Air cleaner for mounting to gearbox

Abstract

The utility model relates to an air filter used for being installed on a gear box, the air filter comprises a body unit (1), an air channel used for communicating the interior and the exterior of the gear box is formed in the body unit (1), and the body unit (1) is provided with a connecting part (12) used for connecting the air filter to the gear box; the filtering unit (2) is accommodated in the body unit (1) and is positioned in the air passage; the flow guide unit (3) is located on one side of the body unit (1) and extends outwards from the body unit (1) so as to be located in the gearbox, and one or more flow guide channels used for guiding splashing lubricating oil in the gearbox to flow are formed in the portion, located outside the body unit (1), of the flow guide unit (3). The oil leakage risk of the air filter can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an air filter for installation to a gearbox. Background Art

[0002] During the operation of the gearbox, the air pressure inside and outside the gearbox is unbalanced due to the increase in the temperature of the lubricating oil. In order to balance the internal and external air pressures, an air filter is usually installed on the gearbox housing. However, since the lubricating oil splashes onto the air filter during the operation of the gearbox, the air filter is prone to oil leakage.

[0003] Currently, there are two common methods to solve the oil leakage of the air filter.

[0004] One method is to install an oil baffle 300 with a U-shaped cross-section at the position where the air filter 200 is installed on the gearbox housing 100. As Figure 1 shown, the oil baffle 300 extends horizontally below the air filter 200. However, this method is not sufficiently safe. The vibration generated during the high-speed operation of the gearbox will cause the rivets 400 fixing the oil baffle 300 to loosen, resulting in the oil baffle 300 falling off. And since the oil baffle 300 cannot block the lubricating oil splashing from all directions, the air filter 200 still leaks oil.

[0005] Another method is to increase the position of the air filter. As Figure 2 shown, the air filter 200 is installed at a position far from the gearbox housing 100. This method of increasing the installation position can solve the oil leakage of the air filter 200, but it is limited by space, so the applicable range is limited, and it will also increase the maintenance cost.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to design an improved air filter to solve one or more of the above technical defects. Summary of the Utility Model

[0007] To overcome at least one defect of the prior art, the utility model provides an air filter that reduces or prevents oil leakage of the air filter.

[0008] According to one aspect of the utility model, there is provided an air filter for installation to a gearbox, the air filter comprising:

[0009] A body unit, in which an air passage for communicating the inside and outside of the gearbox is formed, and the body unit has a connection portion for connecting the air filter to the gearbox;

[0010] A filtering unit, which is accommodated in the body unit and located in the air passage;

[0011] A flow guiding unit, which is located on one side of the body unit and extends outward from the body unit to be located inside the gearbox. One or more flow guiding channels for guiding the flow of splashing lubricating oil in the gearbox are formed in the part of the flow guiding unit located outside the body unit.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the flow guiding channels are formed as openings passing through the wall of the flow guiding unit. Each flow guiding channel is formed as a single elongated opening extending along the longitudinal direction of the flow guiding unit, a plurality of discrete openings arranged along the longitudinal direction of the flow guiding unit, or a spiral opening extending along the surface of the flow guiding unit.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the flow guiding unit has a plurality of flow guiding channels, and the plurality of flow guiding channels are symmetrically distributed in the circumferential direction of the flow guiding unit.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a safety space is formed between the part of the flow guiding unit close to the filtering unit and the flow guiding channels, and the safety space is formed by being surrounded by the wall of the flow guiding unit.

