Evaporation fuel treatment device

Abstract

To provide a technology finely and easily fixing an opening portion and a lid portion, in an evaporation fuel treatment device in which the opening portion is provided below at least a part of a body case.SOLUTION: An evaporation fuel treatment device is equipped with a body case, and a lid portion. The body case is equipped with at least one adsorption chamber, and an opening portion. The adsorption chamber is configured to store an adsorption material adsorbing evaporation fuel. The opening portion is configured to communicate at least one adsorption chamber and the outside of the evaporation fuel treatment device. The lid portion is configured to block at least a part of the opening portion and be fixed to the body case in a snap-fit structure. While the opening portion is turned upward, the opening portion is provided below at least a part of the body case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an evaporation fuel processing device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a configuration in an evaporation fuel processing device in which an opening in a main body case and a lid portion that closes the opening are fixed by welding.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in Patent Document 1 above, the opening and the lid portion may be fixed by vibration welding. Vibration welding is a method in which vibration is applied to the connection portion between the opening and the lid portion, and a part of the opening and the lid portion is melted by the frictional heat thereof for welding. When performing vibration welding, it is common to hold the connection portion between the opening and the lid portion with a jig and fix the opening and the lid portion.

[0005] However, as a result of the inventors' detailed examination, the following problems were found. When the opening is directed upward and the opening is provided below at least a part of the main body case, when trying to hold the connection portion between the opening and the lid portion with a jig, the side surface of the main body case and the jig may interfere with each other, and it may be difficult to hold the connection portion between the opening and the lid portion with the jig. When the connection portion between the opening and the lid portion cannot be held with a jig, the welding is likely to be non-uniform, and it has been difficult to firmly fix the opening and the lid portion.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a technique for easily securing the opening and the lid in an evaporative fuel processing apparatus in which the opening is located below at least a portion of the main body case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is an evaporative fuel treatment device. The evaporative fuel treatment device comprises a main body case and a lid. The main body case comprises at least one adsorption chamber and an opening. The adsorption chamber is configured to contain an adsorbent for adsorbing evaporative fuel. The opening is configured to connect at least one adsorption chamber to the outside of the evaporative fuel treatment device. The lid is configured to close at least a portion of the opening and to be fixed to the main body case in a snap-fit ​​structure. With the opening facing upward, the opening is located below at least a portion of the main body case.

[0008] With this configuration, a snap-fit ​​structure is used to secure the lid to the main case, eliminating the need for jigs required when using vibration welding. Therefore, when the opening is located below at least a portion of the main case, the opening and the lid can be secured more effectively compared to when vibration welding is used.

[0009] In one aspect of this disclosure, at least one adsorption chamber may include an atmospheric adsorption chamber and an adjacent adsorption chamber. The atmospheric adsorption chamber may be connected to an atmospheric port communicating with the atmosphere. An opening may be provided in the atmospheric adsorption chamber. The adjacent adsorption chamber may be connected to the atmospheric adsorption chamber and located on the side of the flow path of the evaporated fuel that is further away from the atmospheric port than the atmospheric adsorption chamber. The direction in which the evaporated fuel flows through the atmospheric adsorption chamber may intersect with the direction in which the evaporated fuel flows through the adjacent adsorption chamber.

[0010] With this configuration, when the height of the atmospheric adsorption chambers is the same, the flow path of the evaporated fuel can be made longer compared to the case where the direction in which the evaporated fuel flows through the atmospheric adsorption chamber is the same as the direction in which the evaporated fuel flows through the adjacent adsorption chamber, thereby delaying the release of the evaporated fuel to the atmosphere.

[0011] In one aspect of this disclosure, the atmospheric port may be provided on the lid and extend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the evaporated fuel flows through the atmospheric adsorption chamber. The lid may be configured to be attachable to the atmospheric adsorption chamber by selecting one of a plurality of rotational directions, with the direction in which the lid rotates along the joint surface where the lid and the opening are joined being the rotational direction.

