A low cost, easy to maintain filtration system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521681676.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-08
AI Technical Summary
[0005]值得注意的是,堵塞的空气过滤器会使空压机进气阻力大幅增大,进而导致能耗显著上升
[0045](1)本实用新型提供了一种低成本方便维护保养的过滤系统,包括主体,该主体包括干净侧空气汇集仓,其两侧分别设置有一个滤芯安装仓,每个滤芯安装仓内均设置有平板滤芯,并通过侧盖将平板滤芯固定在滤芯安装仓内,本实用新型通过上述设计降低了制造成本,提高了过滤效率,且整个系统拆装方便,易于维护修养。
Smart Images

Figure CN224656285U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air filter technology, and in particular to a low-cost and easy-to-maintain filtration system. Background Technology
[0002] In various industrial production fields such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and electronics, extremely high requirements are placed on the purity of compressed air. As the core equipment for providing compressed air, the intake air quality of large air compressors directly affects the stability of subsequent production processes and the quality of the final product. Against this backdrop, air filters have emerged, and their core function is to accurately remove various impurities from the air, providing a solid guarantee for the clean compressed air required for industrial production.
[0003] With the continued acceleration of industrialization, air pollution problems in some regions have become increasingly prominent, with a significant increase in the total amount of suspended pollutants in the air. At the same time, many industries and regions have established stringent regulations and standards regarding air quality and environmental protection. To strictly comply with these regulations, enterprises must equip themselves with high-efficiency air filtration equipment to reduce pollutant emissions during production, effectively protecting the ecological environment and employee health. Faced with complex and harsh environmental conditions, only by utilizing high-efficiency air filters can the air intake of air compressors be kept relatively clean, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the equipment.
[0004] As high-value, critical equipment, the operating status of large air compressors is closely linked to a company's economic benefits. If dust, particles, and other impurities from the air enter the air compressor, it will directly accelerate the wear of core components such as pistons, screws, and impellers, leading to a significant decrease in equipment performance, a substantial increase in maintenance costs, and in severe cases, even equipment failure and production interruption. Air filters, on the other hand, effectively block these impurities, creating a reliable protective barrier for the air compressor and significantly extending its service life.
[0005] It is worth noting that clogged air filters can significantly increase the intake resistance of air compressors, leading to a substantial increase in energy consumption. Therefore, regularly replacing or cleaning air filters to maintain their good filtration performance can not only maintain the intake efficiency of air compressors but also achieve significant energy savings, reducing operating costs for businesses.
[0006] In recent years, with the continuous advancement of materials science and filtration technology, air filters have achieved breakthrough improvements in key indicators such as filtration efficiency, dust holding capacity, and service life. The research and development of new filter materials and the application of innovative structural designs have provided strong technical support for the performance optimization and cost control of air filters for large air compressors, driving the industry towards greater efficiency and environmental friendliness.
[0007] Based on the above, a low-cost and easy-to-maintain filtration system has become an urgent need. Utility Model Content
[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a low-cost, easy-to-maintain filtration system that is low in manufacturing cost, easy to assemble and disassemble, easy to maintain and repair, and has high filtration efficiency.
[0009] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:
[0010] A low-cost and easy-to-maintain filtration system includes a main body, which includes a clean-side air collection chamber. Filter element mounting chambers are respectively provided on both sides of the clean-side air collection chamber. Each filter element mounting chamber is provided with a flat plate filter element. The filter element mounting chamber is also provided with a side cover for fixing the flat plate filter element. The side cover is located outside the flat plate filter element and is removable.
[0011] The flat plate filter element is connected to the side cover and the filter element installation chamber, respectively, and the filter element installation chamber is connected to the clean side air collection chamber.
[0012] Preferably, the side of the flat plate filter element facing the side cover is the dirty side air inlet side, and the side of the flat plate filter element facing the filter element installation chamber is the clean side air outlet side.
[0013] In this invention, the main function of the flat filter element is to filter impurities in the air, and its material, number of folds, fold height and other parameters can be optimized according to actual application requirements.
[0014] Preferably, the side cover is provided with an air inlet, which is connected to the dirty side air inlet of the flat plate filter element, and the filter element installation chamber is provided with an air passage, which is connected to the clean side air outlet and the clean side air collection chamber of the flat plate filter element respectively.
[0015] More preferably, the air vent is located at the bottom of the filter element installation compartment.
[0016] In this invention, the side cover functions to fix the flat filter element and prevent it from detaching from the system. Simultaneously, the air inlet designed on the side cover allows the system to draw air from the outside.
