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Title:
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS FUEL TANK VENTING SYSTEM WITH PRESSURE RELIEF AND POPPET OVER TRAVEL CONTROL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/239270
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank configured to deliverfuel to an internal combustion engine includes a first vapor tube, a main housing, a poppet valve assembly, a compression control feature and an actuator assembly. The first vapor tube terminates at a first vent opening in the fuel tank. The main housing selectively vents to a carbon canister. The poppet valve assembly includes a poppet valve arranged in the main housing, a poppet, a retainer, a carrier that supports the poppet, a disk that supports a seal member and a pin. The compression control feature has a stop surface configured on the retainer that selectively engages an extension arm extending from the poppet. The actuator assembly is partially housed in the main housing and includes a cam assembly.

Inventors:
PINGALE SAGAR (IN)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2020/025257
Publication Date:
December 03, 2020
Filing Date:
May 29, 2020
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD (IE)
International Classes:
B60K15/035
Domestic Patent References:
WO2017200636A22017-11-23
Foreign References:
US20180087475A12018-03-29
US8839767B22014-09-23
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BRP RENAUD & PARTNER MBB (DE)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank configured to deliver fuel to an internal combustion engine, the vent shut-off assembly comprising:

a first vapor tube that terminates at a first vent opening in the fuel tank; a main housing that selectively vents to a carbon canister;

a poppet valve assembly having a poppet valve arranged in the main housing, a poppet, a retainer, a carrier that supports the poppet, a disk that supports a seal member and a pin;

a compression control feature having a stop surface configured on the retainer that selectively engages an extension arm extending from the poppet; and an actuator assembly at least partially housed in the main housing, the actuator assembly comprising:

a cam assembly having a cam shaft that includes a first cam having a profile that one of opens and closes the poppet valve, wherein when the poppet valve is in a closed position, vapor is precluded from passing from the fuel tank to the carbon canister and wherein when the poppet valve is in an open position, vapor is permitted from passing from the fuel tank to the carbon canister.

2. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 1 wherein the poppet engages the seal member in a sealing position concurrently to engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface, wherein engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface inhibits over travel of the poppet toward the seal member.

3. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 2 wherein the extension arm includes a distal surface thereon that engages the stop surface of the retainer.

4. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 1 wherein the extension arm defines a blind bore and wherein the pin is configured to slidably translate into the blind bore in an over vacuum relief position.

5. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:

a second vapor tube that terminates at a second vent opening in the fuel tank;

a first liquid vapor discriminator (LVD) disposed at the first vent opening; and

a second LVD disposed at the second vent opening; 6. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 5 wherein the main housing includes a vent line port, wherein the first and second vapor tubes are fluidly coupled to the vent line port.

7. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 6, further comprising a union wherein the first and second vapor tubes merge thereat.

8. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 1 wherein the main housing includes a canister line port that is fluidly connected to the carbon canister.

9. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 1 wherein the actuator assembly further includes a motor that selectively rotates the cam assembly based on operating conditions. 10. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cam assembly further includes a second cam that selectively engages a pump causing the pump to pump liquid fuel out of the main housing.

1 1. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 1 wherein the first cam generally includes a cam surface having a generally high lift surface and a low lift surface.

12. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 1 1 wherein the poppet valve assembly further comprises:

a first biasing member biased between the poppet and the carrier;

a second biasing member biased between the disk and the retainer; and a third biasing member biased between the retainer and the collar fixed to the pin.

13. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 12 wherein the vent shut-off assembly operates during normal operation between:

a fully open position wherein the first cam rotates to a position wherein the high lift surface urges the pin to be depressed causing the poppet to be lifted off of sealing engagement with an inner lip seal of the seal member; and

a fully closed position wherein the first cam rotates to a position wherein the low lift surface is aligned with the pin wherein the third biasing member urges the pin to retract away from the poppet while the poppet attains a sealing engagement with the inner lip seal of the seal member;

wherein the poppet engages the seal member in the fully closed position concurrently to engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface, wherein engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface inhibits over travel of the poppet toward the seal member. 14. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 13 wherein the vent shut-off assembly operates during an over pressure relief (OPR) event wherein pressure within the fuel tank is great enough to cause the seal member to be lifted off of a sealed position with the carrier allowing vapor to pass from the fuel tank to the carbon canister, wherein the pin slidably translates within a blind bore defined in the extension arm of the poppet during the OPR event.

15. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 14 wherein the vent shut-off assembly operates during an over vacuum relief (OVR) event wherein pressure within the fuel tank has dropped low enough to cause a vacuum wherein the poppet is lifted off of a sealing engagement with the inner lip seal of the seal member allowing vapor to pass into the fuel tank.

16. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 1 wherein the vent shut-off assembly is disposed outside of the fuel tank. 17. A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank configured to deliver fuel to an internal combustion engine, the vent shut-off assembly comprising:

a first liquid vapor discriminator (LVD) disposed in the fuel tank; a main housing that selectively vents to a carbon canister;

a poppet valve assembly having a poppet valve arranged in the main housing, a poppet, a retainer, a carrier that supports the poppet, a disk that supports a seal member and a pin; and

a compression control feature having a stop surface configured on the retainer that selectively engages an extension arm extending from the poppet;

wherein the poppet engages the seal member in a sealing position concurrently to engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface, wherein engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface inhibits over travel of the poppet toward the seal member.

18. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 17 wherein the extension arm includes a distal surface thereon that engages the stop surface of the retainer.

19. The vent shut-off assembly of claim 18 wherein the extension arm defines a blind bore and wherein the pin is configured to slidably translate into the blind bore in an over vacuum relief position.

20. A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank configured to deliver fuel to an internal combustion engine, the vent shut-off assembly comprising:

a first vapor tube that terminates at a first vent opening in the fuel tank; a main housing that selectively vents to a carbon canister;

a poppet valve assembly having a poppet valve arranged in the main housing, a poppet, a retainer, a carrier that supports the poppet, a disk that supports a seal member and a pin;

a compression control feature having a stop surface configured on the retainer that selectively engages an extension arm extending from the poppet, wherein the poppet engages the seal member in a sealing position concurrently to engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface, wherein engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface inhibits over travel of the poppet toward the seal member; and

an actuator assembly at least partially housed in the main housing, the actuator assembly comprising: a cam assembly having a cam shaft that includes a first cam having a profile that one of opens and closes the poppet valve, wherein when the poppet valve is in a closed position, vapor is precluded from passing from the fuel tank to the carbon canister and wherein when the poppet valve is in an open position, vapor is permitted from passing from the fuel tank to the carbon canister.

Description:
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS FUEL TANK VENTING SYSTEM WITH PRESSURE RELIEF AND POPPET OVER TRAVEL CONTROL

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fuel tanks on passenger vehicles and more particularly to a fuel tank having an electronically controlled module that manages the complete evaporative system for the vehicle, the fuel tank venting system having a cam operated venting system and over pressure relief. BACKGROUND

[0002] Fuel vapor emission control systems are becoming increasingly more complex, in large part in order to comply with environmental and safety regulations imposed on manufacturers of gasoline powered vehicles. Along with the ensuing overall system complexity, complexity of individual components within the system has also increased. Certain regulations affecting the gasoline-powered vehicle industry require that fuel vapor emission from a fuel tank’s ventilation system be stored during periods of an engine’s operation. In order for the overall vapor emission control system to continue to function for its intended purpose, periodic purging of stored hydrocarbon vapors is necessary during operation of the vehicle. In fuel tanks configured for use with a hybrid powertrain it is also necessary to properly vent the fuel tank. Such fuel tanks need to account for high pressures and can incorporate an over pressure relief (OPR) and over vacuum relief (OVR). Moreover, it may also be necessary to provide a means for OVR in a conventional gasoline fuel tank system. [0003] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

