Fuel cap

Abstract

This utility model discloses a fuel filler cap, including a fuel filler cap body and a vent valve assembly disposed within the fuel filler cap body and capable of automatically opening and closing to establish an internal and external communication channel. The vent valve assembly includes a valve core, which is subjected to a pre-tightening force to close the internal and external communication channel. The valve core can be controlled to deform, and this deformation overcomes the pre-tightening force and opens the internal and external communication channel. The fuel filler cap of this utility model, with its automatically opening and closing vent valve assembly, can effectively prevent oil emulsification at the fuel filler cap, significantly reducing the probability of false engine diagnostics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive technology, and in particular to a fuel filler cap. Background Technology

[0002] Engine oil enters the engine through the filler neck, which is fitted with a filler cap to seal the oil. The filler neck is typically located on the cylinder head cover. Under low temperatures or short-distance driving conditions, high-temperature water vapor inside the engine condenses at the filler cap, mixing with oil vapor to form a white emulsion. This false emulsification is not true oil emulsification but a physical phenomenon caused by water vapor mixing with oil under specific conditions, easily misdiagnosed as an internal engine malfunction. Furthermore, existing filler caps often use simple sealing structures and lack active anti-condensation designs, leading to frequent misdiagnosis by users and increased after-sales costs.

[0003] Therefore, how to avoid oil emulsification at the filler cap is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in the existing technology. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a filler cap that can prevent oil emulsification at the filler cap under low temperature or short-distance operating conditions.

[0005] The present invention relates to a filler cap, comprising a filler cap body and a vent valve assembly disposed within the filler cap body and capable of automatically opening and closing to establish an internal and external communication channel. The vent valve assembly includes a valve core, which is subjected to a pre-tightening force to close the internal and external communication channel. The valve core can be controlled to deform, and the deformation overcomes the pre-tightening force and opens the internal and external communication channel.

[0006] Furthermore, the valve core is made of a temperature-controlled shape memory alloy.

[0007] Furthermore, the filler cap body is provided with a sealing connection part that is sealed to the filler port. The outer end of the sealing connection part forms a valve seat. The pre-tightening force causes the valve core to press on the valve seat, thereby closing the internal and external communication channel. The sealing connection part forms part of the internal and external communication channel.

[0008] Furthermore, the valve core is a cylindrical structure with one end open. The cylindrical valve core is inverted and placed on the valve seat so that the bottom of the valve core is closed on the valve seat under the action of pre-tightening force. The edge of the open end of the cylindrical valve core abuts against the step formed on the valve seat under the action of the pre-tightening force.

[0009] The cylindrical structure has several ventilation holes on its sidewalls.

[0010] Furthermore, the vent valve assembly also includes an elastic element for applying the pre-tightening force to the valve core. The filler cap body has a receiving space, and the receiving space has a receiving cavity for installing the elastic element. The receiving cavity is located above the valve seat, and the elastic element is installed in the receiving cavity. The two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to the inner wall of the receiving cavity and the valve core.

[0011] Furthermore, the fuel filler cap also includes a moisture-absorbing component and a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is used to acquire humidity information within the containment space. The fuel filler cap body is provided with a venting channel. The moisture-absorbing component is disposed within the containment space, and the moisture-absorbing component is provided with a plurality of connecting holes for connecting the venting channel and the containment space. The venting channel and the containment space constitute part of the internal and external communication channel.

[0012] Furthermore, the filler cap also includes a heater, which is disposed within the receiving space;

[0013] The moisture-absorbing element is made of silicone or molecular sieve.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner wall of the sealing connection is provided with a spiral guide groove.

[0015] Furthermore, the filler cap also includes a collection chamber and a one-way drainage membrane. One end of the collection chamber is connected to the sealing connection, and the one-way drainage membrane is disposed at the other end of the collection chamber.

[0016] Furthermore, the filler cap also includes a control unit, the signal output terminal of the humidity sensor is connected to the signal input terminal of the control unit, and the signal output terminal of the control unit is connected to the signal input terminal of the heater.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0018] 1. By setting up a breather valve assembly and establishing an internal and external communication channel through the opening and closing of the breather valve assembly, it is possible to isolate external cold air from passing through the valve core and into the inside of the filler cap at low temperatures. When certain conditions are met, the valve core opens, which facilitates internal gas circulation and can expel moisture, thereby reducing the probability of oil emulsification at the filler cap and reducing the probability of engine false alarms.

