DE102009040680A1 - Tank system for storing e.g. diesel for internal-combustion engine of hybrid vehicle, has flushing lines connecting memories with intake section of engine, and construction unit connecting shut-off valve with another valve and memories - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has two memories (34, 46) provided with a storage medium for temporal binding of emissions of volatile fuel vapors from a tank (20). A tank shut-off valve (36) is arranged in two tank ventilation lines (28, 30). Another tank shut-off valve (48) is arranged in third tank ventilation line (32). A flushing line (40) connects one of the memories with an intake section of an internal-combustion engine. Another flushing line (52) connects the other memory with the intake section of the engine. A construction unit connects one of the tank valves with the other valve, and the memories.

Description

The invention relates to a tank system, in particular a tank system of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the operation of automobiles using volatile fuels to power their internal combustion engines, it will be necessary in the future to reliably control the evaporative and refueling emissions according to the given market requirements and legal requirements.

For example, in one embodiment that allows for an improved testing of the system, separation of the tanks for refueling emissions and for evaporative emissions is envisaged. Such a tank system is exemplary in the US 5,111,795 disclosed. In this conventional tank-venting tank system, there are provided on the fuel tank two vent lines for the refueling emissions which are combined at a multi-way valve, of which two further lines lead to a first storage arrangement and a second storage arrangement for adsorbing hydrocarbons from the volatile fuel vapors to lead. Depending on the operating situation, the multi-way valve is controlled so that the refueling emissions are fed to one storage or the evaporation emissions are fed to the other storage. Both storage arrangements are connected via separate purge lines to an intake tract of the internal combustion engine.

In the operation of motor vehicles, in which volatile fuels are used to operate their internal combustion engines, it is also necessary in future to regularly check the tank system of the motor vehicle with on-board means for leaks (onboard diagnostics, OBD). The control devices must be able to reliably detect even leaks in the order of 0.5 mm in diameter. At the same time, new legislation, in particular the U.S.A., calls for a separate leak test in different sub-compartments of the tank system, at least in the case of special motor vehicle types such as hybrid vehicles.

The not yet published German Patent Application No. 10 2009 036 265.7 The applicant discloses a tank system on which the preamble of claim 1 is based and which allows a special leak test in different subspaces of the tank system.

In the field of automotive engineering also exists in principle the desire or the need to use the most compact and space-saving constructions. Of course, this also applies to the tank system of a motor vehicle.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved tank system for a motor vehicle having two separate evaporative emissions storage and refueling emissions storage systems. Preferably, this improved tank system should be designed to be very compact and space-saving.

This object is achieved by a tank system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The tank system of the invention comprises a tank for receiving a fuel for an internal combustion engine; a first storage having a storage medium for at least temporarily binding volatile fuel vapor emissions from the tank, for example evaporative emissions (EVAP); a second storage having a storage medium for at least temporarily binding volatile fuel vapor emissions from the tank, for example on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR); a first tank vent line connecting the first reservoir to the tank; a second tank vent line connecting the second reservoir to the tank; a first tank shutoff valve disposed in the first tank vent line; a second tank shutoff valve disposed in the second tank vent line; a first purge line connecting the first accumulator to an intake tract of the internal combustion engine; and a second purge line connecting the second accumulator to the intake tract of the internal combustion engine.

The tank system according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the first Tankabsperrventils and the second Tankabsperrventils forms a structural unit with the respective other Tankabsperrventil, the first memory and / or the second memory. For example, the first and the second Tankabsperrventil may be integrated into a common valve block, the first Tankabsperrventil integrated into a valve cover of the first memory or the second Tankabsperrventil be integrated into a valve cover of the second memory.

Due to the formation of building units, in which several components (in particular storage tanks and valves) of the tank system are integrated, the tank system can be designed to be more compact and space-saving. In addition, connection lines between the individual components can be shortened, minimized or even saved. By forming building units, moreover, the number of components to be mounted in the motor vehicle is reduced, as a result of which the assembly work for the tank system can be reduced.

The tank system can be used to particular advantage when separation of the reservoirs for the evaporative emissions and the refueling emissions is required (as for example in the USA) and, on the other hand, only small flushing volumes are available for the reservoirs (as for example in hybrid vehicles and vehicles) for vehicles with automatic start / stop).

