Adsorbent and adsorption device using the same

Abstract

To provide an absorbent having excellent versatility and capable of enhancing absorption performance while suppressing pressure loss, and an adsorption device using the adsorbent.SOLUTION: An adsorbent 12 is formed in a granular manner with a convex part 30 on an upper surface 12A and a concave part 40 on a lower surface 12B, and adsorbs a specific substance contained in mixed gas by contacting with the mixed gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an adsorbent and an adsorption device using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for ensuring a specific surface area by drilling holes of various shapes inside pellets serving as adsorbents.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an activated carbon honeycomb structure used as a carrier for deodorization and ozone decomposition. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-131837 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-147707 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, there is a known adsorption device in which a casing constituting a part of a gas flow path is filled with granular adsorbents such as pellets, and specific substances are adsorbed from the gas passing between the particles. This type of adsorption device is highly versatile because it does not require an adsorbent specifically designed to fit the casing, but the flow paths between the particles are uneven, which may result in insufficient suppression of pressure loss.

[0006] On the other hand, there is known an adsorption device in which a honeycomb structured adsorbent is placed in a casing that forms part of the gas flow path, and specific substances are adsorbed from the gas passing through the honeycomb structure. In such an adsorption device, the honeycomb structure allows for the formation of regular flow paths, which reduces pressure loss, but requires an adsorbent specifically designed to fit the casing, which limits versatility.

[0007] In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an adsorbent that is highly versatile and can enhance adsorption performance while suppressing pressure loss, and an adsorption apparatus using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The adsorbent described in claim 1 is configured in a granular form with convex portions on the upper surface and concave portions on the lower surface, and adsorbs a specific substance contained in a mixed gas upon contact with the mixed gas.

[0009] In the adsorbent described in claim 1, for example, when multiple adsorbents are stacked vertically, the convex portion of the adsorbent adjacent below can be placed over the concave portion of the adsorbent adjacent above. In this state, multiple adsorbents are arranged in a row. Therefore, for example, when the adsorbents are packed into a casing that forms part of a gas mixture flow path, it is possible to form a regular flow path within the casing. This reduces pressure loss within the casing compared to when granular adsorbents are packed irregularly.

[0010] Furthermore, when multiple adsorbents are arranged, a continuous convex pattern is provided on the side surface, which increases the surface area compared to when the side surface is configured as a flat surface, improving the contact efficiency with the mixed gas inside the casing and improving the adsorption performance of the specific substance.

[0011] Furthermore, since the adsorbent is granular, it does not need to be specially designed to fit the casing, making it highly versatile.

[0012] In this way, the adsorbent has excellent versatility and can enhance adsorption performance while suppressing pressure loss.

[0013] The adsorbent according to a second aspect of the present invention has the structure according to the first aspect, wherein the tops of the convex portions and the tops of the concave portions are provided at positions where they overlap in a plan view.

[0014] In the adsorbent described in claim 2, the tops of the convex portions and the tops of the concave portions of the adsorbent are positioned so as to overlap in a plan view, so that when multiple adsorbents are stacked and arranged, they form a line extending in one direction, which makes it possible to effectively suppress pressure loss inside the casing.

[0015] The adsorbent according to a third aspect of the present invention has the structure according to the second aspect, and further has through-holes that pass through the tops of the convex portions and the tops of the concave portions and penetrate in the vertical direction.

[0016] In the adsorbent described in claim 3, for example, a flow path for the mixed gas can be formed by a through-hole in the center of a stack of multiple adsorbents, thereby increasing the number of flow paths within the casing and effectively suppressing pressure loss.

[0017] The adsorbent described in claim 4 has a configuration described in any one of claims 1 to 3, and has a side surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface, and is configured so that the maximum diameter of the lower surface is smaller than the maximum diameter of the upper surface.

[0018] In the adsorbent described in claim 4, when multiple adsorbents are stacked one on top of the other, a mountain-shaped convex pattern with repeated concaves and convexes is formed on the side surface. When this shape is placed in the flow path of the mixed gas, it becomes a structure equivalent to a so-called serration structure or shark skin structure. This makes it possible to make the flow direction of the mixed gas uniform and effectively suppress pressure loss inside the casing.

[0019] The adsorbent described in claim 5 has the structure described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are substantially conical in shape.

