JP2009012594A - Fuel tank structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel tank structure capable of suppressing heat transmission to fuel in the fuel tank. <P>SOLUTION: In the fuel tank unit 10 for the vehicle, a canister unit 44 in which a canister 25 for adsorbing a fuel vapor and a fuel system part including a fuel pump 16 for pressure-feeding the fuel in the fuel tank are integrated is arranged such that it is left from a bottom wall 11B of the fuel tank body 11 and is surrounded by an upper space in a gravity direction in the fuel tank body 11. The fuel pump 16 is formed so as to suck the fuel through a fuel tube 68 connected to an inlet 16A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel tank structure for storing a fuel containing, for example, a hydrocarbon liquid.

A technique for installing a canister unit in which a canister and a fuel pump are integrated in a fuel tank is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-257935 A

  However, in the conventional techniques as described above, since the canister unit is pressed against the bottom of the fuel tank, there is room for improvement in suppressing heat transfer from the canister unit to the fuel.

  In view of the above fact, an object of the present invention is to obtain a fuel tank structure capable of suppressing heat transfer to the fuel in the fuel tank.

  In the fuel tank structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, a fuel system component including a canister for adsorbing fuel vapor and a pump for pumping fuel in the fuel tank is integrated. A fuel system component unit which is spaced apart and is disposed so as to be surrounded by an upper space in the gravity direction of the fuel tank, one end side is opened at the lower part in the gravity direction in the fuel tank, and the other end side is an inlet of the pump And a fuel introduction member connected to.

  In the fuel tank structure according to the first aspect, the pump pressure-feeds the fuel sucked through the fuel introduction member to the downstream side. In this fuel tank structure, a fuel system part unit in which fuel system parts including a canister and a pump are integrated is assembled as one part so as to be surrounded by the upper space of the fuel tank. . In this fuel tank structure, since the fuel system component unit is separated from the bottom wall of the fuel tank, heat transfer from the pump of the fuel system component unit to the fuel is performed when the remaining amount of fuel is less than a predetermined amount. Is suppressed.

  Thus, in the fuel tank structure according to the first aspect, heat transfer to the fuel in the fuel tank can be suppressed.

  A fuel tank structure according to a second aspect of the present invention is the fuel tank structure according to the first aspect, wherein the fuel system component unit is configured by covering the pump with the canister.

  In the fuel tank structure according to claim 2, since the pump is covered with the canister, heat transfer from the pump to the fuel and fuel vapor is effectively suppressed.

  A fuel tank structure according to a third aspect of the present invention is disposed so as to be separated from a fuel tank for storing fuel, a bottom wall of the fuel tank, and an upper space in the gravity direction of the fuel tank. A canister for adsorbing fuel vapor; a pump disposed in the canister for pumping fuel in the fuel tank; and one end opened at a lower portion in the direction of gravity in the fuel tank and the other end A fuel introduction member having a side connected to the suction port of the pump.

  In the fuel tank structure according to claim 3, the pump pressure-feeds the fuel sucked through the fuel introduction member to the downstream side. In this fuel tank structure, since the canister is disposed so as to be surrounded by the upper space of the fuel tank, the pump is disposed in the canister. In other words, the pump is covered with the canister. Therefore, it is suppressed that the heat of the pump is directly transmitted to the fuel and fuel vapor. Moreover, since the pump is disposed away from the bottom wall of the fuel tank, when the remaining amount of fuel is less than a predetermined amount, the fuel system component unit is more effectively transferred from the pump to the fuel. Heat transfer is suppressed.

  Thus, in the fuel tank structure according to the third aspect, heat transfer to the fuel in the fuel tank can be suppressed.

  A fuel tank structure according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the fuel tank structure according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the end of the fuel introduction member is opened at a lower portion in the gravity direction in the fuel tank. A one-way valve that allows fuel flow to the pump side is provided in the section.

  In the fuel tank structure according to claim 4, since the one-way valve is provided at the lower end in the gravitational direction of the fuel introduction member for sucking the fuel into the pump arranged apart from the bottom wall of the fuel tank, The inside of the introduction member is always filled with the fuel liquid. This prevents the pump from sucking gas in the configuration in which the pump is separated from the fuel tank bottom wall.

