Canister

Abstract

It is desirable to improve the strength of the canister while minimizing the reduction in vehicle mounting capacity. [Solution] The canister is configured to adsorb and desorb evaporated fuel generated in the vehicle's fuel tank, and comprises a case and a reinforcing member. The case has a chamber inside where an adsorbent for evaporated fuel is placed, and has a charge port for taking in evaporated fuel, a purge port for discharging evaporated fuel, and an atmospheric port open to the atmosphere. The reinforcing member is an elongated member provided on the wall of the case facing the chamber. The material constituting the reinforcing member has higher rigidity than the material constituting the case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a canister.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing sophistication of vehicles, the mounting space for canisters in vehicles has decreased, and there is a demand to make the canister flat or smaller. However, making the canister flat may reduce its rigidity.

[0003] On the other hand, the canister described in Patent Document 1 has ribs protruding from the outer surface of the case. By providing such ribs, the rigidity of the case of the flat canister can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, in order to effectively increase the rigidity of the canister described in Patent Document 1, it is more desirable to increase the height of the ribs rather than increasing the area of the region where the ribs are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the canister. However, when increasing the height of the ribs, the space required when mounting the canister on a vehicle may increase.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is desirably to improve the strength of the canister while suppressing a decrease in the mountability to a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a canister for adsorbing and desorbing evaporated fuel generated in a vehicle's fuel tank, comprising a case and a reinforcing member. The case has a chamber inside in which an adsorbent for evaporated fuel is placed, and has a charge port for taking in evaporated fuel, a purge port for discharging evaporated fuel, and an atmospheric port open to the atmosphere. The reinforcing member is an elongated member provided on the wall of the case facing the chamber. The material constituting the reinforcing member has higher rigidity than the material constituting the case.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the case can be reinforced while keeping the increase in the amount of material constituting the case to a minimum. Therefore, the strength of the canister can be improved while minimizing the decrease in mountability on the vehicle.

[0009] In one aspect of this disclosure, the chamber may have a first chamber with a flattened shape. The portion of the wall of the case portion forming the first chamber may comprise two wide portions and two narrow portions. The wide portions may face each other in the thickness direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction. The narrow portions may face each other in the width direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction and the thickness direction. The distance between the two wide portions in the thickness direction may be narrower than the distance between the two narrow portions in the width direction. Reinforcing members may be provided on at least one of the two wide portions.

[0010] The wall portion forming the first chamber, which has a flattened shape, is susceptible to bulging or sagging. In contrast, the above configuration allows for suitable reinforcement of the wide portion forming the first chamber. Therefore, bulging or sagging of the wide portion can be suppressed.

[0011] In one aspect of this disclosure, the reinforcing member may be made of metal. According to the above configuration, the case portion can be suitably reinforced. In one aspect of this disclosure, the reinforcing member may be made of a resin containing glass fibers. According to the above configuration, the case portion can be suitably reinforced.

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, the reinforcing member may be provided embedded in the wall of the case such that a portion of the reinforcing member is exposed to the outside. The portion of the reinforcing member embedded in the wall may be provided with recesses and / or protrusions.

[0013] According to the above configuration, compared to a case where the entire reinforcing member is embedded in the wall, the wall can be made thinner, thus reducing the amount of material used to make up the case. This makes it possible to reduce the mounting space for the canister in the vehicle and to reduce the weight of the canister.

[0014] One aspect of this disclosure may further include an engaging portion, which is a portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion of the case portion and configured to engage with a reinforcing member. The reinforcing member may be provided on the wall portion of the case portion in a state engaged with the engaging portion.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the reinforcing member can be suitably attached to the wall portion of the case. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the canister of the first embodiment. Figure 1B is an enlarged perspective view of the end and surrounding area of ​​the reinforcing member of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member and base portion of the first embodiment, perpendicular to the width direction. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member and base portion of a modified example of the first embodiment, perpendicular to the width direction. Figure 2C is a perspective view of the canister of the second embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is an enlarged perspective view of the reinforcing member and engaging portion of the second embodiment. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member and engaging portion of the second embodiment perpendicular to the width direction. Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member and engaging portion of Modification 1 of the second embodiment perpendicular to the width direction. Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member and engaging portion of Modification 1 of the second embodiment perpendicular to the width direction. [Figure 4]FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member and the engaging portion of Modification 2 of the second embodiment, taken perpendicular to the width direction. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the reinforcing member of Modification 2 of the second embodiment. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member and the engaging portion of Modification 2 of the second embodiment, taken perpendicular to the width direction. FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the reinforcing member of Modification 2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of the canister of the third embodiment. [Figure 6] Perspective views of canisters of modifications of other embodiments.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First Embodiment] [(1) Overview] The canister 1 of the first embodiment is an evaporative fuel processing device that adsorbs and desorbs evaporative fuel generated in a vehicle fuel tank (see FIG. 1A). The canister 1 includes a first chamber 10, a second chamber 11, a charge port 12, a purge port 13, an atmosphere port 14, and a case portion 2.