[0020] In the adsorbent described in claim 5, the convex and concave portions of the adsorbent are formed in a generally conical shape, which allows for the formation of flow paths and the securing of surface area with a simple shape, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0021] The adsorbent according to claim 6 has the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion have a plurality of protrusions that protrude radially outward from the center in a plan view.

[0022] In the adsorbent according to the present invention as set forth in claim 6, the convex and concave portions of the adsorbent are shaped to have a plurality of protrusions that protrude radially outward from the center in a plan view, which makes it possible to form a flow path and ensure surface area with a simple shape, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0023] The adsorption device described in claim 7 is an adsorption device using the adsorbent described in claim 1, and includes a casing that forms at least a part of the flow path of the mixed gas, a plurality of linear adsorption sections housed in the casing and stacked one on top of the other so that the convex portions of the adsorbent adjacent to the lower side are inserted into the concave portions of the adsorbent adjacent to the upper side, forming a row, and a gas flow path formed between the plurality of linear adsorption sections.

[0024] As described above, the adsorption device according to claim 7 is highly versatile and can enhance adsorption performance while suppressing pressure loss.

[0025] The manufacturing method of an adsorption device according to claim 8 is the manufacturing method of an adsorption device according to claim 7, and includes the steps of: forming an array of adsorption sections in which the adsorption bodies have through holes passing through the tops of the convex portions and the tops of the concave portions in the vertical direction, and are supported by a linear guide member that passes through the through holes, so that multiple adsorption bodies are stacked one on top of the other, with the convex portions of the adsorption bodies adjacent on the lower side inserted into the concave portions of the adsorption bodies adjacent on the upper side, forming an array; and accommodating the array of adsorption sections in the casing while supported by the guide member.

[0026] In the method for manufacturing an adsorption device according to claim 8, a line of adsorption sections can be formed by a process in which a plurality of adsorption bodies are stacked one above the other while being supported by a linear guide member that passes through the through-holes. The line of adsorption sections can then be easily housed in a casing while supported by the guide member. This allows the adsorption device to easily form regular flow paths within the casing, making it easy to manufacture. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] As described above, the adsorbent according to the present invention and the adsorption device using the adsorbent are highly versatile and can enhance adsorption performance while suppressing pressure loss. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an adsorption device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which an adsorption material is filled inside. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a partially enlarged view showing a cross section of a casing of the adsorption device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the inside of the casing as viewed from the direction along the flow path of the mixed gas. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view of a state in which a plurality of adsorptive bodies are stacked one on top of the other. [Figure 5] 5(A) is a plan view of the adsorbent, and FIG. 5(B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 5(A). [Figure 6] 6A and 6B show an adsorbent according to a first modified example of the present embodiment, in which (A) is a plan view of the adsorbent, and (B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line 6B-6B in FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the inside of a casing filled with an adsorbent according to a first modified example, as viewed from the direction along the flow path of the mixed gas. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B show an adsorbent according to a second modified example of the present embodiment, in which (A) is a plan view of the adsorbent, and (B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the inside of a casing filled with an adsorbent according to a second modified example, as viewed from the direction along the flow path of the mixed gas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 1 to 6, an embodiment of an adsorbent according to the present invention and an adsorption device using the same will be described. The adsorption device according to the present invention is configured such that a granular adsorbent is filled inside a casing that constitutes part of a flow path for a mixed gas, and a specific substance contained in the mixed gas is adsorbed from the mixed gas passing through the casing. An adsorption device 10 according to one embodiment will be described in detail below. In Figs. 1 to 6, the direction indicated by arrow H, which is appropriately shown in each figure, indicates the axial direction of a casing 20, which will be described later. Furthermore, in Fig. 2, the direction indicated by arrow F indicates the direction in which the mixed gas flows within the casing 20 (the direction along the flow path of the mixed gas).

[0030] Unless otherwise specified in the specification, each element is not limited to one and may be present in plural. Furthermore, in the drawings, substantially identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations in the specification will be omitted.

[0031] The adsorption device 10 is, for example, an evaporated fuel treatment device installed in a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, and is also called a canister. The adsorption device 10 adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel (gasoline vapor, etc.) generated in the fuel tank of the vehicle.