  A fuel tank structure according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the fuel tank structure according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the canister is disposed in the fuel tank.

  In the fuel tank structure according to the fifth aspect, since the canister is disposed in the fuel tank, for example, the fuel vapor can be directly adsorbed to the canister.

  As described above, the fuel tank structure according to the present invention has an excellent effect that heat transfer to the fuel in the fuel tank can be suppressed.

  A vehicle fuel tank unit 10 to which a fuel tank structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. First, a schematic configuration of the fuel system device 12 including the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 will be described, and then a detailed configuration of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 which is a main part of the present invention will be described.

(Schematic configuration of fuel system)
FIG. 5 is a schematic system configuration diagram showing a fuel system device 12 including a vehicle fuel tank unit 10. As shown in this figure, the fuel system device 12 is configured to supply the fuel stored in the fuel tank body 11 constituting the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 to the engine 14. An unillustrated refueling hose and a ventilation hose are connected to the fuel tank body 11, and fuel is supplied from the refueling hose to the fuel tank body 11, and at the time of refueling, air in the fuel tank body 11 escapes from the ventilation hose to the refueling port. It is like that.

  In the vehicle fuel tank unit 10, a fuel pump 16 is provided in the fuel tank body 11. The fuel pump 16 communicates with the engine 14 via a fuel tube 18 and is configured to send the fuel stored in the fuel tank body 11 to the engine 14. The fuel delivered by the fuel pump 16 is atomized by the injector 20 and injected into the combustion chamber of the engine 14. A check valve 22 as a one-way valve for preventing a back flow of fuel is disposed between the discharge port of the fuel pump 16 and the fuel tube 18.

  Further, the upper portion (space) of the fuel tank main body 11 is connected to a canister 25 for adsorbing evaporated fuel via a breather pipe 24. Although the details will be described later, the canister 25 is configured to detachably adsorb the fuel vapor introduced therein to the activated carbon 54 as an adsorbent.

  A vent valve 26, a COV (cutoff valve) 28, and a ROV (rollover valve) 30 are provided at a connection portion between the breather pipe 24 and the fuel tank body 11. The vent valve 26 opens when the internal pressure of the fuel tank main body 11 becomes higher than the internal pressure of the breather pipe 24, and allows air including fuel vapor in the fuel tank main body 11 to flow to the canister 25 via the breather pipe 24. ing.

  The ROV 28 is configured as a floater valve, and closes when the liquid level rises during refueling, thereby disconnecting the connection between the vent valve 26 and the fuel tank body 11. Further, the ROV 28 has a function of closing the connection portion between the vent valve 26 and the fuel tank body 11 when the vehicle falls or the like and preventing fuel from leaking to the outside via the breather pipe 24. The COV 30 is configured as a floater valve and is arranged in parallel with the ROV 28, and shuts off the communication between the vent valve 26 and the fuel tank body 11 when the liquid level further rises above the ROV 28. When the liquid level rises during refueling, the COV 30 is opened even after the ROV 28 is closed, and the fuel tank body 11 and the vent valve 26 are communicated with each other. In such a case, the valve is closed when the vehicle falls or the like, and has a function of preventing the fuel from entering the breather pipe 24 through the vent valve 26.

  Further, the canister 25 is connected with an atmospheric pipe 32 communicating with the atmosphere and a purge pipe 34 for purging the fuel vapor adsorbed on the activated carbon. An air filter 36 is provided in the atmospheric pipe 32. On the other hand, the end of the purge pipe 34 opposite to the connection side to the canister 25 is connected to a downstream portion of the throttle valve 40 in the intake passage 38 of the engine 14 as a purge control valve (in this embodiment, a vacuum switching valve). ) 42.

  Thus, in the fuel system 12, when the purge control valve 42 is opened at an appropriate time during the operation of the engine 14, the atmospheric pipe 32 is sucked in from the open end of the atmospheric pipe 32 along with the intake operation of the engine. A flow in which the gas in the purge pipe 34 is sucked into the intake passage 38 of the engine 14 is generated. With this flow, the fuel vapor adsorbed on the canister 25 is separated from the canister 25 (activated carbon thereof) and discharged into the intake passage 38, that is, the fuel vapor in the canister 25 is purged.

