Fuel filter and vehicle

The fuel filter with spiral and ring-shaped flow paths and integrated water repellent net improves impurity removal and water separation, addressing inefficiencies in compact vehicles by extending fuel flow paths and enabling automated maintenance.

CN120312451APending Publication Date: 2025-07-15FAW JIEFANG AUTOMOTIVE CO
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510675839.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-05-23
Publication Date
2025-07-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The short flow path of the oil inlet passage of existing fuel filters leads to poor impurity filtration and lacks intelligent control and automatic emission functions, which increases maintenance costs and reduces system efficiency.

Method used

A fuel filter is designed, using the spiral oil inlet channel in the housing and the annular oil inlet channel, combined with a water repellent net and a water collecting cup, equipped with a liquid level sensor and a drainage pump, to achieve automatic drainage, negative pressure oil absorption through the pump body assembly, and an intelligent controller is equipped to automatically control exhaust and drainage.

Benefits of technology

It improves the efficiency of impurity removal, ensures fuel cleanliness, reduces maintenance frequency, improves the stability and efficiency of the system, reduces space occupation, and realizes intelligent management.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides a fuel oil filter and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of fuel oil filtering systems.The fuel oil filter comprises a shell, an oil suction pipe is arranged on one side of the shell and arranged in the height direction of the shell, and one end of the oil suction pipe is used for being communicated with the dirty oil side of an oil tank; the filtering assemblies are arranged in the shell and arranged in the height direction of the shell, an annular oil inlet channel is formed between the outer wall of part of the filtering assemblies and the inner wall of the shell, a spiral oil inlet channel is formed between the outer wall of the other part of the filtering assemblies and the inner wall of the shell, and the other end of the oil suction pipe communicates with the spiral oil inlet channel. The technical problem that in the prior art, an oil inlet channel is short in flowing path, and consequently the impurity filtering effect is poor is solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel filtration systems, and more particularly, to a fuel filter and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the automotive industry, the performance and reliability of the fuel system are crucial for improving the overall performance and driving experience of vehicles. Fuel not only bears the important task of providing energy for the engine, but its cleanliness also directly affects the life and efficiency of the engine. In recent years, in order to meet more stringent emission standards and improve fuel economy, vehicle manufacturers have continuously optimized the design of the fuel system to ensure that the fuel remains highly clean throughout the entire delivery process from the fuel tank to the engine.

[0003] In terms of fuel tank filtration technology, most traditional fuel filters adopt an external design, that is, the filter is installed outside the fuel tank or in a position near the fuel tank. Although this design is convenient for replacement and maintenance, it has problems such as large space occupation, longer pipelines between the filter and the fuel tank, which increases the risk of fuel leakage, and it is difficult to be intelligently integrated with other vehicle systems. Especially for motorcycles and other small vehicles with limited space, the space occupation of the external filter is a significant challenge.

[0004] Although the existing in-tank fuel filters solve the problem of space occupation to a certain extent, due to the limitations of the design of the fuel inlet filtration path, the removal efficiency of impurities and moisture in the fuel is still not high. Among them, the design of the fuel inlet channel is one of the key factors affecting the filtration efficiency. The traditional annular or straight fuel inlet channels cannot effectively extend the residence time of the fuel in the filter during the filtration process, resulting in insufficient interception of impurities and difficulty in effectively coalescing and separating moisture. In addition, due to the lack of intelligent control and automatic discharge functions, the filter needs to be manually maintained frequently during use, which not only increases the maintenance cost of users, but also reduces the overall efficiency of the system.

[0005] In view of the above technical problems, no effective solution has been proposed yet. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main object of the present invention is to provide a fuel filter and a vehicle to solve the technical problem that the short flow path of the fuel inlet channel in the prior art results in poor impurity filtration effect.

[0007] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a fuel filter is provided. The fuel filter includes: a housing, an oil suction pipe is provided on one side of the housing, the oil suction pipe is arranged along the height direction of the housing, and one end of the oil suction pipe is used to communicate with the dirty oil side of the fuel tank; a filtering assembly, the filtering assembly is arranged inside the housing, the filtering assembly is arranged along the height direction of the housing, an annular oil inlet channel is formed between the outer wall of part of the filtering assembly and the inner wall of the housing, and a spiral oil inlet channel is formed between the outer wall of another part of the filtering assembly and the inner wall of the housing, and the other end of the oil suction pipe is communicated with the spiral oil inlet channel.

