Evaporation fuel treatment device and manufacturing method for evaporation fuel treatment device

Abstract

To fix an adsorbent agglomeration into an evaporation fuel treatment device without compression.SOLUTION: An evaporation fuel treatment device includes a hollow case and an adsorbent agglomeration. The hollow case includes an inner wall that defines an internal space. The adsorbent agglomeration is accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow case. The adsorbent agglomeration is configured to adsorb evaporation fuel flowing into the internal space. The adsorbent agglomeration is accommodated in the internal space while an end of the adsorbent agglomeration is at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an evaporated fuel treatment device and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an evaporated fuel processing device, an on-vehicle canister is known which adsorbs evaporated fuel from a fuel tank of a vehicle, thereby preventing the evaporated fuel from being released into the atmosphere (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3).

[0003] The canister adsorbs evaporated fuel with an adsorbent, while drawing in air to desorb the fuel from the adsorbent and supply it to the engine. In an exemplary canister, an adsorbent mass is disposed in an adsorption chamber that communicates with an atmospheric port. The adsorbent mass may be, for example, an aggregate of block-shaped adsorbent material made of solidified activated carbon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-231380 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-143950 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2023-72475 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventionally, the adsorbent agglomerates are provided with a diameter larger than the adsorption chamber, and are mounted in the adsorption chamber in a compressed state so that the adsorbent agglomerates are fixed in place within the adsorption chamber even when the vehicle vibrates.

[0006] However, when the adsorbent agglomerates are mounted in the adsorption chamber while being compressed, the adsorbent agglomerates may break apart and cause the debris to clog the filter, which may worsen the airflow resistance of the canister.

[0007] Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, it would be desirable to provide a novel technique that allows for the sorbent mass to be secured within a fuel vapor treatment device without compression. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an evaporated fuel treatment device comprising a hollow case having an inner wall defining an interior space, the hollow case having an inner wall and an adsorbent mass contained within the interior space.

[0009] The sorbent mass is configured to adsorb fuel vapor entering the interior space. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sorbent mass is received in the interior space with an end of the sorbent mass at least partially embedded in the interior wall of the hollow casing.

[0010] By embedding the adsorbent agglomerates in the interior wall of the hollow case, the adsorbent agglomerates can be properly secured within the fuel vapor treatment device without compression, which prevents the adsorbent agglomerates from crumbling and becoming damaged as would occur if compression were required.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the adsorbent agglomerates may have a porous surface. The adsorbent agglomerates may be embedded in an inner wall with the material constituting the inner wall penetrating into a plurality of pores in the surface. By embedding the adsorbent agglomerates in the inner wall of a hollow case such that the material constituting the inner wall penetrates into the porous surface, the adsorbent agglomerates can be adequately secured within the fuel vapor processing device without compression.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sorbent mass may be received within an interior space of a hollow casing by insert molding the hollow casing containing the sorbent mass such that an end of the sorbent mass is at least partially embedded within an interior wall of the hollow casing, allowing the sorbent mass to be properly secured within the fuel vapor treatment device without compression.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the adsorbent agglomerates may have peripheral edges disposed along an inner wall of a hollow case. The peripheral edges of the adsorbent agglomerates may be embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case. Such embedding of the peripheral edges allows the inner wall of the hollow case and the peripheral edges of the adsorbent agglomerates to be in close contact with each other, thereby appropriately suppressing the escape of evaporated fuel.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an evaporated fuel treatment device may include an outer case having a charge port for evaporated fuel and defining an internal flow path for gas containing evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port. A hollow case containing the adsorbent mass may be constructed separately from the outer case and disposed in the gas flow path inside the outer case. By constructing the hollow case containing the adsorbent mass as a separate part from the outer case, the adsorbent mass can be easily fixed in the evaporated fuel treatment device without compression.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a hollow case may include a case body and a connection port. The case body may have an inner wall defining an interior space and may be configured to accommodate an adsorbent agglomerate. The connection port may be configured to introduce a gas containing evaporated fuel into the interior space. The adsorbent agglomerate may be accommodated in the interior space of the case body while embedded in the inner wall so as to adsorb evaporated fuel contained in the gas introduced from the connection port.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there may be provided a method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel treatment device. The method may include preparing a mold for molding a hollow case having an inner wall defining an interior space. The method may include disposing, at a predetermined position within the mold, an adsorbent mass configured to adsorb evaporated fuel. The method may include filling the mold with a resin for molding the hollow case with the adsorbent mass disposed within the mold.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a manufacturing method may be a method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel processing device comprising a hollow case and an adsorbent mass as an evaporated fuel processing device by filling a mold with resin, the adsorbent mass being contained in an internal space of the hollow case with an end of the adsorbent mass at least partially embedded in an inner wall of the hollow case by insert molding. Insert molding allows the adsorbent mass to be properly fixed within the evaporated fuel processing device without compression.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the hollow casing may have an inner wall that is cylindrical and has a central axis. The adsorbent agglomerates may have a columnar outer shape having a central axis. The mold and the adsorbent agglomerates may each include a positioning structure for aligning the central axis of the adsorbent agglomerates with the central axis of the hollow casing.