[0012] With this configuration, the direction in which the atmospheric port guides the gas can be configured to change with the rotation of the lid, and one direction can be selected from multiple rotation directions when assembling the lid. Therefore, the orientation of the atmospheric port can be changed in multiple directions simply by setting the mounting angle of the lid. Thus, in an evaporative fuel treatment device in which the opening in the main body case and the lid are fixed together, the orientation of the atmospheric port can be easily changed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an evaporative fuel processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a view from arrow A in Figure 1, and Figure 2B is a view from arrow B in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the third chamber. [Figure 4] Figures 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams illustrating how vibration welding is performed using a jig when the opening is located above the side of the main case. [Figure 5] Figures 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams illustrating how vibration welding is performed using a jig when the opening is located below the side of the main case. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the third chamber in the first modified example of the evaporative fuel treatment apparatus. [Figure 7]It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the third chamber in the evaporation fuel treatment device of the second modification example. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the third chamber in the evaporation fuel treatment device of the third modification example. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the third chamber in the evaporation fuel treatment device of the fourth modification example. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing the evaporation fuel treatment device of the fifth modification example. [Figure 11] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the third chamber in the evaporation fuel treatment device of the sixth modification example. [Figure 12] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the third chamber in the evaporation fuel treatment device of the seventh modification example. [Figure 13] Figs. 13A to 13C are perspective views showing the evaporation fuel treatment device of the eighth modification example. <(

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] The evaporation fuel treatment device 1A shown in Figs. 1 to 3 has a function as a well-known canister. That is, it has a function of adsorbing and desorbing the evaporation fuel generated in a fuel tank (not shown) of a vehicle. The evaporation fuel treatment device 1A includes a main body case 2 and a lid portion 70.

[0015] The main body case 2 is a case that forms an internal space. The main body case 2 is, for example, a case made of synthetic resin. Note that the material of the main body case 2 is not limited to this. The main body case 2 includes a charge port 21, a purge port 22, an atmosphere port 23, and a plurality of adsorption chambers 2A, 2B, 2C. The ports 21 to 23 are arranged on the same side (for example, the left side in FIG. 1) of the main body case 2. However, the atmosphere port 23 has a different port orientation from the other ports 21 and 22. Here, the port orientation refers to the direction in which the gas discharged from the port is guided. That is, the atmosphere port 23 is configured to guide gas in a direction different from that of the charge port 21 and the purge port 22, and the charge port 21 and the purge port 22 are configured to guide gas in the same direction.

[0016] Note that the gas mentioned here is a gas that circulates inside the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A and may contain air and evaporative fuel. Hereinafter, the side of the main body case 2 where the charge port 21, the purge port 22, and the atmosphere port 23 are provided will be referred to as the port side. The main body case 2 has an opening 26 on the side opposite to the port side. The opening 26 is closed by a cap 27 that functions as a lid.

[0017] The charge port 21 is connected to the fuel tank of the vehicle by a pipe. The charge port 21 is configured to take in the evaporative fuel generated in the fuel tank into the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A.

[0018] The purge port 22 is connected to the intake pipe (not shown) of the vehicle engine via a purge valve. The purge port 22 is configured to discharge the evaporative fuel in the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A from the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A and supply it to the engine.

[0019] The atmosphere port 23 is arranged on the lid portion 70. The atmosphere port 23 is open to the atmosphere. The atmosphere port 23 discharges the gas from which the evaporative fuel has been removed into the atmosphere. In addition, the atmosphere port 23 allows air to flow in from the outside of the vehicle, thereby desorbing (i.e., purging) the evaporative fuel adsorbed by the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A.

[0020] The main body case 2 includes a first chamber 2A, a second chamber 2B, and a third chamber 2C as multiple adsorption chambers. The first chamber 2A is, for example, roughly rectangular or cylindrical in shape. The port-side end of the first chamber 2A is connected to the charge port 21 and the purge port 22. The first chamber 2A contains an adsorbent 40. The adsorbent 40 is, for example, an aggregate of multiple pellets. A pellet is granular activated carbon. Pellets are produced by kneading powdered activated carbon with a binder and molding it into a predetermined shape. In addition, adsorbent materials other than pellets, such as powdered activated carbon, may be placed in the first chamber 2A.