[0008] Further, the filtering assembly includes: a filter element assembly, the filter element assembly is located inside the housing, and part of the filter element assembly is connected to the housing; a connecting pipe section, the connecting pipe section is arranged along the circumference of part of the filter element assembly, at least one spiral rib is convexly provided on the circumference of the connecting pipe section, and a spiral oil inlet channel is formed between the spiral rib and the inner wall of the housing.

[0009] Further, the filter element assembly includes: a water-repellent net, the water-repellent net is located inside the housing; a filter layer, the filter layer is arranged along the outer circumference of the water-repellent net, the connecting pipe section is arranged at one end of the filter layer close to the top of the water-repellent net, and the connecting pipe section is arranged along the circumference of the filter layer.

[0010] Further, the water-repellent net includes a water-repellent section and a water-collecting section, the water-repellent section is located above the water-collecting section, the connecting pipe section extends along the circumference of the filter layer on the outer circumference of the water-repellent section, and the top of the connecting pipe section is arranged flush with the top of the water-repellent section, and the end of the connecting pipe section covers part of the end of the water-repellent section, so that the oil body flowing out from the spiral oil inlet channel enters the water-collecting section after passing through part of the water-repellent section.

[0011] Further, an oil inlet is provided on the side wall of the housing, and the oil suction pipe is communicated with the spiral oil inlet channel through the oil inlet.

[0012] Further, the fuel filter further includes: a pump body assembly, the pump body assembly is connected to the housing, an air suction port is provided on the pump body assembly, the air suction port is communicated with the inside of the housing, and the air suction port is located inside the water-repellent section.

[0013] Further, the water-repellent net has a hollow cavity, at least part of the pump body assembly is located inside the hollow cavity, or the pump body assembly is located outside the housing, a connecting channel is provided on one side of the pump body assembly, the air suction port is communicated with the inside of the water-repellent section through the connecting channel, and an exhaust pipe is provided at the bottom of the pump body assembly, the exhaust pipe is arranged along the length direction of the housing, and the exhaust pipe is used to communicate with the fuel tank.

[0014] Further, the fuel filter further includes: a water collecting cup, the water collecting cup is located at the bottom inside the housing, the water collecting cup is connected to the filtering assembly, a drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the water collecting cup, the drain pipe is communicated with a drainage pump, and the drainage pump is arranged outside the housing, and a drainage outlet is provided on the drainage pump.

[0015] Furthermore, the fuel filter further includes: a liquid level sensor disposed in the water collecting cup for detecting the liquid level height of the liquid water in the water collecting cup; a controller electrically connected to the liquid level sensor and the drain pump, and the controller controls the drain pump to open and close based on the detection signal of the liquid level sensor to drain the liquid water in the water collecting cup out of the housing.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which includes: a fuel tank; a fuel filter, where the fuel filter is the fuel filter of the above embodiment, and the fuel filter is connected to the fuel tank.

[0017] Applying the technical solution of the present invention, by providing an oil suction pipe on one side of the housing, and the oil suction pipe is arranged along the height direction of the housing, it is beneficial to reduce the lateral occupied space and improve the space utilization efficiency. By providing a filtering component in the housing to filter the oil in the housing, a spiral oil inlet channel is formed between the outer wall of a part of the filtering component and the inner wall of the housing. At the same time, one end of the oil suction pipe is communicated with the dirty oil side of the fuel tank, and the other end of the oil suction pipe is communicated with the spiral oil inlet channel. The setting of the spiral oil inlet channel further extends the fuel flow path, which helps to improve the removal efficiency of tiny impurities. Then, by combining the annular oil inlet channel with the spiral oil inlet channel, the low fuel flow efficiency is avoided, thus solving the technical problem of poor impurity filtering effect caused by the short flow path of the oil inlet channel in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The specification drawings forming a part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 Shows a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a first embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 Shows a schematic structure diagram of the filtering component of the fuel filter according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 Shows a schematic structure diagram of a first embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 Shows a schematic structure diagram of a second embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 Shows a schematic structure diagram of the water repellent net of the fuel filter according to the present invention.