[0019] 2. The valve core of this utility model can open and close automatically. By applying a pre-tightening force to the valve core, the valve core is in the closed state. When the valve core is deformed under control, the pre-tightening force is overcome, and the valve core is in the open state. The whole process is simple and reliable, and there is no need to set up extra structures to control the opening and closing of the valve core. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filler cap of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The enlarged view shows the valve core in the closed state.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure when the middle valve core is open;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the moisture-absorbing component.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 1. Filler cap; 101. Filler cap body; 102. Sealing connection; 1021. Valve seat; 2. Collection chamber; 3. Moisture-absorbing component; 301. Connecting hole; 4. Elastic component; 5. Humidity sensor; 6. Heater; 7. Valve core; 701. Vent hole; 8. One-way drainage membrane. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filler cap of this utility model. Figure 2 for Figure 1 sectional view, Figure 3 for Figure 2 The enlarged view shows the valve core in the closed state. Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure when the middle valve core is open. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the moisture-absorbing component, such as... Figure 1-5 As shown: The filler cap of this embodiment includes a filler cap body 101 and a vent valve assembly disposed in the filler cap body 101 and capable of automatically opening and closing to establish an internal and external communication channel. The vent valve assembly includes a valve core 7. The valve core 7 is subjected to a pre-tightening force to close the internal and external communication channel. The valve core 7 can be controlled to deform, and the deformation overcomes the pre-tightening force and opens the internal and external communication channel.

[0029] Specifically, the valve core 7 serves as the inner and outer separator. The area outside the valve core 7 is considered the outside. This outside can be the outside of the filler cap 1, or, since the valve core 7 is located inside the filler cap body 101, it can still be inside the filler cap body 101 and be considered outside the inside of the valve core 7. Generally, a spring applies a preload to the valve core 7. At this time, the valve core 7 is in the closed state, meaning the internal and external communication channel is also closed. When the valve core 7 deforms, the deformation force overcomes the preload, causing the valve core 7 to open, meaning the internal and external communication channel is also open. This allows for the automatic opening and closing of the valve core 7. For example, when the temperature is low, the valve core 7 is closed to prevent cold air from entering. When the set temperature is reached, the valve core 7 opens, promoting gas circulation inside the filler cap 1, expelling moisture, and reducing the probability of oil emulsification at the filler cap 1.

[0030] In this embodiment, the valve core 7 is made of a temperature-controlled shape memory alloy. The structure of the valve core 7 can be achieved using conventional methods. In this structure, the valve core 7 is generally a cylindrical structure open at one end. When the engine is running, the heat from the engine oil vapor causes the valve core 7 to deform. Generally, when the temperature is less than 50°C, the preload force applied by the spring to the valve core 7 is greater than or equal to the restoring force of the shape memory alloy. Figure 3 As shown, valve core 7 is in the closed state at this time. When the temperature is greater than 50°C, the preload force applied by the spring to valve core 7 is less than the restoring force of the shape memory alloy. Figure 4 As shown, valve core 7 is in the open state at this time, so there is no need to set up an additional structure to control the opening and closing of valve core 7. The opening and closing of valve core 7 can be controlled by the heat of oil vapor during engine operation, making the overall structure simple, reliable and easy to maintain.

[0031] In this embodiment, the filler cap body 101 is provided with a sealing connection portion 102 that is sealed to the filler port. The outer end of the sealing connection portion 102 forms a valve seat 1021. The pre-tightening force causes the valve core 7 to press on the valve seat 1021, thereby closing the internal and external communication channel. The sealing connection portion 102 forms part of the internal and external communication channel. The sealing connection portion 102 is generally a columnar structure. The outer wall of the sealing connection portion 102 is provided with external threads, and the inner wall of the filler port is provided with internal threads that mate with the external threads. The outer side of the sealing connection portion 102 is the side closest to the valve core 7. Figure 2 As shown, by forming a valve seat 1021 at the outer end of the sealing connection 102, the valve core 7 is pressed onto the valve seat 1021 under the action of pre-tightening force, thereby closing the internal and external communication channel. At this time, the inside of the sealing connection 102 (i.e. the inside of the oil filler cap 1) is not connected to the outside.

[0032] Specifically, the sealing connection 102 is connected to the inside of the engine. Generally, the filler cap 1 is set on the cylinder head cover. Thus, relative to the inside and outside of the engine, the sealing connection 102 also constitutes part of the internal and external communication channel. Of course, when the internal and external communication channel is opened, it can discharge the internal moisture to the outside of the valve core 7, or adsorb the discharged substances. When it is adsorption, the structure used for adsorption can be located outside the valve core 7 but inside the filler cap body 101.

