Canister

Abstract

To reduce a size of a canister without impairing the adsorption / desorption performance of the canister by a simple constitution.SOLUTION: A canister 1 of the present disclosure comprises adsorption materials 14, 15 having adsorption properties with respect to evaporation fuel which is generated in a fuel tank of an engine, a case 2 formed into a hollow cylindrical shape having an opening part at one end side, and accommodating the adsorption materials 14, 15 therein, and a cover 3 for blocking the opening part of the case 2, and having a recess 8 which is recessed toward the other end side rather than the most end part at one end side. The canister further comprises plates 16, 17 formed into a flat plate shape contacting with faces of the adsorption materials 14, 15 at one end side, springs 18, 19 interposed between the cover 3 and the plates 16, 17, and energizing the plates 16, 17 and the adsorption materials 14, 15 to the other end side, and an attachment bracket 7 erected toward one end side from the cover 3, and arranged inside the recess 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a canister for recovering and reusing evaporative fuel.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an engine (internal combustion engine) that obtains power by burning volatile fuel, a canister (charcoal canister, carbon canister, vapor collector) for recovering and reusing fuel vapor (fuel gas, gasoline vapor, etc.) generated in a fuel tank is known. Inside the canister, an adsorbent such as activated carbon or zeolite that temporarily adsorbs fuel vapor is incorporated. The fuel vapor adsorbed on the adsorbent is desorbed during engine operation, sucked into the intake system, and introduced into the combustion chamber (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the canister as described above, a bracket for attachment to a vehicle or machinery may be provided. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a bracket having a shape that protrudes outside the case is applied. On the other hand, such a bracket shape tends to increase the overall size of the canister. As a result, a sufficiently wide installation space must be secured for the vehicle or machinery to which the canister is to be attached, and the mountability of the canister is reduced. Further, since the position of the bracket is separated from the center of gravity of the canister, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the bracket itself from the viewpoint of mounting stability, which may be disadvantageous in terms of manufacturing cost and device weight.

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a canister that was devised in light of the above-mentioned problems and that can be miniaturized with a simple structure without compromising adsorption and desorption performance. In addition to this objective, another objective of this invention is to achieve effects and advantages that cannot be obtained with conventional technology, which are derived from each configuration shown in the "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" described later. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The disclosed canister can be implemented in the manner or application described below and solves at least some of the above problems. The disclosed canister comprises an adsorbent having the ability to adsorb evaporated fuel generated in the engine's fuel tank; a case formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder with an opening at one end and housing the adsorbent inside; and a cover that closes the opening of the case and has a recess that is recessed toward the other end from the outermost end of the one end. It also comprises a plate formed in the shape of a flat plate that contacts the surface of the adsorbent at one end; a spring interposed between the cover and the plate and biasing the plate and the adsorbent toward the other end; and a mounting bracket erected from the cover toward the one end and positioned inside the recess. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the disclosed canister, the recess provided in the cover is located in the space for housing a spring positioned on one end of the suction material. This allows the recess to be formed without reducing the volume of the suction material. Furthermore, by providing a bracket inside the recess, it is possible to prevent the bracket from protruding beyond the contour of the case. Therefore, the canister can be miniaturized with a simple configuration without compromising suction and detachment performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a canister as an example. [Figure 2](A) and (B) are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the configuration of a canister as a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The disclosed canister may be implemented by the following embodiments. The disclosed canister is a device for recovering and reusing evaporated fuel and is attached to an engine that operates on fuel stored in a fuel tank. The engine referred to herein includes various internal combustion engines that operate on volatile fuels, such as gasoline engines and jet engines. The canister of this embodiment is attached to an engine mounted on a vehicle. Regarding the definition of direction in the embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the components and parts constituting the canister means the direction when it is mounted on a vehicle. [Examples]

[0010] [1. Overall Structure] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a canister 1 as an example. The canister 1 comprises adsorbents 14 and 15, a case 2, a cover 3, and a bracket 7. The adsorbents 14 and 15 are substances that have the ability to adsorb evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank. Specific examples of the adsorbents 14 and 15 include activated carbon and zeolite. The adsorbents 14 and 15 may be solid porous bodies (molded products), or they may be powdered or granular materials sealed in a breathable bag.

