Self-locking air filter

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of engine accessories, in particular to a self-locking air filter which comprises a bottom shell (1), the bottom shell (1) is covered with an upper shell (2), and an inner cavity (4) used for containing a filter element (3) is jointly defined by the bottom shell (1) and the upper shell (2); a tip (21) extending in the axial direction of the upper shell (2) is arranged in the upper shell (2), and the free end of the tip (21) abuts against the end of the filter element (3); the side edge of the upper shell (2) is provided with a self-locking structure (5), and the upper shell (2) is detachably connected with the bottom shell (1) through the self-locking structure (5). The structure is novel, a traditional screw and nut fixing mode is omitted, the integrated design of the limiting base, the center and the self-locking structure which are integrally formed is adopted, the structure is simplified, and the material cost and the manufacturing cost are effectively reduced. Meanwhile, no tool is needed in the assembling process, the production and maintenance efficiency is greatly improved, and the large market popularization value is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of engine accessories, and in particular to a self-locking air filter. Background Technology

[0002] In general-purpose gasoline engines, the air filter is used to filter the air entering the engine. Its core component, the filter element, needs to be reliably secured and sealed to prevent unfiltered air from entering the engine. Currently, common air filter element securing structures are shown in the instruction manual. Figure 1 As shown, a common practice is to pre-embed a through-bolt in the bottom shell, which passes through the filter element and the air filter housing in sequence, and then two nuts are used to lock them in place. However, this traditional bottom shell structure requires pre-embedded bolts during manufacturing, which increases the number of processing steps. Furthermore, when maintaining and replacing the filter element, tightening the two nuts is cumbersome and inefficient. In addition, using metal bolts and nuts significantly increases material costs.

[0003] Therefore, those skilled in the art are dedicated to developing a self-locking air filter with a novel structure, convenient installation, and high air intake efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a self-locking air filter.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a self-locking air filter, comprising a bottom shell, an upper shell covering the bottom shell, the bottom shell and the upper shell together forming an inner cavity for accommodating a filter element; the upper shell has a pointed tip extending axially therein, the free end of the pointed tip abutting against the end of the filter element; the side edge of the upper shell is provided with a self-locking structure, and the upper shell is detachably connected to the bottom shell through the self-locking structure.

[0006] Preferably, the bottom shell has a protruding limiting seat, and the bottom of the filter element has a clearance notch that matches the limiting seat. The filter element cooperates with the limiting seat on the bottom shell through the clearance notch at its bottom.

[0007] Preferably, a gasket is provided on the top of the filter element, and a clearance hole is provided on the gasket, with the end of the tip being accommodated in the clearance hole.

[0008] Preferably, the washer is made of an elastic material.

[0009] Preferably, the tip includes a vertical extension section and a tapered section connected in sequence, the vertical extension section being located at the top center position inside the upper shell.

[0010] Preferably, the self-locking structure includes a locking plate disposed on the edge of the upper shell, the locking plate having a limiting protrusion that extends radially along the filter element and engages with the bottom shell on the side away from the upper shell.

[0011] Preferably, the bottom of the limiting protrusion is provided with an inclined guide notch.

[0012] Preferably, the card plate is made of an elastic material that can undergo slight elastic deformation and automatically recover.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom shell is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion that cooperates with the limiting protrusion, and the snap-fit ​​portion protrudes outside the bottom shell.

[0014] Preferably, the self-locking structure is provided as two, and the two self-locking structures are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the upper shell.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The invention features a novel structure. By eliminating the traditional screw and nut fixing method and adopting an integrated design of a one-piece molded limiting seat, a center point, and a self-locking structure, the structure is simplified, effectively reducing material and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, its assembly process requires no tools, significantly improving production and maintenance efficiency, and thus possessing considerable market potential. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of existing technology.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a display diagram showing the assembled state of a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a side view of a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of BB.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram at point C.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram at point D.