[0018] [<Case Portion>] The case portion 2 is a housing made of resin as an example, and a charge port 12, a purge port 13, and an atmosphere port 14 are provided at a first end in the fluid flow direction F in the case portion 2 (see FIG. 1A).

[0019] Further, the case portion 2 has two first lateral wall portions 20, a first longitudinal wall portion 21, a first end wall portion 22, an intermediate wall portion 23, two second lateral wall portions 24, a second longitudinal wall portion 25, and a second end wall portion 26. The first and second chambers 10 and 11 are formed inside these wall portions. That is, these wall portions face both or one of the first and second chambers 10 and 11, respectively. Further, these wall portions form an opening at a second end in the fluid flow direction F, and the opening is closed by a lid portion 27.

[0020] Furthermore, adsorbents (such as activated carbon) capable of adsorbing and desorbing evaporated fuel are placed in the first and second chambers 10 and 11. The adsorbents may also be placed in the first and / or second chambers 10 and 11 while housed in cases.

[0021] <port> The charge port 12 is connected to the vehicle's fuel tank by piping (see Figure 1A). The charge port 12 is configured to draw evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank into the canister 1.

[0022] The purge port 13 is connected to the intake manifold of the vehicle's engine via a purge valve. Due to the negative intake pressure of the engine, evaporated fuel adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first and second chambers 10 and 11 is discharged through the purge port 13 and supplied to the engine.

[0023] The atmospheric port 14 is open to the atmosphere and releases the gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed in the canister 1 into the atmosphere. The atmospheric port 14 is also configured to take in outside air (hereafter referred to as purge air), and the purge air desorbs the evaporated fuel adsorbed on the adsorbent in the first and second chambers 10 and 11.

[0024] <Room 1> The first chamber 10 is a flat, roughly rectangular space extending along the fluid flow direction F and the width direction W perpendicular to the fluid flow direction F, where the adsorbent material is placed (see Figure 1A). The first chamber 10 is partitioned by two first horizontal walls 20, a first vertical wall 21, a first end wall 22, and an intermediate wall 23 in the case section 2.

[0025] The two first lateral wall portions 20 are substantially rectangular wall-like portions facing each other in the thickness direction T, which is perpendicular to the fluid flow direction F and the width direction W. The first vertical wall portion 21 and the intermediate wall portion 23 are elongated, roughly rectangular, wall-like portions that extend in the fluid flow direction F and face each other in the width direction W.

[0026] The first end wall portion 22 is a substantially rectangular wall-like portion located at the first end in the fluid flow direction F. These walls 20-23 surround the first chamber 10, with openings formed at the second ends in the fluid flow direction F. A permeable filter and a partition plate are placed in these openings. A charge port 12 and a purge port 13 are provided in the first end wall 22, and these ports are connected to the first chamber 10.

[0027] Furthermore, the first chamber 10 has a flattened shape that extends along two first horizontal wall sections 20, and the distance between the two first horizontal wall sections 20 in the thickness direction T is narrower than the distance between the first vertical wall section 21 and the intermediate wall section 23 in the width direction W. In other words, each first horizontal wall section 20 (in other words, the wider section) is wider than the first vertical wall section 21 and the intermediate wall section 23 (in other words, the narrower section).

[0028] <Room 2> The second chamber 11 is an elongated, roughly rectangular space extending in the fluid flow direction F, and is arranged to be aligned with the first chamber 10 in the width direction W, where the adsorbent for evaporated fuel is placed (see Figure 1A). The second chamber 11 is partitioned by an intermediate wall 23 in the case section 2, two second horizontal wall sections 24, a second vertical wall section 25, and a second end wall section 26.