[0019] Positioning the adsorbent mass may include positioning the adsorbent mass in a predetermined position within the mold by using a positioning structure to position the adsorbent mass relative to the mold, such that the adsorbent mass can be properly positioned relative to the hollow casing during insert molding. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the insert molding of a hollow case using the mold in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel treatment device corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an adsorbent and a mold according to a modified example. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating insert molding of a hollow case using a mold according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] The evaporated fuel processing device 1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is configured as an on-vehicle canister that adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle.

[0022] The evaporated fuel treatment device 1 includes an outer case 2, and accommodates adsorbents 5, 7 and an adsorbent mass 9 for adsorbing evaporated fuel within the outer case 2. The outer case 2 includes a charge port 21, a purge port 22, and an atmospheric port 23.

[0023] The outer case 2 is configured to define an internal space including the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 9R. Within the outer case 2, a flow path for gas flowing in from the charge port 21 is formed, which passes through the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 9R.

[0024] The charge port 21 is connected to a fuel tank of the vehicle through a pipe. The charge port 21 is configured to take in evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank into the evaporated fuel processing device 1. The charge port 21 functions as an inlet for gas containing evaporated fuel.

[0025] The purge port 22 is connected to an intake pipe of an engine of a vehicle via a purge valve, and is configured to supply the evaporated fuel in the evaporated fuel processing device 1 to the engine.

[0026] The atmospheric port 23 is configured to release the gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed into the atmosphere. The atmospheric port 23 is further configured to take in outside air (i.e., purge air). By taking in the outside air from the atmospheric port 23, the evaporated fuel adsorbed by the evaporated fuel treatment device 1 is desorbed and supplied to the engine through the purge port 22.

[0027] The outer case 2 includes a main body 2A and a lid 2B. The main body 2A has an open end. A charge port 21, a purge port 22, and an atmospheric port 23 are provided in the main body 2A. Necessary members including the adsorbents 5, 7 and the adsorbent agglomerates 9 are accommodated in the outer case 2 through the open end of the main body 2A. The lid 2B is attached to the main body 2A so as to close the open end of the main body 2A.

[0028] The first adsorption chamber 5R is provided in an area of ​​the internal space of the outer case 2 that is close to the charge port 21 and the purge port 22. The first adsorption chamber 5R contains an adsorbent 5. Examples of the adsorbent 5 include activated carbon and zeolite. In the first adsorption chamber 5R, the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port 21 is adsorbed by the adsorbent 5. The evaporated fuel adsorbed by the adsorbent 5 is discharged from the purge port 22.

[0029] The first adsorption chamber 5R is defined by a first filter 5A and a second filter 5B disposed in the internal space of the outer case 2. The first filter 5A and the second filter 5B are configured to not allow the adsorbent 5 to pass therethrough but to allow gas to pass therethrough.

[0030] The first filter 5A separates the first adsorption chamber 5R from a space communicating with a charge port 21 and a purge port 22 connected to the first adsorption chamber 5R. The second filter 5B separates the first adsorption chamber 5R from a communication passage 6 with the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0031] The second filter 5B is pressed toward the charge port 21 and the purge port 22 via the grid 5C. As a result, the filters 5A and 5B sandwich the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R. The grid 5C may be configured in a lattice, slit, or porous shape.

[0032] Of the evaporated fuel that flows in from the charge port 21, the evaporated fuel that is not adsorbed by the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R moves through the connecting passage 6 to the second adsorption chamber 7R, and is adsorbed by the adsorbent 7 in the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0033] The communication passage 6 is provided in an area of ​​the internal space of the outer case 2 where the main body portion 2A and the lid portion 2B are adjacent to each other, and forms a flow path for gas containing evaporated fuel between the first adsorption chamber 5R and the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0034] The second adsorption chamber 7R is disposed so that gas can freely flow between it and the first adsorption chamber 5R through the communicating passage 6. As shown in Fig. 1, the first adsorption chamber 5R and the second adsorption chamber 7R are disposed in parallel adjacent to the communicating passage 6. In other words, the second adsorption chamber 7R is disposed so as to be aligned with the first adsorption chamber 5R in the radial direction of the first adsorption chamber 5R such that the gas flow direction is parallel to that of the first adsorption chamber 5R.

