oil filter

Abstract

The present invention provides an oil filter that allows for miniaturization of the device configuration and improves the ability to remove moisture contained in the oil. [Solution] The oil filter 100 comprises a water absorption section 110 for absorbing moisture contained in the oil, a filter section 120 for filtering the oil and removing foreign matter, and a case 101 for housing these. The case 101 has an inlet 105 for introducing oil and an outlet 104 for discharging the oil supplied to the filter section 120. The water absorption section 110 comprises a plurality of water-absorbing particles 111 formed in granular shape to absorb moisture contained in the oil, and a water-absorbing particle holder 112 which is composed of a ring and forms a housing section 113 that houses the plurality of water-absorbing particles 111 along the circumferential direction of the ring. The water-absorbing particle holder 112 has flow holes 117 formed on the outer or inner surface of the ring for circulating oil to the housing section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an oil filter for filtering fuel or oil of an internal combustion engine such as an automobile.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an oil filter for filtering oil circulating in an internal combustion engine such as an automobile to capture foreign substances has been attached. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an engine oil deterioration reduction device as an oil filter in which ceramic balls having a function of separating moisture in oil are held in a spiral coil.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] However, in the oil filter described in Patent Document 1 above, since the ceramic balls are held in a spiral coil, it is difficult to hold ceramic balls with a small outer diameter and it is also difficult to hold many ceramic balls, resulting in an increase in the size of the device configuration and a problem of low moisture removal ability.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made to address the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an oil filter capable of miniaturizing the device configuration and improving the ability to remove moisture contained in oil.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention is characterized by comprising a filter section for filtering oil and removing foreign matter, a water absorption section for absorbing moisture contained in the oil, and a case that houses the filter section and the water absorption section respectively, and has an inlet for introducing oil and supplying it to the filter section and the water absorption section respectively, and an outlet for discharging at least the oil supplied to the filter section. The water absorption section comprises a plurality of water-absorbing particles formed in a granular shape to absorb moisture contained in the oil, and a water-absorbing particle holder composed of a ring body with a housing section formed along the circumferential direction of the ring body that can accommodate a plurality of water-absorbing particles. The water-absorbing particle holder has flow holes formed on the outer or inner surface of the ring body for allowing oil to flow to the housing section.

[0007] According to this, the oil filter according to the present invention is configured such that the water-absorbing particle holder has an annular shape that can accommodate multiple water-absorbing particles and has a receiving section with an opening for oil flow holes. Therefore, it can hold a large number of water-absorbing particles regardless of their size, which allows for miniaturization of the device configuration and improves the ability to remove moisture contained in the oil.

[0008] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the oil filter, the water-absorbing particle holder comprises a first end face plate and a second end face plate, which are arranged on both sides of the ring in the axial direction for a plurality of water-absorbing particles and constitute both end faces in the axial direction for the ring, and the water-absorbing particles located near the first end face plate and / or the second end face plate are fixed to the first end face plate and / or the second end face plate.

[0009] According to this, in the oil filter according to the present invention, since the water-absorbing particles located near the first end face plate and / or second end face plate in the water-absorbing particle holder are fixed to the first end face plate and / or second end face plate, damage to both members or generation of dust due to friction between the water-absorbing particles and the first end face plate and / or second end face plate can be suppressed, thereby extending the life of the oil filter. Furthermore, in the oil filter, since the water-absorbing particles are fixed to the first end face plate and / or second end face plate, damage to both members or generation of dust due to friction with water-absorbing particles in contact with these particles can be suppressed, thereby extending the life of the oil filter. Furthermore, the water-absorbing particles located near the first end plate and / or the second end plate include not only water-absorbing particles that are in direct contact with the first end plate and / or the second end plate, but also water-absorbing particles that are not in direct contact with the first end plate and / or the second end plate but are located at a distance that allows them to be directly fixed to the first end plate and / or the second end plate either directly opposite the first end plate and / or the second end plate or via an adhesive.

[0010] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the oil filter, the water-absorbing particle holder has a flow hole that opens parallel to the flow of oil, facing the oil flow path from the inlet to the filter section and / or the flow path from the filter section to the outlet.

[0011] According to this, the oil filter according to the present invention has flow holes in the water-absorbing particle holder that open parallel to the flow of oil facing the oil flow path from the inlet to the filter section and / or the flow path from the filter section to the outlet, so that moisture can be removed without obstructing the flow of oil from the inlet to the filter section or from the filter section to the outlet.

[0012] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the oil filter, the water-absorbing particle holder is provided with a projection that extends toward the water-absorbing particle at the opening on the water-absorbing particle side of the flow hole.