[0021] The end of the first chamber 2A, on the cap 27 side, is connected to the second chamber 2B. Inside the main case 2, gases such as those containing evaporated fuel can move between the first chamber 2A and the second chamber 2B. The second chamber 2B is an elongated space extending from the end on the cap 27 side to the atmospheric port 23. The second chamber 2B is, for example, roughly rectangular or cylindrical in shape. The end of the second chamber 2B on the port side is connected to the third chamber 2C. The second chamber 2B contains the adsorbent material 43. The adsorbent material 43 may be the same type as the adsorbent material 40, or it may be a different type.

[0022] The second chamber 2B is formed to be longer and narrower than the first chamber 2A. As shown in Figure 2B, when the port side is oriented to the left, the vertical height of the second chamber 2B is approximately half the vertical height of the first chamber 2A.

[0023] The third chamber 2C is, for example, roughly rectangular or cylindrical in shape. The third chamber 2C is connected to the atmospheric port 23. As shown in Figure 3, the third chamber 2C comprises a contact portion 61, a suction unit 62, a filter 63, an opening 65, a first engaging portion 66A, a holding portion 68, a stepped portion 68A, and a large-diameter portion 69. The suction unit 62 is inserted into the third chamber 2C through the opening 65. Note that the third chamber 2C in Figure 3 is a view of the third chamber 2C in Figure 2B rotated 90 degrees to the right.

[0024] The contact portion 61 is the part that the suction unit 62, inserted into the third chamber 2C from the opening 65, abuts against. The contact portion 61 holds the suction unit 62 by contacting it. The contact portion 61 is used to position the suction unit 62 so that a conversion space 64 is formed on the far side (left side in Figure 3) in the insertion direction of the suction unit 62. The conversion space 64 will be described later.

[0025] The adsorption unit 62 may be, for example, an activated carbon unit. Examples of activated carbon units include granular activated carbon, molded activated carbon formed into a monolith or honeycomb shape, and fibrous activated carbon molded into a sheet, rectangular parallelepiped, cylindrical, polygonal prism, etc. The adsorption unit 62 may take any other form as long as it is modularized.

[0026] In the first chamber 2A and the second chamber 2B described above, the main direction of gas flow is from the port side towards the cap 27 side, or the opposite direction (i.e., left-right direction in Figure 2B). However, the third chamber 2C is provided with a conversion space 64 in which the direction of gas flow is reversed. In this conversion space 64, the direction of gas flow is reversed so that it flows towards the lid 70, or the opposite direction. In other words, in the third chamber 2C, the main direction of gas flow is from the conversion space 64 towards the lid 70, or the opposite direction. To put it another way, the direction of flow in the third chamber 2C intersects with the direction of flow in the first chamber 2A and the second chamber 2B. That is, the direction of flow in the third chamber 2C is the up-down direction, perpendicular to the left-right direction in Figure 2B.

[0027] The filter 63 is positioned on the lid portion 70 side (right side in Figure 3) of the adsorption unit 62. The adsorption unit 62 is configured such that the surface facing the filter 63 is flush with the surface facing the lid portion 70 at the stepped portion 68A. In other words, the height of the adsorption unit 62 along the insertion direction matches the height from the contact portion 61 to the stepped portion 68A in the third chamber 2C. The filter 63 is set to receive a pressing force from the lid portion 70 when the lid portion 70 is attached to the third chamber 2C. Therefore, the adsorption unit 62 is held in a position where it is difficult to move due to the pressing force from the filter 63 and the reaction force from the contact portion 61.

[0028] The holding portion 68 is the part that holds the outer periphery of the adsorption unit 62 around the insertion direction (the top and bottom of the adsorption unit 62 in Figure 3). In other words, the outer periphery around the insertion direction is the outer periphery of the adsorption unit 62 parallel to the gas flow direction. The inner surface of the holding portion 68 is configured to be cylindrical, following the shape of the outer periphery of the adsorption unit 62. With these configurations, the outer periphery of the adsorption unit 62 around the insertion direction is configured to contact the holding portion 68 of the main body case 2.

[0029] The large-diameter portion 69 is positioned to surround the lid portion 70 at a location separated from the holding portion 68 by the suction unit 62 (i.e., on the outer circumference side of the holding portion 68). In other words, the large-diameter portion 69 has a larger outer diameter than the outer diameter of the holding portion 68.

