JP2005023851A - Evaporating fuel treatment device for internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve reliability of an evaporating fuel treatment device by accurately determining leak in an evaporating fuel route. <P>SOLUTION: A device is provided with a fuel tank 10, a canister 20 connected to the fuel tank 10 and adsorbing evaporating fuel generated in the fuel tank 10, a pump 42 connected to the canister 20 and applying predetermined pressure to a closed space including the fuel tank 10 via the canister 20, a pressure gage 44 detecting pressure of the closed space in the pump 42 side also from the canister 20, a determination means determining a state of leak of the closed space including the fuel tank 10 based on pressure detected by the pressure gage 44, and a criterion correction means correcting reference pressure P<SB>REF</SB>of the determination means based on adsorption phenomenon or desorption phenomenon of evaporating fuel in the canister 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０１０６】
（１）式はオリフィス４８の両側の圧力比（Ｐ_ＲＥＦ／Ｐ_０）、オリフィス４８の断面積Ａと、オリフィスの流量Ｑ_ＲＥＦとの関係を関数Φを用いて表した一般的なオリフィスの式である。（１）式において、Ｔはオリフィス４８の上流側の空気温度であって、大気温度を測定することで求まる。また、Ｒは気体定数、Ｍａは空気の分子量であって、それぞれ既知の値である。また、Ｐ_０は大気圧であって、圧力センサ等から求める。（１）式によれば、オリフィス４８における空気の流量Ｑ_ＲＥＦを算出できる。
【０１０７】
オリフィス４８における空気の流量Ｑ_ＲＥＦが求まると、図１４に示すように、リファレンス圧Ｐ_ＲＥＦ、流量Ｑ_ＲＥＦに基づいてポンプ特性ｆ（Ｐ_０−Ｐ）を決定することができる。図１４は、ポンプ特性７０（Ｐ−Ｑ特性）を示す特性図である。ポンプ特性の傾きは、ポンプ４２の諸元から決定され既知の値である。一方、ポンプ特性は、作動電圧等によって、特性７０ａ、特性７０ｂのように変動する。リファレンス圧Ｐ_ＲＥＦ及び流量Ｑ_ＲＥＦが求まると、図１４に示すように、（Ｐ_ＲＥＦ，Ｑ_ＲＥＦ）の点を通る特性としてポンプ特性７０を決定することができる。
【０１０８】
図１３に示すように、ポンプ４２を作動させて燃料タンク１０内へ負圧を付与すると、オリフィス７０から燃料タンク１０内に空気が流入する。また、燃料タンク１０内で燃料が蒸発することにより、燃料ベーパが発生する。そして、燃料タンク１０内では質量保存が成立するため、オリフィス７０から燃料タンク１０内へ流入した空気と、燃料タンク１０内での燃料の蒸発によって発生した燃料ベーパとが、ポンプ４２の作動により通路５４へ流れることとなる。
【０１０９】
ここで、燃料タンク１０内から通路５４へ流れる燃料ベーパ及び空気の総流量Ｑ_Ｐは、燃料タンク１０のタンク内圧Ｐｔｎｋを用いて、ポンプ特性７０から求めることができる。タンク内圧Ｐｔｎｋは、タンク内圧センサ１１による検出値を用いる。
【０１１０】
また、燃料タンク１０の内圧Ｐｔｎｋは、空気の分圧Ｐａと燃料ベーパの分圧Ｐｖとを合計した値となる。すなわち、Ｐｔｎｋ＝Ｐａ＋Ｐｖとなる。燃料タンク１０内へ流入する空気量Ｑ_Ｌは、空気の分圧Ｐａに対応した量であり、空気の分圧Ｐａと燃料ベーパの分圧Ｐｖとから求まる質量分率から求めることができる。従って、燃料タンク１０内から大気ポート５４へ流れる燃料ベーパ及び空気の総流量Ｑ_Ｐと、燃料タンク１０内における空気の質量分率とから、オリフィス７０から燃料タンク１０内へ流入する空気量Ｑ_Ｌを求めることができる。
【０１１１】
この際、燃料タンク１０内では、燃料ベーパが飽和状態にあると考えて良いため、燃料ベーパの分圧Ｐｖは燃料ベーパの飽和蒸気圧となる。飽和蒸気圧Ｐｖは以下の（２）式から算出することができる。
【０１１２】
【数２】

【０１１３】
（２）式において、温度Ｔｌは燃料ベーパの温度であって、タンク温度センサ１６による検出値（タンクベーパ温度Ｔｖａｐ）を用いる。また、ＲＶＰは燃料（ガソリン）の蒸発のし易さを示す係数である。（２）式から燃料ベーパの飽和蒸気圧Ｐｖを算出すると、空気の分圧Ｐａは、Ｐａ＝Ｐｔｎｋ−Ｐｖとして求められる。
【０１１４】
このようにして燃料ベーパの分圧Ｐｖ（＝飽和蒸気圧）と空気の分圧Ｐａとが求まると、燃料（ガソリン）の分子量Ｍｇと空気の分子量Ｍａとが既知の値であるため、燃料タンク１０内における空気の質量分率ａを求めることができる。空気の質量分率ａは以下の（３）式から算出することができる。
【０１１５】
【数３】

【０１１６】
従って、オリフィス７０から燃料タンク１０内へ流入する空気量Ｑ_Ｌは、燃料タンク１０内から大気ポート５４へ流れる燃料ベーパ及び空気の総流量Ｑ_Ｐに空気の質量分率ａを乗じて求めることができ、以下の（４）式から算出する。
【０１１７】
【数４】

【０１１８】
オリフィス７０から燃料タンク１０内へ流入する空気量Ｑ_Ｌが求まると、以下のオリフィスの式（（５）式）にＱ_Ｌを代入する。
【０１１９】
【数５】

【０１２０】
（５）式は、（１）式と同様に、オリフィス７０の両側の圧力比（Ｐ／Ｐ_０）、オリフィス７０の断面積Ａと、オリフィスの流量Ｑ_Ｌとの関係を関数Φを用いて表した一般的なオリフィスの式である。（５）式において、Ｔはオリフィス７０の上流側の空気温度であって、図示しない大気温度センサでの検出値を用いる。また、Ｐ_０は大気圧、Ｒは気体定数、Ｍａは空気の分子量であって、それぞれ既知の値である。
【０１２１】
（５）式において、断面積Ａをφ０．５ｍｍのオリフィスの断面積に設定すると、Ａ，Ｐ０，Ｒ，Ｍａ，Ｔが既に求められているため、（５）式からＰが求まる。ここで求まるＰは、オリフィス７０がφ０．５ｍｍの大きさの場合に、オリフィス７０から燃料タンク１０内へ流量Ｑ_Ｌの空気が流れた場合の燃料タンク１０の内圧であり、燃料タンク１０内での燃料蒸発による分圧を含むものである。従って、（５）式から算出された内圧Ｐと圧力計４４で検出した圧力Ｐ_測定値とを比較することで、燃料蒸発分を考慮した上でオリフィス７０がφ０．５ｍｍより小さいか否かを判定することができる。すなわち、（５）式から求められた燃料タンク１０の内圧は、燃料蒸発分を考慮したリファレンス圧の補正値Ｐ’_ＲＥＦに相当する。
【０１２２】
次に、図１５のフローチャートに基づいて、本実施形態の蒸発燃料処理装置における処理の手順を説明する。先ず、ステップＳ２１では、ポンプ４２を作動させる。次のステップＳ２２では、ポンプ４２による負圧が、オリフィス４８の設けられた通路５２側へ付与されるように切換弁４６の状態を設定して、リファレンス圧Ｐ_ＲＥＦを検出する。
【０１２３】
次のステップＳ２３では、（１）式を用いて、リファレンス圧Ｐ_ＲＥＦからオリフィス４８における空気の流量Ｑ_ＲＥＦを算出し、ポンプ特性７０を求める。
【０１２４】
次のステップＳ２４では、ポンプ４２による負圧が燃料タンク１０へ付与されるように切換弁４６の状態を設定して、燃料タンク１０内に負圧を付与する。次のステップＳ２５では、燃料タンク１０内に負圧を付与した状態で圧力計４４により圧力Ｐ_実測値を測定する。
【０１２５】
次のステップＳ２６では、タンク温度センサ１６によりタンクベーパ温度Ｔｖａｐを検出し、また、タンク内圧センサ１１によりタンク内圧Ｐｔｎｋを検出する。次のステップＳ２７では、（２）式を用いて、燃料ベーパの飽和蒸気圧Ｐｖを算出する。
【０１２６】
次のステップＳ２８では、タンク内圧Ｐｔｎｋと燃料ベーパの飽和蒸気圧Ｐｖとから空気の分圧Ｐａを求め、空気の質量分率を用いて（４）式からオリフィス７０における空気の流量Ｑ_Ｌを求める。
【０１２７】
次のステップＳ２９では、（５）式を用いて、断面積Ａをφ０．５ｍｍのオリフィスの断面積に設定して、オリフィス７０の大きさがφ０．５ｍｍの場合の圧力Ｐ、すなわちリファレンス圧の補正値Ｐ’_ＲＥＦを算出する。
【０１２８】
次のステップＳ３０では、ステップＳ２５で測定した圧力Ｐ_実測値と、ステップＳ２９で求めた補正値Ｐ’_ＲＥＦとの大小関係を比較する。すなわち、ここではＰ_実測値≦Ｐ’_ＲＥＦであるか否かを判定する。
【０１２９】
ステップＳ３０でＰ_実測値≦Ｐ’_ＲＥＦと判定された場合は、ステップＳ３１へ進み、蒸発燃料経路に形成された漏れ孔の大きさがφ０．５以下であると判定する。一方、ステップＳ３０でＰ_実測値＞Ｐ’_ＲＥＦと判定された場合は、ステップＳ３２へ進み、蒸発燃料経路にφ０．５よりも大きな漏れ孔が生じていると判定する。
【０１３０】
以上説明したように実施の形態５によれば、燃料タンク１０内の物理モデルに基づいて、燃料タンク１０内での燃料蒸発による圧力影響分を考慮してリファレンス圧Ｐ_ＲＥＦの補正値Ｐ’_ＲＥＦを算出するようにしたため、補正値Ｐ’_{ＲＥ Ｆ}に基づいて漏れ孔の判定を精度良く行うことが可能となる。
【０１３１】
【発明の効果】
第１の発明によれば、キャニスタで発生する蒸発燃料の吸着現象または脱離現象に基づいて、判定手段での判定基準を補正するようにしたため、蒸発燃料経路における漏れを高い精度で判定することが可能となる。
【０１３２】
第２の発明によれば、閉路空間に負圧を付与した場合に圧力検出手段で検出された圧力に基づいて、燃料タンクを含む閉路空間における漏れの状態を判定することが可能となる。
【０１３３】
第３の発明によれば、閉路空間に正圧を付与した場合に圧力検出手段で検出された圧力に基づいて、燃料タンクを含む閉路空間における漏れの状態を判定することが可能となる。
【０１３４】
第４の発明によれば、燃料タンク内での蒸発燃料の量に応じて判定基準を補正することで、キャニスタで吸着された蒸発燃料の量に応じて判定基準を補正することができ、判定基準を高精度に補正することが可能となる。
【０１３５】
第５の発明によれば、燃料タンク内の温度に応じて燃料タンク内での蒸発燃料の量が変動するため、燃料タンク内の温度に基づいて判定基準を補正することで、燃料タンク内での蒸発燃料の量に応じて判定基準を補正することができ、判定基準を高精度に補正することが可能となる。
【０１３６】
第６の発明によれば、燃料タンク内の温度及び燃料タンクの内圧に応じて燃料タンク内での蒸発燃料の量が変動するため、燃料タンク内の温度及び燃料タンクの内圧に基づいて判定基準を補正することで、燃料タンク内での蒸発燃料の量に応じて判定基準を補正することができ、判定基準を高精度に補正することが可能となる。
【０１３７】
第７の発明によれば、第１のマップから判定基準を補正するための補正係数を取得することができ、補正係数に基づいて判定手段での判定基準を補正することが可能となる。