[0004] A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank that provides fuel to an internal combustion engine includes a first vapor tube, a main housing, a poppet valve assembly, a compression control feature and an actuator assembly. The first vapor tube terminates at a first vent opening in the fuel tank. The main housing selectively vents to a carbon canister. The poppet valve assembly includes a poppet valve arranged in the main housing, a poppet, a retainer, a carrier that supports the poppet, a disk that supports a seal member and a pin. The compression control feature has a stop surface configured on the retainer that selectively engages an extension arm extending from the poppet. The actuator assembly is partially housed in the main housing and includes a cam assembly. The cam assembly has a first cam having a profile that one of opens and closes the poppet valve. When the poppet valve is in a closed position, vapor is precluded from passing from the fuel tank to the carbon canister. When the poppet valve is in an open position, vapor is permitted from passing from the fuel tank to the carbon canister.

[0005] According to additional features, the poppet engages the seal member in a sealing position concurrently to the engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface. Engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface inhibits over travel of the poppet toward the seal member. The extension arm includes a distal surface thereon that engages the stop surface of the retainer. The extension arm defines a blind bore. The pin is configured to slidably translate into the blind bore in an over vacuum relief position. A second vapor tube terminates at a second vent opening in the fuel tank. A first liquid vapor discriminator (LVD) can be disposed at the first vent opening. A second LVD can be disposed at the second vent opening.

[0006] In additional features, the main housing can include a vent line port. The first and second vapor tubes can be fluidly coupled to the vent line port. The first and second vapor tubes can merge at a union. The main housing can include a canister line port that is fluidly connected to the carbon canister. The actuator assembly can further include a motor that selectively rotates the cam assembly based on operating conditions. The cam assembly further includes a second cam that selectively engages a pump causing the pump to pump liquid fuel out of the main housing. The first cam generally includes a cam surface having a generally high lift surface and a low lift surface.

[0007] According to other features, the poppet valve assembly further comprises a first biasing member, a second biasing member and a third biasing member. The first biasing member is biased between the poppet and the carrier. The second biasing member is biased between the disk and the retainer. The third biasing member is biased between the retainer and the collar fixed to the pin. The vent shut-off assembly operates during normal operation between a fully open position and a fully closed position. In the fully open position, the first cam rotates to a position wherein the high lift surface urges the pin to be depressed causing the poppet to be lifted off of sealing engagement with an inner lip seal of the seal member. In the fully closed position the first cam rotates to a position wherein the low lift surface is aligned with the pin wherein the third biasing member urges the pin to retract away from the poppet while the poppet attains a sealing engagement with the inner lip seal of the seal member. The poppet engages the seal member in the fully closed position concurrently to engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface. Engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface inhibits over travel of the poppet toward the seal member. The vent shut-off assembly operates during an over pressure relief (OPR) event wherein pressure within the fuel tank is great enough to cause the seal member to be lifted off of a sealed position with the carrier allowing vapor to pass from the fuel tank to the carbon canister. The pin translates within a blind bore defined in the extension arm of the poppet during the OPR event. The vent shut-off assembly operates during an over vacuum relief (OVR) event wherein pressure within the fuel tank has dropped low enough to cause a vacuum wherein the poppet is lifted off of a sealing engagement with the inner lip seal of the seal member allowing vapor to pass into the fuel tank. The vent shut-off assembly can be disposed outside of the fuel tank.

[0008] A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank configured to deliver fuel to an internal combustion engine constructed in accordance to additional features includes a first liquid vapor discriminator (LVD), a main housing, a poppet valve assembly, and a compression control feature. The LVD is disposed in the fuel tank. The main housing selectively vents to a carbon canister. The poppet valve assembly has a poppet valve arranged in the main housing, a poppet, a retainer, a carrier that supports the poppet, a disk that supports a seal member and a pin. The compression control feature has a stop surface configured on the retainer that selectively engages an extension arm extending from the poppet. The poppet engages the seal member in a sealing position concurrently to engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface. Engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface inhibits over travel of the poppet toward the seal member.

