Fuel filter maintenance device, fuel filter assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a fuel filter maintenance device, a fuel filter assembly and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of fuel filters, wherein the device comprises a primary pressure relief valve, a multi-stage pressure relief valve and a fuel leakage alarm. The input end of the primary pressure relief valve is connected to the oil inlet of a fuel fine filter. The input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve is connected to the oil inlet of a fuel coarse filter, and the primary oil return port is connected to the oil inlet of the fuel fine filter. The fuel leakage alarm is connected to the output end of the primary pressure relief valve and the secondary oil return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve. The opening of the primary pressure relief valve is configured to be related to the pressure difference of the fuel fine filter, and the opening of the multi-stage pressure relief valve is configured to be related to the pressure difference of the fuel coarse filter. The fuel leakage alarm is configured to issue a first warning when the secondary oil return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve is opened, and a second warning when the output end of the primary pressure relief valve is opened. The device does not have an electronic pressure difference sensor, is simple to lay out, easy to maintain, and has high warning accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the field of fuel filter technology, specifically relating to a fuel filter maintenance device, a fuel filter assembly, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, fuel filter maintenance mainly relies on time-based maintenance (such as every six months or 20,000 kilometers). This maintenance method has the problem of untimely or excessive maintenance. When the fuel pressure reaches the filter's burst pressure, the filter will be damaged and cause fuel leakage, posing a safety risk.

[0003] In related technologies, in two- or multi-stage fuel filter systems, due to fuel quality, the fine fuel filter and the coarse fuel filter typically do not reach their final differential pressure simultaneously. Replacing all filters during maintenance wastes part of their lifespan. While some related technologies employ differential pressure sensors to monitor filter status, these require dedicated oil and electrical circuits, resulting in higher costs and ineffective filter protection under certain operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a fuel filter maintenance device, a fuel filter assembly, and a vehicle, which aims to at least partially solve the technical problems of safety risks caused by untimely maintenance or waste of filter capacity due to excessive maintenance.

[0005] At least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a fuel filter maintenance device, the fuel filter including a coarse fuel filter and a fine fuel filter arranged sequentially in the fuel flow direction, the fuel filter maintenance device comprising:

[0006] A first-stage pressure relief valve, the input end of which is connected to the fuel inlet of the fuel filter;

[0007] A multi-stage pressure relief valve, wherein the input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve is connected to the inlet of the fuel pre-filter, and the output end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve includes a primary return port and a secondary return port, the primary return port being connected to the inlet of the fuel fine filter; and,

[0008] A fuel leak alarm is connected to the output end of the first-stage pressure relief valve and the second-stage return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve.

[0009] The opening of the primary pressure relief valve is configured to be related to the pressure differential of the fuel fine filter, the opening of the multi-stage pressure relief valve is configured to be related to the pressure differential of the fuel coarse filter, and the fuel leak alarm is configured to issue a first-level warning to prompt the fuel coarse filter to replace the filter element when the secondary return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve is opened, and to issue a second-level warning to prompt the fuel fine filter to replace the filter element when the output end of the primary pressure relief valve is opened.

[0010] In at least one embodiment of the fuel filter maintenance device provided in this disclosure, the multi-stage pressure relief valve is configured to: when the pressure difference of the fuel pre-filter reaches a preset first set pressure, open the first-stage return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve to bypass the fuel flowing out of the first-stage return port to the fuel fine filter; and when the pressure difference of the fuel pre-filter reaches a preset second set pressure, open the second-stage return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve to bypass the fuel flowing out of the second-stage return port to the fuel leak alarm, causing the fuel leak alarm to issue a first-level warning, wherein the first set pressure is less than the second set pressure; and...

[0011] The first-stage pressure relief valve is configured to open when the inlet pressure of the fuel filter reaches a preset third set pressure, so as to bypass the fuel flowing out of the output end of the first-stage pressure relief valve to the fuel leak alarm, so that the fuel leak alarm issues a second-stage warning, wherein the inlet pressure of the fuel filter is related to the pressure difference of the fuel filter.

[0012] In at least one embodiment of the fuel filter maintenance device provided in this disclosure, both the primary pressure relief valve and the multi-stage pressure relief valve are physical valves; and...

[0013] The fuel leak alarm includes an independently configured coarse filter alarm unit and a fine filter alarm unit. The input end of the coarse filter alarm unit is connected to the secondary oil return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve, and the input end of the fine filter alarm unit is connected to the output end of the primary pressure relief valve.

[0014] The first-level warning issued by the coarse filter alarm unit and the second-level warning issued by the fine filter alarm unit use different combinations of sound and light alarms.

[0015] In a fuel filter maintenance device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the second set pressure is less than the third set pressure.

[0016] In at least one embodiment of the fuel filter maintenance device provided in this disclosure, the multi-stage pressure relief valve includes:

[0017] The valve body has a hollow valve cavity and a primary oil return port and a secondary oil return port that connect the valve cavity. One end of the valve cavity serves as the input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve.

