Valve device

Abstract

This valve device 10 comprises: an upper member 12 having a ventilation passage 32 that communicates with the outside of a fuel tank; an intermediate member 14 having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and assembled to a lower part of the upper member; and a lower member 16 assembled to a lower part of the intermediate member 14 and forming a valve chamber inside together with the intermediate member 14. The upper member 12 has a first locking part 30 extending downward along the outer peripheral surface. The intermediate member 14 has a first engaging part 40 formed on the outer peripheral surface and engaged with the first locking part 30, and a second engaging part 42 formed on the outer peripheral surface. The lower member 16 has: an opening part capable of communicating between the inside of the fuel tank with the valve chamber; a second locking part 52 positioned so as to be deviated in the circumferential direction from the first locking part 30 and engaged with the second engaging part 42; and a pressing part 54 overlapping the first locking part 30 on the front side of the first locking part 30.

Description

Valve device

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device having an outer shape formed by an upper member, an intermediate member, and a lower member.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a full tank limiting valve having a housing and a float valve. The housing has a housing body having a side peripheral wall, a lower cap attached to the lower part of the housing body, and an upper cover attached to the upper part of the housing body.

[0003] The first engagement piece of the upper cover extends downward and receives the cover-side engagement protrusion of the housing body when attached to the housing body, while the second engagement piece of the lower cap extends upward and is positioned outside the first engagement piece when it receives the cap-side engagement protrusion of the housing body when attached to the housing body.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-70221

[0005] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the first engagement piece of the upper cover, the cover-side engagement protrusion and cap-side engagement protrusion of the housing main body, and the second engagement piece of the lower cap are arranged to overlap in the circumferential direction, which may limit the length of the first engagement piece and the second engagement piece and make them shorter.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a valve device in which the first engaging portion of the upper member and the holding portion of the lower member are of sufficient length, so that the first engaging portion can firmly connect the upper member and the intermediate member.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a valve device for use in a fuel tank, comprising: an upper member having a vent passage communicating with the outside of the fuel tank; an intermediate member having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and assembled to a lower part of the upper member; and a lower member assembled to the lower part of the intermediate member and forming a valve chamber therein together with the intermediate member. The upper member has a first locking portion extending downward along the outer peripheral surface. The intermediate member has a first locking portion formed on the outer peripheral surface and locking with the first locking portion, and a second locking portion formed on the outer peripheral surface. The lower member has an opening that allows communication between the interior of the fuel tank and the valve chamber, a second locking portion positioned circumferentially offset from the first locking portion and locking with the second locking portion, and a pressing portion that overlaps the first locking portion on the front side of the first locking portion.

[0008] According to the present invention, a valve device can be provided in which the first engaging portion of the upper member and the holding portion of the lower member have sufficient length, and the first engaging portion can firmly connect the upper member and the intermediate member.

[0009] Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view of the valve device of the embodiment; Fig. 3(b) is an exploded view of the valve device of the embodiment; Fig. 3(a) is a side view of the valve device of the embodiment, and Fig. 3(b) is a rear view of the valve device of the embodiment; Fig. 3(b) is an enlarged view of the valve device as seen from the side; Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve device; Fig. 3(c) is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the valve device.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a valve device 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the valve device 10 according to an embodiment. The valve device 10 is installed in a fuel tank of a vehicle and is in an open state and a closed state. The valve device 10 closes when a lower portion of the valve device 10 is submerged in fuel, thereby restricting the supply of fuel.

[0011] The valve device 10 includes an upper member 12, an intermediate member 14, a lower member 16, a seal member 18, a seal valve body 20, a seal member 22, an intermediate valve body 24, a float body 26, and a biasing member 28. The upper member 12, the intermediate member 14, and the lower member 16 form an outer shell of the valve device 10. The upper member 12 is disposed outside the fuel tank, and the intermediate member 14 and the lower member 16 are disposed inside the fuel tank. The seal member 18 is formed in an annular shape and closes the space between the upper member 12 and the intermediate member 14.

[0012] The upper member 12 has a first locking portion 30, an air vent passage 32, and a flange portion 34. The upper member 12 is a lid that closes the top of the valve device 10. The air vent passage 32 extends radially outward from the side, connects the valve chamber to the outside of the fuel tank, and can exhaust gas from inside the valve device 10 that enters from the fuel tank when the valve is open to the outside. A tube that is connected to the canister is connected to the air vent passage 32.

[0013] The first locking portions 30 extend downward and are formed in plurality at intervals in the circumferential direction. Each first locking portion 30 is formed as a plate-like piece with a locking hole in the center. The first locking portions 30 extend downward along the outer peripheral surface 48 of the intermediate member 14. The flange portion 34 projects radially outward and is fixed to the case of the fuel tank.

[0014] The intermediate member 14 and the lower member 16 form a valve chamber therein. The seal valve body 20, the seal member 22, the intermediate valve body 24, and the float body 26 constitute a float valve, which is disposed in the valve chamber inside the intermediate member 14 and the lower member 16. The biasing member 28 biases the float valve. When the float valve is immersed in fuel, it rises due to buoyancy and the biasing force of the biasing member 28, and when it is not immersed in fuel, it descends due to its own weight against the biasing force.