[0032] Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an adsorption device 10 according to this embodiment, showing a state in which the adsorption device 10 is filled with an adsorbent. As shown in Fig. 1, the adsorption device 10 includes a casing 20 in the shape of a rectangular cylinder with a bottom, the interior of which is divided into multiple sections, and a lid 22 that closes an opening on one side of the casing 20 in the axial direction H (the opening on the upper side of the paper in Fig. 1). The casing 20 and the lid 22 are each made of a thermoplastic resin.

[0033] (Casing) The casing 20 has a partition wall 24 that divides the internal space of the casing 20 into approximately rectangular parallelepiped chambers. The partition wall 24 in this embodiment divides the internal space of the casing 20 into a main chamber 26 and an auxiliary chamber 28.

[0034] On the other side of the casing 20 in the axial direction H (the opening on the lower side of the paper in FIG. 1), a tank port 31, a purge port 32, and an atmospheric port 34 are formed side by side in the bottom wall of the casing 20. The atmospheric port 34 communicates with the sub-chamber 28 via a perforated plate 36 having a large number of fine openings. The tank port 31 and the purge port 32 communicate with the main chamber 26 via a perforated plate 38 also having a large number of fine openings.

[0035] A partition wall 41 is formed on the bottom wall portion of the casing 20 on the main chamber 26 side so as to protrude into the main chamber 26, and the partition wall 41 separates the internal space of the main chamber 26 that communicates with the tank port 31 from the internal space of the main chamber 26 that communicates with the purge port 32.

[0036] The tank port 31 communicates with the fuel tank via an evaporated fuel passage (not shown) and is configured to introduce evaporated fuel that has evaporated in the fuel tank into the adsorption device 10, i.e., into the main chamber 26. The purge port 32 communicates between the intake pipe of the engine (internal combustion engine) and the main chamber 26. The atmospheric port 34 communicates with the outside space and is configured to allow the atmosphere (air) to be introduced into the adsorption device 10.

[0037] (adsorbent) The main chamber 26 and the auxiliary chamber 28 of the casing 20 are filled with a plurality of adsorbents 12. The adsorbents 12 are made of a material capable of adsorbing and desorbing evaporated fuel as a specific substance, and have the function of adsorbing the specific substance contained in the mixed gas upon contact with the mixed gas. The adsorbents 12 may be granular activated carbon, granular silica gel, or a granular adsorbent containing metal organic frameworks (MOF) as an adsorbent.

[0038] In one example of this embodiment, the adsorbent 12 is formed by mixing a powdered metal-organic framework as an adsorbent with a resin material as a binder, and molding the mixture into a predetermined granular shape. Alternatively, the adsorbent 12 may be formed by applying a powdered metal-organic framework with an adhesive to the surface of a base material formed into a predetermined granular shape. The shape characteristics of the adsorbent 12 will be described later.

[0039] The metal-organic framework is a material formed by metal ions and organic ligands and has a highly regular lattice structure. The metal-organic framework can occlude (adsorb) microparticles, such as specific substances contained in a mixed gas, within its lattice structure and desorb them under predetermined conditions. Metal ions that can be used include those extracted from inorganic metal compounds, such as metal oxides and metal salts of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), zirconium (Zr), etc. Organic ligands that can be used include those having functional groups capable of coordinating with metal atoms, such as carboxyl groups, imidazole groups, and amide groups.

[0040] The openings of the perforated plates 36 and 38 are set to a size smaller than the adsorbent 12 so that the adsorbent 12 can be held within the main chamber 26 and the sub-chamber 28 .

[0041] The opening of the main chamber 26 of the casing 20 is closed by an inner lid 42. Because the configuration of the inner lid 42 is the same for the main chamber 26 and the auxiliary chamber 28, only the configuration for the main chamber 26 will be described, and a description of the inner lid 42 for the auxiliary chamber 28 will be omitted. The inner lid 42 is a breathable lid composed of a filter 44 and a perforated plate 46, and holds the adsorbent 12 in the main chamber 26. The inner lid 42 is configured to slide along the inner circumferential surface of the casing 20, i.e., the circumferential surface of the main chamber 26, while closing the opening of the main chamber 26. One end of a coil spring 48 is attached to the center of the back surface of the inner lid 42, and the other end of the coil spring 48 is supported by the lid 22. Therefore, when the opening of the casing 20 is closed by the lid 22, the inner lid 42 receives a force from the coil spring 48 in a direction pushing the inner lid 42 into the main chamber 26 (downward in FIG. 1 ). As a result, unnecessary gaps are prevented from forming between particles of the adsorbent 12. Here, a communication chamber 50 formed between the lid 22 and the inner lid 42 that closes the main chamber 26 and the auxiliary chamber 28, respectively, allows communication between the main chamber 26 and the auxiliary chamber 28. In other words, the adsorption device 10 forms an inverted U-shaped flow path inside the casing 20.