【０１３８】
第８の発明によれば、キャニスタが飽和状態にあると判定された場合は、補正係数を第２のマップから取得するため、キャニスタが飽和状態にある場合であっても蒸発燃料経路における漏れを高い精度で判定することが可能となる。
【０１３９】
第９の発明によれば、ポンプからキャニスタへ送られた空気量と、キャニスタにおける蒸発燃料の吸着量とに応じて判定基準を補正するため、正圧を付与した場合のキャニスタでの蒸発燃料の脱離現象に応じて判定基準を補正することが可能となる。
【０１４０】
第１０の発明によれば、判定基準として基準圧力を設定し、判定基準を補正する際に基準圧力を補正するようにしたため、判定基準の補正を正確に行うことが可能となる。
【０１４１】
第１１の発明によれば、燃料タンク又はキャニスタのいずれか一方を含む閉路空間に所定の圧力を付与するようにしたため、キャニスタでの蒸発燃料の吸着または脱離現象に影響を受けることなく、燃料タンク又はキャニスタのいずれか一方を含む閉路空間の漏れ判定を正確に行うことが可能となる。
【０１４２】
第１２の発明によれば、蒸発燃料の発生に起因する燃料タンクの内圧の変動に基づいて、判定手段での判定基準を補正するようにしたため、燃料タンクにおける漏れを高い精度で判定することが可能となる。
【０１４３】
第１３の発明によれば、燃料タンクの漏れ孔から流入する流入空気量を算出し、漏れ判定のための基準孔にこの流入空気量の空気が流れた場合の燃料タンクの内圧を基準圧力として設定するようにしたため、基準圧力に蒸発燃料の発生に起因する圧力変動分が含まれることとなる。従って、基準圧力に基づいて漏れ判定を行うことで、燃料タンク又はキャニスタのいずれか一方を含む閉路空間の漏れ判定を正確に行うことが可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態１にかかる蒸発燃料処理装置の概要を説明するための模式図である。
【図２】ポンプモジュールの構成を示す模式図である。
【図３】タンクベーパ温度Ｔｖａｐと補正係数ｋとの関係を規定したマップを示す模式図である。
【図４】実施の形態１において、補正したリファレンス圧Ｐ’_ＲＥＦと、圧力計で測定された圧力Ｐ_実測値との関係を示す模式図である。
【図５】実施の形態１の蒸発燃料処理装置における処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。
【図６】実施の形態２において、補正係数ｋを取得するためのマップを示す模式図である。
【図７】キャニスタにおける燃料ベーパの吸着状態を示す模式図である。
【図８】実施の形態２の蒸発燃料処理装置における処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。
【図９】本発明の実施の形態３にかかる蒸発燃料処理装置の概要を説明するための模式図である。
【図１０】燃料タンク側の漏れ判定を行う場合、キャニスタの漏れ判定を行う場合、および漏れ判定を行わない場合、のそれぞれにおける切換弁の設定を示す模式図である。
【図１１】実施の形態４において、リファレンス圧Ｐ_ＲＥＦを補正するための補正係数ｋを取得するためのマップを示す模式図である。
【図１２】実施の形態４において、補正したリファレンス圧Ｐ’_ＲＥＦと、圧力計で測定された圧力Ｐ_実測値との関係を示す模式図である。
【図１３】実施の形態５にかかる蒸発燃料処理装置を示す模式図である。
【図１４】ポンプ特性（Ｐ−Ｑ特性）を示す特性図である。
【図１５】実施の形態５の蒸発燃料処理装置における処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。
【図１６】蒸発燃料経路に圧力を付与して漏れ判定を行う場合の問題点を説明するための模式図である。
【符号の説明】
１０ 燃料タンク
１１ タンク内圧センサ
１６ タンク温度センサ
２０ キャニスタ
３４，３５ キャニスタ温度センサ
４０ ＥＣＵ
４２ ポンプ
４４ 圧力計
４８ オリフィス[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an evaporative fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine, and is particularly suitable for application to an evaporative fuel generated in a fuel tank.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an evaporative fuel processing apparatus that prevents vaporized fuel (fuel vapor) generated in a fuel tank from being released into the atmosphere by adsorbing it to a canister.
[0003]
In such an evaporative fuel processing apparatus, a method of applying pressure to the evaporative fuel path in order to determine leakage in a closed space is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-351078 describes a method of applying a positive pressure to an evaporative fuel path including a fuel tank and determining leakage in a closed space based on pressure information at that time.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-351078
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-11-270418
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the canister is disposed in the evaporative fuel path, the pressure information in the closed space fluctuates due to the evaporative fuel adsorption phenomenon and the discharge (purge) phenomenon in the canister. For this reason, when a pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path to make a leak determination, there is a problem that the actual pressure in the evaporated fuel path is different from the measured value.
[0006]
For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, when a positive pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path including the fuel tank 100 using the pump 102, the fuel vapor adsorbed on the canister 104 is purged. In this case, the flow rate m from the pump 102 toward the canister 104_aThe air (Air) flows and the fuel vapor purged with the air flows from the canister 104 toward the fuel tank 100. The flow rate of the fuel vapor flowing from the canister 104 to the fuel tank 100 is m._vThen, the total flow rate flowing from the canister 104 to the fuel tank 100 is (m_a+ M_v) Therefore, the pressure P between the pump 102 and the canister 104₁And the pressure P in the fuel tank 100₂And the pressure P₂Is pressure P₁Higher than.
[0007]
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16B, when a negative pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path including the fuel tank 100 using the pump 102, both air and fuel vapor exist in the fuel tank 100. The flow rate m from the fuel tank 100 toward the canister 104_aAir and flow rate m_vThe fuel vapor flows. Since the fuel vapor is adsorbed by the canister 104, the flow rate m from the canister 104 toward the pump 102 is_aOnly air flows. Therefore, the pressure P between the pump 102 and the canister 104₁And the pressure P in the fuel tank 100 and between the fuel tank 100 and the canister 104₂And the pressure P₁Is pressure P₂Higher than.
[0008]
Therefore, in the case of FIG. 16A or FIG. 16B, it is difficult to accurately determine the leak in the fuel tank 100 based on the pressure value measured in the vicinity of the pump 102. In the method described in the above publication, since the influence on the pressure information by the fuel vapor adsorption and purge phenomenon in the canister 104 is not considered, it is difficult to accurately determine the leak based on the pressure information. It is.
