar shape. Figure 4C As shown in FIG. 1 , since the fibrous activated carbon 41 is formed into a columnar shape, the third adsorbent 4C is obtained. Figure 4B As shown in FIG. 1 , during the pressing of the fibrous activated carbon 41, the direction of the fibers in the fibrous activated carbon 41 tends to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction W2. Figure 4C As shown, the third adsorbent 4C formed in the forming step tends to include a large amount of fibrous activated carbon 41 oriented perpendicularly to the pressing direction W2 .

[0086] <Configuration process>

[0087] The arrangement process of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the suction direction W1 in the first embodiment is replaced by the pressing direction W2.

[0088] [2-2. Effect]

[0089] According to the second embodiment described in detail above, as described below, the same effects as those in (1a) and (1b) can be obtained. In addition, the same effects as those in (1c) and (1d) can be obtained. In addition, the suction in (1c) is replaced by pressing, and the suction direction W1 is replaced by the pressing direction W2.

[0090] (2a) The manufacturing method of the filter canister 1 of the second embodiment includes a forming step and a disposing step, similarly to the first embodiment. According to the above configuration, in the forming step, by pressing the fibrous activated carbon 41 in a predetermined direction, it is possible to form the third adsorbent 4C including a large number of fibrous activated carbon 41 oriented perpendicular to the pressing direction W2. In the disposing step, the third adsorbent 4C is disposed inside the third adsorption chamber 33 in such a manner that the pressing direction W2 of the third adsorbent 4C is perpendicular to the flow direction F of the evaporated fuel. Thus, the fibrous activated carbon 41 oriented perpendicular to the flow direction F of the evaporated fuel in the third adsorbent 4C disposed inside the third adsorption chamber 33 can be reduced. Therefore, the same effect as in the above (1a) can be obtained.

[0091] (2b) In the forming step, the fibrous activated carbon 41 is loaded into the concave portion 131 of the forming mold 130 and pressed toward the bottom wall 132. Thus, the third adsorbent 4C is formed. According to the above configuration, the third adsorbent 4C including a large amount of fibrous activated carbon 41 oriented perpendicular to the pressing direction W2 can be formed by a relatively simple device. Therefore, the same effect as the above (1b) can be obtained.

[0092] [3. Third embodiment]

[0093] [3-1. Method for manufacturing filter tank]

[0094] The manufacturing method of the canister 1 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, and includes at least a forming step and an arranging step. The same reference numerals as those of the first and second embodiments represent the same structures, and the above description is referred to.

[0095] <Forming process>

[0096] like FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C As shown, the forming process of the third embodiment is the same as the forming process of the second embodiment, and is a process of pressing the fibrous activated carbon 41 in a predetermined direction to form the third adsorbent 4C. Hereinafter, the pressing direction of pressing the fibrous activated carbon 41 in the third embodiment is referred to as the pressing direction W3. The forming process of the third embodiment includes forming and cutting.

[0097] (Forming)

[0098] In forming processing, use Figure 5A The molding device 100C shown in FIG. The molding device 100C includes a conveyor 150 and rollers 160. The conveyor 150 includes a circulatable conveyor belt 151. The conveyor 150 is configured to convey the fibrous activated carbon 41 accumulated on the conveyor belt 151 to the roller 160 side by the conveyor belt 151 circulating.

[0099] The roller 160 is located above the conveyor belt 151. The roller 160 is configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis 161. The roller 160 is configured to press the fibrous activated carbon 41 deposited on the conveyor belt 151 toward the conveyor belt 151 side.

[0100] like Figure 5A As shown, during the forming process, the fibrous activated carbon 41 is deposited on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 151. The fibrous activated carbon 41 is transported to the roller 160 side through the circulation of the conveyor belt 151, and is pressed toward the conveyor belt 151 side by the roller 160. Thus, a sheet-like intermediate formed body 43 is formed. The thickness T of the intermediate formed body 43 is the same as the above-mentioned equivalent diameter D of the third adsorbent 4C. That is, in the forming device 100C, the roller 160 is configured so that the roller 160 and the upper surface of the conveyor belt 151 are separated by a gap corresponding to the above-mentioned equivalent diameter D of the third adsorbent 4C.

