JP2008001253A - Bent tube - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bent tube capable of mounting a pipe member contacting to a fuel in fuel supply to an appropriate height in an adjusted manner according to the shape or size or the like of a fuel tank. <P>SOLUTION: The bent tube 10 is equipped with a tube body 15, a joint member 20, and the pipe member 40 inserted and disposed in the fuel tank. The joint member 20 has a connecting pipe part 21, a flange part 23, a communication passage 25, at least a pair of elastic locking leg 28 having an engaging projection 29, and a pressing ring 35 to stop the opening of the elastic locking leg. The pipe member 40 is constituted so that a plurality of engaging recessed parts 45 engaging with the engaging projection 29 of the elastic locking leg 28 are formed along the axial direction at a predetermined interval, and a projection amount for the joint member 20 of the pipe member 40 can be changed by selecting the engaging recessed part 45 for engaging the engaging projection 29 and connecting the pipe member 40 with the joint member 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vent tube that has one end connected to a fuel supply pipe and the other end connected to an upper portion of a fuel tank to perform full tank regulation at the time of fuel supply.

  In general, a fuel tank for an automobile is provided with a vent tube for enabling fuel to be filled to a full tank position, and the vent tube is connected to a fuel supply pipe having one end connected to the fuel tank, The other end is connected to the upper part of the fuel tank. A joint member having a substantially cylindrical shape and a lower end portion depending on the inside of the fuel tank is attached to the upper portion of the fuel tank, and the other end of the vent tube is connected to the upper end portion of the joint member.

  When fuel is supplied into the fuel tank, air and fuel vapor in the fuel tank are discharged to the outside of the fuel tank through the vent tube, and the fuel is smoothly supplied into the fuel tank. On the other hand, if the lower end of the joint member is immersed in the fuel and the opening is closed, the air and fuel vapor in the fuel tank cannot be discharged, so the internal pressure of the fuel tank rises. As a result, the fuel supply pipe When the supplied fuel enters the vent tube and rises and the fuel comes into contact with the sensor at the tip of the fueling nozzle, it is determined that the fuel tank is full and fueling is stopped.

Further, in Patent Document 1 below, a fuel supply pipe (fuel filler tube) disposed in a fuel tank, a first vent tube having one end installed at an upper portion in the fuel tank and the other end connected to a canister, A fuel tank structure comprising a valve provided at the lower end of the first vent tube and a second vent tube connected to the fuel supply pipe in the middle of the first vent tube is disclosed. When the fuel level rises due to refueling and the fuel is immersed in the valve, the valve rises due to the buoyancy, the first vent tube is closed, and the internal pressure of the fuel tank rises. As a result, the fuel supply pipe The fuel level rises and fueling is stopped in the same manner as described above.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-34933

  In the above vent tube or fuel tank structure, when the fuel comes into contact with the lower end of the joint member and the opening is closed, or when the valve rises due to the immersion of the fuel and the first tube vent is closed. Refueling has been stopped and fuel full regulation has been made. That is, the fuel full position is determined by the position of the lower end portion of the joint member or the valve mounting position.

  By the way, the fuel full position generally changes depending on the vehicle type and the shape of the fuel tank, and further changes depending on the same tank shape and the shape and height of the fuel supply pipe. In addition, the shape and mounting position of the joint member and valve must be changed, which is a wasteful problem.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a vent tube that can cope with the change of the full tank position of the fuel depending on the vehicle type or the shape of the fuel tank without replacing the joint member.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vent tube having one end connected to a fuel supply pipe and the other end connected to an upper portion of a fuel tank, The vent tube includes a tube main body, a joint member connected to an end of the tube main body on the fuel tank side, and a pipe member connected to the joint member and inserted into the fuel tank. The joint member includes a connection pipe part connected at one end to the tube main body, a flange part formed on the outer periphery of the other end part of the connection pipe part and fixed to the periphery of the upper opening of the fuel tank, and the connection pipe part A communication passage that passes through the periphery and communicates with the inside of the fuel tank via the flange portion, and extends from the periphery of the opening on the fuel tank side of the communication passage. Protruding towards The pipe member having at least a pair of elastic locking legs having engaging protrusions, and a press ring attached to the outer periphery of the elastic locking legs to prevent the elastic locking legs from opening. Has a base end portion having an outer diameter that can be inserted into the inside of the elastic locking leg, and an engagement recess that engages with an engagement protrusion of each elastic locking leg is axially provided on the outer periphery of the base end portion. A plurality of protrusions are formed at predetermined intervals along the pipe, and an engagement recess for engaging the engagement protrusion is selected to connect the pipe member to the joint member. It is constituted so that it can be changed, and an airtight holding part for improving the airtightness of the connecting part is provided between the base end part of the pipe member and the opening part of the communication path. A vent tube is provided.