[0029] The two second lateral wall portions 24 are elongated, roughly rectangular, wall-like portions that extend in the fluid flow direction F and face each other in the thickness direction T. The second vertical wall portion 25 is an elongated, roughly rectangular wall-like portion extending in the fluid flow direction F, and faces the intermediate wall portion 23 in the width direction W. In other words, the intermediate wall portion 23 separates the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 11. However, it is not limited to this, and the wall portion separating the first chamber 10 and the wall portion separating the second chamber 11 may be arranged so as to overlap in the width direction W between the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 11.

[0030] The second end wall portion 26 is a roughly rectangular wall-like portion located at the first end in the fluid flow direction F. These walls 23-26 surround the second chamber 11, with an opening formed at the second end in the fluid flow direction F. Similar to the first chamber 10, a permeable filter and a partition plate are placed in this opening. An atmospheric port 14 is also provided in the second end wall 26, and the atmospheric port 14 is connected to the second chamber 11.

[0031] <Communication path> A connecting passage (not shown) is provided between the second ends of the first and second chambers 10 and 11 in the fluid flow direction F and the lid portion 27. A spring or the like is positioned in the connecting passage to hold the activated carbon placed in each chamber by pressing a partition plate located at the second end of the first and second chambers 10 and 11 in the fluid flow direction F toward the first end in the fluid flow direction F.

[0032] [(2) Reinforcement members] Each of the first side walls 20 of the case section 2 is provided with a plurality of elongated reinforcing members 3 (see Figures 1A and 1B). For example, each reinforcing member 3 is configured as a rod-shaped portion, but it is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an elongated plate-shaped portion. Also, the shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of each reinforcing member 3 can be determined as appropriate, such as a circle or a polygon. The material constituting each reinforcing member 3 has higher rigidity than the resin constituting the case section 2. Specifically, the material constituting each reinforcing member 3 may be, for example, metal, or a resin whose rigidity has been improved by including glass fibers.

[0033] Each reinforcing member 3 is arranged, for example, to extend in the width direction W, from near the first end to near the second end in the width direction W of each first side wall portion 20. Furthermore, each reinforcing member 3 is arranged along the fluid flow direction F at approximately constant intervals. Of course, this is not the only arrangement; for example, each reinforcing member 3 may be arranged to extend in the fluid flow direction F and also aligned in the width direction W.

[0034] However, the orientation and position of each reinforcing member 3 are not limited to this and can be determined as appropriate. Furthermore, the number of reinforcing members 3 provided on each first horizontal wall section 20 can be determined as appropriate, and each first horizontal wall section 20 may be provided with one reinforcing member 3. Also, one first horizontal wall section 20 may be provided with multiple reinforcing members 3, or multiple reinforcing members 3 may be provided on other wall sections other than the first horizontal wall sections 20.

[0035] <Arrangement of reinforcing members> Each reinforcing member 3 is provided on each first side wall portion 20 by insert molding, for example. Each reinforcing member 3 is positioned on the outer peripheral surface 20A of each first side wall portion 20 with a portion of the reinforcing member 3 exposed to the outside (see Figure 1B).

[0036] Specifically, each first horizontal wall section 20 is provided with a plurality of base sections 20B that protrude from the outer peripheral surface 20A (see Figure 2A). Each base section 20B is formed as a rib-like portion that extends along the width direction W from the first end to the second end of each first horizontal wall section 20. Each reinforcing member 3 is provided with a portion of the reinforcing member 3 embedded in the base section 20B. Note that each reinforcing member 3 may also be provided on the first horizontal wall section 20 where no base sections 20B are provided.

[0037] As an example, the portion of each reinforcing member 3 exposed from the base portion 20B extends across the entire area of ​​each reinforcing member 3, in other words, from the first end to the second end in the width direction W. However, this is not limited to this, and the exposed portion may be provided on only a part of each reinforcing member 3. Furthermore, each reinforcing member 3 may be provided with the entire reinforcing member 3 embedded inside each first horizontal wall portion 20, or a part of the reinforcing member 3 may be provided exposed to the first chamber 10.

[0038] <Convex or concave portion of reinforcing member> Each reinforcing member 3 has at least one (for example, four) protrusions 30 on its outer circumferential surface (see Figure 2A). Each reinforcing member 3 is provided with each protrusion 30 embedded in the base portion 20B. Each protrusion 30 is provided on both sides of the outer circumferential surface of each reinforcing member 3 in the width direction and protrudes in that width direction. Each protrusion 30 is formed, for example, as a rib-like portion extending from the first end to the second end of the reinforcing member 3. However, it is not limited to this, and each protrusion 30 may be configured as a plurality of projections aligned along the extending direction of the reinforcing member 3.