(Detailed configuration of vehicle fuel tank unit 10)
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 is configured by housing a fuel pump 16 and a canister 25 in a fuel tank body 11. In this embodiment, the canister 25 and the fuel pump 16 are integrated to form a canister unit 44. In the canister unit 44, the integrated fuel pump 16 and canister 25 are connected to the fuel tank main body 11. The fuel tank main body 11 is disposed so as to be biased toward the upper wall 11A. This will be specifically described below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the canister 25 includes an inner canister 46 integrated with the fuel pump 16 and an outer canister 48 provided so as to cover the inner canister 46. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner canister 46 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape in which the fuel pump 16 is disposed at the axial center thereof, and as shown in FIG. 1, the outer canister 48 is formed by the inner canister 46. Is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape covering the outer side in the radial direction.

  The canister unit 44 is disposed in the fuel tank main body 11 so that the axis of the canister 25 substantially coincides with the vertical (gravity) direction. In the canister unit 44 (canister 25), the presence / absence and capacity of the outer canister 48 are selected in accordance with the required amount of adsorption of fuel vapor. That is, the canister unit 44 (canister 25) may be configured without the outer canister 48.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inner canister 46 includes an inner canister case 50 formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape, a pump case 52 arranged coaxially in the axial center portion of the inner canister case 50, and an inner canister case. An activated carbon 54 serving as a fuel vapor adsorbent filled between the pump case 52 and the pump case 52 and a cover flange 56 that closes the upper open end of the inner canister case 50 are mainly configured.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the outer canister 48 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and has an outer canister case 58 in which an inner canister case 50 is disposed at the axial center, and the outer canister case 58 and the inner canister case 50. The main part is composed of activated carbon 54 filled in between. In this embodiment, a cover flange 56 common to the inner canister 46 closes the upper open end of the outer canister case 58. In this closed state, the cover flange 56 has a peripheral edge portion 56 </ b> A projecting outward in the radial direction of the outer canister case 58. In this embodiment, the cover flange 56 is fixed to the inner canister case 50 and the outer canister case 58 by welding or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pump case 52 is formed at an intermediate portion in the axial (vertical) direction thereof, and includes a pump housing portion 60 for housing the fuel pump 16 and a pump housing portion 60 provided below the pump housing portion 60. A tank-side communication portion 62 for communicating the portion 60 with the space in the fuel tank main body 11, and the pump storage portion 60 provided on the upper side of the pump storage portion 60. The canister unit 44 (inner canister case 50, fuel tank main body 11) And an outer communication portion 64 for communicating with the outer side. The pump case 52 has a tank-side communication portion 62 and an outer communication portion 64 that are smaller in diameter than the pump housing portion 60, and is formed between the tank-side communication portion 62, the outer communication portion 64 and the pump housing portion 60. Step portions 52A and 52B are provided.

  The fuel pump 16 is accommodated in the pump accommodating portion 60 of the pump case 52 via an anti-vibration rubber 66 as an anti-vibration material. The fuel pump 16 is elastically supported in the radial direction by an anti-vibration rubber 66 positioned between the pump housing portion 60 and elastically and axially by the anti-vibration rubber 66 positioned between the step portions 52A and 52B. It is supported not to fall off.

  The pump case 52 described above has a two-piece or three-piece structure composed of parts divided in the axial direction. In the pump case 52, a part on the bottom wall 50 </ b> A side of the inner canister case 50 may be formed integrally with the inner canister case 50, and a part on the cover flange 56 side is formed integrally with the cover flange 56. May be.

  Further, in the canister unit 44, when the fuel pump 16 is supported on the inner canister 46 (pump case 52), an inlet (suction) 16A as a suction port of the fuel pump 16 protrudes from the tank side communication portion 62. . In this supported state, the check valve 22 integrated with the outlet (discharge) of the fuel pump 16 protrudes into the outer communication portion 64.