[0009] In other features, the extension arm includes a distal surface thereon that engages the stop surface of the retainer. The extension arm defines a blind bore. The pin is configured to slidably translate into the blind bore in an over vacuum relief position.

[0010] A vent shut-off assembly configured to manage venting on a fuel tank configured to deliver fuel to an internal combustion engine constructed in accordance to additional features includes a first vapor tube, a main housing, a poppet valve assembly, a compression control feature and an actuator assembly. The first vapor tube terminates at a first vent opening in the fuel tank. The main housing selectively vents to a carbon canister. The poppet valve assembly has a poppet valve arranged in the main housing, a poppet, a retainer, a carrier that supports the poppet, a disk that supports a seal member and a pin. The compression control feature has a stop surface configured on the retainer that selectively engages an extension arm extending from the poppet. The poppet engages the seal member in a sealing position concurrently to engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface. Engagement of the extension arm with the stop surface inhibits over travel of the poppet toward the seal member. The actuator assembly is at least partially housed in the main housing. The actuator assembly comprises a cam assembly having a cam shaft that includes a first cam having a profile that one of opens and closes the poppet valve. When the poppet valve is in a closed position, vapor is precluded from passing from the fuel tank to the carbon canister. When the poppet valve is in an open position, vapor is permitted from passing from the fuel tank to the carbon canister.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a fuel tank system having an evaporative emissions control system including a vent shut-off assembly, a controller, an electrical connector and associated wiring in accordance to one example of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an evaporative emissions control system including a vent shut-off assembly configured with solenoids according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the evaporative emissions control system of FIG.

2;

[0015] FIG. 4A is a table illustrating operating conditions for the poppet valve assembly shown in FIG. 4B;

[0016] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIG. 4A;

[0017] FIG. 5A is a table illustrating operating conditions for the poppet valve assembly shown in FIG. 5B;

[0018] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIG. 5A; [0019] FIG. 6A is a table illustrating operating conditions for the poppet valve assembly shown in FIG. 6B;

[0020] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIG. 6A;

[0021] FIG. 7A is a table illustrating operating conditions for the poppet valve assembly shown in FIG. 7B;

[0022] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIG. 7A;

[0023] FIG. 8A is a first cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIGS 4A and 4B;

[0024] FIG. 8B is a second cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIGS 4A and 4B;

[0025] FIG. 9A is a first cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIGS 5A and 5B;

[0026] FIG. 9B is a second cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIGS 5A and 5B;

[0027] FIG. 10A is a first cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIGS 6A and 6B;

[0028] FIG. 10B is a second cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIGS 6A and 6B;

[0029] FIG. 1 1A is a first cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIGS 7A and 7B; [0030] FIG. 1 1 B is a second cross-sectional view of the poppet assembly during the conditions shown in FIGS 7A and 7B;

[0031] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the vent shut-off assembly taken through a pump and shown with a pump shaft 1 18 in an extended position;

[0032] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the vent shut-off assembly taken through the pump and shown with the pump shaft 1 18 in a depressed position;

[0033] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a poppet valve assembly constructed in accordance to additional features of the present disclosure and shown with the poppet in a closed position;

[0034] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the poppet valve assembly of FIG. 13 and shown with the poppet in an open position;

[0035] FIG. 15A is a first perspective view of the poppet shown in FIG. 13;

[0036] FIG. 15B is a second perspective view of the poppet shown in FIG. 13;

[0037] FIG. 15C is a sectional view of the poppet taken along lines 15C-15C of FIG. 15B;

[0038] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the poppet valve assembly of FIG. 13 and shown with the poppet in an open position and the over vacuum relief in an open condition; and

[0039] FIG. 17 is a partial exploded view of the poppet valve assembly of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] With initial reference to FIG. 1 , a fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure is shown and generally identified at reference number 10. The fuel tank system 10 can generally include a fuel tank 12 configured as a reservoir for holding fuel to be supplied to an internal combustion engine via a fuel delivery system, which includes a fuel pump 14. The fuel pump 14 can be configured to deliver fuel through a fuel supply line 16 to a vehicle engine. The fuel tank 12 can define a vapor dome 18 generally at an upper portion of the fuel tank 12. An evaporative emissions control system 20 can be configured to recapture and recycle the emitted fuel vapor. As will become appreciated from the following discussion, the evaporative emissions control system 20 provides an electronically controlled module that manages the complete evaporative system for a vehicle.