[0033] In this embodiment, the valve core 7 is a cylindrical structure with one open end. The cylindrical valve core 7 is inverted and placed on the valve seat 1021, so that the bottom of the valve core 7 is closed on the valve seat 1021 under the action of pre-tightening force. The edge of the open end of the cylindrical valve core 7 abuts against the step formed on the valve seat 1021 under the action of pre-tightening force. An annular groove, i.e. the step, is formed on the valve seat 1021. The cylindrical structure is inverted and placed on the annular groove. Under the action of pre-tightening force, the bottom of the cylindrical structure abuts against the end of the annular groove, and the edge of the open end of the cylindrical structure abuts against the bottom of the annular groove. Thus, the valve core 7 is closed on the valve seat 1021. At the same time, by forming an annular groove, since the sidewall of the cylindrical structure is located in the annular groove, the annular groove can constrain the deformation direction of the valve core 7.

[0034] The cylindrical structure has several ventilation holes 701 on its sidewalls. Figure 3 As shown, when the valve core 7 is closed within the valve seat 1021, the vent 701 is located within the annular groove, and the sidewall of the cylindrical structure undergoes a certain degree of deformation, such as... Figure 4 As shown, when the valve core 7 is in the open state, the side wall of the cylindrical structure extends, there is a gap between the bottom of the cylindrical structure and the end of the valve seat 1021, and the position of the vent hole 701 is higher than the end of the annular groove, so that gas can enter the sealing connection part 102 through the vent hole 701, thereby realizing the opening of the internal and external communication channel.

[0035] In this embodiment, the vent valve assembly further includes an elastic element 4 for applying the preload force to the valve core 7. A receiving space is formed within the filler cap body 101, and a receiving cavity for installing the elastic element 4 is provided within the receiving space. The receiving cavity is located above the valve seat 1021. The elastic element 4 is installed within the receiving cavity, and its two ends are respectively connected to the inner wall of the receiving cavity and the valve core 7. The receiving cavity is formed within the filler cap body 101 and located within the receiving space. The receiving cavity is a hollow cylindrical structure with one open end. The elastic element 4 is a spring, which is placed within the receiving cavity and located above the valve core 7 (relative to the valve core 7). Figure 2 (up and down direction), thereby applying a preload force to the valve core 7.

[0036] In this embodiment, the filler cap 1 further includes a moisture-absorbing component 3 and a humidity sensor 5. The humidity sensor 5 is used to obtain humidity information in the containment space. The filler cap body 101 is provided with a ventilation channel. The moisture-absorbing component 3 is disposed in the containment space, and the moisture-absorbing component 3 is provided with a plurality of connecting holes 301 for connecting the ventilation channel and the containment space. The ventilation channel and the containment space constitute part of the internal and external communication channel.

[0037] Specifically, the fuel filler cap body 101 is connected to the outside atmosphere (which can be the atmosphere inside the vehicle) through a venting channel. A moisture-absorbing component 3 is installed within the containment space to absorb water vapor, thereby absorbing residual moisture. The shape of the moisture-absorbing component 3 is adapted to the shape of the containment space, such as... Figure 5 The shape shown indicates that the space is connected to the outside atmosphere through the connecting hole 301.

[0038] In this embodiment, the filler cap 1 further includes a heater 6, which is disposed within the accommodating space. By heating the moisture-absorbing component 3 with the heater 6, when residual moisture is absorbed by the component 3, it can be dried by the heater 6, thus eliminating the need for manual maintenance. During assembly, the heater 6 is positioned corresponding to the location of the moisture-absorbing component 3. The heater 6 can be a heating wire or a heating plate. When it is a heating wire, several annular fitting grooves for placing the heating wire can be formed on the moisture-absorbing component 3, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the moisture-absorbing element 3 can be dried at the same time as the water vapor in the containment space is dried by the heater 6.

[0039] The moisture-absorbing element 3 is made of silica gel or molecular sieve. Molecular sieve is an aluminosilicate or porous material with a regular pore structure, which is an existing technology and will not be described in detail here. The moisture-absorbing element 3 can be made of either silica gel or molecular sieve, and can be repeatedly dried and used, which makes the moisture-absorbing element 3 have a long service life and reduces the probability of later maintenance.

[0040] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the sealing connection 102 is provided with a spiral guide groove. By providing the spiral guide groove, condensate can be guided to collect at the bottom of the sealing connection 102.