[0013] According to this, the oil filter according to the present invention is equipped with a projection that extends toward the water-absorbing particles at the opening on the water-absorbing particle side of the flow hole of the water-absorbing particle holder, thereby preventing the water-absorbing particles from sticking tightly to the opening and blocking it, and thus ensuring the flow of oil. Furthermore, with this oil filter, because the opening on the water-absorbing particle side of the flow hole is equipped with a projection that extends toward the water-absorbing particles, the water-absorbing particles can easily get caught on the opening, suppressing friction between the two components, thereby suppressing damage to both components or the generation of dust, and extending the life of the oil filter.

[0014] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the oil filter, the water-absorbing particle holder is provided with a projection that extends outward from the outer opening on the side opposite to the water-absorbing particle side in the flow hole.

[0015] According to this, the oil filter according to the present invention is equipped with a projection that protrudes outward from the outer opening of the water-absorbing particle holder, which is on the opposite side of the water-absorbing particle side in the flow hole of the water-absorbing particle holder. This disrupts the flow of oil along the outer surface of the water-absorbing particle holder, thereby improving the flowability of oil to the water-absorbing particle holder.

[0016] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the oil filter, the plurality of water-absorbing particles are composed of a plurality of particles with different particle sizes within a range of 1.3 times or more and 2.5 times or less the smallest particle size.

[0017] According to this, the oil filter according to the present invention is composed of multiple particles of different sizes within a range of 1.3 times or more and 2.5 times or less the smallest particle size among the multiple water-absorbing particles. Therefore, it is possible to improve the water absorption rate by increasing the filling rate of water-absorbing particles while ensuring the flowability of oil within the water-absorbing particle holder.

[0018] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the oil filter, the flow holes are formed in an elongated shape.

[0019] According to this, since the flow holes of the oil filter according to the present invention are formed in an elongated hole shape (including an oval shape), it is possible to secure a flow area (opening area) while preventing the outflow of water-absorbing particles (including pieces of water-absorbing particles), the blockage of the flow holes by the water-absorbing particles, or the intrusion of foreign matter from the external flow path, respectively.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 8 is a partially broken perspective view showing the appearance of the oil filter according to the present invention and the outline of each internal component. [Figure 2] FIG. 11 is a partially broken front view showing the outline of the internal structure of the oil filter shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the first end face plate constituting the water absorption part incorporated in the oil filter shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the second end face plate constituting the water absorption part incorporated in the oil filter shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the flow holes formed on the outer side surface constituting the water absorption part incorporated in the oil filter shown in FIG. 1 and the protrusions formed at the openings of the flow holes. [Figure 6] FIG. 23 is a partial front view schematically showing the appearance of the flow holes formed on the outer side surface according to a modification of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 26 is a partial front view schematically showing the appearance of the flow holes formed on the outer side surface according to another modification of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the oil filter according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a partially broken perspective view showing the appearance of the oil filter 100 according to the present invention and the outline of each internal component. FIG. 2 is a partially broken front view showing the outline of the external configuration and the internal configuration of the oil filter 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0022] This oil filter 100 is a device for filtering out physical foreign substances contained in oil that functions as lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine such as a four-wheel vehicle.

[0023] (Configuration of Oil Filter 100) The oil filter 100 includes a case 101. The case 101 is a metal container that houses a water absorption part 110 and a filter part 120 respectively, and is mainly composed of a case body 102 and a lid body 103 respectively.

[0024] The case body 102 is a part that houses the water absorption part 110 and the filter part 120 respectively, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape (cup shape) that opens downward in the drawing. In the present embodiment, the case body 102 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0025] The lid body 103 is a part that covers the opening of the case body 102 that opens downward in the drawing, and is formed in a flat plate annular shape. In the present embodiment, the lid body 103 is formed in a circular shape in plan view. A discharge port 104 and an inlet port 105 are respectively formed in this lid body 103.

[0026] The discharge port 104 is a part for discharging the oil that has flowed through at least the filter part 120 to the outside of the case 101, and is constituted by a through hole that penetrates the lid body 103. Specifically, the discharge port 104 is constituted by a cylindrical through hole that penetrates the central part of the lid body 103. In this case, an internal thread for attachment during attachment and detachment to a pipe (not shown) that supplies oil to the engine is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the discharge port 104.

[0027] The inlet port 105 is a part for introducing oil from the outside of the case 101 into the case 101, and is constituted by a through hole that penetrates the lid body 103. Specifically, the inlet port 105 is constituted by a plurality of through holes formed in a long hole shape in the circumferential direction of a virtual circle (not shown) centered on the center of the discharge port 104. A check valve 106 is attached to the inner side surface of this inlet port 105.

