Vehicle pipe member and method for manufacturing vehicle pipe member

Abstract

In order to provide a vehicle tube member with which the discharge amount of fuel vapor gas can be suppressed without requiring a system layout to be changed or improved, a vehicle tube member (10) has one tube end (11a) connected to a canister (102) that adsorbs fuel vapor gas generated by a fuel tank, and another tube end (11b) open to the atmosphere, said vehicle tube member comprising a tube body (11) in which a curved portion (14) is formed at the middle section thereof in the length direction, an adsorption member (12) that is filled into the tube body (11) and adsorbs fuel vapor gas contained in a gas to be discharged to the atmosphere from the canister (102), and a support member (13) that is built into the tube body (11) and maintains the inner diameter of the tube body (11), wherein the support member (13) is disposed in the curved portion (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle pipe member and a method for manufacturing the vehicle pipe member.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle is equipped with a canister that adsorbs fuel vapor gas in a fuel tank. And, in order to counter breakthrough gas discharged from the canister, a structure using an auxiliary canister filled with an adsorbent and opened to the atmosphere is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, since the emission regulations for fuel evaporation gas are expected to become stricter in the future, it is necessary to suppress the emission amount of fuel evaporation gas. In addition, in a hybrid vehicle that combines an engine and a motor, the purge amount is small, and further measures against breakthrough gas are required. However, in conventional measures against breakthrough gas, since a canister and an auxiliary canister are used in combination, it is necessary to devise the system layout. In particular, in a small vehicle, there are limitations in the available space around the fuel tank due to the balance with the cabin and the luggage compartment, so it may be difficult to use an auxiliary canister in combination or to increase the size of the existing canister to improve the capacity. That is, it is necessary to suppress the emission amount of fuel evaporation gas without requiring changes or devising of the system layout.

[0005] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle pipe member and a method for manufacturing the vehicle pipe member that can suppress the emission amount of fuel evaporation gas without requiring changes or devising of the system layout.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle pipe member of the present invention is a vehicle pipe member having one end connected to a canister that adsorbs fuel evaporation gas generated in a fuel tank and the other end open to the atmosphere, and has a bent portion formed in an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, a tube body, an adsorbing member filled in the tube body for adsorbing the fuel evaporation gas contained in the gas discharged from the canister to the atmosphere, and a support member filled in the tube body for supporting the inner diameter of the tube body, and the support member is arranged at the bent portion.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a method for manufacturing a vehicle pipe member according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing a vehicle pipe member having one end connected to a canister that adsorbs fuel evaporation gas generated in a fuel tank and the other end open to the atmosphere, comprising: a first step of disposing, inside a straight tubular body, an adsorption member that adsorbs fuel evaporation gas contained in the gas discharged from the canister to the atmosphere, and a support member that supports the inner diameter of the tubular body; and a second step of bending the tubular body at the position where the support member is disposed to form a bent portion in the tubular body.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] Thereby, the vehicle pipe member and the method for manufacturing the vehicle pipe member according to the present invention can suppress the discharge amount of fuel evaporation gas without requiring changes or contrivances in the system layout.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 4D

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Embodiments for carrying out the vehicle pipe member and its manufacturing method of the present invention will be described based on Examples 1 to 3 shown in the drawings.

[0011] (Example 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1 is applied to a system (hereinafter referred to as "fuel evaporation gas suppression system 1") for suppressing fuel evaporation gas generated by evaporation of vehicle fuel. Here, the fuel evaporation gas suppression system 1 includes a fuel tank 101, a canister 102, a vapor pipe 103, a purge pipe 104, and an air release pipe 105.

[0012] The fuel tank 101 is a tank that stores fuel to be supplied to the engine 106. The fuel in the fuel tank 101 is sucked up by the pump 107 and supplied to the engine 106 via the fuel supply pipe 108.

[0013] The canister 102 is filled with an adsorbent such as activated carbon that adsorbs fuel vapor gas, and prevents the atmospheric emission of fuel vapor gas by adsorbing the fuel vapor gas on the adsorbent. Further, the canister 102 desorbs (purges) fuel from the adsorbent with the sucked air and supplies it to the engine 106. Note that the adsorbent has an allowable capacity for adsorbing fuel vapor gas, and it is possible to repeat the adsorption and purge of fuel vapor gas.

[0014] The vapor pipe 103 is a pipe member that connects the fuel tank 101 and the canister 102. The fuel vapor gas generated in the fuel tank 101 is supplied to the canister 102 through the vapor pipe 103. A cut-off valve 103a is provided in the vapor pipe 103. The cut-off valve 103a opens and closes to control the introduction of fuel vapor gas from the fuel tank 101 to the vapor pipe 103. Here, the cut-off valve 103a opens when the pressure in the fuel tank 101 increases, and closes when the pressure in the fuel tank 101 decreases.

[0015] The purge pipe 104 is a pipe member that connects the canister 102 and the intake pipe 109 through which air flowing into the engine 106 flows. The fuel vapor gas purged by the canister 102 flows into the intake pipe 109 through the purge pipe 104 and is supplied to the engine 106 together with the air flowing through the intake pipe 109. A purge valve (vacuum switching valve) 104a is provided in the purge pipe 104. The purge valve 104a opens and closes according to the engine load and water temperature to control the introduction of fuel vapor gas into the purge pipe 104.

