Evaporative fuel processing device

Abstract

To propose a technology which makes it hard for a fuel that has returned to a liquid to flow in an adsorption chamber in the case where an evaporative fuel that has flowed in from a charge port is liquefied, in an evaporative fuel processing device which adsorbs / desorbs the evaporative fuel generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle.SOLUTION: An evaporative fuel processing device includes a charge port, an adsorption chamber, a liquid reservoir, a partition member, and a seal member. The charge port is constituted so as to take in an evaporative fuel. The adsorption chamber stores an adsorbent that adsorbs the evaporative fuel. The liquid reservoir forms a flow passage for connecting the charge port and the adsorption chamber. The partition member is arranged inside the liquid reservoir so as to close an end part on the adsorption chamber side of the flow passage. The partition member includes: an outer peripheral part opposing to an inner surface of the liquid reservoir; an inside part surrounded by the outer peripheral part; and a communication part provided at the inside part, and communicating to the adsorption chamber. The seal member is arranged in a gap between the outer peripheral part and the liquid reservoir.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an evaporated fuel treatment device that adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an evaporated fuel treatment device that adsorbs and releases evaporated fuel generated in a vehicle fuel tank. The evaporated fuel treatment device includes a charge port configured to take in evaporated fuel, and an adsorption chamber that contains an adsorbent. Evaporated fuel generated in the vehicle fuel tank flows into the evaporated fuel treatment device from the charge port and is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption chamber.

[0003] In such an evaporated fuel treatment device, the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port may liquefy before being adsorbed by the adsorbent. If the fuel that has returned to liquid form is adsorbed by the adsorbent, the adsorption performance of the adsorbent may be reduced. Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes providing a bulge between the charge port and the adsorption chamber, and arranging a liquid reservoir member inside the bulge. If the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port is liquefied, the fuel that has returned to liquid form is stored in the liquid reservoir member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-124614 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the evaporated fuel treatment device described in Patent Document 1, the fuel that has returned to liquid form may flow into the adsorption chamber through the gap between the inner surface of the bulging portion and the outer surface of the liquid reservoir member.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure proposes a technology for preventing the fuel that has returned to liquid from flowing into the adsorption chamber when the evaporated fuel that flows in from the charge port is liquefied in an evaporated fuel treatment device that adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel generated in a vehicle fuel tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is an evaporated fuel treatment device that adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The evaporated fuel treatment device includes a charge port, an adsorption chamber, a liquid reservoir, a partition member, and a seal member. The charge port is configured to take in evaporated fuel. The adsorption chamber contains an adsorbent that adsorbs evaporated fuel. The liquid reservoir forms a flow path connecting the charge port and the adsorption chamber. The partition member is disposed inside the liquid reservoir so as to block an end of the flow path on the adsorption chamber side. The partition member has an outer periphery, an inner portion, and a communication portion. The outer periphery faces the inner surface of the liquid reservoir. The inner portion is surrounded by the outer periphery. The communication portion is provided in the inner portion and communicates with the adsorption chamber. The seal member is disposed in a gap between the outer periphery and the liquid reservoir.

[0008] With this configuration, in an evaporated fuel treatment device that adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel generated in a vehicle's fuel tank, if the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port is liquefied, it is possible to make it difficult for the fuel that has returned to liquid to flow into the adsorption chamber.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the direction in which the evaporated fuel flows from the charge port when the evaporated fuel treatment device is mounted on a vehicle may be along a horizontal direction.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the communication portion may be provided in a vertically upper portion of the inner portion when the evaporated fuel treatment device is mounted on a vehicle. With this configuration, when evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port is liquefied, the fuel that has returned to liquid form can be prevented from flowing into the adsorption chamber through the communication portion.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the height of the communication portion when the evaporated fuel treatment device is mounted on a vehicle may be equal to or greater than the height of the charge port. With this configuration, when evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port is liquefied, the fuel that has returned to liquid form can be prevented from flowing into the adsorption chamber through the communication portion.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the liquid reservoir may have a large diameter portion, a small diameter portion, and a step portion. The large diameter portion forms an end portion of the flow path on the adsorption chamber side. The small diameter portion has an internal cross-sectional area smaller than that of the large diameter portion. The step portion connects the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion. The partition member may be disposed so as to contact the step portion.

[0013] According to this configuration, it is possible to easily position the partition member when disposing the partition member inside the liquid reservoir.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the partition member may further include a recess that is a recessed portion when viewed from the charge port side. With this configuration, when evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port is liquefied, the fuel that has returned to liquid form can be prevented from flowing into the adsorption chamber through the communication portion.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the partition member may further include a recess that is a recessed portion when viewed from the adsorption chamber side. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the distribution of evaporated fuel flowing into the adsorption chamber from becoming uneven.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the liquid reservoir may have a first protrusion protruding from an inner surface. The partition member may further have a second protrusion protruding from a surface on the charge port side. The first protrusion and the second protrusion may be configured not to interfere with each other when the partition member is disposed inside the liquid reservoir in a predetermined normal orientation, and to interfere with each other when the partition member is disposed inside the liquid reservoir in an orientation rotated around a rotation axis along the communication direction of the communication portion with respect to the normal orientation.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the partition member is disposed inside the liquid reservoir, it is possible to prevent the partition member from being disposed in the wrong orientation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [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 showing a part of FIG. 1 in an enlarged scale. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a partition member and a seal member of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a second embodiment in an enlarged scale. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a partition member and a seal member of a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a third embodiment in an enlarged scale. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a partition member and a seal member of a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a fourth embodiment in an enlarged scale. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a partition member and a seal member of a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a case where a partition member is arranged in an incorrect orientation in the evaporated fuel treatment device of the fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a case where the partition member is arranged in an incorrect orientation different from that in FIG. 11 in the evaporated fuel treatment device of the fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a fifth embodiment in an enlarged scale. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a partition member and a seal member of a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] Fig. 16A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the arrangement of the sealing member, Fig. 16B and Fig. 16C are schematic cross-sectional views showing modified examples of the sealing member. [Figure 17] 17A to 17C are schematic plan views showing modified examples of the opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] [1. First embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] The evaporated fuel processing device 1A shown in Fig. 1 adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The directions indicated by "V" and "H" in the drawing are the vertical and horizontal directions when the evaporated fuel processing device 1A is mounted on a vehicle. The same applies to the drawings of the second and subsequent embodiments described later.