[0041] The evaporative control system 20 provides a universal design for all regions and all fuels. In this regard, the requirement of unique components needed to satisfy regional regulations may be avoided. Instead, software may be adjusted to satisfy wide ranging applications. In this regard, no unique components need to be revalidated saving time and cost. A common architecture may be used across vehicle lines. Conventional mechanical in-tank valves may be replaced. As discussed herein, the evaporative control system 20 may also be compatible with pressurized systems including those associated with hybrid powertrain vehicles.

[0042] The evaporative emissions control system 20 includes a vent shut-off assembly 22, a manifold assembly 24, a liquid trap 26, a control module 30, a purge canister 32, a first vapor tube or vent line 40, a second vapor tube or vent line 42, a third vapor tube or vent line 43, an electrical connector 44, a fuel delivery module (FDM) flange 46 and a fuel fill level sensor assembly such as a float level sensor assembly 48. The first vapor tube 40 can terminate at a vent opening or liquid vapor discriminating (LVD) valve 41A arranged at a top corner of the fuel tank 12. Similarly, the second vapor tube 42 can terminate at a vent opening or LVD valve 41 B arranged at a top corner of the fuel tank 12. The third vapor tube 43 can terminate at a vent opening or LVD valve 41 C arranged at a top of the fuel tank 12. All of the vent openings 41A-41 C can terminate at a vapor dome 18. Each of the LVD valves 41 A, 41 B and 41 C are configured to permit vapor to pass from the vapor space 18 to the vent shut-off assembly 22 while inhibiting liquid fuel from entering and passing into the vent shut-off assembly.

[0043] In one configuration, the first, second and third vapor tubes 41 , 42 and 43 can merge at a union 47. From the union 47, a vent line connection 49 connects with vent line port 50 defined on the vent shut-off assembly 22. In other examples, some or all of the vapor tubes 41 , 42 and 43 can have a dedicated input port into the vent shut-off assembly 22. In one example, the manifold assembly 24 can be defined within the vent shut-off assembly 22 downstream of the vent line port 50 (or equivalent porting that accepts the respective vapor tubes 41 , 42 and 43).

[0044] As will become appreciated from the following discussion, the vent shut-off assembly 22 can take many forms. In the examples discussed herein, the vent shut-off assembly 22 has an actuator assembly that is configured as a cam actuated system. However, other configurations suitable to selectively open and close vent line port 50 are contemplated including, but not limited to, other mechanical systems, solenoid systems, hydraulic systems, magnetic systems and combinations thereof.

[0045] The control module 30 can further include or receive inputs from system sensors, collectively referred to at reference 60. The system sensors 60 can include a tank pressure sensor 60A that senses a pressure of the fuel tank 12, a canister pressure sensor 60B that senses a pressure of the canister 32, a temperature sensor 60C that senses a temperature within the fuel tank 12, a tank pressure sensor 60D that senses a pressure in the fuel tank 12 and a vehicle grade sensor and or vehicle accelerometer 60E that measures a grade and/or acceleration of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that while the system sensors 60 are shown as a group, that they may be located all around the fuel tank system 10. The control module 30 can additionally include fill level signal reading processing, fuel pressure driver module functionality and be compatible for two-way communications with a vehicle electronic control module (not specifically shown).

