Fuel vapor treatment device and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To fix an adsorbent agglomeration into an evaporation fuel treatment device without compression.SOLUTION: An evaporation fuel treatment device includes a hollow case and an adsorbent agglomeration. The hollow case includes an inner wall that defines an internal space. The adsorbent agglomeration is accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow case. The adsorbent agglomeration is configured to adsorb evaporation fuel flowing into the internal space. The adsorbent agglomeration is accommodated in the internal space while an end of the adsorbent agglomeration is at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel vapor treatment device and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an in-vehicle canister is known as an evaporated fuel treatment device that adsorbs evaporated fuel from a vehicle fuel tank to prevent the evaporated fuel from being released into the atmosphere (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3).

[0003] The canister absorbs evaporated fuel with an adsorbent material, while drawing in air to desorb the fuel from the adsorbent material and supply it to the engine. In an exemplary canister, an adsorbent mass is placed in an adsorption chamber that communicates with an atmospheric port. The adsorbent mass may be, for example, a collection of adsorbent blocks made of solidified activated carbon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-231380 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-143950 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-72475 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventionally, adsorbent agglomerates having a diameter larger than the adsorption chamber are prepared as adsorbent agglomerates, and the adsorbent agglomerates are mounted in the adsorption chamber in a compressed state so that the adsorbent agglomerates remain fixed in place within the adsorption chamber even when subjected to vehicle vibrations.

[0006] However, when the adsorbent agglomerates are mounted in the adsorption chamber while being compressed, the adsorbent agglomerates may break and the fragments may clog the filter, which may worsen the airflow resistance of the canister.

[0007] Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, it would be desirable to provide a novel technique that allows for fixing an adsorbent mass within a fuel vapor treatment device without compression. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an evaporative fuel treatment device. The evaporative fuel treatment device includes a hollow case having an inner wall defining an interior space, and an adsorbent mass. The hollow case has an inner wall defining an interior space. The adsorbent mass is contained in the interior space surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow case.

[0009] The sorbent mass is configured to adsorb fuel vapor entering the interior space. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sorbent mass is contained within the interior space with an end of the sorbent mass at least partially embedded in the interior wall of the hollow casing.

[0010] By embedding the adsorbent mass within the interior wall of the hollow case, the adsorbent mass can be properly secured within the fuel vapor treatment device without compression, which prevents the adsorbent mass from breaking and being damaged as would occur if compression were required.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the adsorbent mass may have a porous surface. The adsorbent mass may be embedded in an inner wall with the material constituting the inner wall penetrating into a plurality of pores in the surface. By embedding the adsorbent mass in the inner wall of a hollow casing so that the material constituting the inner wall penetrates into the porous surface, the adsorbent mass can be properly secured within the fuel vapor treatment device without compression.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the adsorbent mass may be accommodated in the interior space of the hollow case by insert molding the hollow case containing the adsorbent mass such that an end of the adsorbent mass is at least partially embedded in the interior wall of the hollow case, allowing the adsorbent mass to be properly secured within the fuel vapor treatment device without compression.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the adsorbent agglomerates may have peripheral edges that are positioned along the inner wall of the hollow case. The peripheral edges of the adsorbent agglomerates may be embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case. By embedding the peripheral edges in this manner, the inner wall of the hollow case and the peripheral edges of the adsorbent agglomerates can be tightly attached to each other, thereby appropriately suppressing the outflow of evaporated fuel.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fuel vapor treatment device may include an outer case having a charge port for fuel vapor and defining an internal flow path for gas containing fuel vapor flowing through the charge port. The hollow case containing the adsorbent mass may be constructed separately from the outer case and disposed inside the outer case in the gas flow path. By constructing the hollow case containing the adsorbent mass as a separate part from the outer case, the adsorbent mass can be easily fixed within the fuel vapor treatment device without compression.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a hollow case may include a case body and a connection port. The case body may have an inner wall defining an interior space and may be configured to accommodate an adsorbent mass. The connection port may be configured to introduce gas containing evaporated fuel into the interior space. The adsorbent mass may be accommodated in the interior space of the case body while being embedded in the inner wall so as to adsorb evaporated fuel contained in the gas introduced through the connection port.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there may be provided a method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel treatment device. The method may include preparing a mold for molding a hollow case having an inner wall defining an interior space. The method may include disposing, at a predetermined position within the mold, an adsorbent mass configured to adsorb evaporated fuel. The method may include filling the mold with a resin for molding the hollow case with the adsorbent mass disposed within the mold.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a manufacturing method may be a method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel treatment device comprising a hollow case and an adsorbent mass by filling a mold with resin, the adsorbent mass being housed in the interior space of the hollow case with an end of the adsorbent mass at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case by insert molding. Insert molding allows the adsorbent mass to be properly fixed within the evaporated fuel treatment device without compression.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the hollow case may have a cylindrical inner wall having a central axis. The adsorbent mass may have a columnar outer shape having a central axis. The mold and the adsorbent mass may each include a positioning structure for aligning the central axis of the adsorbent mass with the central axis of the hollow case.