With this tank system also an advantageous leak test is possible, in which with the help of existing in the tank system valves during operation of the internal combustion engine, a certain pressure in at least one subspace of the tank system is set and this pressure is then detected and evaluated after a start of operation. The already required control strategy for venting operations of the tank and rinsing the memory is used here advantageously for the leak test of the tank system by set in the tank system or in at least a subspace of the tank system, a certain pressure and recorded and evaluated at the next start of operation of the engine , For evaluation, the detected pressure can be compared with the previously set pressure and / or a time change of the detected pressure can be assessed. If there is too much deviation between the pressure value actually recorded and the pressure value expected due to the presettings or too great a pressure drop in a short time, it can be concluded that there is a leak in the respective tank space.

This concept of leak testing is for example in the not yet published German Patent Application No. 10 2009 036 265.7 the applicant described in detail. With regard to the leak test, therefore, full reference is made to this earlier application.

The term "memory" in the context of this invention means both individual storage containers and arrangements of a plurality of storage containers. The stores are, for example, charcoal canisters. Activated charcoal canisters are advantageously suitable for binding hydrocarbons as contained in the volatile fuel vapors.

The term "valve" in the context of this invention comprises valves which may be constructed from one or more valve elements.

If a first component A with a second component B "forms a structural unit", this means in the context of the present invention, for example, that the component A is integrated into the component B, that the component A can be integrated or used in the component B. in that the component A can be integrated / integrated in a component which can be combined with the component B to form a structural unit such that the component A is integrated / integrated in a first component which is integrated with a second component in which the component B is integrated / is integrable, can be combined into a structural unit, and the like. The "building units" are preferably preassembled and can thus simplify the installation of the tank system in the motor vehicle.

In one embodiment of the invention, furthermore, the first reservoir is connected to the atmosphere via a first ventilation line and a first ventilation valve is arranged in the first ventilation line. This first vent valve may advantageously form a structural unit with the first tank shut-off valve and / or the first reservoir.

Likewise, furthermore, the second accumulator can be connected to the atmosphere via a second ventilating line and a second ventilating valve can be arranged in the second ventilating line. Also, this second vent valve can advantageously form a structural unit with the second Tankabsperrventil and / or the second memory.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a first regeneration valve is arranged in the first purge line, which advantageously forms a structural unit with the first accumulator. Likewise, a second regeneration valve can be arranged in the second purge line, which advantageously forms a structural unit with the second accumulator.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, the first memory and the second memory can also form a structural unit.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the above-mentioned units of first memory, second memory, first Tankabsperrventil, second Tankabsperrventil, first vent valve, second vent valve, first Regenerierventil and / or second Regenerierventil be modular. By a corresponding configuration of the interfaces between the individual components of the units, the one components can be combined with the other components for, for example, different vehicle types in a modular strategy. For example, a valve cap in which one or more valves are integrated may be combined with different reservoir sizes and shapes of a reservoir. This way, with a minimized Component count a variety of different vehicle types are covered.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the units comprising several valves can each have a common electronic connection for supplying and / or controlling all valves of the respective unit.

In one embodiment of the invention, the valves can each be inserted or screwed into the assemblies. For this purpose, the valves may for example each have a bayonet connection for releasable insertion into the respective units. In another embodiment of the invention, the valves can each be injected directly into the units with.

The above and other features, advantages and applications of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred, non-limiting embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show:

1 a schematic representation of the basic structure of a tank system according to the present invention;

2 a highly simplified block diagram of a first embodiment of the tank system of the present invention;

3 a schematic perspective view of a valve block as a unit, which in the first embodiment of 2 can be used;

4 a schematic perspective view of a valve with a bayonet fitting, which in the valve block of 3 can be used;

5 a highly simplified block diagram of a second embodiment of the tank system of the present invention;

6 schematic perspective views of a small valve block and store with valve covers as structural units, which in the second embodiment of 5 can be used;

7 a highly simplified block diagram of a third embodiment of the tank system of the present invention;

8th a highly simplified block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the tank system of the present invention;

9 a schematic perspective view of an assembly of two memories and valve covers, in the fourth embodiment of 9 can be used; and

10 schematic representations to illustrate the modular concept of the units of the tank system of the present invention.

Referring to 1 Now, the basic structure of a tank system of the present invention will be explained in more detail using the example of a tank system for a motor vehicle. It should be noted that the invention can be used in the same way in tank systems of other applications.

The tank system of the motor vehicle includes a tank 20 for picking up a volatile fuel (gasoline, diesel, etc.). The fuel can be delivered via a filler neck (EFS) 22 in the tank 20 be filled with a gas cap 24 is closable. A fuel cap sensor (not shown) detects if the fuel cap 24 is open or closed.