[0042] 2 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the inner surface 21 that constitutes the wall surface of the main chamber 26 and the auxiliary chamber 28 of the casing 20. Here, the inner surface 21 of the side wall portion (reference numeral omitted) that stands in the axial direction from the outer peripheral end of the bottom wall portion of the casing 20 is shown. Note that the configuration of the inner surface 21 of the casing 20 is the same for the main chamber 26 and the auxiliary chamber 28, so only the case of the main chamber 26 will be described, and a description of the inner surface 21 of the auxiliary chamber 28 will be omitted.

[0043] 2, a plurality of linear adsorption units 12R configured to form a row by arranging a plurality of adsorption bodies 12 one above the other are housed inside the casing 20. The linear adsorption units 12R are arranged in one direction along the axial direction (H direction) of the casing 20.

[0044] When each linear adsorption portion 12R is viewed from the side, the shape of its side surface is a continuous convex pattern along the arrangement direction. This convex pattern is a mountain-shaped convex pattern with repeated concaves and convexes along the arrangement direction, and by arranging the pattern along the flow path of the mixed gas, it becomes a structure equivalent to a so-called serration structure or shark skin structure.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the interior of the casing 20 as viewed from the direction along the flow path of the mixed gas. As shown in Fig. 3, first gas flow paths f1 are formed between the plurality of linear adsorbers 12R inside the casing 20. Furthermore, second gas flow paths f2 are formed at the center of each linear adsorber 12R in the plan view.

[0046] (Regarding the shape of the adsorbent) Here, to explain the structure of the linear adsorption section 12R, the shape characteristics of each adsorption body 12 will be explained. Fig. 4 is a side view of a state in which a plurality of adsorption bodies 12 are stacked one on top of the other. Fig. 5(A) is a plan view of the adsorption body, and Fig. 5(B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the adsorption body 12 taken along line 5B-5B in Fig. 5(A).

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5(B), the adsorbent 12 has an upper surface 12A, a lower surface 12B, and a side surface 12C connecting the upper surface 12A and the lower surface 12B. As an example, the adsorbent 12 has a generally conical convex portion 30 on the upper surface 12A. The adsorbent 12 also has a generally conical concave portion 40 on the lower surface 12B. As a result, when multiple adsorbents 12 are stacked one on top of the other, the convex portion 30 of one adsorbent 12 adjacent below is inserted into the concave portion 40 of another adsorbent 12 adjacent above, forming a row. A row-shaped adsorbent 12R consisting of multiple adsorbents 12 arranged in a row in this manner is accommodated inside the casing 20.

[0048] In this embodiment, the tops of the convex portions 30 and the tops of the concave portions 40 of the adsorbent 12 are positioned so as to overlap in a plan view. As a result, when multiple adsorbents 12 are stacked one on top of the other, they are arranged in one direction along the axial direction of the casing 20.

[0049] Furthermore, the adsorbent 12 has through-holes 14 formed therein, passing through the tops of the convex portions 30 and the tops of the concave portions 40 and penetrating in the vertical direction. Therefore, when multiple adsorbents 12 are stacked one on top of the other, the through-holes 14 of each adsorbent 12 are positioned at the center as viewed from the arrangement direction, and a flow path is formed that penetrates the interiors of the multiple adsorbents 12 along the arrangement direction. As a result, a second gas flow path f2 extending in the axial direction of the casing 20 is formed in the center as viewed from above in the linear adsorbent 12R housed in the casing 20.

[0050] Furthermore, the adsorbent 12 is configured so that the maximum diameter φ2 of the lower surface 12B is smaller than the maximum diameter φ1 of the upper surface 12A. Here, the maximum diameter φ2 of the lower surface 12B is the diameter of a portion corresponding to the bottom surface of the approximately conical recess 40, which is connected to the lower end of the side surface 12C of the adsorbent 12. On the other hand, the maximum diameter φ1 of the upper surface 12A is the diameter of a portion corresponding to the bottom surface of the approximately conical protrusion 30, which is connected to the upper end of the side surface 12C of the adsorbent 12. Therefore, the shape of the side surface 12C connecting the upper surface 12A and the lower surface 12B is an approximately inverted cone whose diameter tapers downward. Therefore, when viewed from the side, the adsorbent 12 has an outer diameter that is bent in a mountain shape. Therefore, the side surface of the linear adsorbent 12R housed in the casing 20 has a mountain-shaped convex pattern in which concaves and convexes are repeated along the mixed gas flow path (first gas flow path f1).