[0101] like Figure 5B As shown, during the pressing process of the fibrous activated carbon 41, the direction of the fibers in the fibrous activated carbon 41 tends to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction W3. Therefore, the intermediate molded body 43 formed by the molding process tends to contain a large amount of fibrous activated carbon 41 oriented perpendicular to the pressing direction W3.

[0102] (Cutting Processing)

[0103] In the cutting process, the intermediate molded body 43 formed by the forming process is cut into a size S3 corresponding to the above-mentioned length L of the third adsorbent 4C and formed into a columnar shape. Figure 5B In FIG. 1 , an example of a cutting line is indicated by a double-dashed line. Figure 5C As shown, the third adsorbent 4C is obtained by forming the intermediate molded body 43 into a columnar shape. The third adsorbent 4C formed by the molding process and the cutting process tends to contain a large amount of fibrous activated carbon 41 oriented perpendicularly to the pressing direction W3.

[0104] <Configuration process>

[0105] The arrangement process of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the third embodiment, the suction direction W1 in the first embodiment is replaced by a pressing direction W3.

[0106] [3-2. Effect]

[0107] According to the third embodiment described in detail above, the same effect as that of the above (1a) can be obtained for the same reason as that of the above (2a). In addition, the same effect as that of the above (1c) and (1d) can be obtained. In addition, the suction in the above (1c) is replaced by pressing, and the suction direction W1 is replaced by the pressing direction W3.

[0108] [4. Other embodiments]

[0109] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various ways.

[0110] (4a) In the above embodiment, the equivalent diameter D of the third adsorbent 4C is larger than the length L. However, the equivalent diameter D may not be larger than the length L. For example, the equivalent diameter D of the third adsorbent 4C may be equal to the length L.

[0111] (4b) In the above embodiment, the third adsorption chamber 33 is directly connected to the atmospheric port 2C. However, the third adsorption chamber 33 may be connected to the atmospheric port 2C via another chamber. In other words, another chamber may be provided between the third adsorption chamber 33 and the atmospheric port 2C.

[0112] (4c) The functions of one component in the above-mentioned embodiment may be dispersed and arranged in a plurality of components, or the functions of a plurality of components may be integrated into a single 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 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.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a canister having an activated carbon formed body configured to adsorb evaporated fuel generated in a vehicle fuel tank and an adsorption chamber accommodating the activated carbon formed body, the method comprising: Pressing the fibrous activated carbon in a predetermined direction, or agglomerating the fibrous activated carbon in a predetermined direction by suction, thereby forming the activated carbon formed body in a columnar shape; as well as The formed activated carbon body is arranged inside the adsorption chamber so that a pressing direction or a suction direction of the activated carbon body is perpendicular to a flow direction of the evaporated fuel.

2. The method for manufacturing a filter tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dispersion in which the fibrous activated carbon is dispersed is loaded into a forming mold, wherein a plurality of through holes are formed on the bottom wall of the forming mold, and the fibrous activated carbon is agglomerated toward the bottom wall by suction, thereby forming the activated carbon formed body.

3. The method for manufacturing a filter tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The activated carbon formed body disposed inside the adsorption chamber has an equivalent diameter of a cross section perpendicular to a flow direction of the evaporated fuel that is larger than a length of the activated carbon formed body in the flow direction of the evaporated fuel.

4. The method for manufacturing a filter tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: An outer peripheral surface of the activated carbon formed body disposed inside the adsorption chamber, which surrounds the flow direction of the evaporated fuel, is in contact with an inner surface of the adsorption chamber.

5. The method for manufacturing a filter tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The adsorption chamber is connected to an atmosphere port opened to the atmosphere.

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