Fuel filter assembly and vehicle having same

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of fuel filter and vehicle with it, it is related to vehicle technical field.Fuel filter includes: shell assembly, shell assembly has filter cavity and oil supply cavity, oil supply cavity is located at shell assembly export side, and oil outlet is opened on the lateral wall of oil supply cavity, and at least two oil return ports are further provided on shell assembly;Oil inlet pipe, oil inlet pipe is connected with shell assembly and is located outside filter cavity, and the oil inlet of oil inlet pipe is communicated with oil tank, and the oil outlet of oil inlet pipe is connected with filter cavity, and the oil outlet of oil inlet pipe is selectively communicated with one of two oil return ports;Oil return pipe, oil return pipe is connected with shell assembly and is located outside filter cavity, and oil return pipe is located at one side of oil inlet pipe, and one end of oil return pipe is communicated with another oil return port of two oil return ports, and another end of oil return pipe is communicated with at least one of oil inlet pipe and oil tank, and oil inlet pipe and oil return pipe are separately arranged.The scheme solves the problem of complex structure and low filtering efficiency of fuel filter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more specifically, to a fuel filter and a vehicle having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel filters are typically designed as a single, integrated structure, mounted directly outside the fuel tank to provide essential fuel purification. Optimizing the filter's structure and shape, such as using flat or pleated filter elements, reduces its overall size, allowing it to fit into smaller spaces. However, this external design may affect the filter's filtration performance and flow rate. Furthermore, employing a complex piping layout in the fuel system, separating inlet and return lines as much as possible to avoid interference, requires additional space and materials, increasing the overall design complexity and cost.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a fuel filter and a vehicle having the same, in order to solve the problem of low fuel filtration efficiency caused by the complex structure of existing fuel filter devices.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a fuel filter device is provided, comprising: a housing assembly having a filter chamber and a fuel supply chamber, the fuel supply chamber being located on the outlet side of the housing assembly and used to supply fuel to the engine side, an outlet being provided on the side wall of the fuel supply chamber for supplying fuel to the engine, and at least two return ports being provided on the housing assembly for communicating with the engine's return fuel line; a fuel inlet pipe connected to the housing assembly and located outside the filter chamber, the fuel inlet of the fuel inlet pipe communicating with the fuel tank, the fuel outlet of the fuel inlet pipe communicating with the filter chamber, and the fuel outlet of the fuel inlet pipe selectively communicating with one of the two return ports; and a fuel return pipe connected to the housing assembly and located outside the filter chamber, the fuel return pipe being located on one side of the fuel inlet pipe, one end of the fuel return pipe communicating with the other of the two return ports, and the other end of the fuel return pipe communicating with at least one of the fuel inlet pipe and the fuel tank, the fuel inlet pipe and the fuel return pipe being separately provided.

[0006] Furthermore, the filter chamber is located on the side of the oil supply chamber away from the outlet side of the housing assembly, and the oil outlet of the oil inlet pipe is located close to the filter chamber.

[0007] Furthermore, the oil inlet is located at the end of the housing assembly away from the oil supply chamber, and the oil inlet is connected to the oil inlet pipe.

[0008] Furthermore, the housing assembly is integrally formed.

[0009] Furthermore, the housing assembly includes: an upper housing having an oil supply chamber located on the outlet side of the upper housing; and a lower housing having a filter chamber connected to the oil supply chamber via an oil passage; wherein the upper housing and the lower housing are separate units, and the oil inlet is located at the end of the lower housing furthest from the upper housing.

[0010] Furthermore, the oil return port includes a first oil return port and a second oil return port, the first oil return port being connected to the oil inlet pipe and the second oil return port being connected to the oil return pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, the oil inlet pipe and the oil return pipe are spaced apart along the circumference of the housing assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the housing assembly has a main oil passage, and a baffle is provided in the main oil passage. The baffle extends along the extension direction of the main oil passage, with an oil inlet pipe on one side of the baffle and an oil return pipe on the other side of the baffle.