[0028] The check valve 106 is a component that prevents oil introduced into the case 101 from the outside of the case 101 via the inlet 105 from flowing back out of the case 101 via the inlet 105. It is constructed by forming a flat, annular plate of a flexible elastomer material such as rubber or resin. The inner edge of the check valve 106 is pressed against the outer portion of the discharge port 104 on the inner surface of the lid 103 by the elastic force of the support spring 127, and the outer edge covers the inlet 105 in an elastically deformable state. In this case, the check valve 106 has a water intake fitting portion 106a formed on the surface opposite to the portion attached to the lid 103 (the upper surface shown in the figure), into which the cylindrical portion 114b of the water intake portion 110 fits.

[0029] The water-absorbing portion fitting portion 106a is a portion that elastically supports the water-absorbing portion 110 in the radial and axial directions of the water-absorbing portion 110, and is formed as a bottomed recess into which the cylindrical portion 114b of the water-absorbing portion 110 fits.

[0030] The lid 103 is folded and integrated with the case body 102 by crimping, with its outer edge overlapping the outer edge of the opening of the case body 102. In this case, an annular gasket 107 is attached to the inside of the crimped portion on the outer surface of the lid 103 to ensure liquid-tightness with respect to the bracket (not shown) of the piping that draws oil from the oil pan in the engine.

[0031] The water absorption section 110 is a component for removing moisture contained in the oil introduced into the case 101. Specifically, the water absorption section 110 is mainly composed of water-absorbing particles 111 and a water-absorbing particle holder 112.

[0032] The water-absorbing particles 111 are components for removing moisture contained in the oil and are made of a porous material. Specifically, the water-absorbing particles 111 are composed of an aggregate of molecular sieves (crystalline zeolite) formed into approximately spherical (spheres with uneven surfaces) granules. In this case, the water-absorbing particles 111 are composed of multiple particles with different particle sizes, ranging from 1.3 times to 2.5 times the particle size of the smallest particle. In this embodiment, the water-absorbing particles 111 are composed of an aggregate of particles with a particle size of 2.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The water-absorbing part 110 can also be made of ceramic material other than molecular sieves or a water-absorbing polymer material.

[0033] The water-absorbing particle holder 112 is a component for holding water-absorbing particles 111, which are composed of an aggregate of multiple particles, and is made up of a ring-shaped body in which the ring has thickness in the axial direction. Specifically, the water-absorbing particle holder 112 is configured to have a housing portion 113 formed inside the ring-shaped body, which is a space for housing a large number of water-absorbing particles 111.

[0034] The housing section 113 is mainly formed by a first end plate 114, a second end plate 115, an outer side surface 116, and an inner side surface 119.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the first end face plate 114 is a component that constitutes one of the axial end faces (lower in the figure) of the water-absorbing particle holder 112, which is made up of a ring-shaped body, and is constructed by forming a metal material into a flat annular plate. In this case, the radially outer edge of the first end face plate 114 is bent in an L-shape toward the second end face plate 115, which is located on the opposite side (lower in the figure), and an L-shaped wall portion 114a is formed thereon.

[0036] Furthermore, the first end face plate 114 has a cross-sectional shape at its radially inward edge that initially rises in a convex arc shape, then bends and extends in the opposite direction (downward in the figure), and its tip is bent radially inward to form a cylindrical portion 114b, which is located radially outside the outlet 104 of the lid 103. The first end face plate 114 has a flat surface arrangement portion 114c formed between the L-shaped wall portion 114a and the cylindrical portion 114b, and the water-absorbing particles 111 located near the inner surface of this arrangement portion 114c are fixed to the arrangement portion 114c by an adhesive layer 114d formed by solidified adhesive.

[0037] Here, the water-absorbing particles 111 located near the placement portion 114c of the first end face plate 114 include not only water-absorbing particles 111 that are in direct contact with the placement portion 114c, but also water-absorbing particles 111 that are not in direct contact with the placement portion 114c but are located at a distance that allows them to be directly fixed to the placement portion 114c, either directly opposite the placement portion 114c or via the adhesive layer 114d.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the second end face plate 115 is a component that constitutes the other (upper in the figure) end face of the axial end faces of the water-absorbing particle holder 112, which is composed of a ring-shaped body, and is made by forming a metal material into a flat annular plate. In this case, the second end face plate 115 has L-shaped wall portions 115a and 115b formed at the radially outer and inner edges, respectively, which are bent in an L-shape toward the first end face plate 114. A flat surface arrangement portion 115c is formed between these L-shaped wall portions 115a and 115b, and water-absorbing particles 111 located near the inner surface of this arrangement portion 115c are fixed to the inner surface by an adhesive layer 115d similar to the adhesive layer 114d.