[0024] 1. Bottom shell; 11. Limiting seat; 12. Snap-fit ​​part; 2. Upper shell; 21. Top point; 21a. Vertical extension section; 21b. Conical section; 3. Filter element; 31. Relief notch; 32. Washer; 32a. Relief hole; 4. Inner cavity; 5. Self-locking structure; 51. Clamping plate; 52. Limiting protrusion; 53. Guide notch; 6. Air intake. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific manner. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] like Figure 2-7 As shown, this invention provides a self-locking air filter, mainly comprising a bottom shell 1 and an upper shell 2. The bottom shell 1 serves as the mounting base for the entire air filter and has an air intake duct 6 inside. The upper shell 2 is a cylindrical structure closed on one side, covering the bottom shell 1 and together with the bottom shell 1 forming a closed inner cavity 4 for accommodating the filter element 3. In the assembled state, the central axis of the air intake duct 6 coincides with the axis of the filter element 3, ensuring that the intake airflow can pass evenly along the axial direction of the filter element 3, optimizing the filtration effect and airflow efficiency.

[0027] A tip 21 extending axially along the upper shell 2 is provided at the top center position inside the upper shell 2. The free end (i.e., the lower end) of the tip 21 abuts against the end of the filter element 3. Specifically, the tip 21 includes a vertically extending section 21a and a tapered section 21b connected in sequence. The top end of the vertically extending section 21a is connected to the top center inside the upper shell 2, and its bottom end is connected to the top end of the tapered section 21b. The diameter of the tapered section 21b gradually decreases in the direction away from the vertically extending section 21a. This design allows the tip 21 to be guided and aligned by the tapered surface when it contacts the filter element 3, and to achieve stable and reliable axial compression.

[0028] In practice, the tip 21 and the upper shell 2 can be manufactured using a one-piece molding process to enhance their structural strength. Alternatively, a detachable connection design (such as screw or magnetic connection) can be adopted to make the tip 21 easy to replace, thereby improving its compatibility with different filter elements 3.

[0029] Meanwhile, to improve the contact fit between the filter element 3 and the tip 21 and to facilitate installation, a washer 32 is also provided on the top of the filter element 3. This washer 32 has a clearance hole 32a in its center, and in the assembled state, the end of the tip 21 (i.e., the tapered section 21b) is accommodated within this clearance hole 32a. This structure allows for precise guidance and positioning of the tip 21 during pressing, ensuring that the clamping force acts on the central axis of the filter element 3, and avoiding uneven loading or poor sealing due to misalignment.

[0030] In this embodiment, the gasket 32 ​​is made of an elastic material, such as rubber (e.g., nitrile rubber NBR, fluororubber FKM), silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or foamed polymer. Through the elastic design of the gasket 32, when the tip 21 presses against the gasket 32, it can both axially fix the filter element 3 and form a reliable elastic seal, and can compensate for the dimensional tolerances of the filter element 3 and compression deformation after long-term use.

[0031] To further secure the filter element 3 and prevent radial movement, a limiting seat 11 is also provided on the bottom shell 1. In this embodiment, the limiting seat 11 is a raised elliptical ridge. Correspondingly, the bottom of the filter element 3 is provided with a clearance notch 31 that matches the limiting seat 11. During assembly, the filter element 3 cooperates with the limiting seat 11 on the bottom shell 1 through the clearance notch 31 at its bottom to achieve precise radial positioning of the filter element 3.

[0032] like Figure 8 As shown, to further enable rapid connection and separation between the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1, a self-locking structure 5 is provided on the side edge of the upper shell 2. The upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1 are detachably connected through this self-locking structure 5. Specifically, in this embodiment, two sets of self-locking structures 5 are provided, and the two sets of self-locking structures 5 are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the upper shell 2. In other embodiments, other numbers of self-locking structures 5 may be provided according to actual needs.

[0033] Each locking structure 5 includes a locking plate 51, on which a limiting protrusion 52 extends radially along the filter element 3 (i.e., approximately perpendicular to the axis of the upper shell 2), and after assembly, forms a locking engagement with the side of the bottom shell 1 away from the upper shell 2. Specifically, an opening is provided on the side edge of the upper shell 2, and the locking plate 51 is accommodated in this opening. One end of the locking plate 51 is connected to one side edge of the opening, thus forming a "cantilever beam" structure, while the other end is a free end. The limiting protrusion 52 is provided on the side of the locking plate 51 facing inward (i.e., facing the center of the upper shell 2).