[0046] The vent shut-off assembly 22 can be configured to control a flow of fuel vapor between the fuel tank 12 and the purge canister 32. While the vent shut-off assembly 22 is shown disposed within the tank 12, the vent shut-off assembly 22 can be alternatively disposed outside of the fuel tank 12. The purge canister 32 is adapted to collect fuel vapor emitted by the fuel tank 12 and to subsequently release the fuel vapor to the engine. The control module 30 can also be configured to regulate the operation of evaporative emissions control system 20 in order to recapture and recycle the emitted fuel vapor. The float level sensor assembly 48 can provide fill level indications to the control module 30. As will become appreciated from the following discussion, the control module 30 can send signals to the vent shut-off assembly 22 based on operating conditions such as provided by the sensors 60 to open and close venting from the fuel tank 12 to the purge canister 32.

[0047] With additional reference to FIG. 3, the vent shut-off assembly 22 will be further described. The vent shut-off assembly 22 generally comprises a main housing 70, a top housing 72 having a canister line port 73, a poppet valve assembly 74, a cam assembly 76, a motor 78 and a pump 80. The motor 78 and the cam assembly 76 can collectively define an actuator assembly 81. The main housing 70 and the top housing 72 can collectively define a chamber that includes the manifold assembly 24. The main housing 70 can define a poppet assembly receiving bore 84 and a pump outlet opening 88. The poppet assembly receiving bore 84 leads to the vent line port 50 and receives the poppet valve assembly 74. The pump outlet opening 88 generally mounts the pump 80 and provides an outlet for pumping liquid out of the main housing 70 as will be described in detail herein. A vent line 89 can be fluidly connected between the canister line port 73 of the vent shut-off assembly 22 and the canister 32.

[0048] The cam assembly 76 generally includes a first or poppet cam 90 and a second or pump cam 92. The first and second cams 90, 92 are mounted for rotation with a cam shaft 94. A gear 96 is meshingly engaged with a complementary gear (not shown) extending from the motor 78. In other examples the gear 96 can be directly coupled for rotation with a motor drive shaft. The first cam 90 (see FIG. 8A) generally includes a cam surface 100 having a generally high lift surface 102 and a low lift surface 104. The second cam 92 (FIG. 12A) generally includes lift lobes 1 12, 1 14 separated by a valley 1 16. As will become appreciated herein, movement of the cam 92 causes a pump shaft 1 18 extending from the pump 80 to translate along its axis as it slidably negotiates along the cam 92 between the lift lobes 1 12, 1 14 and the valley 1 16 causing the pump 80 to pump liquid fuel out of the main housing 70. The pump shaft 1 18 is urged into engagement with the cam 92 by a pin biasing member 1 19.

[0049] With additional reference now to FIG. 4B, the poppet valve assembly 74 will be further described. The poppet valve assembly 74 includes a poppet 120, a disk 122 that supports a seal member 124, a pin 130, a retainer 132 and a poppet carrier 136. A first biasing member 140 is biased between the poppet 120 and the carrier 136. A second biasing member 144 is biased between the disk 122 and the retainer 132. A third biasing member 146 is biased between the retainer 132 and a collar 150 on the pin 130. The seal member 124 includes an inner lip seal 154 and an outer lip seal 156.

[0050] As will become appreciated from the following discussion, the poppet valve assembly 74 will be described as moving between fully open and closed positions for achieving various operating functions. However, the poppet valve assembly 74 and other components (such as the disk 122) can move to attain positions intermediate“fully open” and“fully closed”. In this regard, it may be desirable, based on operating conditions, to vent the fuel tank 12 to the carbon canister 30 a predetermined amount between fully open and fully closed.