[0039] The outer side surface 116 is the outer side surface of the water-absorbing particle holder 112, which is made up of a ring-shaped body, and is made by rolling a metal plate into a circular shape. In this case, the metal plate that makes up the outer side surface 116 is formed into a cylindrical shape by joining both ends in the longitudinal direction by welding. In this embodiment, the outer side surface 116 is formed to have an outer diameter that fits inside the L-shaped wall portions 114a and 115a of the first end face plate 114 and the second end face plate 115. Numerous flow holes 117 are formed in this outer side surface 116.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the flow holes 117 are for introducing or discharging oil into the water-absorbing particle holder 112, and are composed of countless through holes smaller than the size of the water-absorbing particles 111. In this case, the flow holes 117 are formed with a substantially uniform density across the entire surface of the outer side surface 116. In this embodiment, the flow holes 117 are formed in a circular shape with a diameter of 1.5 mm. A projection 118 is formed in the opening portion of the inner side surface, which is the side surface facing the water-absorbing particles 111, within the flow holes 117.

[0041] The projection 118 is a part that prevents the water-absorbing particles 111 from adhering tightly to the flow hole 117 and blocking the flow hole 117, and is formed to protrude in an annular shape toward the water-absorbing particles 111. In this embodiment, the projection 118 is formed with an overhang of 0.03 mm or more and 0.1 mm or less from the inner surface of the outer surface 116.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the projection 118 is formed as a so-called burr, which is a protruding portion that occurs at the opening on the through side of the punch, rather than the punching side, when punching is performed on the metal plate constituting the outer side surface 116. In this embodiment, this burr is intentionally left as the projection 118 without being removed. This outer side surface 116 is attached to the outer edges of the first end face plate 114 and the second end face plate 115 via adhesive.

[0043] The inner side surface 119 is the inner side surface of the ring-shaped water-absorbing particle holder 112, and is made by rolling a metal plate into a circular shape. In this case, the metal plate constituting the inner side surface 119 is formed into a cylindrical shape by joining both ends in the longitudinal direction by crimping or welding. This inner side surface 119 is attached to the outer edges of the first end face plate 114 and the second end face plate 115 via adhesive. In other words, the inner side surface 119 is positioned opposite the outer side surface 116 via the housing portion 113.

[0044] The water intake section 110 is formed with an outer diameter such that, when housed in the case body 102, a gap is formed between it and the inner surface of the case body 102, forming a flow path R1 for guiding the oil introduced from the inlet 105 to the water intake section 110 and / or the filter section 120. The inner diameter of the water intake section 110 is formed with an inner diameter such that a flow path R2 is formed for guiding the oil filtered by the filter section 120 to the outlet 104.

[0045] Here, the assembly procedure for the water absorption section 110 will be explained. The worker applies adhesive to the inner surfaces of the placement sections 114c and 115c on the first end plate 114 and the second end plate 115. In this case, the worker applies adhesive to the entire inner surface of the placement sections 114c and 115c. While epoxy adhesive can be used, other adhesives such as acrylic or urethane adhesives may also be used. Furthermore, the worker may apply adhesive to the inner surfaces of the L-shaped wall sections 114a and 115a in addition to the placement sections 114c and 115c.

[0046] Next, the worker places the annularly formed outer side surface 116 on the outer edge of the placement area 114c of the first end face plate 114, and places the annularly formed inner side surface 119 on the inner edge. As a result, the outer side surface 116 and the inner side surface 119 are placed on the placement area 114c with their lower ends fitted into the L-shaped wall portion 114a of the first end face plate 114.

[0047] Next, the worker places the water-absorbing granules 111 on the placement section 114c of the first end face plate 114, which has its outer side surface 116 and inner side surface 119 raised, respectively. In this case, the worker fills the first end face plate 114 with an amount of water-absorbing granules 111 equal to or exceeding the height of the outer side surface 116 and inner side surface 119 placed thereon.

[0048] Next, the worker positions the second end face plate 115 so as to cover the upper ends of the outer side surface 116 and inner side surface 119, which are filled with water-absorbing particles 111. In this case, the worker presses the second end face plate 115 against the water-absorbing particles 111 and fits the L-shaped wall portion 115a onto the upper ends of the outer side surface 116 and inner side surface 119. This allows the worker to form a housing portion 113 with the first end face plate 114, the second end face plate 115, the outer side surface 116, and the inner side surface 119, and to fill the housing portion 113 with water-absorbing particles 111 in a state where they cannot move freely (i.e., a state in which displacement within the housing portion 113 is unlikely to occur).