[0034] The locking plate 51 is made of an elastic material (such as a plastic with a certain degree of toughness), allowing it to undergo controllable elastic deformation and return to its original shape after the external force is removed. Simultaneously, to facilitate guiding the deformation of the locking plate 51 during assembly, the bottom of the limiting protrusion 52 has an inclined guide notch 53. When this inclined surface contacts the bottom shell 1, it converts the axial assembly downward pressure into a component force that causes the locking plate 51 to elastically expand outward, thereby guiding the limiting protrusion 52 to smoothly slide over the corresponding structure on the bottom shell 1 until it is properly engaged. During disassembly, this guide notch 53 also guides deformation, making disassembly and engagement easier.

[0035] Correspondingly, a locking portion 12 is provided on the bottom shell 1 to cooperate with the limiting protrusion 52, and the locking portion 12 protrudes outward from the bottom shell 1. When the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1 are aligned and pressed together, the limiting protrusion 52 on the locking plate 51, after elastic deformation, passes over the locking portion 12 of the bottom shell 1, and springs back due to its elastic restoring force, hooking the locking portion 12, thereby achieving reliable locking. When disassembly is required, simply move the free end of the locking plate 51 to expand it outward again, and the limiting protrusion 52 will disengage from the locking portion 12, thus separating the upper shell 2 from the bottom shell 1.

[0036] This invention features a novel structure. By eliminating the traditional screw and nut fixing method, it adopts an integrated design of a one-piece molded limiting seat 11, a center point 21, and a self-locking structure 5, achieving structural simplification and effectively reducing material and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, its assembly process requires no tools, significantly improving production and maintenance efficiency, and possessing considerable market potential.

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A self-locking air filter, characterized in that: Includes a bottom shell (1), on which an upper shell (2) is provided, the bottom shell (1) and the upper shell (2) together form an inner cavity (4) for accommodating the filter element (3); The upper shell (2) is provided with a tip (21) extending along its axial direction, and the free end of the tip (21) abuts against the end of the filter element (3). The upper shell (2) is provided with a self-locking structure (5) on its side edge, and the upper shell (2) is detachably connected to the bottom shell (1) through the self-locking structure (5).

2. The self-locking air filter as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom shell (1) is provided with a limiting seat (11), and the bottom of the filter element (3) is provided with a clearance notch (31) that matches the limiting seat (11). The filter element (3) cooperates with the limiting seat (11) on the bottom shell (1) through the clearance notch (31) at its bottom.

3. The self-locking air filter as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The filter element (3) is provided with a gasket (32) on top, and a relief hole (32a) is provided on the gasket (32), and the end of the tip (21) is accommodated in the relief hole (32a).

4. The self-locking air filter as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The washer (32) is made of an elastic material.

5. The self-locking air filter as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The tip (21) includes a vertical extension section (21a) and a conical section (21b) connected in sequence, wherein the vertical extension section (21a) is located at the top center position inside the upper shell (2).

6. The self-locking air filter as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The self-locking structure (5) includes a locking plate (51) disposed on the edge of the upper shell (2), the locking plate (51) is provided with a limiting protrusion (52), the limiting protrusion (52) extends radially along the filter element (3) and engages with the bottom shell (1) on the side away from the upper shell (2).

7. The self-locking air filter as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom of the limiting protrusion (52) is provided with an inclined guide notch (53).

8. The self-locking air filter as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The card plate (51) is made of elastic material and can undergo slight elastic deformation and automatically recover.

9. The self-locking air filter as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom shell (1) is provided with a snap-fit ​​part (12) that cooperates with the limiting protrusion (52), and the snap-fit ​​part (12) protrudes out of the bottom shell (1).

10. The self-locking air filter as described in any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that: The self-locking structure (5) is configured as two, and the two self-locking structures (5) are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the upper shell (2).

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