[0019] Positioning the adsorbent mass may include positioning the adsorbent mass in a predetermined position within the mold using a positioning structure, which allows the adsorbent mass to be properly positioned relative to the hollow casing during insert molding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating insert molding of a hollow case using a mold according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel treatment device corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an adsorbent and a mold according to a modified example. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating insert molding of a hollow case using a mold according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporated fuel treatment device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] The evaporated fuel processing device 1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is configured as an on-vehicle canister that adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle.

[0022] The evaporated fuel treatment device 1 includes an outer case 2, and accommodates adsorbents 5, 7 and an adsorbent mass 9 for adsorbing evaporated fuel within the outer case 2. The outer case 2 includes a charge port 21, a purge port 22, and an atmospheric port 23.

[0023] The outer case 2 is configured to define an internal space including the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 9R. Within the outer case 2, a flow path is formed for the gas flowing in from the charge port 21, passing through the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 9R.

[0024] The charge port 21 is connected to the fuel tank of the vehicle through a pipe. The charge port 21 is configured to take in evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank into the evaporated fuel processing device 1. The charge port 21 functions as an inlet for gas containing evaporated fuel.

[0025] The purge port 22 is connected to an intake pipe of an engine of a vehicle via a purge valve, and is configured to supply the evaporated fuel in the evaporated fuel processing device 1 to the engine.

[0026] The atmospheric port 23 is configured to release the gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed into the atmosphere. The atmospheric port 23 is further configured to take in outside air (i.e., purge air). By taking in outside air through the atmospheric port 23, the evaporated fuel adsorbed by the evaporated fuel treatment device 1 is desorbed and supplied to the engine through the purge port 22.

[0027] The outer case 2 includes a main body 2A and a lid 2B. The main body 2A has an open end. A charge port 21, a purge port 22, and an atmospheric port 23 are provided in the main body 2A. Necessary components, including adsorbents 5, 7 and adsorbent agglomerates 9, are housed inside the outer case 2 through the open end of the main body 2A. The lid 2B is attached to the main body 2A so as to close the open end of the main body 2A.

[0028] The first adsorption chamber 5R is provided in an area of ​​the internal space of the outer case 2 that is close to the charge port 21 and the purge port 22. The first adsorption chamber 5R contains an adsorbent 5. Examples of the adsorbent 5 include activated carbon and zeolite. In the first adsorption chamber 5R, the evaporated fuel that flows in from the charge port 21 is adsorbed by the adsorbent 5. The evaporated fuel adsorbed by the adsorbent 5 is discharged from the purge port 22.

[0029] The first adsorption chamber 5R is defined by a first filter 5A and a second filter 5B disposed in the internal space of the outer case 2. The first filter 5A and the second filter 5B are configured to block the adsorbent 5 but allow gas to pass through.

[0030] The first filter 5A separates the first adsorption chamber 5R from a space communicating with the charge port 21 and purge port 22 connected to the first adsorption chamber 5R. The second filter 5B separates the first adsorption chamber 5R from a communication passage 6 with the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0031] The second filter 5B is pressed toward the charge port 21 and the purge port 22 via the grid 5C. As a result, the filters 5A and 5B sandwich the adsorbent 5 within the first adsorption chamber 5R. The grid 5C may be configured in a lattice, slit, or porous shape.

[0032] Of the evaporated fuel that flows in from the charge port 21, the evaporated fuel that is not adsorbed by the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R moves through the connecting passage 6 to the second adsorption chamber 7R, where it is adsorbed by the adsorbent 7.

[0033] The communication passage 6 is provided in an area of ​​the internal space of the outer case 2 where the main body portion 2A and the lid portion 2B are adjacent to each other, and forms a flow path for gas containing evaporated fuel between the first adsorption chamber 5R and the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0034] The second adsorption chamber 7R is arranged so that gas can freely flow between it and the first adsorption chamber 5R through the communication passage 6. As shown in Fig. 1, the first adsorption chamber 5R and the second adsorption chamber 7R are arranged in parallel adjacent to the communication passage 6. In other words, the second adsorption chamber 7R is arranged alongside the first adsorption chamber 5R in the radial direction of the first adsorption chamber 5R so that the gas flow direction is parallel to that of the first adsorption chamber 5R.