[0021] The evaporated fuel treatment device 1A includes a charge port 2A, a purge port 2B, an atmospheric port 2C, a first adsorption chamber 3A, a second adsorption chamber 3B, a connection portion 4, a liquid reservoir portion 5A, a partition member 6A, and a seal member 7A.

[0022] The charge port 2A is connected to a fuel tank of the vehicle via a pipe. The charge port 2A is configured to take in the evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank into the evaporated fuel processing device 1A. The evaporated fuel processing device 1A of this embodiment is mounted on the vehicle so that the direction in which the evaporated fuel flows in from the charge port 2A is along the horizontal direction.

[0023] The purge port 2B is connected to an intake pipe of an engine of a vehicle via a purge valve, and is configured to discharge the evaporated fuel in the evaporated fuel processing device 1A from the evaporated fuel processing device 1A and supply the evaporated fuel to the engine.

[0024] The atmospheric port 2C is open to the atmosphere via a pipe. The atmospheric port 2C is configured to release gas from which evaporated fuel has been removed into the atmosphere. The atmospheric port 2C is configured to take in outside air (i.e., purged air) to desorb (i.e., purge) the evaporated fuel adsorbed by the evaporated fuel treatment device 1A.

[0025] The first adsorption chamber 3A is a cylindrical portion in which the first adsorbent 31 is accommodated. The first adsorbent 31 is a member that adsorbs evaporated fuel. One end of the first adsorption chamber 3A in the axial direction is connected to the charge port 2A via a liquid reservoir 5A. The end of the first adsorption chamber 3A is also connected to the purge port 2B. Inside the first adsorption chamber 3A, a first filter 32 and a second filter 33 are disposed at the ends on the charge port 2A and purge port 2B side. The first filter 32 and the second filter 33 are configured to not allow the first adsorbent 31 to pass through but to allow gas to pass through.

[0026] The second adsorption chamber 3B is a cylindrical portion in which the second adsorbent 34 is housed. The second adsorbent 34 is a member that adsorbs evaporated fuel. One end of the second adsorption chamber 3B in the axial direction is connected to the atmospheric port 2C. Inside the second adsorption chamber 3B, a third filter 35 is disposed at the end on the atmospheric port 2C side. The third filter 35 is configured to not allow the second adsorbent 34 to pass through but to allow gas to pass through.

[0027] The connection portion 4 is a portion that forms an intermediate flow passage 41 that connects the first adsorption chamber 3A and the second adsorption chamber 3B. The first adsorption chamber 3A communicates with the second adsorption chamber 3B via the intermediate flow passage 41 at the end opposite the charge port 2A and the purge port 2B. The second adsorption chamber 3B communicates with the first adsorption chamber 3A via the intermediate flow passage 41 at the end opposite the atmospheric port 2C. In this embodiment, the second adsorption chamber 3B is arranged side by side with the first adsorption chamber 3A so that the atmospheric port 2C is located on the same side as the charge port 2A and the purge port 2B in the evaporated fuel processing device 1A. That is, a substantially U-shaped flow passage is formed by the first adsorption chamber 3A, the connection portion 4, and the second adsorption chamber 3B.

[0028] The liquid reservoir 5A is provided between the charge port 2A and the first adsorption chamber 3A. The liquid reservoir 5A is a portion that forms an inflow passage 51 that connects the charge port 2A and the first adsorption chamber 3A. The liquid reservoir 5A is in the shape of a bottomed cylinder. In this embodiment, the liquid reservoir 5A is in the shape of a substantially bottomed square cylinder. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid reservoir 5A has a bottom 52, a small diameter portion 53, a large diameter portion 54, and a step portion 55.

[0029] The bottom portion 52 is a portion that constitutes the bottom wall of the bottomed cylindrical shape of the liquid reservoir portion 5A. The bottom portion 52 is provided with a charge port 2A.

[0030] The small diameter portion 53 and the large diameter portion 54 are portions that constitute the cylindrical side wall of the liquid reservoir 5A. The small diameter portion 53 and the large diameter portion 54 are provided in this order from the bottom 52 side. In other words, the large diameter portion 54 forms the cylindrical opening of the liquid reservoir 5A. In other words, the large diameter portion 54 is a portion that forms the end of the inflow passage 51 on the first adsorption chamber 3A side in the liquid reservoir 5A. The large diameter portion 54 is continuous with the first adsorption chamber 3A at the end opposite to the small diameter portion 53 side.