[0051] <Method of manufacturing the adsorption device> A method for packing the adsorbent 12 having the above-described structure into the casing 20 of the adsorption device 10 will be described.

[0052] As described above, each adsorbent 12 has a through-hole 14 that passes through the top of the convex portion 30 and the top of the concave portion 40. Therefore, in the manufacturing process, as shown in FIG. 4, a linear guide member 60 is inserted into the through-hole 14 of each adsorbent 12. That is, a process is carried out in which a plurality of adsorbents 12 are stacked one on top of the other while being supported by the linear guide member 60 that passes through the through-hole 14. Through this process, the convex portion 30 of an adjacent adsorbent 12 on the lower side is inserted into the concave portion 40 of another adsorbent 12 on the upper side, thereby forming a row of adsorbents 12R.

[0053] Next, a step is performed in which the linear adsorption units 12R supported by the guide members 60 are housed inside the casing 20, and then a step is performed in which the guide members 60 are removed from the linear adsorption units 12R. As a result, the adsorption body 12 can be filled in the casing 20 (main chamber 26 and sub-chamber 28) of the adsorption device 10 with a plurality of linear adsorption units 12R formed inside the casing 20.

[0054] (Action and effect) As described above, when multiple adsorbents 12 according to this embodiment are stacked vertically, the convex portion 30 of the adsorbent 12 adjacent below can be overlapped with the concave portion 40 of the adsorbent 12 adjacent above. In this state, the multiple adsorbents 12 are arranged in a row. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the adsorbents 12 are packed into a casing 20 that constitutes part of the flow path of the mixed gas, a regular flow path is formed within the casing 20. Specifically, a first gas flow path f1 is formed between the multiple linear adsorbents 12R housed within the casing 20. This reduces pressure loss within the casing 20 compared to when granular adsorbents are packed irregularly.

[0055] Furthermore, when multiple adsorbents 12 are arranged, a continuous convex pattern is provided on the side surface of each adsorbent, which increases the surface area compared to when the side surface is configured as a flat surface, improving the contact efficiency with the mixed gas inside the casing 20 and enhancing the adsorption performance of the specific substance.

[0056] Furthermore, since the adsorbent 12 is granular, it does not need to be specially designed to fit the casing 20, and is therefore highly versatile.

[0057] In this way, the adsorbent 12 has excellent versatility and can enhance adsorption performance while suppressing pressure loss.

[0058] In addition, in this embodiment, the tops of the convex portions 30 and the tops of the concave portions 40 of the adsorbent 12 are positioned so as to overlap in a plan view, so that when multiple adsorbents are stacked and arranged, they form a line extending in one direction. This makes it possible to effectively suppress pressure loss inside the casing 20.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adsorbent 12 has through-holes 14 that pass through the tops of the convex portions 30 and the tops of the concave portions 40 and penetrate in the vertical direction. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, a flow path for the mixed gas formed by the through-holes 14 is formed as a second gas flow path f2 in the center of the multiple adsorbents 12 stacked one on top of the other. This makes it possible to increase the number of flow paths within the casing 20 and effectively suppress pressure loss.

[0060] In this embodiment, the adsorbent 12 has a side surface 12C connecting the upper surface 12A and the lower surface 12B, and is configured so that the maximum diameter φ2 of the lower surface 12B is smaller than the maximum diameter φ1 of the upper surface 12A. Therefore, when multiple adsorbents 12 are stacked one on top of the other, a mountain-shaped convex pattern with repeated concave and convex portions is formed on the side surface. When this shape is placed in the flow path of the mixed gas, it becomes a structure equivalent to a so-called serration structure or shark skin structure. This allows the flow direction of the mixed gas to be uniform, and pressure loss within the casing 20 can be effectively suppressed.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the convex portions 30 and concave portions 40 of the adsorbent 12 are formed in a generally conical shape, which allows for the formation of flow paths and the securing of surface area with a simple shape, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0062] The adsorption device 10 filled with the adsorbent 12 as described above has a plurality of linear adsorption sections 12R formed within the casing 20, and a first gas flow path f1 formed between the plurality of linear adsorption sections 12R, making it highly versatile and enabling improved adsorption performance while suppressing pressure loss.