[0017] In this invention, the shape of the air inlet can be optimized according to the actual application scenario to meet the requirements of air intake and resistance, and the shape and arrangement can also be optimized according to requirements such as dustproof and waterproof.
[0018] In this invention, the clean side air collection chamber can collect the air filtered by the flat plate filter elements on both sides and deliver it out of the system through the air outlet.
[0019] In this invention, the air passage can be optimized in terms of shape and size parameters according to the requirements of flat plate filter element support and system resistance.
[0020] Preferably, the clean side air collection chamber is a trapezoidal prism structure, which includes two parallel trapezoidal end faces and four sides of the same height, including a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side.
[0021] More preferably, the width of the first side is equal to the length of the long side of the trapezoidal end face, the width of the second side is equal to the length of the short side of the trapezoidal end face, and the widths of the third and fourth sides are both equal to the waist length of the trapezoidal end face.
[0022] More preferably, the filter cartridge installation compartments are respectively disposed on the third side and the fourth side, and an air outlet is disposed on the first side.
[0023] More preferably, the air outlet is connected to the air inlet of the air compressor.
[0024] Preferably, the filter cartridge installation compartment has an installation edge on the outer edge of the side wall on the same side as the first side. The installation edge is parallel to the height direction of the clean side air collection compartment. The installation edge has a plurality of evenly distributed locking holes along its height direction. The side cover has an installation card that mates with the locking hole on the side edge corresponding to the installation edge. The installation card is inserted into the locking hole to fix the filter cartridge.
[0025] More preferably, the length of the card hole is slightly greater than the length of the mounting card.
[0026] This utility model uses the cooperation of the mounting card and the mounting hole to guide and position the side cover when it is installed on the filter cartridge installation compartment, and to fix and prevent it from falling off after the side cover is installed in place.
[0027] Preferably, the outer edge of the side wall on the same side as the second side of the filter cartridge installation compartment is provided with a self-locking edge, the self-locking edge is parallel to the height direction of the clean side air collection compartment, and the self-locking edge is provided with a plurality of evenly distributed self-locking openings along its height direction.
[0028] Preferably, the side cover and the side edge corresponding to the self-locking edge are provided with an outwardly extending lateral flange. The lateral flange is perpendicular to the main plane of the side cover and is opposite to the self-locking edge. A mounting locking hole that cooperates with the self-locking opening is provided on the lateral flange. The mounting locking hole and the self-locking opening are engaged to achieve self-locking fixation.
[0029] More preferably, the opening height of the card hole is higher than the opening height of the self-locking opening.
[0030] This invention achieves locking of the side cover after installation by using the mounting locking hole and the matching self-locking port to prevent it from loosening.
[0031] Preferably, the upper edge of the side cover is further provided with an outwardly extending reinforcing flange, which is perpendicular to the main plane of the side cover.
[0032] In this invention, the design of the side flange and the reinforced flange can enhance the strength of the side cover, and at the same time, they can act as handles when the side cover is disassembled, making it easy to remove.
[0033] Preferably, the edges of the filter element that come into contact with the filter element installation compartment are provided with sealing strips.
[0034] In this invention, the main function of the sealing strip is to separate the clean side of the air outlet and the dirty side of the air inlet of the flat plate filter element, preventing dust and other impurities from entering the clean side and contaminating the filtered air. The shape, material and size of the sealing strip can be adjusted according to the sealing requirements of the actual application scenario.
[0035] Preferably, the main body is mounted on a base.
[0036] Preferably, the main body, side cover, and base are all made of metal.
[0037] Preferably, the main body, side cover, and base are manufactured using a sheet metal bending and welding process.
[0038] In practical use, this invention features a simple and efficient installation process: First, place the flat filter element into the filter element installation compartment. Then, insert the installation clip on the side cover into the locking hole of the filter element installation compartment to complete pre-positioning and initial fixation. Next, push the side cover downwards so that the locking hole of the installation clip on the side cover precisely engages with the self-locking slot on the other side of the filter element installation compartment, achieving a secure lock. To replace or remove the filter element, simply reverse the above steps. The entire installation and removal process requires no complicated tools, is convenient to operate, and greatly improves maintenance efficiency.
[0039] During filtration, the airflow path of this utility model's filtration system is as follows: air first enters through the air inlet on the side cover and reaches the dirty side of the flat plate filter element; after being filtered by the flat plate filter element, clean air flows out from the clean side of the flat plate filter element and enters the clean side air collection chamber inside the main body through the air passage on the filter element installation chamber; finally, clean air is output through the air outlet on the clean side air collection chamber, for example, it can be directly delivered to the air inlet of the air compressor.
