Solenoid valve for canister venting

Abstract

A canister vent solenoid valve (1) comprising a valve unit (10) for opening and closing a passage connected to outside air, a filter unit (100, 100') provided for the passage between the outside air and the valve unit, a first opening (110) through which, in an upper section of the filter unit, a first internal passage connected to the valve unit is connected to the outside air, a second opening (120, 120') formed in a lower bottom section of the filter unit through which a second internal passage connected to the first internal passage is connected to the outside air, and a labyrinth structure part (130) arranged between the first internal passage and the second opening in the second internal passage.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a canister vent solenoid valve (also: canister vent solenoid valve). Background technology

[0002] Among canister vent solenoid valves, there is one such valve that has a filter installed between the valve and the outside air, as shown in Patent Document 1. The filter removes foreign matter such as dust contained in the outside air when the valve takes in outside air, thus preventing foreign matter from entering the valve.

[0003] Specifically, for example, a filter device (8) and a filter (32) in Patent Document 1 have a cylindrical shape and are configured such that when air, which is outside air, enters the interior, the air rotates along an inner surface (46) of the cylindrical shape in a circular motion or a cyclonic motion. Substances mixed in the air are pressed against the interior wall by centrifugal force and collected in a dead air space (54) provided in a lower space in the filter. The air from which the substances have been removed passes through an outlet port (56) provided near a rotation axis of the air flow and is discharged into a valve (33). Prior art documentsPatent documents

[0004] Patent document 1: US 2009 / 025693 A1 Overview of the inventionProblem to be solved by the invention

[0005] However, the structure shown in Patent Document 1 has the problem that water is likely to infiltrate the valve from the outlet port. For example, if a large amount of water enters the filter, or if water enters the filter for a long period of time, causing water to accumulate in the lower space of the filter and reach the outlet port location, the water will infiltrate the valve from the outlet port. Once water enters the valve, deterioration of metal components in the valve is more likely to progress.

[0006] The present disclosure is intended to solve this problem and to provide a structure by which inflow of water into a solenoid valve for a canister vent can be better suppressed. Means of solving the task

[0007] A canister vent solenoid valve comprising a valve unit for opening and closing a passage communicating with outside air, a filter unit provided for the passage between the outside air and the valve unit, a first opening through which, in an upper portion of the filter unit, a first internal passage connected to the valve unit is communicated with the outside air, a second opening formed in a lower bottom portion of the filter unit and through which a second internal passage connected to the first internal passage is communicated with the outside air, and a labyrinth structural member arranged between the first opening portion and the second opening in the second internal passage. Effects of the invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is effected that a structure can be provided by which, in a solenoid valve for a canister vent, an inflow of water into the valve can be better suppressed. Brief explanation of the drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a partial cross section for explaining the overall structure of the solenoid valve for canister venting according to the present disclosure. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2A is a perspective view of a filter when viewed in the direction of arrow a in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 2B is an enlarged view of the filter in Fig. 1. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the labyrinth structural component in Fig. 1 shows. [ Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a cross section through a line cc in Fig. 3. [ Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a cross section showing another structural example of the filter. Forms for carrying out the invention

[0009] In order to explain the present disclosure in detail, embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First embodiment

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a partial cross section for explaining the overall structure of a solenoid valve 1 for canister venting according to the present disclosure.

[0011] The structure of the Fig. 1 shown solenoid valve 1 for a canister vent comprises a valve (also: valve unit) 10 and a filter (also: filter unit) 100.

[0012] The valve 10 opens and closes a passage connected to the outside air.

[0013] Valve 10 is a solenoid valve.

[0014] The valve 10 communicates with a first internal passage in the filter 100. A detailed explanation of the exact internal structure of the valve 10 is omitted here, as one of a known technology can be used for this purpose. If the valve 10 is handled separately from the filter 100, the term "valve device" is also used.

[0015] The filter 100 is provided in the passage between the outside air and the valve 10. The filter 100 removes foreign matter such as dust, etc., carried by the outside air when the valve 10 is taken in, thus preventing foreign matter from entering the valve 10.

