JP2017001660A - Fuel supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve downsizing of a surrounding part of a breather port in a filler neck.SOLUTION: A fuel supply device FS includes: a filler neck 10 forming a fuel passage 11P communicating with an oil filler port FC; and a breather port 26 protruding from the filler neck 10 and connected with a breather pipe BP. At least a part of a valve 60 which allows return flow of air from the breather pipe BP to the fuel passage 11P is stored in the breather port 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel supply apparatus.

  In a fuel supply device incorporated in a vehicle, air enters a fuel tank by entrainment of air by fuel to be refueled. The air thus entering the fuel tank is returned to the filler neck from the fuel tank via the breather pipe. In order to recirculate such air, a configuration is known in which a valve housing connector is provided in a breather port of a filler neck forming a fuel flow path, and a breather pipe is connected to this connector (Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-70917 A

  In the fuel supply device proposed in the above-mentioned patent document, a valve for adjusting the return of air is accommodated in the connector for connecting the breather pipe to the breather port, so that a structure for connecting the breather pipe around the filler neck is provided. It is excellent in that it can be realized compactly. In recent years, there is a high demand for miniaturization of parts constituting the vehicle, and the structure around the breather port in the filler neck is required to be further compact.

  In order to achieve at least a part of the problems described above, the present invention can be implemented as the following forms.

  (1) According to one form of this invention, a fuel supply apparatus is provided. The fuel supply device includes a filler neck that forms a fuel flow path that communicates with a fuel filler port, and a breather port that protrudes from the filler neck and is connected to a breather pipe. At least a part of a valve allowing the return of air to the fuel flow path was accommodated.

  In this form of fuel supply device, the same air recirculation from the breather pipe to the fuel flow path as in the existing device is achieved only by connecting the breather port to the breather pipe without interposing a connector or the like around the breather port. . Therefore, according to the fuel supply device of this embodiment, the periphery of the breather port can be made more compact.

  (2) In the fuel supply device of the above aspect, the valve may include a housing that houses the valve, and the housing and the valve may be incorporated and held in the breather port. By doing so, the assembling property of the valve to the breather port is improved, and the valve can be easily assembled to the air flow path.

  (3) In the fuel supply device of the above aspect, the valve is an assembly-completed product housed in the housing, and is assembled and held in the breather port in a state of the assembly-completed product. Also good. In this way, the assembly of the valve to the breather port is further improved, and the valve can be assembled more easily.

  (4) In the fuel supply device of the above aspect, the valve may house the valve in a housing, and the housing may be formed by the breather port. In this way, the number of parts can be reduced by replacing the housing with the breather port, and the cost can be reduced.

  (5) In the fuel supply device according to any one of the above forms, the valve includes a valve body that can be driven to open and close an opening formed in the housing on a terminal side of the breather port, and the valve body. You may make it provide the urging | biasing part urged | biased so that it may drive to the side which closes the said opening. In this way, air recirculation from the breather pipe to the fuel flow path can be reliably caused by opening and closing the opening by the valve body, and when the air pressure on the breather pipe side increases, a large amount of air is recirculated to the fuel flow path. be able to.

  (6) In the fuel supply device according to the above aspect, the valve body may be capable of reciprocating or opening / closing with respect to a valve seat surrounding the opening. In this way, air recirculation from the breather pipe to the fuel flow path can be surely caused by either reciprocation of the valve body with respect to the valve seat or opening / closing operation.

  (7) In the fuel supply device of the above aspect, the valve may have an orifice that ensures ventilation of the air in a state where the valve body closes the opening. By doing so, it is possible to ensure the ventilation (recirculation) of air at a flow rate allowed by the orifice even in a situation where the valve body closes the opening.

  (8) In the fuel supply device of the above aspect, the orifice may be formed in at least one of the valve body and the housing. This increases the degree of freedom in selecting the location where the orifice is formed. In addition, a concave groove may be provided in at least one of the valve body and the valve seat at a position corresponding to the valve seat or the valve body on which the valve body is seated to ensure air ventilation.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the fuel supply apparatus for supplying a fuel to the fuel tank of a motor vehicle. It is explanatory drawing which shows a filler neck by cross-sectional view in a longitudinal direction. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure in 1st Embodiment of the valve | bulb integrated in the breather port. It is a schematic exploded view of a valve. It is a graph showing the relationship between the air pressure in a tank at the time of oil supply, and an air recirculation flow rate. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the valve | bulb of the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment integrated in the breather port. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the filler neck of the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the valve | bulb of the 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment integrated in the breather port. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the valve | bulb of the 4th modification of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the filler neck concerning 2nd Embodiment in cross-sectional view in a longitudinal direction. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the filler neck of the 1st modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the principal part of the filler neck of the 2nd modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the principal part of the filler neck of the 3rd modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the principal part of the filler neck of the 4th modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the valve | bulb of 3rd Embodiment integrated in the breather port.