[0016] The atmospheric vent pipe 105 is a pipe member with one end 105a connected to the canister 102 and the other end 105b open to the atmosphere. When the adsorption allowable capacity of fuel vapor gas in the canister 102 is exceeded, the fuel vapor gas that cannot be adsorbed is discharged to the atmosphere through the atmospheric vent pipe 105 as breakthrough gas (exhaust gas). Also, when the engine 106 operates, the air flowing through the intake pipe 109 is sucked into the engine 106, and a negative pressure is generated in the intake pipe 109. At this time, by opening the purge valve 104a, gas flows from the purge pipe 104 into the intake pipe 109 on the engine 106 side, and a negative pressure is generated in the purge pipe 104. Then, due to the negative pressure generated in the purge pipe 104, air in the atmosphere is sucked into the atmospheric vent pipe 105 through the canister 102 and flows into the atmospheric vent pipe 105. Furthermore, the air that has flowed into the atmospheric vent pipe 105 flows into the canister 102, and together with the negative pressure state in the canister 102, fuel is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the atmospheric vent pipe 105 allows the gas (exhaust gas) discharged from the canister 102 and the air for purging in the canister 102 to flow through it.

[0017] And the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1 is applied as the atmospheric vent pipe 105 of the fuel vapor gas suppression system 1 where one end 105a (one pipe end 11a) is connected to the canister 102 and the other end 105b (the other pipe end 11b) is open to the atmosphere.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle pipe member 10 includes a pipe body 11, an adsorption member 12, and a support member 13.

[0019] The pipe body 11 is a pipe member made of metal or resin, and the pipe ends 11a and 11b are open. Here, the pipe body 11 is a bent pipe with a bent portion 14 formed in the middle portion in the length direction. Also, the pipe body 11 has a first small-diameter portion 15a formed at one end portion 11c and a second small-diameter portion 15b formed at the other end portion 11d. Furthermore, the pipe body 11 of Example 1 has a large-diameter portion 16 formed at the peripheries of the pipe ends 11a and 11b.

[0020] The bent portion 14 is a portion that changes the direction of the tube axis O of the tube body 11. The bent portion 14 of the first embodiment changes the direction of the tube axis O by 90° when viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] The first small-diameter portion 15a and the second small-diameter portion 15b are portions where the inner diameter is smaller than the middle portion in the length direction. In the first embodiment, both the first and second small-diameter portions 15a and 15b gradually decrease in inner diameter toward the tube ends 11a and 11b. Here, the minimum inner diameter dimension R of the first small-diameter portion 15a and the second small-diameter portion 15b is set so as not to significantly deteriorate the ventilation resistance of the gas passing through the tube body 11. That is, the minimum inner diameter dimension R of the first and second small-diameter portions 15a and 15b is such that the gas flow in the tube body 11 can be made smooth.

[0022] In addition, in the first embodiment, in the first small-diameter portion 15a and the second small-diameter portion 15b, the outer diameter of the tube body 11 also gradually decreases toward the tube ends 11a and 11b, similar to the inner diameter. Further, between the first small-diameter portion 15a and one of the large-diameter portions 16, the dimensions of the inner diameter and the outer diameter are constant. Also, between the second small-diameter portion 15b and the other large-diameter portion 16, the dimensions of the inner diameter and the outer diameter are constant.

[0023] The large-diameter portion 16 is a portion that protrudes outward in the tube diameter direction by subjecting the tube ends 11a and 11b to bulge processing, bead processing, spool processing, etc. Note that the large-diameter portion 16 may not be formed.

[0024] The adsorption member 12 is filled in the tube body 11 and adsorbs the fuel evaporation gas (breakthrough gas) contained in the gas (exhaust gas) when the gas (exhaust gas) is discharged from the canister 102 to the atmosphere. The adsorption member 12 is formed of, for example, activated carbon. Also, the adsorption member 12 is formed into disk-shaped (circular) pellets that match the inner diameter dimension of the tube body 11.

[0025] The support member 13 is built into the tubular body 11, supports the tubular body 11 from the inside, and supports the inner diameter of the tubular body 11. Further, the support member 13 has elasticity that can expand and contract at least along the tube axis O. The support member 13 of the first embodiment is formed of, for example, a cylindrical urethane foam material or the like, and has elasticity that can expand and contract in the tube axis O and the tube diameter direction. The outer diameter of the support member 13 is set to a size that can contact the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body 11.

[0026] And the suction member 12 and the support member 13 are arranged between the first small-diameter portion 15a and the second small-diameter portion 15b. Here, the support member 13 is arranged at both ends 11c and 11d of the bent portion 14 and the tubular body 11, respectively.

[0027] Further, the suction member 12 is arranged between the support member 13 arranged at one end 11c of the tubular body 11 and the support member 13 arranged at the bent portion 14. Further, the suction member 12 is arranged between the support member 13 arranged at the other end 11d of the tubular body 11 and the support member 13 arranged at the bent portion 14. That is, the suction member 12 and the support member 13 are alternately arranged along the tube axis O inside the tubular body 11.

[0028] Next, a manufacturing method of the vehicle tube member 10 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0029] The manufacturing method of the vehicle tube member 10 of the first embodiment includes a pre-step, a first step, an intermediate step, and a second step.