[0063] Furthermore, in the manufacturing process of the adsorption device 10, the adsorption line 12R can be formed by a process in which a plurality of adsorption bodies 12 are stacked one on top of the other while being supported by linear guide members 60 (FIG. 4) that pass through the through holes. The adsorption line 12R can then be easily housed in the casing 20 while being supported by the guide members 60. This allows the adsorption device 10 to easily form regular flow paths within the casing 20, making it easy to manufacture.

[0064] Although the suction device 10 according to this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. Modifications of this embodiment are listed below. Each modification basically follows the configuration of the suction device 10 according to the above embodiment, and therefore can obtain the same functions and effects. Furthermore, in the illustrations of each modification, the same components as those in the above embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0065] (First Modification) A first modified example of the adsorbent 12 will be described with reference to Figures 6(A) to 7. Figure 6(A) is a plan view of an adsorbent 70 according to the first modified example, and Figure 6(B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the adsorbent 70 taken along line 6B-6B in Figure 6(A). Figure 7 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the interior of a casing 20 (not shown) filled with the adsorbent 70, as viewed from the direction along the flow path of the mixed gas.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), the adsorber 70 according to the first modification includes an upper surface 70A, a lower surface 70B, and a side surface 70C, similar to the adsorber 12 according to the above embodiment. The adsorber 70 also has, as an example, convex portions 30 on the upper surface 70A. The adsorber 70 also has concave portions 40 on the lower surface 20B, each having the same shape as the convex portions 30. The adsorber 70 also has through-holes 14 that pass vertically through the tops of the convex portions 30 and the concave portions 40. When multiple adsorber 70 are stacked vertically, the convex portions 30 of adjacent adsorber 70 below are inserted into the concave portions 40 of other adsorber 70 above, forming a row of adsorber 70R (see FIG. 7).

[0067] Here, the convex portion 30 and the concave portion 40 of the adsorption body 70 are configured to have a plurality of protrusions 33, 43 that protrude radially outward from the center in a plan view. In this embodiment, four protrusions 33, 43 are formed on each of the convex portion 30 and the concave portion 40, and are arranged radially from the through hole 14 as the center.

[0068] 7, when the casing 20 of the adsorption device 10 is filled with the adsorbent 70 according to the first modification, a plurality of linear adsorption units 70R are formed inside the casing 20, and a first gas flow path f1 is formed between the linear adsorption units 70R. Furthermore, the through-holes 14 connected vertically in the linear adsorption units 70R form a second gas flow path f2.

[0069] (Action and effect) In this way, even when the adsorbent 70 according to the first modification is applied in place of the second adsorbent 12 of the above embodiment, the same actions and effects can be achieved.

[0070] Furthermore, by forming the convex portion 30 and the concave portion 40 of the adsorbent 70 in a shape that has multiple protrusions 33, 43 that protrude radially outward from the center in a plan view, it is possible to form a flow path and ensure surface area with a simple shape, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0071] (Second Modification) A second modified example of the adsorbent 12 will be described with reference to Figures 8(A) to 9. Figure 8(A) is a plan view of an adsorbent 80 according to the second modified example, and Figure 8(B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the adsorbent 80 taken along line 8B-8B in Figure 8(A). Figure 9 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the interior of a casing 20 (not shown) filled with the adsorbent 80, as viewed from the direction along the flow path of the mixed gas.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), the adsorber 80 according to the second modification includes an upper surface 80A, a lower surface 80B, and a side surface 80C, similar to the adsorber 12 according to the above embodiment. The adsorber 80 has, as an example, convex portions 30 on the upper surface 80A. The adsorber 80 also has concave portions 40 on the lower surface 80B, each having the same shape as the convex portions 30. The adsorber 80 has through-holes 14 that pass vertically through the tops of the convex portions 30 and the concave portions 40. When multiple adsorber 80 are stacked vertically, the convex portions 30 of adjacent adsorber 80 on the lower side are inserted into the concave portions 40 of other adsorber 80 on the upper side, forming a row of adsorber 80R (see FIG. 9).