[0009]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to accurately determine leakage in the evaporated fuel path and improve the reliability of the evaporated fuel processing apparatus.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is connected to a fuel tank, a canister that is connected to the fuel tank and absorbs evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank, and is connected to the canister, via the canister. A pump for applying a predetermined pressure to the closed space including the fuel tank, a pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure in the closed space on the pump side of the canister, and a pressure detected by the pressure detecting means. And a determination unit that determines a state of leakage in the closed space including the fuel tank, and a determination that corrects a determination criterion in the determination unit based on an adsorption phenomenon or a desorption phenomenon of the evaporated fuel in the canister. And a reference correction means.
[0011]
According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the pump applies a negative pressure to the closed space.
[0012]
According to a third aspect, in the first aspect, the pump applies a positive pressure to the closed space.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect, in the second aspect, the determination reference correction unit corrects the determination reference in accordance with the amount of the evaporated fuel in the fuel tank.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the fuel tank internal temperature detection means for detecting the temperature in the fuel tank is further provided, and the determination reference correction means is based on the temperature in the fuel tank. It is characterized by correcting.
[0015]
According to a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the fuel tank internal pressure detection means for detecting the internal pressure of the fuel tank is further provided, and the determination reference correction means is based on the temperature in the fuel tank and the internal pressure in the fuel tank. Then, the determination criterion is corrected.
[0016]
In a fifth aspect based on the fifth aspect, the determination reference correction means includes a first map that defines a relationship between a temperature in the fuel tank and a correction coefficient for correcting the determination reference, A correction coefficient corresponding to the temperature in the fuel tank is obtained from the first map, and the determination criterion is corrected based on the correction coefficient.
[0017]
An eighth invention according to the seventh invention further comprises adsorption amount saturation determining means for determining whether or not the adsorption amount of the evaporated fuel in the canister is in a saturated state, wherein the first map is the saturation map. A second map that defines a relationship between the temperature in the fuel tank in the state and the correction coefficient, and the determination reference correction unit is configured to correct the correction when the canister is determined to be in the saturated state. The coefficient is obtained from the second map.
[0018]
In a ninth aspect based on the third aspect, the determination reference correction means is configured such that when a positive pressure is applied to the closed space, the amount of air sent from the pump to the canister and the evaporated fuel in the canister The determination criterion is corrected according to the amount of adsorption.
[0019]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the apparatus further comprises reference pressure setting means for setting a reference pressure as the determination reference, wherein the determination means includes the pressure detected by the pressure detection means. The state of leakage in the closed space is determined based on a result of comparison with the reference pressure, and the determination reference correction unit corrects the reference pressure when correcting the determination reference. .
[0020]
In order to achieve the above object, an eleventh aspect of the invention is connected to both a fuel tank, a canister for adsorbing evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank, the fuel tank and the canister, A pump for applying a predetermined pressure to the closed space including any one of the canisters, a pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure in the closed space, and a leak in the closed space based on the pressure detected by the pressure detecting means. And determining means for determining the state of.
[0021]
In a twelfth aspect according to the eleventh aspect, the apparatus further comprises a determination reference correction means for correcting a determination reference in the determination means based on a change in internal pressure of the fuel tank caused by the generation of the evaporated fuel. It is characterized by.
[0022]
In a thirteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the determination reference correction means includes an outflow flow rate calculating means for calculating an outflow flow rate that passes through the pump and flows out of the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank, and the outflow An inflow air amount calculating means for calculating an inflow air amount flowing in from a leak hole of the fuel tank based on a flow rate and a pressure ratio between the evaporated fuel and air in the fuel tank; and the inflow air amount and leakage Based on the cross-sectional area of the reference hole for determination, a reference pressure for calculating the internal pressure of the fuel tank when the inflow of air flows through the reference hole and setting the internal pressure of the fuel tank as the reference pressure Setting means, wherein the determination means determines the state of leakage in the closed space based on a result of comparing the pressure detected by the pressure detection means and the reference pressure. .
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Several embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the element which is common in each figure, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.
[0024]
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the evaporated fuel processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus of this embodiment includes a fuel tank 10, a canister 20, and a pump module 36.
[0025]
A tank temperature sensor 16 is disposed inside the fuel tank 10. According to the tank temperature sensor 16, the temperature of the gas in the fuel tank 10, that is, the temperature of the fuel vapor can be detected. Hereinafter, this temperature is referred to as “tank vapor temperature Tvap”. The fuel tank 10 is provided with a tank internal pressure sensor 11 for detecting the tank internal pressure Ptnk and a liquid level sensor 14 for detecting the liquid level of the fuel.
[0026]
A canister 20 communicates with the fuel tank 10 through a vapor passage 18. A pump module 36 communicates with the fuel tank 10 through a pump passage 38. The canister 20 is filled with activated carbon 30 for adsorbing fuel vapor flowing from the fuel tank 10. Further, the canister 20 is provided with a vapor port 22 connected to the vapor passage 18, a pump side port 24 connected to the pump passage 38, and a purge port 28 communicating with a purge passage 26 described later. As shown in FIG. 1, the vapor port 22 and the purge port 28 are provided on the same side with respect to the activated carbon 30. On the other hand, the pump-side port 24 is provided on the opposite side of the ports 22 and 28 with the activated carbon 30 interposed therebetween.
[0027]
The purge passage 26 is a passage communicating with an intake passage (not shown) of the internal combustion engine. A purge VSV 32 for controlling the conduction state is provided in the purge passage 26. During operation of the internal combustion engine, the intake negative pressure of the internal combustion engine is guided into the purge passage 26. Further, during operation of the internal combustion engine, the pump side port 24 is opened to the atmosphere. When the purge VSV 32 is opened in this state, the intake negative pressure reaches the purge port 28 of the canister 20, and as a result, an air flow from the pump side port 24 toward the purge port 28 is generated. When such an air flow occurs, desorption occurs in the fuel adsorbed on the activated carbon 30. Therefore, by appropriately opening the purge VSV 32 during operation of the internal combustion engine, the fuel adsorbed by the canister 20 can be appropriately purged by the internal combustion engine.
[0028]
Inside the canister 20, a canister temperature sensor 34 is arranged in the vicinity of the purge port 28. A canister temperature sensor 35 is disposed in the vicinity of the pump-side port 24. According to the canister temperature sensors 34 and 35, the internal temperature of the canister 20 can be measured in the vicinity of the purge port 28 and the pump side port 24.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1, the evaporated fuel processing apparatus of this embodiment includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 40. The ECU 40 is supplied with output signals from the tank internal pressure sensor 11, the liquid level sensor 14, the tank temperature sensor 16, the canister temperature sensors 34 and 35, the pump module 36 (pressure gauge 44), and the like.
[0030]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pump module 36. The pump module 36 includes a pump 42, a pressure gauge 44, a switching valve 46, and an orifice 48. The pump 42 and the switching valve 46 are connected by a passage 50, and a passage 51 and a passage 52 are connected to the switching valve 46. The passage 51 is connected to the pump passage 38, and the orifice 48 is provided in the passage 52. A passage 54 is connected to the side of the pump 42 opposite to the switching valve 46. The passage 54 is an atmospheric port opened to the atmosphere.
[0031]
The switching valve 46 functions as a valve that connects either the passage 51 or the passage 52 to the passage 50. The pump 42 generates a flow from the switching valve 46 toward the passage 54 by its operation. As a result, a negative pressure is applied to a region closer to the switching valve 46 than the pump 42. The pressure gauge 44 measures the pressure in the passage 50 at this time. The orifice 48 has a reference pressure P used for leak detection._REFIs a reference hole (for example, φ0.5 mm) provided in order to measure.
[0032]
In the evaporative fuel processing apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above, a method for determining evaporative fuel path leakage will be described below. In the present embodiment, a negative pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path including the fuel tank 10 and the canister 20 by the pump module 36, and leakage determination is performed based on the pressure detected by the pressure gauge 44. As a premise for performing leak judgment, first, the reference pressure P_REFMeasure it. Reference pressure P_REFIs measured, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that the passage 52 and the passage 50 are connected, and the pump 42 is operated. As a result, a flow from the orifice 48 toward the passage 54 is generated, and a negative pressure is applied to the passage 52. In this state, by measuring the pressure in the passage 50 with the pressure gauge 44, the reference pressure P corresponding to the orifice 48 having a diameter of 0.5 mm is obtained._REFCan be detected.
[0033]
When performing leakage determination, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that the passage 51 and the passage 50 are connected. Then, the purge VSV 32 is closed and the pump 42 is operated. As a result, a flow from the pump passage 38 toward the passage 54 is generated, and a negative pressure is applied to a passage including the fuel tank 10, the canister 20, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, and the pump passage 38. And pressure P at this time_{Measured value}Is measured with a pressure gauge 44.