[0030] The pre-process is the process prior to the first process. The inner diameter of one end portion 11c of the tubular body 11 is reduced in diameter so as to be smaller than the middle portion in the length direction, and a first small-diameter portion 15a is formed at one end portion 11c of the tubular body 11. That is, in the pre-process, first, as shown in FIG. 3A, a straight tubular body 11 with open pipe ends 11a and 11b is set. Next, in the pre-process, as shown in FIG. 3B, for example, a roller-shaped jig A is pressed against one end portion 11c of the tubular body 11 to perform spinning processing to deform the tubular body 11, and one end portion 11c is reduced in diameter to form the first small-diameter portion 15a. Here, it is desirable to set the tube reduction ratio of the tubular body 11 so as not to significantly deteriorate the ventilation resistance inside the tubular body 11. Further, in the pre-process, one pipe end 11a is expanded in diameter by performing bulge processing or the like, and a large-diameter portion 16 is formed.

[0031] The first process is the process next to the pre-process. The suction member 12 and the support member 13 are alternately arranged inside the straight tubular body 11 in which the first small-diameter portion 15a is formed at one end portion 11c. That is, in the first process, first, as shown in FIG. 4A, the support member 13 is inserted into the tubular body 11 from the other unprocessed pipe end 11b. Here, the support member 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a predetermined outer diameter according to the inner diameter of the tubular body 11. Next, in the first process, air is injected into the tubular body 11, and the support member 13 moves by the force of the air until it contacts the first small-diameter portion 15a. Subsequently, in the first process, as shown in FIG. 4B, the suction member 12 is inserted into the tubular body 11 from the other pipe end 11b. The suction member 12 is also moved inside the tubular body 11 by air injection until it contacts the support member 13. Note that the terminal position α of the suction member 12 is adjusted by the input amount of the suction member 12.

[0032] After the suction member 12 is inserted, as shown in FIG. 4C, the support member 13 is inserted into the tubular body 11. Then, the support member 13 is moved by air injection until it contacts the suction member 12. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4D, the suction member 12 and the support member 13 are alternately inserted into the tubular body 11 until the support member 13 is arranged at the other end portion 11d of the tubular body 11.

[0033] The intermediate process is the next process after the first process. The inner diameter of the other end portion 11d of the tubular body 11 is reduced so as to be smaller than the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, and a second small-diameter portion 15b is formed at the other end portion 11d of the tubular body 11. That is, in the intermediate process, as shown in FIG. 5, a spinning process is performed in which the tubular body 11 having the suction member 12 and the support member 13 disposed therein is deformed by pressing a roller-shaped jig B against the tubular body 11 at the other end portion 11d of the tubular body 11, and the other end portion 11d is reduced in diameter to form the second small-diameter portion 15b. In the intermediate process, the other pipe end 11b is expanded in diameter by performing a bulging process or the like to form a large-diameter portion 16.

[0034] The second process is the next process after the intermediate process. The tubular body 11 is bent at the position where the support member 13 is disposed, and a bent portion 14 is formed in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the tubular body 11. That is, in the second process, as shown in FIG. 6, first, the tubular body 11 in which the second small-diameter portion 15b is formed is supported by a support jig C. At this time, at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the tubular body 11, the support jig C is brought into contact with the position where the support member 13 is disposed inside.

[0035] Next, a pressing jig D is brought into contact with the other end portion 11d of the tubular body 11. Then, the other end portion 11d of the tubular body 11 is pressed by the pressing jig D, and the tubular body 11 is bent. At this time, since the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the tubular body 11 is supported by the support jig C, the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction is bent to form the bent portion 14.

[0036] Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle pipe member 10 according to the first embodiment and its manufacturing method will be described.

[0037] Currently, the environmental load caused by evaporation gas (Diurnal Breathing Loss (DBL)) generated by the release of fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank from the canister to the atmosphere has become a problem, and DBL regulations are progressing. Therefore, vehicles using gasoline as fuel need to suppress the emission amount of fuel evaporation gas and clear the regulated value.

[0038] Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to increase the processing capacity (adsorption amount of fuel evaporation gas) of the canister 102 by increasing the size of the canister 102 mounted on the vehicle or by using an auxiliary canister in combination.

[0039] Also, for example, it is also conceivable to improve the performance of the adsorbent filled in the canister 102 to increase the adsorption amount of combustion evaporation gas. Furthermore, by providing an electric heater in the canister 102 and heating with the electric heater, it is possible to promote the desorption of the adsorbed fuel components, improve the arrangement method of the adsorbent, and suppress the discharge of fuel evaporation gas by increasing the purge efficiency of the canister 102.

[0040] However, when increasing the size of the canister 102 or using an auxiliary canister in combination, it is necessary to change the design of the canister 102 and the auxiliary canister and newly consider the system layout and the like. Also, even when improving the performance of the adsorbent and the purge efficiency of the canister 102, it is necessary to change the specifications and structure of the canister 102. Therefore, changes and ingenuity in the system layout are required, and it is not possible to easily suppress the discharge of fuel evaporation gas.