[0031] Small diameter portion 53 is adjacent to large diameter portion 54 on the charge port 2A side. Small diameter portion 53 has a smaller internal cross-sectional area than large diameter portion 54. The internal cross-sectional area of ​​a cylindrical portion refers to the area of ​​a region defined by the inner surface of the cylindrical portion in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion.

[0032] Step portion 55 is a wall-like portion that connects small diameter portion 53 and large diameter portion 54. Inside liquid reservoir 5A, a step is formed by small diameter portion 53, step portion 55, and large diameter portion 54.

[0033] The partition member 6A is a member capable of blocking the opening of the liquid reservoir 5A. In this embodiment, the partition member 6A is configured in a generally rectangular plate shape in a plan view in correspondence with the liquid reservoir 5A, which is generally rectangular tubular. The partition member 6A is arranged so as to block the opening of the liquid reservoir 5A. In other words, the partition member 6A is arranged so as to block the end of the inflow passage 51 on the first adsorption chamber 3A side. The partition member 6A is arranged inside the liquid reservoir 5A, specifically inside the large diameter portion 54. The partition member 6A is also arranged so as to contact the step portion 55. Inside the liquid reservoir 5A, a storage space K capable of storing liquid is formed by the inner surface of the liquid reservoir 5A and the surface of the partition member 6A on the charge port 2A side.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the partition member 6A has an outer peripheral portion 61, an inner portion 62, and a communication portion 63. The outer peripheral portion 61 is a portion that faces the inner surface of the liquid reservoir 5A when the partition member 6A is arranged in the liquid reservoir 5A. The inner portion 62 is a portion that is surrounded by the outer peripheral portion 61. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication portion 63 is a portion that communicates with the first adsorption chamber 3A when the partition member 6A is arranged in the liquid reservoir 5A. The communication portion 63 is provided in the inner portion 62. In this embodiment, the communication portion 63 forms a hole that penetrates the partition member 6A in the thickness direction.

[0035] The outer peripheral portion 61 can also be said to be a portion that constitutes an outer peripheral surface 611 of the partition member 6A. The outer peripheral surface 611 refers to an outer surface of the partition member 6A that is continuous with the entire circumference in the communication direction of the communication portion 63. In this embodiment, a groove 612 is formed in the outer peripheral surface 611. The groove 612 is continuous with the entire circumference in the communication direction of the communication portion 63.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the communication part 63 is provided in a vertically upper part 621 of the inner part 62 in a state where the evaporated fuel processing device 1A is mounted on a vehicle. The height of the communication part 63 in a state where the evaporated fuel processing device 1A is mounted on a vehicle is designed to be equal to or higher than the height of the charge port 2A. In this embodiment, the height of the communication part 63 in a state where the evaporated fuel processing device 1A is mounted on a vehicle is higher than the height of the charge port 2A. More specifically, the height of the communication part 63 in a state where the evaporated fuel processing device 1A is mounted on a vehicle being equal to or higher than the height of the charge port 2A means that the lower end position P1 of the communication part 63 in a state where the evaporated fuel processing device 1A is mounted on a vehicle is equal to or higher than the lower end position P2 of the charge port 2A in the vertical direction. The lower end position P1 of the communication part 63 is the lowest position in the vertical direction on the inner surface of the communication part 63. The inner surface of communication portion 63 here, more specifically, refers to the inner surface that forms the opening surface on the charge port 2A side of communication portion 63. Bottom end position P2 of charge port 2A is the lowest point along the vertical direction on the inner surface of charge port 2A. The inner surface of charge port 2A here, more specifically, refers to the inner surface that forms the inlet surface of charge port 2A for the evaporated fuel to flow into liquid reservoir 5A.

[0037] 2, an imaginary horizontal plane S1 passing through a lower end position P1 of the communication portion 63 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Similarly, an imaginary horizontal plane S2 passing through a lower end position P2 of the charge port 2A is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0038] The seal member 7A is an elastic ring-shaped member. In this specification, the ring shape refers to a shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction. That is, the ring shape in this specification includes a shape whose outer shape in a plan view is circular and a shape whose outer shape in a plan view is polygonal. The seal member 7A in this embodiment is an O-ring.

[0039] The seal member 7A is disposed in the gap between the outer circumferential portion 61 and the liquid reservoir 5A. In this embodiment, with the seal member 7A fitted into the groove 612 of the partition member 6A, the partition member 6A is press-fitted into the large diameter portion 54 from the first adsorption chamber 3A side. The seal member 7A is in close contact with both the outer circumferential surface 611 of the outer circumferential portion 61 and the inner surface of the liquid reservoir 5A. The seal member 7A fills the gap between the outer circumferential portion 61 and the liquid reservoir 5A over the entire circumference in the communication direction of the communication portion 63.

[0040] [1-2. Effect] The evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank of the vehicle flows into the evaporated fuel processing device 1A from the charge port 2A and is adsorbed by the first adsorbent 31 in the first adsorption chamber 3A. The evaporated fuel that cannot be completely adsorbed in the first adsorption chamber 3A flows through the intermediate flow passage 41 into the second adsorption chamber 3B and is adsorbed by the second adsorbent 34 in the second adsorption chamber 3B. The gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed is discharged from the atmospheric port 2C. In addition, by supplying air from the atmospheric port 2C, the evaporated fuel that has been adsorbed in each of the first adsorption chamber 3A and the second adsorption chamber 3B is discharged from the purge port 2B to the engine of the vehicle. As a result, air containing the evaporated fuel is supplied to the engine.