[0015] According to one embodiment, an oil blocking surface is further provided in the safety space.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the flow guiding unit has one of the following features:

[0017] The flow guiding unit is connected to the body unit through its connecting end. The connecting end has a T-shaped or conical structure and fits with the inner surface of the body unit on the radial inner side of the connecting part of the body unit. Alternatively, the connecting end is threadedly connected or snap-fitted with the body unit;

[0018] The flow guiding unit and the body unit are integrally formed.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the flow guiding unit is formed as a single flow guiding pipe. Both axial ends of the flow guiding pipe are open. One axial end of the flow guiding pipe is connected to the body unit, and the other axial end of the flow guiding pipe opens towards the inside of the gearbox.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the body unit has at least one of the following features:

[0021] The body unit includes a housing. The housing has openings on the axial one side and the axial other side respectively. A cap is sleeved on the axial one side of the housing. An air path communicating with the air passage is formed between the inner surface of the cap and the outer surface of the housing. A connecting part is provided on the axial other side of the housing, and the flow guiding unit is located on the axial other side of the housing;

[0022] The body unit is provided with a limiting protrusion on the surface close to the connecting part.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the filtering unit is a filter element made of a filtering material. The outer peripheral surface of the filter element closely abuts against the inner surface of the housing of the body unit, and the filter element is pressed against a stepped portion inside the housing.

[0024] According to an embodiment, a part of the connecting end of the guiding unit connected to the body unit is located on the stepped portion and is pressed tightly between the filter element and the stepped portion.

[0025] By providing the guiding unit as described above, the air filter of the present application can guide the splashed lubricating oil and return it to the inside of the gearbox, thus greatly reducing the risk of oil leakage of the air filter. Description of the Drawings

[0026] Specific details of various embodiments of the present utility model are illustrated in the drawings and the following description. Based on these descriptions and illustrations, other features and advantages of the present utility model will be apparent.

[0027] Figure 1 is an arrangement for preventing oil leakage of an air filter according to the prior art;

[0028] Figure 2 is another arrangement for preventing oil leakage of an air filter according to the prior art;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an air filter according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of the guiding pipe of the air filter shown;

[0031] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 the cross-sectional view of the guiding pipe taken along the center line AA;

[0032] Figure 6 Schematically shows the traveling route of the splashed lubricating oil in the gearbox in Figure 4 the guiding pipe shown. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0033] The specific embodiments of the present utility model and their variations will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0034] For ease of description, in this text, spatial relative terms such as "inner", "outer", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc. are used to define each component and its connection relationship. However, this is not restrictive. When the placement orientation of the component changes, these spatial relative relationships can also be reversed or changed without affecting the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an air filter according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0036] As Figure 3 shown, the air filter includes a body unit 1, a filter unit 2 accommodated in the body unit 1, and a diversion unit 3 located on one side of the body unit 1 and extending outward from the body unit 1. The diversion unit 3 has a diversion channel 4 to guide the lubricating oil splashed onto the diversion unit 3 back into the gearbox interior.

[0037] The body unit 1 includes a hollow housing 10. The housing 10 can have openings on one axial side and the opposite axial side respectively to form an air passage for air to enter and exit the housing 10. The housing 10 is configured as a cylindrical shape, for example. A cap 11 is sleeved on one axial side of the housing 10 to prevent external impurities from entering the gearbox through the opening of the housing 10. A connection portion 12 is provided on the other axial side of the housing 10. The connection portion 12 is used to connect the air filter to the gearbox. The connection portion 12 is, for example, a thread formed on the outer surface of the housing 10 to be screwed into a corresponding threaded hole on the gearbox. However, the connection portion 12 is not limited to threaded connection and can also install the air filter to the gearbox through other connection methods such as snap connection.

[0038] As described above, the air filter is installed to the gearbox through the connection portion 12 on the housing 10 of the body unit 1. By providing the connection portion 12 on the body unit 1, the air filter can be set relatively closer to the gearbox, thus avoiding various heightening members in the prior art. On the one hand, it can save installation space, and on the other hand, it can also reduce maintenance costs.

[0039] The cap 11 can be formed into an inverted cup-shaped structure, which is buckled on the housing 10 of the body unit 1, and the cap 11 is installed to the housing 10 by making the inner surface of the cap 11 tightly fit with the outer surface of the housing 10. The shapes and sizes of the cap 11 and the housing 10 are designed such that when the two are tightly fitted, only partial contact occurs between the inner surface of the cap 11 and the outer surface of the housing 10, so that one or more intervals are locally formed between the two, and these intervals communicate the outside with the opening on one axial side of the housing 10 ( Figure 3The top-side opening shown), thereby forming an air path that allows air to enter the housing 10 from the outside or flow out of the housing 10 to the outside, and this air path communicates with the air passage inside the housing 10 of the main body unit 1.