[0018] A process plug is disposed at the other end of the valve cavity and is sealed to the inner wall of the valve cavity;

[0019] A valve core, wherein the valve core is disposed inside the valve cavity, and the valve core has an oil inlet passage, one end of the oil inlet passage having a first port for connecting to the input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve, and the other end having a second port for connecting to the valve cavity; and,

[0020] An elastic component is disposed inside the valve cavity, with one end of the elastic component connected to the process plug and the other end connected to the valve core.

[0021] In at least one embodiment of the fuel filter maintenance device provided in this disclosure, the multi-stage pressure relief valve further includes:

[0022] A sealing component is provided at the input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve on the outside of the valve body to prevent fuel leakage from the multi-stage pressure relief valve.

[0023] The fuel filter maintenance device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure further includes:

[0024] A drive mechanism is used to move the valve core;

[0025] A controller, which has a built-in fuel filter maintenance program and is connected to the drive mechanism;

[0026] The fuel filter maintenance procedure is configured as follows:

[0027] Upon receiving a fuel filter maintenance command, monitor the pressure differential of the fuel coarse filter and the inlet pressure of the fuel fine filter;

[0028] When the pressure differential of the fuel pre-filter reaches a preset first set pressure, a first control signal is sent to the drive mechanism to cause the drive mechanism to drive the valve core of the multi-stage pressure relief valve to start moving until the first-stage return port opens, allowing the fuel flowing out of the first-stage return port to bypass to the fuel fine filter; and

[0029] When the pressure difference of the fuel pre-filter reaches the second preset pressure, a second control signal is sent to the drive mechanism to make the drive mechanism drive the valve core of the multi-stage pressure relief valve to move again until both the first-stage return port and the second-stage return port are opened, so that the fuel flowing out of the second-stage return port is bypassed to the fuel leak alarm.

[0030] The fuel filter maintenance device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure further includes:

[0031] A reset device is provided for resetting the fuel leak alarm and the corresponding multi-stage pressure relief valve or the first-stage pressure relief valve after the fuel coarse filter or the fuel fine filter has been replaced.

[0032] In at least one embodiment of the fuel filter maintenance device provided in this disclosure, the multi-stage pressure relief valve is provided with:

[0033] In the closed state, the valve core is in the first position, the elastic member is not compressed, and the second port is closed;

[0034] In the first-stage return oil state, the valve core reaches the second position, the compression force of the elastic component matches the first set pressure, the second port is opened, the first-stage return oil port is opened and the second-stage return oil port is closed.

[0035] In the secondary oil return state, the valve core reaches the third position, the compression force of the elastic component matches the second set pressure, the second port is opened, and both the primary oil return port and the secondary oil return port are open.

[0036] In at least one embodiment of the fuel filter maintenance device provided in this disclosure, the fuel leak alarm is equipped with:

[0037] The self-test module is used to automatically monitor the operating status of the fuel leak alarm after the fuel filter maintenance device is started, and to issue a fault prompt when the operating status of the fuel leak alarm exceeds the preset normal range.

[0038] At least one embodiment of this disclosure also provides a fuel filter assembly, the fuel filter assembly including a fuel filter and a fuel filter maintenance device as provided in any embodiment of this disclosure.

[0039] At least one embodiment of this disclosure also provides a vehicle including a fuel filter and a fuel filter maintenance device as provided in any embodiment of this disclosure.

[0040] Compared to related technologies, the fuel filter maintenance device, fuel filter assembly, and vehicle provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can significantly improve the maintenance efficiency and accuracy of fuel filters. Traditional fuel filter maintenance methods typically rely on timing, making it difficult to accurately determine the degree of filter element clogging, easily leading to problems such as untimely or over-maintenance. The fuel filter maintenance device proposed in this disclosure, however, does not use an electronic differential pressure sensor. It can use physical valves to monitor the status of the fuel filter (pressure difference between the coarse and fine fuel filters) and issue timely warnings when the filter element is about to become clogged. This makes the structure easy to maintain and improves the safety and reliability of the fuel filter. This method of determining maintenance timing based on the opening status of the primary and multi-stage pressure relief valves effectively avoids mechanical failures and performance degradation caused by improper maintenance. The device does not require dedicated oil and electrical circuits. Especially in marine or vehicle applications, the fuel leak alarm can also utilize existing alarms for corresponding warnings. Furthermore, by using a two-stage pressure relief valve to fully utilize the dust holding capacity of the fuel fine filter after the fuel coarse filter, the service life of the two-stage pressure relief valve product can be effectively improved, and the service life of the fuel filter can be effectively extended, reducing maintenance costs, improving the overall operating efficiency and reliability of construction machinery, and solving the technical problems of safety risks caused by untimely maintenance or waste of filter capacity due to excessive maintenance.