[0011] Case 2 is a container that houses the adsorbents 14 and 15. Case 2 is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder (e.g., cylindrical, elliptical, polygonal, etc.) with an opening at one end (the upper side in Figure 1). The case 2 shown in Figure 1 is formed in the shape of a hollow square cylinder with an open top end. The material of case 2 is, for example, metal or synthetic resin.

[0012] Cover 3 is a lid that closes the opening of case 2. Cover 3 is provided with a recess 8 that is recessed toward the inside of case 2. This recess 8 is formed so that it is recessed toward the other end (the lower side in Figure 1) of one end (the upper side in Figure 1) than toward the outermost end of that end. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the recess 8 is the portion recessed below the upper end of cover 3. The material of cover 3 is, for example, metal or synthetic resin, and preferably the same material as case 2. The specific configuration of cover 3 will be described later.

[0013] A mounting bracket 7 is positioned inside the recess 8. The bracket 7 is erected inside the recess 8, extending from the surface of the cover 3 toward one end. Here, "inside the recess 8" means "the inside of the recessed shape of the cover 3 that extends toward the other end beyond the outermost edge of one end." Therefore, the bracket 7 is provided within the range toward the other end beyond the outermost edge of one end of the cover 3, and is provided so as not to protrude from the outermost edge of one end toward the one end of the cover 3. The material of the bracket 7 is, for example, metal or synthetic resin, preferably the same material as the cover 3. The bracket 7 is provided with a fixing structure (for example, bolt holes or welded bolts) for attaching the canister 1 to the vehicle or machinery to which it is to be mounted.

[0014] The internal space of Case 2 is divided into two chambers by a partition wall 21. One chamber is called the main chamber 4, and the other chamber is called the sub-chamber 5. The first adsorbent material 14 is housed in the main chamber 4, and the second adsorbent material 15 is housed in the sub-chamber 5. The height of the partition wall 21 is set to a height such that the main chamber 4 and the sub-chamber 5 are not completely separated. In other words, a predetermined gap is formed between the upper end of the partition wall 21 and the cover 3. The horizontal position of the partition wall 21 is preferably set so that the main chamber 4 is wider than the sub-chamber 5. The position of the recess 8 is preferably set above the sub-chamber 5.

[0015] Inside case 2 are the adsorbent materials 14 and 15, as well as plates 16 and 17 and springs 18 and 19. The plates 16 and 17 are flat, plate-shaped members that are positioned to contact one end surface of the adsorbent materials 14 and 15. Figure 1 shows the first plate 16 that contacts the upper end surface of the first adsorbent material 14 and the second plate 17 that contacts the upper end surface of the second adsorbent material 15.

[0016] In the example shown in Figure 1, the first plate 16 and the second plate 17 are arranged on approximately the same plane, and the height dimensions of the main chamber 4 (first adsorbent 14) and the sub-chamber 5 (second adsorbent 15) are approximately the same. Each of the plates 16 and 17 is provided with a communication hole that penetrates through its front and back surfaces. The communication holes are provided in multiple locations, for example, and are evenly and nearly uniformly distributed on the upper and lower surfaces of each plate 16 and 17. The evaporated fuel can flow between the front and back surfaces of the plates 16 and 17 through the communication holes.

[0017] Springs 18 and 19 are elastic members (such as coil springs or rubber) that bias plates 16 and 17 and suction materials 14 and 15 toward the other end, and are interposed between cover 3 and plates 16 and 17. The biasing force of springs 18 and 19 causes plates 16 and 17 to press suction materials 14 and 15 toward the other end while in surface contact with the upper end surfaces of suction materials 14 and 15. This stably fixes suction materials 14 and 15 inside case 2. Figure 1 shows a coil-shaped first spring 18 located on the upper part of the first plate 16 and a coil-shaped second spring 19 located on the upper part of the second plate 17. These springs 18 and 19 are inserted between cover 3 and plates 16 and 17 in a compressed state.