[0051] In general, the poppet valve 74 allows the vent shut-off assembly 22 to operate in various states, depending on operating conditions, to allow vapor to flow along a first path A (from the fuel tank 12 to the carbon canister 32) or a second path B (from the carbon canister 32 to the fuel tank 12). In one operating condition, vapor that enters at least one of the LVD valves 41 A, 41 B, 41 C passes along at least one of the vapor lines 40, 42, 43 and enters the vent shut-off assembly 22. The operating state of the poppet valve 74, as described herein, allows the vapor to pass therethrough and out of the canister line port 73 to the carbon canister 32 (see flow path A, FIG. 2). Flow path A is desirable alleviate high pressure within the vapor space 18 of the fuel tank. Flow path A can also be desirable during a refueling event or other operating conditions that may cause pressure to rise above a threshold. As will become appreciated herein, the poppet valve 74 can be commanded to move (by the controller 30, FIGS. 4A, 4B) to achieve flow path A or, can automatically move to achieve flow path A (over pressure relief condition, FIGS. 6A, 6B). In another operating condition, fresh air is permitted to pass from the carbon canister 32, into the vent shut-off assembly 22. The operating state of the poppet valve 74 allows that fresh air to exit the vent shut-off assembly 22 through the vent line port 50 and backflow into the vapor space 18 through at least one of the LVD valves 41 A, 41 B, 41 C. Flow path B is desirable to alleviate an undesirable vacuum condition within the vapor space 18 of the fuel tank 12.

[0052] With specific reference now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 8A and 8B the poppet valve assembly 74 is shown during normal operation in a fully open position. Explained further, the first cam 90 is rotated to a position wherein the high lift surface 102 urges the pin 130 to be depressed or translated leftward as viewed in the FIGS. Translation of the pin 130 causes the poppet 120 to be lifted off of sealing engagement with the inner lip seal 154 of the seal member 124 and into the bias of the first biasing member 140. When the poppet 120 is in the open position, the vapor flow is permitted along flow path A into the vent line port 50 and out of the canister port 73. Fuel vapor from the vapor space 18 is caused to be vented to the canister 32.

[0053] With specific reference now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 9A and 9B the poppet valve assembly 74 is shown during normal operation in a fully closed position. Explained further, the first cam 90 is rotated to a position wherein the low lift surface 104 aligned with the pin 130 such that bias of the first biasing member 140 causes the pin to be translated rightward as viewed in the FIGS. Translation of the pin 130 rightward causes the poppet 120 to attain a sealing engagement with the inner lip seal 154 of the seal member 124. When the poppet 120 is in the closed position, the vapor flow is inhibited from flowing into the vent line port 50 and out of the canister port 73. Fuel vapor from the vapor space 18 is precluded from venting to the canister 32. Flow along either of flow paths A or B is inhibited.

[0054] With reference now to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 10A and 10B, the poppet valve assembly

74 is shown during an over pressure relief (OPR) condition. In an OPR condition, pressure within the vapor space 18 of the fuel tank 18 has exceeded a threshold wherein vapor pressure in the fuel tank 12 is great enough to cause the seal member 124 to be lifted off of a sealed position with the carrier 136. In one example, the threshold can be around 14kPa for a conventional fuel vehicle and around 37kPa for a pressurized/hybrid vehicle. Explained further, the seal member 124 is caused to translate rightward as viewed in the FIGS such that the outer lip seal 156 moves off of a sealed relationship with the carrier 136. The outer lip seal 156 acts as an OPR seal. In the OPR condition, fuel vapor from the vapor space 18 is caused to flow along flow path A and be vented to the canister 32. Notably, the seal member 124 can move rightward in an OPR condition without any command from the controller 30.

[0055] With reference now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 1 1 A and 1 1 B, the poppet valve assembly 74 is shown during an over vacuum relief (OVR) condition. In an OVR condition, pressure within the vapor space 18 of the fuel tank 18 has dropped below a threshold wherein vapor pressure in the fuel tank is low enough to cause a vacuum wherein the poppet 120 is lifted off of sealing engagement with the inner lip seal 154 of the seal member 124 and into the bias of the first biasing member 140. When the poppet 120 is in the open position, the vapor flow is permitted to equalize pressures. In other words, vapor is permitted to flow along flow path B (from the canister 32 through the canister line 89) out of the vent line port 50 and into the vapor space 18. Notably, the poppet 120 can move leftward in an OVR condition without any command from the controller 30.

