Single-Stage High-Efficiency Steam Management Valve

Abstract

A fuel tank shutoff valve assembly configured to selectively vent fuel vapors from a fuel tank to a vapor recovery canister includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The valve assembly is fluidly coupled between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery canister. The inlet is fluidly coupled to a vapor space of the fuel tank and the outlet is fluidly coupled to the vapor recovery canister. The housing generally defines an inlet cavity, a flow passage cavity defining a flow passage cavity axis, an overpressure relief (OPR) cavity defining an OPR cavity axis, and an outlet cavity. The flow passage cavity axis and the OPR cavity axis are collinear.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 300,809, filed January 19, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to passenger vehicle fuel tanks, and more particularly to a fuel tank shutoff valve having a lateral connection architecture and an integrated or separate pressure sensing device. [Background technology]

[0003] Fuel vapor emission control systems are becoming increasingly complex, primarily due to compliance with environmental and safety regulations imposed on manufacturers of gasoline-powered vehicles. Along with the associated complexity of the overall system, the complexity of the individual components within the system is also increasing. Certain regulations affecting the electric hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicle industries require the storage of fuel vapors that are vented from the fuel tank vent system during engine operation. In order for the overall vapor emission control system to continue to function for its intended purpose, the stored hydrocarbon vapors must be periodically purged during vehicle operation.

[0004] In high pressure fuel tanks, shutoff valves may be used to open and close the vapor path between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery canister. In high pressure fuel tank systems, shutoff valves may be used to shut off fuel tank discharges and prevent them from overloading the canister and vapor lines. The shutoff valve itself may be a normally closed valve that is opened to allow vapor flow for tank depressurization or other events where vapor release is desired. While existing shutoff valves function as intended, there is a need to advance the technology further.

[0005] The background discussion provided herein is intended to generally present the context of the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this background section, and aspects of the discussion that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are not admitted expressly or impliedly as prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A fuel tank shutoff valve assembly configured to selectively vent fuel vapors from a fuel tank to a vapor recovery canister includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The valve assembly is fluidly coupled between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery canister. The inlet is fluidly coupled to a vapor space of the fuel tank and the outlet is fluidly coupled to the vapor recovery canister. The housing generally defines an inlet cavity, a flow passage cavity defining a flow passage cavity axis, an overpressure relief (OPR) cavity defining an OPR cavity axis, and an outlet cavity. The flow passage cavity axis and the OPR cavity axis are collinear.

[0007] As an additional feature, the fuel tank shut-off valve assembly includes an armature and a poppet. The armature can have a first mating surface (coupling structure). The poppet can have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end can include a second coupling structure that mates with the first coupling structure. The distal end can include a seal. The seal can further include an outer seal portion configured to selectively seal against the housing and an inner seal portion configured to selectively seal against a hat valve, the hat valve being normally urged against the inner seal portion by a biasing member.

[0008] In an example, the hat valve can define a conical cavity that receives a stem extending from a distal end of the poppet. The conical cavity can press against the stem to positively locate it relative to the hat valve. The first coupling structure can include a neck and a disk, and the second coupling structure can include a hook portion that defines an inlet and a cavity, and the disk of the armature is configured to be received in the cavity via the inlet. The disk can be configured to move a distance between surfaces defined at a proximal end of the poppet without translating the poppet. The inlet and outlet can be disposed in a transverse relationship with respect to the housing. The inlet can define an inlet cavity, and the outlet can define an outlet cavity, the inlet cavity defining an inlet axis, the inlet axis and the OPR axis being non-parallel, and the inlet axis and the OPR axis being transverse. A passage defined between the flow passage cavity and the OPR cavity can define a passage axis parallel to the OPR axis.

[0009] A fuel tank shutoff valve assembly configured to selectively vent fuel vapors from a fuel tank to a vapor recovery canister can include a housing, an electromagnetic assembly, and a poppet. The housing can have an inlet and an outlet, and the valve assembly is fluidly coupled between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery canister. The inlet is fluidly coupled to a vapor space of the fuel tank. The outlet is fluidly coupled to the vapor recovery canister, and the inlet and outlet are disposed in a transverse relationship to the housing. The electromagnetic assembly can be disposed within the housing and configured to selectively lift a seal in the flow passage cavity from the valve seat to allow vapor to pass from the inlet to the outlet. The poppet can be disposed within an OPR cavity in the housing and configured to facilitate opening a fuel vapor flow passage from the fuel tank to the vapor recovery canister upon movement of the seal along an axis of movement. The inlet can define an inlet cavity defining an inlet axis, the axis of movement being transverse to the inlet axis.