The fuel gets out of the tank 20 by means of one or more fuel pumps 26 supplied via a fuel supply line at least one injection valve. These injection valves open in a known manner, for example, downstream of a throttle valve in an intake tract of the internal combustion engine. Depending on the type of internal combustion engine, however, the injection valves can also open at another point in the intake tract or directly into the internal combustion engine. Also, the fuel supply line needs the fuel from the tank 20 not necessarily supply to an injection valve. Depending on the type of internal combustion engine and on the type of fuel, other numbers, variants and arrangements are also conceivable here.

The Tank 20 is also with a vent line 28 provided by which during a refueling operation of the tank 20 or during a normal operation of the internal combustion engine resulting fuel vapors from the tank 20 can be dissipated. This vent line 28 branches into a first vent branch line 30 and a second vent branch line 32 , The vent line 28 and the first vent branch line 30 Form the first vent line of the invention and the vent line 28 and the second vent branch line 32 form the second vent line of the invention.

The first vent line 28 . 30 leads to a first memory 34 in which the fuel vapors, more precisely the hydrocarbons in the volatile fuel vapors, from the tank 20 be tied at least temporarily. The first store 34 can For example, be configured as one or more activated carbon canisters for reversibly binding the volatile hydrocarbons. This first store 34 is used to record the evaporative emissions of the fuel (EVAP) during the operation of the internal combustion engine.

In the first vent branch line 30 is a first tank shut-off valve 36 arranged. This first tank shut-off valve 36 is in the example of 1 from two valve elements 1 and 2 built up. In addition, the first Tankabsperrventil 36 preferably a closed in the de-energized state valve, so no creeping entry of evaporative emissions in the first memory 34 can take place. This would be particularly disadvantageous if the first memory 34 has no more capacity and therefore it could, for example, come to a breakthrough of the activated carbon canister or.

The first store 34 is over a first ventilation line 37 connected to the atmosphere. In or on this first ventilation line 37 is a first vent valve 38 provided in the example of 1 the three valve elements 4 . 5 and 6 includes.

Next is the first memory 34 on its downstream side via a first Spülzweigleitung 40 and a purge line 42 downstream of the throttle connected to the intake of the engine. In or on this purge line 42 is a first regeneration valve 44 arranged in the example of 1 only one valve element 11 includes.

In an analogous way, the second vent line leads 28 . 32 leads to a second memory 46 in which the fuel vapors from the tank 20 can be tied at least temporarily. The second memory 46 may also be configured, for example, as one or more activated carbon canisters for reversibly binding the volatile hydrocarbons. This second memory 46 It is used to record fueling emissions of the fuel (ORVR) during refueling of the tank 20 over the filler neck 22 ,

In the second vent branch line 32 is a second tank shut-off valve 48 arranged. This second tank shut-off valve 48 is analogous to the first tank shut-off valve 36 preferably also a closed in the de-energized state valve, so no creeping entry of evaporative emissions in the second memory 46 can take place. However, the second tank shut-off valve is 48 in the example of 1 from only one valve element 8th built up.

In addition, there is a third vent branch line 47 , which directly from the filler neck 22 via the second tank shut-off valve 48 in the second vent branch line 32 and on to the second memory 46 leads.

Further, the second memory 46 via a second ventilation line 49 connected to the atmosphere. In or on this second ventilation line 49 is a second vent valve 50 provided in the example of 1 only one valve element 7 includes.

In addition, the second memory 46 on its downstream side via a second Spülzweigleitung 52 and the flushing line 42 also connected downstream of the throttle with the intake of the engine. In or on this second Spülzweigleitung 52 is a second regeneration valve 54 arranged in the example of 1 from only one valve element 9 is constructed.

This in 1 illustrated tank system further includes a first pressure sensor 56 and a second pressure sensor 58 on.

The first pressure sensor 56 is for example on the tank 20 and / or the vent line 28 arranged to detect a pressure in the tank system. The second pressure sensor 58 is, for example, at the second rinse branch line 58 arranged to detect a pressure in the tank system. The two pressure sensors 56 . 58 are preferably coupled to a control device (not shown).

The tank system of 1 Can be divided with the help of existing valves in different subspaces to perform special leak tests or leak tests can. As already mentioned, these leak tests are detailed in the not yet published German Patent Application No. 10 2009 036 265.7 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention is not on the in 1 illustrated tank system limited. Rather, various modifications or variants are conceivable in which the invention can also be used in an advantageous manner.

