JP4032335B2 - Fuel tank spray back prevention structure - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel tank spray-back preventing structure, and more particularly to a fuel tank spray-back preventing structure that prevents fuel from spraying back from the fuel supply port to the outside of the fuel tank when fuel is supplied to the fuel tank.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The vehicle is equipped with a fuel tank that stores fuel to be supplied to the engine. In addition, a check valve for preventing fuel from returning from the fuel tank to the fuel filler port is provided in the fuel supply passage that communicates between the fuel tank and the fuel filler port.
[0003]
In such a fuel tank spray-back preventing structure, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, an inclined pipe 102 </ b> C connected to the upper part 102 </ b> A and the side part 102 </ b> B of the fuel tank 102 is provided with an inlet pipe 104. One end side of a filler hose 108 that forms a fuel supply passage 106 is connected to one end 104A of the inlet pipe 104 located outside the fuel tank 102. A filler neck 112 having an oil filler port 110 is connected to the other end of the filler hose 108. Further, a check valve 114 is provided at the other end 104B of the inlet pipe 104 located inside the fuel tank 102. Further, a liquid level control valve 116 is provided in the upper part 102 </ b> A of the fuel tank 102.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 18, the check valve 114 includes an outer main body 118, a valve body 124 that can be rotated so as to open and close the opening 122 around a pivotal support 120 attached to the main body 118, The valve body 124 is composed of a spring 126 having a biasing force in the closing direction of the opening 122. This check valve 114 opens the valve body 124 for the fuel in the fuel supply direction from the fuel supply port 110 to allow the fuel flow, while the valve body for the fuel in the reverse flow direction from the fuel tank 102. 124 is closed as a large resistance to prevent the fuel from returning, and since the urging force is applied to the valve body 124 so that the opening 122 is always closed by the spring 126, the resistance of the fuel flow is obtained. Refueling is performed with fuel remaining in the vicinity of the inlet pipe 104, and this action prevents the evaporative fuel from being released into the atmosphere from the fuel filler port 110 through the gap between the inner surface of the filler hose 108 and the fuel during refueling. is doing.
[0005]
Further, such a fuel tank spray-back preventing structure is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Nos. 5-20916 and 8-10016. The one described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-20916 is provided with a valve for preventing the fuel from returning on the filler pipe, and three fan-shaped blades are attached to hinges extending radially from the center of the valve to determine the rotational direction position. This makes it easy to install the valve without considering it. The one described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 8-10016 divides an annular interior into three or more equal parts in a fan shape, a valve body having a support on the dividing line, and a support in a shape corresponding to the fan shape as a rotary bearing. A rotation restricting portion including a valve body that performs the above operation is provided.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the conventional fuel tank spray back prevention structure in FIG. 17, fuel is supplied to the position of the check valve 114 in the fuel tank 102, and the amount of fuel supplied from a fuel supply device (not shown) is checked. When the difference from the amount of fuel entering the fuel tank 102 through the valve 114 increases, the fuel begins to rise in the filler hose 108, and the liquid level control valve 116 is closed to release the pressure in the fuel tank 102. Therefore, when the fuel reaches the tip of a fuel supply nozzle (not shown), the fuel supply is stopped by the automatic stop function of the fuel supply nozzle. However, depending on conditions such as the shape of the filler hose 108 and the response of the fueling nozzle, there is a problem in that the fuel may rush from the fueling port 110 and spray out of the fuel tank 102.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, in order to eliminate the above-described inconvenience, the present invention provides a check valve for preventing fuel from returning from the fuel tank to the fuel supply port in the fuel supply passage that communicates between the fuel tank and the fuel supply port. In the fuel tank spray back prevention structure provided, the check valve is provided at a connection portion between the fuel supply passage and the fuel tank, and a tip of a fuel gun that supplies fuel from the fuel supply port when supplying the fuel to the connection portion. In the fuel supply passage between the portion where the section is located, a flow oil passage is formed at approximately one half of the cross-sectional area of the passage on one side, and an opening having approximately half of the cross-sectional area of the passage is provided on the other side. The present invention is characterized in that a backflow mitigation mechanism having a deformed valve body is provided .
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, without disturbing the flow of fuel to the fuel tank from the fuel supply port side can be relaxed only momentum of the fuel coming back through the fuel supply passage from the fuel tank side after the check valve is closed Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the fuel from returning, improve the fuel supply performance, and increase the degree of freedom in designing the shape of the filler hose.
[0009]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail and specifically with reference to the drawings. 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 2 is a fuel tank mounted on a vehicle (not shown). The fuel tank 2 includes an upper portion 2A, a side portion 2B, and a bottom portion (not shown), and an inclined portion 2C is formed between the upper portion 2A and the side portion 2B. The inclined portion 2 </ b> C is provided with an inlet pipe 4 composed of one end 4 </ b> A located outside the fuel tank 2 and the other end 4 </ b> B located inside the fuel tank 2.