[0035] The second adsorption chamber 7R contains an adsorbent 7. Examples of the adsorbent 7 include activated carbon and zeolite. The adsorbent 7 may be made of the same material as the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R, or may be made of a different material.

[0036] The second adsorption chamber 7R is defined by a first filter 7A and a second filter 7B disposed in the internal space of the outer case 2. The first filter 7A and the second filter 7B defining the second adsorption chamber 7R are configured to block the adsorbent 7 but allow gas to pass through.

[0037] The first filter 7A separates the space in which the second adsorption chamber 7R and the third adsorption chamber 9R are disposed. The second filter 7B separates the space in which the communication passage 6 and the second adsorption chamber 7R are disposed. The second filter 7B is pressed toward the second adsorption chamber 7R and the atmospheric port 23 via the grid 7C. As a result, the filters 7A and 7B sandwich the adsorbent 7 within the second adsorption chamber 7R. The grid 7C may be configured in a lattice, slit, or porous shape.

[0038] The third adsorption chamber 9R is provided inside a cartridge 10 attached to an area of ​​the internal space of the outer case 2 adjacent to the atmospheric port 23. The cartridge 10 is a separate component from the outer case 2 and is housed in the internal space of the outer case 2.

[0039] A filter 9A is installed in the outer case 2 so as to block the flow path leading from the atmospheric port 23 to the third adsorption chamber 9R. The filter 9A is disposed between the atmospheric port 23 and the cartridge 10. The cartridge 10 is disposed adjacent to the filter 9A. The filter 9A is configured to block the adsorbent agglomerates 9 but to allow gas to pass through.

[0040] The cartridge 10 includes a cylindrical hollow case 11 having a cylindrical inner wall 11A that defines the internal space of the cartridge 10, and an adsorbent agglomerate 9 contained in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11. The inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11 defines a third adsorption chamber 9R.

[0041] An elastic ring-shaped seal member 13 is provided on the outer periphery of hollow case 11. A groove member 12 for positioning seal member 13 is provided on the outer periphery of hollow case 11. Seal member 13 is positioned in groove member 12 provided on the outer periphery of hollow case 11. With this positioning, seal member 13 is attached to the outer periphery of hollow case 11. An example of seal member 13 is an O-ring.

[0042] The cartridge 10 is attached to the inside of the outer case 2 so as to be positioned via a seal member 13. According to one example, the inner periphery of the outer case 2 and the outer periphery of the hollow case 11 are circular. The outer periphery of the hollow case 11 has a smaller diameter than the inner periphery of the outer case 2. According to this example, the cartridge 10, which has a circular cross section, is attached so as to be fitted into the internal space of the outer case 2, which also has a circular cross section.

[0043] When the cartridge 10 is installed in the correct position inside the outer case 2, the seal member 13 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 2 and elastically deforms. As a result, the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the hollow case 11 is closed by the seal member 13 to prevent gas containing evaporated fuel from passing through. Furthermore, the elastic force of the seal member 13 fixes the cartridge 10 in the outer case 2 so that it does not shift out of position.

[0044] The adsorbent agglomerates 9 are housed in the hollow case 11 in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11 so as to cover the entire cross section of the hollow case 11 perpendicular to the central axis thereof.

[0045] The adsorbent agglomerates 9 are columnar adsorbent agglomerates having an outer shape corresponding to the interior space of the hollow casing 11. According to one example, the hollow casing 11 is a cylindrical casing, and the adsorbent agglomerates 9 are columnar adsorbent agglomerates.

[0046] The adsorbent agglomerates 9 may be, for example, aggregates of granular or fibrous adsorbent. For example, the adsorbent agglomerates 9 may be aggregates of granular adsorbent materials such as activated carbon or zeolite. As another example, the adsorbent agglomerates 9 may be formed using fibrous activated carbon.

[0047] A characteristic feature of this embodiment is that the adsorbent agglomerates 9 are housed within the hollow casing 11 such that the peripheral edge 9E of the adsorbent agglomerates 9 is embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow casing 11 along the entire inner circumferential direction of the hollow casing 11. The embedding of the adsorbent agglomerates 9 within the hollow casing 11 is achieved by insert molding. The peripheral edge 9E is the edge around the axis of the adsorbent agglomerates 9.

[0048] That is, hollow casing 11 is formed integrally with adsorbent agglomerates 9 by insert molding, with peripheral edge portions 9E of adsorbent agglomerates 9 embedded in inner wall 11A of hollow casing 11. Figure 2 shows that peripheral edge portions 9E of adsorbent agglomerates 9 are embedded in inner wall 11A of hollow casing 11.