[0016] The Fig. The filter 100 shown in Figure 1 is illustrated in a state of use, for example, as actually installed in a vehicle. In this state, the filter 100 has a lower filter section 100b in the direction of gravity and an upper filter section 100a in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. In the explanation, with respect to the lower filter section 100b and the upper filter section 100a, for example, a section below a labyrinth structural component (also: labyrinth structural part) 130 arranged inside the filter 100 is designated as the lower filter section 100b, and a section above the labyrinth structural component 130 is designated as the upper filter section 100a.

[0017] If the filter 100 is handled separately from the valve 10, the term filter device is also used.

[0018] Fig. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the filter 100 when viewed in the direction of arrow a in Fig. 1. Fig. 2B is an enlarged view of the filter 100 in Fig. 1.

[0019] The Fig. 2A and Fig. The filter 100 shown in Figure 2B has a cylindrical shape with an outer cylindrical portion 101 and an inner cylindrical portion 102 arranged inside the outer cylindrical portion 101.

[0020] Specifically, the filter 100 includes the outer cylindrical portion 101 and the inner cylindrical portion 102. It is a structure in which the center axis of the outer cylindrical portion 101 and the center axis of the inner cylindrical portion 102 have the same axis b. The diameter of the outer cylindrical portion 101 is larger than the diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 102. The inner cylindrical portion 102 is disposed inside the outer cylindrical portion 101. The filter 100 further includes a lid portion 103 as the upper bottom portion. The lid portion 103, which has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the outer cylindrical portion 101, is disposed to cover the upper portion of the outer cylindrical portion 101. A space open downward is formed between the inner peripheral wall of the lid portion 103 and the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylindrical portion 101.This forms a first opening section 110, which will be explained next.

[0021] The cover portion 103 is attached so as to cover the inner cylinder portion 102 and the outer cylinder portion 101 after the labyrinth structural member 130 and a filter material 140, which will be described below, are arranged inside the filter 100.

[0022] The structure of the filter 100 includes the first opening section (also: opening) 110, a second opening section 120 and the labyrinth structural component 130.

[0023] The first opening portion 110 ensures that a first internal passage in the upper filter portion 100a of the filter 100, connected to the valve 10, communicates with the outside air. A protrusion is formed in the first opening portion 110 in the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder portion 101, so that foreign matter or water does not directly penetrate along the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder portion 101.

[0024] The first inner passage is configured to communicate with the outside air and the valve 10 via the first opening portion 110, an opening portion formed at the top of the outer cylinder portion 101, an opening portion formed at the top of the inner cylinder portion 102, and the inner cylinder portion 102.

[0025] At the top of the inner cylinder portion 102, the filter material 140 is arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the inner cylinder portion 102. The filter material 140 is further arranged so as to rest on top of the labyrinth structural member 130. The filter material 140 is a foamed body such as urethane. The required material quality of the filter material 140 is appropriately selected according to the specification. The filter material 140 functions to prevent foreign matter or water from entering the inner cylinder portion 102 between the opening formed at the top of the outer cylinder portion 101 and the opening of the first inner passage formed at the top of the inner cylinder portion 102.

[0026] The second opening portion 120 ensures that a second inner passage formed in a lower bottom portion 104 of the filter 100 and connected to the first inner passage is brought into communication with the outside air.

[0027] The second internal passage is a passage connecting the second opening portion 120 and the first internal passage. Specifically, the second internal passage is a passage that branches off from the first internal passage between the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion of the upper filter portion 100a, extends to the lower filter portion 100b in the direction of gravity (downward), and reaches the second opening portion 120.

[0028] The filter 100, which has the second opening portion 120, is constructed such that drainage is possible via the second inner passage and the second opening portion 120 when water has penetrated into the interior of the filter 100 from the first opening portion 110.