[0041] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel filter maintenance device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-stage pressure relief valve provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of yet another multi-stage pressure relief valve provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the closed state of a multi-stage pressure relief valve provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 5A schematic diagram of the first-stage oil return state of a multi-stage pressure relief valve provided for at least one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the two-stage oil return state of a multi-stage pressure relief valve provided for at least one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an example of a fuel filter maintenance procedure provided for at least one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 8 A structural block diagram of a fuel filter assembly provided for at least one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of a vehicle provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure Labels

[0053] 100 - Fuel filter maintenance device; 101 - Primary pressure relief valve; 102 - Multi-stage pressure relief valve; 103 - Fuel leak alarm;

[0054] 200-Fuel filter; 201-Fuel fine filter; 202-Fuel coarse filter; 102a-Valve body; 102b-Process plug;

[0055] 102c - Valve core; 102d - Elastic component; 102e - Sealing component; A - Primary oil return port; B - Secondary oil return port. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be particularly noted that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Similarly, the following embodiments are only some, not all, embodiments of the present disclosure, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0057] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the embodiments of this disclosure are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, "multiple" means at least two, such as two or three, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0058] In this disclosure, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and perform secondary processing on the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0059] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, used in the embodiments of this disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, fuel filter maintenance device, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or components inherent to such processes, fuel filter maintenance devices, products, or devices.

[0060] In this disclosure, the term "maintenance cycle" refers to the time during which the filter requires maintenance as specified by the manufacturer.

[0061] In this disclosure, the term "final pressure differential" refers to the pressure differential of the filter when the filter element reaches its maximum withstand limit. Typically, a certain safety margin is reserved for the final pressure differential, which is slightly less than the filter's breakage pressure differential.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fuel filter maintenance device provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The fuel filter 200 includes a coarse fuel filter 202 and a fine fuel filter 201 arranged sequentially in the fuel flow direction (also called the fuel inlet direction). Figure 1 As shown, the fuel filter maintenance device 100 includes a primary pressure relief valve 101, a multi-stage pressure relief valve 102, and a fuel leak alarm 103.

[0063] The input end of the first-stage pressure relief valve 101 is connected to the oil inlet of the fuel filter 201.

[0064] The input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 is connected to the oil inlet of the fuel coarse filter 202, and the output end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 includes a primary oil return port (also called the primary oil return port) and a secondary oil return port (also called the secondary oil return port). The primary oil return port is connected to the oil inlet of the fuel fine filter 201.

[0065] The fuel leak alarm is connected to the output end of the first-stage pressure relief valve 101 and the second-stage return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102.

[0066] Specifically, the opening of the first-stage pressure relief valve 101 is configured to be related to the pressure difference of the fuel fine filter 201 (the pressure difference between the input and output ends), the opening of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 is configured to be related to the pressure difference of the fuel coarse filter 202 (the pressure difference between the input and output ends), and the fuel leak alarm 103 is configured to issue a first-stage warning to prompt the fuel coarse filter 202 to replace the filter element when the second-stage return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 is opened, and to issue a second-stage warning to prompt the fuel fine filter 201 to replace the filter element when the output end of the first-stage pressure relief valve 101 is opened.

[0067] It should be noted that the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 is equipped with multiple levels of return ports, including but not limited to the aforementioned primary and secondary return ports. This multi-stage design allows the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 to more effectively handle different levels of pressure variations within the fuel pre-filter 202. Each stage of the pressure relief valve 101 is set with a different opening pressure value to ensure that a suitable pressure relief channel is open under different pressure conditions, thereby protecting the fuel system from damage caused by excessive pressure. Furthermore, this design of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 also improves its operational stability and reliability, extending the service life of the fuel filter 200 and the entire fuel system. In practical applications, the precise control and efficient pressure relief capability of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 provide crucial safety assurance for the vehicle's fuel system.

[0068] Some embodiments of this disclosure also provide a fuel filter assembly and a vehicle corresponding to the above-described fuel filter maintenance device.

[0069] The fuel filter maintenance device 100 provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure is applicable to any existing construction machinery using a fuel filter 200, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, this device can be applied to various types of construction machinery such as excavators, loaders, bulldozers, road rollers, and cranes. In these machines, the fuel filter 200 plays a crucial role, filtering out impurities and moisture from the fuel to ensure stable and efficient engine operation. However, with prolonged use, the filter element of the fuel filter 200 gradually becomes clogged, leading to poor fuel flow and consequently affecting the performance and lifespan of the machinery. By employing the fuel filter maintenance device 100 of this disclosure, the status of the fuel filter 200 can be monitored in real time, and a timely warning can be issued when the filter element is about to become clogged, reminding the operator to replace the corresponding filter element.