[0035] The second adsorption chamber 7R contains an adsorbent 7. Examples of the adsorbent 7 include activated carbon and zeolite. The adsorbent 7 may be the same material as the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R, or may be a different material.

[0036] The second adsorption chamber 7R is defined by a first filter 7A and a second filter 7B disposed in the internal space of the outer case 2. The first filter 7A and the second filter 7B defining the second adsorption chamber 7R are configured to not allow the adsorbent 7 to pass therethrough but to allow gas to pass therethrough.

[0037] The first filter 7A separates the second adsorption chamber 7R from a space in which the third adsorption chamber 9R is disposed. The second filter 7B separates the communication passage 6 from the second adsorption chamber 7R. The second filter 7B is pressed toward the second adsorption chamber 7R and the atmospheric port 23 via the grid 7C. This causes the filters 7A and 7B to sandwich the adsorbent 7 within the second adsorption chamber 7R. The grid 7C may be configured in a lattice, slit, or porous shape.

[0038] The third adsorption chamber 9R is provided inside a cartridge 10 attached to an area adjacent to the atmospheric port 23 in the internal space of the outer case 2. The cartridge 10 is a component separate from the outer case 2, and is housed in the internal space of the outer case 2.

[0039] A filter 9A is installed in the outer case 2 so as to block the flow path leading from the atmospheric port 23 to the third adsorption chamber 9R. The filter 9A is disposed between the atmospheric port 23 and the cartridge 10. The cartridge 10 is provided adjacent to the filter 9A. The filter 9A is configured to not allow the adsorbent agglomerates 9 to pass therethrough but to allow gas to pass therethrough.

[0040] The cartridge 10 comprises a cylindrical hollow case 11 having a cylindrical inner wall 11A that defines the internal space of the cartridge 10, and an adsorbent agglomerate 9 contained in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11. The inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11 defines a third adsorption chamber 9R.

[0041] An elastic ring-shaped seal member 13 is provided on the outer periphery of hollow case 11. A groove member 12 for positioning seal member 13 is provided on the outer periphery of hollow case 11. Seal member 13 is positioned in groove member 12 provided on the outer periphery of hollow case 11. With this positioning, seal member 13 is attached to the outer periphery of hollow case 11. An example of seal member 13 is an O-ring.

[0042] The cartridge 10 is attached so as to be positioned inside the outer case 2 via a seal member 13. According to one example, the inner periphery of the outer case 2 and the outer periphery of the hollow case 11 are circular. The outer periphery of the hollow case 11 has a smaller diameter than the inner periphery of the outer case 2. According to this example, the cartridge 10 having a circular cross section is attached so as to be fitted into the internal space of the outer case 2 having a circular cross section.

[0043] When the cartridge 10 is attached at the correct position inside the outer case 2, the seal member 13 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 2 and elastically deforms. As a result, the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the hollow case 11 is blocked by the seal member 13 so that gas containing evaporated fuel does not pass through. Furthermore, the elastic force of the seal member 13 fixes the cartridge 10 in the outer case 2 so that it does not shift out of position.

[0044] The adsorbent agglomerates 9 are accommodated in the hollow case 11 in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11 so as to cover the entire cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the hollow case 11.

[0045] The adsorbent agglomerates 9 are columnar adsorbent agglomerates having an outer shape corresponding to the interior space of the hollow casing 11. According to one example, the hollow casing 11 is a cylindrical casing, and the adsorbent agglomerates 9 are columnar adsorbent agglomerates.

[0046] The adsorbent agglomerates 9 may be, for example, aggregates of granular or fibrous adsorbent. For example, the adsorbent agglomerates 9 may be aggregates of granular adsorbent such as activated carbon or zeolite. As another example, the adsorbent agglomerates 9 may be adsorbent agglomerates formed using fibrous activated carbon.

[0047] A characteristic feature of this embodiment is that the adsorbent agglomerates 9 are contained within hollow casing 11 such that peripheral edge portions 9E of the adsorbent agglomerates 9 are embedded in inner wall 11A of hollow casing 11 over the entire inner circumferential direction of hollow casing 11. The embedding of the adsorbent agglomerates 9 into hollow casing 11 is achieved by insert molding. Peripheral edge portion 9E is an edge portion around the axis of the adsorbent agglomerates 9.