  One end of a fuel tube 68 as a fuel introduction member is connected to the inlet 16 </ b> A of the fuel pump 16, and the other end of the fuel tube 68 is connected to a fuel filter 70. The fuel filter 70 is, for example, a mesh filter, and prevents foreign matters in the fuel from being sucked into the fuel pump 16. A plurality of (for example, three) guide rods 72 project upward from the fuel filter 70, and each guide rod 72 is slidably inserted into a guide hole 74 provided in the inner canister case 50. Has been.

  Thereby, in the canister unit 44, the fuel filter 70 can be moved toward and away from the canister 25 and the like (relative displacement in the vertical direction) while maintaining the posture with respect to the canister 25 and the fuel pump 16. A compression coil spring 76 is disposed around at least one guide rod 72 and biases the fuel filter 70 away from the canister 25 and the like. At the tip of the guide rod 72, a stopper 72A is formed that engages with the guide hole 74 of the inner canister case 50 and defines the movement limit of the fuel filter 70 on the side away from the canister 25 and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the stopper 72A is fixed to the fuel tank main body 11 of a canister unit 44 as will be described later, and is normally provided so that the fuel filter 70 does not contact the bottom wall 11B of the fuel tank main body 11. Yes. As described above, the canister unit 44 is configured such that when the fuel tank body 11 is deformed (compressed), the fuel filter 70 moves to the canister 25 side to absorb the deformation.

  On the other hand, one end of the outlet pipe 78 is connected to the check valve 22 in the outer communication portion 64. The outlet pipe 78 passes through the cover flange 56, and a portion located outside (upper side) of the cover flange 56 is a main port 78 </ b> A connected to the upstream end of the fuel tube 18. In addition, a wiring 80 for supplying power to the fuel pump 16 (motor thereof) is disposed in the outer communication portion 64, and the wiring 80 conducts the connector 82 provided on the cover flange 56 and the fuel pump 16. is doing. The connector 82 may be formed integrally with the cover flange 56.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a portion of the inner canister 46 between the inner canister case 50 and the pump case 52 is partitioned by the partition walls 84, 86, 88 in the circumferential direction. In the inner canister 46, a space formed between the partition wall 84 and the partition wall 86 is an evaporation chamber 46 </ b> A into which evaporated fuel is introduced from the fuel tank body 11 via the breather pipe 24, and the cover flange 56. An evaporation port 90 to which the breather pipe 24 is connected is provided at a portion for closing the evaporation chamber 46A.

  In the inner canister 46, the space formed between the partition wall 84 and the partition wall 88 is an atmosphere introduction chamber 46 </ b> B into which the atmosphere is introduced through the atmosphere pipe 32, and the atmosphere introduction chamber in the cover flange 56. An atmospheric port 92 to which the atmospheric piping 32 is connected is provided at a portion for closing 46B. Further, in the inner canister 46, a space formed between the partition wall 86 and the partition wall 88 is a purge chamber 46 </ b> C for purging the fuel vapor via the purge pipe 34, and the purge chamber in the cover flange 56. A purge port 94 to which the purge pipe 34 is connected is provided at a portion for closing 46C. The capacity of the evaporation chamber 46A is sufficiently larger than the respective capacities (sums) of the air introduction chamber 46B and the purge chamber 46C.

  Although illustration is omitted, the partition wall 84 is formed with a communication path that partially communicates the evaporation chamber 46A and the atmosphere introduction chamber 46B, and the partition wall 86 communicates the evaporation chamber 46A and the purge chamber 46C. A communication path is formed. Thereby, the purge of the adsorbed fuel to the inner canister 46 (activated carbon 54) by opening the purge control valve 42 is enabled. Although not shown, the outer canister 48 communicates with each of the evaporation chamber 46A, the atmosphere introduction chamber 46B, and the purge chamber 46C through a communication passage formed in the inner canister case 50, and is connected to the atmosphere introduction chamber 46B. A partition wall is disposed between the communication path and the communication path to the purge chamber 46C. Accordingly, the adsorbed fuel can be purged to the outer canister 48 (activated carbon 54) by opening the purge control valve 42.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the canister unit 44 described above is fixed to the fuel tank body 11 with the canister 25 and the fuel pump 16 being biased to the upper wall 11 </ b> A of the fuel tank body 11 as described above. . Specifically, the fuel tank body 11 is formed with an annular wall 96 erected along the edge of the opening 11C formed in the upper wall 11A, and the end 96A of the annular wall 96 and The canister unit 44 is fixed to the fuel tank main body 11 by sandwiching the peripheral edge portion 56 </ b> A of the cover flange 56 between the holding ring 98 fixed to the annular wall 96. The presser ring 98 is fixed to the annular wall 96 by, for example, screwing or welding, and the presser ring 98, the annular wall 96, and the cover flange 56 are hermetically sealed.