[0070] Compared to related technologies, the fuel filter maintenance device 100 proposed in this disclosure significantly improves the maintenance efficiency and accuracy of the fuel filter 200. Traditional fuel filter maintenance methods typically rely on timing, making it difficult to accurately determine the degree of filter element clogging, easily leading to untimely or excessive maintenance. The fuel filter maintenance device 100 proposed in this disclosure, however, eliminates the need for an electronic differential pressure sensor. It uses physical valves to monitor the status of the fuel filter 200 (the pressure difference between the coarse fuel filter 202 and the fine fuel filter 201) and issues timely warnings when the filter element is about to become clogged. This makes the structure easier to maintain and improves the safety and reliability of the fuel filter 200. This method of determining maintenance timing based on the opening status of the primary pressure relief valve 101 and the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 effectively avoids mechanical failures and performance degradation caused by improper maintenance. This device eliminates the need for dedicated oil and electrical circuits, and especially in marine or vehicle applications, existing alarms can be used for corresponding warnings. Furthermore, by using a two-stage pressure relief valve to fully utilize the dust holding capacity of the fuel fine filter 201 after the fuel coarse filter 202, the service life of the two-stage pressure relief valve product can be effectively improved, and the service life of the fuel filter 200 can be effectively extended, reducing maintenance costs, improving the overall operating efficiency and reliability of the construction machinery, and solving the technical problems of safety risks caused by untimely maintenance or waste of filter capacity caused by excessive maintenance.

[0071] Specifically, the first-stage pressure relief valve 101 can be set with a reasonable opening pressure value to ensure that the first-stage pressure relief valve 101 can open in time to release excess fuel pressure and issue a second-stage warning before the fuel pressure rises to a dangerous level due to the blockage of the fuel filter element 201. This protects the fuel system and engine from damage.

[0072] The multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 allows for more precise pressure management by accurately controlling the opening pressure values ​​of each stage. As the fuel filter element of the fuel filter 200 becomes increasingly clogged and the fuel pressure rises step by step, each pressure relief port (including the primary return port and the secondary port) will open sequentially to gradually release pressure, ensuring that the fuel system is properly protected when facing different levels of clogging. This multi-stage pressure relief mechanism not only improves the safety of the fuel system but also makes the pressure release of the fuel filter more stable, reducing the impact of instantaneous high pressure on the fuel system and engine, and further extending the service life of related components.

[0073] For the fuel leak alarm 103, its alarm mechanism does not require a differential pressure sensor; it only needs to control the opening status of the output of the primary pressure relief valve and the secondary return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve. Once the secondary return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 opens, the fuel leak alarm 103 detects a fuel leak and immediately triggers a first-level warning, reminding the operator to replace the filter element of the fuel pre-filter 202 in a timely manner. Alternatively, once the output of the primary pressure relief valve 101 opens, the fuel leak alarm 103 detects a fuel leak and immediately triggers a second-level warning, reminding the operator to replace the filter element of the fuel fine filter 201 in a timely manner. This tiered warning mechanism not only improves the timeliness and accuracy of fault response but also greatly reduces the potential safety risks caused by fuel leaks. When the first-level warning is triggered, it indicates that the filter element of the fuel pre-filter 202 has become clogged to a certain extent and needs to be cleaned or replaced in time to avoid further increases in fuel pressure and possible system damage. When the second-level warning is triggered, it means that the filter element of the fuel filter 201 has also reached the end of its service life, and immediate action must be taken to prevent irreversible damage to the engine.

[0074] In some embodiments, to accurately provide early warning of the condition of the fuel pre-filter 202, the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 is configured such that: when the pressure difference of the fuel pre-filter 202 reaches a preset first set pressure, the primary return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 opens to bypass the fuel flowing out of the primary return port to the fuel fine filter 201 (i.e., bypassing to the fuel fine filter 201 after primary opening); and when the pressure difference of the fuel pre-filter 202 reaches a preset second set pressure, the secondary return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 opens to bypass the fuel flowing out of the secondary return port to the fuel leak alarm 103, causing the fuel leak alarm 103 to issue a first-level warning (i.e., alarming after secondary opening), wherein the first set pressure is less than the second set pressure. The multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 can be a physical valve or an electronically controlled valve. This configuration of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 ensures the stability and reliability of the fuel filter 200. When the pressure differential of the fuel pre-filter 202 gradually increases to the first set pressure, the opening of the primary return port provides a bypass path for the fuel, thus preventing excessive pressure caused by blockage and protecting the fuel pre-filter 202 from damage. When the pressure differential continues to increase to a higher second set pressure, the opening of the secondary return port not only further bypasses the fuel, but more importantly, it triggers the first-level warning of the fuel leak alarm 103, reminding the operator to replace the fuel pre-filter 202 filter element in a timely manner. This progressively escalating response strategy ensures the continuous operation of the fuel system while effectively preventing potential malfunctions.

[0075] In some embodiments, to accurately provide early warning of the condition of the fuel filter element 201, the first-stage pressure relief valve 101 is configured to open when the inlet pressure of the fuel filter 201 reaches a preset third set pressure, thereby bypassing the fuel flowing from the output of the first-stage pressure relief valve 101 to the fuel leak alarm 103, causing the fuel leak alarm 103 to issue a second-stage warning. The inlet pressure of the fuel filter 201 is related to the pressure differential of the fuel filter 201. The first-stage pressure relief valve 101 can also be a physical valve or an electronically controlled valve; this configuration further enhances the safety and reliability of the fuel filter 200 system. When the inlet pressure of the fuel filter 201, a parameter closely related to the pressure differential of the fuel filter 201, reaches the preset third set pressure, it means that the fuel filter 201 may also be at risk of clogging. At this moment, the timely opening of the first-stage pressure relief valve 101 not only provides an additional bypass path for the fuel, relieving pressure on the fuel filter 201, but more importantly, this action also triggers the second-level warning of the fuel leak alarm 103. This warning level is more urgent than the previous first-level warning; it indicates to the operator that the fuel filter 200 has approached or reached its operating limit and requires immediate maintenance or filter element replacement to avoid more serious malfunctions. In this way, the fuel filter maintenance device 100 can achieve comprehensive monitoring of the condition of the fuel filter 200 and provide timely warnings when necessary, thereby effectively extending the service life of the fuel filter 200 and ensuring the normal operation of the construction machinery.