[0034]
In the fuel tank 10, fuel evaporates and fuel vapor is generated. Therefore, when a negative pressure is applied to the fuel tank 10, the fuel vapor flows toward the canister 20 together with the air present in the fuel tank 10. The fuel vapor is adsorbed by the canister 20, and only air flows from the canister 20 toward the pump module 36. Accordingly, the flow rate flowing from the fuel tank 10 to the canister 20 is larger than the flow rate flowing from the canister 20 to the pump module 36 by the amount of fuel vapor existing in the fuel tank 10. Therefore, the pressure in the fuel vapor path including the fuel tank 10, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, the vapor port 22, and the purge port 28 is lower than the pressure in the pump side port 24, the pump passage 38, and the passage 50. P_{Measured value}And reference pressure P_REFIt is not possible to make an accurate leak determination by simply comparing the two.
[0035]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reference pressure P is considered in consideration of the fuel vapor adhesion in the canister 20._REFI am trying to correct. At this time, the actual pressure in the fuel vapor path and the pressure P detected by the pressure gauge 44_{Measured value}Is different from the fuel vapor existing in the fuel tank 10 by flowing into the canister 20 and being adsorbed to the canister 20, so that the reference pressure P depends on the amount of fuel vapor present in the fuel tank 10._REFCorrect.
[0036]
The amount of fuel vapor in the fuel tank 10, that is, the amount of fuel evaporation in the fuel tank 10, varies in accordance with the tank internal pressure Ptnk and the tank vapor temperature Tvap. Since the fuel vapor is normally saturated in the fuel tank 10, the partial pressure of the fuel vapor in the fuel tank 10 is equal to the saturated vapor pressure of the fuel vapor. The saturated vapor pressure of the fuel vapor varies according to the tank vapor temperature Tvap. Accordingly, the amount of fuel vapor in the fuel tank 10 is correlated with the tank vapor temperature Tvap and varies according to the tank vapor temperature Tvap.
[0037]
Therefore, in this embodiment, the tank vapor temperature Tvap and the reference pressure P_REFA map defining the relationship with the correction coefficient k for correcting the reference pressure P is created based on the correction coefficient k acquired from the map._REFCorrect. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a map that defines the relationship between the tank vapor temperature Tvap and the correction coefficient k.
[0038]
The map of FIG. 3 can be obtained based on experiments. Specifically, in the system of FIG. 1, for example, the reference pressure P in the fuel tank 10_REFAn experimental machine having one leak hole having the same diameter of 0.5 mm as the measurement orifice 48 is prepared. In this experimental machine, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that the passage 51 is connected to the passage 50, the pump 42 is operated, and the fuel tank 10, the canister 20, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, the vapor port 22, a negative pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path including the purge port 28 and the pump passage 38. Then, the experimental machine is placed under various tank vapor temperature Tvap conditions, and the pressure P is applied from the pressure gauge 44 for each tank vapor temperature Tvap._TIs detected.
[0039]
Pressure P detected in this way_TIs a pressure value detected by the pressure gauge 44 when a leak hole of φ0.5 mm is actually generated in the fuel tank 10, and therefore the pressure P measured by the pressure gauge 44 at the time of leakage determination_{Measured value}Is the pressure P corresponding to the tank vapor temperature Tvap at that time_TIf it is higher, it can be determined that a leak hole larger than φ0.5 mm is generated in the evaporated fuel path. Therefore, the correction coefficient k in the map of FIG.
k = P_REF/ P_T
Can be calculated for each tank vapor temperature Tvap.
[0040]
According to the map of FIG. 3, the optimal correction coefficient k can be acquired based on the tank vapor temperature Tvap detected by the tank temperature sensor 16. Then, the obtained correction coefficient k is used as the reference pressure P._REFThe reference pressure P_REFCorrection value P ′_REFCan be calculated. Then, the correction value P ′_REFAnd pressure P detected by pressure gauge 44_{Measured value}And the leak determination can be performed in consideration of the adsorption of the fuel vapor in the canister 20. Accordingly, it is possible to determine the leak in the fuel tank 10, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, the vapor port 22, and the purge port 28 with high accuracy.
[0041]
When the fuel vapor partial pressure does not reach the saturated vapor pressure in the fuel tank 10, the amount of fuel evaporation in the fuel tank 10 is correlated with the tank vapor temperature Tvap and the tank internal pressure Ptnk. Accordingly, a map that defines the relationship between the tank vapor temperature Tvap and the tank internal pressure Ptnk and the correction coefficient k is prepared. If the fuel vapor is not saturated in the fuel tank 10, the tank vapor temperature Tvap and the tank internal pressure are determined from this map. It is preferable to obtain a correction coefficient k corresponding to Ptnk.
[0042]
FIG. 4 shows the corrected reference pressure P ′._REFAnd the pressure P measured by the pressure gauge 44_{Measured value}It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship. In FIG. 4, the pressure P_{Measured value}Is shown by the characteristic of a solid line or a broken line.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 4, when the pump 42 is operated to apply a negative pressure to the evaporated fuel path including the fuel tank 10, the canister 20, the vapor path 18, the purge path 26, the vapor port 22, and the purge port 28, the pressure P_{Measured value}Decreases and settles to a steady state after a certain period of time. Pressure P_{Measured value}After the settling state is reached, the reference pressure P_REFCorrection value P ′_REFCompared with
[0044]
As shown by the solid line in FIG._{Measured value}Corrected reference pressure P ′_REFWhen the pressure is higher, it can be determined that the pressure in the evaporated fuel path is higher than the pressure in the case where a leak hole corresponding to φ0.5 mm is generated, although the negative pressure is applied. Therefore, in this case, it can be determined that a leak hole larger than φ0.5 is formed in the evaporated fuel path.
[0045]
On the other hand, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 4, the reference pressure P ′ with the pressure P corrected._REFWhen the pressure is lower than that, it can be determined that the pressure in the evaporated fuel path is lower than the pressure when a leak hole corresponding to φ0.5 mm is generated. Therefore, in this case, it can be determined that the leak hole in the evaporated fuel path is smaller than φ0.5.
[0046]
Reference pressure P before correction_REFIs used to determine the leak, the pressure P indicated by the solid line in FIG._{Measured value}Is detected, the pressure P_{Measured value}Is the reference pressure P_REFTherefore, it is erroneously determined that the leak hole of the evaporated fuel path is smaller than φ0.5, but the correction value P ′_REFBy making a determination using, an accurate leak determination becomes possible.
[0047]
In the above-described example, the reference pressure P is calculated using the correction coefficient k._REFThe pressure P detected by the pressure gauge 44 is corrected._{Measured value}May be corrected.
[0048]
Next, based on the flowchart of FIG. 5, the procedure of the process in the evaporative fuel processing apparatus of this embodiment is demonstrated. First, in step S1, the pump 42 is operated. In the next step S2, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that the negative pressure by the pump 42 is applied to the side of the passage 52 provided with the orifice 48, and the reference pressure P_REFIs detected.
[0049]
In the next step S3, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that the negative pressure by the pump 42 is applied to the pump passage 38, and the inside of the fuel tank 10, the canister 20, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, and the vapor port 22 are set. Then, a negative pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path including the purge port 28. In the next step S4, the pressure P is measured by the pressure gauge 44 with a negative pressure applied to the evaporated fuel path._{Measured value}Measure.
[0050]
In the next step S5, the tank temperature sensor 16 detects the tank vapor temperature Tvap. In the next step S6, a correction coefficient k corresponding to the tank vapor temperature Tvap is obtained from the map of FIG. 3, and in the next step S7, the reference pressure P is used using the correction coefficient k obtained in step S6._REFCorrection value P ′_REFIs calculated.
[0051]
In the next step S8, the pressure P measured in step S4._{Measured value}And the correction value P ′ obtained in step S <b> 6._REFCompare the magnitude relationship with. That is, here P_{Measured value}≦ P ’_REFIt is determined whether or not.
[0052]
P in step S8_{Measured value}≦ P ’_REFIf it is determined, the process proceeds to step S9, and it is determined that the size of the leak hole formed in the evaporated fuel path is φ0.5 or less. On the other hand, in step S8, P_{Measured value}> P ’_REFIf it is determined, the process proceeds to step S10, and it is determined that a leak hole larger than φ0.5 is generated in the evaporated fuel path.
[0053]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the pressure P is applied while a negative pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path using the pump module 36._{Measured value}, And the pressure P in consideration of the fuel vapor adsorption in the canister 20_{Measured value}Reference pressure P compared with_REFTherefore, it is possible to determine the leakage in the evaporated fuel path with high accuracy.
[0054]
Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the reference pressure P is considered in consideration of the fuel vapor adsorption in the canister 20 as in the first embodiment._REFThe reference pressure P depends on the fuel vapor adsorption state._REFThe map for obtaining the correction coefficient k is changed. The configuration of the evaporated fuel processing apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0055]
The adsorption characteristics of the fuel vapor in the canister 20 vary according to the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed by the canister 20. When the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed by the canister 20 is smaller than the allowable amount that the canister 20 can adsorb, most of the fuel vapor flowing from the fuel tank 10 to the canister 20 is adsorbed by the canister 20.
[0056]
On the other hand, when the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed in the canister 20 becomes saturated, the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed in the canister 20 decreases, so that part of the fuel vapor flows through the canister 20 toward the pump module 36. Therefore, the relationship between the pressure in the fuel vapor path including the fuel tank 10, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, the vapor port 22, and the purge port 28 and the pressure in the pump side port 24, the pump passage 38, and the passage 50 is Is different from the case where is not saturated.
