Filter element vibration reduction member and filter system

Abstract

Regardless of the size of the gap between the filter container and the filter element, it is required to prevent or reduce vibration and produce a cushioning effect. [Solution] A filter element vibration reducing member for a filter element that is held inside a filter container and has a cylindrical shape, wherein the filter element vibration reducing member comprises a fixing means that can be fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element or to the inner surface of the filter container, and a plate member that has a biasing force toward the outside of the filter element when the fixing means is fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element, or a biasing force toward the filter element when the fixing means is fixed to the inner surface of the filter container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter element vibration reduction member and a filter system.

Background Art

[0002] A filter-related device incorporating a columnar filter element having a cylindrical filter medium with a hollow portion disposed therein inside a filter container is generally used. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5B is a view showing a cross-section XX of FIG. 5A.

[0003] In such a filter device, an elongated filter element 101 is disposed vertically inside a filter container 100. Inside the filter element 101, a cylindrical filter medium 102 having a hollow portion is disposed, and a core 103 is disposed in the hollow portion. Holes 103a are disposed on the outer periphery of the core 103. The core 103 is inserted into the hollow portion of the filter medium 102, and the filter medium 102 is supported from the inside by the core 103. In some cases, a cylindrical cover 105 having a hollow portion is disposed on the outer periphery of the filter medium 102. Holes 105a are disposed on the outer periphery of the cover 105. The filter medium 102, the core 103, and the cover 105 are supported and fixed by end plates 106 and 107 at both ends.

[0004] One end 103b of the core 103 of the filter element 101 is sealed by the end plate 106. The filter element 101 is fixedly supported inside the filter container 100 in such a manner that the other end 103c of the core 103 is fixed to the container end 100b as a flow path outlet. The filter element 101 is in a cantilever support state with one end fixed.

[0005] Inside the filter container 100, the fluid FL1 to be filtered is introduced from the flow channel inlet 100a of the filter container 100. The introduced fluid FL1 passes through the space between the filter container 100 and the filter element 101, and then through the outer circumference of the filter element 101 to the filter media 102. The fluid FL2 that has passed through the filter media 102 flows into the core 103 from the outer circumference of the core 103 through the holes 103a of the core 103, and is discharged from the container end 100b, which serves as the flow channel outlet, via the other end 103c of the core 103. Alternatively, the flow direction can be reversed to set the flow configuration to the opposite direction to that described here.

[0006] In such a filter device, in the elongated filter element 101, only one end, which is the other end 103c side of the core 103, is fixed to the container end 100b of the filter container 100. That is, the filter element 101 is fixed in a so-called cantilevered state, with the end 101b of the filter element 101 on the other end 103c side of the fixed core 103 being the fixed end, and the end 101a of the filter element 101 on the one end 103b side of the sealed core 103 being the free end.

[0007] In such filter devices, there are two types: one in which the filter element 101 is inseparably fixed to the container end 100b, and another in which the filter element 101 is detachably fixed to the container end 100b. The detachably fixed filter element 101 is sometimes referred to as a filter cartridge, but since the vibration reduction member of the present invention is applicable to both those that are inseparably fixed and those that are detachably fixed, in both cases it will be described as a filter element 101, and this will be defined to include what is called a filter cartridge.

[0008] Furthermore, if the filter element 101 is inseparably fixed to the container end 100b, the filter container 100 may be referred to as a filter capsule, and if the filter element 101 is detachably fixed to the container end 100b, the filter container 100 may be referred to as a filter housing. Since the vibration reduction member of the present invention is applicable in either case, in this specification, the filter container 100 is defined to mean either a filter capsule or a filter housing.

[0009] In other words, in the present invention, the filter system is defined as having a filter element 101, including a filter cartridge, fixed in a cantilevered manner inside a filter container 100, which includes a filter capsule and a filter housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5197966 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] In a filter system in which the filter element 101 is fixed inside the filter container 100, the filter container 100 vibrates due to various factors such as fluid flow, pressure fluctuations, pump vibrations, and vibrations during transport.

[0012] Vibrations applied to the filter container 100 can cause the free end 101a of the filter element 101 to come into contact with the inner surface of the filter container 100, generating abnormal noises and fine particles, or causing damage to the filter container 100 or the filter element 101.

[0013] Regarding this, Patent Document 1 discloses a filter cartridge alignment member that fits an end cap to the end and then fits and fixes the filter cartridge, which is the filter element, into the housing.

[0014] However, the alignment member disclosed in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that there is no gap between the alignment member fitted to the filter cartridge and the inner circumference of the filter housing, and that the alignment member is fixed in contact with the inner circumference of the filter housing so as not to move. Including manufacturing tolerances, it is extremely difficult to match it to the inner diameter of the container. As long as manufacturing tolerances exist, a small gap will be created between the filter cartridge and the filter container, and ultimately the filter cartridge will collide with the inner surface of the filter housing due to vibration. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent or reduce vibrations of the filter element regardless of the size of the gap between the filter container and the filter element, thereby creating a buffering effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The problem is solved by a filter element vibration reducing member for a filter element that is held inside a filter container and has a cylindrical shape, wherein the filter element vibration reducing member comprises a fixing means that can be fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element or to the inner surface of the filter container, and a plate member that has a biasing force toward the outside of the filter element when the fixing means is fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element, or a biasing force toward the filter element when the fixing means is fixed to the inner surface of the filter container, wherein when the fixing means is fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element, the plate member has a shape that protrudes toward the filter container in a direction that gradually moves away from the fixing means, or when the fixing means is fixed to the inner surface of the filter container, the plate member has a shape that protrudes toward the filter element in a direction that gradually moves away from the fixing means.