[0049] Next, the worker waits for the adhesive applied to the first end plate 114 and the second end plate 115 to harden. The first end plate 114 and the second end plate 115 are fixed to the outer edges of the placement sections 114c and 115c, respectively, with one end of the outer side surface 116 (the lower side in Figures 1 and 2) fixed to the inner edges of the placement sections 114c and 115c, respectively, with the other end of the inner side surface 119 (the upper side in Figures 1 and 2) fixed to the inner edges of the placement sections 114c and 115c, respectively. In addition, water-absorbing particles 111 are fixed to the first end plate 114 and the second end plate 115 in the region between the outer and inner edges of the placement sections 114c and 115c, in direct contact with that region. With these steps, the worker can complete the annular water-absorbing section 110. Furthermore, if adhesive is applied to the inner surfaces of the L-shaped wall portions 114a and 115a, the water-absorbing particles 111 will be fixed to these L-shaped wall portions 114a and 115a.

[0050] The water intake section 110 is elastically supported in the radial and axial directions, respectively, within the case 101 by fitting its cylindrical portion 114b into the water intake fitting portion 106a of the check valve 106 attached to the inner surface of the lid 103.

[0051] The filter unit 120 is a component for filtering the oil introduced into the case 101. Specifically, the filter unit 120 mainly consists of a filter element 121 and an element holder 122.

[0052] The filter element 121 is a component for filtering oil by capturing foreign matter such as sludge contained in the oil. It is made up of a cylindrical body in which the filter paper is connected radially by connecting the ends of long sheets of filter paper that have been folded into an accordion shape (accordion pleats).

[0053] The element holder 122 is a component for holding the filter element 121 and is mainly formed by a first end face plate 123, a second end face plate 124, and an inner side surface 125.

[0054] The first end plate 123 is a component that supports one end (the lower side in the figure) of the cylindrical filter element 121, and is constructed by forming a metal material into a flat, annular plate. In this case, the radially outer edge of the first end plate 123 is formed to bend in an L-shape toward the second end plate 124. The first end plate 123 is formed to have the same outer diameter as the first end plate 114 and the second end plate 115.

[0055] Furthermore, the first end face plate 123 is formed in a cylindrical shape where the cross-sectional shape of the radially inward edge initially rises in a convex arc shape, then bends and extends in the opposite direction (downward in the figure), and its tip portion is bent radially inward, and it fits inside the L-shaped wall portion 115b of the second end face plate 115 in the water absorption portion 110.

[0056] The second end plate 124 is a component that supports one end (upper side in the figure) of the cylindrical filter element 121, and is constructed by forming a metal material into a flat, annular plate. In this case, the second end plate 124 is formed with its radially outer and inner edges bent in an L-shape toward the first end plate 123. The second end plate 124 is formed to have the same outer diameter as the first end plate 114 and the second end plate 115.

[0057] The inner side surface 125 is a component that supports the inner circumference of the cylindrical filter element 121, and is constructed by rolling a metal plate into a circular shape. In this case, the metal plate constituting the inner side surface 125 is formed into a cylindrical shape by joining both ends in the longitudinal direction by crimping or welding. The inner side surface 125 has a flow hole 126 made up of numerous through holes for guiding the oil that has passed through the filter element 121 to the discharge port 104.

[0058] The filter section 120, when housed in the case body 102, has an outer diameter that forms a gap between it and the inner circumferential surface of the case body 102, creating a flow path R1 for guiding the oil introduced from the inlet 105 to the water intake section 110. The inner diameter of the filter section 120 is also formed to create a flow path R2 for guiding the oil filtered by the filter section 120 to the outlet 104. In other words, the flow path R1 is formed along the inner circumferential surface of the case body 102, while the flow path R2 is formed along the axial direction as a space inside the inner circumferential portions of the filter section 120 and the water intake section 110.

[0059] The filter section 120 is formed integrally by applying adhesive to the inner surfaces of the first end plate 123 and the second end plate 124, and then sandwiching the filter element 121 and the inner side surface 125 between the first end plate 123 and the second end plate 124, respectively.

[0060] In this filter section 120, the first end face plate 123 side is placed on the second end face plate 115 of the water absorption section 110 and fitted inside the L-shaped wall section 115b, while the second end face plate 124 side is supported by being pressed by a support spring 127. A relief valve 130 is attached to the inner circumference of the second end face plate 124 of the filter section 120.