  According to the above invention, the base end portion of the pipe member is inserted inside the elastic locking leg, and the engagement protrusion of the elastic locking leg is engaged with the engagement recess formed on the outer periphery of the base end portion of the pipe member. Thus, the pipe member can be connected to the joint member. Since a plurality of engagement recesses formed on the outer periphery of the base end portion of the pipe member are formed at predetermined intervals along the axial direction, the pipe member can be selected by selecting an engagement recess for engaging the engagement protrusion. The amount of protrusion with respect to the joint member can be changed.

  Further, the airtightness of the pipe member and the joint member is maintained by the airtight holding portion, and after the base end portion of the pipe member is engaged with the elastic locking leg, the presser ring is slid in the distal direction of the elastic locking leg. Thereby, the elastic locking leg can be prevented from being opened and the engaged state can be reliably held.

  In this way, the amount of protrusion of the pipe member relative to the joint member can be changed. For example, when the full tank position is to be set high, the pipe member is pushed deeply into the joint member, and the tip of the pipe member is made high. If you want to set the full tank position low, push the pipe member shallowly into the joint member and set the tip of the pipe member to a low position, depending on the shape and size of the fuel tank, etc. Thus, the height of the pipe member can be appropriately adjusted and attached to the fuel tank. Therefore, even if the position of the tip portion of the pipe member connected to the vent tube is different for each vehicle type, it can be dealt with only by changing the protruding amount of the pipe member relative to the joint member, and the parts can be shared.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the distal end portion of the pipe member is cut obliquely toward the proximal end portion, or an opening is formed at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the distal end portion. A plurality of engaging recesses that are engaged with the engaging protrusions of the elastic locking legs are formed at predetermined intervals along the axial direction on the outer periphery of the proximal end portion of the pipe member; A row of the engaging recesses along the circumferential direction is formed at a multiple of the number of the elastic locking legs along the circumferential direction and at an angle at which each of the elastic locking legs can be engaged. The vent tube is provided.

  According to the above invention, the pipe member is attached to the joint member by selecting the row of the engagement recesses formed on the outer periphery of the base end portion of the pipe member and engaging the engagement protrusion of the elastic locking leg. Since the angle can be changed, the opening cut obliquely at the tip of the pipe member or the opening formed in the peripheral wall can be moved in a desired direction, for example, in a direction away from the opening of the fuel supply pipe. Can be mounted facing. As a result, the flow of fuel flowing in from the fuel supply pipe directly hits the opening, or the opening is arranged in a direction in which the fuel level is likely to wave when the vehicle rolls. It can be prevented that the opening of the tube is instantly blocked at the fuel liquid level and the fuel is blown back from the fuel supply port due to a sudden rise in the internal pressure of the fuel tank.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, on the outer side of the elastic locking leg, a first locking projection that protrudes to the extent that the pressing ring can get over, and the first engagement A fitting concave portion disposed on the distal end side of the retaining convex portion and a second locking convex portion disposed further on the distal end side than the fitting concave portion are formed, and the presser ring is formed on the fitting concave portion. The bent tube is configured so that bending of the elastic locking leg to the outside is suppressed to such an extent that the engagement protrusion does not come off from the engagement recess in a state where the engagement protrusion is fitted.

  According to the above invention, the base end portion of the pipe member is inserted inside the elastic locking leg of the joint member, the engagement protrusion of the elastic locking leg is engaged with the predetermined engagement recess of the pipe member, and the state When the presser ring is slid to get over the first locking projection and fitted into the fitting recess, the holding ring suppresses the outward bending of the elastic locking leg and the second locking projection. Since the press ring is prevented from coming off from the elastic locking leg by the portion, it is possible to more reliably prevent the engagement protrusion from coming off the engagement recess.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, a notch groove is formed in an inner periphery of the presser ring, and an outer periphery of the elastic locking leg is formed in the notch groove. Is fitted, and the vent tube is configured such that the inner periphery of the presser ring is in contact with or close to the outer periphery of the pipe member.

  According to the above invention, since the outer periphery of the elastic locking leg is fitted into the notch groove of the presser ring, the presser ring is prevented from rotating, and in this state, the inner periphery of the presser ring contacts the outer periphery of the pipe member. Since they are close to each other, the pipe member can be firmly held.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the airtight holding portion includes a first step portion formed on the periphery of the opening portion of the communication path, and the base of the pipe member. A second step portion formed at the end portion, which is fitted to the first step portion, and is arranged between the peripheral edge of the opening of the communication path and the base end portion of the pipe member, A vent composed of one or a plurality of spacer rings formed with a third step portion fitted to the first step portion and formed with a fourth step portion fitted to the second step portion on the other end face. A tube is provided.