[0010]
One end portion 4A of the inlet pipe 4 is connected to one end side of a filler hose 8 in which a fuel supply passage 6 having a certain pipe area is formed. A filler neck 12 having an oil filler port 10 is connected to the other end of the filler hose 8.
[0011]
A check valve 14 is provided at the distal end portion 4B of the inlet pipe 4 serving as a connection portion between the fuel supply passage 6 and the fuel tank 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the check valve 14 includes an outer main body 16, a valve body 22 that can be rotated so as to open and close the opening 20 around a pivot 18 attached to the main body 16, The valve body 22 is composed of a spring 24 having a biasing force in the closing direction of the opening 20.
[0012]
The check valve 14 opens the valve body 22 to allow fuel flow with respect to the fuel in the fueling direction from the fuel filler port 10 side, while for the fuel in the reverse flow direction from the fuel tank 2 side, The valve body 22 is closed to prevent the fuel from returning, and the valve body 22 is energized so as to always close the opening 20 by the spring 24. Thus, the fuel is supplied in the state where the fuel is accumulated in the vicinity of the inlet pipe 4, and this action causes the evaporated fuel to be discharged into the atmosphere through the gap between the inner surface of the filler hose 8 and the fuel during the fuel supply. Is preventing.
[0013]
Further, a liquid level control valve 26 is attached to the upper part 2 </ b> A of the fuel tank 2. The liquid level control valve 26 includes a main body 28, a float 30 which is a valve body reciprocating in the main body 28, and a valve seat 32 to which the float 30 contacts and separates, and has a movable lid. belongs to.
[0014]
Between the filler hose 8 and the filler neck 12, that is, below the filler neck 12, the flow of fuel from the fuel filler 10 to the fuel tank 2 is allowed and the flow of fuel from the fuel tank 2 to the filler inlet 10 Is provided with a backflow mitigation valve 34 that partially regulates. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the backflow relief valve 34 divides the annular main body 36 and the fuel supply passage 6 into a plurality of, for example, three first to third divided passages 38-1 to 38-3. In addition, three first to third divided bodies 40-1 to 40-3 radially provided in the main body 36 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and a first divided path as a part of the divided divided path 38. 38-1, the pipe area of the fuel supply passage is divided into three equal parts so that the fuel flow from the fuel filler 10 to the fuel tank 2 is allowed to 38-1 and the fuel flow from the fuel tank 2 to the fuel filler 10 is restricted. And a fan-shaped valve element 42. The valve body 42 of the backflow relief valve 34 is pivotally provided on the pivotal support portion 44 of the first divided body 40-1, and opens and closes the first divided path 38-1.
[0015]
The reverse flow relief valve 34 opens the valve element 42 for the fuel in the fuel supply direction so that the fuel flows smoothly. For the fuel in the reverse direction, for example, 1/3 of the pipe area is closed. Therefore, the momentum of the backflow of the fuel is suppressed, and the pressure of the suppressed momentum escapes to the fuel tank 2 side, so that the check valve 14 is opened, and the fuel for this amount is caused to flow into the fuel tank 2, so that Unlike the stop valve 14, the fuel supply passage 6 is not completely blocked. Therefore, even when the valve body 42 is closed, the flow rate of the supplied fuel and the flow rate of the fuel passing through the backflow relief valve 34 are not affected. Even if the fuel supply passage 6 is blocked by the check valve 14 without causing a large difference, the amount of fuel blocked by the backflow mitigation valve 34 can be poured into the fuel tank 2. , Only the momentum of the fuel rising in the filler hose 8 One in which it is possible to win.
[0016]
5-8, the code | symbol 46 is a fueling nozzle which has the front-end | tip part 46A and supplies fuel from the fueling port 10 at the time of fueling. The oil supply nozzle 46 has an automatic stop function.
[0017]
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
[0018]
At the start of fuel supply to the fuel tank 2, as shown in FIG. 5, the fuel passes through the filler neck 12, the backflow relief valve 34, the filler hose 8, the inlet pipe 4, and the check valve 14 in order, Enter 2 At this time, since the valve element 22 of the check valve 14 is pressed by the spring 24, it becomes a resistance against the flow of fuel. Therefore, refueling is performed while a certain amount of fuel is accumulated in the inlet pipe 4 and under the filler hose 8.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the fuel level L in the fuel tank 2 reaches the check valve 14, the resistance to the fuel flow increases, and the fuel level in the filler hose 8 begins to gradually rise. .