[0061] The support spring 127 is a component that secures the filter section 120 and the water absorption section 110 within the case 101 by elastically pressing them against the lid 103, and is made of a steel coil spring. One end of the support spring 127 (upper side in the figure) presses against the bottom (upper surface in the figure) of the case body 102, while the other end (lower side in the figure) presses against the inner circumference of the second end face plate 124.

[0062] The relief valve 130 is a device that maintains the pressure in flow path R1 below a predetermined value by guiding the oil in flow path R1 to flow path R2 when the pressure in flow path R1 exceeds a predetermined pressure. Specifically, the relief valve 130 is composed of a valve case 131, an on / off valve 132, and a valve spring 133.

[0063] The valve case 131 is formed in a cup shape, extending in a closed-bottom cylindrical shape that opens into the flow path R1 and extends toward the flow path R2, and having an opening formed on the side of this closed-bottom cylindrical body that communicates with the inside of the flow path R2. This valve case 131 is made of a metal or resin material.

[0064] The on-off valve 132 is composed of a metal or resin plate-like body that closes the opening in the valve case 131 to the flow path R1. This on-off valve 132 closes the opening from the inside of the valve case 131.

[0065] The valve spring 133 is a coil spring that elastically presses against the on-off valve 132, which closes the opening in the valve case 131 to the flow path R1. This valve spring 133 is located inside the valve case 131 and presses against the on-off valve 132.

[0066] (Operation of oil filter 100) Next, the operation of the oil filter 100 configured in this way will be described. This oil filter 100 is placed on the oil circulation path to filter and purify the engine oil that lubricates the inside of the engine. Specifically, the oil filter 100 is installed in a predetermined mounting position in the engine compartment of the automobile, more specifically, the inlet 105 is connected to a pipe (not shown) that leads to the oil pan, and the outlet 104 is connected to a pipe (not shown) that leads to the engine.

[0067] The oil filter 100 then begins purifying the oil when the vehicle is started. Specifically, the oil to be purified is supplied from the oil pan to the inlet 105 of the oil filter 100 by an oil pump (not shown) that starts operating when the vehicle is started. A portion of the oil introduced into the oil filter 100 via the inlet 105 flows into the water intake section 110 via the flow path R1.

[0068] Specifically, a portion of the oil in the flow path R1 flows into the containment section 113, which is packed with water-absorbing particles 111, through the flow holes 117 on the outer side surface 116. The oil that flows into the water-absorbing section 110 flows through the gaps between the water-absorbing particles 111 in the containment section 113, and the moisture is absorbed by the water-absorbing particles 111. Then, the oil in the containment section 113 flows out into the flow path R1 through the flow holes 117 on the outer side surface 116.

[0069] In this case, the water-absorbing section 110 is made up of plate-like bodies on surfaces other than the outer side surface 116 within the housing section 113, specifically the inner side surface 119, the first end plate 114, and the second end plate 115, which do not have openings corresponding to the flow holes 117. Therefore, the water-absorbing section 110 prevents oil in the housing section 113 from flowing out into areas other than the flow path R1, such as the flow path R2.

[0070] Oil that flows out of the water intake section 110 and returns to the flow path R1, as well as oil that did not flow into the water intake section 110, flows into the filter section 120 via the flow path R1. In this case, the oil that flows into the filter section 120 is filtered of foreign matter by the filter element 121 of the filter section 120 and flows out into the flow path R2 via the flow holes 126 on the inner side surface 125. The purified oil that flows out into the flow path R2 is discharged outside the oil filter 100 via the discharge port 104. Therefore, the oil discharged from the discharge port 104 contains oil that has flowed through the water intake section 110 and the filter section 120, respectively, and oil that has passed only through the filter section 120.

[0071] Furthermore, this oil filter 100 will be replaced with a new oil filter 100 after a predetermined period of use has elapsed.

[0072] As can be understood from the above description of operation, according to the above embodiment, the oil filter 100 is configured such that the water-absorbing particle holder 112 has an annular receiving section 113 that can accommodate a plurality of water-absorbing particles 111 and has an opening for oil flow holes 117. Therefore, it can hold a large number of water-absorbing particles 111 regardless of the size of the water-absorbing particles 111, which allows for miniaturization of the device configuration and improves the ability to remove moisture contained in the oil.

[0073] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible as long as they do not depart from the objectives of the present invention.