[0010] In an example, the outlet defines an outlet cavity defining an outlet axis. The inlet axis and the outlet axis are transverse. A passage defined between the flow passage cavity and the OPR cavity can define a passage axis parallel to the axis of movement. The seal can further include an outer seal portion configured to selectively seal against the housing and an inner seal portion configured to selectively seal against a hat valve disposed in the OPR cavity, the hat valve being normally urged against the inner seal portion by a biasing member. The hat valve can define a conical cavity that receives a stem extending from a tip of the poppet. The conical cavity can be urged to positively locate the stem against the hat valve. The first coupling structure can include a neck and a disk. The second coupling structure can include a hook portion defining the inlet and the cavity. The disk of the armature can be configured to be received in the cavity via the inlet. The disk can be configured to move a distance between surfaces defined at the proximal ends of the poppet without moving the poppet.

[0011] The fuel tank system may include a fuel tank, a vapor recovery canister, and a valve assembly. The fuel tank may have a vapor space. The valve assembly may have a housing. The valve assembly is fluidly coupled between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery canister and is disposed to selectively control a flow of fuel vapor between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery canister. The housing of the valve assembly includes an inlet fluidly coupled to the vapor space, a valve disposed therein, and an outlet fluidly coupled to the vapor recovery canister. The housing generally defines an inlet cavity, a flow passage cavity defining a flow passage cavity axis, an overpressure relief (OPR) cavity defining an OPR cavity axis, and an outlet cavity. The flow passage cavity axis and the OPR cavity axis are collinear.

[0012] The fuel tank system may further include a controller that receives a signal from the pressure sensor and communicates a signal to the valve assembly to open the valve and allow vapor to pass to the vapor recovery canister. The valve assembly may further include an electromagnetic assembly disposed within the housing, the electromagnetic assembly including an armature, an electromagnetic spring, and a coil, the electromagnetic spring configured to generate a force sufficient to push the armature away from the electromagnetic assembly when the electromagnetic assembly is not energized. The armature may further include a first coupling structure. The valve assembly may further include a poppet having a base end and a tip end. The base end includes a second coupling structure that couples to the first coupling structure, and the tip end includes a seal. The seal may further include an outer seal portion configured to selectively seal against the housing and an inner seal portion configured to selectively seal against the hat valve. The hat valve is normally urged against the inner seal portion by a biasing member. The hat valve may be disposed within the OPR cavity. The hat valve may define a conical cavity that receives a stem extending from a tip end of the poppet. The conical cavity can press against the stem to positively locate it against the hat valve. The first coupling structure can include a neck and a disk. The second coupling structure can include a hook portion defining an inlet and a cavity. The disk of the armature is configured to be received within the cavity via the inlet. The disk can be configured to move a distance between surfaces defined on a proximal end of the poppet without moving the poppet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel tank system having an evaporative emissions control system including a valve assembly constructed in accordance with an example of the present disclosure and shown in cross-section. [Diagram 2]2 is another cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is another perspective view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating a mounting configuration according to an additional feature of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a poppet of the valve assembly of FIGS. 1-3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Reference is now made to FIGURE 1, which illustrates a fuel tank system constructed in accordance with one example of the present disclosure and generally identified by the reference numeral 10. Fuel tank system 10 may generally include a fuel tank 12 configured as a reservoir that holds fuel to be supplied to an internal combustion engine via a fuel delivery system including a fuel pump (not specifically shown). A controller 14 may be configured to regulate operation of the engine and its fuel delivery system. Fuel tank 12 is operably connected to an evaporative emissions control system 20 that includes a vapor recovery canister 22 adapted to collect fuel vapors released from fuel tank 12 and thereafter release the fuel vapors to the engine. Controller 14 may also be configured to regulate operation of evaporative emissions control system 20 to recover and recycle the released fuel vapors.