[0041] Here, evaporated fuel generated in the vehicle fuel tank may flow in from the charge port 2A and liquefy before reaching the first adsorption chamber 3A. If the fuel that has returned to liquid form flows into the first adsorption chamber 3A and is adsorbed by the first adsorbent 31, the adsorption performance of the first adsorbent 31 may decrease.

[0042] However, in the evaporated fuel processing device 1A, a storage space K is formed by the liquid reservoir 5A and the partition member 6A on the charge port 2A side of the first adsorption chamber 3A. A seal member 7A is disposed in the gap between the liquid reservoir 5A and the outer periphery 61 of the partition member 6A, all around the communication direction of the communication portion 63. Therefore, when the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port 2A is liquefied, the fuel that has returned to liquid form accumulates in the storage space K. In addition, the seal member 7A prevents the liquid fuel accumulated in the storage space K from flowing into the first adsorption chamber 3A through the gap between the liquid reservoir 5A and the partition member 6A.

[0043] [1-3. Effects] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained.

[0044] (1a) In the evaporated fuel treatment device 1A, a liquid reservoir 5A is provided between the charge port 2A and the first adsorption chamber 3A. A partition member 6A is disposed in the liquid reservoir 5A so as to close the end of the inflow passage 51 on the first adsorption chamber 3A side. A seal member 7A is disposed in the gap between the outer periphery 61 of the partition member 6A and the liquid reservoir 5A.

[0045] According to this configuration, a storage space K can be formed between the charge port 2A and the first adsorption chamber 3A by the liquid reservoir 5A and the partition member 6A. Therefore, when the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port 2A is liquefied, the fuel that has returned to liquid form can be stored in the storage space K. This makes it possible to prevent the fuel that has returned to liquid form from flowing into the first adsorption chamber 3A. Furthermore, the seal member 7A can also prevent the fuel that has accumulated in the storage space K from flowing into the first adsorption chamber 3A through the gap between the liquid reservoir 5A and the partition member 6A. As a result of these, it is possible to prevent the adsorption performance of the first adsorbent 31 from decreasing.

[0046] (1b) The partition member 6A is provided with a communication portion 63. Specifically, the communication portion 63 is provided in a vertically upper portion 621 of the inner portion 62 when the evaporated fuel treatment device 1A is mounted on the vehicle.

[0047] With this configuration, for example, compared to a configuration in which the communication part 63 is provided in a vertically lower portion 622 of the inner part 62 when the evaporated fuel processing device 1A is mounted on a vehicle, the height of the lower end position P1 of the communication part 63 can be made higher when the evaporated fuel processing device 1A is mounted on a vehicle. Therefore, when the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port 2A is liquefied, the liquid fuel accumulated in the storage space K can be prevented from flowing through the communication part 63 into the first adsorption chamber 3A.

[0048] (1c) When the evaporated fuel processing device 1A is mounted on a vehicle, the height of the communication portion 63 is the same as or higher than the height of the charge port 2A. With this configuration, liquid can be stored in the storage space K up to the height of the imaginary horizontal plane S2 passing through the lower end position P2 of the charge port 2A. In other words, when the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port 2A is liquefied, more of the fuel that has returned to liquid can be stored in the storage space K. Therefore, when the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port 2A is liquefied, the fuel that has returned to liquid can be further prevented from flowing through the communication portion 63 into the first adsorption chamber 3A.

[0049] (1d) Particularly in this embodiment, when the evaporated fuel treatment device 1A is mounted on a vehicle, the height of the communication part 63 is higher than the height of the charge port 2A. With this configuration, when the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port 2A is liquefied, the liquid fuel accumulated in the storage space K can be further prevented from flowing through the communication part 63 into the first adsorption chamber 3A.

[0050] (1e) The partition member 6A is disposed so as to come into contact with the step portion 55. With this configuration, when the partition member 6A is disposed inside the liquid reservoir 5A, the partition member 6A can be positioned by bringing the partition member 6A into contact with the step portion 55. In other words, the partition member 6A can be positioned relatively easily.

[0051] (1f) The seal member 7A is disposed in the gap between the outer circumferential portion 61 of the partition member 6A and the liquid reservoir 5A while being fitted into a groove 612 formed in the partition member 6A. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress displacement of the seal member 7A in the axial direction of the liquid reservoir 5A.

[0052] [2. Second embodiment] [2-1. Configuration] The second embodiment has a basic configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

[0053] An evaporated fuel processing device 1B of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 4 includes a partition member 6B instead of the above-mentioned partition member 6A. The partition member 6B of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the partition member 6A of the first embodiment.

[0054] However, as shown in FIG. 5, the partition member 6B of the second embodiment further has a recess 64. The recess 64 is a recessed portion of the surface of the partition member 6B. The recess 64 is provided in the inner portion 62. As a specific example, the recess 64 is provided in at least a vertically lower portion 622 of the inner portion 62 when the evaporated fuel processing device 1B is mounted on a vehicle. The recess 64 is also provided at a distance from the communication portion 63. That is, a partition wall 65 is formed between the recess 64 and the communication portion 63. The partition wall 65 is a portion of the inner portion 62 where neither the communication portion 63 nor the recess 64 is formed. The communication portion 63 and the recess 64 are disposed with the partition wall 65 in between.