[0013] Furthermore, a threaded insert is provided at the oil return port, which is used to connect the oil return pipeline.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided having a fuel filter device, wherein the fuel filter device is the aforementioned fuel filter device.

[0015] By applying the technical solution of this utility model, at least two oil return ports are provided in the housing assembly. One oil return port is connected to the oil return pipe, that is, the engine's oil return line is connected to the oil return pipe, which is used to lead the engine's return oil back to the fuel tank. The other oil return port is connected to the oil inlet pipe, that is, the engine's oil return line is directly connected to the oil inlet pipe, so that the engine's return oil directly enters the filter chamber again through the oil inlet pipe for filtration and reuse, thereby further improving the filtration efficiency and oil return efficiency of the fuel filter. The separate arrangement of the oil inlet pipe and the oil return pipe improves the installation flexibility of the oil inlet pipe and the oil return pipe in complex environments and the sealing performance of the oil inlet pipe and the oil return pipe, effectively isolating the oil return port and the oil inlet port, and also preventing the possibility of return air being re-inhaled, thereby preventing air interference in the fuel system and improving the stability and safety of the fuel system. Thus, it solves the problem of low oil inlet filtration efficiency caused by the complex structure of the fuel filter in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a third embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a fourth embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a fifth embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a sixth embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a seventh embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an eighth embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a ninth embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a tenth embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the eleventh embodiment of the fuel filter according to the present invention is shown.

[0028] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0029] 10. Housing assembly; 100. Oil supply chamber; 11. Oil return port; 110. Oil outlet; 111. First oil return port; 112. Second oil return port; 12. Upper housing; 13. Lower housing; 14. Oil passage; 15. Baffle plate;

[0030] 20. Oil inlet pipe; 200. Filter chamber; 21. Oil inlet port;

[0031] 30. Oil return pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0032] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0036] Combination Figures 1 to 11 As shown, according to a specific embodiment of this application, a fuel filter is provided.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 11As shown, the fuel filter includes a housing assembly 10, an inlet pipe 20, and a return pipe 30. The housing assembly 10 has a filter chamber 200 and a supply chamber 100. The supply chamber 100 is located on the outlet side of the housing assembly 10 and is used to supply fuel to the engine. An outlet 110 is provided on the side wall of the supply chamber 100 for supplying fuel to the engine. The housing assembly 10 also has at least two return ports 11 for connecting to the engine's return fuel line. The inlet pipe 20 is connected to the housing assembly 10 and is located on the filter chamber 200. Outside the chamber 200, the oil inlet 21 of the oil inlet pipe 20 is connected to the oil tank, and the oil outlet of the oil inlet pipe 20 is connected to the filter chamber 200. The oil outlet of the oil inlet pipe 20 can be selectively connected to one of the two return oil ports 11. The return oil pipe 30 is connected to the housing assembly 10 and located outside the filter chamber 200. The return oil pipe 30 is located on one side of the oil inlet pipe 20. One end of the return oil pipe 30 is connected to the other return oil port 11 of the two return oil ports 11, and the other end of the return oil pipe 30 is connected to at least one of the oil inlet pipe 20 and the oil tank. The oil inlet pipe 20 and the return oil pipe 30 are separately arranged.

[0038] By applying the technical solution of this embodiment, at least two oil return ports 11 are provided in the housing assembly 10. One oil return port 11 is connected to the oil return pipe 30, that is, the oil return line of the engine is connected to the oil return pipe 30, which is used to lead the oil return from the engine back to the fuel tank. The other oil return port 11 is connected to the oil inlet pipe 20, that is, the oil return line of the engine is directly connected to the oil inlet pipe 20, so that the oil return from the engine can directly enter the filter chamber 200 again through the oil inlet pipe 20 for filtration and reuse, thereby further improving the filtration efficiency and oil return efficiency of the fuel filter. The separate arrangement of the oil inlet pipe 20 and the oil return pipe 30 improves the installation flexibility of the oil inlet pipe 20 and the oil return pipe 30 in complex environments and the sealing performance of the oil inlet pipe 20 and the oil return pipe 30, effectively isolating the oil return port 11 and the oil inlet port 21, and also avoiding the possibility of the return air being re-inhaled, thereby preventing air interference in the fuel system and improving the stability and safety of the fuel system. This solves the problem of low fuel filtration efficiency caused by the complex structure of existing fuel filter devices.