[0057]
For this reason, in the second embodiment, the map for obtaining the correction coefficient k is used properly depending on whether the fuel vapor adsorption in the canister 20 is in a saturated state or not. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a map for obtaining the correction coefficient k, and defines the relationship between the tank vapor temperature Tvap and the correction coefficient k, as in the map of FIG. The map of FIG. 6 includes the map of FIG. 3 and further includes a map that defines the relationship between the correction coefficient k and the tank vapor temperature Tvap when the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed in the canister 20 is saturated. If the adsorption amount of the fuel vapor in the canister 20 is not saturated, the correction coefficient k is obtained from the map of FIG. 3 as in the first embodiment, and the adsorption amount of the fuel vapor in the canister 20 is saturated. In this case, the correction coefficient k is acquired from a map that defines the relationship between the correction coefficient k in the saturated state and the tank vapor temperature Tvap.
[0058]
The map of FIG. 6 can be acquired by the same method as that described in the first embodiment. That is, in the experimental machine described in the first embodiment and provided with a φ0.5 mm leak hole in the evaporated fuel path, the fuel vapor adsorption state in the canister 20 is set to the saturated state, and the pump 42 A negative pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path including the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, the vapor port 22, and the purge port 28. Then, the experimental machine is placed under different temperature conditions, and the pressure P is measured with the pressure gauge 44 for each temperature._TIs detected. As a result, the relationship between the tank vapor temperature Tvap and the correction coefficient k when the fuel vapor adsorption in the canister 20 is saturated can be obtained.
[0059]
As described above, when the canister 20 is in the saturated state, the map is switched, and the reference pressure P is determined from the map that defines the relationship between the tank vapor temperature Tvap and the correction coefficient k in the saturated state._REFBy acquiring the correction coefficient k, the reference pressure P can be obtained even when the canister 20 is in a saturated state._REFCan be corrected accurately. Reference pressure P_REFCorrection value P ′_REFThe method of calculating is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0060]
Whether or not the canister 20 is saturated can be determined by measuring the internal temperature of the canister 20 with the canister temperature sensors 34 and 35. 7A and 7B are schematic views showing the state of fuel vapor adsorption in the canister 20, where FIG. 7A shows a state in which almost no fuel vapor is adsorbed, and FIG. 7B shows that the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed is saturated. Each case is shown.
[0061]
In the state shown in FIG. 7A, when fuel vapor (indicated by “x” in FIG. 7) flows from the vapor port 22 on the fuel tank 10 side into the canister 20, the fuel vapor is applied to the activated carbon 30 in the vicinity of the vapor port 22. Adsorbed. For this reason, the canister temperature detected from the canister temperature sensor 34 arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the purge port 28 rises by reaction with the activated carbon 30 and fuel vapor. Since the fuel vapor is sequentially adsorbed from the vapor port 22 side toward the pump side port 24, the amount of fuel vapor reaching the vicinity of the pump side port 24 is small in the state of FIG. Therefore, the canister temperature detected from the canister temperature sensor 35 arranged in the vicinity of the pump side port 24 hardly changes. In this way, when the canister temperature detected from the canister temperature sensor 34 rises and the canister temperature detected from the canister temperature sensor 35 is substantially constant, the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed in the canister 20 is small, and the canister 20 Can be assumed to be not saturated.
[0062]
In the state shown in FIG. 7B, since the canister 20 is already saturated, the fuel vapor hardly adsorbs on the activated carbon 30. Accordingly, the canister temperature detected from both the canister temperature sensor 34 and the canister temperature sensor 35 does not vary. Thus, when the canister temperature detected from both the canister temperature sensor 34 and the canister temperature sensor 35 is substantially constant, it can be estimated that the fuel vapor adsorption state in the canister 20 is in a saturated state.
[0063]
Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the canister 20 is in a saturated state by monitoring the canister temperature detected from the canister temperature sensors 34 and 35 before performing the leakage determination in the evaporated fuel path. When a negative pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path by the pump 42 at the time of leak determination, the fuel vapor in the fuel tank 10 flows into the canister 20. Therefore, it is sufficient to determine whether or not the canister 20 is saturated based on the canister temperature detected from the canister temperature sensors 34 and 35 at this time.
[0064]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the fuel vapor processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. The process of FIG. 8 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 5 in that it includes a step of determining whether or not the canister 20 is saturated. First, in step S11, the pump 42 is operated. In the next step S12, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that the negative pressure by the pump 42 is applied to the side of the passage 52 provided with the orifice 48, and the reference pressure P_REFIs detected.
[0065]
In the next step S13, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that negative pressure by the pump 42 is applied to the pump passage 38 side, and the inside of the fuel tank 10, the canister 20, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, and the vapor port 22 are set. Then, a negative pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path including the purge port 28. In the next step S14, the pressure P is measured by the pressure gauge 44 with a negative pressure applied to the evaporated fuel path._{Measured value}Measure. In the next step S15, the tank temperature sensor 16 detects the tank vapor temperature Tvap.
[0066]
In the next step S16, the canister temperature sensors 34 and 35 detect the in-canister temperature. In the next step S17, it is determined based on the canister temperature detected in step S16 whether or not the fuel vapor adsorption state in the canister 20 is in a saturated state.
[0067]
If it is determined in step S17 that the fuel vapor adsorption state in the canister 20 is saturated, the process proceeds to step S18, and the relationship between the tank vapor temperature Tvap and the correction coefficient k is specified in the saturated state in the map of FIG. A correction coefficient k is obtained from the map. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the fuel vapor adsorption state in the canister 20 is not saturated, the process proceeds to step S19, and the correction coefficient k is acquired from the map of FIG.
[0068]
In the next step S20, the reference pressure P is calculated using the correction coefficient k obtained in step S18 or step S19._REFCorrection value P ′_REFIs calculated. In the next step S21, the pressure P measured in step S14._{Measured value}And the correction value P ′ obtained in step S20_REFCompare the magnitude relationship with. That is, here P ≦ P ′_REFIt is determined whether or not.
[0069]
P in step S21_{Measured value}≦ P ’_REFIf it is determined, the process proceeds to step S22, and it is determined that the size of the leak hole formed in the evaporated fuel path is φ0.5 or less. On the other hand, in step S21, P_{Measured value}> P ’_REFIf it is determined, the process proceeds to step S23, and it is determined that a leak hole larger than φ0.5 is generated in the evaporated fuel path.
[0070]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the map for obtaining the correction coefficient k is switched depending on whether the fuel vapor adsorption state in the canister 20 is in a saturated state, the canister 20 is saturated. Even in the state, it is possible to determine the leakage in the evaporated fuel path with high accuracy.
[0071]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the evaporated fuel processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The evaporative fuel processing apparatus according to the third embodiment includes a fuel tank 10, a canister 20, and a pump module 36 as in the apparatus of FIG. In the third embodiment, the pump module 36 is disposed in the vapor passage 18 between the fuel tank 10 and the canister 20.
[0072]
The configuration of the pump module 36 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the passage 51 of the pump module 36 is connected to the vapor passage 18 on the fuel tank 10 side, and the passage 54 is connected to the vapor passage 18 (vapor port 22) on the canister 20 side.
[0073]
A bypass passage 56 is provided in parallel with the vapor passage 18. The bypass passage 56 is a passage that bypasses the pump module 36 and connects the fuel tank 10 and the canister 20. A switching valve 58 and a switching valve 60 are provided at locations where the bypass passage 56 and the vapor passage 18 are connected. An atmospheric port 62 is provided so as to be connected to the switching valve 60.
[0074]
The canister 20 is provided with an atmospheric port 64 for introducing the atmosphere when purging the fuel vapor into the intake passage. The atmospheric port 64 is provided on the opposite side of the vapor port 22 and the purge port 28 with the activated carbon 30 interposed therebetween. The atmospheric port 64 is provided with a block valve 66. The blocking valve 66 blocks the atmospheric port 64 when performing a leak determination.
[0075]
In the third embodiment, the state of the switching valve 58 and the switching valve 60 is set as appropriate, so that the negative pressure generated by the pump module 36 is applied to the fuel tank 10 side or the canister 20 side to make a leak determination.
[0076]
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the setting of the switching valves 58 and 60 in the case where the leak determination on the fuel tank 10 side is performed, the leak determination of the canister 20 is performed, and the case where the leak determination is not performed.
[0077]
In the state shown in FIG. 10A, the switching valve 58 is set so as to block the flow from the fuel tank 10 to the bypass passage 56. Further, the switching valve 60 is set so that the flow from the pump module 36 to the canister 20 and the bypass passage 56 is cut off, and the flow from the pump module 36 is directed to the atmospheric port 62.
[0078]
In the state shown in FIG. 10B, the switching valve 58 is set so as to block the flow from the bypass passage 56 to the fuel tank 10. The setting of the switching valve 60 is the same as that in FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 10B, the atmospheric port 64 is blocked by the blocking valve 66.
[0079]
In the state shown in FIG. 10C, the switching valve 58 is set so as to block the flow from the fuel tank 10 to the bypass passage 56, as in FIG. 10A. Further, the switching valve 60 is set so that the flow from the pump module 36 to the atmospheric port 62 is blocked and the flow from the pump module 36 is directed to the canister 20. In the state shown in FIG. 10C, the state of the blocking valve 66 is set so that the atmospheric port 64 is opened to the atmosphere.