[0040] For example, the cross-section of the outer surface of the housing 10 can be formed into a circular shape, an oval shape, a polygonal shape, or other irregular shapes. Correspondingly, the cross-section of the inner surface of the cap 11 can be formed into a polygonal shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, or other irregular shapes that do not completely fit the outer surface of the housing 10. As an example, the inner surface of the hexagonal cap 11 can cooperate with the outer surface of the circular, oval, or irregular-shaped housing 10, so as to form a gap through the partial non-contact between the outer surface of the housing 10 and the inner surface of the cap 11, and further form the above-mentioned air path.

[0041] When installing the cap 11, move the cap 11 towards the housing 10. In order to define the installation position of the cap 11, a limiting protrusion 13 can be provided on the outer surface of the housing 10 to limit the further movement of the cap 11 towards the housing 10. The limiting protrusion 13 can be formed as a single annular protrusion that radially protrudes outward from the outer surface of the housing 10 and extends along the entire circumference of the housing 10, or can be formed as a plurality of discrete protrusions that are circumferentially distributed, preferably evenly distributed, or even only one limiting protrusion 13 is provided at a local circumferential position. When the cap 11 moves towards the housing 10 and contacts the limiting protrusion 13, the cap 11 stops moving. In addition, the limiting protrusion 13 can be used as the installation limiting part of the air filter at the same time. That is, when installing the air filter to the gearbox, the limiting protrusion 13 can contact the gearbox to prevent the further movement of the air filter.

[0042] The cooperation between the cap 11 and the housing 10 is not limited to the above manner. Alternatively, the cross-sections of the inner surface of the cap 11 and the outer surface of the housing 10 can both be formed into the same shape, such as a circular shape. The inner surface of the cap 11 can be installed on the housing 10 by tightly fitting with a plurality of discrete protrusions on the outer surface of the housing 10. These discrete protrusions protrude outward from the outer surface of the housing 10 and are circumferentially spaced apart along the housing 10, and these discrete protrusions can also longitudinally extend into rib shapes on the outer surface of the housing 10 along the axial direction of the housing 10. When the cap 11 is installed on the housing 10, the inner surface of the cap 11 covers and crosses these discrete protrusions. An air path is formed between the inner surface of the cap 11 and the outer surface of the housing 10 through the circumferential gaps between these discrete protrusions, so that it is not necessary to limit the shapes of the cap 11 and the housing 10 as described above.

[0043] Although an air path is formed between the inner surface of the cap 11 and the outer surface of the housing 10 as described above, the present application is not limited thereto, as long as air inlets and outlets that are in fluid communication with the interior of the housing 10 are formed on the surface of the body unit 1. However, it is still advantageous that these air inlets and outlets open downward to reduce the entry of foreign matter from the outside into the air filter. For this purpose, it is also conceivable that the cap 11 can be integrally formed with the housing 10, for example, by casting or 3D printing.

[0044] Continuing to refer to Figure 3 , the filtering unit 2 can be a filter element made of a filtering material. The outer peripheral surface of the filter element can conform to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10, so that the filter element can be installed against the inner surface of the housing 10. Thus, the filtering unit 2 can occupy the entire cross-section of the air passage in the housing 10, thereby enhancing the filtering effect.

[0045] To limit the axial position of the filter element in the housing 10, a stepped portion 14 can be formed on the inner surface of the housing 10. The stepped portion 14 can be formed as an annular shape that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the housing 10 and extends along the entire circumference of the inner surface. Alternatively, the stepped portion 14 can be formed as a plurality of stepped portions 14 that are discretely distributed in the circumferential direction, preferably uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction. However, it can also be formed as a single stepped portion 14 at a local position in the circumferential direction. One axial side of the filter element abuts against the stepped portion 14 for positioning, and on the other axial side, the filter element can be further pressed tightly by a biasing element 15 such as a spring to achieve reliable positioning of the filter element in the housing 10. In addition to the above biasing element, the filter element can also be pressed tightly in the housing 10 by other components such as a pressing plate. For example, perforated pressing plates can be respectively provided on both axial sides of the filter element to press the filter element tightly in the housing 10.