[0056] With reference now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the pump 80 will be further described. When the lift lobes 1 12 and 114 of the second cam 92 are aligned with pin 150 of the pump 80, fluid that may have passed through the LVD valves 41 A, 41 B and 41 C, to be pumped out of the housing 70. When the valley 1 16 is aligned with the pin 150, biasing member 152 urges the pin 150 to retract. The pump 80 can be a piston pump or any pump suitable to pump liquid fuel out of the vent shut off assembly 22. By way of example only, the pump can be configured to pump 1 -3 cubic centimeters of liquid fuel per cycle and have a maximum pump rate of around 8.3 cubic centimeters per minute.

[0057] As identified above, the evaporative emissions control system 20 can replace conventional fuel tank systems that require mechanical components including in-tank valves with an electronically controlled module that manages the complete evaporative system for a vehicle. In this regard, some components that may be eliminated using the evaporative emissions control system 20 of the instant disclosure can include in-tank valves such as GW’s and FLVV’s, canister vent valve solenoid and associated wiring, tank pressure sensors and associated wiring, fuel pump driver module and associated wiring, fuel pump module electrical connector and associated wiring, and vapor management valve(s) (system dependent). These eliminated components are replaced by the control module 30, vent shut-off assembly 22, manifold 24, and associated electrical connector 44. Various other components may be modified to accommodate the evaporative emissions control system 20 including the fuel tank 12. For example, the fuel tank 12 may be modified to eliminate valves and internal lines to pick-up points. The flange of the FDM 46 may be modified to accommodate other components such as the control module 30 and/or the electrical connector 44. In other configurations, the fresh air line of the canister 32 and a dust box may be modified. In one example, the fresh air line of the canister 32 and the dust box may be connected to the control module 30.

[0058] With reference now to FIGS. 13-17, a poppet valve assembly 274 constructed in accordance to additional features will be described. The poppet valve assembly 274 can replace the poppet valve assembly 74 shown in FIG. 3 and be used with the remaining components. In some examples, the poppet valve assembly 274 can be part of a vent shut-off assembly disposed outside of the fuel tank.

[0059] The poppet valve assembly 274 includes a poppet 320, a disk 322 that supports a seal member 324, a pin 330, a retainer 332 and a poppet carrier 336. The poppet valve assembly 274 is supported within the poppet carrier 336. An o-ring 339 sealingly engages the poppet carrier 336 to the poppet assembly receiving bore 84 (FIG. 3). A first biasing member 340 is biased between the poppet 320 and the carrier 336. A second biasing member 344 is biased between the disk 322 and the retainer 332. A third biasing member 346 is biased between the retainer 332 and a collar 350 on the pin 330. The seal member 324 includes an inner lip seal 354 and an outer lip seal 356.

[0060] The poppet valve assembly 274 includes a compression control feature 360. The compression control feature 360 uses a stop surface 362 on the retainer 332 to engage an extension arm 364 centrally extending from the poppet 320. Explained further, when the poppet 320 goes from the open position in FIG. 14 to the closed position in FIG. 13, the extension arm 364 of the poppet 320 is caused to engage the stop surface 362 on the retainer 332 to control over travel of the poppet 320 when the cam is at the closed position. As a result, the compression of the seal member 324 can be controlled by suppressing the impact of any pressure rise in the tank side. In this regard, engaging of the seal member 324 to the poppet 320 in a sealing position (FIG. 13) occurs simultaneous or concurrently to the engagement of the extension arm 364 (specifically a distal surface 365 of the extension arm 364) with the stop surface 362. Poppet actuation is improved due to optimized length/diameter ratio. Reduction in the required OPR spring force is also realized with the poppet valve assembly 274. As shown in FIG. 16, the pin 330 is configured to slidably translate into a blind bore 370 defined in the extension arm 364 of the poppet 320 in an over pressure relief position.

[0061] The foregoing description of the examples has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular example are generally not limited to that particular example, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected example, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.