  Thus, the vehicular fuel tank unit 10 is configured such that the canister 25 of the canister unit 44 is surrounded from the outside in the radial direction in the upper space of the fuel tank main body 11 with the canister 25 spaced apart upward from the bottom wall 11B of the fuel tank main body 11. Arranged and configured. Further, the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 is configured such that the fuel pump 16 is covered from the radially outer side by the canister 25 arranged as described above.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the vehicular fuel tank unit 10 configured as described above, when the fuel pump 16 is operated, the fuel in the fuel tank body 11 is sent to the engine 14 via the fuel tube 18. When the internal pressure (vapor pressure) in the fuel tank body 11 becomes higher than the internal pressure in the breather pipe 24, the vent valve 26 is opened, and the fuel vapor in the fuel tank body 11 flows into the canister 25 through the breather pipe 24. , And temporarily adsorbed on the activated carbon 54 of the canister 25.

  When the purge control valve 42 is opened at an appropriate time, the fuel vapor adsorbed on the activated carbon 54 of the canister 25 by the air flowing into the canister 25 from the atmospheric pipe 32 is purged into the intake passage 38. The fuel vapor purged in the intake passage 38 is consumed by the engine 14 as fuel.

  Here, in the vehicle fuel tank unit 10, since the fuel pump 16 is covered with the canister 25, the heat generated by the operation of the fuel pump 16 is directly transmitted to the fuel in the fuel tank body 11. There is nothing. In addition, since the fuel pump 16 and the canister 25 that covers the fuel pump 16 are spaced upward from the bottom wall 11B of the fuel tank main body 11, the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank main body 11 is small. Further, the heat generated by the fuel pump 16 is more effectively suppressed from being transferred to the fuel (liquid component thereof).

  As a result, the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 can suppress an increase in fuel temperature when the remaining amount of fuel, which is generally considered to easily increase the fuel temperature, is small. Compared with the submerged configuration, the generation amount of fuel vapor (vapor) can be reduced.

  In particular, in the vehicle fuel tank unit 10, since the fuel pump 16 is covered with the canister 25, it is possible to effectively suppress the heat generated by the fuel pump 16 from being transmitted to the fuel vapor in the fuel tank body 11. . Thereby, in the vehicle fuel tank unit 10, the temperature in the fuel tank main body 11 is reduced as compared with the configuration in which the fuel pump 16 is submerged in the fuel, the generation of fuel vapor, and the pressure increase (volume expansion). Can be suppressed.

  As a result, in the vehicle fuel tank unit 10, the amount of fuel vapor adsorbed to the canister 25 is reduced, so the amount of purge of the adsorbed fuel is reduced, which contributes to improved fuel consumption. In addition, the release of fuel vapor adsorbed by the canister 25 (so-called evaporation) can be reduced.

  Further, in the vehicle fuel tank unit 10, the fuel pump 16 and the canister 25 are integrated to form the canister unit 44. Compared to a configuration in which these are separately disposed in the fuel tank body 11. The structure in which the fuel pump 16 and the canister 25 are arranged in the upper part in the fuel tank main body 11 is simple. If it supplements, the bracket for fixing the fuel pump 16 to the fuel tank main body 11, for example can be made unnecessary, and it contributes to mass reduction and cost reduction. Further, since the mass of the fuel pump 16 can be supported over a wide area by the peripheral portion 56A of the cover flange 56, it contributes to improving the strength and durability of the fuel tank body 11.