[0055] 4, partition member 6B is disposed inside liquid reservoir 5A (more specifically, inside large diameter portion 54) with communicating portion 63 positioned vertically above and recessed portion 64 positioned vertically below. Partition member 6B is disposed such that recessed portion 64 faces charge port 2A. Recessed portion 64 can also be referred to as a recessed portion of partition member 6B when viewed from the charge port 2A side.

[0056] [2-2. Effects] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, in addition to the same effects as the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0057] (2a) In the evaporated fuel treatment device 1B of the second embodiment, the partition member 6B is provided with a recess 64 that is recessed when viewed from the charge port 2A side. With this configuration, the storage space K can be made larger than a configuration in which the recess 64 is not provided. Therefore, when the evaporated fuel that has flowed in from the charge port 2A is liquefied, an even larger amount of the fuel that has returned to liquid can be stored in the storage space K. As a result, the fuel that has returned to liquid can be further prevented from flowing through the communication portion 63 into the first adsorption chamber 3A.

[0058] (2b) A separation wall 65 is formed between the communication portion 63 and the recess 64. With this configuration, when the evaporated fuel flowing in from the charge port 2A is liquefied, the liquid fuel accumulated in the storage space K can be further prevented from flowing through the communication portion 63 into the first adsorption chamber 3A.

[0059] [3. Third embodiment] [3-1. Configuration] The third embodiment has a basic configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

[0060] An evaporated fuel processing device 1C of a third embodiment shown in Fig. 6 includes a partition member 6C instead of the above-mentioned partition member 6A. The partition member 6C of the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the partition member 6A of the first embodiment.

[0061] However, as shown in FIG. 7, the partition member 6C of the third embodiment further has a recess 66. The recess 66 is a recessed portion of the surface of the partition member 6C. The recess 66 is provided in the inner portion 62. As a specific example, the recess 66 is provided in at least a portion 622 on the vertically lower side of the inner portion 62 when the evaporated fuel processing device 1C is mounted on a vehicle. The recess 66 is also provided without a gap between the recess 66 and the communication portion 63. That is, in the third embodiment, unlike the second embodiment described above, no isolation wall 65 is formed between the recess 66 and the communication portion 63.

[0062] 6, the partition member 6C is disposed inside the liquid reservoir 5A (more specifically, inside the large diameter portion 54) with the communicating portion 63 positioned vertically above and the recessed portion 66 positioned vertically below. The partition member 6C is disposed such that the recessed portion 66 faces the first adsorption chamber 3A. The recessed portion 66 can also be referred to as a recessed portion of the partition member 6C when viewed from the first adsorption chamber 3A.

[0063] [3-2. Effects] According to the third embodiment described above in detail, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0064] In the evaporated fuel treatment device 1C of the third embodiment, the partition member 6C is provided with a recess 66 that is recessed when viewed from the first adsorption chamber 3A side. With this configuration, the evaporated fuel that has passed through the communication portion 63 can be diffused in the recess 66. This makes it possible to prevent the distribution of the evaporated fuel flowing into the first adsorption chamber 3A from becoming uneven. In the configuration in which the first filter 32 is disposed between the partition member 6C and the first adsorbent 31 as in this embodiment, it is also possible to prevent the distribution of the evaporated fuel that passes through the first filter 32 from becoming uneven.

[0065] [4. Fourth embodiment] [4-1. Configuration] The fourth embodiment has a basic configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

[0066] An evaporated fuel treatment device 1D of a fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes a liquid reservoir 5D and a partition member 6D instead of the liquid reservoir 5A and the partition member 6A described above. The liquid reservoir 5D of the fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the liquid reservoir 5A of the first embodiment. However, the liquid reservoir 5D of the fourth embodiment further includes a first protrusion 56.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. In FIG. 9, the partition member 6D, the first filter 32, and the second filter 33 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 9, the first protrusion 56 is a portion protruding from the inner surface of the liquid reservoir 5D. Specifically, the first protrusion 56 protrudes from the inner surface of the small diameter portion 53. As shown in FIG. 8, the first protrusion 56 is flat. The end face of the first protrusion 56 on the charge port 2A side is in contact with the bottom portion 52. The first protrusion 56 is provided so that the plate surface is generally parallel to the inflow direction of the evaporated fuel from the charge port 2A.

[0068] The partition member 6D of the fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the partition member 6A of the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the partition member 6D of the fourth embodiment further includes a second protruding portion 67. The second protruding portion 67 is a portion protruding from the surface of the partition member 6D. The second protruding portion 67 is provided on the inner portion 62. That is, the second protruding portion 67 protrudes from the surface of the inner portion 62. The second protruding portion 67 is flat.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the partition member 6D is disposed inside the liquid reservoir 5D (more specifically, inside the large diameter portion 54) so ​​that the second protrusion 67 faces the charge port 2A side. The second protrusion 67 can also be said to be a portion of the partition member 6D that protrudes from the surface of the partition member 6D on the charge port 2A side. Similarly to the partition member 6A of the first embodiment, the partition member 6D is disposed in an orientation in which the communication portion 63 is located vertically above the inner portion 62. The orientation in which the communication portion 63 is located vertically above the inner portion 62 and the second protrusion 67 faces the charge port 2A side (i.e., the orientation shown in FIG. 8) corresponds to the predetermined normal orientation when the partition member 6D is disposed inside the liquid reservoir 5D.