  According to the above invention, the base end portion of the pipe member can be directly connected to the periphery of the opening portion of the communication path by fitting the first step portion and the second step portion. One or more spacer rings are interposed between the first step portion and the second step portion, the first step portion and the third step portion are fitted, and the second step portion and the second step portion. It can also be connected by fitting the four steps. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the pipe member relative to the joint member can be changed depending on the number of spacer rings, and each joint portion of the joint member, spacer ring, and pipe member can be connected with increased airtightness by fitting of the step portions. it can.

  According to the vent tube of the present invention, the pipe member can be connected to the joint member by inserting the proximal end portion of the pipe member into the elastic locking leg and engaging the engaging protrusion with the engaging recess. Since a plurality of engaging recesses of the pipe member are formed at predetermined intervals along the axial direction, the amount of protrusion of the pipe member with respect to the joint member is selected by appropriately selecting the engaging recess and engaging the engaging protrusions. Can be changed.

  That is, when it is desired to increase the full tank position, the pipe member is pushed deeply into the elastic locking leg to raise its tip, and when the full tank position is to be decreased, the pipe member is It is possible to attach the fuel tank to the fuel tank by appropriately pushing the height of the pipe member in accordance with the shape of the fuel tank, etc. Therefore, even if the position of the tip portion of the pipe member connected to the vent tube is different for each vehicle type, it can be dealt with only by changing the protruding amount of the pipe member relative to the joint member, and the parts can be shared.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1-7, 1st Embodiment of the vent tube of this invention is described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the vent tube 10 has one end connected to the fuel supply pipe 3 and the other end connected to the upper part of the fuel tank 1 to perform full tank regulation at the time of fuel supply. A tube body 15, a joint member 20 connected to the end of the tube body 15 on the fuel tank 1 side, and a pipe member 40 connected to the joint member 20 and inserted into the fuel tank 1. ing.

  The fuel tank 1 is formed of a synthetic resin material, and an opening 2 is formed at a predetermined location on the upper wall portion thereof. The joint member 20 is fixed to the opening 2, and the tube body 15 is attached to the joint member 20. Are connected at one end. A fuel supply pipe 3 for supplying fuel is connected to one side of the fuel tank 1 so as to communicate with the inside of the fuel tank 1, and a fuel supply port 3 a is formed at the upper end of the fuel supply pipe 3. Has been. The other end of the tube body 15 is connected to the fuel supply pipe 3 at a position slightly below the fuel supply port 3a. A fuel vapor pipe 6 and a check valve 7 are disposed outside the upper wall portion of the fuel tank 1. The check valve 7 is opened when the internal pressure of the fuel tank exceeds a predetermined value. For example, when the internal pressure of the fuel tank rises during traveling of the vehicle, the fuel vapor in the fuel tank 1 is moved to the outside of the fuel tank 1. The internal pressure of the fuel tank 1 is adjusted by letting it escape to the disposed canister 8. Since the check valve 7 is closed when fuel is supplied, the discharge of the fuel vapor through the fuel vapor pipe 6 is restricted and the full tank is regulated by the vent tube 10.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the joint member 20 has a cylindrical connecting pipe portion 21 having a substantially L shape. A plurality of annular protrusions 21 a are provided at a distal end portion of the connection pipe portion 21 at a predetermined interval, and the distal end portions are press-fitted into the inner periphery of one end portion of the tube main body 15, and are inserted into one end of the tube main body 15. The connecting pipe portion 21 is connected (see FIG. 2). Further, a flange portion 23 that is annularly formed is formed from the outer periphery of the base end portion of the connecting pipe portion 21, and the lower surface side periphery of the flange portion 23 abuts on the outer periphery of the opening 2 of the fuel tank 1. The flange portion 23 and the connecting pipe portion 21 are disposed outside the fuel tank 1 by being welded (see FIG. 6). Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 6, the connection pipe portion 21 and the flange portion 23 are connected to the fuel tank 1 through the flange portion 23 through the inner periphery of the connection pipe portion 21. A passage 25 is formed so that fuel vapor and the like can flow inside and outside the fuel tank 1. Further, a cylindrical wall portion 27 protrudes from the lower surface side of the flange portion 23 and from the periphery of the communication passage 25, and the inner periphery of the wall portion 27 forms an opening portion of the communication passage 25. (See FIG. 3A).

  A pair of elastic locking legs that can be bent outward from the peripheral edge of the opening of the communication passage 25 on the fuel tank 1 side, that is, the outer periphery of the cylindrical wall portion 27 and from the lower surface of the flange portion 23. 28 and 28 extend opposite to each other. Further, on the inner side of the distal end portion of each elastic locking leg 28, engagement protrusions 29, 29 that engage with an engagement recess 45 of the pipe member 40 described later are directed toward the center of the opening of the communication path 25. Each protrudes. Referring also to FIG. 4, the engagement protrusion 29 is formed with a tapered surface 29 a that gradually protrudes from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion of the elastic locking leg 28, and the pipe member 40 is made to be a pair of elastic members. When inserting between the locking legs 28, 28, it is easy to insert, and the elastic locking legs 28 are easily bent outward.