[0040] This invention provides a low-cost and easy-to-maintain filtration system. Its housing (main body, filter cartridge mounting compartment, side covers, etc.) is made of metal, and the manufacturing process utilizes sheet metal bending followed by welding. This process is not only simple to operate and highly feasible, but also relatively inexpensive. Simultaneously, the metal housing has high overall strength, ensuring structural stability and preventing breakage even under impact loads. This allows the system to adapt to various application scenarios and different vibration loads, effectively extending its service life.
[0041] In terms of performance, the system adopts a trapezoidal design and uses a flat filter element. Compared to circular filtration systems, this design optimizes the flow field layout of the air intake on the dirty side of the filter element, reducing the resistance during system operation; at the same time, it improves the uniformity of force on the filter element surface, thereby improving the filtration efficiency of the filter element.
[0042] In terms of subsequent maintenance, the filter element uses a compression seal with a sealing strip, which, together with the metal casing, effectively isolates the dirty side from the clean side. This design makes the installation and removal of the filter element simple and easy, significantly reducing the time required for subsequent maintenance.
[0043] In addition, the system is made of metal materials, which have good recycling value, thus saving resources, conforming to the concept of sustainable development, reducing environmental pollution, and lowering carbon emissions during the use of the system.
[0044] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0045] (1) This utility model provides a low-cost and easy-to-maintain filtration system, including a main body, which includes a clean side air collection chamber and a filter element installation chamber on each side. Each filter element installation chamber is equipped with a flat filter element, and the flat filter element is fixed in the filter element installation chamber by a side cover. This utility model reduces manufacturing costs and improves filtration efficiency through the above design. The whole system is easy to disassemble and assemble and easy to maintain.
[0046] (2) The filtration system of this utility model adopts a flat plate filter element design and the system as a whole adopts a trapezoidal design. Compared with the circular filtration system, this design optimizes the flow field layout of the air intake on the dirty side of the filter element, reduces the resistance of the system during operation, and improves the uniformity of the filter element surface, thereby improving the filtration efficiency of the filter element.
[0047] (3) The filtration system of this utility model adopts the manufacturing process of sheet metal bending and welding. The manufacturing process is simple, easy to operate, and relatively inexpensive, which is suitable for the needs of products with relatively small production volume, thereby improving the overall market competitiveness of the product.
[0048] (4) The filtration system of this utility model can stably fix the filter element in the filter element installation chamber through the cooperation of the filter element installation chamber, the installation card and the card hole on the side cover, the installation card locking hole and the self-locking port. Its design is simple to install and disassemble, easy to operate, greatly reduces the time required for subsequent maintenance of the filter element, reduces the downtime of the equipment, and increases the working efficiency of the equipment.
[0049] (5) The filtration system of this utility model adopts a flat plate filter design and uses a sealing strip compression seal to achieve isolation between the dirty side and the clean side, preventing dust and other impurities from entering the clean side and polluting the filtered air. At the same time, its design can minimize the boundary size required by the system and reduce the space occupied by the equipment. While ensuring the system performance, it can improve the system's compatibility and enable multiple models to be used together, reducing the product development requirements and further reducing the manufacturing cost of the equipment.
[0050] (6) The filtration system of this utility model uses metal material to make the shell, which has high overall strength and ensures the stability of the structure. When subjected to impact load, it will not easily break, thus improving the service life of the system itself and enabling the system to meet the needs of various application scenarios and different vibration load impacts.
[0051] (7) The filtration system of this utility model uses metal material to make the shell, which has good recycling value, saves resources, meets the requirements of sustainable development, reduces environmental pollution, and reduces carbon emissions from the use of the system. Attached Figure Description
[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the blasting process of this utility model;
[0053] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external shape of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0054] Figure 3 This is a top view of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0055] Figure 4 This is a side view of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0056] Figure 5 This is a front view of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0057] Figure 6 This is an external view of the main body of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0058] Figure 7 This is a side view of the main body of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0059] Figure 8 This is a front view of the side cover of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0060] Figure 9 This is a side view of the side cover of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0061] Figure 10 This is an external view of the side cover of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0062] Figure 11 This is a front view of the filter element of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0063] Figure 12 This is a side view of the filter element of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0064] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the filter element in the filtration system of this utility model;
[0065] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the installation (initial positioning) of the side cover of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0066] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the side cover of the filtration system of this utility model;
[0067] In the diagram: 1-Main body; 2-Clean side air collection chamber; 3-Filter element installation chamber; 4-Flat plate filter element; 5-Side cover; 6-Air inlet; 7-Air outlet; 8-Air outlet; 9-Clamping hole; 10-Installation clip; 11-Self-locking port; 12-Side flange; 13-Installation clip locking hole; 14-Reinforced flange; 15-Sealing strip; 16-Base. Detailed Implementation
[0068] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. This embodiment is based on the technical solution of the present invention and provides detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures; however, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.