[0030] The stepped portion 68A is the part that constitutes the step connecting the holding portion 68 and the large-diameter portion 69. The stepped portion 68A forms a surface perpendicular to the holding portion 68 and the large-diameter portion 69. The inner surface of the stepped portion 68A (the right surface in Figure 3) is the joint surface between the main body case 2 and the lid portion 70.

[0031] The opening 65 is a portion configured to connect the third chamber 2C with the atmosphere. The opening 65 is the end of the large-diameter portion 69 opposite to the stepped portion 68A. As shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, when the main case 2 is positioned with the opening 65 facing upward, the opening 65 is located below at least a portion of the main case 2. In other words, when the opening 65 is facing upward, the opening 65 is located below the upper end of the main case 2. More specifically, when the opening 65 is facing upward, the surface forming the opening end of the opening 65 is located lower than the surface forming the upper end of the main case 2. In this embodiment, when the opening 65 is facing upward, the opening 65 is located below a portion of the side surface of the first chamber 2A. More specifically, when the opening 65 is facing upward, the opening 65 is located below the upper end of the side surface of the first chamber 2A and above the upper end of the side surface of the second chamber 2B. A portion of the side surface of the third chamber 2C abuts against the first chamber 2A, and the opening 65 is close to the side surface of the first chamber 2A. The plane forming the outer perimeter of the opening 65 and the side surface of the first chamber 2A adjacent to the opening 65 are approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0032] Returning to Figure 3, the lid portion 70 closes at least a part of the opening 65. The lid portion 70 comprises a disc-shaped main body portion 71 and a pipe portion 72 connected to the main body portion 71. The open end of the pipe portion 72 constitutes the atmospheric port 23. A sealing member 78 is positioned between the lid portion 70 and the large diameter portion 69 on the outer circumference. The sealing member 78 is configured to close the entire circumference between the opening 65 and the lid portion 70. The sealing member 78 is an annular member. An annular shape includes circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc., and is a shape that surrounds the entire circumference of the hole.

[0033] The sealing member 78 can be, for example, an O-ring. The sealing member 78 completely seals the outer circumference of the lid 70 at the opening 65 without any gaps. However, the lid 70 is provided with an atmospheric port 23 that communicates with the atmosphere. The opening 65 remains open at the atmospheric port 23.

[0034] In addition, any module such as an ELCM (i.e., Evaporative Leak Check Module) may be connected to the atmospheric port 23. The ELCM is a module for performing leak testing of the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A.

[0035] The lid portion 70 is configured to be fixed to the main case 2 by a snap-fit ​​structure 80A. The snap-fit ​​structure 80A employs a method of fixing by fitting a convex portion into a concave portion using the elasticity of the material. In this embodiment, the lid portion 70 is attached to the main case 2 by the engagement of the first engaging portion 66A and the second engaging portion 73A. The first engaging portion 66A is a concave portion located on the outer circumference of the large diameter portion 69 of the main case 2. The second engaging portion 73A is a convex portion located on the outer circumference of the lid portion 70.

[0036] With this configuration, when the lid portion 70 is inserted along the large diameter portion 69, the second engaging portion 73A of the lid portion 70 bends toward the inner circumference. Then, when the second engaging portion 73A fits into the first engaging portion 66A of the main case 2, the bending of that portion is released, and the engaged state between the first engaging portion 66A and the second engaging portion 73A is maintained. In other words, the lid portion 70 is fixed to the main case 2. In this embodiment, the lid portion 70 and the main case 2 are fixed using four identical snap-fit ​​structures 80A.