[0024] Wherein, the above-mentioned drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0025] 10. Housing;

[0026] 11. Oil suction pipe;

[0027] 111. Oil suction port;

[0028] 12. Oil inlet;

[0029] 20. Filter assembly;

[0030] 21. Filter element assembly;

[0031] 211. Water-repellent net;

[0032] 2111. Water-repellent section;

[0033] 2112. Water-collecting section;

[0034] 212. Filter layer;

[0035] 213. Hollow cavity;

[0036] 22. Connecting pipe section;

[0037] 221. Spiral rib;

[0038] 31. Annular oil inlet channel;

[0039] 32. Spiral oil inlet channel;

[0040] 40. Pump body assembly;

[0041] 41. Connecting channel;

[0042] 42. Exhaust pipe;

[0043] 50. Water collecting cup. Detailed implementation manners

[0044] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0045] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing the specific implementation manners and are not intended to limit the exemplary implementation manners according to the present application. As used herein, unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "include" and / or "comprise" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0046] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description, claims and above-mentioned drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order different from those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0047] Now, exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited only to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present application is thorough and complete, and the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and thus their description will be omitted.

[0048] Combined with Figures 1 to 5 As shown, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, a fuel filter is provided.

[0049] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the fuel filter includes: a housing 10, an oil suction pipe 11 is provided on one side of the housing 10, the oil suction pipe 11 is arranged along the height direction of the housing 10, and one end of the oil suction pipe 11 is used to communicate with the dirty oil side of the fuel tank; a filtering component 20, the filtering component 20 is arranged in the housing 10, the filtering component 20 is arranged along the height direction of the housing 10, an annular oil inlet channel 31 is formed between the outer wall of a part of the filtering component 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10, a spiral oil inlet channel 32 is formed between the outer wall of another part of the filtering component 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10, and the other end of the oil suction pipe 11 is communicated with the spiral oil inlet channel 32.

[0050] In this embodiment, an oil suction pipe 11 is provided on one side of the housing 10, and the oil suction pipe 11 is arranged along the height direction of the housing 10, which helps to reduce the lateral occupied space and improve the space utilization efficiency. A filter assembly 20 is provided in the housing 10 to filter the oil in the housing 10. A spiral oil inlet channel 32 is formed between the outer wall of a part of the filter assembly 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10. At the same time, one end of the oil suction pipe 11 is communicated with the dirty oil side of the fuel tank, and the other end of the oil suction pipe 11 is communicated with the spiral oil inlet channel 32. The setting of the spiral oil inlet channel 32 further extends the fuel flow path, which helps to improve the removal efficiency of tiny impurities. Then, by combining the annular oil inlet channel 31 with the spiral oil inlet channel 32, the low fuel flow efficiency is avoided, thus solving the technical problem that the impurity filtration effect is poor due to the short flow path of the oil inlet channel in the prior art.

[0051] Further, the filter assembly 20 includes: a filter element assembly 21 located in the housing 10, and a part of the filter element assembly 21 is connected to the housing 10; a connecting pipe section 22 arranged along the circumferential direction of a part of the filter element assembly 21, and at least one spiral rib 221 is convexly provided on the circumferential direction of the connecting pipe section 22, and a spiral oil inlet channel 32 is formed between the spiral rib 221 and the inner wall of the housing 10.

[0052] Combined Figure 2 As shown, at least one spiral rib 221 is convexly provided on the circumferential direction of the connecting pipe section 22. The design of the spiral rib increases the surface area of the connecting pipe section, and at the same time provides a guiding structure for the spiral flow of the fuel, which helps to extend the residence time of the fuel in the filter and improve the filtration efficiency. By forming a spiral oil inlet channel, the contact opportunity between the fuel and the filter medium is increased, and the capture and separation efficiency of impurities and moisture is improved; the complex path extends the fuel residence time, which helps to filter more thoroughly.

[0053] Further, the filter element assembly 21 includes: a water-repellent net 211 located in the housing 10; a filter layer 212 arranged along the outer circumference of the water-repellent net 211, and the connecting pipe section 22 is arranged at one end of the filter layer 212 close to the top of the water-repellent net 211, and the connecting pipe section 22 is arranged along the circumferential direction of the filter layer 212.

[0054] Combined Figure 1 As shown, the fuel enters the filter layer 212 through the spiral oil inlet channel 32 and the annular oil inlet channel 31. The filter layer 212 first pre-treats the fuel, intercepts and removes solid impurities in the fuel. The filtered fuel enters the water-repellent net 211. The water-repellent net 211 is used for oil-water separation, accelerating the sedimentation of water, reducing the influence on the filter layer, and improving the overall oil-water separation efficiency of the filter.