  In addition, a presser ring 35 is attached to the outer periphery of the pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28. In this connection, a presser ring 35 is provided on the outer side of each elastic locking leg 28. A part for retaining the stopper is provided. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the presser ring 35 can be passed over the outer side of each elastic locking leg 28 and closer to the proximal end portion of the elastic locking leg 28 than the engagement protrusion 29. A protruding first locking projection 30, a fitting recess 31 that is disposed closer to the tip than the first locking projection 30 and fits the presser ring 35, and further than the fitting recess 31 A second locking projection 32 is formed which is disposed on the distal end side and prevents the presser ring 35 fitted in the fitting recess 31 from coming off. Further, the outer surface of the first locking projection 30 is a tapered surface 30 a that gradually protrudes toward the tip end side of the elastic locking leg 28, and the presser ring 35 urges the first locking projection 30. It is easier to get over.

  In the presser ring 35 attached to the outer periphery of the pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28, the engagement protrusion 29 engages with an engagement recess 45 (described later) of the pipe member 40, so that the elastic locking leg 28 is engaged. When the pipe member 40 is connected to the joint member 20 via the joint member 20, it is a member that restricts the outward bending of each elastic locking leg 28 to prevent the opening. The presser ring 35 has a substantially annular shape, and notched grooves 35a and 35a are formed at predetermined depths in opposing portions of the inner periphery thereof. Each elastic locking leg 28 is fitted in the notch groove 35a. Before the pipe member 40 is connected to the joint member 20, the presser ring 35 is held and held on the base end side of each elastic locking leg 28 (see FIG. 1). When 40 is connected, it slides to the front-end | tip part side, gets over the said 1st latching convex part 30, is fitted to the fitting recessed part 31, and is locked up and down. At this time, since the notch groove 35a is fitted into the fitting recess 31, the presser ring 35 is also prevented from rotating at that position. Thus, when the presser ring 35 is disposed, each elastic locking leg 28 is prevented from opening.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, since each elastic locking leg 28 is fitted in each notch groove 35a, 35a, the engagement protrusion 29 engages with the engagement recess 45, and the presser ring In the state where each elastic locking leg 28 is prevented from opening by 35 and the pipe member 40 is connected to the joint member 20, the inner periphery of the press ring 35 is the outer periphery of the pipe member 40 as shown in FIG. The pipe member 40 can be firmly held without being rattled inside the pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28. In this embodiment, the inner diameter D1 of the presser ring 35 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter D2 of the pipe member 40 so that the presser ring 35 contacts the outer periphery of the pipe member 40. It has become.

  The pipe member 40 connected to the joint member 20 is inserted and disposed inside the fuel tank 1 and communicates with the communication passage 25 of the joint member 20, and has an opening at the tip thereof. When 41 is blocked by the fuel liquid level, it is a member that regulates fuel fullness by regulating the discharge of air and fuel vapor. The base end portion of the pipe member 40 has an outer diameter that can be inserted into the inside of the pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28 and is substantially the same outer diameter as the cylindrical wall portion 27 of the joint member 20. ing. On the other hand, the distal end portion of the pipe member 40 has a shape that is cut obliquely toward the proximal end side. As described above, since the opening 41 of the pipe member 40 extends vertically and has a wide opening area by cutting the tip portion obliquely, the opening 41 is instantaneously blocked by the fluctuation of the fuel level or the like. Is prevented. In this embodiment, the tip of the pipe member 40 is cut obliquely. For example, the tip of the pipe member 40 is cut horizontally as shown in FIG. You may make it provide the opening part 41 in a surrounding wall.

  A guide groove 43 is formed along the axial direction on the outer periphery of the base end portion of the pipe member 40 with a width that matches the width of the elastic locking leg 28. The guide grooves 43 are provided at four positions (that is, at intervals of 90 degrees) at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe member 40. When the pipe member 40 is inserted inside the pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28, the engagement protrusions 29 of the elastic locking legs 28 enter the guide grooves 43 to guide the pipe member 40, The pipe member 40 can be smoothly pushed to a desired position without rotating. Further, a plurality of engagement recesses 45 are formed at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the pipe member 40 at a predetermined depth from the bottom surface of each guide groove 43 and with which the engagement protrusions 29 of the respective elastic locking legs 28 are engaged. Has been. Since the rows of the engagement recesses 45 along the axial direction are formed in the guide groove 43, four rows are provided at intervals of 90 degrees with respect to the circumferential direction of the pipe member 40. In this embodiment, the number of rows of the engaging recesses 45 is four, which is twice that of the two elastic locking legs 28. For example, six can be provided at intervals of 60 degrees.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of spacer rings are provided between the proximal end portion of the pipe member 40 and the opening portion of the communication passage 25, that is, the cylindrical wall portion 27 of the joint member 20 as necessary. 50, 50 are arranged. The spacer ring 50 has substantially the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the wall portion 27 of the joint member 20 and the outer diameter of the pipe member 40. Then, the upper spacer ring 50 is brought into contact with the lower end surface of the cylindrical wall portion 27 so as to be sandwiched between the pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28, and the lower spacer ring 50 is connected to the base of the pipe member 40. The joint member 20 and the pipe member 40 are hermetically connected by contacting the upper end surface of the end portion (see FIG. 3). And the lower end surface of the wall part 27, the spacer ring 50, and the upper end surface of the base end part of the pipe member 40 comprise the airtight holding | maintenance part in this invention.