[0037] In the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A, the lid 70 is mounted on the main body case 2 while pressing the adsorption unit 62 via the filter 63. Therefore, the lid 70 and the adsorption unit 62 are positioned in close proximity. In other words, the lid 70 is positioned on the movement path of the adsorption unit 62 when it moves toward the opening 65 (i.e., closer to the opening 65 than the adsorption unit 62). In other words, the lid 70 has the function of holding the adsorption unit 62 from the opening 65 side and suppressing the movement of the adsorption unit 62.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the snap-fit ​​structures 80A are positioned at rotationally symmetrical locations along the direction of rotation, where the direction in which the lid portion 70 rotates along the joining surface is defined as the direction of rotation. In this embodiment, there are four snap-fit ​​structures 80A, so they are arranged at equal intervals of 90 degrees, which is obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of snap-fit ​​structures 80A, which is 4. The four snap-fit ​​structures 80A are configured such that any first engaging portion 66 can engage with any of the second engaging portions 73. In this embodiment, the first engaging portions 66 are the same shape, and all the second engaging portions 73 are also configured to be the same shape.

[0039] [1-2. Effects] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) In the evaporative fuel processing device 1A, the opening 65 is positioned below at least a portion of the main body case 2 when the opening 65 is facing upward. The lid 70 is configured to close at least a portion of the opening 65 and to be fixed to the main body case 2 by a snap-fit ​​structure 80A.

[0040] Conventionally, the opening 65 and the lid 70 are often fixed by vibration welding. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, when the opening 65 is located above the side of the main case 2, it is common practice to use a jig 100 to hold down the connection between the opening 65 and the lid 70 when performing vibration welding, thereby fixing the opening 65 and the lid 70.

[0041] However, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, if the opening 65 is positioned below the side of the main case 2, the side of the main case 2 and the jig 100 will interfere with each other, making it difficult to press down on the entire circumference of the connection between the opening 65 and the lid 70 with the jig 100. If the connection between the opening 65 and the lid 70 cannot be pressed down by the jig 100, the welding is likely to be uneven, which may result in airtight leaks or welding defects due to insufficient strength.

[0042] However, with the above-described configuration, a snap-fit ​​structure 80A is used when fixing the lid 70 to the main case 2, so a jig 100 is unnecessary. Therefore, when the opening 65 is located below the side surface of the main case 2, the opening 65 and the lid 70 can be fixed more securely compared to when vibration welding is used.

[0043] Furthermore, if the opening 65 is positioned below the side surface of the main body case 2, the height of the adsorption chamber (in this embodiment, the height of the third chamber 2C) is lower compared to the case where the opening 65 is positioned above the side surface of the main body case 2. Therefore, the amount of material (e.g., resin) required to form the adsorption chamber can be reduced. In addition, by lowering the height of the adsorption chamber, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A, thereby improving its mountability on a vehicle.

[0044] (1b) In the evaporative fuel treatment apparatus 1A, the direction in which the gas flows through the third chamber 2C intersects with the direction in which the gas flows through the second chamber 2B. With this configuration, when the height of the third chamber 2C is the same, the gas flow path can be made longer compared to the case where the direction in which the gas flows through the third chamber 2C is the same as the direction in which the gas flows through the second chamber 2B, and thus the release of the evaporated fuel to the atmosphere can be delayed.

[0045] (1c) In the evaporative fuel treatment apparatus 1A, the outer periphery of the adsorption unit 62 is configured to abut against the main body case 2. With this configuration, since the outer periphery of the adsorption unit 62 abuts against the main body case 2, a wider cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path can be secured.

[0046] (1d) In the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A, the main body case 2 includes a holding portion 68, a large diameter portion 69, and a stepped portion 68A. The holding portion 68 holds the adsorption unit 62. The large diameter portion 69 is positioned on the outer circumference of the adsorption unit 62, at a distance greater than that of the holding portion 68, surrounding the lid portion 70, and is configured to be connected to the lid portion 70 by a snap-fit ​​structure 80A. The stepped portion 68A forms a step connecting the holding portion 68 and the large diameter portion 69. With this configuration, if an impact occurs when connecting the main body case 2 and the lid portion 70 using the snap-fit ​​structure 80A, this impact can be absorbed by the stepped portion 68A. Therefore, the impact can be less likely to be transmitted to the holding portion 68 and the adsorption unit 62.

[0047] (1e) The evaporative fuel treatment apparatus 1A further comprises a sealing member 78 configured to close the entire circumference between the opening 65 and the lid 70. With this configuration, since the sealing member 78 closes the entire circumference between the opening 65 and the lid 70, it is possible to maintain airtightness at the opening 65 without welding or the like.