[0080]
When performing the leak determination on the fuel tank 10 side, the states of the switching valves 58 and 60 are set as shown in FIG. Then, the pump 42 of the pump module 36 is operated. As a result, a flow from the fuel tank 10 toward the atmospheric port 62 is generated, and a negative pressure is applied to the fuel tank 10 side. In the pressure gauge 44, the pressure P at this time_{Measured value}Measure. And the reference pressure P detected in advance_REFTo determine whether the fuel tank 10 is leaking.
[0081]
At this time, since the switching valves 58 and 60 are set in the state shown in FIG. 10A, the fuel vapor in the fuel tank 10 does not flow into the canister 20. For this reason, the pressure P detected by the pressure gauge 44 due to the fuel vapor adsorption phenomenon in the canister 20._{Measured value}And the actual pressure in the fuel tank 10 is not different. Accordingly, the pressure P detected from the pressure gauge 44 is_{Measured value}And reference pressure P_REFAnd the fuel tank 10 side leakage determination can be accurately performed.
[0082]
When performing leak determination on the canister 20 side, the states of the switching valves 58 and 60 and the blocking valve 66 are set as shown in FIG. Then, the pump 42 of the pump module 36 is operated. As a result, a flow from the canister 20 through the bypass passage 56 toward the atmospheric port 62 is generated, and a negative pressure is applied to the canister 20 side. In the pressure gauge 44, the pressure P at this time_{Measured value}Measure. And the reference pressure P detected in advance_REFBy comparing with, leakage determination on the canister 20 side is performed.
[0083]
At this time, in the path including the canister 20 to which negative pressure is applied, the fuel vapor purged from the canister 20 flows along with air, but the flow rate changes in the path downstream of the canister 20 (activated carbon 30). There is no factor. For this reason, the pressure P detected by the pressure gauge 44 of the pump module 46_{Measured value}And the actual pressure in the path downstream of the canister 20 becomes equal, and the pressure P detected from the pressure gauge 44_{Measured value}And reference pressure P_REFCan be accurately determined on the canister 20 side.
[0084]
Further, when the canister 20 is used in a normal use state without performing leakage determination, the switching valves 58 and 60 and the block valve 66 are set to the state shown in FIG. 10C, and the pump 42 is opened. As a result, the fuel vapor flowing from the fuel tank 10 passes through the pump module 36 and flows to the canister 20, and the fuel vapor can be adsorbed by the canister 20. In this case, the state of the switching valves 58 and 60 may be set so that the fuel vapor flows through the bypass passage 56 and flows to the canister 20.
[0085]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, the pump module 36 is disposed between the fuel tank 10 and the canister 20, and the bypass passage 56, the switching valves 58 and 60, and the blocking valve 66 are provided, thereby providing the pump module. The negative pressure generated at 36 can be applied to either the fuel tank 10 side or the canister 20 side. With this apparatus configuration, due to the fuel vapor adsorption or desorption phenomenon in the canister 20, the actual pressure in the path to which the negative pressure is applied and the pressure P detected by the pressure gauge 44 are detected._{Measured value}Can be prevented from differing. Therefore, the pressure P detected by the pressure gauge 44 is_{Measured value}And reference pressure P_REFCan be accurately determined on the fuel tank 10 side or the canister 20 side.
[0086]
Embodiment 4 FIG.
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a leak pressure is determined by applying a positive pressure to the fuel vapor path.
[0087]
The configuration of the evaporated fuel processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, but the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that positive pressure is applied from the pump module 36 to the evaporated fuel path. It is different from the apparatus of ~ 3. That is, in the pump module 36 of the fourth embodiment, when the pump 42 is operated, a flow from the passage 54 toward the switching valve 46 is generated. Accordingly, by setting the state of the switching valve 46 so that the pump side passage 38 and the passage 50 are connected, the inside of the fuel tank 10, the canister 20, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, the vapor port 22, the purge port. 28, a positive pressure is applied to the path including the pump side passage 38.
[0088]
As a premise for performing leak judgment, first, the reference pressure P_REFMeasure it. Reference pressure P_REFIs measured, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that the passage 52 and the passage 50 are connected, and the pump 42 is operated. As a result, a flow from the pump 42 toward the orifice 48 is generated, and a positive pressure is applied to the passage 52. In this state, by measuring the pressure in the passage 50 with the pressure gauge 44, the reference pressure P corresponding to the orifice 48 having a diameter of 0.5 mm is obtained._REFCan be detected.
[0089]
When performing leakage determination, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that positive pressure by the pump 42 is applied to the pump passage 38 side. A positive pressure is applied to the fuel tank 10, the canister 20, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, the vapor port 22, the purge port 28, and the pump side passage 38, and the pressure P in the passage 50 at this time is applied._{Measured value}Is measured with a pressure gauge 44.
[0090]
Here, by applying a positive pressure by the pump 42 to the pump passage 38 side, air flows from the pump module 36 toward the canister 20. When this air passes through the canister 20, a part of the fuel vapor adsorbed by the canister 20 is purged. Accordingly, the fuel vapor flows together with the air from the canister 20 toward the fuel tank 10.
[0091]
Thereby, the pressure in the fuel vapor path including the fuel tank 10, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, the vapor port 22, and the purge port 28 becomes higher than the pressure in the pump side port 24, the pump passage 38, and the passage 50.
[0092]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reference pressure P is considered in consideration of the fuel vapor purge in the canister 20._REFCorrect. FIG. 11 shows the reference pressure P_REFIt is a schematic diagram which shows the map for acquiring the correction coefficient k for correct | amending. The amount of fuel vapor purged from the canister 20 varies depending on the flow rate of air sent from the pump module 36 to the canister 20. Further, the amount of fuel vapor to be purged varies according to the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed by the canister 20. Therefore, the map of FIG. 11 defines the relationship between the flow rate of air sent from the pump module 36 to the canister 20, the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed in the canister 20, and the correction coefficient k.
[0093]
According to the map of FIG. 11, the reference pressure P depends on the flow rate of the air sent to the canister 20 and the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed on the canister 20._REFThe correction coefficient k for correcting can be acquired. The flow rate of the air sent from the pump module 36 to the canister 20 can be obtained from the specifications of the pump 42 and the operating state (differential pressure before and after the pump 42). Further, since the reaction amount between the activated carbon 30 and the fuel vapor can be estimated by detecting the variation in the canister internal temperature by the canister temperature sensors 34 and 35, the amount of adsorption of the fuel vapor in the canister 20 is estimated from the internal temperature of the canister. can do. Further, since the weight of the canister 20 increases as the fuel vapor adheres, the weight of the canister 20 when the fuel vapor adsorption is saturated and the weight of the canister 20 when the fuel vapor is hardly adsorbed are obtained. The adsorption amount of the fuel vapor may be estimated by measuring and detecting the weight of the canister 20 sequentially using a load cell or the like.
[0094]
As in the first embodiment, the acquired correction coefficient k is used as the reference pressure P._REFThe reference pressure P_REFCorrection value P ′_REFCan be calculated and the correction value P ′_REFAnd pressure P detected by pressure gauge 44_{Measured value}And the leak determination can be performed in consideration of the purge of the fuel vapor in the canister 20 when a positive pressure is applied. Accordingly, it is possible to determine the leak in the fuel tank 10, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, the vapor port 22, and the purge port 28 with high accuracy.
[0095]
FIG. 12 shows the corrected reference pressure P ′._REFAnd the pressure P measured by the pressure gauge 44_{Measured value}It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship. As shown in FIG. 12, when the pump 42 is operated to apply a positive pressure to the fuel vapor path including the fuel tank 10, the canister 20, the vapor passage 18, the purge passage 26, the vapor port 22, and the purge port 28, the pressure gauge Pressure P detected at 44_{Measured value}Rises and settles into a steady state after a certain time. Pressure P detected by pressure gauge 44_{Measured value}After the settling state is reached, the reference pressure P_REFCorrection value P ′_REFCompared with
[0096]
As shown by the solid line in FIG. 12, the pressure P_{Measured value}Corrected reference pressure P ′_REFIf the pressure is lower, it can be determined that the pressure in the evaporated fuel path is lower than the pressure in the case where a leak hole corresponding to φ0.5 mm is generated despite the positive pressure being applied. Therefore, in this case, it can be determined that a leak hole larger than φ0.5 is formed in the evaporated fuel path.
[0097]
On the other hand, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 12, the reference pressure P ′ with the pressure P corrected._REFIf it is higher, it can be determined that the pressure in the evaporated fuel path is higher than the pressure when a leak hole corresponding to φ0.5 mm is generated. Therefore, in this case, it can be determined that the leak hole in the evaporated fuel path is smaller than φ0.5.
[0098]
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when a positive pressure is applied to the evaporated fuel path, the reference pressure P for determining the leak is taken into account in consideration of the fuel vapor purge in the canister 20._REFTherefore, it is possible to determine the leakage in the evaporated fuel path with high accuracy.
[0099]
Embodiment 5. FIG.
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, leakage is determined in consideration of the pressure effect due to fuel evaporation in the fuel tank 10, and the negative pressure applied from the pump module 36 described with reference to FIG. It is suitable to be applied to the case where the leakage judgment is made by assigning to 10.