[0049] The cartridge 10 is manufactured by preparing a mold 30 for molding a hollow case 11 as shown in FIG. 3A, placing an adsorbent mass 9 in a predetermined position within the mold 30, and then filling the mold 30 with resin RS as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0050] The adsorbent clumps 9 are made of a porous material and therefore have a porous surface. Therefore, when the uncured resin RS is poured into the mold 30, the resin RS that constitutes the hollow casing 11 flows into the numerous pores in the surface of the adsorbent clumps 9. When the resin RS has flowed into the numerous pores in the surface of the adsorbent clumps 9, the resin RS hardens, and the adsorbent clumps 9 are contained in the hollow casing 11, embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow casing 11.

[0051] 3A , the mold 30 includes columnar mold parts 31 and 33 for forming the interior space of the hollow case 11, and a cylindrical mold part 35 that surrounds the columnar mold parts 31 and 33. The columnar mold parts 31 and 33 include a first mold part 31 that supports the adsorbent lump 9 from below, and a second mold part 33 that is placed on top of the adsorbent lump 9, in order to position the adsorbent lump 9 at a predetermined axial position in the hollow case 11.

[0052] The adsorbent agglomerates 9 are disposed inside the cylindrical mold part 35, between the first and second cylindrical mold parts 31 and 33. The adsorbent agglomerates 9 are disposed within the mold 30 such that the central axes of the adsorbent agglomerates 9, the cylindrical mold part 35, and the cylindrical mold parts 31 and 33 are aligned. The adsorbent agglomerates 9 are cylindrical adsorbent agglomerates having a diameter larger than the outer periphery of the cylindrical mold parts 31 and 33 but smaller than the inner periphery of the cylindrical mold part 35, and are disposed within the mold 30.

[0053] In this state, resin RS is filled into the gap between the cylindrical mold part 35 and the columnar mold parts 31, 33, thereby producing a cartridge 10 in which the entire peripheral portion 9E of the adsorbent mass 9 is embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11.

[0054] In the evaporated fuel treatment device 1 of this embodiment, evaporated fuel taken in through the charge port 21 is adsorbed by the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R. The evaporated fuel that cannot be adsorbed in the first adsorption chamber 5R moves through the communication passage 6 to the second adsorption chamber 7R, where it is adsorbed by the adsorbent 7.

[0055] The evaporated fuel that is not completely adsorbed in the second adsorption chamber 7R moves to the third adsorption chamber 9R, where it is adsorbed by the adsorbent mass 9. The gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed by adsorption is released from the atmospheric port 23.

[0056] In addition, by supplying air from the atmospheric port 23, the evaporated fuel that had been adsorbed by the adsorbents 5, 7 and the adsorbent mass 9 in the first adsorption chamber 5R, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 9R, respectively, is discharged to the engine through the purge port 22.

[0057] <Effects> In this embodiment, the adsorbent clumps 9 are fixed so as to be embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11. Therefore, even when the vehicle vibrates, no gaps are formed between the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11 and the adsorbent clumps 9, and the adsorbent clumps 9 can properly adsorb the evaporated fuel.

[0058] In this embodiment, the peripheral edge 9E of the adsorbent agglomerate 9 is integral with the inner wall 11A of the hollow casing 11, and therefore the adsorbent agglomerate 9 is not damaged by compression. Conventionally, when fixing the adsorbent agglomerate inside the hollow casing 11, the outer diameter of the adsorbent agglomerate is set larger than the inner diameter of the hollow casing 11, and the adsorbent agglomerate is placed inside the hollow casing 11 while being compressed radially.

[0059] While compression allows the periphery of the adsorbent agglomerates to be tightly attached to the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11 even when vehicle vibration occurs, compression also places a load on the periphery of the adsorbent agglomerates. In prior art, this load can cause the adsorbent agglomerates to break, resulting in fragments of the adsorbent agglomerates that can clog filters 7A and 9A. In other words, the breakage of the adsorbent agglomerates can increase airflow resistance.

[0060] In contrast, in this embodiment, damage to the adsorbent agglomerates 9 due to compression can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly durable evaporated fuel treatment device 1 that can maintain good airflow resistance for a long period of time. The cartridge 10 can be distributed as a component part of the evaporated fuel treatment device 1. In a broad sense, the cartridge 10 itself is also an evaporated fuel treatment device.

[0061] [Modification of the first embodiment] As shown in Fig. 4, cartridge 10 may be provided with adsorbent agglomerates 15 having positioning recesses 15A in place of the above-described adsorbent agglomerates 9. The modified fuel vapor treatment device 101 shown in Fig. 4 differs from the fuel vapor treatment device 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that it includes adsorbent agglomerates 15 having recesses 15A in place of the above-described adsorbent agglomerates 9.