[0048] That is, hollow casing 11 is constructed integrally with adsorbent agglomerate 9 by insert molding, with peripheral edge portion 9E of adsorbent agglomerate 9 embedded in inner wall 11A of hollow casing 11. Figure 2 shows that peripheral edge portion 9E of adsorbent agglomerate 9 is embedded in inner wall 11A of hollow casing 11.

[0049] The cartridge 10 is manufactured by preparing a mold 30 for molding a hollow case 11 as shown in FIG. 3A, placing an adsorbent mass 9 at a predetermined position within the mold 30, and then filling the mold 30 with resin RS as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0050] The adsorbent clumps 9 are made of a porous material and therefore have a porous surface. Therefore, when the uncured resin RS is poured into the mold 30, the resin RS that constitutes the hollow casing 11 flows into the numerous pores in the surface of the adsorbent clumps 9. When the resin RS has flowed into the numerous pores in the surface of the adsorbent clumps 9, the resin RS hardens, and the adsorbent clumps 9 are contained in the hollow casing 11 in a state where they are embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow casing 11.

[0051] 3A , the mold 30 includes columnar mold parts 31, 33 for forming the internal space of the hollow case 11, and a cylindrical mold part 35 surrounding the columnar mold parts 31, 33. The columnar mold parts 31, 33 include a first mold part 31 that supports the adsorbent lump 9 from below, and a second mold part 33 that is placed on top of the adsorbent lump 9, in order to place the adsorbent lump 9 at a predetermined axial position in the hollow case 11.

[0052] The adsorbent agglomerates 9 are disposed inside the cylindrical mold part 35, between the columnar first mold part 31 and the second mold part 33. At this time, the adsorbent agglomerates 9 are disposed within the mold 30 such that the central axis of the adsorbent agglomerates 9, the central axis of the cylindrical mold part 35, and the central axis of the cylindrical mold parts 31, 33 coincide with each other. As the adsorbent agglomerates 9, columnar adsorbent agglomerates having a diameter larger than the outer periphery of the cylindrical mold parts 31, 33 and smaller than the inner periphery of the cylindrical mold part 35 are prepared and disposed within the mold 30.

[0053] In this state, resin RS is filled into the gap between the cylindrical mold part 35 and the columnar mold parts 31, 33, thereby producing a cartridge 10 in which the entire peripheral portion 9E of the adsorbent mass 9 is embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11.

[0054] In the evaporated fuel treatment device 1 of this embodiment, evaporated fuel taken in through the charge port 21 is adsorbed by the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R. The evaporated fuel that cannot be completely adsorbed in the first adsorption chamber 5R moves through the communication passage 6 to the second adsorption chamber 7R, and is adsorbed by the adsorbent 7 in the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0055] The evaporated fuel that is not completely adsorbed in the second adsorption chamber 7R moves to the third adsorption chamber 9R, where it is adsorbed by the adsorbent agglomerates 9. The gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed by adsorption is released from the atmospheric port 23.

[0056] In addition, by supplying air from the atmospheric port 23, the evaporated fuel that had been adsorbed by the adsorbents 5, 7 and the adsorbent mass 9 in the first adsorption chamber 5R, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 9R, respectively, is discharged from the purge port 22 to the engine.

[0057] <Effects> In this embodiment, the adsorbent lump 9 is fixed so as to be embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11. Therefore, even when the vehicle vibrates, no gap is generated between the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11 and the adsorbent lump 9, and the evaporated fuel can be appropriately adsorbed by the adsorbent lump 9.

[0058] In this embodiment, the peripheral edge 9E of the adsorbent clump 9 is formed integrally with the inner wall 11A of the hollow casing 11, and therefore the adsorbent clump 9 is not damaged by compression. Conventionally, when the adsorbent clump is fixed to the inside of the hollow casing 11, the outer diameter of the adsorbent clump is set larger than the inner diameter of the hollow casing 11, and the adsorbent clump is accommodated within the hollow casing 11 while being compressed in the radial direction.

[0059] Compression allows the periphery of the adsorbent agglomerates to be in tight contact with the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11 even when vehicle vibration occurs, but it also places a load on the periphery of the adsorbent agglomerates due to compression. In the prior art, this load could cause the adsorbent agglomerates to break down, resulting in fragments of the adsorbent agglomerates that could cause clogging of the filters 7A, 9A. In other words, the breakage of the adsorbent agglomerates could increase airflow resistance.