[0015] The intermediate member 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the lower part of the upper member 12. The intermediate member 14 has a through hole 36, a frame-shaped portion 38, a first engaging portion 40, a second engaging portion 42, a protruding portion 44, a circumferential wall portion 46, and an outer circumferential surface 48.

[0016] The through-hole 36 is formed through the upper surface of the intermediate member 14, and connects the valve chamber to the ventilation path 32. A valve seat is formed inside the through-hole 36, and the through-hole 36 is opened and closed by a float valve.

[0017] The first engagement portions 40 are formed to protrude from the outer peripheral surface 48 and engage with the first locking portions 30. A plurality of first engagement portions 40 are formed spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The frame-shaped portion 38 is formed to protrude from the outer peripheral surface 48 at a position above the first engagement portions 40, and is formed hollow outside the outer peripheral surface 48.

[0018] The second engaging portions 42 are formed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface 48, and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The first engaging portions 40 and the second engaging portions 42 are arranged to be offset in the circumferential direction.

[0019] The protrusion 44 is formed to protrude from the outer peripheral surface 48 and is located circumferentially between the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 42. The protrusion 44 is inclined so that the protrusion height increases as it approaches the first engagement portion 40 in the circumferential direction, and the side surface on the first engagement portion 40 side stands perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface 48 in the normal direction.

[0020] The circumferential wall portion 46 is formed circumferentially and is disposed above the second engagement portion 42 and the protrusion portion 44. The circumferential wall portion 46 is partially spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The first engagement portion 40 is disposed at a position where the circumferential wall portion 46 is spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The circumferential wall portion 46 is continuous with the second engagement portion 42 and the protrusion portion 44. The circumferential wall portion 46 prevents foreign matter from entering between the second engagement portion 42 and the second locking portion 52, and prevents the lower member 16 from falling off.

[0021] The lower member 16 is assembled to the lower part of the intermediate member 14 and together with the intermediate member 14 forms a valve chamber that houses a float valve. The lower member 16 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The lower member 16 has an opening 50, a second locking portion 52, a pressing portion 54, a first slit portion 56, a second slit portion 58, and a receiving portion, which will be described later.

[0022] The opening 50 opens the lower member 16 from the bottom to the top. That is, the lower member 16 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is open at both the top and bottom ends. The opening 50 allows communication between the interior of the fuel tank and the valve chamber, and allows communication from the bottom of the lower member 16 to the vent passage 32. When the through-hole 36 of the intermediate member 14 is closed by the float valve, communication between the opening 50 and the vent passage 32 is blocked.

[0023] The second locking portion 52 is located at the upper end of the lower member 16, extends upward, and has a locking hole. The second locking portion 52 is formed as a plate-like piece. A plurality of second locking portions 52 are formed and spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0024] The retaining portion 54 is located at the upper end of the lower member 16 and is formed to extend upward. The retaining portion 54 is formed as a plate-like piece. A plurality of second locking portions 52 and retaining portions 54 are arranged alternately and offset in the circumferential direction. This allows the second locking portions 52 and retaining portions 54 to flex individually.

[0025] A plurality of holding portions 54 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The upper end of each holding portion 54 is thinner than the lower end. The upper thin portion of each holding portion 54 overlaps with the first locking portion 30. This allows the upper end of each holding portion 54 to bend easily, absorbing dimensional deviations of the first locking portion 30. Furthermore, the rigidity of the base side of each holding portion 54 can be ensured.

[0026] The first slit portion 56 is formed between the second locking portion 52 and the pressing portion 54 and opens upward. The second slit portion 58 is formed between the second locking portion 52 and the pressing portion 54 and opens upward. The first slit portion 56 is disposed on one side of the pressing portion 54, and the second slit portion 58 is disposed on the other side of the pressing portion 54. In other words, the first slit portion 56 and the second slit portion 58 are disposed on both sides of the pressing portion 54, respectively.

[0027] The width of the holding portion 54 is wider at the lower end than at the upper end. This makes it possible to increase the width of the base side of the holding portion 54 and improve the rigidity of the holding portion 54. It also makes it easier for the upper end side of the holding portion 54 to bend. The width of the first slit portion 56 is narrower at the lower end than at the upper end.

[0028] Fig. 3(a) is a side view of the valve device 10 of the embodiment, and Fig. 3(b) is a rear view of the valve device 10 of the embodiment. Fig. 3(b) is a view of the valve device 10 shown in Fig. 3(a) shifted 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the valve device 10 as seen from the side. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve device 10 perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0029] The first locking portion 30 is inserted into the frame-shaped portion 38 and locks with the first engaging portion 40. The first engaging portion 40 fits into an engaging hole in the first locking portion 30. The retaining portion 54 overlaps the first locking portion 30 on the front side of the first locking portion 30. The upper portion of the retaining portion 54 and the lower portion of the first locking portion 30 overlap in the radial direction. As a result, if the first locking portion 30 attempts to move in a direction to disengage from the first engaging portion 40, it will come into contact with the retaining portion 54, restricting the disengaging movement. This allows the upper member 12 and the intermediate member 14 to be firmly connected.