[0029] The second inner passage has a tapered portion 124. The tapered portion 124 is a portion that slopes from the second opening portion 120 along the second inner passage to the axis of the inner cylinder portion 102 of the filter 100. The tapered portion 124 can promote drainage of water that has entered the second inner passage of the filter 100.

[0030] The opening area of ​​the second opening section 120 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the first opening section 110. The opening area is calculated, for example, using the smallest area at the opening section.

[0031] This allows outside air to flow in more easily from the first opening portion 110 than from the second opening portion 120, which is a structure that can suppress the intrusion of foreign matter from the second opening portion 120.

[0032] A partition wall portion 122 is a partition wall provided in the second internal passage inside the filter 100, extending from the lower bottom portion 104 of the filter 100 to the position where the labyrinth structural member 130 is disposed. The partition wall portion 122 functions as a seat surface on which the labyrinth structural member 130 rests. Furthermore, the partition wall portion 122 functions as a rib that improves the stability of the outer cylinder portion of the filter 100.

[0033] The labyrinth structural component 130 is arranged between the first opening section 110 and the second opening section 120. Specifically, the labyrinth structural component 130 is arranged in the second inner passage between the first inner passage and the second opening section 120.

[0034] The labyrinth structural component 130 has a labyrinth structure. The labyrinth structural component 130 functions to make the second internal passage into a labyrinth by having the labyrinth structure, thereby preventing flow in the second internal passage. For example, the labyrinth structural component 130 has a shape that blocks the passage such that, in the second internal passage, the second opening portion 120 cannot be directly viewed when viewed from the first opening portion 110 side. Furthermore, the labyrinth structural component 130 has a shape that blocks the passage such that, in the second internal passage, the first opening portion 110 cannot be directly viewed when viewed from the second opening portion 120 side.

[0035] The labyrinth structural component 130 is explained further.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the labyrinth structural member 130 in Fig. 1 shows.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a cross section through the line cc in Fig. 3.

[0038] If the filter 100 has a cylindrical shape in which the inner cylinder section 102 is arranged inside the outer cylinder section 101, the labyrinth structural component 130, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a first ring portion 132 and a second ring portion 134. The first ring portion 132 and the second ring portion 134 are integrally formed via a connecting portion 136. The first ring portion 132 and the second ring portion 134 are configured such that the center axis of the first ring portion 132 and the center axis of the second ring portion 134 are coaxial with the center axis of the outer cylinder portion 101 and the center axis of the inner cylinder portion 102 described above.

[0039] The labyrinth structural member 130 is arranged such that the outer circumference of the inner cylinder portion 102 in the filter 100 is in contact with the inner circumference of the first ring portion 132.

[0040] In the labyrinth structural component 130, an inner diameter d of the first ring section 132 is smaller than an inner diameter f of the second ring section 134.

[0041] In the labyrinth structural component 130, the inner diameter f of the second ring section 134 is smaller than an outer diameter e of the first ring section 132.

[0042] In the labyrinth structural component 130, the outer diameter e of the first ring section 132 is smaller than an outer diameter g of the second ring section 134.

[0043] In the labyrinth structural component 130, there is a gap between the first ring section 132 and the second ring section 134.

[0044] The labyrinth structural component 130 is a structure in which the first ring section 132 is combined with the second ring section 134.

[0045] In the explanation, the labyrinth structural member 130 is illustrated using only one group of a first ring portion 132 and a second ring portion 134, but it may also be a structure in which a plurality of groups consisting of a group of a first ring portion 132 and a second ring portion 134 are combined.

[0046] In the labyrinth structural member 130, the first ring portion 132 has an inclined shape. Specifically, the first ring portion 132 has an inclined shape that extends from the top of the second internal passage downward from the inner cylindrical portion 102 to the outer cylindrical portion 101. More specifically, in a state where the labyrinth structural member 130 is combined with the filter 100, the first ring portion 132 has a shape that extends from top to bottom in the second internal passage from the outer peripheral wall of the inner cylindrical portion 102 to the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylindrical portion 101. As an example of such a shape, the first ring portion 132 illustrated in the drawings has a trapezoidal shape in cross section.