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an outline of a fuel supply device FS for supplying fuel to a fuel tank FT of an automobile. The fuel supply device FS includes the filler neck 10 according to the first embodiment, the breather port 26, the filler tube TB, the check valve TV, the breather pipe BP, the gas release valve BV, and the mounting member FE. I have. The filler neck 10 is fixed to the fuel supply portion (not shown) of the vehicle by the mounting member FE, and accepts insertion of the fuel gun FG into the fuel supply port FC. The filler neck 10 is connected to the fuel tank FT by a filler tube TB and a breather pipe BP. The filler tube TB is, for example, a resin tube having a bellows structure at two locations, and can expand and contract and bend within a certain range. The filler tube TB is connected to the fuel tank FT via a check valve TV. The fuel discharged from the fuel gun FG inserted into the fuel filler port FC is supplied from the check valve TV to the fuel tank FT via a fuel flow path and filler tube TB described later formed by the filler neck 10. The check valve TV prevents fuel from flowing back from the fuel tank FT to the filler tube TB.

  One end of the breather pipe BP is connected to the fuel tank FT via the gas release valve BV, and the other end is connected to the breather port 26 protruding from the filler neck 10. The gas release valve BV functions as a joint that connects the breather pipe BP to the fuel tank FT. In-tank air containing fuel vapor flows from the gas release valve BV into the breather pipe BP. The fuel vapor is guided to the fuel tank FT through the filler tube TB together with the supplied fuel when fuel is supplied from the fuel gun FG. Hereinafter, the configuration of the main part of the fuel supply device FS will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the filler neck 10 in a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction. As shown in the drawing, the filler neck 10 is a mechanism for sending the fuel discharged from the fuel gun FG (see FIG. 1) to the fuel tank FT via the filler tube TB (see FIG. 1) connected to the lower end thereof. And includes a neck body 20, a retainer 30, a nozzle guide member 40, and a valve 60. The filler neck 10 forms a fuel flow path 11P from the fuel supply port FC on the retainer 30 side to the neck main body end in a neck main body 20 having a cylindrical shape with a step. A part of the fuel flow path 11P is partitioned by the nozzle guide member 40, and the side of the fuel filler port FC is an insertion passage 12P.

  The neck body 20 includes a threaded portion 21a on the inner wall of the retainer 30 on which a fuel cap (not shown) is screwed. The neck body 20 is provided with a nozzle guide member 40 mounted in a substantially central region of the fuel flow path 11P, and the end side of the fuel flow path 11P is a neck connection portion 25. The neck connection portion 25 includes an annular protrusion 25a on the outer peripheral portion thereof, and the filler tube TB is inserted into the neck connection portion 25, so that the neck connection portion 25 is retained by the annular protrusion 25a. Connected to. In addition, the neck body 20 includes a breather port 26 that protrudes from the mounting position of the nozzle guide member 40. The breather port 26 is a pipe branched from the side wall of the neck body 20, and forms an air flow path 26P branched from the fuel flow path 11P. Even in the breather port 26, an annular protrusion 26a is provided on the outer peripheral portion thereof, and the breather pipe BP is inserted into the breather port 26 so that the breather port 26 is prevented from being pulled out by the annular protrusion 26a. Connected. The breather pipe BP connected to the breather port 26 recirculates the air containing fuel vapor in the tank of the fuel tank FT (see FIG. 1) to the filler neck 10 at the time of refueling, thereby providing smooth refueling. The breather port 26 may be provided at any position as long as it is the outer periphery of the filler neck 10.

  The neck body 20 is configured by laminating two kinds of resin materials including the neck connection portion 25 and the breather port 26, and is laminated on the resin inner layer 28 on the fuel flow path 11P side and the outer surface of the resin inner layer 28. The resin outer layer 29 is provided. The resin inner layer 28 is formed of a resin material excellent in fuel permeation resistance, such as polyamide (PA) such as nylon, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), and the like, and is a barrier layer mainly suppressing fuel permeation. Acts as The resin outer layer 29 is formed of a resin material excellent in mechanical strength, for example, polyethylene (PE), and mainly functions as a layer for ensuring the mechanical strength and impact resistance of the neck body 20. When polyethylene is used as the resin outer layer 29, a maleic acid-modified resin material (modified polyethylene) can be used as a polar functional group. The modified polyethylene is bonded to the resin inner layer 28 because it is bonded to the PA by chemical bonding.