  Next, a method for using the vent tube 10 of the present invention having the above configuration will be described.

  First, the pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28 are bent slightly inward, the notch grooves 35a, 35a are aligned on the outer periphery, the presser ring 35 is covered, and the presser ring 35 is pushed into the flange 23 side. Go. Then, in a state where the pair of elastic locking legs 28 and 28 can be bent outward, the presser ring 35 is prevented from being attached to the base end side of each elastic locking leg 28.

  Then, the required number of spacer rings 50 and 50 are inserted inside the pair of elastic locking legs 28 and 28 and set so as to be sandwiched between the elastic locking legs 28 and 28. In this state, the engaging protrusions 29 of the pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28 are aligned with the guide grooves 43, 43 of the pipe member 40, and the pipe member 40 is moved from the base end side to the pair of elastic locking legs 28. , 28 is inserted inside. Then, the concave and convex portions formed by the engagement recesses 45 formed on the bottom surface of the guide groove 43 get over the elastic engagement legs 28 while sliding on the tapered surfaces 29a of the engagement protrusions 29, and the pipe member 40 is pushed in. It will be. Then, the base end surface of the pipe member 40 is pushed in through the spacer rings 50 and 50 until it comes into contact with the end surface of the cylindrical wall portion 27 of the joint member 20. In this state, the engagement protrusion 29 of the elastic locking leg 28 engages with a predetermined engagement recess 45, and the pipe member 40 is fixedly held to the joint member 20.

  Next, the presser ring 35 previously attached to the base end portion side of each elastic locking leg 28 is slid to the distal end side of the elastic locking leg 28 to get over the tapered surface 30a of the first locking convex portion 30. And fitted into the fitting recess 31. As a result, the presser ring 35 is restrained from moving up and down by the first locking projection 31 and the second locking projection 32 and is held on the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the elastic locking leg 29. Since the elastic locking leg 29 is prevented from opening by the presser ring 35, the engagement protrusion 29 is prevented from being detached from the engagement recess 45.

  Further, in this state, the base end face of the pipe member 40, the spacer rings 50 and 50, and the end face of the cylindrical wall portion 27 are in contact with each other, and the airtightness of the communication passage 25 is ensured.

  Incidentally, since a plurality of engaging recesses 45 formed on the outer periphery of the base end portion of the pipe member 40 are formed at predetermined intervals along the axial direction, the engagement protrusions 29 of the elastic locking legs 28 are engaged. The protrusion amount of the pipe member 40 relative to the joint member 20 can be changed by appropriately selecting the joint recess 45 and changing the number of the spacer rings 50 accordingly.

  On the other hand, the distal end portion of the connecting pipe portion 21 is press-fitted into the inner periphery of one end portion of the tube main body 15 so that the joint member 20 is connected to one end of the tube main body 15 and the other end of the tube main body 15 is connected to the fuel supply pipe 3. To do. In this state, the pipe member 40 is inserted and arranged in the fuel tank 1 from the opening 2 of the fuel tank 1, and the flange portion 23 of the joint member 20 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral edge of the opening 2 and fixed by welding. In this way, one end of the vent tube 10 can be fixed to the fuel tank 1 as shown in FIG. Note that the other end of the vent tube 10 is connected to the vicinity of the fuel supply port 3a of the fuel supply pipe 3 as described above.

  In this state, when the check valve 7 is closed and fuel is supplied from the fuel supply port 3a, the air in the fuel tank 1 or the like until the opening 41 of the pipe member 40 is closed by being immersed in the fuel liquid. Since the fuel vapor is discharged from the opening 41 of the pipe member 40 through the communication passage 25 and the tube body 15 to the fuel supply pipe 3, the fuel can be smoothly supplied into the fuel tank. On the other hand, when the tip of the pipe member 40 is immersed in the fuel liquid and the opening 41 is closed, air and fuel vapor in the fuel tank 1 cannot be discharged, so the internal pressure of the fuel tank 1 rises and the fuel tank 1 No more fuel can be filled into 1. As a result, the fuel supplied from the fuel supply pipe 3 is returned from the opening 41 of the pipe member 40 through the communication passage 25 and the tube body 15 to the vicinity of the fuel supply port 3a of the fuel supply pipe 3, and the tip of the fuel supply nozzle When the fuel comes into contact with the sensor, the refueling is automatically stopped and the fuel is full.