[0062] On the other hand, except for the above points, the modified example of the evaporated fuel processing device 101 is basically configured in the same manner as the evaporated fuel processing device 1 shown in Fig. 1. In the following, parts of the modified example of the evaporated fuel processing device 101 that have the same configuration as the evaporated fuel processing device 1 are given the same reference numerals as the corresponding parts of the evaporated fuel processing device 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] In this modification, cartridge 10 accommodates adsorbent mass 15 having recessed portion 15A in hollow casing 11. When hollow casing 11 is integrally molded with adsorbent mass 15 by insert molding, mold part 32 having protruding portion 32A that engages with recessed portion 15A is used in place of mold part 31.

[0064] 5 has cylindrical protrusions 32A in accordance with the presence of recesses 15A with a circular cross section in the adsorbent agglomerates 15. The protrusions 32A and recesses 15A are configured with dimensions such that no relative radial displacement occurs when they engage with each other.

[0065] Protrusion 32A is provided on the upper surface of mold part 32 so that the central axis of protrusion 32A coincides with the central axis of mold part 32. Recess 15A is provided on the lower surface of adsorbent agglomerate 15 so that the central axis of recess 15A coincides with the central axis of adsorbent agglomerate 15.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the adsorbent mass 15 is set on the mold part 32 so as to be positioned by the engagement between the protrusion 32A and the recess 15A, the adsorbent mass 15 is set so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the mold part 32.

[0067] Mold part 32 is set so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of cylindrical mold part 35. Accordingly, adsorbent agglomerate 15 is set in the space surrounded by mold parts 31, 32, and 35 so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of cylindrical mold part 35.

[0068] When the resin RS is injected into the mold parts 31, 32, and 35 with the adsorbent agglomerate 15 set between them, the adsorbent agglomerate 15 is contained in the hollow case 11 so that the central axis of the adsorbent agglomerate 15 coincides with the central axis of the hollow case 11, as shown in Figure 6B, and a cartridge 10 is produced in which the peripheral portion 15E of the adsorbent agglomerate 15 is embedded in the inner wall 11A of the hollow case 11.

[0069] In this way, protrusion 32A and recess 15A function as positioning structures for aligning the central axis of adsorbent agglomerate 15 with the central axis of hollow casing 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, mold 30 including mold parts 31, 32, and 35 can be used to manufacture cartridge 10 by insert molding, with adsorbent agglomerates 15 properly housed within hollow casing 11.

[0070] Here, an example has been described in which a recess 15A is provided in the adsorbent agglomerate 15 and a protrusion 32A is provided in the mold part 32, but it is also possible to provide a protrusion in the adsorbent agglomerate 15 and a recess that engages with it in the mold part 32.

[0071] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment of the evaporated fuel treatment device 201 shown in Figure 7 differs from the first embodiment of the evaporated fuel treatment device 1 in that the peripheral portion 209E of the adsorbent agglomerate 209, which replaces the adsorbent agglomerate 9, is embedded in the inner wall 202W of the outer case 202.

[0072] The second embodiment of the evaporated fuel treatment device 201 further differs from the first embodiment of the evaporated fuel treatment device 1 in that the outer case 202 does not have an atmospheric port 23, and the port component 223 that constitutes the atmospheric port 23 is attached to the outer case 202.

[0073] Other configurations of the evaporated fuel processing device 201 of the second embodiment are basically the same as those of the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment. In the following, parts of the evaporated fuel processing device 201 of the second embodiment that are the same as those of the evaporated fuel processing device 1 are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] The evaporated fuel treatment device 201 of this embodiment includes an outer case 202. The outer case 202 includes a main body 202A having a charge port 21 and a purge port 22, and a lid 2B. The lid 2B is attached to a predetermined position of the main body 202A so as to close the open end of the main body 202A.

[0075] The outer case 202 is configured to define an internal space including the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 209R. A flow path is formed within the outer case 202 for the gas flowing in from the charge port 21, passing through the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, the second adsorption chamber 7R, and the third adsorption chamber 209R. The outer case 202 has an opening 202C in a position close to the third adsorption chamber 209R.

[0076] The port component 223 is attached to the outer case 202 so as to cover the opening 202C. The port component 223 may be fixed to the outer case 202 with an adhesive, or may be fixed to the outer case 202 using a fixing part such as a screw.

[0077] In the first adsorption chamber 5R, the adsorbent 5 is sandwiched between the filters 5A and 5B. In the second adsorption chamber 7R, the adsorbent 7 is sandwiched between the filters 7A and 7B.