[0060] In contrast, in this embodiment, damage to the adsorbent agglomerates 9 due to compression can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly durable evaporated fuel processing device 1 that can maintain good airflow resistance for a long period of time. The cartridge 10 can be distributed as a component part of the evaporated fuel processing device 1. The cartridge 10 itself is also, in a broad sense, an evaporated fuel processing device.

[0061] [Modification of the first embodiment] As shown in Fig. 4, cartridge 10 may be provided with adsorbent lump 15 having positioning recess 15A in place of the above-mentioned adsorbent lump 9. The modified fuel evaporation treatment device 101 shown in Fig. 4 differs from the fuel evaporation treatment device 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that, instead of the above-mentioned adsorbent lump 9, it is provided with adsorbent lump 15 having recess 15A.

[0062] On the other hand, except for the above points, the modified evaporated fuel processing device 101 is basically configured similarly to the evaporated fuel processing device 1 shown in Fig. 1. In the following, parts of the modified evaporated fuel processing device 101 that have the same configuration as the evaporated fuel processing device 1 are given the same reference numerals as the corresponding parts of the evaporated fuel processing device 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] In this modification, cartridge 10 accommodates adsorbent agglomerate 15 having recess 15A in hollow casing 11. When hollow casing 11 is molded integrally with adsorbent agglomerate 15 by insert molding, mold part 32 having protrusion 32A that engages with recess 15A is used instead of mold part 31.

[0064] 5 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion 32A in accordance with the provision of a recess 15A having a circular cross section in the adsorbent agglomerate 15. The protrusion 32A and the recess 15A are configured with dimensions such that no relative radial displacement occurs when they engage with each other.

[0065] Convex portion 32A is provided on the upper surface of mold part 32 such that the central axis of convex portion 32A coincides with the central axis of mold part 32. Recess 15A is provided on the lower surface of adsorbent agglomerate 15 such that the central axis of recess 15A coincides with the central axis of adsorbent agglomerate 15.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6A , when the adsorbent mass 15 is set on the mold part 32 so as to be positioned by the engagement of the convex portion 32A with the concave portion 15A, the adsorbent mass 15 is set so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the mold part 32.

[0067] The mold part 32 is set so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical mold part 35. Thus, the adsorbent agglomerate 15 is set in the space surrounded by the mold parts 31, 32, and 35 so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical mold part 35.

[0068] With the adsorbent agglomerate 15 set between the mold parts 31, 32, 35, resin RS is injected to produce a cartridge 10 in which the adsorbent agglomerate 15 is contained in the hollow casing 11 so that the central axis of the adsorbent agglomerate 15 coincides with the central axis of the hollow casing 11, as shown in Figure 6B, and the peripheral portion 15E of the adsorbent agglomerate 15 is embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow casing 11.

[0069] In this way, protrusion 32A and recess 15A function as positioning structures for aligning the central axis of adsorbent agglomerate 15 with the central axis of hollow casing 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, mold 30 including mold parts 31, 32, 35 can be used to manufacture cartridge 10 by insert molding, with adsorbent agglomerates 15 appropriately housed within hollow casing 11.

[0070] Here, an example has been described in which a recess 15A is provided in the adsorbent mass 15 and a protrusion 32A is provided in the mold part 32, but it is also possible for a protrusion to be provided in the adsorbent mass 15 and for a recess to be provided in the mold part 32 that engages with the protrusion.

[0071] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment of the evaporated fuel treatment device 201 shown in FIG. 7 differs from the first embodiment of the evaporated fuel treatment device 1 in that a peripheral portion 209E of the adsorbent agglomerate 209, which replaces the adsorbent agglomerate 9, is embedded in the inner wall 202W of the outer case 202.

[0072] The second embodiment of the evaporated fuel treatment device 201 further differs from the first embodiment of the evaporated fuel treatment device 1 in that the outer case 202 does not have an atmospheric port 23, and a port component 223 that constitutes the atmospheric port 23 is attached to the outer case 202.

[0073] Other configurations of the evaporated fuel processing device 201 of the second embodiment are basically the same as those of the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment. In the following, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for the parts of the evaporated fuel processing device 201 of the second embodiment that are the same as those of the evaporated fuel processing device 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] The evaporated fuel treatment device 201 of this embodiment includes an outer case 202. The outer case 202 includes a main body 202A including a charge port 21 and a purge port 22, and a lid 2B. The lid 2B is attached to a predetermined portion of the main body 202A so as to close the open end of the main body 202A.

[0075] The outer case 202 is configured to define an internal space including the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 209R. Within the outer case 202, a flow path is formed for the gas flowing in from the charge port 21, passing through the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 209R. The outer case 202 has an opening 202C in a position close to the third adsorption chamber 209R.