[0015] The evaporative emissions control system 20 includes a fuel tank shutoff valve assembly 30. As described in more detail herein, the valve assembly 30 includes a housing valve body 32 having a laterally oriented connection structure (inlet and outlet). As used herein, "lateral" is used to indicate an angle between 85° and 95°, preferably 90°. An O-ring is generally shown on the inside of the housing 32. In other examples, an O-ring may additionally or alternatively be provided on the outside of the housing 32 to seal against the solenoid housing. Although not shown, the valve assembly 30 may include a pressure sensing device. The pressure sensing device may be a sensor that is integral with the housing 32 or may be separable. Additional descriptions of valve assemblies that do not include a 90° orientation and a pressure sensing device are described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Nos. 8,944,100 and 9,500,291, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. In this regard, it is understood that the features described herein may be applicable in other embodiments to valves in which the inlet and outlet are disposed in a generally parallel relationship.

[0016] As will be appreciated from the following description, the valve assembly 30 includes an over pressure relief valve (OPR) and an over vacuum release (OVR) function in series. The valve assembly 30 requires a simpler housing as compared to conventional prior art examples. Only one horizontal hydraulic core is required to create the housing instead of two as required by conventional designs. Additionally, the valve assembly 30 has fewer parts as compared to conventional prior art examples, further reducing costs.

[0017] In general, the valve assembly 30 can control the flow of fuel vapor between the fuel tank 12 and the vapor recovery canister 22. Although the valve assembly 30 is shown as being located between the fuel tank 12 and the vapor recovery canister 22, the valve assembly 30 can be configured elsewhere, such as between the vapor recovery canister 22 and the engine. The controller 14 can be configured to regulate the operation of the valve assembly 30 to selectively open and close the valve (possibly based on a signal from a pressure sensor) to relieve overpressure and overvacuum in the fuel tank 12. The pressure sensor can communicate a pressure signal to the controller 14. The valve assembly 30 can be configured to control the flow of fuel vapor between the fuel tank 12 and the vapor recovery canister 22. The valve assembly 30 includes a housing 32 that holds all the internal components of the valve assembly 30. The housing 32 can be connected to the fuel tank 12 via a first connector (not specifically shown) and to the vapor recovery canister 22 via a second connector (not specifically shown). Generally, the housing 32 has an inlet 24 that receives fuel vapors from the fuel tank 12 and an outlet 26 that releases fuel vapors to the vapor recovery canister 22. In one configuration, a vent line is coupled between the inlet 24 and a vapor space 36 within the fuel tank 12.

[0018] As shown, the inlet port 24 and the outlet port 26 of the housing 32 are opposed in a lateral relationship. In the illustrated example, the inlet port 24 and the outlet port 26 are opposed at 90° to one another. The 90° relationship provides improved packaging benefits within the fuel tank 12. Additionally, molding of the housing valve body 32 is simpler and more repeatable than prior valve assembly designs in which the inlets and outlets are disposed in a parallel, offset relationship to one another. The lateral relationship of the inlets 24 and outlets 26 of the valve assembly 30 of the present disclosure overcomes challenges of the prior art and minimizes undesirable conditions, such as die lock, that can occur during injection molding.

[0019] The pressure sensor can monitor the pressure in the tank 12 before the vapors are vented to the vapor recovery canister 22. In most embodiments, the valve assembly 30 can be used in a pressurized fuel system, such as a hybrid vehicle fuel system. When the vehicle is operating in electric mode, the fuel tank 12 becomes a sealed (unvented) system. Fuel can become volatile due to extreme temperatures and / or sloshing in the fuel tank 12, creating undesirable high pressures in the fuel tank 12. Such pressures can act on the compliant seal 74. The controller 14 can react (purge / vent) when the pressure sensor sends a signal to the controller 14 indicating that the pressure in the fuel tank 12 has exceeded a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the controller 14 can pulse the valve assembly 30 (a series of open and close events) to relieve pressure in the fuel tank 12 (over vacuum relief, OVR) during vehicle operation.