[0020]
When refueling further proceeds, the float 30 of the liquid level control valve 34 comes into contact with the valve seat 32, and when there is no passage of pressure in the fuel tank 2, there is not much fuel in the fuel tank 2. For this reason, the momentum of the rise of the liquid level of the fuel in the filler hose 8 further increases. Then, when the liquid level of the fuel in the filler hose 8 reaches the backflow mitigation valve 34, the upward force of the fuel is suppressed by the valve body 42 of the backflow mitigation valve 34. Then, the pressure of the rising momentum escapes into the fuel tank 2.
[0021]
Then, when the liquid level of the fuel in the filler hose 8 reaches the tip end portion 46 </ b> A of the fuel supply nozzle 46 , the fuel supply is stopped by the automatic stop function of the fuel supply nozzle 46 .
[0022]
As a result, for the fuel in the reverse direction from the fuel tank 2 to the fuel filler port 10 side, for example, 1/3 of the pipe area of the fuel supply passage 6 is blocked to suppress the backflow momentum. Since the pressure of the generated momentum escapes to the fuel tank 2 side, the check valve 14 opens, and the fuel for this amount is made to flow into the fuel tank 2. Thus, unlike the check valve 14, the fuel supply passage 6 is completely opened. Therefore, even when the valve body 42 of the backflow relief valve 34 is closed, there is no significant difference between the flow rate of the supplied fuel and the flow rate of the fuel passing through the backflow relief valve 34. Even when the fuel supply passage 6 is blocked by the check valve 14, the amount of fuel blocked by the backflow relief valve 34 can be poured into the fuel tank 2. Only the momentum of the coming fuel can be suppressed. Ri, a spouting-back of fuel more reliably prevented, also it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in designing the shape of the filler hose 8.
[0023]
FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0024]
In the following embodiments, portions having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0025]
The features of the second embodiment are as follows. That is, the filler hose 8 forming the fuel supply passage 6 is branched into a plurality of, for example, three first to third branch hoses 8-1 to 8-3. For example, the second branch hose 8-2, which is one of the branched branch hoses, is provided with a backflow relief valve 34.
[0026]
According to the configuration of the second embodiment, the filler hose 8 is branched, and the backflow relief valve 34 is provided at the branched portion, so that only the momentum of the fuel rising in the filler hose 8 is effectively suppressed. In addition, the degree of freedom of installation of the backflow relief valve 34 can be increased.
[0027]
FIG. 10 shows a special configuration of the present invention and shows a third embodiment.
[0028]
The features of the third embodiment are as follows. That is, a buoyancy volume 42A is formed inside the valve body 42 of the backflow relief valve 34.
[0029]
According to the configuration of the third embodiment, when the fuel flows backward, the valve body 42 can be smoothly closed by the presence of the buoyancy volume 42A, and the momentum of the flowing fuel can be effectively prevented.
[0030]
FIG. 11 shows a special configuration of the present invention and shows a fourth embodiment.
[0031]
The features of the fourth embodiment are as follows. In other words, the fuel supply passage 6 is provided with the backflow relief body 54 having the tapered flow passage 52 having an opening area on the fuel filler port 10 side larger than that on the fuel tank 2 side. In other words, in the backflow mitigating body 54, the mitigating body 58 of a certain thickness T attached to the main body 56 penetrates the one side surface 58A on the fuel tank 2 side and the other side surface 58B on the fuel filler port 10 side in the axial direction. A plurality of tapered flow holes 52 are formed so as to be oriented in the axial direction. The tapered circulation hole 52 has a tank side opening 60A having a width W1 on one side 58A on the fuel tank 2 side, and a width W2 larger than the width W1 on the other side 58B on the fuel filler port 10 side. The fuel filler opening side 60B is formed. Accordingly, a resistance surface portion 62 having a width M is formed on one side surface 58A of the relaxing body 58 on the fuel tank 2 side.
[0032]
According to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, the fuel in the fuel supply direction smoothly flows into the fuel tank 2 from the fuel supply port side opening 60B having the large width W2 through the tapered circulation hole 52. Further, the fuel in the reverse flow direction comes into contact with the resistance surface portion 62 having the width M1, and its momentum is alleviated. Accordingly, only the momentum of the fuel rising in the filler hose 8 can be effectively suppressed, and the configuration of the backflow mitigating body 54 is simple, so that the cost can be reduced.
[0033]
FIG. 12 shows a special configuration of the present invention and shows a fifth embodiment.
[0034]
The features of the fifth embodiment are as follows. That is, the fuel supply passage 6 is smoothly rotated in a certain direction by supply of fuel from the fuel filler port 10 (indicated by the rotation of the solid line) and is heavily rotated by resistance in the reverse flow (indicated by the rotation of the one-dot chain line). A backflow mitigation mechanism 74 having blades 72 was provided. The blades 72 are supported by an attachment frame 80 attached to the main body 78 via the shaft portion 76.