[0076] The port component 223 is attached to the outer case 202 so as to cover the opening 202C. The port component 223 may be fixed to the outer case 202 by an adhesive, or may be fixed to the outer case 202 by using a fixing part such as a screw.

[0077] In the first adsorption chamber 5R, the adsorbent 5 is sandwiched between the filters 5A and 5B. In the second adsorption chamber 7R, the adsorbent 7 is sandwiched between the filters 7A and 7B.

[0078] Adsorbent clump 209 is provided adjacent to filter 7A in an area adjacent to opening 202C in the internal space of outer case 202. Adsorbent clump 209 is configured similarly to adsorbent clump 9 of the first embodiment. Specifically, adsorbent clump 209 is a columnar adsorbent clump having an outer shape corresponding to the inner circumference of outer case 202 in which adsorbent clump 209 is housed.

[0079] In this embodiment, in the area adjacent to opening 202C, adsorbent agglomerates 209 are contained within outer case 202 such that peripheral edge portions 209E of adsorbent agglomerates 209 are embedded in inner wall 202W of outer case 202 over the entire inner circumferential direction of outer case 202. Embedding of adsorbent agglomerates 209 into inner wall 202W of outer case 202 is achieved by insert molding, as in the first embodiment.

[0080] In this embodiment, outer case 202 is molded using resin RS. When molding outer case 202, adsorbent lump 209 is set in a mold for molding main body portion 202A of outer case 202. With adsorbent lump 209 set, resin RS is injected into the mold to mold main body portion 202A of outer case 202 in which peripheral portion 209E of adsorbent lump 209 is embedded in inner wall 202W.

[0081] The evaporated fuel treatment device 201 is completed by accommodating filters 5A, 5B, adsorbent 5, grid 5C, filters 7A, 7B, adsorbent 7, and grid 7C in a main body 202A of an outer case 202 molded integrally with an adsorbent mass 209, and attaching a port component 223 to an opening 202C. According to this embodiment, the outer case 202 corresponds to the hollow case of the evaporated fuel treatment device 201.

[0082] In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the adsorbent agglomerates 209 are provided in the evaporated fuel treatment device 201 by insert molding, so that damage to the adsorbent agglomerates 209 due to compression can be suppressed, and an increase in air flow resistance caused by fragments of the adsorbent agglomerates 209 resulting from damage adhering to the filter 7A can be suppressed.

[0083] [Third embodiment] An evaporated fuel processing device 301 of a third embodiment shown in Fig. 8 differs from the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment in that a cartridge 310 including an adsorbent lump 319 in place of the adsorbent lump 9 is provided outside an outer case 302. The evaporated fuel processing device 301 of the third embodiment is basically configured in the same manner as the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment in other parts. In the following, parts of the evaporated fuel processing device 301 of the third embodiment that are configured the same as those of the evaporated fuel processing device 1 are given the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] 8 includes an outer case 302. The outer case 302 includes a main body 302A including a charge port 21, a purge port 22, and an atmospheric port 23, and a lid 2B. The lid 2B is attached to the main body 302A so as to close the open end of the main body 302A.

[0085] The outer case 302 is configured to define an internal space including the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, and the second adsorption chamber 7R. Within the outer case 302, a flow path for the gas flowing in from the charge port 21 is formed, which passes through the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, and the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0086] In the first adsorption chamber 5R, the adsorbent 5 is sandwiched between the filters 5A and 5B. In the second adsorption chamber 7R, the adsorbent 7 is sandwiched between the filters 7A and 7B. The filter 7A separates the second adsorption chamber 7R from a space that communicates with the atmospheric port 23.

[0087] A connection pipe 308 that connects the cartridge 310 and the atmospheric port 23 is connected to the atmospheric port 23. A first end of the connection pipe 308 is connected to the atmospheric port 23, and a second end of the connection pipe 308 is connected to a connection port 311A ​​of the cartridge 310.

[0088] The cartridge 310 is connected to the atmospheric port 23 through a connection pipe 308, and is configured as an external component separate from the outer case 302. The cartridge 310 includes a connection port component 311, an atmospheric port component 313, and a case body 315.

[0089] The connection port component 311, the atmospheric port component 313, and the case body 315 constitute a hollow case of the cartridge 310. The case body 315 is a cylindrical case body having an inner wall 315A that defines an internal space and open at both ends. Examples of the case body 315 include a cylindrical case body.