[0018] The main chamber 4 is a chamber connected to the intake system of the engine and the fuel tank. The first adsorbent 14 housed inside the main chamber 4 is formed in a shape corresponding to the internal shape of the main chamber 4 and is inserted into the lower part of the main chamber 4 without a gap. Further, at the lower end of the main chamber 4, a tank port 22 communicating with the fuel tank and a purge port 23 communicating with the intake system of the engine are provided. These tank port 22 and purge port 23 are arranged below the first adsorbent 14 and are connected to the lower end surface of the main chamber 4. Note that the space between the tank port 22 and the fuel tank is connected by a fuel vapor pipe material not shown in the figure, and the space between the purge port 23 and the intake passage is connected by a purge pipe material not shown in the figure.

[0019] The sub-chamber 5 is a chamber open to the atmosphere and is arranged adjacent to the main chamber 4. The second adsorbent 15 housed inside the sub-chamber 5 is formed in a shape corresponding to the internal shape of the sub-chamber 5 and is inserted into the lower part of the sub-chamber 5 without a gap. Further, at the lower end of the sub-chamber 5, an atmosphere port 24 open to the atmosphere is provided. The atmosphere port 24 is arranged below the second adsorbent 15 and is connected to the lower end surface of the sub-chamber 5. Note that a pipe material with an end open to the atmosphere is connected to the atmosphere port 24.

[0020] The space above the plates 16 and 17 (the space where the springs 18 and 19 are housed) is called the spring chamber 6. The spring chamber 6 includes the upper part of the main chamber 4 and the upper part of the sub-chamber 5, and these are integrally connected. Further, the part connecting the upper part of the main chamber 4 and the upper part of the sub-chamber 5 is formed so that the flow path of the evaporated fuel flowing in the case 2 becomes narrow. For example, the cross-sectional area E of the gap between the upper end of the partition wall 21 shown in FIG. 1 and the cover 3 is set smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the main chamber 4, the sub-chamber 5, and the spring chamber 6, and is the minimum cross-sectional area in the flow path of the evaporated fuel.

[0021] [2. Details of the cover] The cover 3 is provided with a first flat portion 11, a second flat portion 12, and a third flat portion 13. The first flat portion 11 is a portion formed in a planar shape parallel to the first plate 16 and is a portion that contacts the first spring 18. Among the first flat portion 11, the contact portion with the first spring 18 is formed in a planar shape parallel to the first plate 16. That is, the entire upper end portion of the first spring 18 is stably supported by the planar first flat portion 11. Therefore, the width dimension A of the first flat portion 11 shown in FIG. 1 is larger than the diameter B of the first spring 18.

[0022] Similarly, the second flat portion 12 is a portion formed in a planar shape parallel to the second plate 17 and is a portion that contacts the second spring 19. Among the second flat portion 12, the contact portion with the second spring 19 is formed in a planar shape parallel to the second plate 17. That is, the entire upper end portion of the second spring 19 is stably supported by the planar second flat portion 12. Therefore, the width dimension C of the second flat portion 12 shown in FIG. 1 is larger than the diameter D of the second spring 19.

[0023] The third flat portion 13 is a portion formed in a planar shape inclined with respect to both the first flat portion 11 and the second flat portion 12 and is a portion that connects the first flat portion 11 and the second flat portion 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the third flat portion 13 is a plane inclined obliquely so as not to interfere with the first spring 18 or the second spring 19. The upper end of the partition wall 21 that partitions the main chamber 4 and the sub-chamber 5 is located below the third flat portion 13.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the first flat portion 11 is a portion that forms the outermost end portion (upper end surface) on one end side of the cover 3. Further, the second flat portion 12 and the third flat portion 13 are located on the other end side with respect to the plane including the first flat portion 11 and are portions that form the concave portion 8. The bracket 7 provided inside the concave portion 8 is erected substantially perpendicular to the second flat portion 12 and the third flat portion 13 and is disposed on the other end side (lower side) with respect to the plane including the first flat portion 11.