[0047] In the labyrinth structural member 130, the second ring portion 134 has an inclined shape. Specifically, the second ring portion 134 is located slightly lower than the first ring portion 132 and has an inclined shape that extends from the upper portion of the second internal passage downward from the outer cylindrical portion 101 to the inner cylindrical portion 102. More specifically, in a state where the labyrinth structural member 130 is combined with the filter 100, the second ring portion 134 is located further on the lower bottom portion 104 side of the filter 100 than the first ring portion 132 and has a shape that extends from top to bottom in the second internal passage from the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylindrical portion 101 to the outer peripheral wall of the inner cylindrical portion 102. As an example of such a shape, the second ring portion 134 shown in the drawings has a triangular shape in cross section.

[0048] The explanation will be given using an example in which the cross section of the first ring section 132 has a trapezoidal shape and the cross section of the second ring section 134 has a triangular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. It is also possible for the cross section of the first ring section 132 to have a triangular shape and the cross section of the second ring section 134 to have a trapezoidal shape. It is also possible for the cross section of the first ring section 132 and the cross section of the second ring section 134 to each have a triangular shape. It is also possible for the cross section of the first ring section 132 and the cross section of the second ring section 134 to each have a trapezoidal shape.

[0049] Furthermore, it is also possible for the cross-section of the first ring section 132 and the cross-section of the second ring section 134 to have a non-triangular shape or a trapezoidal shape. For example, by removing a part from a triangular or trapezoidal shape, it can also be an inverted L-shape or an inverted V-shape.

[0050] In the labyrinth structural member 130, by appropriately adjusting conditions such as the inner diameter of the first ring portion 132, the outer diameter of the first ring portion 132, the inner diameter of the second ring portion 134, the outer diameter of the second ring portion 134, the opening area of ​​the gap between the first ring portion 132 and the second ring portion 134, the angle of the first ring portion 132 and the angle of the second ring portion 134 forming this gap, the cross-sectional shape of the first ring portion 132 and the cross-sectional shape of the second ring portion 134, a pressure loss of the flow in the second inner passage can be adjusted.For example, the suction force of the outside air from the second opening section 120 can be reduced to half the suction force of the outside air from the first opening section 110 if the pressure loss of the passage from the second opening section 120 via the second internal passage to the valve 10 is set to twice the pressure loss in the first internal passage from the first opening section 110 to the valve 10. This can further reduce the risk of water penetrating the valve 10 from the second opening section 120.

[0051] By providing this labyrinth structural member 130, the filter 100 can be given a structure by which water that has entered the second inner passage from the first opening portion 110 via the first inner passage can be more easily collected from the first annular portion 132 to the second annular portion 134, and can also flow to the lower portion of the second inner passage via the gap between the first annular portion 132 and the second annular portion 134 and can be more easily discharged from the second opening portion 120.

[0052] Furthermore, even if water or foreign matter mixed with outside air enters the second inner passage from the second opening portion 120, in the labyrinth structural member 130, the second ring portion 134 and the first ring portion 132 are configured to prevent flow upward from the lower bottom portion 104 of the filter 100, so that water and foreign matter are difficult to enter the first inner passage.

[0053] Now, another structural example of the filter 100 will be explained. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a cross section showing another structural example of the filter 100.

[0054] One in Fig. The filter 100' shown in Figure 5 has a structure in which a dust filter 150 is included at a second opening portion 120'. The dust filter 150 is, for example, a mesh-shaped filter made of resin. The dust filter 150 is, for example, formed integrally with the filter 100'. Or, the dust filter 150 is, for example, adhered to the second opening portion 120' of the filter 100' using an adhesive.

[0055] The filter 100', which includes the dust filter 150, can be configured to reduce the ingress of foreign matter from the second opening portion 120'. Furthermore, the filter 100', which includes the dust filter 150, can increase the pressure loss in the passage to the valve 10 via the second internal passage, so that the ingress of water from the second opening portion 120' into the internal passage of the filter 100' can be further reduced.