[0090] The connection port component 311 is a component that functions as a lid, and is fixed to the case body 315 so as to cover a first open end of the case body 315. The connection port component 311 has a first end that constitutes a connection port 311A. A second end of the connection port component 311 is connected to the first open end of the case body 315. The connection port 311A ​​functions as an inlet for introducing gas containing evaporated fuel into the internal space of the cartridge 310.

[0091] The atmospheric port component 313 is a component that functions as a lid, and is fixed to the case body 315 so as to cover the second open end of the case body 315. A first end of the atmospheric port component 313 is connected to the second open end of the case body 315. The atmospheric port component 313 has a second end on the opposite side to the first end, which constitutes the atmospheric port 313A.

[0092] The adsorbent agglomerate 319 is contained in an internal space surrounded by the inner wall 315A of the case body 315. The adsorbent agglomerate 319 is configured similarly to the adsorbent agglomerate 9 of the first embodiment. The adsorbent agglomerate 319 is contained in the case body 315 such that the peripheral portion 319E thereof is embedded in the inner wall 315A of the case body 315.

[0093] Specifically, case body 315 is molded integrally with adsorbent agglomerate 319 by insert molding. Adsorbent agglomerate 319 has a porous surface. Adsorbent agglomerate 319 is embedded in inner wall 315A of case body 315 by the insert molding, with the resin constituting inner wall 315A of case body 315 filling a plurality of pores in the surface.

[0094] In the above-described evaporated fuel treatment device 301, evaporated fuel taken in through the charge port 21 is adsorbed by the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R. The evaporated fuel that cannot be completely adsorbed in the first adsorption chamber 5R moves through the communication passage 6 to the second adsorption chamber 7R, where it is adsorbed by the adsorbent 7.

[0095] The evaporated fuel that has not been adsorbed in the second adsorption chamber 7R flows through the atmospheric port 23 and the connecting pipe 308 into the internal space of the cartridge 310, which includes the adsorbent agglomerates 319. The internal space of the cartridge 310 functions as a third adsorption chamber. The evaporated fuel that has flowed into the internal space of the cartridge 310 is adsorbed by the adsorbent agglomerates 319. The gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed by adsorption is released from the atmospheric port 313A of the cartridge 310.

[0096] In addition, the vaporized fuel adsorbed in the adsorbents 5, 7 and the adsorbent lump 319 is discharged to the engine through the purge port 22 by air supplied from the atmospheric port 313A. The discharge causes the vaporized fuel to be supplied to the engine.

[0097] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the adsorbent agglomerates 319 are provided in the cartridge 310 by insert molding, so that damage to the adsorbent agglomerates 319 due to compression can be suppressed, and an increase in airflow resistance can be suppressed. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the cartridge 310 can be easily replaced. Deteriorated adsorbent agglomerates 319 can be easily replaced.

[0098] [Other embodiments] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may take various forms. For example, the adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 may take various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a prismatic shape, in accordance with the shapes of the hollow case 11, the outer case 202, and the case body 315. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 may be bellows-shaped. The bellows-shaped adsorbent agglomerates may be bellows-shaped adsorbent agglomerates having a periodic wave shape along a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction.

[0099] The technology of the present disclosure is very useful for adsorbent agglomerates that may be damaged by compression. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 are not limited to activated carbon or zeolite agglomerates, but may be other adsorbent agglomerates that may be damaged by compression. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 may be porous bodies having micropores. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 may be ceramic agglomerates.