[0039] Furthermore, each reinforcing member 3 may have at least one (for example, two) recesses 31 on its outer circumferential surface, instead of or in addition to at least one protrusion 30 (see Figure 2B). Each reinforcing member 3 is provided with each recess 31 embedded in the base portion 20B. Each recess 31 is provided on both sides of the outer circumferential surface of each reinforcing member 3 in the width direction. Each recess 31 is formed, for example, as a groove-shaped portion extending from the first end to the second end of the reinforcing member 3. However, it is not limited to this, and each recess 31 may be configured as a plurality of holes aligned along the extending direction of the reinforcing member 3.

[0040] [2. Second Embodiment] [(1) Overview] The canister 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the method of attaching the multiple reinforcing members 3 to each first side wall portion 20 (see Figure 2C). Specifically, in the second embodiment as in the first embodiment, multiple reinforcing members 3 extending in the width direction W are arranged on each first side wall portion 20, but in the second embodiment, the multiple reinforcing members 3 are engaged with each first side wall portion 20, which is different from the first embodiment. The differences between the canister 1 of the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described below.

[0041] [(2) Engaging part] The canister 1 of the second embodiment has a plurality of engaging portions 4 provided on the outer peripheral surface 20A of each first side wall portion 20 (see Figures 2C to 3B). Each engaging portion 4 is configured to engage with the reinforcing member 3.

[0042] In other words, each edge located at both ends in the width direction W of the outer peripheral surface 20A of each first horizontal wall portion 20 is provided with a plurality of engaging portions 4 arranged along the edge, and each engaging portion 4 of each edge faces one of the engaging portions 4 of the other edge in the width direction W. Each reinforcing member 3 is then positioned on the outer peripheral surface 20A with both ends engaged with the two engaging portions 4 facing each other in the width direction W, and extending in the width direction W.

[0043] Specifically, the engaging portion 4 comprises a protruding portion 40, a top portion 41, and a tip portion 42 (see Figure 3B). The protruding portion 40 is a wall-like portion that protrudes in the thickness direction T from the outer peripheral surface 20A of the first horizontal wall portion 20 and extends in the width direction W.

[0044] The ceiling portion 41 is a part that protrudes from the top of the projection portion 40 toward the first end (or second end) in the fluid flow direction F. The tip portion 42 is a part that protrudes toward the outer circumferential surface 20A from the end of the ceiling portion 41 opposite to the protruding portion 40, and a gap is formed between the tip portion 42 and the outer circumferential surface 20A.

[0045] In other words, a space for accommodating the reinforcing member 3 is formed inside the protruding portion 40, the ceiling portion 41, and the tip portion 42. Therefore, when the reinforcing member 3 is pressed into the gap between the tip portion 42 and the outer peripheral surface 20A, the engaging portion 4 elastically deforms, accommodating the reinforcing member 3 in the space, and thereby the engaging portion 4 engages with the reinforcing member 3.

[0046] The position of the engaging portion 4 is not limited to both ends in the width direction W of the outer peripheral surface 20A of the first horizontal wall portion 20, but can be determined as appropriate. For example, the engaging portion 4 may be provided at a position away from the ends in the width direction W of the outer peripheral surface 20A, and each reinforcing member 3 may be attached to the outer peripheral surface 20A by engaging with one or more engaging portions 4.

[0047] [(3) Modification 1] In the canister 1 of the modified example 1 of the second embodiment, the engaging portion 4 has first and second base portions 43 and 44 that protrude from the outer peripheral surface 20A of the first side wall portion 20 (see Figures 3C and 3D). The first and second base portions 43 and 44 extend along the width direction W and are arranged in the fluid flow direction F with a predetermined interval between them, and a groove portion 45 is formed between these base portions. In addition, tip portions 43A and 44A are provided at or near the top of each base portion that protrude toward the other base portion, and a gap is provided between these tip portions 43A and 44A.

[0048] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3C, the engaging portion 4 is formed as a rib-like portion protruding from the outer circumferential surface 20A of the first horizontal wall portion 20, and a groove portion 45 may be formed at the top of the engaging portion 4. The first and second base portions 43 and 44 may be provided so as to sandwich the groove portion 45. Furthermore, the cross-section of the reinforcing member 3 perpendicular to the width direction W is circular, and the cross-section of the groove portion 45 may be substantially circular. However, the shapes of these cross-sections are not limited to these and can be determined as appropriate.