[0076] In some embodiments, to ensure the hierarchical nature and effectiveness of the warning system, the second set pressure is lower than the third set pressure; that is, the first, second, and third set pressures decrease sequentially. This gradient design of the pressure settings ensures the hierarchical nature and effectiveness of the warning system. When the inlet pressure of the fuel filter 201 reaches the lower second set pressure, the first-level warning is triggered first, prompting the operator to replace the fuel filter 202 of the fuel filter 200, but this is not yet an emergency. As the pressure continues to rise, once the higher third set pressure is reached, the second-level warning is activated. This more urgent warning signal compels the operator to take immediate action to inspect or replace the filter element of the fuel filter 201. This design not only improves the accuracy of the warning but also effectively avoids potential risks caused by untimely or false warnings, further enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the fuel filter maintenance device 100.

[0077] In some embodiments, to reduce uncertainties introduced by electronic components, both the primary pressure relief valve 101 and the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 are physical valves. These physical valves achieve pressure control through mechanical structures, eliminating the need for complex electronic components or control systems. The primary pressure relief valve 101 opens rapidly when the inlet pressure of the fuel filter 201 exceeds a third preset pressure, releasing excess pressure and protecting the fuel filter 200 from damage due to excessive pressure. The multi-stage pressure relief valve 102, on the other hand, gradually opens different levels of pressure relief channels according to different pressure stages, achieving more precise pressure regulation. This physical valve design not only improves system stability and reliability but also reduces dependence on external power sources, enabling the fuel filter maintenance device 100 to maintain efficient operation in various environments.

[0078] In some embodiments, to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of early warning, the fuel leak alarm 103 includes independently configured coarse filter alarm unit and fine filter alarm unit. The input end of the coarse filter alarm unit is connected to the secondary return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102, and the input end of the fine filter alarm unit is connected to the output end of the primary pressure relief valve 101. The coarse filter alarm unit monitors the working pressure of the fuel coarse filter 202. When the pressure difference of the fuel coarse filter 202 abnormally rises to a preset threshold, the coarse filter alarm unit will trigger an alarm signal, prompting the operator to inspect or maintain the fuel coarse filter 202. The fine filter alarm unit focuses on monitoring the pressure of the fuel fine filter 201. Once the working pressure of the fuel fine filter 201 exceeds the safe range, the fine filter alarm unit immediately responds and issues an alarm, ensuring timely maintenance of the fuel fine filter 201 and preventing the risk of fuel leakage due to blockage or damage. This dual alarm unit design not only improves the accuracy and timeliness of fuel filter 200 maintenance but also effectively ensures the overall safety performance of the vehicle's fuel system.

[0079] In some embodiments, to improve operator response speed, the first-level warning issued by the coarse filter alarm unit and the second-level warning issued by the fine filter alarm unit use different combinations of audible and visual alarms. This design allows operators to quickly distinguish between warning levels and determine the specific problem with the fuel filter 200 immediately. For example, the coarse filter alarm unit might use a low-pitched beeping sound paired with a flashing red light to indicate that the coarse filter may be clogged or slightly worn, requiring immediate inspection; while the fine filter alarm unit might use a high-frequency, sharp sound paired with a continuously illuminated yellow light to warn that the fine filter may be at risk of serious clogging or damage, requiring immediate action. This intuitive warning method greatly improves fault response speed and ensures the stable operation of the vehicle's fuel system.

[0080] In some embodiments, for ease of installation and replacement, the fuel filter 200 further includes a first filter holder for mounting the fuel pre-filter 202 and a second filter holder for mounting the fuel fine filter 201. A two-stage pressure relief valve is connected in parallel to the first filter holder. The design of the first and second filter holders not only facilitates the installation and replacement of the fuel pre-filter 202 and the fuel fine filter 201, but also optimizes the overall structure of the fuel filter 200 through a reasonable layout, improving its ease of maintenance and efficiency.

[0081] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-stage pressure relief valve provided for at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, in Figure 1 Based on this, the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 includes a valve body 102a, a process plug 102b, a valve core 102c, and an elastic component 102d. The valve body 102a has a hollow valve cavity and a primary return port A and a secondary return port B connecting the valve cavity. One end of the valve cavity serves as the input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102. The process plug 102b is located at the other end of the valve cavity and is sealed to the inner wall of the valve cavity. The valve core 102c is located inside the valve cavity, and an oil inlet passage is provided inside the valve core 102c. One end of the oil inlet passage has a first port for connecting to the input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102, and the other end has a second port for connecting to the valve cavity. The elastic component 102d is located inside the valve cavity, and one end of the elastic component 102d is connected to the process plug 102b, and the other end is connected to the valve core 102c.