[0046] As Figure 3 shown, the guiding unit 3 is located on the opposite axial side of the body unit 1 from the cap 11 and communicates the space inside the body unit 1 and the space inside the gearbox. One end of the guiding unit 3 can be provided as a connecting end 31 inside the body unit 1, and the remaining part extends outside the body unit 1 and is located inside the gearbox.

[0047] The diversion unit 3 has a diversion channel 4 in the part located outside the body unit 1. The diversion channel 4 is in communication with the air passages inside the diversion unit 3 and the body unit 1, and the diversion channel 4 serves as a guiding channel for the lubricating oil splashed in the gearbox. The lubricating oil splashed into the diversion channel 4 enters the inside of the diversion unit 3 and flows out from the opening at the lower end of the diversion unit 3 or through other diversion channels 4 and returns to the inside of the gearbox. Preferably, a plurality of diversion channels 4 are arranged circumferentially on the diversion unit 3 so that the lubricating oil splashed onto the diversion unit 3 from multiple directions can be guided back into the gearbox by the diversion channels 4 as much as possible. For this purpose, the plurality of diversion channels 4 can be symmetrically arranged (such as centrosymmetrically) in the circumferential direction of the diversion unit 3, and are preferably arranged evenly. The diversion channel 4 can be formed as an opening passing through the wall of the diversion unit 3.

[0048] The diversion unit 3 can be formed in the form of a diversion pipe. Of course, in addition to the tubular diversion unit 3, the diversion unit 3 can also be designed into other shapes according to the space conditions in the gearbox, such as box-shaped, irregular-shaped or any other shape. Only the tubular diversion unit 3 is taken as an example below to describe its specific structure. For the diversion unit 3 of other shapes, its structure can be adjusted adaptively.

[0049] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the diversion pipe can be open at both axial ends. One axial end of the diversion pipe (i.e., the connection end 31) is connected to the other axial side of the body unit 1 (i.e., Figure 3 the lower side in the axial direction shown) and is in communication with the air passage inside the body unit 1. The other axial end of the diversion pipe is in communication with the inside of the gearbox and is formed with an outlet 32 for enabling the lubricating oil to flow out of the diversion pipe.

[0050] In order to connect the diversion pipe to the body unit 1, for example, a connection flange 33 can be provided at the connection end 31 of the diversion pipe, so that the connection end 31 of the diversion pipe generally has a T-shaped structure. The connection flange 33 can be placed on the step portion 14 inside the housing 10 of the body unit 1. The step portion 14 can be the same step portion 14 for axially abutting against the filter element, or can be another step portion axially spaced apart from the step portion 14. The diversion pipe can be tightly fitted with the housing 10, especially in the part in contact with the inner surface of the housing 10 along the axial direction. By connecting the diversion pipe to the body unit 1 of the air filter in a hanging manner using its connection flange 33, it is possible to effectively prevent the diversion pipe from falling off the body unit 1, thereby enhancing the connection reliability. Alternatively, the diversion pipe can also be connected to the outer surface of the body unit 1, for example, by hanging the connection flange in a recess on the outer surface of the housing 10 of the body unit 1.

[0051] Although the connecting end 31 of the diversion pipe is shown in the figure to be positioned within the housing 10 of the body unit 1 by means of a flat flange, it is conceivable that the connecting end 31 of the diversion pipe can be in wedge fit with the body unit 1. For example, the entire connecting end 31 of the diversion pipe can be formed as a tapered shape that tapers towards the outer side direction of the body unit 1 (i.e., towards Figure 3 the lower side) and forms a wedge fit with a tapered hole of complementary shape on the inner surface of the housing 10 of the body unit 1.