[0048] (1f) In the evaporative fuel processing apparatus 1A, the multiple first engaging parts 66 and the multiple second engaging parts 73 are arranged in positions that are rotationally symmetrical along the direction of rotation. With this configuration, the lid 70 can be assembled to the opening 65 regardless of which first engaging part 66 and second engaging part 73 are combined. Compared to a configuration in which all second engaging parts corresponding to the first engaging parts are predetermined, the work efficiency when assembling the lid 70 to the opening 65 is improved.

[0049] [1-3. Correspondence] In this embodiment, the third chamber 2C corresponds to the atmospheric adsorption chamber, and the second chamber 2B corresponds to the adjacent adsorption chamber.

[0050] [2. Other Embodiments] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can take various forms.

[0051] (2a) The snap-fit ​​structure 80A used in the above embodiment can be any snap-fit ​​structure. For example, a snap-fit ​​structure 80B may be used, as in the first modified example evaporative fuel treatment device 1B shown in Figure 6.

[0052] In the snap-fit ​​structure 80A of the above embodiment, the main body case 2 side is provided with a first engaging portion 66A as a recess, and the lid portion 70 side is provided with a second engaging portion 73A as a protrusion. In contrast, in the first modified snap-fit ​​structure 80B, the main body case 2 side is provided with a first engaging portion 66B as a protrusion, and the lid portion 70 side is provided with a second engaging portion 73B as a recess.

[0053] In this configuration, the first engaging portion 66B on the main body case 2 side flexes and engages with the second engaging portion 73B on the lid portion 70 side. At this time, since the main body case 2 is provided with a stepped portion 68A, the first engaging portion 66B flexes more easily than if the stepped portion 68A were not provided. In addition, since the stepped portion 68A can absorb flexing and vibration, the pressing force and vibration generated when attaching the lid portion 70 to the main body case 2 are less likely to be transmitted to the suction unit 62.

[0054] (2b) Alternatively, a snap-fit ​​structure 80C may be adopted, for example, as in the second modified evaporative fuel treatment device 1C shown in Figure 7. The snap-fit ​​structure 80C of the second modified example is provided with a first engaging portion 66C as a recess on the main body case 2 side and a second engaging portion 73C as a protrusion on the lid portion 70 side, similar to the snap-fit ​​structure 80A of the above embodiment. However, in the snap-fit ​​structure 80A of the above embodiment, a protruding portion that further protrudes outward from the large diameter portion 69 constitutes the first engaging portion 66A, whereas in the snap-fit ​​structure 80C of the second modified example, a hole formed on the outer circumference of the large diameter portion 69 constitutes the first engaging portion 66C.

[0055] With this configuration, a snap-fit ​​structure 80C can be realized without providing a protruding portion on the large-diameter section 69. (2c) In the above embodiment, an O-ring was used as the sealing member 78, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as in the third modified example evaporative fuel treatment apparatus 1D shown in Figure 8, a finned ring sealing member 78A may be used instead of an O-ring. The finned ring comprises a ring-shaped member and a plurality of fins that protrude outwards from the outer circumference of the member, and the ring-shaped member and the plurality of fins are integrally formed.

[0056] (2d) In the above embodiment, the lid 70 is attached with the adsorption unit 62 inserted into the main body case 2, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as in the fourth modified example evaporative fuel treatment apparatus 1E shown in Figure 9, the lid 70 may be replaced with a lid 70A, and the adsorption unit 62 may be placed inside the lid 70A.

[0057] With this configuration, the suction unit 62 can be inserted into the lid 70A, and the lid 70A can be mounted on the main body case 2 while the suction unit 62 and the lid 70A are positioned close together. With this configuration, the state in which the suction unit 62 and the lid 70A are positioned close together can be maintained even before the lid 70A is mounted on the main body case 2.

[0058] (2e) In the above embodiment, the orientation of the atmospheric port 23 was configured to face a different direction from the other ports 21 and 22, in particular, a direction away from the other ports 21 and 22, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as in the fifth modified example evaporative fuel treatment apparatus 1F shown in Figure 10, the orientation of the atmospheric port 23 may be configured to face the same direction as the other ports 21 and 22.