[0082] The valve core 102c and the elastic component 102d (including but not limited to the spring) work together to play a crucial role in pressure relief. When the pressure difference of the fuel pre-filter 202 exceeds the first set pressure, the valve core 102c moves to the other end of the valve chamber under the action of the elastic component 102d, connecting the second port of the fuel inlet passage with the valve chamber. Simultaneously, the second port connects to the primary return port A, thus achieving primary fuel pressure relief. When the pressure difference of the fuel pre-filter 202 exceeds the second set pressure, the valve core 102c continues to move to the other end of the valve chamber under the action of the elastic component 102d, connecting the second port of the fuel inlet passage with the valve chamber. Simultaneously, the second port connects to the primary return port A and the secondary return port, thus achieving secondary fuel pressure relief. This multi-stage pressure relief design allows for step-by-step pressure relief according to different pressure requirements, ensuring the safety of the fuel system while avoiding unnecessary fuel waste. In addition, the sealing connection design of the valve body 102a and the process plug 102b ensures the sealing of the valve cavity, prevents fuel leakage, and further improves the working efficiency and stability of the fuel filter maintenance device 100.

[0083] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another multi-stage pressure relief valve provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, in Figure 2 In addition to the above, the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 also includes a sealing component 102e (including but not limited to a sealing ring). The sealing component 102e is located at the inlet of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 on the outside of the valve body 102a to prevent fuel leakage from the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102. The sealing component 102e is made of high-quality elastic material, possessing excellent sealing performance and resistance to fuel corrosion. Through precise design and installation, the sealing component 102e fits tightly against the outside of the valve body 102a, effectively preventing fuel leakage from the inlet of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102. This design not only enhances the sealing performance of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 but also improves the safety and reliability of the entire fuel filter maintenance device 100.

[0084] In some embodiments, to achieve precise early warning control, the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 is provided with a closed state, a first-stage return oil state, and a second-stage return oil state. In the closed state (also the initial state), the valve core 102c is in the first position, the elastic member 102d is not compressed, and the second port is closed, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, in this state, the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 does not return oil. In the first-stage oil return state, the valve core 102c reaches the second position along the oil inlet direction, the compression force of the elastic component 102d matches the first set pressure, the second port opens, the first-stage oil return port A opens and the second-stage oil return port B closes, as shown. Figure 5 As shown. In the secondary oil return state, valve core 102c reaches the third position, the compression force of elastic component 102d matches the second set pressure, the second port opens, and both primary oil return port A and secondary oil return port B are open, as shown. Figure 6 As shown. This multi-stage pressure relief design allows the fuel filter 200 assembly to effectively release excess pressure under different pressure conditions, thereby protecting the fuel system and engine from potential damage caused by excessive pressure. When the pressure in the fuel system exceeds a preset safety threshold, the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 sequentially enters either a first-stage or second-stage return state depending on the pressure, safely releasing excess fuel to a storage device, including but not limited to the fuel tank, through different return paths. This design not only improves the reliability and durability of the fuel filter 200 assembly but also ensures the overall performance and safety of the vehicle's fuel system.

[0085] In some embodiments, to achieve a more intelligent fuel filter maintenance function, the fuel filter maintenance device 100 further includes a drive mechanism and a controller. The drive mechanism is used to move the valve core 102c. The controller has a built-in fuel filter maintenance program and is connected to the drive mechanism. The fuel filter maintenance program is configured to include the following steps S10-S30.

[0086] Step S10: After receiving the fuel filter maintenance command, monitor the pressure difference of the fuel coarse filter 202 and the inlet pressure of the fuel fine filter 201.

[0087] Step S20: When the pressure difference of the fuel coarse filter 202 reaches the preset first set pressure, a first control signal is sent to the drive mechanism so that the drive mechanism drives the valve core 102c of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 to start moving until the first stage return port A is opened, so that the fuel flowing out of the first stage return port A is bypassed to the fuel fine filter 201.

[0088] Step S30: When the pressure difference of the fuel coarse filter 202 reaches the preset second set pressure, a second control signal is sent to the drive mechanism to make the drive mechanism drive the valve core 102c of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 to move again until both the first-stage return port A and the second-stage return port B are opened, so that the fuel flowing out of the second-stage return port B is bypassed to the fuel leak alarm.

[0089] The intelligent maintenance of the fuel filter 200 is achieved through steps S10-S30. This maintenance procedure not only extends the service life of the fuel filter 200 but also ensures the stable operation of the fuel system. By real-time monitoring of the pressure differential of the fuel coarse filter 202 and the inlet pressure of the fuel fine filter 201, the system can promptly detect any blockage in the fuel filter 200. By controlling the movement of the valve core 102c of the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102, fuel bypass is achieved, preventing insufficient fuel supply or excessive fuel pressure caused by filter blockage. Simultaneously, when the pressure differential of the fuel coarse filter 202 reaches a second set pressure, the system also triggers a fuel leak alarm, reminding the driver to address fuel leaks promptly, further enhancing vehicle safety.