[0100]
As described with reference to FIG. 10A of the third embodiment, when the leakage determination of the fuel tank 10 is performed, a negative pressure is applied to the fuel tank 10 and the pressure P in the pressure gauge 44 is applied._{Measured value}And reference pressure P_REFAnd compare. In this case, since the fuel vapor is generated in the fuel tank 10 due to the evaporation of the fuel, the pressure in the fuel tank 10 is higher due to the fuel evaporation than in the case where the fuel vapor does not exist in the fuel tank 10. Become.
[0101]
In the fifth embodiment, the leakage in the fuel tank 10 is determined in consideration of the pressure fluctuation in the fuel tank 10 due to the evaporation of the fuel in the fuel tank 10. At this time, in the fifth embodiment, a pressure variation caused by fuel evaporation is obtained using a physical model in the fuel tank 10. In the first and second embodiments, the maps shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 are created in a state including the pressure fluctuation due to the evaporation of the fuel. There is no need to consider the pressure fluctuation. The method according to the present embodiment is suitable for application to the case of FIG. 10A of the third embodiment, for example.
[0102]
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an evaporative fuel processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the apparatus according to the fifth embodiment includes a fuel tank 10 and a pump module 36. The configuration of the pump module 36 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the leak determination, the pump 42 of the pump module 36 is operated to generate a flow from the fuel tank 10 toward the passage 54 (atmospheric port). Thereby, the inside of the fuel tank 10 is set to a negative pressure.
[0103]
As shown in FIG. 13, when the orifice 70 (leakage hole) is formed in the fuel tank 10, air flows into the fuel tank 10 from the orifice 70. In the fifth embodiment, the amount of air flowing into the fuel tank 10 from the orifice 70 is obtained, and based on this, the reference pressure P_REFCorrect.
[0104]
First, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the reference pressure P is obtained using the orifice 48 provided in the pump module 36._REFAsk for. Reference pressure P_REFIs obtained, the air flow rate Q at the orifice 48 is obtained from the following equation (1)._REFIs obtained.
[0105]
[Expression 1]

[0106]
Equation (1) is the pressure ratio (P_REF/ P₀), The sectional area A of the orifice 48 and the flow rate Q of the orifice_REFIs a general orifice equation that expresses the relationship with Φ using the function Φ. In the equation (1), T is the air temperature upstream of the orifice 48 and is obtained by measuring the atmospheric temperature. R is a gas constant, Ma is the molecular weight of air, and each is a known value. P₀Is atmospheric pressure and is obtained from a pressure sensor or the like. According to the equation (1), the air flow rate Q at the orifice 48_REFCan be calculated.
[0107]
Air flow rate Q at orifice 48_REFIs obtained, as shown in FIG._REF, Flow rate Q_REFBased on the pump characteristics f (P₀-P) can be determined. FIG. 14 is a characteristic diagram showing a pump characteristic 70 (PQ characteristic). The slope of the pump characteristics is determined from the specifications of the pump 42 and is a known value. On the other hand, the pump characteristics fluctuate like characteristics 70a and 70b depending on the operating voltage and the like. Reference pressure P_REFAnd flow rate Q_REFIs obtained, as shown in FIG._REF, Q_REF), The pump characteristic 70 can be determined as a characteristic passing through the point.
[0108]
As shown in FIG. 13, when a negative pressure is applied to the fuel tank 10 by operating the pump 42, air flows into the fuel tank 10 from the orifice 70. Further, fuel vapor is generated as the fuel evaporates in the fuel tank 10. Since mass conservation is established in the fuel tank 10, the air flowing into the fuel tank 10 from the orifice 70 and the fuel vapor generated by the evaporation of fuel in the fuel tank 10 pass through the operation of the pump 42. It will flow to 54.
[0109]
Here, the total flow rate Q of the fuel vapor and air flowing from the fuel tank 10 to the passage 54._PCan be obtained from the pump characteristic 70 using the tank internal pressure Ptnk of the fuel tank 10. A value detected by the tank internal pressure sensor 11 is used as the tank internal pressure Ptnk.
[0110]
The internal pressure Ptnk of the fuel tank 10 is a sum of the partial pressure Pa of air and the partial pressure Pv of fuel vapor. That is, Ptnk = Pa + Pv. The amount of air Q flowing into the fuel tank 10_LIs an amount corresponding to the partial pressure Pa of air, and can be obtained from the mass fraction obtained from the partial pressure Pa of air and the partial pressure Pv of fuel vapor. Therefore, the total flow rate Q of the fuel vapor and air flowing from the fuel tank 10 to the atmospheric port 54_PAnd the amount Q of air flowing into the fuel tank 10 from the orifice 70 from the mass fraction of air in the fuel tank 10._LCan be requested.
[0111]
At this time, in the fuel tank 10, it may be considered that the fuel vapor is in a saturated state, so the partial pressure Pv of the fuel vapor becomes the saturated vapor pressure of the fuel vapor. The saturated vapor pressure Pv can be calculated from the following equation (2).
[0112]
[Expression 2]

[0113]
In the equation (2), the temperature Tl is the temperature of the fuel vapor, and the value detected by the tank temperature sensor 16 (tank vapor temperature Tvap) is used. RVP is a coefficient indicating the ease of evaporation of fuel (gasoline). When the saturated vapor pressure Pv of the fuel vapor is calculated from the equation (2), the partial pressure Pa of the air is obtained as Pa = Ptnk−Pv.
[0114]
When the fuel vapor partial pressure Pv (= saturated vapor pressure) and the air partial pressure Pa are obtained in this way, the molecular weight Mg of the fuel (gasoline) and the molecular weight Ma of the air are known values. The mass fraction a of air in 10 can be determined. The mass fraction a of air can be calculated from the following equation (3).
[0115]
[Equation 3]

[0116]
Accordingly, the amount of air Q flowing from the orifice 70 into the fuel tank 10._LIs the total flow rate Q of fuel vapor and air flowing from the fuel tank 10 to the atmospheric port 54_PCan be obtained by multiplying by the mass fraction a of air and is calculated from the following equation (4).
[0117]
[Expression 4]

[0118]
The amount of air Q flowing into the fuel tank 10 from the orifice 70_LIs obtained, Q in the following orifice equation (equation (5))_LIs assigned.
[0119]
[Equation 5]

[0120]
Equation (5) is similar to Equation (1) in that the pressure ratio (P / P on both sides of the orifice 70).₀), The sectional area A of the orifice 70 and the flow rate Q of the orifice_LIs a general orifice equation that expresses the relationship with Φ using the function Φ. In the equation (5), T is the air temperature upstream of the orifice 70, and a value detected by an atmospheric temperature sensor (not shown) is used. P₀Is atmospheric pressure, R is a gas constant, Ma is the molecular weight of air, and each is a known value.
[0121]
In the equation (5), when the sectional area A is set to the sectional area of the orifice of φ0.5 mm, A, P0, R, Ma, and T have already been obtained, and therefore P can be obtained from the equation (5). P obtained here is a flow rate Q from the orifice 70 into the fuel tank 10 when the orifice 70 has a size of 0.5 mm._LIs the internal pressure of the fuel tank 10 when the air flows, and includes the partial pressure due to fuel evaporation in the fuel tank 10. Therefore, the internal pressure P calculated from the equation (5) and the pressure P detected by the pressure gauge 44_{measured value}, It is possible to determine whether the orifice 70 is smaller than φ0.5 mm in consideration of the fuel evaporation. That is, the internal pressure of the fuel tank 10 obtained from the equation (5) is the reference pressure correction value P ′ in consideration of the fuel evaporation._REFIt corresponds to.
[0122]
Next, based on the flowchart of FIG. 15, the procedure of the process in the evaporative fuel processing apparatus of this embodiment is demonstrated. First, in step S21, the pump 42 is operated. In the next step S22, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that the negative pressure by the pump 42 is applied to the passage 52 provided with the orifice 48, and the reference pressure P_REFIs detected.
[0123]
In the next step S23, using the equation (1), the reference pressure P_REFTo air flow rate Q at the orifice 48_REFAnd the pump characteristic 70 is obtained.
[0124]
In the next step S <b> 24, the state of the switching valve 46 is set so that negative pressure by the pump 42 is applied to the fuel tank 10, and negative pressure is applied to the fuel tank 10. In the next step S25, the pressure P is measured by the pressure gauge 44 with the negative pressure applied to the fuel tank 10._{Measured value}Measure.
[0125]
In the next step S26, the tank vapor temperature Tvap is detected by the tank temperature sensor 16, and the tank internal pressure Ptnk is detected by the tank internal pressure sensor 11. In the next step S27, the saturated vapor pressure Pv of the fuel vapor is calculated using equation (2).
[0126]
In the next step S28, the air partial pressure Pa is obtained from the tank internal pressure Ptnk and the saturated vapor pressure Pv of the fuel vapor, and the air flow rate Q at the orifice 70 is calculated from the equation (4) using the air mass fraction._LAsk for.
[0127]
In the next step S29, using equation (5), the cross-sectional area A is set to the cross-sectional area of the orifice of φ0.5 mm, and the pressure P when the size of the orifice 70 is φ0.5 mm, that is, the reference pressure Correction value P '_REFIs calculated.