[0049] In addition, as shown in Figure 3D, the first and second base portions 43 and 44 of the engaging portion 4 may be rectangular parallelepiped-shaped portions that protrude from the outer peripheral surface 20A of the first side wall portion 20. Then, when the reinforcing member 3 is pressed into the groove 45 of the engaging portion 4, each base portion 43, 44 and tip portion 43A, 44A elastically deforms, and the reinforcing member 3 is accommodated in the groove 45, thereby engaging the engaging portion 4 with the reinforcing member 3.

[0050] [(4) Modification 2] In the canister 1 of the modified example 2 of the second embodiment, the engaging portion 4 is provided with at least one protrusion 46, 47 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 20A of the first side wall portion 20 (see Figures 4A, 4C). Each protrusion 46, 47 is provided with a tip portion 46A, 47B that protrudes from the portion near the top of the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion.

[0051] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 3 is provided with at least one hole 32, 33 that penetrates the reinforcing member 3 (see Figures 4B, 4D). Each hole 32, 33 extends from the first surface 3A of the reinforcing member 3 to the second surface 3B located on the opposite side of the first surface 3A, and allows the protrusions 46, 47 of the engaging portion 4 to be inserted.

[0052] Then, by inserting at least one protruding portion 46, 47 constituting the engaging portion 4 into at least one hole 32, 33 of the reinforcing member 3 from the first surface 3A side, the reinforcing member 3 is engaged with the engaging portion 4. At this time, the tip portions 46A, 47B protrude from the second surface 3B and become hooked onto the second surface 3B.

[0053] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the engaging portion 4 may be provided with a plurality (for example, three) of cylindrical protrusions 46. The tip portion 46A may be provided so as to encircle the outer surface of the protrusion 46. The reinforcing member 3 may also be provided with a plurality (for example, three) of holes 32 into which the protrusions 46 can be inserted. These holes 32 are aligned along the extending direction of the reinforcing member 3.

[0054] In this configuration, when each protrusion 46 is pressed into each hole 32 of the reinforcing member 3 from the first surface 3A side, each protrusion 46 passes through each hole 32 while elastically deforming. Subsequently, the tip 46A protrudes from the second surface 3B and becomes caught on the second surface 3B. As a result, the reinforcing member 3 engages with the engaging portion 4.

[0055] In addition, as shown in Figures 4C and 4D, the engaging portion 4 may be provided with, for example, a plurality (for example, two) of plate-shaped protrusions 47 extending in the width direction W. The protrusion 47 has a slit in the center in the thickness direction. The slit extends from the first end to the second end in the width direction W of the protrusion 47, dividing the protrusion 47 into a first portion 47B and a second portion 47C. Furthermore, the protrusion 47 has a tip portion 47A near the top of the face opposite the slit in each of the first and second portions 47B and 47C. The reinforcing member 3 may also be provided with a plurality (for example, two) of elongated holes 33 into which the protrusions 47 can be inserted. Each hole 33 is aligned along the extending direction of the reinforcing member 3 and extends along that direction.

[0056] With this configuration, the reinforcing member 3 can be engaged with the engaging portion 4 by snap-fitting. That is, when each protrusion 47 is inserted into each hole 33 of the reinforcing member 3 from the first surface 3A side, each protrusion 47 passes through each hole 33 while elastically deforming so that the first and second portions 47B and 47C move closer together. After that, the tip portion 47A protrudes from the second surface 3B and becomes hooked onto the second surface 3B. As a result, the reinforcing member 3 is engaged with the engaging portion 4.

[0057] [3. Third Embodiment] The canister 1 of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the shape of the reinforcing members 5 and 6 (see Figures 5A and 5B). Specifically, the reinforcing members 5 and 6 of the third embodiment have multiple parts extending in different directions. In the third embodiment, the reinforcing members 5 and 6 may be provided on the first lateral wall portion 20 by insert molding, as in the first embodiment, or they may be engaged with the outer peripheral surface 20A of the first lateral wall portion 20, as in the second embodiment.

[0058] As an example, as shown in Figure 5A, the reinforcing member 5 may have first and second portions 51 and 52 that extend in a straight line. The first and second portions 51 and 52 are arranged along the diagonals of the first horizontal wall portion 20 and intersect approximately at the center of the first horizontal wall portion 20.