[0041] On the other hand, one pipe end 11a of the vehicle pipe member 10 of the first embodiment is connected to the canister 102, and the other pipe end 11b is applied as the atmosphere release pipe 105 of the fuel evaporation gas suppression system 1 that is open to the atmosphere. The vehicle pipe member 10 includes a pipe body 11 in which a bent portion 14 is formed in the middle of the length direction, an adsorbent member 12 filled in the pipe body 11, and a support member 13 built in the pipe body 11.

[0042] Therefore, when discharging the gas (exhaust gas) that has passed through the canister 102 to the atmosphere, since the vehicle pipe member 10, which is the atmosphere release pipe 105, allows the gas (exhaust gas) to pass through, the vehicle pipe member 10 can adsorb the fuel evaporation gas (breakthrough gas) contained in the gas to the adsorbent member 12.

[0043] That is, in the fuel evaporation gas suppression system 1, by applying the vehicle pipe member 10 of the first embodiment as the atmosphere release pipe 105, the fuel evaporation gas contained in the gas (exhaust gas) from the canister 102 can be adsorbed by the atmosphere release pipe 105 and not discharged into the atmosphere. As a result, the adsorption amount of the fuel evaporation gas can be increased without designing a new system layout or devising a system layout. Further, when the vehicle pipe member 10 of the first embodiment is used, since it is not necessary to change or devise the system layout, it is also possible to retrofit the vehicle pipe member 10 of the first embodiment to the existing fuel evaporation gas suppression system 1.

[0044] And in the vehicle pipe member 10 of the first embodiment, the support member 13 that supports the inner diameter of the pipe body 11 is arranged at the bent portion 14.

[0045] Thereby, when forming the bent portion 14 in the pipe body 11, it is possible to prevent the adsorbent member 12 filled in the pipe body 11 from being pulverized due to the deformation of the pipe body 11. Here, when the adsorbent member 12 is pulverized, it is conceivable that the volume of the adsorbent member 12 decreases and a gap is generated in the pipe body 11. Then, due to the vibration generated during vehicle running, the adsorbent member 12 moves, and the adsorbent members 12 rub against each other, further promoting pulverization and expanding the gap generated inside the pipe body 11. As a result, the gas (exhaust gas) flowing from the canister 102 passes through the gap with less ventilation resistance, and there is a possibility that the necessary fuel evaporation gas adsorption function cannot be exhibited. Since the vehicle pipe member 10 of the first embodiment can prevent the pulverization of the adsorbent member 12 accompanying the deformation of the pipe body 11, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the fuel evaporation gas adsorption function.

[0046] That is, the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1 can adsorb fuel vapor gas (breakthrough gas) contained in the gas (exhaust gas) that has passed through the canister 102 without requiring changes or contrivances in the system layout. Thereby, the adsorption amount of fuel vapor gas in the fuel vapor gas suppression system 1 can be increased, and the discharge amount of fuel vapor gas can be suppressed. Furthermore, by applying the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, depending on the adsorption capacity value of fuel vapor gas required for the fuel vapor gas suppression system 1, it is also possible to eliminate the need for installing an auxiliary canister.

[0047] Also, in the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, a first small-diameter portion 15a having an inner diameter smaller than that of the intermediate portion is formed at one end portion 11c of the pipe body 11, and a second small-diameter portion 15b having an inner diameter smaller than that of the intermediate portion is formed at the other end portion 11d of the pipe body 11. And the adsorption member 12 and the support member 13 are arranged between the first small-diameter portion 15a and the second small-diameter portion 15b.

[0048] Therefore, in the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, when the adsorption member 12 and the support member 13 move along the pipe axis O of the pipe body 11, they interfere with the first small-diameter portion 15a or the second small-diameter portion 15b. Therefore, the adsorption member 12 and the support member 13 are positioned in the length direction, and the movement along the pipe axis O is restricted. Thereby, the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1 can suppress the pulverization of the adsorption member 12 and can hardly generate a gap inside the pipe body 11 even when vibration occurs during vehicle travel. And the vehicle pipe member 10 can suppress the deterioration of the fuel vapor gas adsorption function by the adsorption member 12.

[0049] Furthermore, in the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, the support member 13 is respectively arranged at both end portions 11c, 11d of the pipe body 11. And the adsorption member 12 is arranged between the support members 13 arranged at both end portions 11c, 11d of the pipe body 11 and the support members 13 arranged at the bent portion 14.

[0050] As a result, in the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, inside the pipe body 11, the adsorption member 12 is arranged in a state of being sandwiched by the support member 13. For this reason, the movement of the adsorption member 12 along the pipe axis O is further suppressed, the movement of the adsorption member 12 accompanying the vibration generated during vehicle running is suppressed, and further pulverization of the adsorption member 12 can be prevented. And the vehicle pipe member 10 can prevent the generation of a gap inside the pipe body 11 and suppress the deterioration of the adsorption function of the fuel evaporation gas.

[0051] Also, in the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, the support member 13 is formed of a urethane foam material having elasticity that can expand and contract at least along the pipe axis O of the pipe body 11. Thereby, the vehicle pipe member 10 can press the adsorption member 12 along the pipe axis O by the contraction repulsive force of the support member 13 by arranging the support member 13 inside the pipe body 11 in a contracted state. For this reason, the support member 13 can deform (expand) and absorb the variation in the filling amount of the adsorption member 12, suppress the movement of the adsorption member 12, and prevent the wear of the adsorption member 12 accompanying vehicle vibration. As a result, the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1 can prevent the generation of a gap inside the pipe body 11 and suppress the deterioration of the adsorption function of the fuel evaporation gas.