[0078] Adsorbent clump 209 is provided adjacent to filter 7A in an area adjacent to opening 202C in the internal space of outer case 202. Adsorbent clump 209 is configured similarly to adsorbent clump 9 of the first embodiment. Specifically, adsorbent clump 209 is a columnar adsorbent clump having an outer shape corresponding to the inner circumference of outer case 202 in which adsorbent clump 209 is housed.

[0079] In this embodiment, in the area adjacent to opening 202C, adsorbent agglomerates 209 are accommodated within outer case 202 such that peripheral edge portions 209E of adsorbent agglomerates 209 are embedded in inner wall 202W of outer case 202 along the entire inner circumferential direction of outer case 202. Embedding of adsorbent agglomerates 209 into inner wall 202W of outer case 202 is achieved by insert molding, as in the first embodiment.

[0080] In this embodiment, outer case 202 is molded using resin RS. When molding outer case 202, adsorbent agglomerates 209 are set in a mold used to mold main body 202A of outer case 202. Resin RS is injected into the mold with adsorbent agglomerates 209 set, thereby molding main body 202A of outer case 202 in which peripheral portion 209E of adsorbent agglomerates 209 is embedded in inner wall 202W.

[0081] The evaporated fuel treatment device 201 is completed by accommodating filters 5A and 5B, adsorbent 5, grid 5C, filters 7A and 7B, adsorbent 7, and grid 7C in a main body 202A of an outer case 202 integrally molded with an adsorbent mass 209, and by attaching a port component 223 to an opening 202C. According to this embodiment, the outer case 202 corresponds to the hollow case of the evaporated fuel treatment device 201.

[0082] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the adsorbent agglomerates 209 are provided in the evaporated fuel treatment device 201 by insert molding, so that damage to the adsorbent agglomerates 209 due to compression can be suppressed, and an increase in airflow resistance due to fragments of the adsorbent agglomerates 209 resulting from damage adhering to the filter 7A can be suppressed.

[0083] [Third embodiment] An evaporated fuel processing device 301 of the third embodiment shown in Figure 8 differs from the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment in that a cartridge 310 including adsorbent agglomerates 319 instead of the adsorbent agglomerates 9 is provided outside the outer case 302. The evaporated fuel processing device 301 of the third embodiment is basically configured in the same manner as the evaporated fuel processing device 1 of the first embodiment in other parts. In the following, parts of the evaporated fuel processing device 301 of the third embodiment that are configured the same as those of the evaporated fuel processing device 1 are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] 8 includes an outer case 302. The outer case 302 includes a main body 302A having a charge port 21, a purge port 22, and an atmospheric port 23, and a lid 2B. The lid 2B is attached to the main body 302A so as to close the open end of the main body 302A.

[0085] The outer case 302 is configured to define an internal space including the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, and the second adsorption chamber 7R. Within the outer case 302, a flow path is formed for the gas flowing in from the charge port 21, passing through the first adsorption chamber 5R, the communication passage 6, and the second adsorption chamber 7R.

[0086] In the first adsorption chamber 5R, the adsorbent 5 is sandwiched between filters 5A and 5B. In the second adsorption chamber 7R, the adsorbent 7 is sandwiched between filters 7A and 7B. The filter 7A separates the second adsorption chamber 7R from a space communicating with the atmospheric port 23.

[0087] A connection pipe 308 that connects the cartridge 310 and the atmospheric port 23 is connected to the atmospheric port 23. A first end of the connection pipe 308 is connected to the atmospheric port 23, and a second end of the connection pipe 308 is connected to the connection port 311A ​​of the cartridge 310.

[0088] The cartridge 310 is connected to the atmospheric port 23 through a connecting pipe 308, and is configured as an external component separate from the outer case 302. The cartridge 310 includes a connection port component 311, an atmospheric port component 313, and a case body 315.

[0089] The connection port component 311, the atmospheric port component 313, and the case body 315 form a hollow case of the cartridge 310. The case body 315 is a cylindrical case body having an inner wall 315A that defines an internal space and open at both ends. Examples of the case body 315 include a cylindrical case body.

[0090] The connection port component 311 is a component that functions as a lid, and is fixed to the case body 315 so as to cover the first open end of the case body 315. The connection port component 311 has a first end that forms the connection port 311A. A second end of the connection port component 311 is connected to the first open end of the case body 315. The connection port 311A ​​functions as an inlet for introducing gas containing evaporated fuel into the internal space of the cartridge 310.

[0091] The atmospheric port component 313 is a component that functions as a lid, and is fixed to the case body 315 so as to cover the second open end of the case body 315. A first end of the atmospheric port component 313 is connected to the second open end of the case body 315. The atmospheric port component 313 has a second end on the opposite side to the first end that constitutes the atmospheric port 313A.