  The retainer 30 is an annular member for ensuring sealing performance with a gasket of a fuel cap (not shown) and mechanical strength, and is formed by press-molding a thin plate of a metal material such as stainless steel. The nozzle guide member 40 is a member for guiding the fuel supply nozzle to the fuel flow path 11 </ b> P, and is mounted in the neck body 20 via a mechanical restriction mechanism 50. The nozzle guide member 40 includes a cylindrical guide body 42 and a nozzle guide wall 44 formed substantially at the center of the guide body 42, and these are formed by injection molding with a resin material such as polyacetal (POM). Yes. The space inside the nozzle guide member 40 constitutes a part of the insertion passage 12P. The nozzle guide wall 44 protrudes from the inner wall of the guide main body 42 and is inclined in the insertion direction of the fuel gun FG and faces the air flow path 26P in the breather port 26.

  The valve 60 is incorporated and mounted in the air flow path 26P of the breather port 26, specifically, the expansion flow path portion 26Pe on the flow path end side, and is sealed by an annular sealing material 90. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of the valve 60 incorporated in the breather port 26, and FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of the valve 60. As shown in the figure, the valve 60 includes a valve body 70, a spring 72, and a lid body 80 as mechanical parts of the valve in addition to the housing 62. The housing 62 is a cylindrical body, and the inside of the housing is partitioned into a first chamber 64 a and a second chamber 64 b by a partition wall 63. The partition wall 63 includes an opening 64 at the center, and the wall surface on the second chamber 64 b side is used as a valve seat 65 of the valve body 70. The housing 62 includes engaging flexible pieces 66 at equal pitches on the peripheral wall on the first chamber 64a side. The engagement flexible piece 66 can be bent toward the first chamber 64a. When the valve 60 is assembled, the engagement protrusion 26b is inserted into the engagement hole 26h of the breather port 26 so that the breather port 26 Engage. An annular recess 67 is formed in the outer peripheral wall of the housing 62, and a sealing material 90 is attached to the annular recess 67. The valve body 70 includes an orifice 71 at the center, is accommodated in the second chamber 64b together with the spring 72, and can reciprocate in the second chamber 64b. The spring 72 biases the valve body 70 toward the valve seat 65 in a state where the second chamber 64 b is closed by the lid body 80. The lid 80 has a disk shape and is welded to the housing 62 in a state where the second chamber 64b is closed. In the lid body 80, the periphery of the central through hole 81 is a spring seat surface region 80 s, and the region outside the peripheral through hole 82 surrounding the region is a welding region 80 w with the housing 62. The housing 62 and the lid 80 described above are formed from a resin (for example, PE or the like) that can be thermally welded.

  When the valve 60 is housed in the breather port 26, that is, when assembled to the expansion flow path portion 26Pe of the air flow path 26P, the valve 60 is first assembled as a single product to be assembled. Specifically, the valve body 70 and the spring 72 are accommodated in the second chamber 64b as shown in FIG. 3, and the second chamber 64b is closed by the lid body 80. In this state, heat is applied to the welding region 80w of the lid 80 from a laser beam or other heat source, thereby bringing the welding region 80w into a molten state. Thereby, the lid 80 is thermally welded to the housing 62 at the annular welding portion Wr shown in FIG. The valve 60, which is an assembly-completed product obtained in this way, is placed from the lid 80 side to the expansion flow path portion 26Pe of the air flow path 26P in the breather port 26 with the sealing material 90 mounted in the annular recess 67. Inserted. In this insertion process, the engagement flexible piece 66 is bent to the first chamber 64a side by the tip protrusion coming into contact with the inner wall of the expansion flow path portion 26Pe. The engaging flexible piece 66 returns to its original posture because the tip protrusion enters the engaging hole 26h of the breather port 26 when the lid 80 enters the back side of the expansion flow path portion 26Pe. , Engages with the breather port 26. Thereby, the assembly of the valve 60 from the end side of the breather port 26 is completed, and the valve 60 is held in the expansion flow path portion 26 Pe of the breather port 26.