[0052] And in the manufacturing method of the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, a first step (FIGS. 4A to 4D) of arranging the adsorption member 12 and the support member 13 inside the straight pipe-shaped pipe body 11, and the pipe body 11 at the position where the support member 13 is arranged And a second step (FIG. 6) of forming a bent portion 14 at an intermediate portion in the length direction of the pipe body 11. That is, in the manufacturing method of Example 1, the adsorption member 12 is previously arranged inside the pipe body 11 before bending the pipe body 11.

[0053] Thereby, the adsorption member 12 can be introduced into the straight pipe-shaped pipe body 11, and the adsorption member 12 formed into a disc-shaped pellet according to the inner diameter dimension of the pipe body 11 can be standardized as a dedicated pellet for each pipe body 11 having a different inner diameter. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the working time and reduce the cost.

[0054] In addition, when the suction member 12 is inserted into the tubular body 11 in a state where the bent portion 14 is formed in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction, only a granular pellet suction member can be inserted, and a disc-shaped suction member cannot be used. Further, when the shape of the bent portion 14 is complicated, it is difficult to dispose the suction member 12 and the support member 13 inside the tubular body 11, and the work may take time.

[0055] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle pipe member 10 according to the first embodiment, a pre-step (FIG. 3B) of forming a first small-diameter portion 15a at one end portion 11c of the tubular body 11 by making the inner diameter of one end portion 11c of the tubular body 11 smaller than the middle portion in the longitudinal direction is provided before the first step.

[0056] Therefore, when the support member 13 is inserted into the tubular body 11 in the first step, the support member 13 can be positioned by the pre-formed first small-diameter portion 15a. Thereby, the working efficiency can be improved.

[0057] Moreover, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle pipe member 10 according to the first embodiment, an intermediate step (FIG. 5) of forming a second small-diameter portion 15b at the other end portion 11d of the tubular body 11 by making the inner diameter of the other end portion 11d of the tubular body 11 smaller than the middle portion in the longitudinal direction is provided between the first step and the second step.

[0058] Thereby, before the second step, the suction member 12 and the support member 13 inserted into the tubular body 11 can be positioned by the first small-diameter portion 15a and the second small-diameter portion 15b. Then, when the tubular body 11 is bent in the second step, it is possible to prevent the suction member 12 and the support member 13 from being displaced along the tube axis O, and to ensure that the support member 13 is disposed at the bent portion 14.

[0059] (Second Embodiment) The vehicle pipe member 20 according to the second embodiment is an example in which the suction member 22 and the support member 23 are enclosed in a bag body 28 (first bag body).

[0060] That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2 includes a pipe body 21, a suction member 22, a support member 23, and a bag body 28.

[0061] The pipe body 21 is a metal or resin pipe member similar to that of Example 1, with open pipe ends 21a and 21b, and a bent portion 24 formed at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction. The bent portion 24 is a part that changes the direction of the pipe axis O of the pipe body 21. The bent portion 24 of Example 2 changes the direction of the pipe axis O by 90° when viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 7.

[0062] Also, on the inner peripheral surface of one end portion 21c of the pipe body 21, a first annular groove 25a is formed, and on the inner peripheral surface of the other end portion 21d, a second annular groove 25b is formed. Further, on the pipe body 21 of Example 1, large-diameter portions 26 are formed at the peripheries of the pipe ends 21a and 21b.

[0063] The first annular groove 25a and the second annular groove 25b are recesses formed on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe body 21 and extending over the entire circumference along the circumferential direction. Also, the large-diameter portion 26 is a portion that protrudes over the entire circumference outward in the pipe diameter direction along the circumferential direction of the pipe ends 21a and 21b. The first annular groove 25a, the second annular groove 25b, and the large-diameter portion 26 are formed on the pipe body 21 by bulge processing, bead processing, spool processing, etc. In Example 2, in order to make the wall thickness of the pipe body 21 constant, when the first annular groove 25a and the second annular groove 25b are formed, annular protrusions are formed on the outer periphery of the pipe body 21. Also, the first annular groove 25a, the second annular groove 25b, and the large-diameter portion 26 may not be formed.

[0064] Further, when the tubular body 21 has a region between one large-diameter portion 26 and the first annular groove 25a defined as the "one-end region X", a region between the first annular groove 25a and the second annular groove 25b defined as the "intermediate region Y", and a region between the second annular groove 25b and the other large-diameter portion 26 defined as the "other-end region Z", the inner diameter in the one-end region X, the inner diameter in the intermediate region Y, and the inner diameter in the other-end region Z are set to the same size. Also, the outer diameter in the one-end region X, the outer diameter in the intermediate region Y, and the outer diameter in the other-end region Z are set to the same size. Note that in the bent portion 24 formed in the intermediate region Y, the inner diameter and the outer diameter may be different from those of other portions due to the influence of bending the tubular body 21.

[0065] The adsorption member 22 is filled in the tubular body 21 and adsorbs fuel vapor gas (breakthrough gas) contained in the gas (exhaust gas) discharged from the canister 102. The adsorption member 22 is formed of, for example, activated carbon. Also, the adsorption member 22 of the second embodiment exhibits a fine particle shape such as granular, powdery, or fibrous.