[0055] In this embodiment, the filter layer 212 is provided as a plurality of sheet-like structures evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the water-repellent net 211.

[0056] In another embodiment, the filter layer is designed as a multi-stage structure, including a primary filter screen, a secondary filter paper, and a final precision filtration membrane. Each stage of the filter layer targets impurities of different sizes and performs multi-stage filtration from coarse to fine to ensure high purity of the fuel.

[0057] Furthermore, the water-repellent net 211 includes a water-repellent section 2111 and a water-collecting section 2112. The water-repellent section 2111 is located above the water-collecting section 2112. The connecting pipe section 22 is arranged to extend along the circumferential direction of the filter layer 212 on the outer periphery of the water-repellent section 2111, and the top of the connecting pipe section 22 is arranged flush with the top of the water-repellent section 2111. The end of the connecting pipe section 22 covers part of the end of the water-repellent section 2111, so that the oil body flowing out from the spiral oil inlet channel 32 enters the water-collecting section 2112 after passing through part of the water-repellent section 2111.

[0058] Combined with Figure 5 As shown, the water-repellent section 2111 is closely adjacent to the filter layer 212, and the top of the connecting pipe section 22 is arranged flush with the top of the water-repellent section. After the fuel flows out from the connecting pipe section 22, it enters the filter layer 212 and then enters the water-repellent section 2111. After being processed by the water-repellent section 2111, the water in the oil-water mixture is guided to the lower water-collecting section 2112. This design enables the water to be more effectively coalesced and settled into the water collection cup without affecting the normal operation of the filter layer 212.

[0059] Furthermore, an oil inlet 12 is provided on the side wall of the housing 10, and the suction pipe 11 is communicated with the spiral oil inlet channel 32 through the oil inlet 12.

[0060] Specifically, the oil inlet 12 on the side wall of the housing 10 is communicated with the suction pipe 11, providing a direct and efficient path for the fuel to enter the filter. This structure optimizes the starting point of the fuel flow, ensuring that the fuel can flow smoothly and quickly into the interior of the filter, reducing the resistance during the oil inlet process, and improving the fuel circulation efficiency. By being communicated with the spiral oil inlet channel 32, the oil inlet 12 enables the fuel to be evenly distributed after entering the filter, avoiding local overheating or overpressure, and at the same time ensuring that the fuel can evenly contact the filter layer 212, improving the filtration efficiency. The design of the spiral oil inlet channel 32 increases the fuel flow path, helps to disperse the fuel, and enables it to form a more uniform coverage on the surface of the filter layer 212.

[0061] Furthermore, the fuel filter further includes: a pump body assembly 40. The pump body assembly 40 is connected to the housing 10. An air suction port is provided on the pump body assembly 40, and the air suction port is arranged to be communicated with the interior of the housing 10 and is located inside the water-repellent section 2111.

[0062] Specifically, the pump body assembly 40 is connected to the housing 10. The pump body assembly 40 is provided with a suction port, which is located inside the water-repellent section 2111 and communicates with the interior of the housing 10. Through its pumping action, the pump body assembly 40 creates a vacuum or negative pressure inside the filter. This pressure difference causes the fuel to pass through the filter layer 212 and the water-repellent section 2111 from the inlet port and finally enter the interior of the pump body. When the pump body starts, a negative pressure is formed inside the filter through its pumping action. This negative pressure sucks the fuel in the fuel tank into the filter and also extracts the air (or oil-gas mixture) inside the filter, ensuring that the filter can quickly enter the normal working state; by creating a pressure difference, it promotes the fuel inlet and outlet processes and improves the efficiency of fuel circulation. During the pumping process of the pump body assembly 40, the gas inside the filter is extracted, and this part of the gas is discharged through an optimized exhaust path (such as flowing through the exhaust pipe from the exhaust valve and finally returning to the fuel tank), avoiding the accumulation of gas inside the filter and affecting the normal flow of fuel.

[0063] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 shown, the water-repellent net 211 has a hollow cavity 213, and at least part of the pump body assembly 40 is located inside the hollow cavity 213.

[0064] Specifically, placing at least part of the pump body assembly 40 inside the hollow cavity 213 of the water-repellent net 211 optimizes the space utilization inside the filter, reduces the occupation of the external space of the filter by the pump body assembly 40, and at the same time makes the pump body assembly 40 closer to the fuel source, that is, the filtered fuel, thus improving the fuel pumping efficiency.