  In this way, when the fuel liquid level rises and the opening 41 of the pipe member 40 is closed, the full tank regulation is made. By changing the protruding amount of the pipe member 40, In the present invention, as described above, by selecting the engaging recess 45 for engaging the engaging protrusion 29 of the elastic locking leg 29, the joint of the pipe member 40 can be set. Since the amount of protrusion with respect to the member 20 can be changed, for example, when it is desired to set the full tank position high, the pipe member 40 is pushed deeply into the joint member 20 and the tip of the pipe member 40 is set to a high position. On the other hand, when it is desired to set the full tank position low, the pipe member 40 is pushed into the joint member 20 shallowly, the tip of the pipe member 40 is set to a low position, and the fuel tank 1 Depending on Jo, size, and the like, by appropriately adjusting the height of the pipe member 40 can be attached to the fuel tank 1. Therefore, even if the full tank restriction position differs for each vehicle type, it can be handled only by changing the protruding amount of the pipe member 40 with respect to the joint member 20, and parts can be shared.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the engagement recesses 45 arranged at predetermined intervals along the axial direction are provided in the guide grooves 43 formed at intervals of 90 degrees on the outer periphery of the pipe member 40. The mounting angle of the pipe member 40 with respect to the joint member 20 can be changed by changing the row of the engaging recesses 45 with which the elastic locking legs 28 are engaged. For example, FIG. 5 shows a state in which the attachment angle of the pipe member 40 to the joint member 20 is changed by 90 degrees with respect to the state of FIG. In this manner, by appropriately changing the attachment angle of the pipe member 40, the opening 41 cut obliquely at the tip of the pipe member 40 is opened in a desired direction, for example, the fuel supply pipe 3 through which the fuel flows out. It can be mounted in a direction away from the part. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the flow of the fuel flowing in from the fuel supply pipe 3 from directly hitting the opening 41 or arranging the opening 41 in a direction in which the fuel level is likely to wave when the vehicle rolls. The opening of the vent tube 10 is instantly blocked at the fuel level, and the fuel can be prevented from blowing back from the fuel filler port 3a due to a sudden rise in the internal pressure of the fuel tank 1.

  FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the vent tube of the present invention. Note that substantially the same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the vent tube 10a of the second embodiment, the guide groove 43 is provided along the axial direction of the pipe member 40 in the first embodiment, but in the circumferential direction of the pipe member 40. A difference is that a guide groove 43a is provided along the guide groove 43a. Further, the guide groove 43a is predetermined along the axial direction of the pipe member 40 so that the guide groove 43a is located at the same position as the position where the four engagement recesses 45 are formed along the circumferential direction of the pipe member 40. A plurality are formed at intervals.

  According to the vent tube 10a, since the guide groove 43a is provided along the circumferential direction, when the proximal end portion of the pipe member 40 is inserted inside the elastic locking leg 28, the engagement of the elastic locking leg 28 is increased. When the engaging projection 29 reaches the predetermined guide groove 43a corresponding to the protruding length of the pipe member 40, the mating projection 29 and the engaging recess 45 are inserted from each other without being aligned with each other. In this state, the engagement protrusion 29 can be slid along the guide groove 43 a to engage the engagement protrusion 29 with the predetermined engagement recess 45. Further, by sliding the engagement protrusion 29 along the guide groove 43a, the attachment angle of the pipe member 40 to the joint member 20 can be changed smoothly.

  9 to 11 show a third embodiment of the vent tube of the present invention. Note that substantially the same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the vent tube 10b of the third embodiment, the shape of the spacer ring is different, and the shapes of the joint member 20 and the pipe member 40 are correspondingly different.

  That is, referring to FIG. 10, a first concave step portion 24 is formed at the periphery of the opening portion of the communication path 25 of the joint member 20, and the first concave step portion is formed at the base end portion of the pipe member 40. A second projecting step portion 42 is formed to be fitted to 24. In addition, the spacer ring 50 is formed with a third convex step portion 51 that fits the first concave step portion 24 on the inner peripheral edge of one end surface, and the second convex step portion 42 on the inner peripheral edge of the other end surface. A fourth concave stepped portion 53 is formed to be fitted to. The first concave stepped portion 24, the second convex stepped portion 42, and the spacer ring 50 constitute an airtight holding portion in this embodiment.