[0070] The first protrusion 56 and the second protrusion 67 are configured not to interfere with each other when the partition member 6D is placed inside the liquid reservoir 5D in the normal orientation. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the first protrusion 56 and the second protrusion 67 are configured to interfere with each other when the partition member 6D is placed inside the liquid reservoir 5D in an orientation rotated around the rotation axis L1 with respect to the normal orientation. The rotation axis L1 is a linear axis along the communication direction of the communication portion 63. The rotation axis L1 passes through the center of the partition member 6D. FIG. 11 shows the partition member 6D rotated 180° around the rotation axis L1 with respect to the normal orientation (i.e., inverted around the rotation axis L1).

[0071] [4-2. Effects] According to the fourth embodiment described above in detail, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0072] In the evaporated fuel treatment device 1D of the fourth embodiment, a first protrusion 56 is provided in the liquid reservoir 5D, and a second protrusion 67 is provided in the partition member 6D. The first protrusion 56 and the second protrusion 67 are configured so as not to interfere with each other when the partition member 6D is placed inside the liquid reservoir 5D in the correct orientation, but to interfere with each other when the partition member 6D is placed inside the liquid reservoir 5D in an orientation rotated around the rotation axis L1 from the correct orientation.

[0073] According to this configuration, as shown in Fig. 8, when the partition member 6D is, for example, press-fitted into the liquid reservoir 5D from the first adsorption chamber 3A side in the correct orientation, the first protrusion 56 and the second protrusion 67 do not interfere with each other, so the partition member 6D can be press-fitted to a predetermined position. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 11, when the partition member 6D is, for example, press-fitted into the liquid reservoir 5D in an orientation rotated around the rotation axis L1 with respect to the correct orientation, the first protrusion 56 and the second protrusion 67 interfere with each other, so the partition member 6D is not press-fitted to a predetermined position. Therefore, when the partition member 6D is placed in the liquid reservoir 5D, it is possible to prevent the partition member 6D from being placed in the wrong orientation (so-called incorrect assembly).

[0074] As shown in FIG. 12, the partition member 6D may be disposed in the liquid reservoir 5D in a direction rotated around the rotation axis L2 from the normal direction. The rotation axis L2 is a linear axis that is perpendicular to the communication direction of the communication portion 63. The rotation axis L2 passes through the center of the partition member 6D. If the partition member 6D is disposed in the liquid reservoir 5D in a direction rotated around the rotation axis L2 from the normal direction, the first filter 32 will interfere with the second protrusion 67 when attempting to dispose the first filter 32 in the first adsorption chamber 3A. Therefore, even in such a case, it is possible to prevent the partition member 6D from being erroneously assembled.

[0075] [5. Fifth Embodiment] [5-1. Configuration] The fifth embodiment has a basic configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

[0076] An evaporated fuel processing device 1E of a fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 13 includes a liquid reservoir 5E and a partition member 6E instead of the liquid reservoir 5A and the partition member 6A described above.

[0077] The liquid reservoir 5E of the fifth embodiment has a configuration generally identical to that of the liquid reservoir 5A of the first embodiment. However, the liquid reservoir 5A of the first embodiment has a configuration including a bottom 52, a small diameter portion 53, a large diameter portion 54, and a step portion 55. That is, the liquid reservoir 5A of the first embodiment has a shape in which the internal cross-sectional area expands midway in the direction of the inflow of the evaporated fuel from the charge port 2A. In contrast, the liquid reservoir 5E of the fifth embodiment has a shape in which the internal cross-sectional area is constant in the direction of the inflow of the evaporated fuel from the charge port 2A. The liquid reservoir 5E of the fifth embodiment has the above-mentioned bottom 52 and a side portion 57. The side portion 57 is a portion that constitutes a bottomed cylindrical side wall of the liquid reservoir 5E. The side portion 57 is continuous with the first adsorption chamber 3A at the end opposite to the bottom 52 side.

[0078] The partition member 6E of the fifth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the partition member 6A of the first embodiment, except that the partition member 6E of the fifth embodiment has an outer periphery 68 instead of the outer periphery 61 described above.

[0079] The outer peripheral portion 68 of the fifth embodiment differs from the outer peripheral portion 61 of the first embodiment in that the length of the communication portion 63 in the communication direction is longer than that of the inner portion 62. As shown in Fig. 14, the outer peripheral portion 68 of the fifth embodiment surrounds the inner portion 62 and protrudes in a cylindrical shape toward one surface of the inner portion 62. That is, while the outer peripheral portion 61 and the inner portion 62 constitute a plate-shaped partition member 6A in the first embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 68 and the inner portion 62 constitute a bottomed cylindrical partition member 6E in the fifth embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 13, in the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the partition member 6E is disposed so as to close the opening of the liquid reservoir 5E. The partition member 6E is disposed inside the liquid reservoir 5E so that the bottomed cylindrical opening faces the charge port 2A. In other words, the partition member 6E is disposed inside the liquid reservoir 5E so that the end of the outer circumferential portion 68 on the inner side 62 faces the first adsorption chamber 3A. The partition member 6E is disposed so that the end of the outer circumferential portion 68 opposite to the inner side 62 contacts the bottom 52. Inside the liquid reservoir 5E, a storage space K is formed by the surface of the bottom 52 of the liquid reservoir 5E on the first adsorption chamber 3A side and the inner surface of the partition member 6E.