[0066] The support member 23 is incorporated in the tubular body 21 and supports the tubular body 21 from the inside to support the inner diameter of the tubular body 21. Since the support member 23 has the same configuration as the support member 13 of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0067] The bag body 28 is a cylindrical bag member that encloses the adsorption member 22 and the support member 23, and both ends are closed in a state where the adsorption member 22 and the support member 23 are enclosed. Here, the bag body 28 has air permeability that allows the gas (exhaust gas) discharged from the canister 102 to pass through. Also, the bag body 28 has flexibility that can follow the deformation of the tubular body 21. Specifically, the bag body 28 is preferably formed of a non-woven fabric or a microporous membrane and has heat resistance, flame retardancy, etc.

[0068] Inside the bag body 28, the suction members 22 are filled at both ends in the length direction, and the support member 23 is built in the middle part in the length direction. Also, the total length of the bag body 28 is set to be shorter than the total length of the pipe body 21. Note that the total length of the bag body 28 is preferably the same as the interval between the plug members 27 at both ends when the plug member 27 described later is attached to both ends of the pipe body 21.

[0069] And in the vehicle pipe member 20 of the second embodiment, the suction member 22 and the support member 23 are arranged inside the pipe body 21 in a state of being enclosed in the bag body 28. At this time, the support member 23 is arranged at the bent portion 24, and the suction member 22 is arranged between the bent portion 24 and one end portion 21c of the pipe body 21, and between the bent portion 24 and the other end portion 21d of the pipe body 21. That is, the suction member 22 and the support member 23 are alternately arranged along the pipe axis O inside the pipe body 21.

[0070] Next, a manufacturing method of the vehicle pipe member 20 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0071] The manufacturing method of the vehicle pipe member 20 of the second embodiment includes a pre-step, a first step, an intermediate step, and a second step.

[0072] The pre-step is a pre-step of the first step. In the pre-step of the second embodiment, one pipe end 21a of the pipe body 21 is closed, and the suction member 22 and the support member 23 are enclosed in the bag body 28. That is, in the pre-step of the second embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 8A, the plug member 27 is attached to the other pipe end 21b of the straight pipe-shaped pipe body 21. Note that the pipe body 21 is previously subjected to a bulging process or the like, and the first annular groove 25a, the second annular groove 25b, and the large-diameter portion 26 are formed. Also, the plug member 27 is fixed to the pipe body 21 by being press-fitted into the pipe body 21, and the other pipe end 21b is closed.

[0073] In the pre-step of Example 2, as shown in FIG. 8B, the suction member 22 and the support member 23 are alternately inserted into and enclosed in the bag body 28. At this time, one end 28a of the bag body 28 is pre-closed, and the other end 28b is open. Then, from the open other end 28b, the suction member 22, the support member 23, and the suction member 22 are inserted into the bag body 28 in this order, and then the other end 28b is closed.

[0074] The first step is the next step after the pre-step, and the suction member 22 and the support member 23 are arranged inside the straight tubular body 21. In Example 2, the suction member 22 and the support member 23 are enclosed in the bag body 28 in the pre-step. Therefore, in the first step of Example 1, as shown in FIG. 9, the bag body 28 enclosing the suction member 22 and the support member 23 is inserted into the tubular body 21. That is, the suction member 22 and the support member 23 are inserted into the inside of the tubular body 21 in a state of being enclosed in the bag body 28. Thereby, the suction member 22 and the support member 23 are arranged inside the straight tubular body 21.

[0075] The intermediate step is the next step after the first step, and one pipe end 21a of the pipe body 21 is closed. That is, in the intermediate step of Example 2, as shown in FIG. 10, a plug member 27 is attached to one pipe end 21a of the pipe body 21. The plug member 27 is press-fitted into the pipe body 21 to seal one pipe end 21a.

[0076] The second step is the next step after the intermediate step. The pipe body 21 is bent at the position where the support member 23 is arranged to form a bent portion 24 at the intermediate portion in the length direction of the pipe body 21. Since the second step of Example 2 is the same procedure as the second step of Example 1, a detailed description is omitted. Also, in the second step of Example 2, after the bent portion 24 is formed, the plug members 27 attached to the pipe ends 21a and 21b are both pulled out and removed from the pipe body 21.

[0077] Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2 and its manufacturing method will be described.

[0078] In the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2, the adsorption member 22 and the support member 23 are enclosed in the bag body 28 and are arranged inside the pipe body 21 in a state of being enclosed in the bag body 28. Therefore, the adsorption member 22 and the support member 23 are integrated by the bag body 28. As a result, when the pipe body 21 is bent in the second step to form the bent portion 24, the positions of the adsorption member 22 and the support member 23 are defined.

[0079] That is, in the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2, the support member 23 is caught by the bent portion 24 of the pipe body 21, and the displacement of the support member 23 is restricted. Further, since the adsorption member 22 is integrated with the support member 23 by the bag body 28, the displacement of the adsorption member 22 is also restricted when the displacement of the support member 23 is restricted. Thereby, in the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2, the adsorption member 22 does not shift along the pipe axis O during use. As a result, different from Example 1, the terminal processing of the pipe body 21 for the purpose of fixing the adsorption member 22 during use, that is, the formation of the first small-diameter portion 15a in the pre-processing of Example 1 and the formation of the second small-diameter portion 15b in the intermediate process of Example 1 become unnecessary.