  A plurality of spacer rings 50 are interposed between the first concave step portion 24 and the second step portion 42, the first concave step portion 24 and the third convex step portion 51 are fitted, and the second convex portion Since the step portion 42 and the fourth concave step portion 53 can be fitted and connected, the protruding amount of the pipe member 40 relative to the joint member 20 can be changed depending on the number of spacer rings 50, and the joint member 20 and the spacer ring can be changed. 50 and the joints of the pipe member 40 can be connected with increased airtightness by fitting the stepped portions. Even when the spacer ring 50 is not provided, the base end portion of the pipe member 40 is directly connected to the periphery of the opening portion of the communication path 25 by fitting the first concave step portion 24 and the second convex step portion 42. Can be done.

  Note that FIG. 11 shows the structure of an airtight holding portion in which stepped portions in which the concavo-convex relationship is reversed from the stepped portions in FIGS. 9 and 10 are formed. That is, the first convex step 24 a is formed from the peripheral edge of the opening of the communication passage 25 of the joint member 20, and the first concave step 24 is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the end surface of the base end portion of the pipe member 40. A second concave stepped portion 42a is formed to be fitted to. In addition, the spacer ring 50 has a third concave step portion 51a that is fitted to the first convex step portion 24a at the inner peripheral edge of one end surface, and the inner peripheral edge of the other end surface The 4th convex step part 53a fitted to the 2 concave step part 42a is formed. Also by these, each step part fits like the above, and it can connect each joint part of the joint member 20, the spacer ring 50, and the pipe member 40 with airtightness improved.

  12 and 13 show a fourth embodiment of the vent tube of the present invention. Note that substantially the same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The vent tube 10c of the fourth embodiment is different in the structure of the hermetic holding part as compared with the above embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, a cylindrical insertion tube portion 44 is provided with a predetermined length from the periphery of the opening portion of the communication passage 25 of the joint member 20, and is formed on the outer periphery of the tip portion thereof. A ring mounting groove 44a for mounting a seal ring 55 made of an elastic member such as rubber is formed.

  Then, when the pipe member 40 is pushed from the base end side so that the pipe member 40 is put on the outer periphery of the insertion tube portion 44 in a state where the seal ring 55 is attached to the ring attachment groove 44a, the pipe member The insertion tube portion 44 is inserted into the inner circumference of the pipe 40, and the seal ring 55 attached to the outer circumference is pressed against the inner circumference of the pipe member 40 and comes into close contact therewith. As a result, the outer periphery of the insertion tube portion 44 and the inner periphery of the pipe member 40 are sealed without a gap, and the pipe member 40 can be connected to the joint member 20 in a state where airtightness is improved. That is, in this embodiment, an airtight holding portion is configured by the seal ring 55 mounted on the outer periphery of the insertion tube portion 44 and the inner periphery of the pipe member 40 in close contact with the seal ring 55.

  14 and 15 show a fifth embodiment of the vent tube of the present invention. Note that substantially the same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The vent tube 10d of the fifth embodiment is also different in the structure of the airtight holding part as compared with the other embodiments. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, a pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28 are directly extended from the lower end surface of the cylindrical wall portion 27 protruding from the periphery of the opening portion of the communication passage 25 of the joint member 20. On the other hand, a ring mounting groove 46 for mounting the seal ring 55 is formed on the outer periphery of the base end portion of the pipe member 40 (see FIG. 15).

  When the pipe member 40 is inserted into the tubular wall portion 27 of the joint member 20 from the base end side with the seal ring 55 mounted in the ring mounting groove 46, the outer periphery of the pipe member 40 The seal ring 55 attached to the inner wall is pressed against and closely contacts the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall portion 27. As a result, the pipe member 40 can be connected to the joint member 20 in a state where the outer periphery of the pipe member 40 and the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall portion 27 are sealed without a gap and the airtightness is improved. That is, in this embodiment, an airtight holding portion is configured by the seal ring 55 attached to the outer periphery of the pipe member 40 and the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall portion 27 in close contact with the seal ring 55.

  FIG. 16 shows a sixth embodiment of the vent tube of the present invention. Note that substantially the same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The vent tube 10e of the sixth embodiment is different from the other embodiments described above in that a pair of support members 38, 38 are provided in addition to the pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28. Different. That is, an annular base 37 projects from the periphery of the opening of the communication passage 25 of the joint member 20, and a pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28 extend from the base 37. In this embodiment, a pair of support members 38 and 38 are extended from positions different by about 90 degrees with respect to the pair of elastic locking legs 28 and 28 (see FIG. 16A). Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, the pair of support members 38, 38 are formed at positions shifted from each other with respect to the center O1 of the communication path 25, and are indicated by arrows E, E in the same figure. It has a shape that can be punched in the direction.