[0052] The connection between the connecting end 31 of the diversion pipe and the body unit 1 is not limited to the above method, as long as the diversion pipe can be reliably connected to the body unit 1. Additionally, the diversion pipe can even be formed as an integral part with the housing 10 of the body unit 1. For example, Figure 3 the shown housing 10 can axially extend outward (the lower side in the figure) at the lower side of its connecting portion 12 to form the diversion pipe. Advantageously, the diameter of the diversion pipe is smaller than the diameter of the housing 10.

[0053] Advantageously, the diversion pipe is formed as a single integral pipe. As Figure 3 shown, except for the connecting flange 33, the diameter of the diversion pipe remains constant. However, the diameter of the diversion pipe can also vary according to the shape of the inner surface of the housing 10 of the body unit 1. And, depending on factors such as the spatial layout within the gearbox, the diversion pipe can also be formed by connecting multiple pipes together.

[0054] As Figure 4 shown, the portion of the diversion pipe that extends outside the body unit 1 of the air filter is formed with a plurality of diversion channels 4. Each diversion channel 4 is formed as an opening passing through the pipe wall and is in communication with the diversion space within the diversion pipe. These openings are advantageously all formed as a single elongated opening extending along the longitudinal direction of the diversion pipe. However, each diversion channel 4 can also be formed as a plurality of discrete openings spaced along the longitudinal direction of the diversion pipe. It is also conceivable that the diversion channels 4 can be formed as a spiral shape along the surface of the diversion pipe.

[0055] As Figure 5 shown, the plurality of diversion channels 4 are arranged uniformly and symmetrically along the circumferential direction of the diversion pipe. The plurality of diversion channels 4 form an inflow channel for guiding lubricating oil into the diversion pipe and an outflow channel for guiding lubricating oil out of the diversion pipe. The plurality of diversion channels 4 can be opposite to each other in the diameter direction, so that the diversion function of the diversion unit 3 is less affected by the splashing direction of the lubricating oil within the gearbox. The diversion channels 4 are in communication with the outlet 32 at the end of the diversion pipe to discharge the lubricating oil. At the same time, this outlet 32 also serves as a part of the air passage of the air filter.

[0056] Advantageously, as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a section of the diversion pipe extends between the part of the diversion pipe near the filtration unit 2 and the diversion channel 4 as a protective part to enclose and form a safety space 34 inside (such as the part circled by the upper rectangular frame in Figure 4 ). This safety space 34 is used to prevent the lubricating oil splashing into the diversion pipe from reaching the filtration unit 2 upward, and this section of the protective part also guides the lubricating oil splashing onto the outer side of the diversion pipe to flow downward along the pipe wall, preventing the lubricating oil from reaching the filtration unit 2.

[0057] The length of the safety space 34 inside the diversion pipe can be adjusted according to the situation of the splashing lubricating oil in the gearbox. This safety space 34 can be formed into Figure 4 the cylindrical space shown. Alternatively, this section of the diversion pipe part for forming the safety space 34 can be locally deformed inward so that an oil-blocking surface is formed by the inclined inner wall surface or the inwardly protruding inner wall surface of the diversion pipe in this safety space 34 to block the lubricating oil traveling from the diversion channel 4 into the safety space 34. For example, the part of the diversion pipe between the connection end 31 and the diversion channel 4 can be gradually expanded into a conical shape along the direction towards the diversion channel 4, so that the inner surface of the diversion pipe forms an inclined surface to block and guide the lubricating oil reaching the safety space 34 to flow downward into the diversion space. It can also be envisioned that a perforated oil-blocking plate or other filtering elements can be provided in the safety space 34 to block the lubricating oil from further flowing towards the filtration unit 2.