[0030] The second locking portion 52 locks to the second engaging portion 42. The second engaging portion 42 fits into the locking hole of the second locking portion 52. This connects the intermediate member 14 and the lower member 16. The second locking portion 52 is positioned circumferentially offset from the first locking portion 30. This allows the first locking portion 30 to extend downward a long distance, increasing the overlapping area with the pressing portion 54.

[0031] 4 and 5 , the protrusion 44 fits into the first slit 56. By fitting the protrusion 44 into the first slit 56, the protrusion 44 functions to position the lower member 16 when it is assembled, and also prevents the lower member 16 from rotating relative to the intermediate member 14.

[0032] The second slits 58 are sized so that the protrusions 44 cannot fit into them. The size of the second slits 58 means that even if the protrusions 44 try to fit into the second slits 58, they will be caught on the opening edges of the second slits 58 and will not fit into the second engaging portions 42 and the second locking portions 52. The circumferential width of the second slits 58 is smaller than the circumferential width of the protrusions 44. This prevents incorrect assembly.

[0033] 5, the protruding portion 44 is provided at a position where it can come into contact with the first side edge 54a of the pressing portion 54. The protruding portion 44 faces the first side edge 54a in the circumferential direction and comes close to or into contact with the first side edge 54a. This restricts the lower member 16 from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the intermediate member 14, making it difficult for the second engaging portion 42 and the second locking portion 52 to come out of engagement.

[0034] The first side edge 54a of the retaining portion 54 defines a part of the first slit portion 56, and the second side edge 54b of the retaining portion 54 defines a part of the second slit portion 58. The first side edge 54a has a portion that slopes upward and a portion that extends along the vertical direction.

[0035] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve device 10 taken along the axial direction. The first locking portion 30 is hooked onto the first engaging portion 40, and the pressing portion 54 overlaps the first locking portion 30.

[0036] The upper member 12 is made up of an outer member 12a and an inner member 12b, and is formed by two-color molding. The inner member 12b is made of a material that is resistant to fuel and is softer than the outer member 12a. The flange portion 34 of the outer member 12a is welded to the surface of the fuel tank. The biasing member 28 is placed on a receiving portion 60 of the lower member 16 and biases the float body 26 of the float valve upward.

[0037] 6 is in a state where it has descended from the through-hole 36, and the valve device 10 is open. When fuel enters through the opening 50 and the fuel level rises, the float valve rises and the seal valve body 20 closes the through-hole 36.

[0038] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications such as design changes may be made to the embodiments based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such modified embodiments may also be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0039] The present invention relates to a valve device having an outer shape formed by an upper member, an intermediate member, and a lower member.

[0040] 10 Valve device, 12 Upper member, 14 Intermediate member, 16 Lower member, 18 Sealing member, 20 Sealing valve body, 22 Sealing member, 24 Intermediate valve body, 26 Float body, 28 Biasing member, 30 First locking portion, 32 Ventilation path, 34 Flange portion, 36 Through hole, 38 Frame-shaped portion, 40 First engagement portion, 42 Second engagement portion, 44 Protruding portion, 46 Circumferential wall portion, 48 Outer circumferential surface, 50 Opening, 52 Second locking portion, 54 Pressing portion, 54a First side edge, 54b Second side edge, 56 First slit portion, 58 Second slit portion, 60 Receiving portion.

Claims

1. A valve device for use in a fuel tank, comprising: an upper member having an air passage communicating with the outside of the fuel tank; an intermediate member having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and assembled to the lower part of the upper member; and a lower member assembled to the lower part of the intermediate member and forming an internal valve chamber together with the intermediate member, wherein the upper member has a first locking portion extending downward along the outer peripheral surface, the intermediate member has: a first locking portion formed on the outer peripheral surface and locking to the first locking portion, and a second locking portion formed on the outer peripheral surface, and the lower member has: an opening that allows communication between the inside of the fuel tank and the valve chamber, a second locking portion that is positioned circumferentially offset from the first locking portion and locks to the second locking portion, and a pressing portion that overlaps the first locking portion on the front side of the first locking portion.

2. The valve device described in claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate member has a protruding portion formed on the outer circumferential surface and positioned between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, the lower member has a first slit portion formed between the second locking portion and the pressing portion and opening upward, and the protruding portion fits into the first slit portion.

3. The valve device described in claim 2, characterized in that the lower member has a second slit portion formed between the second locking portion and the holding portion and opening upward, the second locking portions and the holding portions are arranged alternately and offset in the circumferential direction, the first slit portion is arranged on one side of the holding portion, and the second slit portion is arranged on the other side of the holding portion, and is sized so that the protrusion cannot enter.

4. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein the pressing portion extends upward and has a width at its lower end that is wider than its upper end, and the first slit portion has a width at its lower end that is narrower than its upper end.

5. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is provided at a position where it can come into contact with the side edge of the pressing portion.

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