[0069] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and 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 orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0070] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0071] Unless otherwise specified, the functional components or structures in the following embodiments or examples are conventional components or structures used in the art to achieve the corresponding functions.
[0072] Example 1
[0073] A low-cost, easy-to-maintain filtration system, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the device includes a main body 1, which is composed of a clean-side air collection chamber 2. A filter element installation chamber 3 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the clean-side air collection chamber 2, and a flat filter element 4 is installed in each filter element installation chamber 3. A removable side cover 5 is installed on the outside of the filter element installation chamber 3, located on the outside of the flat filter element 4, for fixing the flat filter element 4.
[0074] The flat plate filter element 4 is connected to the side cover 5 and the filter element installation chamber 3 respectively, and the filter element installation chamber 3 is connected to the clean side air collection chamber 2.
[0075] Example 2
[0076] A low-cost, easy-to-maintain filtration system includes a main body 1 mounted on a base 16, such as... Figure 6-7 As shown, the main body 1 includes a clean-side air collection chamber 2. In this embodiment, the clean-side air collection chamber 2 is a trapezoidal prism structure, which includes two parallel trapezoidal end faces and four sides of the same height. The four sides are as follows:
[0077] First side: Its width is equal to the length of the long side of the trapezoidal end face;
[0078] The second side: its width is equal to the length of the shorter side of the trapezoidal end face;
[0079] The third and fourth sides: their widths are both equal to the waist length of the trapezoidal end face.
[0080] Filter cartridge installation compartments 3 are respectively provided on the third and fourth sides, and each filter cartridge installation compartment 3 contains a flat plate filter cartridge 4, such as... Figure 11-12 As shown, the edges of the flat plate filter element 4 that come into contact with the filter element installation chamber 3 are provided with sealing strips 15, and the filter element installation chamber 3 is also provided with a detachable side cover 5 for fixing the flat plate filter element 4 inside it.
[0081] In this embodiment, the side of the flat plate filter element 4 facing the side cover 5 is the dirty side air inlet side, and the side facing the filter element mounting chamber 3 is the clean side air outlet side. The side cover 5 is provided with an air inlet 6, which is connected to the dirty side air inlet side of the flat plate filter element 4. The filter element mounting chamber 3 is provided with an air passage 7, which is connected to the clean side air outlet side of the flat plate filter element 4 and the clean side air collection chamber 2 respectively. An air outlet 8 is also provided on the first side of the clean side air collection chamber 2.
[0082] In this embodiment, during filtration, air first enters through the air inlet 6 on the side cover 5 and reaches the dirty side of the flat plate filter element 4. After being filtered by the flat plate filter element 4, clean air flows out from the clean side of the flat plate filter element 4 and enters the clean side air collection chamber 2 through the air passage 7 on the filter element installation chamber 3. Finally, clean air is output through the air outlet 8 on the clean side air collection chamber 2.
[0083] In this embodiment, the main body 1, side cover 5, and base 16 are all manufactured using sheet metal bending and welding processes, and are all made of metal materials, which enhances the overall strength and reduces costs.
[0084] Example 3
[0085] A low-cost, easy-to-maintain filtration system, based on Example 2, such as... Figure 8-10 As shown,
[0086] In this embodiment, the outer edge of the side wall of the filter element installation chamber 3 and the clean side air collection chamber 2 on the same side is provided with an installation edge. The installation edge is parallel to the height direction of the clean side air collection chamber 2, and a number of slots 9 are evenly opened in the height direction. The side cover 5 is provided with installation cards 10 corresponding to the slots 9 on the corresponding side edge.
[0087] In this embodiment, the outer edge of the side wall on the same side as the second side of the filter cartridge installation chamber 3 and the clean side air collection chamber 2 is provided with a self-locking edge. The self-locking edge is also parallel to the height direction of the clean side air collection chamber 2, and a plurality of self-locking openings 11 are evenly opened along the height direction. The side cover 5 is provided with a lateral flange 12 formed by folding outward vertically at the corresponding side edge. The lateral flange 12 is opposite to the self-locking edge, and a mounting locking hole 13 is opened at the position corresponding to the self-locking opening 11.