[0039] In one embodiment of this application, the housing assembly 10 of the fuel filter is disposed inside the fuel tank. Directly placing the housing assembly 10 inside the fuel tank saves space occupied by the fuel filter outside the fuel tank. An electric pump is installed in part of the fuel supply chamber 100, while another part of the fuel supply chamber 100 forms a flow space for fuel and exhaust gas flow. A top cover is provided on the outlet side of the housing assembly 10, and the top cover and housing assembly 10 enclose the fuel supply chamber 100. An electrical interface, a fuel outlet 110, and an exhaust port are integrated on the top cover. After being filtered in the filter chamber 200, the fuel flows to the fuel supply chamber 100 and is then supplied to the engine through the fuel outlet 110. Preferably, the top cover is made of a transparent material to facilitate observation of the exhaust gas and fuel flow of the fuel filter.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the filter chamber 200 is located on the side of the fuel supply chamber 100 away from the outlet side of the housing assembly 10, and the outlet of the fuel inlet pipe 20 is located close to the filter chamber 200. By utilizing the principles of fluid dynamics, the length of the flow channel of the fuel inlet pipe 20 is increased, allowing the fuel to flow more smoothly before entering the filter chamber 200, thereby improving filtration efficiency and making the fuel flow more stable during the filtration process. The fact that the outlet of the fuel inlet pipe 20 is located close to the filter chamber 200 means that the fuel can directly and quickly enter the filtration stage after entering the filter, reducing unnecessary detours and flow resistance, and further improving the purity of fuel filtration.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the oil inlet 21 is located at the end of the housing assembly 10 furthest from the oil supply chamber 100, and is connected to the oil inlet pipe 20. Positioning the oil inlet 21 away from the oil supply chamber 100 allows the fuel to pass through a relatively still or buffered space after entering the filter, which helps large suspended particles in the fuel to settle naturally, reducing the burden on subsequent filtration processes and improving filtration efficiency. Simultaneously, it allows for better utilization of the filter's internal space, especially when integrated within the fuel tank, contributing to a more compact filter structure, reducing the overall volume occupied, and thus leaving more storage space in the fuel tank or freeing up installation space for other components.

[0042] Furthermore, the housing assembly 10 is integrally molded. By using an injection molding process to form each part of the housing assembly 10 in a mold in one step, the sealing performance and structural strength of the housing assembly 10 are improved, the manufacturing cost of the housing assembly 10 is reduced, and the overall sealing performance of the fuel filter is improved, reducing the risk of fuel leakage.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, the housing assembly 10 includes an upper housing 12 and a lower housing 13. The upper housing 12 has a fuel supply chamber 100 located on the outlet side of the upper housing 12. The lower housing 13 has a filter chamber 200, which is connected to the fuel supply chamber 100 via a fuel passage 14. The upper housing 12 and lower housing 13 are separate units, with the fuel inlet 21 located at the end of the lower housing 13 furthest from the upper housing 12. By dividing the housing assembly 10 into an upper housing 12 and a lower housing 13, the fuel inlet and supply processes are made more independent, improving the efficiency and accuracy of fuel filtration, ensuring more thorough interception of impurities during fuel filtration, and significantly improving fuel quality.