For example, in a modification of the tank system of 1 on the vent line 28 be waived. In this case, then stand the first vent branch line 30 to the first memory 34 and the second vent branch line 32 to the second memory 46 each directly with the interior of the tank 20 in connection.

Next there is also the possibility that the first and the second Spülzweigleitung 40 . 52 from the two stores 34 . 46 are separately connected to the intake of the engine. In other words, the second Spülzweigleitung opens 52 not in the flushing line 42 from 1 , The second pressure sensor 58 In this case, for example, both Spülzweigleitungen 40 . 52 be assigned or alternatively, two second pressure sensors 58 for each one of the two Spülzweigleitungen 40 . 52 be provided.

Referring to 2 to 10 Below are explained several embodiments with different variants of the units of the tank system.

In the first embodiment of 2 to 4 are the valve elements 1 and 2 of the first tank shut-off valve 36 , the valve elements 4 . 5 and 6 of the first ventilation valve 38 , the valve element 7 of the second ventilation valve 50 and the valve element 8th the second Tankabsperrventils 48 all integrated in a common unit, acting as a valve block 60 is trained.

The valve block 60 has several recesses 62 on, in which the individual valve elements 1 . 2 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 and 8th the valves 36 . 38 . 48 and 50 can be used. In addition, the valve block 60 of course, the corresponding line connections 64 for the different vent lines 28 . 30 . 32 , Ventilation pipes 37 . 49 and rinse lines 40 . 52 on.

In this embodiment, the valve elements are each with a bayonet connection 68 provided, as in 4 shown. Alternatively, of course, other detachable connections are conceivable. In a further variant of the invention, the individual valve elements can also directly into the valve block 60 to be injected with.

The exemplary valve element 1 . 2 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th from 4 has a carrier body 70 on, at one end of the bayonet connection 68 and at the other end a twisting device 72 are provided. In addition, the valve element has a flow opening 74 , which can be selectively opened or closed, electrical contacts 76 and several sealing devices (eg O-rings) 78 ,

As in 3 shown, is the valve block 60 preferably also with a common electronic connection 66 for supplying and / or controlling all valves or valve elements of the valve block 60 Mistake.

The structure of the valve element and its integration can be transferred in an analogous manner to the embodiments described below or their structural units.

Such an integratable valve element is also for example from the US 2009/0101119 A1 known.

Back to 2 is the valve element 9 of the second regeneration valve 54 arranged in a valve cover associated with the second memory 46 forms a structural unit.

5 and 6 show a second embodiment of units for the tank system of 1 ,

In this embodiment, the valve elements 1 . 2 and 8th the first and the second Tankabsperrventils 36 . 48 in a common valve block 60 integrated as a unit. This smaller valve block is in 6 illustrated and its construction corresponds substantially to that of the larger valve block of 3 ,

The valve elements 4 . 5 . 6 of the first ventilation valve 38 are in a valve cover 80 integrated with the first memory 34 forms a structural unit. The valve element 7 of the second ventilation valve 50 is in a first valve cover 82 integrated with the second memory 46 forms a structural unit, and the valve element 9 of the second regeneration valve 54 is in a second valve cover 84 integrated, which also with the second memory 46 forms a structural unit.

The integration of valve elements in a valve cover, which is combined with an activated carbon canister, is basically already off US 2007/0256670 A1 and US 2009/0101119 A1 known, but there each described for other tank systems.

In the third embodiment of the invention, which in 7 Illustrated are the valve elements 1 . 2 of the first tank shut-off valve 36 integrated in a first valve cover, which is connected to the first memory 34 a structural unit forms, the valve elements 4 . 5 . 6 of the first ventilation valve 38 integrated in a second valve cover, which is connected to the first memory 34 a structural unit forms, the valve elements 7 and 8th of the second ventilation valve 50 and the second Tankabsperrventils 46 integrated in a first valve cover, which is connected to the second memory 46 forms a structural unit, and the valve element 9 of the second regeneration valve 54 integrated in a second valve cover, which is connected to the second memory 46 forms a structural unit.

Referring to 8th and 9 Now, a fourth embodiment of the tank system will be described with special units.

In this embodiment, the first memory 34 and the second memory 46 combined together.