[0059] (2f) In the above embodiment, the third chamber 2C has a substantially cylindrical internal space and is equipped with a substantially cylindrical adsorption unit 62 that matches the shape of this internal space, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as in the sixth modified example evaporative fuel treatment device 1H shown in Figure 11, the third chamber 2C may be replaced with a third chamber 2D. The third chamber 2D is equipped with a holding portion 68C that forms part of the outer surface of a cone. The holding portion 68C is tapered so that its inner diameter increases as it approaches the lid portion 70. The adsorption unit 62 is configured to have substantially the same shape as the tapered portion of the holding portion 68C. In other words, the adsorption unit 62 is configured to be frustoconical.

[0060] (2g) In the above embodiment, the adsorption unit 62 is configured such that the surface on the filter 63 side is flush with the surface on the lid 70 side of the stepped portion 68A, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as in the seventh modified example evaporative fuel treatment apparatus 1I shown in Figure 12, the surface of the adsorption unit 62 on the filter 63 side may be configured to protrude by a length Δ from the surface on the lid 70 side of the stepped portion 68A.

[0061] With this configuration, since the side of the adsorption unit 62 facing the filter 63 protrudes, the lid portion 70 can be configured to press down on the adsorption unit 62 more easily. (2h) In the above embodiment, the atmospheric port 23 is configured to extend vertically from the lid 70, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as in the eighth modified example evaporative fuel treatment apparatus 1J shown in Figures 13A to 13C, the lid 70 may be replaced with a lid 70B. In the lid 70B, the atmospheric port 23 is configured to communicate with the main body case 2 via a direction changing section 75. The direction changing section 75 is substantially rectangular in shape, and a space for gas to flow is formed inside. One side of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape of the direction changing section 75 is oriented toward the main body 71 (i.e., the substantially circular part) of the lid 70B, and a pipe section 72 is arranged at any position among the four side surfaces adjacent to this side surface, such that the atmospheric port 23 faces in a direction perpendicular to that side surface. The atmospheric port 23 provided in the lid 70B is configured to guide the gas in a direction intersecting the gas flow direction in the third chamber 2C. In addition, in the direction-changing section 75, the side on which the atmospheric port 23 is located and the direction of the atmospheric port 23 only need to intersect, and do not need to be perpendicular. Furthermore, the direction-changing section 75 is configured to connect the main body 71 and the pipe section 72 of the lid section 70B while ensuring airtightness.

[0062] As described above, the snap-fit ​​structure 80A is positioned in rotationally symmetrical locations. Therefore, before the lid 70B is joined to the main case 2, it is rotated along the direction of rotation, so that one mounting angle is selected from multiple mounting angles and it is attached to the main case 2. The mounting angle is the angle of rotation relative to a certain reference direction, with the direction in which the lid 70B rotates along the joining surface where the lid 70B and the opening 65 join being the direction of rotation.

[0063] The attached lid 70 is prevented from rotating along the direction of rotation by the snap-fit ​​structure 80A. With this configuration, the direction in which the atmospheric port 23 guides the gas can be configured to change with the rotation of the lid 70B, and the lid 70B can be mounted at one of several mounting angles. Therefore, the orientation of the atmospheric port 23 can be changed in multiple directions simply by setting the mounting angle of the lid 70B. Thus, in the evaporative fuel processing device 1J in which the opening 65 in the main body case 2 and the lid 70B are fixed, the orientation of the port can be easily changed.

[0064] (2i) In the above embodiment, the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A is shown to have a configuration in which it has multiple adsorption chambers 2A, 2B, and 2C, but the device is not limited to this configuration. For example, the evaporative fuel treatment device may have only one adsorption chamber, and one adsorption chamber may be formed in an L-shape. If an opening 65 is formed on the inside of the L-shaped bent portion, the opening 65 will be located below at least a part of the main body case 2 when the opening 65 is facing upward. In such a case as well, it is useful to use a snap-fit ​​structure 80A rather than vibration welding when fixing the lid 70 and the main body case 2. Also, for example, one adsorption chamber may be formed in a convex or concave shape.