[0073] Here, the convex portion 30 and the concave portion 40 of the adsorption body 80 are configured to have a plurality of protrusions 33, 43 that protrude radially outward from the center in a plan view. In this embodiment, five protrusions 33, 43 are formed on each of the convex portion 30 and the concave portion 40, and are arranged radially from the through-hole 14 as the center.

[0074] 7, when the casing 20 of the adsorption device 10 is filled with the adsorbent 80 according to the first modification, a plurality of linear adsorption sections 80R are formed inside the casing 20, and a first gas flow path f1 is formed between the linear adsorption sections 80R. Furthermore, the through-holes 14 connected vertically in the linear adsorption sections 80R form a second gas flow path f2.

[0075] (Action and effect) In this way, even when the adsorbent 80 according to the second modification is applied in place of the second adsorbent 12 of the above embodiment, the same actions and effects can be achieved.

[0076] Furthermore, by forming the convex portion 30 and the concave portion 40 of the adsorbent 80 in a shape that has multiple protrusions 33, 43 that protrude radially outward from the center in a plan view, it is possible to form a flow path and ensure surface area with a simple shape, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. [supplementary explanation]

[0077] Furthermore, in the present invention, the specific substance to be adsorbed by the adsorbents 12, 70, and 80 is not limited to evaporated fuel, but may be, for example, gases such as oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. Therefore, in the present invention, it is not essential that the adsorption device constitutes a fuel processing device. A gas purification device that produces a specific gas from a mixed gas of multiple gases may be configured. As an example, when the specific substance is oxygen, a gas purification device that purifies hydrogen gas from a mixed gas of oxygen and hydrogen can be used. In this case, oxygen gas can be adsorbed using adsorbents 12, 70, and 80 from the mixed gas that has passed through the casing, and hydrogen gas can be separated. The adsorption device may also be an air purification device configured to purify the air by passing the air through a casing and adsorbing pollutants such as carbon dioxide.

[0078] Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the protrusions 33, 43 according to the first and second modified examples can be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10 Adsorption device 12 Adsorbent 12A upper surface (protrusion 30) 12B bottom surface (recess 40) 12C side 12R row adsorption section 20 Casing 60 Guide member Maximum diameter of top surface φ1 The maximum diameter of the lower part is φ2 70 sorbent 70A upper surface (convex portion 30, protruding portion 33) 70B Below (recess 40, protrusion 43) 70C Side View 70R columnar suction section 80 sorbent 80A upper surface (convex portion 30, protruding portion 33) 80B (lower part 40, protrusion 43) 80C Side View 80R columnar suction section

Claims

1. It is composed of particles with convex portions on the upper surface and concave portions on the lower surface, and adsorbs specific substances contained in the mixed gas by coming into contact with the mixed gas. Adsorbent.

2. The top of the convex portion and the top of the concave portion are provided at positions that overlap in a plan view. The adsorbent according to claim 1 .

3. a through hole passing through the top of the convex portion and the top of the concave portion in the vertical direction; The adsorbent according to claim 2.

4. The upper surface and the lower surface are connected to each other by a side surface, and the lower surface has a maximum diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the upper surface. The adsorbent according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The convex portion and the concave portion have a substantially conical shape. The adsorbent according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The convex portion and the concave portion include a plurality of protrusions protruding radially outward from the center in a plan view. The adsorbent according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. An adsorption device using the adsorbent according to claim 1, a casing that defines at least a portion of a flow path for the mixed gas; a plurality of linear adsorption units housed in the casing, stacked one on top of the other, so that the convex portions of the adsorption units adjacent on the lower side are inserted into the concave portions of the adsorption units adjacent on the upper side, forming a row; a gas flow path formed between the plurality of linear adsorption units; An adsorption device comprising:

8. A method for manufacturing an adsorption device according to claim 7, comprising: a step of forming a row of adsorption units, each of which has a through-hole passing through the top of the convex portion and the top of the concave portion in the vertical direction, and is supported by a linear guide member that passes through the through-hole, so that a plurality of adsorption units are stacked one on top of the other, and the convex portion of an adsorption unit adjacent to the lower side is inserted into the concave portion of an adsorption unit adjacent to the upper side, thereby forming a row of adsorption units; a step of accommodating the linear suction units in the casing while being supported by the guide member; A method for manufacturing an adsorption device, comprising:

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