[0025] [3. Effects] (1) The canister 1 of this embodiment comprises adsorbent materials 14, 15, a case 2, a cover 3, plates 16, 17, springs 18, 19, and a mounting bracket 7. The adsorbent materials 14, 15 have the ability to adsorb evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank. The case 2 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with an opening at one end and houses the adsorbent materials 14, 15 inside. The cover 3 closes the opening of the case 2 and has a recess 8 that is recessed toward the other end from the furthest end of the one end. The plates 16, 17 are formed in a flat plate shape that contacts the surface of the adsorbent materials 14, 15 at one end. The springs 18, 19 are interposed between the cover 3 and the plates 16, 17 and bias the plates 16, 17 and the adsorbent materials 14, 15 toward the other end. The bracket 7 is erected from the cover 3 toward one end and is positioned inside the recess 8.

[0026] As described above, the recess 8 provided in the cover 3 of this embodiment is located in the housing space (spring chamber 6) for the springs 18 and 19, which are positioned on one end of the adsorbent materials 14 and 15, and does not adversely affect the volume of the main chamber 4 or the sub-chamber 5. This allows the recess 8 to be formed without reducing the volume of the adsorbent materials 14 and 15. Furthermore, by providing the bracket 7 inside the recess 8, it is possible to prevent the bracket 7 from protruding beyond the contour of the case 2. For example, compared to the case in which a bracket with a shape that protrudes outside the case 2 is used, as in the structure described in Patent Document 1, the overall shape of the canister 1 becomes more compact. Therefore, the canister 1 can be miniaturized with a simple configuration without impairing the adsorption and detachment performance.

[0027] Furthermore, compared to the structure described in Patent Document 1, it becomes easier to set the position of the bracket 7 closer to the center of gravity of the canister 1. This improves mounting stability without increasing the rigidity of the bracket 7 itself, allows for a thinner plate thickness of the bracket 7, or simplifies the reinforcing structure of the bracket 7 itself. Therefore, it is possible to realize a canister 1 that is advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost and device weight.

[0028] (2) The adsorbents 14 and 15 of this embodiment consist of a first adsorbent 14 and a second adsorbent 15. The case 2 has a main chamber 4 connected to the fuel tank and the engine's intake system and housing the first adsorbent 14, and a sub-chamber 5 that is open to the atmosphere and housing the second adsorbent 15. As shown in Figure 1, the recess 8 is provided on one end of the sub-chamber 5 (the upper side of the sub-chamber 5). With this configuration, the recess 8 can be provided without reducing the volume of the first adsorbent 14 housed in the main chamber 4. Therefore, a decrease in adsorption and desorption performance can be suppressed.

[0029] (3) The canister 1 of this embodiment incorporates a first plate 16 that contacts the first suction material 14 and a second plate 17 that contacts the second suction material 15. A first spring 18 is interposed between the cover 3 and the first plate 16, and a second spring 19 is interposed between the recess 8 of the cover 3 and the second plate 17. The contact portion between the second spring 19 and the recess 8 is formed in a planar shape parallel to the second plate 17. This configuration makes it possible to stabilize the seating (supporting) state of the second spring 19 on the cover 3. For example, it is possible to prevent rattling of the second suction material 15 due to displacement or detachment of the second spring 19.

[0030] (4) The cover 3 of this embodiment is provided with a first flat portion 11, a second flat portion 12, and a third flat portion 13. The first flat portion 11 is formed in a planar shape parallel to the first plate 16 and is the portion that contacts the first spring 18. The second flat portion 12 is formed in a planar shape parallel to the second plate 17 and is the portion that contacts the second spring 19. The third flat portion 13 is formed in a planar shape that is inclined with respect to the first flat portion 11 and the second flat portion 12 and is the portion that connects the first flat portion 11 and the second flat portion 12. The contact portion between the first spring 18 and the first flat portion 11 is formed in a planar shape parallel to the first plate 16. With this configuration, the seating state (support state) of the first spring 18 on the cover 3 can be stabilized. For example, it is possible to prevent rattling of the first suction material 14 due to displacement or detachment of the first spring 18.