[0020] The housing 32 houses an over pressure relief (OPR) valve 40 in in-line relationship to the poppet 68. The OPR valve 40 includes a piston or hat valve 42 configured to selectively seal against a seal 74 as described herein. In examples, the hat valve 42 may be formed of plastic or other suitable material. The OPR valve 40 may alternatively include a seal portion formed in the hat valve 42. Such a seal may be formed of a suitable chemically resistant elastomeric material.

[0021] The poppet 68 may be combined into a one-piece piston assembly via a suitable manufacturing process, such as overmolding. The hat valve 42 is normally urged against the seal 74 by a biasing member, such as a spring 50, to close the passageway 48. In some configurations, the spring 50 is rated to compress when a threshold pressure is reached, causing the hat seal 42 to move mechanically open and relieve pressure within the fuel tank 12 (overpressure relief). The OPR valve 40 is configured to facilitate opening a first fuel vapor flow passageway through which fuel vapor flows from the fuel tank 12 in a direction toward the vapor recovery canister 18 when the fuel tank 12 exceeds a first predetermined pressure value. The first predetermined pressure value is preferably a positive number, representing an extreme or overpressure condition of the fuel tank 12.

[0022] The valve assembly 30 may include an electromagnetic assembly 60 disposed within the housing 32. The electromagnetic assembly 60 is adapted to receive power from a vehicle alternator or energy storage device (not shown) and be triggered or energized by a control signal from the controller 14. The electromagnetic assembly 60 may include an armature 62, an electromagnetic spring 64, and a coil 66. The electromagnetic spring 64 may be configured to generate sufficient force to push the armature 62 out of the electromagnetic assembly 60 when the electromagnetic assembly 60 is not energized. The coil 66 may be configured to energize the electromagnetic assembly 60 and draw the armature 62 into the electromagnetic assembly 60. The armature 62 may be coupled to a poppet 68. As the armature 62 moves upward, a compliant seal 74 lifts off a valve seat 76 to allow steam to pass therethrough. In the illustrated example, the compliant seal 74 generally defines an outer seal portion 74A and an inner seal portion 74B. As the armature 62 moves upward, the outer seal portion 74A lifts off the valve seat 76 against the body of the housing 32. The solenoid assembly 60 is exemplary and may be configured differently within the scope of this disclosure. The poppet 68 may further include a flow channel 70 defined therein to allow for the flow of vapor. When a vapor pressure threshold is reached within the fuel tank 12, sufficient pressure pushes the hat valve 42 against the bias of the spring 50, moving the hat valve 42 away from the inner seal portion 74B (downward in FIG. 2 ) and releasing pressure from the fuel tank 12 (overpressure relief).

[0023] 2, the housing valve body 32 generally defines an inlet cavity 140, a flow passage cavity 142, an overpressure relief (OPR) cavity 144, and an outlet cavity 146. The inlet cavity 140 defines an inlet axis 140A. The flow passage cavity 142 defines a flow passage cavity axis 142A. The OPR cavity 144 defines an OPR cavity axis 144A. The flow passage cavity 142 and the OPR cavity 144 are aligned with one another. The flow passage cavity axis 142A and the OPR cavity axis 144A are aligned or collinear. The outlet cavity 146 defines an outlet axis 146A. The inlet axis 140A and the outlet axis 146A are lateral. The inlet axis 140A and the OPR axis 144A are oriented transversely.

[0024] In particular, the hat valve 42 is disposed within the OPR cavity 144. Such an arrangement provides a simplified packaging solution with fewer parts than other valve configurations. Additionally, as described below, the tip of the poppet 68 provides a positioning feature that guides the hat valve 42 toward a centered position as the hat valve 42 moves toward a sealed position against the inner seal portion 74B.

[0025] An additional feature of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to FIG. 3. The housing 32 may include a mounting mechanism 170 formed thereon. In the illustrated example, the mounting mechanism 170 is integrally formed with the housing 32. The mounting mechanism 170 may include grommets 172 disposed thereon for receiving fasteners. In particular, the mounting mechanism 170 is provided in a portion of the housing that houses the electromagnetic assembly 60. Such an arrangement may provide a simpler and more cost-effective configuration than mounting mechanisms that may be incorporated beneath the electromagnetic assembly as associated with any of the inlet cavity 140, the flow passage cavity 142, the OPR cavity 144, and / or the outlet cavity 146.