  According to this embodiment, the pair of support members 38, 38 are positioned on the outer periphery of the pipe member 40 in a state where the pipe member 40 is connected to the joint member 20 by the pair of elastic locking legs 28, 28. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pipe member 40 from being attached to the joint member 20 or to be inclined, and to connect the pipe member 40 to the joint member 20 in a stable posture.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment of the vent tube of this invention. It is a perspective view of the vent tube. The vent tube is shown, (a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the fitting state of the holding ring of the vent tube. It is explanatory drawing at the time of changing the attachment angle of a pipe member in the vent tube. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which mounted | wore the fuel tank with the vent tube. It is a perspective view which shows the other shape of the pipe member which comprises the vent tube. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the vent tube of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the vent tube of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the vent tube. In the vent tube, it is sectional drawing which shows the other shape of an airtight holding | maintenance part. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows 4th Embodiment of the vent tube of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the vent tube. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows 5th Embodiment of the vent tube of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the vent tube. The 6th Embodiment of the vent tube of this invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view, (b) is a top view.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel tank 3 Fuel supply pipe 10 Vent tube 15 Tube main body 20 Joint member 21 Connection pipe part 23 Flange part 24 1st convex step part 24a 1st concave step part 25 Communication path 28 Elastic locking leg 29 Engagement protrusion 30 1st Locking convex part 31 Fitting concave part 32 Second locking convex part 35 Press ring 35a Notch groove 40 Pipe member 42 Second convex step part 42a Second concave step part 45 Engaging concave part 50 Spacer ring 51 Third convex step part 51a Third concave step portion 53 Fourth concave step portion 53a Fourth convex step portion 55 Seal ring

Claims (5)

In the vent tube for connecting one end to the fuel supply pipe and connecting the other end to the upper part of the fuel tank,
The vent tube includes a tube main body, a joint member connected to an end portion of the tube main body on the fuel tank side, and a pipe member connected to the joint member and inserted into the fuel tank. ,
The joint member includes a connection pipe part connected at one end to the tube body, a flange part formed on the outer periphery of the other end part of the connection pipe part and fixed to the periphery of the upper opening of the fuel tank, and the connection pipe part A communication passage that passes through the periphery and communicates with the inside of the fuel tank via the flange portion, and extends from the periphery of the opening on the fuel tank side of the communication passage. And at least a pair of elastic locking legs having an engaging protrusion protruding toward the outside, and a presser ring that is attached to the outer periphery of these elastic locking legs and serves as an opening stopper for the elastic locking legs,
The pipe member has a base end portion having an outer diameter that can be inserted inside the elastic locking leg, and an engagement recess that engages with an engagement protrusion of each elastic locking leg on the outer periphery of the base end portion. Are formed at predetermined intervals along the axial direction, and an engagement recess for engaging the engagement protrusion is selected and the pipe member is connected to the joint member, whereby the pipe member is connected to the joint member. It is configured so that the amount of protrusion can be changed,
A vent tube characterized in that an airtight holding portion is provided between the proximal end portion of the pipe member and the opening portion of the communication passage to enhance the airtightness of the connecting portion. The distal end of the pipe member is cut obliquely toward the proximal end side, or an opening is formed at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the distal end.
On the outer periphery of the base end portion of the pipe member, a plurality of the engagement recesses that engage with the engagement protrusions of the elastic locking legs are formed at predetermined intervals along the axial direction, and along the axial direction. The rows of the engaging recesses are formed in the circumferential direction so as to be a multiple of the number of the elastic locking legs and at an angle at which each of the elastic locking legs can be engaged. Item 1. The vent tube according to Item 1.   On the outer side of the elastic locking leg, a first locking projection that protrudes to the extent that the presser ring can get over, and a fitting recess that is arranged on the tip side of the first locking projection, A second locking projection is formed further on the tip side than the fitting recess, and the engagement protrusion is disengaged from the engagement recess when the presser ring is fitted to the fitting recess. The vent tube according to claim 1 or 2, wherein bending of the elastic locking leg to the outside is suppressed to the extent that it does not come off.   A notch groove is formed in the inner periphery of the presser ring, and the outer periphery of the elastic locking leg is fitted into the notch groove so that the inner periphery of the presser ring contacts or is close to the outer periphery of the pipe member. The vent tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vent tube is configured to perform.   The airtight holding portion includes a first step portion formed on the periphery of the opening portion of the communication path, and a second step portion formed on the base end portion of the pipe member and fitted to the first step portion. The third step portion is disposed between the peripheral edge of the opening of the communication passage and the base end portion of the pipe member, and has a third step portion that fits into the first step portion on one end surface, and the first end portion on the other end surface. The vent tube as described in any one of Claims 1-4 comprised by the 1st or several spacer ring in which the 4th step part fitted to a 2 step part was formed.

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