[0031] (5) The canister 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a partition wall 21 that separates the main chamber 4 and the sub-chamber 5. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area between the partition wall 21 and the cover 3 is the minimum cross-sectional area in the flow path of the evaporated fuel flowing inside the case 2. With this configuration, blow-through of evaporated fuel from the main chamber 4 to the sub-chamber 5 can be suppressed. Therefore, the adsorption of evaporated fuel onto the first adsorbent 14 and the desorption of evaporated fuel from the first adsorbent 14 can be promoted, and the performance of the canister 1 can be improved.

[0032] (6) As shown in Figure 1, the partition wall 21 in this embodiment is positioned below the third planar section 13. The evaporated fuel flowing from the main chamber 4 to the sub-chamber 5 is introduced diagonally along the surface of the third planar section 13 (diagonally downward to the right in Figure 1). This allows the evaporated fuel introduced into the sub-chamber 5 to be applied to the entire surface of the second plate 17, and the evaporated fuel can be distributed evenly to the second adsorbent 15. Therefore, the adsorption of evaporated fuel onto the second adsorbent 15 and the desorption of evaporated fuel from the second adsorbent 15 can be promoted, and the performance of the canister 1 can be improved.

[0033] [4. Others] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated in these embodiments. Each configuration of these embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from their intended purpose. Furthermore, each configuration of these embodiments can be selected or combined as needed.

[0034] For example, in the above embodiment, a canister 1 was shown in which the height dimensions of the main chamber 4 and the sub-chamber 5 are set to be approximately the same, but these dimensions may be different. Figure 2(A) shows a canister 1 in which the height dimension of the main chamber 4 is increased compared to the above embodiment. By placing the recess 8 on the upper side of the sub-chamber 5, the volume of the main chamber 4 can be easily increased, and the performance of the canister 1 can be improved.

[0035] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the recess 8 of the cover 3 is exemplified as being formed by a second planar portion 12 and a third planar portion 13, but the shape and structure of the recess 8 are not limited to this. The recess 8 only needs to be recessed toward the other end (lower side in Figure 1) of the case 2 from the outermost end of one end (upper side in Figure 1). For example, as shown in Figure 2(A), the third planar portion 13 may be provided substantially perpendicular to the first planar portion 11 and the second planar portion 12. Alternatively, a curved surface may be formed to smoothly connect the first planar portion 11 and the second planar portion 12. At least, by arranging the bracket 7 inside the recess 8, the same functions and effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0036] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a case 2 partitioned into two chambers by a partition wall 21, the interior of the case 2 does not need to be partitioned. Figure 2(B) is a cross-sectional view of a canister 1 in which only a single main chamber 4 is provided inside the case 2, and an adsorbent material 14 is housed inside it. A plate 16 is provided so as to be in contact with one end surface of the adsorbent material 14, and a spring 18 is interposed between the cover 3 and the plate 16. The recess 8 in which the bracket 7 is placed is provided in the spring chamber 6 located on one end side of the adsorbent material 14. With this configuration, the same operation and effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained. [Industrial applicability]

[0037] This invention can be used in the manufacturing industry for canisters used to recover and reuse evaporated fuel. These canisters can be attached to engines that operate using fuel stored in fuel tanks. Therefore, it can be used in the manufacturing industry for vehicles equipped with engines and canisters. It can also be used in the manufacturing industry for industrial machinery and power generation equipment equipped with engines and canisters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1 Canister 2 cases 3 Cover 4 Main room 5 Antechamber 6 Spring chamber 7 Brackets 8 recesses 11 First plane part 12 Second plane part 13 Third plane part 14 First adsorbent (adsorbent) 15 Second adsorbent (adsorbent) 16. First Plate (Plate) 17. Second Plate (Plate) 18. First Spring (Spring) 19. Second spring (spring) 21 Partition wall 22 Tank Ports 23 Purge Port 24 Atmospheric Ports