[0026] 3 and 4, additional features of the armature 62 and poppet 68 will now be described. The armature 62 generally includes a tip portion having a stem or first coupling structure 210, which includes a neck 212 and a disk 216. The poppet 68 generally includes a unitary body 218 having a proximal end 220 and a distal end 222. The distal end 222 includes a disk body 224 and a tip finger 226. The disk body 224 generally receives the seal 74. The tip finger 226 is disposed within a conical cavity 228 of the hat valve 42.

[0027] The proximal end 220 includes a second coupling structure 230 including a hook portion 232 that defines an inlet 236 and a cavity 240. The disk 216 of the armature 62 is configured to be received into the cavity 240 via the inlet 236. The disk 216 can generally move between the surfaces 252, 254 of the proximal end 220 without moving the poppet 68. In other words, the stem 210 can oscillate or move a minimal amount relative to the poppet 68 without moving the poppet 68. This interaction allows the poppet 68 to adequately seal as needed without being completely controlled by the position of the stem 210.

[0028] The description of the foregoing examples is provided for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular example are generally not limited to that particular example and, where applicable, are interchangeable and usable in selected examples even if not specifically shown or described. The same can also be modified in many ways. Such modifications are not considered departures from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A fuel tank shut-off valve assembly configured to selectively vent fuel vapors from a fuel tank to a vapor recovery canister, the fuel tank shut-off valve assembly comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; the fuel tank shutoff valve assembly is fluidly coupled between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery canister, the inlet being fluidly coupled to a vapor space of the fuel tank and the outlet being fluidly coupled to the vapor recovery canister; the housing generally defines an inlet cavity, a flow passage cavity defining a flow passage cavity axis, an overpressure relief (OPR) cavity defining an OPR cavity axis, and an outlet cavity, the flow passage cavity axis and the OPR cavity axis being collinear; Fuel tank shutoff valve assembly.

2. an armature having a first coupling structure; a poppet having a proximal end and a distal end; 2. The fuel tank shutoff valve assembly of claim 1, wherein said proximal end includes a second coupling structure that mates with said first coupling structure, and said distal end includes a seal.

3. 3. The fuel tank shut-off valve assembly of claim 2, wherein the seal further includes an outer seal portion configured to selectively seal against the housing and an inner seal portion configured to selectively seal against a hat valve, the hat valve being normally urged against the inner seal portion by a biasing member.

4. The fuel tank shutoff valve assembly of claim 3 , wherein the hat valve is disposed within the OPR cavity.

5. 5. The fuel tank shut-off valve assembly of claim 4, wherein said hat valve defines a conical cavity for receiving a stem extending from said tip of said poppet, said conical cavity biasing said stem to positively locate against said hat valve.

6. 6. The fuel tank shut-off valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the first coupling structure includes a neck and a disk, and the second coupling structure includes a hook portion defining an inlet and a cavity, the disk of the armature configured to be received within the cavity via the inlet.

7. 7. The fuel tank shutoff valve assembly of claim 6, wherein the disk is configured to move a distance between surfaces defined at the proximal ends of the poppet without moving the poppet.

8. 2. The fuel tank shut-off valve assembly of claim 1, wherein said inlet and said outlet are disposed in lateral relationship to said housing.

9. 3. The fuel tank shut-off valve assembly of claim 2, wherein said inlet defines said inlet cavity, said outlet defines said outlet cavity, said inlet cavity defines an inlet axis, said inlet axis and said OPR axis being non-parallel, and said inlet axis and said OPR axis being lateral.

10. 10. The fuel tank shutoff valve assembly of claim 9, wherein a passage defined between said flow passage cavity and said OPR cavity defines a passage axis parallel to said OPR axis.