[0092] The adsorbent agglomerate 319 is housed in an internal space surrounded by the inner wall 315A of the case body 315. The adsorbent agglomerate 319 is configured similarly to the adsorbent agglomerate 9 of the first embodiment. The adsorbent agglomerate 319 is housed in the case body 315 such that its peripheral edge 319E is embedded in the inner wall 315A of the case body 315.

[0093] Specifically, case body 315 is molded integrally with adsorbent agglomerate 319 by insert molding. Adsorbent agglomerate 319 has a porous surface. Adsorbent agglomerate 319 is embedded in inner wall 315A of case body 315 by the insert molding, with the resin that constitutes inner wall 315A of case body 315 filling multiple pores in the surface.

[0094] In the above-described evaporated fuel treatment device 301, evaporated fuel taken in through the charge port 21 is adsorbed by the adsorbent 5 in the first adsorption chamber 5R. The evaporated fuel that cannot be adsorbed in the first adsorption chamber 5R moves through the communication passage 6 to the second adsorption chamber 7R, where it is adsorbed by the adsorbent 7.

[0095] Any evaporated fuel that is not adsorbed in the second adsorption chamber 7R flows through the atmospheric port 23 and the connecting pipe 308 into the internal space of the cartridge 310, which contains the adsorbent mass 319. The internal space of the cartridge 310 functions as a third adsorption chamber. The evaporated fuel that flows into the internal space of the cartridge 310 is adsorbed by the adsorbent mass 319. The gas from which the evaporated fuel has been removed by adsorption is released from the atmospheric port 313A of the cartridge 310.

[0096] In addition, the air supplied from the atmospheric port 313A causes the evaporated fuel adsorbed by the adsorbents 5, 7 and the adsorbent mass 319 to be discharged to the engine through the purge port 22. By discharging the evaporated fuel, it is supplied to the engine.

[0097] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the adsorbent agglomerates 319 are provided in the cartridge 310 by insert molding, which prevents damage to the adsorbent agglomerates 319 due to compression and prevents an increase in airflow resistance. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the cartridge 310 can be easily replaced. Deteriorated adsorbent agglomerates 319 can be easily replaced.

[0098] [Other embodiments] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be embodied in various forms. For example, the adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, and 319 can have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a prismatic shape, to match the shapes of the hollow case 11, the outer case 202, and the case body 315. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, and 319 may also be bellows-shaped. The bellows-shaped adsorbent agglomerates may have a periodic wave shape along a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction.

[0099] The technology of the present disclosure is particularly useful for adsorbent agglomerates that may be damaged by compression. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 are not limited to activated carbon or zeolite agglomerates, but may also be other adsorbent agglomerates that may be damaged by compression. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 may be porous materials having micropores. The adsorbent agglomerates 9, 15, 209, 319 may be ceramic agglomerates.