[0080] Thereby, the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2 can be manufactured more easily than the manufacturing method of the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1. Further, the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2 does not require equipment for forming the first small-diameter portion 15a and the like, and an increase in cost can be suppressed.

[0081] In addition, since it is not necessary to arrange the support member 23 at the end portions 21c and 21d in the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2, it is possible to arrange more adsorption members 22 inside the pipe body 21 compared to the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1. Therefore, the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2 can increase the adsorption amount of fuel evaporation gas (breakthrough gas) contained in the gas compared to the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1.

[0082] In addition, in the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2, since the adsorption member 22 is enclosed in the bag body 28, when the adsorption member 22 is put into the pipe body 21, the adsorption member 22 will not spill. Also, it is not necessary to adjust the input amount of the adsorption member 22. As a result, the vehicle pipe member 20 of Example 2 can easily put in the adsorption member 22, and can improve the workability of the vehicle pipe member 20 and the setup property during manufacturing.

[0083] (Example 3) The vehicle pipe member 30 of Example 3 is an example in which the adsorption member 32 is enclosed in a bag body 38 (second bag body).

[0084] That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the vehicle pipe member 30 of Example 3 includes a pipe body 31, an adsorption member 32, a support member 33, and a bag body 38.

[0085] The pipe body 31 is a metal or resin pipe member similar to those of Example 1 and Example 2. The pipe ends 31a and 31b are open, and a bent portion 34 is formed in the middle portion in the length direction. The bent portion 34 is a portion that changes the direction of the pipe axis O of the pipe body 31. The bent portion 24 of Example 3 changes the direction of the pipe axis O by 90° when viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 11.

[0086] Also, the pipe body 31 of Example 3 has the same shape as that of Example 1. A first small-diameter portion 35a is formed at one end portion 31c, and a second small-diameter portion 35b is formed at the other end portion 31d. Furthermore, a large-diameter portion 36 is formed at the peripheries of the pipe ends 31a and 31b of the pipe body 31 of Example 3.

[0087] The adsorption member 32 is filled in the pipe body 31 and adsorbs fuel vapor gas (breakthrough gas) contained in the gas (exhaust gas) discharged from the canister 102. The adsorption member 32 is formed of, for example, activated carbon. Also, the adsorption member 32 of Example 3 has a fine particle shape such as granular, powdery, or fibrous.

[0088] The support member 33 is built into the tubular body 31, supports the tubular body 31 from the inside, and supports the inner diameter of the tubular body 31. Since the support member 33 has the same configuration as the support member 13 of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0089] The bag body 38 is a cylindrical bag member that encloses the adsorption member 32, and both ends are closed in a state where the adsorption member 32 is enclosed. Here, the bag body 38 has air permeability that allows the gas (exhaust gas) discharged from the canister 102 to pass through. Note that the bag body 38 of the third embodiment may be formed of the same material as the bag body 28 of the second embodiment, or unlike the bag body 28 of the second embodiment, it does not necessarily have flexibility that can follow the deformation of the tubular body 21. Specifically, the bag body 38 is preferably formed of a non-woven fabric or a microporous membrane and has heat resistance, flame retardancy, etc.

[0090] The inside of the bag body 38 is filled with the adsorption member 32. Also, the overall length of the bag body 38 is set to be shorter than the length from the support member 33 to the first small-diameter portion 35a or the length from the support member 33 to the second small-diameter portion 35b. Note that the overall length of the bag body 38 is preferably substantially the same as the length from the support member 33 to the first small-diameter portion 35a or the length from the support member 33 to the second small-diameter portion 35b.

[0091] Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle tube member 30 of the third embodiment will be described.

[0092] The method for manufacturing the vehicle tube member 30 of the third embodiment includes a pre-step, a first step, an intermediate step, and a second step.

[0093] The pre-step is a pre-step of the first step. In the pre-step of the first embodiment, the first small-diameter portion 35a is formed at one end portion 31c of the tubular body 31 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Since the formation procedure of the first small-diameter portion 35a is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. Also, in the pre-step of the third embodiment, the bag body 38 is filled with the adsorption member 32 and enclosed.

[0094] The first step is the next step after the pre-step. Inside the straight tubular body 31 with the first small-diameter part 35a formed at one end 31c, the adsorption member 32 and the support member 33 are alternately arranged in the same manner as in the first step of Example 1. Here, in the first step of Example 3, the adsorption member 32 was enclosed in the bag body 38 in the pre-step, and the adsorption member 32 is put into the inside of the tubular body 31 in a state of being enclosed in the bag body 38. Note that, as a method of moving the adsorption member 32, air may be injected into the inside of the tubular body 31 to move the adsorption member 32, or a jig may be used.

[0095] Since the intermediate step and the second step are the same as those in Example 1, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0096] Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle pipe member 30 of Example 3 and its manufacturing method will be described.