[0074] For example, in the above embodiment, the water absorption section 110 is configured to allow oil to enter and exit the flow path R1 by forming a flow hole 117 on the outer side surface 116. However, the water absorption section 110 can also be configured to allow oil to enter and exit the flow path R2 by forming a flow hole 117 on the inner side surface 119 instead of the outer side surface 116. Furthermore, the water absorption section 110 can also be configured to allow oil to enter and exit the filter section 120 or the flow path R1 by forming a flow hole 117 on the first end face plate 114 or the second end face plate 115. In other words, the water absorption section 110 can be configured to open in a direction other than parallel to the flow path R1 or the flow path R2, for example, in a perpendicular direction, allowing oil to enter and exit. The outer side surface 116 and / or inner side surface 119 on which these flow holes 117 are formed correspond to the outer circumferential surface or inner circumferential surface of the water absorption particle holder according to the present invention.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water-absorbing portion 110 is constructed by fixing water-absorbing particles 111 located near the inner surfaces of the first end face plate 114 and the second end face plate 115 via adhesive layers 114d and 115d, respectively. As a result, the water-absorbing portion 110 can extend the life of the oil filter 100 by suppressing damage to both members or the generation of dust caused by the water-absorbing particles 111 located near the first end face plate 114 or the second end face plate 115 rubbing against the first end face plate 114 or the second end face plate 115.

[0076] Furthermore, the water-absorbing portion 110 can extend the life of the oil filter 100 by suppressing damage to both components or the generation of dust due to friction with water-absorbing particles 111 that come into contact with the water-absorbing particles 111 located near the first end face plate 114 or the second end face plate 115, respectively, through the fixing of water-absorbing particles 111 located near the first end face plate 114 or the second end face plate 115. However, the water-absorbing portion 110 can also be configured such that the water-absorbing particles 111 are merely in contact with the inner surfaces of the first end face plate 114 and the second end face plate 115 and are not fixed. Alternatively, the water-absorbing portion 110 can be configured such that only the water-absorbing particles 111 that are in direct contact with the inner surfaces of the first end face plate 114 and the second end face plate 115 are fixed by adhesive layers 114d and 115d.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water-absorbing portion 110 has a projection 118 formed on the edge of the opening (the opening on the inner surface of the first end face plate 114) that opens to the water-absorbing particle 111 side in the flow hole 117. With this, the water-absorbing portion 110 can prevent the water-absorbing particles 111 from adhering tightly to the opening of the flow hole 117 and blocking the opening, thereby ensuring the flow of oil. In addition, with this water-absorbing portion 110, the water-absorbing particles 111 can easily catch on the opening, suppressing friction between the outer surface 116 and the water-absorbing particles 111, thereby suppressing damage to both members or the generation of dust, and extending the life of the oil filter 100.

[0078] However, the water-absorbing portion 110 may also have a projection 118 formed on the edge of the opening opposite to the water-absorbing particle 111 side (the opening on the outer surface of the first end face plate 114) in the flow hole 117, instead of or in addition to the water-absorbing particle 111 side. In this case, the water-absorbing portion 110 can improve the flow of oil to the oil-retaining portion 113 by disturbing the flow of oil along the outer surface of the water-absorbing portion 110.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water-absorbing section 110 is composed of multiple water-absorbing particles 111, each having a particle size that is 1.3 times or more and 2.5 times or less than the particle size of the smallest particle. As a result, since the water-absorbing section 110 is composed of multiple water-absorbing particles 111 with different particle sizes, the filling rate of the water-absorbing particles 111 in the water-absorbing particle holder 112 can be increased, thereby improving the water absorption rate. However, the water-absorbing section 110 can also be composed of water-absorbing particles 111 packed into the housing section 113, all of the same size. In addition, the water-absorbing particles 111 can be formed into shapes other than spherical, for example, irregular shapes, rod shapes, or cylindrical shapes. Furthermore, the size of the water-absorbing particles 111 is set appropriately according to the specifications of the oil filter 100, and is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water absorption section 110 is constructed with a perforated plate having multiple flow holes 126 formed on its outer side surface 116. However, the outer side surface 116 where the flow holes 126 are formed only needs to be formed in a way that allows oil to flow through it, and can be constructed from a material other than a perforated plate, such as a mesh (wire mesh) made by weaving wire into a sheet. Also, the water absorption particle holder 112 can be formed in a cage shape with the entire structure made of mesh material.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a circular flow hole 117 was formed on the outer side surface 116 constituting the water-absorbing particle holder 112. However, the flow hole 117 only needs to ensure oil flow, and can be shaped other than circular, for example, elliptical or elongated, or polygonal, such as a square. In this case, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the flow hole 117 can be formed in an elongated or elliptical shape to ensure a flow area (opening area) while preventing the outflow of water-absorbing particles 111 (including fragments of water-absorbing particles 111), the blockage of the flow hole 117 by water-absorbing particles 111, or the intrusion of foreign matter from the flow path R1.

