초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a hydrocarbon trap positioned in the air intake system of a vehicle, upstream from the engine and wholly in the airflow. The hydrocarbon trap comprises a holder and a material for adsorbing the hydrocarbons, inserted inside the holder. The holder comprises a screen t

The present invention relates to a hydrocarbon trap positioned in the air intake system of a vehicle, upstream from the engine and wholly in the airflow. The hydrocarbon trap comprises a holder and a material for adsorbing the hydrocarbons, inserted inside the holder. The holder comprises a screen that is added at the end facing the engine. The screen is held in place with the help of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a locking ramp on the holder and corresponding locking tab on a clamping ring surrounding the holder.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A hydrocarbon trapping device positioned in the air intake system of an engine, wherein the device is placed upstream from the engine, the device comprising:a housing having a body with a first end and a second end, wherein the engine is closer to the first end of the body than to the second end

1. A hydrocarbon trapping device positioned in the air intake system of an engine, wherein the device is placed upstream from the engine, the device comprising:a housing having a body with a first end and a second end, wherein the engine is closer to the first end of the body than to the second end of the body;at least one element having a circumference, the circumference substantially surrounded by the body of the housing, for adsorbing hydrocarbons released by the engine; anda first screen connected to the housing adjacent to the first end of the body for preventing the element from flowing to the engine. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is cylindrical. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the element has a plurality of chambers defined therein, the chambers arranged so as to allow air to pass through the element. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the chambers are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the first screen comprises a plurality of holes to allow air to pass through, wherein the plurality of holes are smaller than the plurality of chambers in the element. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the element is a carbon element. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the first screen is connected to the body of the housing. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first screen is a wire mesh screen. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first screen is made of a material consisting of aluminum, steel and plastic. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second screen attachable to the second end of the body. 11. The device of claim 1 further comprising a cushion ring including a compliant material and substantially located between the housing and the element. 12. The device of claim 1, further including a second screen coupled with the body. 13. A hydrocarbon trapping device positioned in the air intake system of an engine, wherein the device is placed upstream from the engine, the device comprising:a housing having a body with a first end and a second end, wherein the engine is closer to the first end of the body than to the second end of the body;an element housed in the body of the housing for adsorbing hydrocarbons released by the engine;a screen coupled with the body; anda clamping ring attachable around a perimeter of the body of the housing;wherein the screen is inserted between an end of the clamping ring and one of the first and second ends of the body. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the clamping ring is attachable to the body by a locking mechanism. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking tab on the clamping ring and a locking ramp on the body, such that the locking tab snap fits into the locking ramp. 16. The device of claim 15, further including a fastener connecting the locking mechanism to the body, wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of a heat-staked material, a spin-welded material, a fastener, and a laser-welded material. 17. The device of claim 13 further comprising a cushion ring including a compliant material and substantially located between the housing and the element. 18. A hydrocarbon trapping device positioned in an air intake system of an engine, wherein the device is positioned upstream from the engine, the device comprising:a housing, wherein the housing defines an inner perimeter surface, a first face facing the engine, and a second face facing away from the engine;an element having a circumference, the element configured to adsorb hydrocarbons, wherein the inner perimeter surface of the housing surrounds the circumference of the element between the first face and the second face;a first screen attachable to the first face of the housing; anda cushion ring surrounding the circumference of the element substantially between the housing inner surface and the element, the cushion ring comprising a compliant material. 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the housing is formed of two cylindrical bodi es having a hollow interior. 20. The device of claim 18, wherein the element has a plurality of chambers defined therein, the chambers arranged so as to allow air to pass through the element. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the chambers are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. 22. The device of claim 20, wherein the element is a carbon element. 23. The device of claim 18, wherein the first screen is made of a material consisting of aluminum, steel and plastic. 24. The device of claim 18, wherein the compliant material is selected from the group consisting of urethane and foam.