The first store 34 is equipped with a first valve cover into which the valve elements 1 . 2 of the first tank shut-off valve 36 integrated or can be integrated, and a second valve cover into which the valve elements 4 . 5 . 6 of the first ventilation valve 38 integrated or integrable connected. Similarly, the second memory 46 with a first valve cover into which the valve elements 7 and 8th of the second ventilation valve 50 or the second Tankabsperrventils 48 integrated or can be integrated, and a second valve cover into which the valve element 9 of the second regeneration valve 54 integrated or integrated, connected.

As in 9 illustrates, this embodiment represents the most compact design for the tank system of the invention.

The above-described assemblies of storage and valve covers are combinable with each other in a preferred embodiment of the invention in a modular manner.

For this purpose, the memory and the valve covers have correspondingly standardized interfaces, via which these components can be interconnected. As in 10A and 10B In this way, components of different vehicle types, which may for example have different shapes and / or sizes, can be easily combined with the other components and combined into one or more structural units.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the valve blocks 60 (see. 3 and 6 ) or the valve cover 80 . 82 . 84 (see. 6 and 9 ) also be composed of several parts. For example, the valve blocks in one plane are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the recesses 62 separated for the respective valve elements of the valves, in this parting plane then run preferably also the individual flow channels, which are each controlled or to.

This separation of the valve blocks or valve cover in at least two parts allows a simplified production with simpler production tools.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5111795 [0003]
• DE 102009036265 [0005, 0014, 0051]
• US 2009/0101119 A1 [0062, 0067]
• US 2007/0256670 A1 [0067]

Claims (11)

Tank system, with a tank ( 20 ) for receiving a fuel for an internal combustion engine; a first memory ( 34 ) and a second memory ( 46 ) each with a storage medium for at least temporarily binding emissions of volatile fuel vapors from the tank ( 20 ); one the first memory ( 34 ) with the tank ( 20 ) connecting first tank vent line ( 28 . 30 ) and a second memory ( 46 ) with the tank ( 20 ) connecting second tank vent line ( 28 . 32 ); one in the first tank vent line ( 28 . 30 ) arranged first tank shut-off valve ( 36 ) and one in the second tank vent line ( 28 . 32 ) arranged second Tankabsperrventil ( 48 ); and one the first memory ( 34 ) connecting to an intake tract of the internal combustion engine first purge line ( 40 . 42 ) and a second memory ( 46 ) with the intake tract of the internal combustion engine connecting the second purge line ( 52 . 42 ), characterized in that at least one of the first Tankabsperrventils ( 36 ) and the second Tankabsperrventils ( 48 ) with the other Tankabsperrventil ( 48 . 36 ), the first memory ( 34 ) and / or the second memory ( 46 ) forms a structural unit. Tank system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first memory ( 34 ) via a first ventilation line ( 37 ) is connected to the atmosphere; and in the first ventilation line ( 37 ) a first venting valve ( 38 ) is arranged, which with the first Tankabsperrventil ( 36 ) and / or the first memory ( 34 ) forms a structural unit. Tank system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second memory ( 46 ) via a second ventilation line ( 49 ) is connected to the atmosphere; and in the second ventilation line ( 49 ) a second aeration valve ( 50 ) arranged with the second Tankabsperrventil ( 48 ) and / or the second memory ( 46 ) forms a structural unit. Tank system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first purge line ( 40 . 42 ) a first regeneration valve ( 44 ) arranged with the first memory ( 34 ) forms a structural unit. Tank system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second purge line ( 52 . 42 ) a second regeneration valve ( 54 ) arranged with the second memory ( 46 ) forms a structural unit. Tank system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first memory ( 34 ) and the second memory ( 46 ) form a structural unit. Tank system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the units from the first memory ( 34 ), second memory ( 46 ), first tank shut-off valve ( 36 ), second tank shut-off valve ( 48 ), first venting valve ( 38 ), second venting valve ( 50 ), first regeneration valve ( 44 ) and / or second regeneration valve ( 54 ) are modularly designed. Tank system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of valves ( 36 . 38 . 44 . 48 . 50 . 52 ) units each have a common electronic connection ( 66 ) for supplying and / or controlling all valves of the respective structural unit. Tank system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the valves ( 36 . 38 . 44 . 48 . 50 . 52 ) can each be inserted or screwed into the units. Tank system according to claim 9, characterized in that the valves ( 36 . 38 . 44 . 48 . 50 . 52 ) each have a bayonet connection for releasable insertion into the units. Tank system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the valves ( 36 . 38 . 44 . 48 . 50 . 52 ) are each injected in the units with.

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