[0056] By using the resin molded dust filter 150, productivity can be improved and an inexpensive solenoid valve 1 for a canister vent can be produced.

[0057] The Fig. The filter 100' shown in Fig. 5 has the same structure as the filter 100 described above except for the point that the dust filter 150 is included, so a detailed explanation of the remaining structure will be omitted.

[0058] The prior art and the present disclosure are compared. The prior art has a structure in which water is highly likely to enter the valve from the outlet port. This makes deterioration of metal components in the valve more likely. Furthermore, hydrolysis may occur if the filter provided at the outlet port becomes wet. This shortens the service life of the components of the canister vent solenoid valve.

[0059] In contrast, the solenoid valve 1 for canister venting of the present disclosure, which includes the filter 100 or the filter 100', has the structure described above, so that these problems of the prior art do not occur.

[0060] The present disclosure is set forth below in an orderly fashion. The following structure is disclosed in the present disclosure. (1) Solenoid valve for a canister vent, comprising a valve that opens and closes a passage communicating with the outside air, and a filter provided between the outside air in the passage and the valve, wherein a first opening portion in an upper portion of the filter, through which a first internal passage connected to the valve is communicated with the outside air, a second opening portion formed in a lower bottom portion of the filter, through which a second internal passage connected to the first internal passage is communicated with the outside air, and a labyrinth structural member disposed in the second internal passage between the first internal passage and the second opening portion are included. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a structure that can better suppress water inflow into the valve in a solenoid valve for canister venting.

[0061] The present disclosure also discloses the following structure. (2) Solenoid valve for canister venting according to point (1), wherein the filter has a cylindrical shape with an outer cylindrical portion and an inner cylindrical portion arranged inside the outer cylindrical portion, the labyrinth structural component has a first ring portion and a second ring portion, and is arranged so that the outer circumference of the inner cylinder portion is in contact with the inner circumference of the first ring portion, wherein the inner diameter of the first ring portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the second ring portion, the inner diameter of the second ring section is smaller than the outer diameter of the first ring section, the outer diameter of the first ring section is smaller than the outer diameter of the second ring section, and the first ring portion and the second ring portion are combined such that there is a gap between the first ring portion and the second ring portion.

[0062] This also makes it possible for the present disclosure to provide a structure suitable for a cylindrical filter.

[0063] The present disclosure also discloses the following structure. (3) Solenoid valve for canister venting according to point (2), wherein in a state in which the labyrinth structural component is combined with the filter, the first ring portion has a shape approaching the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder portion in the second inner passage in the direction from top to bottom, and the second ring portion is arranged further on the side of a lower bottom portion in the filter than the first ring portion and has a shape approaching the central axis of the inner cylinder portion in the second inner passage in the direction from top to bottom.

[0064] As a result, the present disclosure also provides a structure for the canister vent solenoid valve that facilitates the discharge of water that has entered the filter from the first opening portion.

[0065] Furthermore, it is also effected that in the solenoid valve for canister venting, a structure can be provided by which intrusion of water from the second opening portion is suppressed.

[0066] The present disclosure also discloses the following structure. (4) Solenoid valve for canister venting according to point (2) or (3), wherein the first inner passage is configured to communicate with the outside air and the valve via the first opening portion, an opening formed at the top of the outer cylinder portion, an opening formed at the top of the inner cylinder portion, and the inner cylinder portion. As a result, the present disclosure also has the effect of providing a structure in which the inner cylinder portion provided inside the outer cylinder portion serves as a passage.

[0067] The present disclosure also discloses the following structure. (5) Solenoid valve for canister venting according to point (1), (2) or (3), wherein the opening area of ​​the second opening portion is smaller than the opening area of ​​the first opening portion.

[0068] As a result, the present disclosure also makes it possible to provide a structure for suppressing intrusion of foreign matter from the second opening portion in the solenoid valve for canister venting.