11. 1. A fuel tank shut-off valve assembly configured to selectively vent fuel vapors from a fuel tank to a vapor recovery canister, the fuel tank shut-off valve assembly comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the fuel tank shutoff valve assembly being fluidly coupled between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery canister, the inlet being fluidly coupled to a vapor space of the fuel tank and the outlet being fluidly coupled to the vapor recovery canister, the inlet and the outlet being disposed in a lateral relationship relative to the housing; an electromagnetic assembly disposed within the housing for selectively lifting a seal in the flow passage cavity from a valve seat to permit steam to pass from the inlet to the outlet; a poppet disposed within an OPR cavity in the housing and configured to facilitate opening a fuel vapor flow path from the fuel tank to the vapor recovery canister upon movement of a seal along an axis of movement; the inlet defines an inlet cavity defining an inlet axis, the axis of movement being transverse to the inlet axis; Fuel tank shutoff valve assembly.

12. 12. The fuel tank shut-off valve assembly of claim 11, wherein said outlet defines an outlet cavity defining an outlet axis, said inlet axis and said outlet axis being lateral.

13. 13. The fuel tank shut-off valve assembly of claim 12, wherein a passage defined between said flow passage cavity and said OPR cavity defines a passage axis parallel to said axis of movement.

14. 14. The fuel tank shut-off valve assembly of claim 13, wherein the seal further includes an outer seal portion configured to selectively seal against the housing and an inner seal portion configured to selectively seal against a hat valve disposed in the OPR cavity, the hat valve being normally urged against the inner seal portion by a biasing member.

15. 15. The fuel tank shut-off valve assembly of claim 14, wherein said hat valve defines a conical cavity for receiving a stem extending from said tip of said poppet, said conical cavity biasing said stem to positively locate against said hat valve.

16. 16. The fuel tank shut-off valve assembly of claim 15, wherein the first coupling structure includes a neck and a disk, and the second coupling structure includes a hook portion defining an inlet and a cavity, the disk of the armature configured to be received within the cavity via the inlet.

17. 17. The fuel tank shutoff valve assembly of claim 16, wherein the disk is configured to move a distance between surfaces defined at the proximal ends of the poppet without moving the poppet.

18. 1. A fuel tank system, comprising: a fuel tank having a vapor space; a vapor recovery canister; a valve assembly having a housing, the valve assembly is fluidly coupled between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery canister and is positioned to selectively control a flow of fuel vapor between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery canister, the housing of the valve assembly including an inlet fluidly coupled to the vapor space, a valve disposed within the housing, and an outlet fluidly coupled to the vapor recovery canister, the housing defining an inlet cavity, a flow passage cavity defining a flow passage cavity axis, an overpressure relief (OPR) cavity defining an OPR cavity axis, and an outlet cavity, the flow passage cavity axis and the OPR cavity axis being collinear. Fuel tank system.

19. 20. The fuel tank system of claim 18, further comprising a controller that receives a signal from the pressure sensor and transmits a signal to the valve assembly to open and allow vapor to pass to the vapor recovery canister.

20. The valve assembly further includes an electromagnetic assembly disposed within the housing; 20. The fuel tank system of claim 18, wherein the electromagnetic assembly includes an armature, an electromagnetic spring, and a coil, the electromagnetic spring configured to generate a force sufficient to push the armature away from the electromagnetic assembly when the electromagnetic assembly is not energized.

21. 21. The fuel tank system of claim 20, wherein the armature further includes a first coupling structure, and the valve assembly further includes a poppet having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a second coupling structure mating with the first coupling structure, and the distal end including a seal.

22. 22. The fuel tank system of claim 21, wherein the seal further includes an outer seal portion configured to selectively seal against the housing and an inner seal portion configured to selectively seal against a hat valve, the hat valve being normally urged against the inner seal portion by a biasing member.

23. 23. The fuel tank system of claim 22, wherein the hat valve is disposed within the OPR cavity.

24. 24. The fuel tank system of claim 23, wherein the hat valve defines a conical cavity that receives a stem extending from the tip of the poppet, the conical cavity biasing the stem to positively locate against the hat valve.

25. 25. The fuel tank system of claim 24, wherein the first coupling structure includes a neck and a disk and the second coupling structure includes a hook portion defining an inlet and a cavity, the disk of the armature configured to be received within the cavity via the inlet.

26. 26. The fuel tank system of claim 25, wherein the disk is configured to move a distance between surfaces defined at the base end of the poppet without moving the poppet.

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