[0065] In another embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the pump body assembly 40 is located outside the housing 10. A connecting channel 41 is provided on one side of the pump body assembly 40. The suction port communicates with the inside of the water-repellent section 2111 through the connecting channel 41. An exhaust pipe 42 is provided at the bottom of the pump body assembly 40. The exhaust pipe 42 is arranged along the length direction of the housing 10, and the exhaust pipe 42 is used to communicate with the fuel tank.

[0066] Specifically, the pump body assembly 40 can be placed outside the housing 10 and communicate with the inside of the water-repellent section 2111 through the connecting channel 41. This design maintains the direct connection between the pump body assembly 40 and the fuel, and at the same time facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the pump body assembly 40, reducing the interference with the internal structure of the filter. An exhaust pipe 42 is provided at the bottom of the pump body assembly 40. The exhaust pipe is arranged along the length direction of the housing 10 and is used to communicate with the fuel tank. This layout ensures that when the pump body is working, the gas inside the filter can be effectively discharged, avoiding the decrease in fuel pumping efficiency or damage to the filter structure caused by excessive internal air pressure.

[0067] Further, the fuel filter further includes: a water collection cup 50, which is located at the bottom inside the housing 10. The water collection cup 50 is connected to the filter assembly 20. A drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the water collection cup 50, and the drain pipe is communicatively provided with a drain pump. The drain pump is provided outside the housing 10, and a drain outlet is provided on the drain pump.

[0068] Specifically, the water collection cup 50 is arranged at the bottom inside the housing 10 and is directly connected to the filter assembly 20. This design enables water molecules to quickly settle into the water collection cup 50 after the fuel passes through the filter layer and the water-repellent net, avoiding the long-term retention of water inside the filter and reducing the possibility of the water re-mixing into the fuel. The bottom of the water collection cup 50 is communicated with the drain pump through a drain pipe. The drain pump is arranged outside the housing 10, and a drain outlet is provided thereon. This forms an automatic drainage system. When the water level in the water collection cup reaches a preset threshold, the drain pump is automatically activated to drain the water from inside the filter to the outside. The drain outlet on the drain pump ensures that the water can be completely drained out of the filter system instead of simply being drained back into the fuel tank. This prevents the water from re-mixing into the fuel and causing potential damage to the fuel system.

[0069] Further, the fuel filter further includes: a liquid level sensor, which is arranged inside the water collection cup 50 and is used to detect the liquid level height of the liquid water inside the water collection cup 50; a controller, which is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor and the drain pump. The controller controls the opening and closing of the drain pump based on the detection signal of the liquid level sensor to drain the liquid water inside the water collection cup 50 out of the housing 10.

[0070] Specifically, the liquid level sensor is arranged inside the water collection cup 50 and can real-time monitor the liquid level height of the liquid water in the water collection cup. This information is transmitted to the controller, and the controller intelligently controls the opening and closing of the drain pump according to the detection signal of the liquid level sensor, realizing the automatic drainage function, improving the intelligent level of the fuel filter. Automatic drainage does not require manual intervention, reducing the complexity of maintenance and labor costs; real-time monitoring ensures that the drain pump starts working before the water level reaches the threshold, preventing excessive water from affecting the fuel quality.

[0071] Further, one end of the oil suction pipe 11 is provided with an oil suction port 111. The oil suction port 111 is located at the bottom of the dirty oil side of the fuel tank, and a filter screen structure is provided at the oil suction port 111 for filtering large particle impurities.

[0072] Combined with Figure 1 As shown, setting a filter screen structure at the oil suction port 111 of the oil suction pipe 11 can effectively block large particle impurities at the bottom of the fuel tank from entering the fuel circulation system. These impurities may be deposited dust, rust fragments or other solid substances.

[0073] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which includes: a fuel tank; a fuel filter, the fuel filter being the fuel filter of the above embodiment, and the fuel filter is connected to the fuel tank.

[0074] The fuel filter includes: a housing 10, on one side of the housing 10, an oil suction pipe 11 is provided, the oil suction pipe 11 is arranged along the height direction of the housing 10, and one end of the oil suction pipe 11 is used to communicate with the dirty oil side of the fuel tank; a filtering component 20, the filtering component 20 is arranged inside the housing 10, the filtering component 20 is arranged along the height direction of the housing 10, an annular oil inlet channel 31 is formed between the outer wall of a part of the filtering component 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10, and a spiral oil inlet channel 32 is formed between the outer wall of another part of the filtering component 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10, and the other end of the oil suction pipe 11 is communicated with the spiral oil inlet channel 32.