  In this assembled state, the housing 62 fits inside the air flow path 26P, specifically, the expansion flow path portion 26Pe following the flow path, leaving a predetermined tolerance, and opens to the end side of the breather port 26. Position. The valve body 70 can be reciprocated along the flow path of the air flow path 26 </ b> P in the second chamber 64 b which is the inside of the housing 62, and opens and closes the opening 64. The spring 72 constitutes a biasing portion that biases the valve body 70 toward the opening 64 in cooperation with the welded lid body 80. From the state of the urging of the valve body 70, the valve 60 allows the return of air from the side of the expansion flow path portion 26Pe in the air flow path 26P toward the fuel flow path 11P of the neck body 20, and the pressure of the air Adjust the air flow rate. Further, since the valve 60 has the orifice 71 in the valve body 70, the opening 64 of the housing 62 provides ventilation between the fuel flow path 11 </ b> P side sandwiching the valve body 70 and the end side of the breather port 26. Secure even under circumstances closed at 70.

  Next, the state of air recirculation from the fuel tank FT in the fuel supply device FS having the filler neck 10 in which the valve 60 having the above-described configuration has been incorporated will be described. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the air pressure in the tank and the air recirculation flow rate during refueling. When refueling is started from the refueling gun FG (see FIG. 1), the air pressure of the fuel tank FT increases with refueling, and this air pressure is valved by the air (air containing fuel vapor) flowing through the breather pipe BP. The 60 valve bodies 70 act from the first chamber 64a side. In the initial stage of refueling, the air pressure in the fuel tank FT has not increased so much, so the valve body 70 closes the opening 64 under the urging force of the spring 72. Even in this situation, the air containing the fuel vapor returns to the filler neck 10 through the orifice 71, but the return flow rate is determined by the orifice diameter and the air pressure and becomes a low flow rate. When the air pressure of the fuel tank FT rises as the refueling progresses and the air pressure becomes a pressure against the urging force of the spring 72, the valve body 70 is separated from the valve seat 65, and the valve 60 is opened. As the valve is opened, the flow rate of the reflux air to the filler neck 10 increases rapidly. Then, after the valve body 70 is fully opened in the second chamber 64b at the maximum distance from the valve seat 65, the filler neck has a large flow rate determined by the maximum separation distance between the valve body 70 and the valve seat 65 and the air pressure. The air containing fuel vapor flows back to 10. In addition, when the air recirculation in the refueling process is continued and the refueling is completed, the flow rate and pressure of the air recirculated through the breather pipe BP decreases, so the valve 60 causes the valve body 70 to be seated on the valve seat 65. The valve is closed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel supply device FS of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration is configured such that the breather pipe BP is connected to the fuel tank through a path along the filler tube TB connecting the filler neck 10 and the fuel tank FT. Arranged from the FT to the breather port 26, the air containing fuel vapor in the fuel tank FT is recirculated through the valve 60. The fuel supply device FS of the first embodiment achieves such air recirculation only by connecting the breather pipe BP to the breather port 26 in which the valve 60 is already incorporated, and it is not necessary to interpose a connector or the like around the breather port 26. Absent. As a result, according to the fuel supply device FS of the first embodiment, the configuration around the breather port 26 can be reduced in size, and the path of the breather pipe BP reaching the breather port 26 can be bent around the breather port 26. It can be easily suppressed and smooth air recirculation can occur.

  In the fuel supply device FS of the first embodiment, the valve 60 reciprocates along the flow path of the breather port 26 in the second chamber 64b of the housing 62 and the housing 62 having a shape along the flow path of the breather port 26. The valve 60 is configured to include a valve body 70 that can open and close the opening 64 and a spring 72 that biases the valve body 70 toward the opening 64, and the valve 60 is connected to the air from the end of the breather port 26. It is incorporated into the extended flow path portion 26Pe of the flow path 26P and held in the extended flow path portion 26Pe. Therefore, according to the fuel supply device FS of the first embodiment, the valve 60 can be assembled together with the housing 62 from the end side of the breather port 26, so that the assembly of the valve 60 to the breather port 26 is improved, and the valve 60 is It can be easily assembled to the extended flow path portion 26Pe. In addition, since the valve 60 is incorporated as an assembly-completed product, the assemblability is further improved.

  In the fuel supply device FS of the first embodiment, the orifice 71 formed in the valve body 70 constituting the valve 60 allows ventilation between the fuel flow path 11P side across the valve body 70 and the end side of the breather port 26. In addition, the opening 64 of the housing 62 is secured even in a situation where the valve body 70 is closed. Therefore, according to the fuel supply device FS of the first embodiment, air flow at a flow rate allowed by the orifice 71 can be ensured even when the opening 64 is closed by the valve body 70.

  Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a valve 60A of the first modification incorporated in the breather port 26. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the valve 60A is characterized in that the housing 62 is welded to the breather port 26, and the housing 62 has an annular enlarged diameter portion 68 on the opening end side of the first chamber 64a. Even in the valve 60A of the modified example, as with the valve 60 described above, the assembly is completed before assembling, and the air flow in the breather port 26 is performed from the lid 80 side in the state where the lid 80 is welded. The housing 62 is inserted into the extended flow path portion 26Pe of the path 26P. When the lid 80 enters the inner side of the extended flow path portion 26Pe, the enlarged diameter portion 68 of the housing 62 is joined to the tip end face of the breather port 26. In this state, the enlarged diameter portion 68 is supplied with a laser beam or other heat source. Then, heat is applied to bring it into a molten state, and the enlarged diameter portion 68 is thermally welded to the breather port 26 at the annular welding portion Wr. Thereby, the assembly of the valve 60A from the end side of the breather port 26 is completed, and the valve 60A is held in the expansion flow path portion 26Pe of the breather port 26.

  Even with the fuel supply device FS in which the valve 60A of the above-described modification is incorporated in the breather port 26, the air recirculation from the fuel tank FT described above can be performed only by connecting the breather pipe BP to the breather port 26 in which the valve 60A has been incorporated. To achieve. Therefore, also by this modification, the effect of downsizing the periphery of the breather port 26 can be obtained in the same manner as the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a filler neck 10A of the second modified example. As illustrated, the filler neck 10A is characterized in that a valve 60 is incorporated into the breather port 26 from the fuel flow path 11P side. The valve 60 incorporated in the breather port 26 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the breather port 26 is connected to the breather pipe BP at the connection end side of the breather pipe BP with a reduced diameter passage smaller than the air passage 26P. The part 26Ps. The breather port 26 is provided with an engagement hole 26h in the vicinity of a branch point from the fuel flow path 11P, as shown in an enlarged view of FIG. 7, and the engagement flexible piece 66 in the valve 60 is provided in the engagement hole 26h. The valve 60 is held. Although the engagement hole 26 h penetrates the resin inner layer 28, it is closed by the resin outer layer 29. Before the nozzle guide member 40 is mounted on the filler neck 10A, the valve 60 is incorporated into the air flow path 26P of the breather port 26 from the fuel flow path 11P side. In the drawing, one end of the valve 60 protrudes into the fuel flow path 11P. However, since the valve 60 is covered with the nozzle guide wall 44 of the nozzle guide member 40, interference with the fuel gun FG (see FIG. 1) is not caused. I don't get up. Note that all the valves 60 may be accommodated in the air flow path 26P.

  Also by the fuel supply device FS having the filler neck 10A of the above-described modification, the above-described air recirculation from the fuel tank FT is achieved only by connecting the breather pipe BP to the breather port 26 in which the valve 60 is already incorporated. . Therefore, also by this modification, the effect of downsizing the periphery of the breather port 26 can be obtained in the same manner as the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 8A is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a valve 60B of a third modification incorporated in the breather port 26. FIG. As shown in the figure, this valve 60B is characterized in that the valve body 70 is not provided with the orifice 71, and the valve seat 65 has a concave groove 65r as an orifice instead of the orifice 71. Is the same as the valve 60 described above. The concave groove 65r is formed from the opening 64 to a position that reaches the second chamber 64b along the wall surface of the valve seat 65, and as shown in the X direction schematic arrow in the figure, the valve body 70, the valve seat 65, and In between, it functions as an orifice instead of the orifice 71. According to the fuel supply device FS in which the valve 60B of this modified example is incorporated in the breather port 26, effects such as downsizing of the periphery of the breather port 26 can be obtained in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and an orifice formation is also possible. The degree of freedom can be increased. In the third modification, the groove 65r may be provided on the valve body 70 side, or may be provided on both the valve body 70 and the valve seat 65.