[0058] Figure 6 Schematically shows the traveling route of the lubricating oil splashing in the gearbox in Figure 4 the diversion pipe shown. As Figure 6 shown, the lubrication in the gearbox flows into the diversion pipe from the diversion channel 4 on one side of the diversion pipe (such as the left side in Figure 6 ), then flows downward to the outlet 32 at the end of the diversion pipe and flows out, or flows out of the diversion pipe from the diversion channel 4 on the opposite side (such as the right side in Figure 6 ). Due to the safety space 34 existing above the diversion channel 4 of the diversion pipe, the lubricating oil hardly reaches the filtration unit 2 in the air filter. Therefore, there will be no oil leakage phenomenon in the air filter.

[0059] By providing the diversion unit 3 as described above, the air filter of the present application is safer and more reasonable in space compared with the existing oil-blocking plate or the scheme of raising the position of the air filter, and can significantly save the maintenance cost. In addition, since the diversion unit 3 is located inside the gearbox and guides all the splashing lubricating oil into the gearbox, the risk of the air filter leaking lubricating oil is greatly reduced, the pollution is smaller, and it more meets the environmental protection requirements.

[0060] Specific embodiments according to the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above specific structures, but encompasses various modifications and equivalent features. Those skilled in the art can make various changes without departing from the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An air filter for mounting on a gearbox, characterized in that: The air filter comprises: A body unit (1) having an air passage formed therein for connecting the inside and the outside of the gear box, the body unit (1) having a connecting portion (12) for connecting the air filter to the gear box; a filter unit (2) housed in the body unit (1) and located in the air passage; A guide unit (3) is located on one side of the main body unit (1) and extends outward from the main body unit (1) to be located inside the gear box. The guide unit (3) is formed with one or more guide channels (4) in a portion located outside the main body unit (1) for guiding the flow of splashing lubricating oil in the gear box.

2. The air filter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide channel (4) is formed as an opening passing through the wall of the guide unit (3), and each guide channel (4) is formed as a single elongated opening extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide unit (3), a plurality of discrete openings arranged in the longitudinal direction of the guide unit (3), or a spiral opening extending along the surface of the guide unit (3).

3. The air filter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow guiding unit (3) has a plurality of flow guiding channels (4), and the plurality of flow guiding channels (4) are symmetrically distributed in the circumferential direction of the flow guiding unit (3).

4. The air filter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide unit (3) forms a safety space (34) between a portion close to the filter unit (2) and the guide channel (4), and the safety space (34) is formed by being surrounded by a wall of the guide unit (3).

5. The air filter according to claim 4, characterized in that: An oil retaining surface is further provided in the safety space (34).

6. The air filter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow guiding unit (3) has one of the following characteristics: The guide unit (3) is connected to the main body unit (1) via its connecting end (31), the connecting end (31) having a T-shaped or conical structure and being matched with the inner surface of the main body unit (1) on the radial inner side of the connecting portion (12) of the main body unit (1), or the connecting end (31) is threadedly connected or snap-fitted with the main body unit (1); The flow guide unit (3) and the main body unit (1) are formed as one body.

7. The air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The flow guide unit (3) is formed as a single flow guide tube, both axial ends of the flow guide tube are open, one axial end of the flow guide tube is connected to the main body unit (1), and the other axial end of the flow guide tube is open toward the interior of the gear box.

8. The air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The main body unit (1) has at least one of the following features: The main body unit (1) comprises a shell (10), the shell (10) having openings on one axial side and the other axial side respectively, a cover cap (11) is sleeved on the one axial side of the shell (10), an air path connected to the air passage is formed between the inner surface of the cover cap (11) and the outer surface of the shell (10), the connecting portion (12) is provided on the other axial side of the shell (10), and the air guide unit (3) is located on the other axial side of the shell (10); The main body unit is provided with a limiting protrusion (13) on a surface close to the connecting portion (12).

9. The air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The filter unit (2) is a filter element made of filter material, the outer peripheral surface of the filter element is in close contact with the inner surface of the shell (10) of the main unit (1), and the filter element is pressed against a step portion (14) in the shell (10).

10. The air filter according to claim 9, characterized in that: A portion of the connection end (31) of the flow guide unit (3) connected to the main body unit (1) is located on the step portion (14) and is pressed between the filter element and the step portion (14).

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