  Further, in the vehicular fuel tank unit 10, since the fuel pump 16 is covered with the anti-vibration rubber 66 in the pump case 52, it is possible to block radiation sound and vibration from the fuel pump 16. The inner canister 46 (the inner canister case 50, the pump case 52, the activated carbon 54) and the outer canister 48 particularly contribute to the soundproofing effect, and the vibration isolating rubber 66 contributes to the vibration blocking and damping effect.

  Further, in the vehicle fuel tank unit 10, since the fuel pump 16 is covered with the canister 25, that is, activated carbon 54 having an electromagnetic wave blocking action, the electromagnetic wave from the fuel pump 16 is blocked and noise is reduced. be able to.

[Other Embodiments]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Parts and portions that are basically the same as those in the first embodiment or the previous configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment or the previous configuration, and the description thereof is omitted. Illustration may be omitted.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing a main part of a canister unit 102 constituting a vehicle fuel tank unit 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the canister unit 102 constituting the vehicular fuel tank unit 100, the check valve 22 is provided in the fuel filter 70 instead of the outlet of the fuel pump 16, so that the first embodiment. This is different from the canister unit 44 of the vehicular fuel tank unit 10.

  Other configurations of the vehicle fuel tank unit 100, that is, the canister unit 102 are the same as the corresponding configurations of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10, that is, the canister unit 44.

  Therefore, also by the vehicle fuel tank unit 100 according to the second embodiment, a similar effect can be obtained basically by the same operation as that of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 according to the first embodiment. Further, in the vehicle fuel tank unit 100, the check valve 22 is arranged in the fuel filter 70, that is, the lower part (low place) in the fuel tank body 11, so that the fuel pump 16 is arranged in the upper part in the fuel tank body 11. In the configuration to be provided, the fuel tube 68 is filled with fuel (liquid phase). This prevents the fuel pump 16 from sucking gas-phase fuel when the engine 14 is started.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing a main part of a canister unit 112 constituting a vehicle fuel tank unit 110 according to the third embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the canister unit 112 constituting the vehicle fuel tank unit 110, an inner canister case 114 formed in a cylindrical shape, instead of the inner canister case 50 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, The vehicle fuel tank unit 10 according to the first embodiment is different from the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 according to the first embodiment in that a lower cover 116 that closes the lower opening end of the inner canister case 114 is provided.

  The inner canister case 114 has an engagement flange 114A that protrudes radially outward from a lower portion thereof. On the other hand, the lower cover 116 is formed in a disk shape that closes the lower opening end of the inner canister case 114, and the fitting cylinder portion 116A that fits the engagement flange 114A of the inner canister case 114 faces upward from the peripheral edge portion. Projected to An engaging claw 116B is formed at the opening end of the fitting cylinder portion 116A.

  In the canister unit 112 of the vehicular fuel tank unit 110, the lower claw 116 B of the inner canister case 114 is engaged with the upper surface of the engagement flange 114 A of the inner canister case 114 by engaging the engaging claws 116 B of the lower cover 116. The inner canister case 114 is held in a posture in which the lower opening end is closed. Instead of such a fitting structure, a structure (so-called snap fit structure) in which at least one of the engaging flange 114A and the fitting cylinder portion 116A (engaging claw 116B) is partially provided in the circumferential direction is adopted. Also good.

  In this embodiment, the engaging flange 114A is formed in a slightly narrowed small diameter portion of the inner canister case 114, and a guide hole 74 is disposed on the light direction outside of the small diameter portion. Therefore, although not shown, the outer canister case 58 has a shape that avoids interference with the guide hole 74. Other configurations of the vehicle fuel tank unit 110, that is, the canister unit 112 are the same as the corresponding configurations of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10, that is, the canister unit 44.

  Therefore, the vehicle fuel tank unit 110 according to the third embodiment can basically obtain the same effect by the same operation as that of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 according to the first embodiment. In the vehicle fuel tank unit 110, the lower cover 116 can be removed from the inner canister case 114, so that the fuel pump 16 can be taken out from the inner canister 46 (canister 25). Thereby, replacement and maintenance of the fuel pump 16 and replacement and maintenance of the activated carbon 54 are possible.