[0097] In the vehicle pipe member 30 of Example 3, the adsorption member 32 is arranged inside the tubular body 31 in a state of being enclosed in the bag body 38. Thereby, when the adsorption member 32 is put into the tubular body 31 in the first step, the adsorption member 32 does not spill from the tubular body 31. Also, there is no need to adjust the input amount of the adsorption member 32. Thereby, the vehicle pipe member 30 of Example 3 can easily put in the adsorption member 32, and can improve the workability of the vehicle pipe member 30 and the setup property during manufacturing.

[0098] Also, in the vehicle pipe member 30 of Example 3, since the adsorption member 32 does not leak from the tubular body 31, unlike the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, it is not necessary to arrange the support member 33 at the ends 31c and 31d of the tubular body 31. Therefore, the vehicle pipe member 30 of Example 3 can increase the amount of the adsorption member 32 filled in the tubular body 31 compared with the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, and can increase the adsorption amount of the fuel evaporation gas (breakthrough gas) contained in the gas more than the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1.

[0099] The vehicle pipe member and its manufacturing method of the present invention have been described based on Examples 1 to 3. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these examples, and design changes, additions, etc. are allowed as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim.

[0100] In the vehicle pipe members 10, 20, and 30 of Examples 1 to 3, examples in which the direction of the pipe axis O is changed by 90° at the bent portions 14, 24, and 34 are shown. However, the bending angles of the bent portions 14, 24, and 34 are not limited to this, and can be set to any angle according to the system layout of the fuel evaporation gas suppression system 1.

[0101] Also, in the vehicle pipe members 10, 20, and 30 of Examples 1 to 3, examples in which one bent portion 14, 24, and 34 is formed in the middle portion in the length direction of the pipe bodies 11, 21, and 31 are shown. However, a plurality of bent portions 14, 24, and 34 may be formed according to the system layout of the fuel evaporation gas suppression system 1.

[0102] In addition, in the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, an example in which the adsorption member 12 is formed into a disc-shaped pellet that matches the inner diameter dimension of the pipe body 11 is shown. However, the shape of the adsorption member 12 is not limited to this. For example, the adsorption member 12 may be any of granular, powdery, or fibrous activated carbon.

[0103] In the manufacturing method of the vehicle pipe member 10 of Example 1, an example in which air is injected into the pipe body 11 to move the support member 13 is shown in the first step. However, the method of moving the support member 13 is not limited to this. For example, a jig such as a T-shaped bar may be used to push the support member 13 into the pipe body 11 and move the support member 13 to a desired position. Cross-reference of related applications

[0104] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-36344 filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 9, 2022, and all of its disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A vehicle pipe member having one end connected to a canister that adsorbs fuel vapor gas generated in a fuel tank and the other end open to the atmosphere, comprising: a pipe body having a bent portion formed in an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction; an adsorption member filled in the pipe body and adsorbing the fuel vapor gas contained in the gas discharged from the canister to the atmosphere; a support member built in the pipe body and supporting the inner diameter of the pipe body, wherein the support member is disposed at the bent portion Characterized in that it is a vehicle pipe member.

2. In the vehicle pipe member according to Claim 1, the pipe body has a first small-diameter portion with an inner diameter smaller than that of the intermediate portion formed at one end, and a second small-diameter portion with an inner diameter smaller than that of the intermediate portion formed at the other end, the adsorption member and the support member are disposed between the first small-diameter portion and the second small-diameter portion Characterized in that it is a vehicle pipe member.

3. In the vehicle pipe member according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, the support members are respectively disposed at both ends of the pipe body, the adsorption member is disposed between the support members disposed at both ends of the pipe body and the support member disposed at the bent portion Characterized in that it is a vehicle pipe member.

4. In the vehicle pipe member according to Claim 1, comprising a first air-permeable bag body for enclosing the adsorption member and the support member, the adsorption member and the support member are disposed inside the pipe body in a state of being enclosed in the first bag body Characterized in that it is a vehicle pipe member.

5. In the vehicle pipe member according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, comprising a second air-permeable bag body for enclosing the adsorption member, the adsorption member is filled in the pipe body in a state of being enclosed in the second bag body Characterized in that it is a vehicle pipe member.

6. In the vehicle pipe member according to Claim 1, the support member has elasticity that can expand and contract along the pipe axis of the pipe body Characterized in that it is a vehicle pipe member.

7. A method for manufacturing a vehicle pipe member having one end connected to a canister that adsorbs fuel vapor gas generated in a fuel tank and the other end open to the atmosphere, comprising: a first step of disposing, inside a straight pipe body, an adsorption member that adsorbs fuel vapor gas contained in the gas discharged from the canister to the atmosphere and a support member that supports the inner diameter of the pipe body; a second step of bending the pipe body at the position where the support member is disposed to form a bent portion in the pipe body; A method for manufacturing a pipe member for a vehicle, characterized by comprising

8. In the method for manufacturing a pipe member for a vehicle according to Claim 7, a pre-step of forming a first small-diameter portion at one end of the pipe body by making the inner diameter of one end of the pipe body smaller than that of the intermediate portion is provided before the first step A method for manufacturing a pipe member for a vehicle, characterized by

9. In the method for manufacturing a pipe member for a vehicle according to Claim 7 or Claim 8, an intermediate step of forming a second small-diameter portion at the other end of the pipe body by making the inner diameter of the other end of the pipe body smaller than that of the intermediate portion is provided between the first step and the second step A method for manufacturing a pipe member for a vehicle, characterized by

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