[0090] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an example of a fuel filter maintenance procedure provided for at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, when the pressure difference P1 of the fuel pre-filter 202 reaches the first set pressure S1, the first stage of the multi-stage pressure relief valve opens, allowing some fuel to bypass to the fuel fine filter 201, reducing the pressure difference of the fuel pre-filter 202 and protecting the reliability of the filter. Simultaneously, impurities in the fuel are filtered by the fuel fine filter 201, fully utilizing its dust-holding capacity. When the pressure difference P1 of the fuel pre-filter 202 reaches the second set pressure S2, the second stage of the multi-stage pressure relief valve opens, allowing fuel to bypass to the fuel leak alarm 103, which then alerts the user to replace the fuel pre-filter 202 filter element. When the inlet pressure P2 of the fuel fine filter 201 reaches the third set pressure S3, the first stage pressure relief valve opens, allowing some fuel to bypass to the fuel leak alarm 103, which then alerts the user to replace the fuel fine filter 201 filter element.

[0091] In some embodiments, to reduce the probability of false indications, the fuel filter maintenance device 100 also includes a reset device. The reset device is used to reset the fuel leak alarm 103 and the corresponding multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 or single-stage pressure relief valve 101 after the fuel coarse filter 202 or fuel fine filter 201 has been replaced. The reset device is designed to ensure that the system can be restored to its initial state and ready for the next normal operation after the fuel filter 200 assembly has been maintained or replaced. The reset operation typically involves resetting the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 or single-stage pressure relief valve 101 to its default position and clearing any alarm status in the fuel leak alarm. Thus, once the fuel filter 200 assembly is reinstalled and inspected, the vehicle can be safely started and operated without false indications. The reset device may be a mechanical structure, such as a piston loaded by a resilient member 102d, or an electronically controlled component that performs the reset action by receiving a signal from a controller. Regardless of the method, the purpose is to ensure that the fuel filter maintenance device 100 can be reliably put back into service after maintenance.

[0092] In some embodiments, the electronic or mechanical multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 is provided with a closed state, a first-stage return oil state, and a second-stage return oil state. In the closed state, the valve core 102c is in a first position, the elastic member 102d is not compressed, and the second port is closed. In the first-stage return oil state, the valve core 102c reaches a second position, the compression force of the elastic member 102d matches a first set pressure, the second port is open, the first-stage return oil port A is open, and the second-stage return oil port B is closed. In the second-stage return oil state, the valve core 102c reaches a third position, the compression force of the elastic member 102d matches a second set pressure, the second port is open, and both the first-stage return oil port A and the second-stage return oil port B are open. This multi-stage pressure relief design allows the fuel filter 200 assembly to effectively release excess pressure under different pressure conditions, thereby protecting the fuel system and engine from damage that may be caused by excessive pressure. When the pressure in the fuel system exceeds a preset safety threshold, the multi-stage pressure relief valve 102 will sequentially enter either a primary or secondary return state depending on the pressure level, safely releasing the excess pressure back to the fuel tank through different return paths. This design not only improves the reliability and durability of the fuel filter 200 assembly but also ensures the overall performance and safety of the vehicle's fuel system.

[0093] In some embodiments, to ensure the reliability of the warning results, the fuel leak alarm 103 is equipped with a self-test module. After the fuel filter maintenance device 100 is activated, the self-test module automatically monitors the operating status of the fuel leak alarm 103 and issues a fault warning when the operating status of the fuel leak alarm 103 exceeds a preset normal range. The fault warning can take various forms, such as an audible alarm, a visual alarm, or sending fault information to the vehicle's driver information system. Upon receiving a fault warning, the operator can quickly locate the problem and take timely repair measures, thereby avoiding potential fuel leak risks. Furthermore, the self-test module also has a recording function, capable of saving the results of each self-test and the historical record of fault warnings, providing important reference for subsequent maintenance and fault diagnosis. This design not only improves the intelligence level of the fuel filter maintenance device 100 but also further enhances the safety and reliability of the vehicle's fuel system.

[0094] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of a fuel filter assembly provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 As shown, the fuel filter assembly 1 includes a fuel filter 200 and a fuel filter maintenance device 100 as described in the above embodiment.

[0095] Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of a vehicle provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the vehicle 2 includes a fuel filter 200 and a fuel filter maintenance device 100 as described in the above embodiment.