  Next, a fourth modification of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 8B, the valve 60C of the fourth modification uses a ball 70a instead of the valve body 70. In FIG. 8B, the ball 70a is not in cross-sectional view. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the breather port 26 is arranged in a substantially vertical direction. Therefore, when the air pressure is low, the ball 70 a is seated on the valve seat 65 side by its own weight. Yes. Even in this state, since the concave groove 65r exists, air can be recirculated. Further, as the refueling progresses, the air pressure in the fuel tank FT increases, and when the air pressure becomes a pressure against the weight of the ball 70a, the ball 70a is separated from the valve seat 65 and the valve 60C is opened. Therefore, a sufficient amount of air can be recirculated as in the above-described embodiments and modifications. In this modification, the tank air pressure at the start of valve opening shown in FIG. 5 is determined by the weight of the ball 70a. Therefore, if the ball 70a is made of resin, metal, or a composite material thereof, the pressure at the start of valve opening can be adjusted by adjusting its own weight. In the fourth modification employing the ball 70a, the configuration of the valve 60C can be further simplified. Even when the ball 70a is used, the spring 72 may be used to increase the force pressing the ball 70a against the valve seat 65 side. In the third and fourth modifications, a plurality of grooves 65r may be provided.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the filler neck 10B according to the second embodiment in cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction. As shown in the drawing, the filler neck 10B of the second embodiment is characterized in that the breather port 26 protrudes from the neck body 20 in parallel with the neck connection portion 25 on the lower end side of the neck body 20. The flow path configuration, the configuration of the valve 60, and the method for incorporating the valve 60 from the end of the breather port 26 are the same as those of the filler neck 10 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the fuel supply device FS having the filler neck 10B according to the second embodiment in which the valve 60 is incorporated in the breather port 26 protruding in parallel with the neck connection portion 25 also has the effect of downsizing the periphery of the breather port 26 and the like. It can be obtained in the same manner as the embodiment described above.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a filler neck 10C of a first modification of the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the filler neck 10 </ b> C includes a valve 60 incorporated from the fuel flow path 11 </ b> P side with respect to the breather port 26 protruding from the neck body 20 in parallel with the neck connection portion 25, and a valve 60 for the breather port 26. Is characterized by the retention method. The valve 60 incorporated in the breather port 26 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the breather port 26 is connected to the breather pipe BP at the connection end side of the breather pipe BP with a reduced diameter passage smaller than the air passage 26P. The part 26Ps. The valve 60 is different in that it does not include the engaging flexible piece 66, and also differs in that the lid 80 is a lid with a hook as shown in the enlarged illustration of FIG. As described above, the assembled product is obtained before the assembly into the breather port 26. The valve 60 to which the lid 80 with the flange has been welded is inserted into the air flow path 26P in the breather port 26 from the first chamber 64a (see FIG. 4) side of the housing 62. When the valve 60 enters the air flow path 26P until the collar portion of the lid body 80 is joined to the bottom wall 28b of the resin inner layer 28 in the neck body 20, in this state, a laser beam or other heat source is applied to the collar portion of the lid body 80. Then, heat is applied to form a molten state, and the flange portion of the lid body 80 is thermally welded to the bottom wall 28b at the annular welding site Wr. Thereby, the assembly of the valve 60 from the fuel flow path 11P side is completed, and the valve 60 is held in the air flow path 26P of the breather port 26. In this holding state, a part of the valve 60 such as the housing 62, the orifice 71, and the spring 72 is accommodated in the breather port 26.

  The above-described fuel supply device FS having the filler neck 10C also achieves the above-described air recirculation from the fuel tank FT only by connecting the breather pipe BP to the breather port 26 in which the valve 60 has been incorporated. Therefore, also by this modification, the effect of downsizing the periphery of the breather port 26 can be obtained in the same manner as the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a filler neck 10D according to a second modification of the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the filler neck 10D is characterized in that a valve 60 that does not include the lid 80 is used, and the lid 80 is substituted by the bottom wall 28b. The filler neck 10D includes a first through hole 28h1 and a second through hole 28h2 in the bottom wall 28b of the resin inner layer 28 in the neck body 20. The first through hole 28h1 is located at the center of the air flow path 26P in the breather port 26, and the second through hole 28h2 is located outside the second through hole 28h2 and surrounds the first through hole 28h1. When the two through holes are viewed from the second chamber 64b side, the first through hole 28h1 and the second through hole 28h2 are the central through hole 81 and the peripheral through hole 82 in the lid body 80 shown in FIG. The shape and arrangement are the same. That is, the bottom wall 28 b provided with the above-described through hole fulfills an air ventilation function and a spring receiving function instead of the lid 80. The valve 60 is incorporated in the air flow path 26P of the breather port 26 without the lid 80, and the engagement flexible piece 66 enters the engagement hole 26h, so that the air flow path of the breather port 26 is obtained. 26P. In this holding state, a part of the valve 60 such as the housing 62, the orifice 71, and the spring 72 is accommodated in the breather port 26.