[0075] In this embodiment, by arranging the oil suction pipe 11 on one side of the housing 10 and arranging the oil suction pipe 11 along the height direction of the housing 10, it is beneficial to reduce the lateral occupied space and improve the space utilization efficiency. By arranging the filtering component 20 inside the housing 10 to filter the oil in the housing 10, a spiral oil inlet channel 32 is formed between the outer wall of a part of the filtering component 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10. At the same time, one end of the oil suction pipe 11 is communicated with the dirty oil side of the fuel tank, and the other end of the oil suction pipe 11 is communicated with the spiral oil inlet channel 32. The arrangement of the spiral oil inlet channel 32 further extends the fuel flow path, which helps to improve the removal efficiency of minute impurities. By combining the use of the annular oil inlet channel 31 and the spiral oil inlet channel 32, the problem of low fuel flow efficiency is avoided, thereby solving the technical problem that the impurity filtering effect is poor due to the short flow path of the oil inlet channel in the prior art.

[0076] In another embodiment of the present application, the working principle of the fuel filter of the present invention is as follows: Before the fuel enters the filter, the preliminary filter screen structure at the suction pipe blocks large-particle impurities, reducing the burden on the subsequent filter components. The inhaled fuel enters the spiral inlet passage of the filter component from the suction pipe. The spiral path formed here increases the contact area and time between the fuel and the filter element, contributing to a more thorough removal of minute impurities. The fuel then passes through the filter layer of the filter element assembly, where impurities are intercepted, and the clean fuel continues to move forward. The filtered fuel passes through the water-repellent net, where the moisture is coalesced into larger water droplets and settles into the water collection cup, while the clean fuel continues to pass through the filter. The heater in the middle of the filter element structure can accelerate the oil-water separation process and improve the separation efficiency. The clean fuel pushes open the oil passing check valve, enters the oil outlet cavity, and finally flows out from the oil outlet to supply the engine. At the same time, the filter is connected to the fuel tank and other systems through various pipelines (inlet oil passage, return fuel tank oil passage, and return filter module oil passage) to maintain the pressure balance of the entire fuel system. The filter is equipped with an exhaust valve and a drainage pipeline, and the pressure inside the cavity and the water level in the water collection cup are monitored through intelligent sensors. When the pressure or water level reaches the preset threshold, the corresponding valve (exhaust valve or drainage pump) opens to discharge the gas or moisture from the filter or return it to the fuel tank, avoiding problems caused by air trapping in the system or excessive water level.

[0077] From the above description, it can be seen that the above embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects:

[0078] (1) High-efficiency oil-water separation and impurity removal: By adopting an improved filter structure, such as an annular inlet passage, a spiral annular structure, and a water-repellent net design, the oil-water separation efficiency is significantly improved. At the same time, the impurities in the fuel are reduced and removed through the preliminary filter screen and the internal water-accumulating filter element, ensuring the cleanliness and operating efficiency of the fuel system.

[0079] (2) Automatic exhaust function: With an optimized exhaust path and an automatic exhaust strategy, the pressure inside the cavity is detected by a sensor to automatically control the opening and closing of the exhaust valve, effectively avoiding excessive internal air pressure or bubble accumulation in the filter, ensuring smooth fuel flow, and improving the stability and reliability of the fuel system.

[0080] (3) Intelligent drainage and liquid level control: Through the intelligent control of the liquid level sensor set in the water collection cup and the external drainage pump, automatic drainage is achieved, reducing the frequency of manual maintenance. At the same time, the safe control of the liquid level in the water collection cup is ensured, protecting the fuel system from the influence of moisture.

[0081] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as "above", "over", "on the upper surface", "upper", etc., may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of one device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "over" other devices or structures will then be positioned "below" or "beneath" the other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the orientations of "above" and "below". The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the corresponding explanations for the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be made accordingly.