[0069] The present disclosure also discloses the following structure. (6) The canister vent solenoid valve according to item (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5), comprising a tapered portion extending from the second opening portion along the second internal passage to the axis of the inner cylinder portion of the filter. Therefore, the present disclosure further provides a structure for the canister vent solenoid valve that promotes drainage of water that has entered the filter.

[0070] The present disclosure also discloses the following structure. (7) A canister vent solenoid valve according to item (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6), wherein the second opening portion comprises a dust filter.

[0071] As a result, the present disclosure also provides a structure for reducing intrusion of foreign matter from the second opening portion in the solenoid valve for canister venting.

[0072] The present disclosure also discloses the following structure. (8) Solenoid valve for canister venting according to point (7), The dust filter is made of resin.

[0073] As a result, the present disclosure also makes it possible to provide a structure in the solenoid valve for canister venting that improves productivity.

[0074] In the present disclosure, any change to the components of the embodiment or any omission of any components of the embodiment is possible within the scope of this disclosure. Industrial application

[0075] The canister vent solenoid valve according to the present disclosure has a structure that suppresses water intrusion into the valve, making it suitable for use as, for example, a canister vent solenoid valve installed in a vehicle. Explanation of reference symbols 1 solenoid valve for canister venting 10 Valve (valve device) 100, 100' filter (filter device) 100a Upper filter section 100b Lower filter section 101 Outer cylinder section 102 Inner cylinder section 103 Lid section 104 Lower floor section 110 First opening section 120, 120' Second opening section 122 Partition section 124 tapering section 130 Labyrinth structural component 132 First ring section 134 Second ring section 136 connecting section 140 filter material 150 dust filters QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2009 / 025693 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] A canister vent solenoid valve comprising a valve unit to open and close a passage communicating with outside air, a filter unit designed to pass between the outside air and the valve unit, a first opening through which, in an upper portion of the filter unit, a first internal passage connected to the valve unit is connected to the outside air, a second opening formed in a lower bottom portion of the filter unit and through which a second inner passage connected to the first inner passage is communicated with the outside air, and a labyrinth structural member disposed between the first inner passage and the second opening in the second inner passage. [2] The canister vent solenoid valve according to claim 1, wherein the filter unit has a cylindrical shape with an outer cylindrical portion and an inner cylindrical portion arranged inside the outer cylindrical portion, wherein the labyrinth structural member has a first ring portion and a second ring portion, and is arranged such that an outer periphery of the inner cylinder portion is in contact with an inner periphery of the first ring portion, wherein the first ring portion and the second ring portion are combined such that an inner diameter of the first ring portion is smaller than an inner diameter of the second ring portion, an inner diameter of the second ring section is smaller than an outer diameter of the first ring section, the outer diameter of the first ring section is smaller than the outer diameter of the second ring section, and there is a gap between the first ring section and the second ring section. [3] The canister vent solenoid valve according to claim 2, wherein in a state in which the labyrinth structure part is mounted with the filter unit, the first ring section has an inclined shape which runs from top to bottom of the second inner passage from the inner cylinder section to the outer cylinder section, and the second ring portion is arranged on one side of the lower bottom portion in the filter unit as the first ring portion, and has an inclined shape extending from top to bottom of the second inner passage from the outer cylinder portion to the inner cylinder portion. [4] The canister vent solenoid valve according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first internal passage is configured such that the outside air and the valve unit communicate via the first opening, an opening formed at the top of the outer cylinder portion, an opening formed at the top of the inner cylinder portion, and the inner cylinder portion. [5] The canister vent solenoid valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an opening area of ​​the second opening is smaller than an opening area of ​​the first opening. [6] The canister vent solenoid valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a tapered portion extending upwardly from the second opening to a central axis of the filter unit along the second internal passage. [7] The canister vent solenoid valve of claim 5, comprising a tapered portion extending upwardly from the second opening to a central axis of the filter unit along the second internal passage. [8] The canister vent solenoid valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second opening is provided with a dust filter. [9] The canister vent solenoid valve according to claim 8, wherein the dust filter is made of resin.

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