[0059] As an example, as shown in Figure 5B, the reinforcing member 6 may have first to sixth portions 61 to 66 that extend in a straight line. The first and second portions 61 and 62 extend along the fluid flow direction F and are aligned in the width direction W. The first portion 61 is located on the side of the first vertical wall portion 21, and the second portion 62 is located on the side of the intermediate wall portion 23.

[0060] Furthermore, the third and fourth portions 63 and 64 extend along the width direction W and are aligned in the fluid flow direction F. The third portion 63 is located on the side of the lid portion 27, and the fourth portion 64 is located on the side of the first end wall portion 22.

[0061] Furthermore, the first and second parts 61 and 62 intersect with the third and fourth parts 63 and 64, respectively. The fifth part 65 extends from the intersection of the first part 61 and the third part 63 to the intersection of the second part 62 and the fourth part 64. The sixth part 66 also extends from the intersection of the first part 61 and the fourth part 64 to the intersection of the second part 62 and the third part 63.

[0062] [4. Effects] (1) If the canister is made flat, the rigidity of the case will decrease, and there is a risk that the case will bulge or flex due to the effects of heat and pressure. This may reduce the packing density of the activated carbon placed inside, or reduce the load applied by the springs that hold the activated carbon, and as a result there is a concern that the activated carbon may break down due to the effects of vehicle vibration. For this reason, it is conceivable to increase the rigidity of the case by increasing the thickness of the case or adding ribs, but this may increase the volume and weight of the canister.

[0063] In contrast, the canister 1 of the above embodiment has multiple reinforcing members 3, 5, and 6 made of a material with higher rigidity than the resin constituting the case portion 2, provided on the first side wall portion 20. Therefore, the case portion 2 can be reinforced while suppressing an increase in the material constituting the case portion 2, in other words, an increase in the volume and / or weight of the case portion 2. Thus, the strength of the canister 1 can be improved while suppressing a decrease in mountability on a vehicle.

[0064] (2) Furthermore, the first lateral wall portion 20 of the first chamber 10, which has a flat shape, is in danger of bulging or bending. In contrast, according to the above embodiment, the first lateral wall portion 20 can be suitably reinforced by a plurality of reinforcing members 3, 5, 6, thereby suppressing bulging or bending of the first lateral wall portion 20.

[0065] (3) Furthermore, the case portion 2 is made of resin, and the multiple reinforcing members 3, 5, and 6 are made of metal or resin containing glass fiber. Therefore, the case portion 2 can be suitably reinforced.

[0066] (4) Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, each reinforcing member 3 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 20A of the first side wall portion 20 with a part of the reinforcing member 3 exposed. This makes the first side wall portion 20 thinner compared to the case in which the entire reinforcing member 3 is embedded in the first side wall portion 20, and reduces the increase in the amount of material constituting the case portion 2. As a result, it is possible to reduce the mounting space of the canister in the vehicle and to reduce the weight of the canister 1.

[0067] (5) Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, each reinforcing member 3 is provided with at least one recess 30 and / or at least one protrusion 31 in the portion embedded in the first lateral wall portion 20. This prevents the reinforcing member 3 from detaching from the first lateral wall portion 20.

[0068] (6) In addition, according to the second embodiment, each reinforcing member 3 is attached to the outer circumferential surface 20A of the first horizontal wall portion 20 by engaging with an engaging portion 4 provided on the outer circumferential surface 20A of the first horizontal wall portion 20. Therefore, the reinforcing members 3 can be suitably attached to the first horizontal wall portion 20.

[0069] [5. Other Embodiments] (1) In the first to third embodiments, the reinforcing member 3 may be provided with a mounting portion 7 (see Figure 6). The mounting portion 7 may be used to attach the canister 1 to the vehicle body, or to attach components mounted on the vehicle, such as harnesses or harness clips. In Figure 6, the mounting portion 7 is provided with a through hole 70 as an example, and the canister 1 may be attached to the body or components mounted on the vehicle may be attached through the through hole 70.

[0070] Furthermore, depending on the type of vehicle on which the canister 1 is mounted, a reinforcing member 3 having different mounting parts 7 may be provided. This allows the canister 1 to be mounted on various types of vehicles without modifying the canister 1 itself.

[0071] (2) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Furthermore, some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configurations of other above embodiments.