[0035]
According to the configuration of the fifth embodiment, the fuel in the fueling direction flows smoothly into the fuel tank 2 by the smooth rotation of the blades 72 in a certain direction. On the other hand, the fuel in the reverse flow direction is relieved in the force of the reverse flow because the blades 72 rotate heavy due to resistance. Thereby, the momentum of the fuel rising in the filler hose 8 can be effectively suppressed.
[0036]
13 to 16 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0037]
The features of the sixth embodiment are as follows. That is, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the fuel supply passage 6 is formed with a flow oil passage 82 on one side and substantially half of the passage sectional area as a pipe area, and on the other side and the passage sectional area. A backflow mitigation mechanism 88 having a valve body 86 having a substantially half opening 84 is provided. This backflow mitigation mechanism 88 is formed by connecting a fixed annular portion 92 that forms a fluid flow path 82 and is fixed to the inner surface of the main body 90, and one end portion 86 </ b> A on the opening 84 side of the valve body 86 to the fixed annular portion 92. Composed. The valve body 86 is formed in a bag shape with a flexible material such as rubber, and one end portion 86A in which an opening 84 on the fuel filler port 10 side is formed is connected to the fixed annular portion 92, and the other end portion 86B is a fuel. The other end 86B is deformed and released only by the momentum of fuel when refueling from the opening 84 side, and is formed to be deformable so as to protrude to the tank 2 side by a predetermined length and to be constricted by the elastic force on the fuel tank 2 side. To do.
[0038]
According to the configuration of the sixth embodiment, at the time of refueling, as shown in FIG. 15, the fuel from the fuel filler port 10 side passes through the oil flow passage 82 and flows to the fuel tank 2 side, and from the opening 84 to the valve body. 86, the other end 86B of the valve body 86 is deformed and released by the momentum of the fuel (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 15), and thereby passes through the valve body 86 as well. It flows to the fuel tank 2 side. On the other hand, at the time of fuel injection, as shown in FIG. 16, the fuel from the fuel tank 2 side passes through the oil flow passage 82 and flows to the fuel filler port 10 side, but the other end 86B of the valve body 86 is constricted. Since the other end side 86B of the valve body 86 is closed by the elastic force and the sprayed fuel, the momentum of the backflowing fuel is effectively suppressed.
[0039]
In the present invention, the ratio of closing the pipe area of the backflow mitigation valve is not limited to 1/3, and can be adjusted as appropriate so that fuel does not return, including full closure. The attachment position of the backflow mitigation valve is not limited to the lower part of the filler neck, and can be adjusted as appropriate so that fuel does not rebound between the fuel filler port and the check valve. Furthermore, the shape of the backflow relief valve is not limited to the type with a movable lid, but a ball type valve or a float type valve can be used as long as the conditions for moderately reducing the backflow are satisfied. Is possible.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above detailed description, according to the present invention, the fuel supply passage is made to flow backward from the fuel tank side after the check valve is closed without hindering the flow of fuel from the fuel filler side to the fuel tank. Since only the momentum of the coming fuel can be mitigated, the fuel can be prevented from being blown back more reliably, the fuel supply performance can be improved, and the degree of freedom in designing the shape of the filler hose can be increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of a spray-back preventing structure.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the backflow relief valve according to arrow II in FIG. 3;
FIG. 3 is a side view of a backflow relief valve.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a check valve.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state where refueling is started.
FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state in which fuel reaches a check valve.
FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which fuel reaches a backflow mitigation valve.
FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state in which refueling is stopped.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a spray back preventing structure in a second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a backflow relief valve in a third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a backflow moderator in the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a backflow mitigation mechanism in a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a backflow mitigation mechanism in a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a rear view of a backflow mitigating mechanism according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a backflow mitigation mechanism during refueling in a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a backflow mitigation mechanism when fuel is injected back in the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a side view of a conventional spray back preventing structure.
FIG. 18 is a side view of a conventional check valve.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Fuel tank 4 Inlet pipe 6 Fuel supply passage 8 Filler hose 10 Filling port 12 Filler neck 14 Check valve 26 Liquid level control valve 34 Backflow relief valve

Claims (1)

In the fuel tank spray prevention structure, wherein a check valve for preventing fuel from returning from the fuel tank to the fuel filler port is provided in a fuel supply passage communicating between the fuel tank and the fuel filler port. Is provided in a connection portion between the fuel supply passage and the fuel tank, and the fuel supply passage between the connection portion and a portion where a tip of a fuel gun that supplies fuel from the fuel filler port is located when fuel is supplied is provided in the fuel supply passage. In addition, the flow oil passage is formed with approximately half of the passage cross-sectional area on one side, and the backflow mitigation mechanism that has an opening that is substantially half of the cross-sectional area of the passage and has a valve body that is elastically deformed is provided on the other side. Features a fuel tank spray-back prevention structure.

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