[0096] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A fuel filter maintenance device, wherein the fuel filter comprises a coarse fuel filter and a fine fuel filter arranged sequentially in the fuel flow direction, characterized in that, The fuel filter maintenance device includes: A first-stage pressure relief valve, the input end of which is connected to the fuel inlet of the fuel filter; A multi-stage pressure relief valve, wherein the input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve is connected to the inlet of the fuel pre-filter, and the output end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve includes a primary return port and a secondary return port, the primary return port being connected to the inlet of the fuel fine filter; and, A fuel leak alarm is connected to the output end of the first-stage pressure relief valve and the second-stage return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve. The opening of the first-stage pressure relief valve is configured to be related to the pressure differential of the fuel fine filter, the opening of the multi-stage pressure relief valve is configured to be related to the pressure differential of the fuel coarse filter, and the fuel leak alarm is configured to issue a first-stage warning to prompt the fuel coarse filter to replace the filter element when the second-stage return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve is opened, and to issue a second-stage warning to prompt the fuel fine filter to replace the filter element when the output end of the first-stage pressure relief valve is opened. The multi-stage pressure relief valve is configured such that: when the pressure differential of the fuel pre-filter reaches a preset first set pressure, the first-stage return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve opens to bypass the fuel flowing out of the first-stage return port to the fuel fine filter; and when the pressure differential of the fuel pre-filter reaches a preset second set pressure, the second-stage return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve opens to bypass the fuel flowing out of the second-stage return port to the fuel leak alarm, causing the fuel leak alarm to issue a first-level warning, wherein the first set pressure is less than the second set pressure; and... The first-stage pressure relief valve is configured to open when the inlet pressure of the fuel filter reaches a preset third set pressure, so as to bypass the fuel flowing out of the output end of the first-stage pressure relief valve to the fuel leak alarm, so that the fuel leak alarm issues a second-stage warning, wherein the inlet pressure of the fuel filter is related to the pressure difference of the fuel filter.

2. The fuel filter maintenance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second set pressure is less than the third set pressure.

3. The fuel filter maintenance device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Both the primary pressure relief valve and the multi-stage pressure relief valve are physical valves; and... The fuel leak alarm includes an independently configured coarse filter alarm unit and a fine filter alarm unit. The input end of the coarse filter alarm unit is connected to the secondary oil return port of the multi-stage pressure relief valve, and the input end of the fine filter alarm unit is connected to the output end of the primary pressure relief valve. The first-level warning issued by the coarse filter alarm unit and the second-level warning issued by the fine filter alarm unit use different combinations of sound and light alarms.

4. The fuel filter maintenance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-stage pressure relief valve includes: The valve body has a hollow valve cavity and a primary oil return port and a secondary oil return port that connect the valve cavity. One end of the valve cavity serves as the input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve. A process plug is disposed at the other end of the valve cavity and is sealed to the inner wall of the valve cavity; A valve core, wherein the valve core is disposed inside the valve cavity, and the valve core has an oil inlet passage, one end of the oil inlet passage having a first port for connecting to the input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve, and the other end having a second port for connecting to the valve cavity; and, An elastic component is disposed inside the valve cavity, with one end of the elastic component connected to the process plug and the other end connected to the valve core.

5. The fuel filter maintenance device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multi-stage pressure relief valve also includes: A sealing component is provided at the input end of the multi-stage pressure relief valve on the outside of the valve body to prevent fuel leakage from the multi-stage pressure relief valve.

6. The fuel filter maintenance device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A drive mechanism is used to move the valve core; A controller, which has a built-in fuel filter maintenance program and is connected to the drive mechanism; The fuel filter maintenance procedure is configured as follows: Upon receiving a fuel filter maintenance command, monitor the pressure differential of the fuel coarse filter and the inlet pressure of the fuel fine filter; When the pressure differential of the fuel pre-filter reaches a preset first set pressure, a first control signal is sent to the drive mechanism to cause the drive mechanism to drive the valve core of the multi-stage pressure relief valve to start moving until the first-stage return port opens, allowing the fuel flowing out of the first-stage return port to bypass to the fuel fine filter; and When the pressure difference of the fuel pre-filter reaches the second preset pressure, a second control signal is sent to the drive mechanism to make the drive mechanism drive the valve core of the multi-stage pressure relief valve to move again until both the first-stage return port and the second-stage return port are opened, so that the fuel flowing out of the second-stage return port is bypassed to the fuel leak alarm.

7. The fuel filter maintenance device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A reset device is provided for resetting the fuel leak alarm and the corresponding multi-stage pressure relief valve or the first-stage pressure relief valve after the fuel coarse filter or the fuel fine filter has been replaced.

8. The fuel filter maintenance device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The multi-stage pressure relief valve is equipped with: In the closed state, the valve core is in the first position, the elastic member is not compressed, and the second port is closed; In the first-stage return oil state, the valve core reaches the second position, the compression force of the elastic component matches the first set pressure, the second port is opened, the first-stage return oil port is opened and the second-stage return oil port is closed. In the secondary oil return state, the valve core reaches the third position, the compression force of the elastic component matches the second set pressure, the second port is opened, and both the primary oil return port and the secondary oil return port are open.

9. The fuel filter maintenance device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fuel leak alarm is equipped with: The self-test module is used to automatically monitor the operating status of the fuel leak alarm after the fuel filter maintenance device is started, and to issue a fault prompt when the operating status of the fuel leak alarm exceeds the preset normal range.

10. A fuel filter assembly, characterized in that, The fuel filter assembly includes a fuel filter and a fuel filter maintenance device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a fuel filter and a fuel filter maintenance device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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