[0100] The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components. The functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. At least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. All aspects included in the technical idea identified from the wording of the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] [Technical idea disclosed in this specification] It can be understood that the present specification discloses the following technical ideas. [Item 1] An evaporated fuel treatment device, a hollow case having an interior wall defining an interior space; an adsorbent mass that is accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow case and is configured to adsorb evaporated fuel flowing into the internal space; Equipped with The adsorbent mass is accommodated in the internal space with an end of the adsorbent mass at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case. [Item 2] 2. The method for treating evaporated fuel according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent mass has a porous surface and is embedded in the inner wall with the material constituting the inner wall penetrating into a plurality of pores contained in the surface. [Item 3] 3. The evaporated fuel treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent agglomerates are accommodated in the internal space of the hollow case by insert molding of the hollow case containing the adsorbent agglomerates such that an end of the adsorbent agglomerates is at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case. [Item 4] 4. The fuel vapor treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adsorbent agglomerate has a peripheral portion disposed along the inner wall, the peripheral portion being embedded in the inner wall. [Item 5] an outer case having a charge port for the evaporated fuel and defining an internal flow path for gas containing the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port; The evaporated fuel treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the hollow case that houses the adsorbent mass is constructed separately from the outer case and is disposed in the gas flow path inside the outer case. [Item 6] The hollow case includes: a case body having the inner wall and an open end defining the interior space, the case body containing the adsorbent agglomerate; a cover configured to be attached to the case body at a predetermined portion of the case body so as to close at least a portion of the opening end; The evaporated fuel treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 4, comprising: [Item 7] A method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel treatment device, comprising: Providing a mold for molding a hollow case having an interior wall defining an interior space; disposing at a predetermined location within the mold an adsorbent mass configured to adsorb fuel vapor; filling the mold with a resin for molding the hollow case while the adsorbent agglomerate is disposed within the mold; and by filling the mold with the resin, an evaporated fuel processing device is manufactured in which the evaporated fuel processing device comprises the hollow case and the adsorbent mass, and the adsorbent mass is contained in the internal space of the hollow case with an end of the adsorbent mass at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case by insert molding. [Item 8] The hollow case has a cylindrical inner wall having a central axis as the inner wall, The adsorbent agglomerate has a columnar shape having a central axis, the mold and the adsorbent mass are each provided with a positioning structure for aligning a central axis of the adsorbent mass with a central axis of the hollow case; 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the positioning of the adsorbent mass includes positioning the adsorbent mass relative to the mold using the positioning structure, thereby positioning the adsorbent mass at a predetermined position within the mold. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1,101,201,301...Evaporative fuel treatment device, 2,202,302...Outer case, 2A,202A,302A...Main body, 5,7...Adsorbent, 9,15,209,319...Adsorbent mass, 5A,5B,7A,7B,9A...Filter, 5R,7R,9R,209R...Adsorption chamber, 6...Communicating passage, 9E,15E,209E,319E...Peripheral edge, 10...Cartridge, 11...Hollow case, 11A...Inner wall, 12...Groove member, 13...Sealing member , 15A...recess, 21...charge port, 22...purge port, 23...atmospheric port, 30...mold, 31, 32, 33, 35...mold parts, 32A...protrusion, 202C...opening, 202W...inner wall, 223...port component, 308...connection tube, 310...cartridge, 311...connection port component, 311A...connection port, 313...atmospheric port component, 313A...atmospheric port, 315...case body, 315A...inner wall, RS...resin.

Claims

1. An evaporated fuel treatment device, a hollow case having an interior wall defining an interior space; an adsorbent mass that is accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow case and is configured to adsorb evaporated fuel flowing into the internal space; Equipped with The adsorbent mass is accommodated in the internal space with an end of the adsorbent mass at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case.

2. 2. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent mass has a porous surface, and is embedded in the inner wall in a state in which the material constituting the inner wall penetrates into a plurality of pores included in the surface.

3. 2. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent mass is accommodated in the internal space of the hollow case by insert molding of the hollow case containing the adsorbent mass such that an end of the adsorbent mass is at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case.

4. 2. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent mass has a peripheral portion disposed along the inner wall, the peripheral portion being embedded in the inner wall.

5. an outer case having a charge port for the evaporated fuel and defining an internal flow path for gas containing the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port; 2. The fuel vapor treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hollow case that houses the adsorbent mass is formed separately from the outer case and is disposed in the gas flow path inside the outer case.

6. The hollow case includes: a case body having the inner wall and an open end defining the interior space, the case body containing the adsorbent agglomerate; a cover configured to be attached to the case body at a predetermined portion of the case body so as to close at least a portion of the opening end; The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

7. A method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel treatment device, comprising: Providing a mold for molding a hollow case having an interior wall defining an interior space; disposing at a predetermined location within the mold an adsorbent mass configured to adsorb fuel vapor; filling the mold with a resin for molding the hollow case while the adsorbent agglomerate is disposed within the mold; and by filling the resin into the mold, an evaporated fuel processing device is manufactured in which the evaporated fuel processing device comprises the hollow case and the adsorbent mass, and the adsorbent mass is contained in the internal space of the hollow case with an end of the adsorbent mass at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case by insert molding.

8. The hollow case has a cylindrical inner wall having a central axis as the inner wall, The adsorbent agglomerate has a columnar shape having a central axis, the mold and the adsorbent mass are each provided with a positioning structure for aligning a central axis of the adsorbent mass with a central axis of the hollow case; 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the positioning of the adsorbent mass includes positioning the adsorbent mass relative to the mold using the positioning structure, thereby positioning the adsorbent mass at a predetermined position within the mold.

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