[0081] [5-2. Effects] According to the fifth embodiment described above in detail, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0082] [6. Sixth Embodiment] [6-1. Configuration] The sixth embodiment has a basic configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configurations, and the preceding description will be referred to.

[0083] The evaporated fuel processing device 1F of the sixth embodiment shown in Fig. 15 has substantially the same configuration as the evaporated fuel processing device 1A of the first embodiment. However, the evaporated fuel processing device 1F of the sixth embodiment is mounted on a vehicle so that the direction in which evaporated fuel flows in from the charge port 2A is vertically downward.

[0084] Moreover, the evaporated fuel processing device 1F of the sixth embodiment includes a partition member 6F instead of the partition member 6A described above. The partition member 6F of the sixth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the partition member 6A of the first embodiment. However, the partition member 6F of the sixth embodiment has a communication portion 69 instead of the communication portion 63 described above.

[0085] The communication part 69 of the sixth embodiment is a part provided in the inner part 62, similar to the communication part 63 of the first embodiment, and is a part that communicates with the first adsorption chamber 3A when the partition member 6F is placed in the liquid reservoir 5A. The communication part 69 of the sixth embodiment has a first part 691 and a second part 692. The first part 691 is a part that forms a hole that penetrates the inner part 62 in the thickness direction. The second part 692 is a cylindrical part that protrudes from the periphery of the hole formed by the first part 691 to one surface side of the inner part 62.

[0086] In the sixth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the partition member 6F is disposed so as to close the opening of the liquid reservoir 5A. The partition member 6F is disposed inside the liquid reservoir 5A so that the second portion 692 of the communication portion 69 faces the charge port 2A.

[0087] The communication portion 69 is provided at a position that does not overlap with the charge port 2A in the vertical direction when the evaporated fuel processing device 1F is mounted on the vehicle. In other words, the communication portion 69 is provided at a position that is horizontally shifted from the charge port 2A when the evaporated fuel processing device 1F is mounted on the vehicle. When the evaporated fuel processing device 1F is mounted on the vehicle, the storage space K is formed vertically below the charge port 2A.

[0088] [6-2. Effects] According to the sixth embodiment described above in detail, the same effects as those in (1a), (1e) and (1f) above can be obtained.

[0089] 7. Other embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take various forms.

[0090] (7a) In the above embodiment, the seal member 7A is disposed in the gap between the surface of the outer circumferential portion 61, 68 that is continuous with the entire circumference of the communication portion 63 in the communication direction (i.e., the outer circumferential surface 611 of the partition members 6A-6F) and the inner surface of the liquid reservoirs 5A, 5D, 5E. However, the seal member 7A may be disposed in the gap between the surface of the outer circumferential portion 61 facing the charge port 2A and the inner surface of the liquid reservoir 5A, as shown in FIG. 16A, for example. Even in such a configuration, the gap between the outer circumferential portion 61 and the liquid reservoir 5A is filled by the seal member 7A over the entire circumference of the communication portion 63 in the communication direction.

[0091] (7b) In the first embodiment, an O-ring is given as a specific example of the seal member 7A, but the seal member is not limited to an O-ring. For example, as shown in Fig. 16B, the seal member 7B may be an elastic packing. Also, as shown in Fig. 16C, the seal member 7C may be an elastic ring-shaped member having a predetermined width.

[0092] (7c) The partition member 6B of the second embodiment described above was provided with a recess 64 that was recessed when viewed from the charge port 2A side. Moreover, the partition member 6C of the third embodiment described above was provided with a recess 66 that was recessed when viewed from the first adsorption chamber 3A side. However, when recesses are provided in the partition member, the number of recesses is not particularly limited. For example, the partition member may be provided with a first recess that is recessed when viewed from the charge port 2A side and a second recess that is recessed when viewed from the first adsorption chamber 3A side.

[0093] (7d) In the above embodiment, the partition members 6A to 6F are formed with the groove 612 into which the seal member 7A is fitted. However, as shown in Fig. 16C, the partition member 6G does not necessarily have to be formed with the groove 612.

[0094] (7e) In the above embodiment, the shape of the opening surface of the communication parts 63, 69 is generally rectangular. However, the shape of the opening surface of the communication parts is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Figures 17A and 17C, the shape of the opening surface of the communication parts 80A, 80C may be circular.

[0095] (7f) The number of communication parts is not particularly limited. For example, as in the above embodiment and the example shown in Fig. 17A, only one communication part 63, 69, 80A may be provided, or multiple communication parts 80B, 80C may be provided as in the examples shown in Figs. 17B and 17C.

[0096] (7g) The evaporated fuel treatment devices 1A to 1E of the first to fifth embodiments are mounted on a vehicle so that the direction in which evaporated fuel flows in from the charge port 2A is horizontal. The evaporated fuel treatment device 1F of the sixth embodiment is mounted on a vehicle so that the direction in which evaporated fuel flows in from the charge port 2A is vertically downward. However, the mounting direction of the evaporated fuel treatment device on the vehicle is not particularly limited.

[0097] For example, the evaporated fuel processing devices 1A-1E of the first to fifth embodiments may be mounted on a vehicle so that the direction in which evaporated fuel flows in from the charge port 2A is obliquely downward with respect to the vertical direction. Also, for example, the evaporated fuel processing device 1F of the sixth embodiment may be mounted on a vehicle so that the direction in which evaporated fuel flows in from the charge port 2A is horizontal or obliquely downward with respect to the vertical direction.