[0065] (2j) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which an atmospheric port 23 is provided in the lid portion 70 has been illustrated, but the configuration is not limited to this. The atmospheric port 23 does not have to be provided in the lid portion, and for example, the lid portion may be a member that closes an opening provided in a position adjacent to the atmospheric port 23. In addition, the lid portion may be configured to be provided with a charge port 21 or a purge port 22.

[0066] (2k) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the lid portion 70 is provided in the third chamber 2C was illustrated, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the lid portion may be provided in the first chamber 2A or the second chamber 2B. (2l) As shown in Figure 2B, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the space in the second chamber 2B where the adsorbent material 43 is placed is D2, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorption unit 62 placed in the third chamber 2C is D3, the cross-sectional area D3 of the adsorption unit 62 may be configured to be larger than the cross-sectional area D2 of the space in the second chamber 2B where the adsorbent material 43 is placed. Note that these cross-sectional areas are the cross-sectional areas in the main flow direction.

[0067] (2m) The functions of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to, replaced with, etc., the configuration of other above embodiments.

[0068] (2n) In addition to the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A described above, the present disclosure can also be realized in various forms, such as a system that uses the evaporative fuel treatment device 1A as a component, or an evaporative fuel treatment method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1A~1F,1H~1J...Evaporative fuel treatment device, 2...Main case, 2A...First chamber, 2B...Second chamber, 2C,2D...Third chamber, 21...Charge port, 22...Purge port, 23...Atmospheric port, 26...Opening, 27...Cap, 40,43...Adsorbent material, 61...Contact part, 62...Adsorption unit, 63...Filter, 64...Conversion space, 65...Opening, 66A~66C...First engagement part, 68,68C...Holding part, 68A...Stepped part, 69...Large diameter part, 70,70A,70B...Lid part, 71...Main body part, 72...Pipe part, 73A~73C...Second engagement part, 75...Direction changing part, 78,78A...Sealing member, 80A~80C...Snap-fit ​​structure, 100...Jig.

Claims

1. An evaporative fuel treatment device, It consists of a main case and a lid. The main body case comprises at least one adsorption chamber configured to house an adsorbent for adsorbing evaporated fuel, An opening configured to connect the at least one adsorption chamber with the outside of the evaporative fuel treatment device, Equipped with, The lid is configured to close at least a portion of the opening and to be fixed to the main body case in a snap-fit ​​structure. With the opening facing upward, the opening is positioned below at least a portion of the main body case. The lid is provided with a port, The port extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the evaporated fuel flows in the adsorption chamber having the opening, among the at least one adsorption chamber. The direction in which the lid rotates along the joining surface where the lid and the opening are joined is defined as the direction of rotation. The lid portion is configured to be attachable to the adsorption chamber having the opening by selecting one of a plurality of rotational directions, in an evaporation fuel processing apparatus.

2. An evaporative fuel treatment device, It consists of a main case and a lid. The main body case comprises at least one adsorption chamber configured to house an adsorbent for adsorbing evaporated fuel, An opening configured to connect the at least one adsorption chamber with the outside of the evaporative fuel treatment device, Equipped with, The lid is configured to close at least a portion of the opening and to be fixed to the main body case in a snap-fit ​​structure. With the opening facing upward, the opening is positioned below at least a portion of the main body case. The aforementioned at least one adsorption chamber includes an atmospheric adsorption chamber and an adjacent adsorption chamber. The aforementioned atmospheric adsorption chamber is connected to an atmospheric port that communicates with the atmosphere. The aforementioned opening is provided in the atmospheric adsorption chamber, The adjacent adsorption chamber is connected to the atmospheric adsorption chamber and is located in the flow path of the evaporated fuel on a side further away from the atmospheric port than the atmospheric adsorption chamber. The direction in which the evaporated fuel flows through the atmospheric adsorption chamber intersects with the direction in which the evaporated fuel flows through the adjacent adsorption chamber. The aforementioned atmospheric port is provided in the lid and extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the evaporated fuel flows through the atmospheric adsorption chamber. The direction in which the lid rotates along the joining surface where the lid and the opening are joined is defined as the direction of rotation. The lid portion is configured to be attachable to the atmospheric adsorption chamber by selecting one of a plurality of rotational directions, in an evaporative fuel processing apparatus.

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