[0041] In this embodiment, the filler cap 1 further includes a collection chamber 2 and a one-way drainage membrane 8. One end of the collection chamber 2 is connected to the sealing connection part 102, and the one-way drainage membrane 8 is disposed at the other end of the collection chamber 2. The condensate that flows through the spiral guide groove to the bottom of the sealing connection 102 can be collected through the collection chamber 2. At the same time, a one-way drainage membrane 8 is set to allow only liquid water to pass through, so that the collected condensate can be discharged to the external water collection chamber (not shown in the figure). The external water collection chamber is generally opened on the cylinder head cover and can be integrally formed on the cylinder head cover by injection molding, aluminum casting and other processes. The volume of the external water collection chamber is designed according to the engine operating conditions and the amount of condensate produced, and can generally hold 50ml-200ml of condensate. The external water collection chamber is provided with a drainage channel that docks with the one-way drainage membrane 8. The collection chamber 2 is sealed to the drainage channel. An outlet is provided at the external water collection chamber. A drain bolt or valve with sealing threads can be installed at the outlet. The condensate can be discharged by the valve or by removing the drain bolt. This will not be described in detail here.

[0042] In this embodiment, the fuel filler cap 1 also includes a control unit. The signal output terminal of the humidity sensor 5 is connected to the signal input terminal of the control unit, and the signal output terminal of the control unit is connected to the signal input terminal of the heater 6. The control unit is a combination of a CPU and peripheral circuits. The control unit controls the operation of the heater 6 based on the humidity information obtained by the humidity sensor 5. The heater 6 can be a heating wire or a PTC heating element, etc. The heater 6 is powered by the engine circuit, thereby ensuring that the heating function starts automatically when the engine starts. Based on the humidity information from the humidity sensor 5, the control unit automatically adjusts the heating power of the heater 6 to ensure that the temperature in the area of ​​the fuel filler cap 1 is higher than the dew point temperature, preventing moisture condensation.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fuel filler cap, characterized in that: The device includes a filler cap body and a vent valve assembly disposed within the filler cap body and capable of automatically opening and closing to establish an internal and external communication channel. The vent valve assembly includes a valve core, which is subjected to a pre-tightening force to close the internal and external communication channel. The valve core can be controlled to deform, and the deformation overcomes the pre-tightening force and opens the internal and external communication channel.

2. The filler cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core is made of a temperature-controlled shape memory alloy.

3. The filler cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filler cap body is provided with a sealing connection part that is sealed to the filler port. The outer end of the sealing connection part forms a valve seat. The pre-tightening force causes the valve core to press on the valve seat, thereby closing the internal and external communication channel. The sealing connection part forms part of the internal and external communication channel.

4. The filler cap according to claim 3, characterized in that: The valve core is a cylindrical structure with one end open. The cylindrical valve core is inverted and placed on the valve seat so that the bottom of the valve core is closed to the valve seat under the action of pre-tightening force. The edge of the open end of the cylindrical valve core abuts against the step formed on the valve seat under the action of pre-tightening force. The cylindrical structure has several ventilation holes on its sidewalls.

5. The filler cap according to claim 4, characterized in that: The vent valve assembly further includes an elastic element for applying the preload force to the valve core. The filler cap body has a receiving space, and the receiving space has a receiving cavity for installing the elastic element. The receiving cavity is located above the valve seat, and the elastic element is installed in the receiving cavity. The two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to the inner wall of the receiving cavity and the valve core.

6. The filler cap according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fuel filler cap also includes a moisture-absorbing component and a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is used to acquire humidity information within the containment space. The fuel filler cap body is provided with a venting channel. The moisture-absorbing component is disposed within the containment space and has several connecting holes for connecting the venting channel and the containment space. The venting channel and the containment space constitute part of the internal and external communication channel.

7. The filler cap according to claim 6, characterized in that: The filler cap also includes a heater, which is disposed within the receiving space; The moisture-absorbing element is made of silicone or molecular sieve.

8. The filler cap according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner wall of the sealing connection is provided with a spiral guide groove.

9. The filler cap according to claim 3, characterized in that: The filler cap also includes a collection chamber and a one-way drainage membrane. One end of the collection chamber is connected to the sealing connection part, and the one-way drainage membrane is disposed at the other end of the collection chamber.

10. The filler cap according to claim 7, characterized in that: The filler cap also includes a control unit, the signal output terminal of the humidity sensor is connected to the signal input terminal of the control unit, and the signal output terminal of the control unit is connected to the signal input terminal of the heater.

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