  In the third embodiment, the lower opening end of the inner canister case 114 constituting the inner canister 46 can be opened. However, the lower opening end is replaced with the outer canister case 58 of the outer canister 48. An outer canister case that can be opened and closed with a lower cover may be employed. In this case, a common lower cover 116 can be used for the outer canister case and the inner canister case 114.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing a main part of a canister unit 122 constituting a vehicle fuel tank unit 120 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in this figure, the canister unit 122 constituting the vehicle fuel tank unit 120 can be attached to and detached from the inner canister case 50 and the outer canister case 58 in place of the cover flange 56 fixed by welding or the like. The vehicle fuel tank unit 10 according to the first embodiment is different from the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 in that the cover flange 124 is provided.

  The cover flange 124 has a fitting cylinder portion 124A that fits into the inner canister case 50 protruding downward, and an engagement claw 124B is formed at the open end of the fitting cylinder portion 124A. In the vicinity of the upper opening end of the inner canister case 50 that constitutes the canister unit 122, an engaging portion 126 that engages with the engaging claw 124B protrudes in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the fitting cylinder portion 124A is fitted into the inner canister case 50 from the inside. Although not shown, the cover flange 124 can be attached to and detached from the outer canister case 58 with the same structure as described above.

  Other configurations of the vehicle fuel tank unit 120, that is, the canister unit 122 are the same as the corresponding configurations of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10, that is, the canister unit 44.

  Therefore, the vehicle fuel tank unit 120 according to the fourth embodiment can obtain the same effect by basically the same operation as that of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 according to the first embodiment. In the vehicle fuel tank unit 120, the cover flange 124 can be removed from the inner canister case 50, so that the fuel pump 16 can be taken out from the inner canister 46 (canister 25). Thereby, replacement and maintenance of the fuel pump 16 and replacement and maintenance of the activated carbon 54 are possible.

  In the fourth embodiment, the cover flange 56 is detachably attached to the inner canister case 50 and the cover flange 56 as a whole. For example, the cover flange 56 has a circular portion that closes the inner canister 46 and the outer canister. 48 may be divided into an annular portion for closing, and at least one of these may be configured to be detachable.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a schematic overall configuration of a vehicle fuel tank unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in this figure, the vehicular fuel tank unit 130 includes a fuel tank main body 132 in which a part of the canister unit 44 is disposed outside, instead of the fuel tank main body 11 in which the canister unit 44 is accommodated as a whole. In the point provided, it differs from the canister unit 44 of the fuel tank unit 10 for vehicles which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

  The fuel tank main body 132 has a canister housing portion 134 that is recessed in the upper wall 132A. The canister accommodating portion 134 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape substantially corresponding to the outer canister case 58 and accommodates the canister 25 inside thereof. In this accommodated state, the upper open end of the canister accommodating part 134 is closed by the cover flange 56. The peripheral edge of the cover flange 56 is fixed to the upper wall 132A by welding or the like, or a required seal structure (not shown) is interposed between the upper wall 132A and the like.

  Further, a communication window 134B is opened in the bottom wall 134A of the canister housing part 134, and the fuel filter 70 is disposed in the fuel tank main body 132 through the communication window 134B. A seal structure (not shown) is interposed between the peripheral edge portion of the communication window 134 </ b> B in the bottom wall 134 </ b> A of the canister housing portion 134 and the outer canister case 58.

  As described above, in the vehicle fuel tank unit 130, the canister 25 and the fuel pump 16 constituting the canister unit 44 are arranged outside the fuel tank main body 132. The canister 25 is disposed outside the fuel tank main body 132 so as to be surrounded from the radially outer side in the upper space of the fuel tank main body 132 in a state of being spaced upward from the bottom wall 132B. Other configurations of the vehicle fuel tank unit 130 are the same as the corresponding configurations of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10.

  Therefore, the vehicle fuel tank unit 100 according to the fifth embodiment can obtain the same effect by basically the same operation as that of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 according to the first embodiment.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 10 shows a schematic overall configuration of a vehicular fuel tank unit 140 according to the sixth embodiment corresponding to FIG. As shown in this figure, the vehicular fuel tank unit 140 has a vapor port directly introduced from the vent valve 26 to the outer canister 48 instead of a structure having an evaporation port 90 into which the fuel vapor is introduced via the breather pipe 24. It differs from the canister unit 44 of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 according to the first embodiment in that it is configured to be introduced.