  The above-described fuel supply device FS having the filler neck 10D also achieves the above-described air recirculation from the fuel tank FT only by connecting the breather pipe BP to the breather port 26 in which the valve 60 is already incorporated. Therefore, also by this modification, the effect of downsizing the periphery of the breather port 26 can be obtained in the same manner as the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a filler neck 10E according to a third modification of the second embodiment. As illustrated, the filler neck 10E is different in the valve holding configuration with respect to the breather port 26. As illustrated, the valve 60C of this modification includes a concave engaging flexible piece 69 in the housing 62 on the first chamber 64a side. The concave engaging flexible piece 69 is formed in the housing 62 at an equal pitch, like the engaging flexible piece 66 in the valve 60 shown in FIG. 4, and can be bent toward the first chamber 64a. Even in the valve 60D having the housing 62 in which the concave engagement flexible piece 69 is formed, the assembly is completed before the assembly into the breather port 26, and the breather port is formed from the concave engagement flexible piece 69 side. 26 inserted into the air flow path 26P. When the insertion progresses and the concave engaging flexible piece 69 reaches the engaging convex portion 26t, in the subsequent insertion process, the concave engaging flexible piece 69 rides on the engaging convex portion 26t. When it is further inserted, it returns to its original posture so that the engaging convex portion 26 t enters the concave portion at the distal end of the flexible piece, and engages with the breather port 26. Thereby, the assembly of the valve 60D from the fuel flow path 11P side is completed, and the valve 60D is held in the air flow path 26P of the breather port 26.

  The above-described fuel supply device FS having the filler neck 10E also achieves the above-described air recirculation from the fuel tank FT only by connecting the breather pipe BP to the breather port 26 in which the valve 60D has been incorporated. Therefore, also by this modification, the effect of downsizing the periphery of the breather port 26 can be obtained in the same manner as the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a filler neck 10F according to a fourth modification of the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the filler neck 10F is characterized in that the housing 62 described above is replaced with a breather port 26. As illustrated, the valve 60D of this modification includes a valve body 70, a spring 72, and a lid body 80 with a hook as a single valve component. The breather port 26 includes a partition wall 26R in the course of the air flow path 26P, and the air flow path 26P is partitioned into a first chamber 64a and a second chamber 64b by the partition wall 26R. The partition wall 26 </ b> R has an opening 26 </ b> H in the center, and the wall surface on the second chamber 64 b side is a valve seat 26 </ b> Z of the valve body 70. That is, in the valve 60D of this modification, the housing 62 is formed in the air flow path 26P by the breather port 26. In assembling the valve 60D into the breather port 26, the valve body 70 and the spring 72 are assembled into the second chamber 64b in this order, and the lid member 80 with a hook is attached to the opening of the air flow path 26P, so that the second chamber 64b is blocked. In this state, heat is applied to the collar portion of the lid 80 from a laser beam or another heat source to bring the lid 80 into a molten state, and the collar portion of the lid 80 is thermally welded to the bottom wall 28b at the annular welding portion Wr. Thereby, the assembly of the valve 60D from the fuel flow path 11P side is completed, and the valve 60D is held in the air flow path 26P of the breather port 26.

  The above-described fuel supply device FS having the filler neck 10F also achieves the above-described air recirculation from the fuel tank FT only by connecting the breather pipe BP to the breather port 26 in which the valve 60D has been incorporated. Therefore, also by this modification, the effect of downsizing the periphery of the breather port 26 can be obtained in the same manner as the above-described embodiment.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the valve 60E of the third embodiment incorporated in the breather port 26. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, this valve 60E is characterized in that a flap-like valve body 70A is used in place of the valve body reciprocating in the second chamber 64b, and other configurations and incorporation methods are the same as those of the valve 60 described above. Are the same. The valve body 70A is incorporated in the second chamber 64b together with the valve body support spring mechanism 74, and can be opened and closed with respect to the annular valve seat 65 surrounding the opening 64 formed by the partition wall 63. 64 is driven to open and close. The valve body support spring mechanism 74 urges the valve body 70A to the side where the opening 64 is closed, and is used in place of the spring 72 in the valve 60 described above. The annular valve seat 65 is partially cut away, and the cutout portion serves as a concave groove 65r that functions as an orifice. The filler neck 10 in which the valve 60E that opens and closes the opening 64 with the flap-shaped valve body 70A is incorporated into the breather port 26 from the end can also provide the effects described above. In place of the concave groove 65r, an orifice may be provided in the valve body 70A.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are intended to solve part or all of the above-described problems, or part of the above-described effects. Or, in order to achieve the whole, it is possible to replace or combine as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

  6 and 8 of the first embodiment can also be applied to the filler neck of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 and subsequent figures. Similarly, the modification shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 can also be applied to the filler neck of the first embodiment. Moreover, although the orifice 71 in each embodiment etc. was provided in the valve body 70, if the air ventilation can be ensured, you may provide in the housing 62 side. That is, instead of the concave groove 65r of the third and fourth modifications of the first embodiment, an air ventilation path may be secured as an orifice on the housing 62 side. Both an orifice and a concave groove may be adopted.