[0098] (7h) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, 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.

[0099] [Technical idea disclosed in this specification] [Item 1] An evaporated fuel treatment device that adsorbs and releases evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle, a charge port configured to receive the fuel vapor; an adsorption chamber containing an adsorbent that adsorbs the evaporated fuel; a liquid reservoir portion forming a flow path connecting the charge port and the adsorption chamber; a partition member disposed inside the liquid reservoir so as to close an end of the flow path on the adsorption chamber side, the partition member having an outer periphery facing an inner surface of the liquid reservoir, an inner portion surrounded by the outer periphery, and a communication portion provided in the inner portion and communicating with the adsorption chamber; a seal member disposed in a gap between the outer circumferential portion and the liquid reservoir; An evaporated fuel treatment device comprising:

[0100] [Item 2] The evaporated fuel treatment device according to item 1, The evaporated fuel treatment device, when the evaporated fuel treatment device is mounted on the vehicle, has an inflow direction of the evaporated fuel from the charge port along a horizontal direction.

[0101] [Item 3] The evaporated fuel treatment device according to item 2, The communication portion is provided in a vertically upper portion of the inner portion when the evaporated fuel treatment device is mounted on the vehicle.

[0102] [Item 4] The evaporated fuel treatment device according to item 2 or 3, The height of the communication portion when the evaporated fuel treatment device is mounted on the vehicle is equal to or higher than the height of the charge port.

[0103] [Item 5] The evaporated fuel treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the liquid reservoir has a large diameter portion that forms an end portion of the flow path on the adsorption chamber side, a small diameter portion having an internal cross-sectional area smaller than that of the large diameter portion, and a step portion that connects the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion, The partition member is disposed so as to come into contact with the step portion.

[0104] [Item 6] The evaporated fuel treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The partition member further has a recess that is a recessed portion when viewed from the charge port side.

[0105] [Item 7] The evaporated fuel treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The partition member further has a recess that is a recessed portion when viewed from the adsorption chamber side.

[0106] [Item 8] The evaporated fuel treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The liquid reservoir has a first protrusion protruding from an inner surface, The partition member further has a second protruding portion protruding from a surface on the charge port side, The evaporative fuel treatment device is configured so that the first protrusion and the second protrusion do not interfere with each other when the partition member is positioned inside the liquid reservoir in a predetermined normal orientation, and interfere with each other when the partition member is positioned inside the liquid reservoir in an orientation rotated around a rotation axis along the communication direction of the communication portion with respect to the normal orientation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] Reference numerals denoted by 1A to 1F: evaporated fuel treatment device, 2A: charge port, 2B: purge port, 2C: atmospheric port, 3A: first adsorption chamber, 3B: second adsorption chamber, 31: first adsorbent, 34: second adsorbent, 5A, 5D, 5E: liquid reservoir, 51: inlet flow passage, 52: bottom, 53: small diameter portion, 54: large diameter portion, 55: step portion, 56: first protrusion, 6A to 6F: partition member, 61, 68: outer periphery, 62: inner portion, 63, 69: communicating portion, 64, 66: recess, 67: second protrusion, 7A: sealing member, K: storage space, L1, L2: rotation axis, S1, S2: virtual horizontal plane.

Claims

1. An evaporated fuel treatment device that adsorbs and releases evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle, a charge port configured to receive the fuel vapor; an adsorption chamber containing an adsorbent that adsorbs the evaporated fuel; a liquid reservoir portion forming a flow path connecting the charge port and the adsorption chamber; a partition member disposed inside the liquid reservoir so as to close an end of the flow path on the adsorption chamber side, the partition member having an outer periphery facing an inner surface of the liquid reservoir, an inner portion surrounded by the outer periphery, and a communication portion provided in the inner portion and communicating with the adsorption chamber; a seal member disposed in a gap between the outer circumferential portion and the liquid reservoir; An evaporated fuel treatment device comprising:

2. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, The evaporated fuel treatment device, when the evaporated fuel treatment device is mounted on the vehicle, has an inflow direction of the evaporated fuel from the charge port along a horizontal direction.

3. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 2, The communication portion is provided in a vertically upper portion of the inner portion when the evaporated fuel treatment device is mounted on the vehicle.

4. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 2 or 3, The height of the communication portion when the evaporated fuel treatment device is mounted on the vehicle is equal to or higher than the height of the charge port.

5. 3. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, the liquid reservoir has a large diameter portion that forms an end portion of the flow path on the adsorption chamber side, a small diameter portion having an internal cross-sectional area smaller than that of the large diameter portion, and a step portion that connects the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion, The partition member is disposed so as to come into contact with the step portion.

6. 3. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, The partition member further has a recess that is a recessed portion when viewed from the charge port side.

7. 3. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, The partition member further has a recess that is a recessed portion when viewed from the adsorption chamber side.

8. 3. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, The liquid reservoir has a first protrusion protruding from an inner surface, The partition member further has a second protruding portion protruding from a surface on the charge port side, The evaporative fuel treatment device is configured so that the first protrusion and the second protrusion do not interfere with each other when the partition member is positioned inside the liquid reservoir in a predetermined normal orientation, and interfere with each other when the partition member is positioned inside the liquid reservoir in an orientation rotated around a rotation axis along the communication direction of the communication portion with respect to the normal orientation.

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