[0128]
In the next step S30, the pressure P measured in step S25._{Measured value}And the correction value P ′ obtained in step S29._REFCompare the magnitude relationship with. That is, here P_{Measured value}≦ P ’_REFIt is determined whether or not.
[0129]
P in step S30_{Measured value}≦ P ’_REFIf it is determined, the process proceeds to step S31, and it is determined that the size of the leak hole formed in the evaporated fuel path is φ0.5 or less. On the other hand, in step S30, P_{Measured value}> P ’_REFIf it is determined, the process proceeds to step S32, and it is determined that a leak hole larger than φ0.5 is generated in the evaporated fuel path.
[0130]
As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, based on the physical model in the fuel tank 10, the reference pressure P is considered in consideration of the pressure effect due to fuel evaporation in the fuel tank 10._REFCorrection value P ′_REFBecause the correction value P ′ is calculated._{RE F}Based on this, it is possible to accurately determine the leak hole.
[0131]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the invention, since the determination criterion in the determination means is corrected based on the adsorption or desorption phenomenon of the evaporated fuel generated in the canister, the leakage in the evaporated fuel path is determined with high accuracy. Is possible.
[0132]
According to the second invention, it is possible to determine the state of leakage in the closed space including the fuel tank based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection means when negative pressure is applied to the closed space.
[0133]
According to the third invention, it is possible to determine the state of leakage in the closed space including the fuel tank based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection means when a positive pressure is applied to the closed space.
[0134]
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, by correcting the determination criterion according to the amount of evaporated fuel in the fuel tank, the determination criterion can be corrected according to the amount of evaporated fuel adsorbed by the canister. It becomes possible to correct the reference with high accuracy.
[0135]
According to the fifth aspect, since the amount of evaporated fuel in the fuel tank varies according to the temperature in the fuel tank, the determination criterion is corrected based on the temperature in the fuel tank. The criterion can be corrected according to the amount of the evaporated fuel, and the criterion can be corrected with high accuracy.
[0136]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the amount of evaporated fuel in the fuel tank varies depending on the temperature in the fuel tank and the internal pressure of the fuel tank, the determination criterion is based on the temperature in the fuel tank and the internal pressure of the fuel tank. By correcting this, it is possible to correct the determination criterion according to the amount of evaporated fuel in the fuel tank, and it is possible to correct the determination criterion with high accuracy.
[0137]
According to the seventh aspect, a correction coefficient for correcting the determination reference can be acquired from the first map, and the determination reference in the determination means can be corrected based on the correction coefficient.
[0138]
According to the eighth invention, when it is determined that the canister is in the saturated state, the correction coefficient is obtained from the second map. Therefore, even if the canister is in the saturated state, leakage in the evaporated fuel path is prevented. It becomes possible to determine with high accuracy.
[0139]
According to the ninth invention, in order to correct the determination standard according to the amount of air sent from the pump to the canister and the amount of evaporated fuel adsorbed in the canister, the amount of evaporated fuel in the canister when a positive pressure is applied. It is possible to correct the criterion according to the desorption phenomenon.
[0140]
According to the tenth aspect, since the reference pressure is set as the determination reference and the reference pressure is corrected when correcting the determination reference, it is possible to correct the determination reference accurately.
[0141]
According to the eleventh invention, the predetermined pressure is applied to the closed space including either the fuel tank or the canister, so that the fuel is not affected by the adsorption or desorption phenomenon of the evaporated fuel in the canister. It becomes possible to accurately determine the leakage of the closed space including either the tank or the canister.
[0142]
According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the determination criterion in the determination means is corrected based on the fluctuation in the internal pressure of the fuel tank caused by the generation of the evaporated fuel, so that the leakage in the fuel tank can be determined with high accuracy. It becomes possible.
[0143]
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the amount of inflow air flowing in from the leak hole of the fuel tank is calculated, and the internal pressure of the fuel tank when the inflow air amount of air flows into the reference hole for leak determination is used as the reference pressure. Since it is set, the reference pressure includes the pressure fluctuation due to the generation of the evaporated fuel. Therefore, by performing the leak determination based on the reference pressure, it is possible to accurately determine the leak of the closed space including either the fuel tank or the canister.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of an evaporative fuel processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a pump module.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a map defining a relationship between a tank vapor temperature Tvap and a correction coefficient k.
FIG. 4 shows a corrected reference pressure P ′ in the first embodiment._REFAnd the pressure P measured by the pressure gauge_{Measured value}It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the evaporated fuel processing apparatus according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a map for acquiring a correction coefficient k in the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an adsorption state of fuel vapor in a canister.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the evaporated fuel processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the evaporated fuel processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the setting of the switching valve in each of the case where the fuel tank side leak determination is performed, the case where the canister leak determination is performed, and the case where the leak determination is not performed.
11 is a reference pressure P in Embodiment 4. FIG._REFIt is a schematic diagram which shows the map for acquiring the correction coefficient k for correct | amending.
FIG. 12 shows a corrected reference pressure P ′ in the fourth embodiment._REFAnd the pressure P measured by the pressure gauge_{Measured value}It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an evaporative fuel processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a characteristic diagram showing pump characteristics (PQ characteristics).
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the evaporated fuel processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a problem in a case where leakage is determined by applying pressure to the evaporated fuel path.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Fuel tank
11 Tank pressure sensor
16 Tank temperature sensor
20 Canister
34,35 Canister temperature sensor
40 ECU
42 Pump
44 Pressure gauge
48 Orifice

Claims (13)

A fuel tank,
A canister connected to the fuel tank and adsorbing the evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank;
A pump connected to the canister and applying a predetermined pressure to a closed space including the fuel tank via the canister;
Pressure detecting means for detecting a pressure in the closed space on the pump side from the canister;
Determining means for determining a state of leakage in a closed space including the fuel tank based on the pressure detected by the pressure detecting means;
Determination criterion correction means for correcting the determination criterion in the determination means based on the adsorption phenomenon or desorption phenomenon of the evaporated fuel in the canister;
An evaporative fuel treatment apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprising: The evaporated fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the pump applies a negative pressure to the closed space. The evaporative fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the pump applies a positive pressure to the closed space. 3. The evaporative fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 2, wherein the determination reference correction means corrects the determination reference according to the amount of the evaporated fuel in the fuel tank. A fuel tank temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature in the fuel tank;
5. The evaporative fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 4, wherein the determination reference correction means corrects the determination reference based on a temperature in the fuel tank. A fuel tank internal pressure detecting means for detecting the internal pressure of the fuel tank;
6. The evaporative fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 5, wherein the determination reference correction means corrects the determination reference based on a temperature in the fuel tank and an internal pressure of the fuel tank. The determination reference correction means includes a first map that defines a relationship between a temperature in the fuel tank and a correction coefficient for correcting the determination reference, and the correction coefficient corresponding to the temperature in the fuel tank is 6. The evaporative fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 5, wherein the evaporative fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine is obtained from the first map and corrects the determination criterion based on the correction coefficient. An adsorption amount saturation determination means for determining whether or not the adsorption amount of the evaporated fuel in the canister is in a saturated state;
The first map includes a second map that defines a relationship between the temperature in the fuel tank in the saturated state and the correction coefficient;
8. The evaporative fuel processing for an internal combustion engine according to claim 7, wherein the determination reference correction means acquires the correction coefficient from the second map when it is determined that the canister is in the saturated state. apparatus. The determination reference correction unit corrects the determination reference according to the amount of air sent from the pump to the canister when the positive pressure is applied to the closed space, and the amount of adsorption of the evaporated fuel in the canister. The evaporative fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 3. A reference pressure setting means for setting a reference pressure as the determination reference;
The determination unit determines a state of leakage in the closed space based on a result of comparing the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit and the reference pressure,
10. The evaporative fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the determination reference correction unit corrects the reference pressure when correcting the determination reference. A fuel tank,
A canister for adsorbing evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank;
A pump that is connected to both the fuel tank and the canister, and applies a predetermined pressure to a closed space including either the fuel tank or the canister;
Pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure in the closed space;
Determination means for determining a state of leakage in the closed space based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection means;
An evaporative fuel treatment apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprising: The internal combustion engine according to claim 11, further comprising a determination reference correction unit that corrects a determination reference in the determination unit based on a change in an internal pressure of the fuel tank caused by the generation of the evaporated fuel. Evaporative fuel processing device. The determination criterion correction means includes:
An outflow rate calculating means for calculating an outflow rate of flowing out of the fuel tank from the inside of the fuel tank through the pump;
An inflow air amount calculating means for calculating an inflow air amount flowing from a leak hole of the fuel tank based on the outflow flow rate and a pressure ratio of the evaporated fuel and air in the fuel tank;
Based on the inflow air amount and the cross-sectional area of the reference hole for leakage determination, the internal pressure of the fuel tank when the inflow air amount of air flows into the reference hole is calculated, and the internal pressure of the fuel tank is used as a reference A reference pressure setting means for setting as a pressure,
The internal combustion engine according to claim 12, wherein the determination unit determines a state of leakage in the closed space based on a result of comparing the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit and the reference pressure. Evaporative fuel processing device.

Images