[0082] In addition to the above, it should also be noted that the "one embodiment", "another embodiment", "embodiment", etc. mentioned in this specification refer to the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment being included in at least one embodiment generally described in this application. The same expression appearing in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when describing a specific feature, structure or characteristic in connection with any one embodiment, it is intended that the implementation of such feature, structure or characteristic in connection with other embodiments also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of the respective embodiments have their own emphases. For parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0084] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and changes. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel filter, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing (10), on one side of the housing (10) there is an oil suction pipe (11), the oil suction pipe (11) is arranged along the height direction of the housing (10), and one end of the oil suction pipe (11) is used to communicate with the dirty oil side of the fuel tank; A filter assembly (20), the filter assembly (20) is arranged inside the housing (10), the filter assembly (20) is arranged along the height direction of the housing (10), an annular oil inlet passage (31) is formed between the outer wall of part of the filter assembly (20) and the inner wall of the housing (10), and a spiral oil inlet passage (32) is formed between the outer wall of another part of the filter assembly (20) and the inner wall of the housing (10), and the other end of the oil suction pipe (11) is communicated with the spiral oil inlet passage (32).

2. The fuel filter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter assembly (20) includes: A filter element assembly (21), the filter element assembly (21) is located inside the housing (10), and part of the filter element assembly (21) is connected to the housing (10); A connecting pipe section (22), the connecting pipe section (22) is arranged along the circumference of part of the filter element assembly (21), at least one spiral rib (221) is protrudingly arranged on the circumference of the connecting pipe section (22), and the spiral oil inlet passage (32) is formed between the spiral rib (221) and the inner wall of the housing (10).

3. The fuel filter according to claim 2, wherein, The filter element assembly (21) includes: A water-repellent net (211), the water-repellent net (211) is located inside the housing (10); A filter layer (212), the filter layer (212) is arranged along the outer circumference of the water-repellent net (211), the connecting pipe section (22) is arranged at one end of the filter layer (212) close to the top of the water-repellent net (211), and the connecting pipe section (22) is arranged along the circumference of the filter layer (212).

4. The fuel filter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water-repellent net (211) includes a water-repellent section (2111) and a water-collecting section (2112), the water-repellent section (2111) is located above the water-collecting section (2112), the connecting pipe section (22) extends along the circumference of the filter layer (212) on the outer circumference of the water-repellent section (2111), and the top of the connecting pipe section (22) is arranged flush with the top of the water-repellent section (2111), and the end of the connecting pipe section (22) covers part of the end of the water-repellent section (2111), so that the oil body flowing out from the spiral oil inlet passage (32) enters the water-collecting section (2112) after passing through part of the water-repellent section (2111).

5. The fuel filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, An oil inlet (12) is arranged on the side wall of the housing (10), and the oil suction pipe (11) is communicated with the spiral oil inlet passage (32) through the oil inlet (12).

6. The fuel filter according to claim 4, wherein, The fuel filter further includes: A pump body assembly (40), the pump body assembly (40) is connected to the housing (10), an air suction port is arranged on the pump body assembly (40), the air suction port is communicated with the inside of the housing (10), and the air suction port is located inside the water-repellent section (2111).

7. The fuel filter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water-repellent net (211) has a hollow cavity (213), at least part of the pump body assembly (40) is located inside the hollow cavity (213), or the pump body assembly (40) is located outside the housing (10). A connection channel (41) is provided on one side of the pump body assembly (40). The suction port is communicated with the inner side of the water-repellent section (2111) through the connection channel (41). An exhaust pipe (42) is provided at the bottom of the pump body assembly (40). The exhaust pipe (42) is arranged along the length direction of the housing (10), and the exhaust pipe (42) is used for communicating with the fuel tank.

8. The fuel filter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel filter further includes: A water collecting cup (50), the water collecting cup (50) is located at the bottom inside the housing (10). The water collecting cup (50) is connected to the filter assembly (20). A drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the water collecting cup (50). The drain pipe is communicatively arranged with a drainage pump. The drainage pump is arranged outside the housing (10), and a drainage outlet is provided on the drainage pump.

9. The fuel filter according to claim 8, wherein, The fuel filter further includes: A liquid level sensor, the liquid level sensor is arranged inside the water collecting cup (50), and the liquid level sensor is used for detecting the liquid level height of the liquid water inside the water collecting cup (50); A controller, the controller is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor and the drainage pump. The controller controls the opening and closing of the drainage pump based on the detection signal of the liquid level sensor to discharge the liquid water inside the water collecting cup (50) outside the housing (10).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes: A fuel tank; A fuel filter, the fuel filter is the fuel filter according to any one of claims 1-9, and the fuel filter is connected to the fuel tank.