[0044] In this embodiment, the upper housing 12 includes a fuel supply chamber 100, located on the outlet side of the upper housing 12. This means that after filtration, the fuel can flow directly to the electric pump or the fuel outlet, reducing additional detours. The filter chamber 200 of the lower housing 13 is connected to the fuel supply chamber 100 via a fuel passage 14, ensuring that the fuel flows smoothly from the filter chamber 200 into the fuel supply chamber 100. This optimizes the fuel flow path within the filter, improves filtration efficiency, and reduces fluid resistance and energy loss. Furthermore, the separate design of the upper housing 12 and the lower housing 13 facilitates filter element replacement and system maintenance. When performing filter element maintenance or replacement, the lower housing 13 can be opened independently for filter element replacement without disassembling the entire filter or affecting parts of the fuel supply chamber 100, simplifying the maintenance process and reducing maintenance time and costs.

[0045] It should be noted that the filter chamber 200 and the fuel supply chamber 100 are connected by the fuel passage 14. The fuel passage 14 is equipped with a one-way valve, which allows the fuel filtered by the filter chamber 200 to flow unidirectionally into the fuel supply chamber 100, avoiding fuel backflow and improving filtration efficiency.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 As shown, the return port 11 includes a first return port 111 and a second return port 112. The first return port 111 is connected to the fuel inlet pipe 20, and the second return port 112 is connected to the return pipe 30. By providing two return ports 11, the return path is selected, enhancing the flexibility and safety of the system's return flow, and making the fuel system more adaptable to different operating conditions.

[0047] It should be noted that when the return oil line is connected to the first return oil port 111 and the inlet oil pipe 20 for return oil, the fuel can directly re-enter the filter chamber 200 for re-filtration and reuse without passing through the fuel tank, thus improving the efficiency of the engine in using filtered fuel. When the fuel temperature in the return oil line is too high and re-entering the engine would affect engine performance or potentially cause safety issues due to excessive temperature, the return oil line is connected to the second return oil port 112 and the return oil pipe 30 for return oil. This returns the fuel in the return oil line to the fuel tank and mixes with the fuel in the fuel tank to achieve a cooling effect, thus preventing the fuel temperature from becoming too high when entering the engine.

[0048] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the fuel inlet pipe 20 and the fuel return pipe 30 are spaced apart circumferentially along the housing assembly 10. By circumferentially spacing the fuel inlet pipe 20 and the fuel return pipe 30, mutual interference between the fuel inlet and return lines is effectively avoided, improving the stability and safety of the fuel system, making the fuel filtration and circulation process smoother, reducing internal fuel flow turbulence, and improving fuel purity. Simultaneously, the circumferential spacing between the fuel inlet and return pipes reduces physical contact between the lines, lowering the risk of line damage due to vibration or thermal expansion and contraction, and facilitating the addition of additional sealing measures to the system, further enhancing the system's safety and reliability.

[0049] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the housing assembly 10 has a main oil passage, within which a baffle 15 is installed. The baffle 15 extends along the direction of the main oil passage, with an inlet pipe 20 formed on one side and a return pipe 30 formed on the other side. By providing a main oil passage, the structure of the housing assembly 10 is simplified, and the space occupied by the inlet pipe 20 and return pipe 30 is reduced. The baffle 15, by dividing the main oil passage into the inlet pipe 20 and return pipe 30, still achieves isolation between the inlet and return oil, preventing the possibility of re-intake of return air and thus preventing air interference in the fuel system. Furthermore, the shared main oil passage between the inlet pipe 20 and return pipe 30 allows the return pipe 30 to return to the fuel tank near the inlet port 21, improving filtration efficiency.

[0050] Furthermore, a threaded insert is provided at the return port 11 to connect the return oil line. By using the threaded insert at the return port 11, a secure connection is formed through its engagement with the threaded interface of the return oil line, making the connection more robust and airtight. This improves the stability and safety of the fuel system, enhancing its sealing during the return process and reducing the risk of fuel leakage. Simultaneously, the use of the threaded insert simplifies the installation and removal of the return oil line; connection or disconnection can be completed simply by rotating the insert with an appropriate tool (such as a wrench). This reduces the complexity and time required for filter maintenance or replacement.