[0082] In this case, the elongated or elliptical flow holes 117 can be formed in a direction parallel to the flow direction of the oil flowing through the flow path R1 (see Figure 6), in a direction intersecting the flow direction including perpendicular to it (see Figure 7), or in a combination thereof. Furthermore, the flow holes 117 may be formed so that adjacent flow holes 117 are aligned (see Figures 6 and 7), or they may be formed alternately in a staggered pattern. Note that Figures 6 and 7 show the plate material constituting the outer side surface 116 in a flattened state (i.e., before being rolled into a cylindrical shape).

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the oil filter 100 has the water intake section 110 positioned upstream of the filter section 120 in the direction of oil flow. However, the oil filter 100 can also have the water intake section 110 positioned downstream of the filter section 120 in the direction of oil flow.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the oil filter 100 is configured to filter oil from an automobile engine. However, this oil filter 100 can also be configured to filter oil from an internal combustion engine other than an automobile, or oil for fuel or hydraulic equipment of an internal combustion engine. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] R1: Flow path upstream of the water intake and filter section, R2: Flow path downstream of the water intake and filter section. 100... Oil filter, 101...Case, 102...Case body, 103...Lid, 104...Discharge port, 105...Inlet port, 106...Check valve, 106a...Water intake fitting part, 107...Gasket, 110...Water absorption part, 111...Water absorption grain, 112...Water absorption grain holder, 113...Accommodation part, 114...First end plate, 114a...L-shaped wall part, 114b...Cylindrical part, 114c...Arrangement part, 114d...Connection part Adhering layer, 115...Second end plate, 115a, 115b...L-shaped wall part, 115c...Arrangement part, 115d...Adhesive layer, 116...Outer side surface, 117...Flow hole, 118...Protrusion, 119...Inner side surface, 120...Filter section, 121...Filter element, 122...Element holder, 123...First end face plate, 124...Second end face plate, 125...Inner side surface, 126...Flow hole, 127...Support spring 130...Relief valve, 131...Valve case, 132...On / off valve, 133...Valve spring.

Claims

1. A filter section for filtering oil and removing foreign matter, A water-absorbing part for absorbing moisture contained in the oil, The case comprises a filter section and a water intake section, respectively, and has an inlet for introducing the oil and supplying it to the filter section and the water intake section, respectively, and an outlet for discharging the oil supplied to at least the filter section, The water-absorbing part is, Multiple water-absorbing particles formed in a granular shape that absorb moisture contained in the oil, The device comprises a water-absorbing particle holder which is composed of a ring-shaped body and has a receiving section formed along the circumferential direction of the ring-shaped body that can accommodate the plurality of water-absorbing particles, The water-absorbing granule holder is, An oil filter characterized in that flow holes for circulating the oil to the housing are formed on the outer or inner surface of the ring-shaped body.

2. In the oil filter described in claim 1, The water-absorbing granule holder is, The device comprises a first end face plate and a second end face plate, respectively, which are arranged on both sides of the ring in the axial direction with respect to the plurality of water-absorbing particles, and which constitute both end faces of the ring in the axial direction. An oil filter characterized in that water-absorbing particles among the plurality of water-absorbing particles located near the first end plate and / or the second end plate are fixed to the first end plate and / or the second end plate.

3. In the oil filter described in claim 1, The water-absorbing granule holder is, An oil filter characterized in that the flow holes are open parallel to the flow of oil, facing the flow path of the oil that is led from the inlet to the filter section and / or the flow path that is led from the filter section to the outlet.

4. In the oil filter described in claim 1, The water-absorbing granule holder is, An oil filter characterized in that the opening on the water-absorbing particle side of the flow hole is provided with a projection that protrudes toward the water-absorbing particle side.

5. In the oil filter described in claim 1, The water-absorbing granule holder is, An oil filter characterized by having a projection that protrudes outward at the outer opening of the flow hole, which is on the opposite side from the water-absorbing particle side.

6. In the oil filter described in claim 1, The aforementioned plurality of water-absorbing particles are An oil filter characterized by being composed of multiple particles of different sizes, within a range of 1.3 times or more and 2.5 times or less the smallest particle size.

7. In the oil filter described in claim 1, The oil filter is characterized in that the flow holes are formed in an elongated shape.

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