  In the above embodiment, the filler tube TB is connected as a so-called fur tree having the neck connection portion 25 having the annular protrusion 25a. However, even if the filler tube TB is connected in a quick connector form using the neck connection portion 25 as a connector outer wall. Good. Further, the filler tube TB may be coupled and fixed to the neck connecting portion 25 with a binding fixture such as a band. Even in the filler tube TB coupled to the neck connection portion 25, a rubber tube or a metal tube may be used in addition to the resin tube.

  In the above-described embodiment and its modifications, the neck body 20 that is the main member of the filler neck 10 has a two-layer configuration in which the resin outer layer 29 is laminated on the resin inner layer 28, but a single layer formed from a single resin. A neck body 20 having a multilayer structure such as a neck body 20 or three layers may be used. Further, the neck body 20 may be made of metal.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10A-10F ... Filler neck 11P ... Fuel flow path 12P ... Insertion passage 20 ... Neck main body 21a ... Screw part 25 ... Neck connection part 25a ... Annular protrusion 26 ... Breather port 26P ... Air flow path 26Pe ... Expansion flow path part 26Ps ... Reduced diameter flow path portion 26H ... Opening 26R ... Partition wall 26Z ... Valve seat 26a ... Annular projection 26h ... Engagement hole 26t ... Engagement projection 28 ... Resin inner layer 28b ... Bottom wall 28h1 ... First through hole 28h2 ... First 2 through-holes 29 ... resin outer layer 30 ... retainer 40 ... nozzle guide member 42 ... guide body 44 ... nozzle guide wall 50 ... regulator mechanism 60, 60A-60E, 60b ... valve 62 ... housing 63 ... partition wall 64 ... opening 64a ... first 1st chamber 64b ... 2nd chamber 65 ... Valve seat 65r ... Concave groove 66 ... Engagement flexible piece 67 ... Annular recess 68 ... Diameter expansion part 69 ... Concave engagement Flexure piece 70 ... Valve body 70a ... Ball 71 ... Orifice 72 ... Spring 80 ... Cover body 80s ... Spring seating surface area 80w ... Welding area 81 ... Central through hole 82 ... Peripheral through hole 90 ... Sealing material BP ... Breaser pipe BV ... Gas Release valve FC ... Fueling port FE ... Mounting member FG ... Fueling gun FS ... Fuel supply device FT ... Fuel tank TB ... Filler tube TV ... Check valve Wr ... Welding part

Claims (10)

A fuel supply device (FS),
A filler neck (10) forming a fuel flow path (11P) communicating with the fuel filler opening (FC);
A breather port (26) protruding from the filler neck (10) and connected to a breather pipe (BP);
A fuel supply device in which at least a part of a valve (60) allowing recirculation of air from the breather pipe (BP) to the fuel flow path (11P) is accommodated in the breather port (26).   The valve (60) comprises a housing (62) that houses the valve (60), the housing (62) and the valve (60) being incorporated and held in the breather port (26). Item 4. The fuel supply device according to Item 1.   The valve (60) is an assembly completion product housed in a housing (62), and is assembled and held in the breather port (26) in the state of the assembly completion product. Item 3. The fuel supply device according to Item 2. A fuel supply device (FS) according to claim 1,
The valve (60) is accommodated in a housing (62), and the housing (62) is formed by the breather port (26). A fuel supply device (FS) according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The valve (60)
A valve body (70, 70A) operable to open and close an opening (64) formed in the housing (62) on a distal side of the breather port (26);
A fuel supply device comprising: an urging portion for urging the valve body (70, 70A) to drive the valve body (70) to the side closing the opening (64). A fuel supply device (FS) according to claim 5,
The fuel supply device, wherein the valve body (70, 70A, 70a) is capable of reciprocating or opening / closing with respect to a valve seat (65) surrounding the opening (64). A fuel supply device (FS) according to claim 5 or 6,
The said valve (60) is a fuel supply apparatus which has an orifice (71) which ensures ventilation | gas_flowing of the said air even in the condition where the said opening (64) is closed by the said valve body (70,70A). A fuel supply device (FS) according to claim 7,
The orifice (71) is a fuel supply device formed in at least one of the valve body (70, 70A) and the housing (62). A fuel supply device (FS) according to claim 6,
The valve (60) is disposed on at least one of the valve body (70, 70A, 70a) and the valve seat (65) at a portion where the valve body (70, 70A, 70a) is seated on the valve seat (65). A fuel supply device having a concave groove (65r). It is a fuel supply apparatus (FS) as described in any one of Claims 1-9, Comprising:
A housing (62) containing the valve is incorporated in the breather port (26) and welded to the breather port (26).

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