[0100] The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components. The functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. At least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. All aspects included in the technical idea identified from the wording of the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] [Technical idea disclosed in this specification] It can be understood that the present specification discloses the following technical idea. [Item 1] An evaporated fuel treatment device, a hollow case having an inner wall defining an interior space; an adsorbent mass accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow case and configured to adsorb evaporated fuel flowing into the internal space; Equipped with The adsorbent mass is housed in the internal space with an end of the adsorbent mass at least partially embedded in the internal wall of the hollow case. [Item 2] 2. The fuel vapor treatment device according to item 1, wherein the adsorbent mass has a porous surface and is embedded in the inner wall with the material constituting the inner wall penetrating into a plurality of pores contained in the surface. [Item 3] 3. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent agglomerates are accommodated in the internal space of the hollow case by insert molding of the hollow case containing the adsorbent agglomerates such that an end of the adsorbent agglomerates is at least partially embedded in the internal wall of the hollow case. [Item 4] 4. The fuel vapor treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the adsorbent agglomerate has a peripheral edge portion disposed along the inner wall, the peripheral edge portion being embedded in the inner wall. [Item 5] an outer case having a charge port for the evaporated fuel and defining an internal flow path for gas containing the evaporated fuel that flows in from the charge port; The evaporated fuel treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the hollow case that houses the adsorbent mass is constructed separately from the outer case and is arranged in the gas flow path inside the outer case. [Item 6] The hollow case is a case body having the inner wall and an open end defining the interior space, the case body containing the adsorbent agglomerates; a lid configured to be attached to the case body at a predetermined position on the case body so as to close at least a portion of the open end; 5. The fuel vapor treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 4, comprising: [Item 7] A method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel treatment device, comprising: providing a mold for molding a hollow case having an interior wall defining an interior space; disposing at a predetermined location within the mold an adsorbent mass configured to adsorb fuel vapor; filling the mold with a resin for molding the hollow case while the adsorbent agglomerate is disposed within the mold; and by filling the mold with the resin, the evaporated fuel treatment device is manufactured, which comprises the hollow case and the adsorbent mass as the evaporated fuel treatment device, and the adsorbent mass is contained in the internal space of the hollow case with an end of the adsorbent mass at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case by insert molding. [Item 8] the hollow case has a cylindrical inner wall having a central axis as the inner wall, The adsorbent agglomerate has a columnar outer shape having a central axis, the mold and the adsorbent mass are each provided with a positioning structure for aligning the central axis of the adsorbent mass with the central axis of the hollow case; 8. The method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel treatment device according to claim 7, wherein the positioning of the adsorbent mass includes positioning the adsorbent mass with respect to the mold using the positioning structure, thereby positioning the adsorbent mass at a predetermined position within the mold. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1,101,201,301...Evaporative fuel treatment device, 2,202,302...Outer case, 2A,202A,302A...Main body, 5,7...Adsorbent, 9,15,209,319...Adsorbent mass, 5A,5B,7A,7B,9A...Filter, 5R,7R,9R,209R...Adsorption chamber, 6...Communicating passage, 9E,15E,209E,319E...Peripheral edge, 10...Cartridge, 11...Hollow case, 11A...Inner wall, 12...Groove member, 13...Sealing member , 15A...recess, 21...charge port, 22...purge port, 23...atmospheric port, 30...mold, 31, 32, 33, 35...mold parts, 32A...protrusion, 202C...opening, 202W...inner wall, 223...port component, 308...connecting tube, 310...cartridge, 311...connection port component, 311A...connection port, 313...atmospheric port component, 313A...atmospheric port, 315...case body, 315A...inner wall, RS...resin.

Claims

1. An evaporated fuel treatment device, a hollow case having an inner wall defining an interior space; an adsorbent mass accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow case and configured to adsorb evaporated fuel flowing into the internal space; an outer case having an inner peripheral surface that covers an outer peripheral surface of the hollow case; an elastic seal member interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the hollow case and the inner peripheral surface of the outer case; Equipped with the adsorbent agglomerates are accommodated in the interior space with ends of the adsorbent agglomerates at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow casing, the adsorbent agglomerates have a porous surface, and the adsorbent agglomerates are embedded in the inner wall with a material constituting the inner wall filling a plurality of pores in the surface; The elastic seal member seals the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the outer case and the outer peripheral surface of the hollow case, and fixes the hollow case to the inside of the outer case by elastic force.

2. 2. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent mass is accommodated in the internal space of the hollow case by insert molding of the hollow case containing the adsorbent mass so that an end of the adsorbent mass is at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case.

3. 2. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent mass has a peripheral edge portion disposed along the inner wall, the peripheral edge portion being embedded in the inner wall.

4. the outer case has a charge port for the evaporated fuel, and is configured to form an internal flow path for gas containing the evaporated fuel that flows in from the charge port; 2. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow case that houses the adsorbent mass is formed separately from the outer case and is disposed inside the outer case in the gas flow path.

5. the outer case has a charge port and an atmospheric port for the evaporated fuel, and the outer case is configured to form an internal flow path from the charge port to the atmospheric port for gas containing the evaporated fuel that flows in from the charge port, The vapor fuel treatment device includes: a filter positioned adjacent to the atmospheric port; Further provided with 2. The fuel vapor treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow case is formed separately from the outer case, and is disposed in the gas flow path at a position close to the filter and closer to the charge port than the filter.

6. A method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel treatment device, comprising: providing a mold for molding a hollow case having an interior wall defining an interior space; disposing at a predetermined location within the mold an adsorbent mass configured to adsorb fuel vapor; filling the mold with a resin for molding the hollow case while the adsorbent agglomerate is disposed within the mold; Including, the hollow case has a cylindrical inner wall having a central axis as the inner wall, The adsorbent agglomerate has a columnar outer shape having a central axis, the mold and the adsorbent mass are each provided with a positioning structure for aligning the central axis of the adsorbent mass with the central axis of the hollow case; positioning the adsorbent mass includes positioning the adsorbent mass in a predetermined position within the mold by positioning the adsorbent mass relative to the mold using the positioning structure; By filling the resin into the mold, a method for manufacturing an evaporated fuel treatment device is produced, in which the evaporated fuel treatment device comprises the hollow case and the adsorbent mass, and the adsorbent mass is contained in the internal space of the hollow case with the end of the adsorbent mass at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case by insert molding.

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