  The vent valve 26 communicates with a steam introduction hole 142 formed in the outer canister case 58 at its fuel outlet. In this embodiment, the vent valve 26 is fixedly attached to the outer canister case 58 so that the fuel outlet communicates with the steam introduction hole 142. Other configurations of the vehicle fuel tank unit 140 are the same as the corresponding configurations of the vehicle fuel tank unit 10.

  Therefore, the vehicle fuel tank unit 100 according to the sixth embodiment can also obtain the same effect by basically the same operation as the vehicle fuel tank unit 10 according to the first embodiment. In the vehicle fuel tank unit 140, the fuel vapor can be directly introduced into the canister 25 accommodated in the fuel tank body 11 from the vent valve 26, so that the breather pipe 24 is not required, and the weight is reduced. This can contribute to cost reduction.

  In the sixth embodiment, the example in which the fuel vapor is directly introduced into the canister 25 in the fuel tank main body 11 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a through hole is formed in the canister housing 134. A similar structure may be employed for the vehicle fuel tank unit 130.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the fuel pump 16 is integrated with the canister 25 to form the canister units 44, 102, 112, and 122. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. 16 and the canister 25 may be configured not to be a unit (assembly). That is, for example, a structure in which the fuel pump 16 is attached to the canister 25 after being assembled to the fuel tank main bodies 11 and 132 may be employed.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the example in which the fuel pump 16 is covered with the canister 25 has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fuel pump 16 is integrated (unitized) with the canister 25. In this case, at least a part of the fuel pump 16 may not be covered with the canister 25.

1 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic overall configuration of a vehicle fuel tank unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a sectional side view showing typically the canister unit which constitutes the fuel tank unit for vehicles concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view showing typically the canister unit which constitutes the fuel tank unit for vehicles concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. It is a mimetic diagram showing a fuel system device to which a fuel tank unit for vehicles concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a sectional side view which shows typically the canister unit which comprises the fuel tank unit for vehicles which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows typically the canister unit which comprises the fuel tank unit for vehicles which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows typically the canister unit which comprises the fuel tank unit for vehicles which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a sectional side view showing typically the outline whole composition of the fuel tank unit for vehicles concerning a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is a sectional side view showing typically the outline whole composition of the fuel tank unit for vehicles concerning a 6th embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Vehicle fuel tank unit (fuel tank structure)
11 Fuel tank body (fuel tank)
11B Bottom wall 16 Fuel pump (pump)
16A inlet (suction port)
22 Check valve (one-way valve)
25 Canister 44 Canister unit (Fuel system parts unit)
68 Fuel tube (fuel introduction member)
100/110/120/130/140 Fuel tank unit for vehicle 102/112/122 Canister unit (Fuel system component unit)
132 Fuel tank body (fuel tank)
132B Bottom wall

Claims (5)

A fuel system component including a canister for adsorbing fuel vapor and a pump for pumping fuel in the fuel tank is integrated, separated from the bottom wall of the fuel tank, and in the gravity space in the fuel tank A fuel system component unit arranged so as to be surrounded by
A fuel introduction member having one end opened at a lower portion in the direction of gravity in the fuel tank and the other end connected to the suction port of the pump;
With fuel tank structure.   The fuel tank structure according to claim 1, wherein the fuel system component unit is configured by covering the pump with the canister. A fuel tank for storing fuel;
A canister for adsorbing fuel vapor, arranged to be separated from the bottom wall of the fuel tank and surrounded by an upper space in the direction of gravity in the fuel tank;
A pump disposed in the canister for pumping fuel in the fuel tank;
A fuel introduction member having one end opened at a lower portion in the direction of gravity in the fuel tank and the other end connected to the suction port of the pump;
With fuel tank structure.   The one-way valve which accept | permits the flow of the fuel to the said pump side was provided in the edge part opened in the lower part of the gravity direction in the said fuel tank in the said fuel introduction member. The fuel tank structure described in the item.   The fuel tank structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the canister is disposed in the fuel tank.

Images