Claims

1. An adsorbent that has the ability to adsorb evaporated fuel generated in the engine's fuel tank, A hollow cylindrical shape with an opening at one end, and a case for housing the adsorbent inside, A cover that closes the opening of the case and has a recess that extends from the outermost end of one end toward the other end and along the side edge of the case, A plate formed in the shape of a flat plate that contacts the surface of one end of the adsorbent, A spring interposed between the cover and the plate, which biases the plate and the adsorbent towards the other end, The system includes a mounting bracket that is erected from the cover toward one end and positioned inside the recess. A canister characterized by the following features.

2. The adsorbent comprises a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent. The case has a main chamber connected to the fuel tank and the intake system of the engine and housing the first adsorbent inside, and a sub-chamber that is open to the atmosphere and housing the second adsorbent inside, The recess is provided on one end side of the sub-chamber. The canister according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The plate comprises a first plate that contacts the first adsorbent and a second plate that contacts the second adsorbent. The spring comprises a first spring interposed between the cover and the first plate, and a second spring interposed between the recess of the cover and the second plate. The contact portion between the second spring and the recess is formed in a planar shape parallel to the second plate. The canister according to claim 2, characterized in that it is a canister.

4. The cover has a first planar portion formed parallel to the first plate and in contact with the first spring, a second planar portion formed parallel to the second plate and in contact with the second spring, and a third planar portion formed inclined with respect to the first and second planar portions and connecting the first and second planar portions. The contact portion between the first spring and the first flat portion is formed in a planar shape parallel to the first plate. The canister according to claim 3, characterized in that

5. The main room and the sub-room are separated by a partition wall, The cross-sectional area between the partition wall and the cover is the minimum cross-sectional area in the flow path of the evaporated fuel flowing inside the case. A canister according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that

6. The partition wall is positioned below the third planar section. A canister according to claim 5, referencing claim 4, characterized in that

7. An adsorbent having the ability to adsorb evaporated fuel generated in the engine's fuel tank, A hollow cylindrical shape with an opening at one end, and a case for housing the adsorbent inside, A cover that closes the opening of the case and has a recess that is recessed toward the other end than the outermost end of the one end, A plate formed in the shape of a flat plate that contacts the surface of one end of the adsorbent, A spring interposed between the cover and the plate, which biases the plate and the adsorbent towards the other end, The system includes a mounting bracket that is erected from the cover toward one end and positioned inside the recess, The adsorbent comprises a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent. The case has a main chamber connected to the fuel tank and the intake system of the engine and housing the first adsorbent inside, and a sub-chamber that is open to the atmosphere and housing the second adsorbent inside, The recess is provided on one end side of the sub-chamber, The plate comprises a first plate that contacts the first adsorbent and a second plate that contacts the second adsorbent. The spring comprises a first spring interposed between the cover and the first plate, and a second spring interposed between the recess of the cover and the second plate. The contact portion between the second spring and the recess is formed in a planar shape parallel to the second plate. The cover has a first planar portion formed parallel to the first plate and in contact with the first spring, a second planar portion formed parallel to the second plate and in contact with the second spring, and a third planar portion formed inclined with respect to the first and second planar portions and connecting the first and second planar portions. The contact portion between the first spring and the first flat portion is formed in a planar shape parallel to the first plate. A canister characterized by the following features.

8. A partition wall is provided to separate the main room and the sub-room, The cross-sectional area between the partition wall and the cover is the minimum cross-sectional area in the flow path of the evaporated fuel flowing inside the case. The canister according to claim 7, characterized in that

9. The partition wall is positioned below the third planar portion. The canister according to claim 8, characterized in that

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