[0072] [6. The technical concept disclosed herein] [Item 1] A canister for adsorbing and desorbing evaporated fuel generated in a vehicle's fuel tank, A case portion having a chamber inside in which an adsorbent for the evaporated fuel is placed, a charge port for taking in the evaporated fuel, a purge port for discharging the evaporated fuel, and an atmospheric port open to the atmosphere, The case portion comprises a reinforcing member which is an elongated member provided on the wall facing the chamber, The material constituting the reinforcing member has higher rigidity than the material constituting the case portion. Canister.

[0073] [Item 2] The canister described in item 1, The aforementioned chamber has a flattened first chamber, The portion of the wall portion of the case portion that forms the first chamber comprises two wide portions facing each other in the thickness direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction, and two narrow portions facing each other in the width direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction and the thickness direction. The distance in the thickness direction between the two wide sections is narrower than the distance in the width direction between the two narrow sections. The reinforcing member is provided on at least one of the two wide portions. Canister.

[0074] [Item 3] A canister as described in item 1 or item 2, The reinforcing member is made of metal. Canister.

[0075] [Item 4] A canister described in any one of items 1 through 3, The reinforcing member is made of a resin containing glass fibers. Canister.

[0076] [Item 5] A canister described in any one of items 1 through 4, The reinforcing member is provided embedded in the wall portion of the case portion such that a part of the reinforcing member is exposed to the outside. The portion of the reinforcing member embedded in the wall is provided with recesses and / or protrusions. Canister.

[0077] [Item 6] A canister that is not listed in any one of items 1 through 5, The case portion further comprises an engaging portion, which is a portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion of the case portion and is configured to engage with the reinforcing member, The reinforcing member is provided on the wall portion of the case portion while engaged with the engaging portion. Canister. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1...Canister, 10...First chamber, 11...Second chamber, 12...Charge port, 13...Purge port, 14...Atmospheric port, 2...Case section, 20...First side wall section, 20A...Outer surface, 20B...Base section, 21...First vertical wall section, 22...First end wall section, 23...Intermediate wall section, 24...Second side wall section, 25...Second vertical wall section, 26...Second end wall section, 27...Lid section, 3...Reinforcement member, 3A...First surface, 3B...Second surface, 30...Convex section, 31...Concave section, 32...Hole section, 33 ...hole, 4...engaging part, 40...protruding part, 41...ceiling part, 42...tip part, 43...first base part, 43A...tip part, 44...second base part, 44B...tip part, 45...groove part, 46...protruding part, 46A...tip part, 47...protruding part, 47A...tip part, 47B, 47C...first and second parts, 5...reinforcement member, 51, 52...first and second parts, 6...reinforcement member, 61-66...first to sixth parts, 7...mounting part W...width direction, T...thickness direction, F...fluid flow direction.

Claims

1. A canister for adsorbing and desorbing evaporated fuel generated in a vehicle's fuel tank, A case portion having a chamber inside in which an adsorbent for the evaporated fuel is placed, a charge port for taking in the evaporated fuel, a purge port for discharging the evaporated fuel, and an atmospheric port open to the atmosphere, The case portion comprises a reinforcing member which is an elongated member provided on the wall facing the chamber, The material constituting the reinforcing member has higher rigidity than the material constituting the case portion. Canister.

2. A canister according to claim 1, The aforementioned chamber has a flattened first chamber, The portion of the wall of the case portion that forms the first chamber comprises two wide portions facing each other in the thickness direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction, and two narrow portions facing each other in the width direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction and the thickness direction. The distance in the thickness direction between the two wide sections is narrower than the distance in the width direction between the two narrow sections. The reinforcing member is provided on at least one of the two wide portions. Canister.

3. A canister according to claim 1 or claim 2, The reinforcing member is made of metal. Canister.

4. A canister according to claim 1 or claim 2, The reinforcing member is made of a resin containing glass fibers. Canister.

5. A canister according to claim 1 or claim 2, The reinforcing member is provided embedded in the wall portion of the case portion such that a part of the reinforcing member is exposed to the outside. The portion of the reinforcing member embedded in the wall is provided with recesses and / or protrusions. Canister.

6. A canister according to claim 1 or claim 2, The case portion further comprises an engaging portion, which is a portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion of the case portion and is configured to engage with the reinforcing member, The reinforcing member is provided on the wall portion of the case portion while engaged with the engaging portion. Canister.

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