[0088] In this embodiment, the upper edge of the side cover 5 is also provided with an outwardly vertically folded reinforcing flange 14. After the side cover 5 is closed, the reinforcing flange 14 fits the upper surface of the filter element installation chamber 3. On the one hand, it improves the rigidity of the side cover 5 and prevents it from deforming due to negative pressure. On the other hand, it can be used as a handle during disassembly, making it convenient for operators to install and complete tool-free disassembly.
[0089] During installation in this embodiment, as follows: Figure 13As shown, first install the flat plate filter element 4 into the filter element installation chamber 3; then install the side cover 5. The specific steps are as follows: Figure 14 As shown, first insert the mounting card 10 into the card hole 9 to establish initial positioning. Then, as... Figure 15 As shown, press the side cover 5 downwards to engage the self-locking port 11 with the mounting locking hole 13, achieving quick self-locking of the side cover 5. To replace or remove the filter element, simply reverse the steps described above.
[0090] The above description of the embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be easily made to these embodiments, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and any improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present utility model without departing from its scope should be within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A low-cost, easy-to-maintain filtration system, characterized in that, The system includes a main body (1), which includes a clean side air collection chamber (2). Filter cartridge installation chambers (3) are respectively provided on both sides of the clean side air collection chamber (2). Each filter cartridge installation chamber (3) is provided with a flat plate filter cartridge (4). The filter cartridge installation chamber (3) is also provided with a side cover (5) for fixing the flat plate filter cartridge (4). The side cover (5) is located outside the flat plate filter cartridge (4) and is detachable. The flat plate filter element (4) is connected to the side cover (5) and the filter element installation chamber (3) respectively, and the filter element installation chamber (3) is connected to the clean side air collection chamber (2).
2. The low-cost and easy-to-maintain filtration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the flat plate filter element (4) facing the side cover (5) is the dirty side air inlet side, and the side of the flat plate filter element (4) facing the filter element installation chamber (3) is the clean side air outlet side.
3. The low-cost, easy-to-maintain filtration system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side cover (5) is provided with an air inlet (6), which is connected to the dirty side air inlet of the flat plate filter element (4). The filter element installation chamber (3) is provided with an air passage (7), which is connected to the clean side air outlet and the clean side air collection chamber (2) of the flat plate filter element (4).
4. The low-cost and easy-to-maintain filtration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clean side air collection chamber (2) is a trapezoidal prism structure. The trapezoidal prism structure includes two parallel trapezoidal end faces and four sides of the same height. The four sides include a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The width of the first side is equal to the length of the long side of the trapezoidal end face, the width of the second side is equal to the length of the short side of the trapezoidal end face, and the widths of the third and fourth sides are both equal to the waist length of the trapezoidal end face. The filter element installation chamber (3) is respectively set on the third side and the fourth side. An air outlet (8) is provided on the first side.
5. A low-cost, easy-to-maintain filtration system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filter cartridge installation compartment (3) has an installation edge on the outer edge of the side wall on the same side as the first side. The installation edge is parallel to the height direction of the clean side air collection compartment (2). The installation edge has a number of evenly distributed card holes (9) along its height direction. The side cover (5) has an installation card (10) that matches the card hole (9) on the side edge corresponding to the installation edge.
6. The low-cost and easy-to-maintain filtration system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filter cartridge installation compartment (3) has a self-locking edge on the outer edge of the side wall on the same side as the second side. The self-locking edge is parallel to the height direction of the clean side air collection compartment (2). The self-locking edge has a number of evenly distributed self-locking openings (11) along its height direction. The side cover (5) has an outwardly folded side flange (12) on the side edge corresponding to the self-locking edge. The side flange (12) is perpendicular to the main plane of the side cover (5). The side flange (12) is opposite to the self-locking edge and has a corresponding mounting locking hole (13) that cooperates with the self-locking opening (11).
7. A low-cost, easy-to-maintain filtration system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper edge of the side cover (5) is also provided with an outwardly folded reinforcing flange (14), which is perpendicular to the main plane of the side cover (5).
8. The low-cost and easy-to-maintain filtration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edges of the flat filter element (4) that come into contact with the filter element installation chamber (3) are provided with sealing strips (15).
9. A low-cost, easy-to-maintain filtration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (1) is mounted on the base (16).
10. A low-cost, easy-to-maintain filtration system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The main body (1), side cover (5), and base (16) are manufactured by sheet metal bending and welding. The main body (1), side cover (5), and base (16) are all made of metal.