[0051] According to another specific embodiment of this application, a vehicle is provided having a fuel filter, which is the fuel filter described in the above embodiment.

[0052] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of this utility model achieve the following technical effects: By designing the filter as a separate structure of inlet pipe 20 and return pipe 30, efficient fuel filtration can be provided without significantly increasing the external volume of the fuel tank. Simultaneously, the integrated injection molding design of the housing, combined with the separate arrangement of the inlet and return pipes, not only simplifies the manufacturing process of the filter but also improves its installation flexibility and overall sealing performance in complex environments. Depending on the engine's operating conditions, the engine's return pipe can be connected to either return pipe 30 or inlet pipe 20, directly returning fuel from the engine's return pipe to inlet pipe 20, improving fuel filtration efficiency and thus enhancing the engine's ability to meet high fuel demands in short periods.

[0053] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0054] In addition to the above, it should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this utility model.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0056] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fuel filter device, characterized in that, include: The housing assembly (10) has a filter chamber (200) and an oil supply chamber (100). The oil supply chamber (100) is located on the outlet side of the housing assembly (10) and is used to supply oil to the engine side. An oil outlet (110) is provided on the side wall of the oil supply chamber (100) and is used to supply oil to the engine. The housing assembly (10) is also provided with at least two oil return ports (11) and the two oil return ports (11) are used to communicate with the oil return pipeline of the engine. An oil inlet pipe (20) is connected to the housing assembly (10) and located outside the filter chamber (200). The oil inlet (21) of the oil inlet pipe (20) is connected to the oil tank, and the oil outlet of the oil inlet pipe (20) is connected to the filter chamber (200). The oil outlet of the oil inlet pipe (20) can be selectively connected to one of the two return oil ports (11). The oil return pipe (30) is connected to the housing assembly (10) and located outside the filter chamber (200). The oil return pipe (30) is located on one side of the oil inlet pipe (20). One end of the oil return pipe (30) is connected to the other of the two oil return ports (11). The other end of the oil return pipe (30) is connected to at least one of the oil inlet pipe (20) and the oil tank. The oil inlet pipe (20) and the oil return pipe (30) are separately configured.

2. The fuel filter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter chamber (200) is located on the side of the oil supply chamber (100) away from the outlet side of the housing assembly (10), and the oil outlet of the oil inlet pipe (20) is located close to the filter chamber (200).

3. The fuel filter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The oil inlet (21) is located at one end of the housing assembly (10) away from the oil supply chamber (100), and the oil inlet (21) is connected to the oil inlet pipe (20).

4. The fuel filter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The housing assembly (10) is integrally formed.

5. The fuel filter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The housing assembly (10) includes: The upper housing (12) has the oil supply chamber (100) located on the outlet side of the upper housing (12); The lower housing (13) has the filter chamber (200), and the filter chamber (200) is connected to the oil supply chamber (100) through the oil passage (14); The upper housing (12) and the lower housing (13) are separately disposed, and the oil inlet (21) is disposed at the end of the lower housing (13) away from the upper housing (12).

6. The fuel filter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oil return port (11) includes a first oil return port (111) and a second oil return port (112). The first oil return port (111) is connected to the oil inlet pipe (20), and the second oil return port (112) is connected to the oil return pipe (30).

7. The fuel filter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The oil inlet pipe (20) and the oil return pipe (30) are arranged circumferentially along the housing assembly (10).

8. The fuel filter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing assembly (10) has a main oil passage, and a baffle (15) is provided in the main oil passage. The baffle (15) extends along the extension direction of the main oil passage. The oil inlet pipe (20) is formed on one side of the baffle (15), and the oil return pipe (30) is formed on the other side of the baffle (15).

9. The fuel filter according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6, characterized in that, A threaded insert is provided at the oil return port (11), and the threaded insert is used to connect the oil return pipeline.

10. A vehicle having a fuel filter, characterized in that, The fuel filter is the fuel filter according to any one of claims 1-9.

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