[0016] The problem is solved by a filter system comprising a filter container, a filter element held inside the filter container and having a cylindrical shape, and a filter element vibration reducing member for the filter element, wherein the filter element vibration reducing member comprises a fixing means that can be fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element, and a plate member fixed to the fixing means and having a biasing force toward the outside of the filter element, and the plate member has a shape that protrudes toward the filter container in a direction gradually away from the fixing means.

[0017] The problem is solved by a filter system comprising a filter container, a filter element having a cylindrical shape held inside the filter container, and a filter element vibration reducing member for the filter element, wherein the filter container has a plate member on its inner surface that has a biasing force toward the outer circumference of the filter element, and the plate member has a shape that protrudes toward the filter element so as to gradually move away from the inner surface of the filter container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] Vibration of the filter element is reduced within the filter container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1A] This is an exploded perspective view showing the filter element vibration reduction member and filter system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 1B] This is a perspective view showing the filter element vibration reduction member and filter system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 1C] This is a perspective view of a filter element vibration reduction member according to one embodiment of Embodiment 1. [Figure 1D] This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the filter element vibration reduction member of Embodiment 1. [Figure 1E] This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the filter element vibration reduction member of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2A] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2B] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2C] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2D] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2E] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2F] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 1, showing the tip of the plate member. [Figure 3A] It is a perspective view showing the filter element vibration reduction member and the filter system of Embodiment 2 in an exploded manner. [Figure 3B] It is a perspective view showing the filter element vibration reduction member and the filter system of Embodiment 2. [Figure 3C] It is a perspective view showing the filter element vibration reduction member of Embodiment 2. [Figure 4A] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 2. [Figure 4B] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 2. [Figure 4C] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 2. [Figure 4D] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 2. [Figure 4E] It is a schematic diagram of a filter element vibration reduction member in another form of Embodiment 2. [Figure 5A] It is a schematic diagram showing a conventional filter element and a filter container. [Figure 5B] It is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional filter element and a filter container. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] [Embodiment 1] Referring to Figures 1A to 2F, the filter element vibration reducing member 1 of Embodiment 1 and the filter system 2 equipped therewith will be described. Figure 1A is an exploded perspective view of the filter element vibration reducing member 1 and the filter system 2 of Embodiment 1. Figure 1B is a perspective view of the filter element vibration reducing member 1 and the filter system 2 of Embodiment 1. Figures 1C to 1E are perspective views of the filter element vibration reducing member 1 of Embodiment 1. Figures 2A to 2E are schematic diagrams of other embodiments of the filter element vibration reducing member of Embodiment 1, and are schematic diagrams viewed from the direction of arrow A in Figure 1A. Figure 2F is a diagram showing the tip of the plate member.

[0021] The filter system 2 of the present invention comprises a filter element 11, a filter container 12, and a filter element vibration reducing member 1. The filter element 11 extends for a long distance in a certain direction, has the shape of a hollow cylinder (the direction of extension is referred to as the "longitudinal direction"), and is housed in the filter container 12. Typically, the filter element 11 has the shape of a cylinder extending along the central axis CL, with the central axis CL being the longitudinal direction. Hereinafter, the cylindrical filter element 11 will be described as a typical example of a cylindrical shape. However, the filter element 11 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. The relationship between the filter container 12 and the filter element is the same as in the conventional system. The filter element 11 is held inside the filter container 12 in a cantilevered state, with one end fixed inside the filter container 12 and the other end not held. Inside the filter element 11 is a filter medium 14 for filtering fluids. The filter medium 14 has the shape of a hollow cylinder, and a cylindrical core 15 is inserted into its hollow portion. While both the filter media 14 and the core 15 are typically cylindrical in shape, they are not limited to cylindrical forms.

[0022] The filter element vibration reducing member 1 is attached to the filter element 11 by fixing means. For example, the fixing means may include bonding, welding, press-fitting to the filter element 11, or complete fixing by integral molding with the outer cover of the filter element 11 during the manufacturing of the filter element 11.

[0023] The fixing means can be attached to any part of the filter element 11, in particular to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element 11 (the outer cover of the filter element 11). For example, it can be attached to the cover of the cylindrical outer casing of the main body that constitutes the filter element 11. It can also be attached to the plate at the end of the cylinder of the filter element 11. When multiple filter elements 11 are connected at their ends, the fixing means can also be attached to the connecting plate at the connection point.

[0024] Furthermore, a fixing member 22 can be used as a means of fixing. The fixing member 22 is a member formed to have an annular shape or at least a part of an annular shape that fits the plate around the circumference of the cylinder of the filter element 11. Typically, the fixing member 22 has an annular shape or at least a part of an annular shape that fits around the circumference of the cylinder of the filter element 11. In this application, the fixing member 22 will be described as having an annular shape or a part of an annular shape as a typical example. The fixing member 22 fixes the plate member 21 at any position on the circumferential surface of the filter element 11. That is, as shown in Figure 1C, the fixing member 22 can have a complete annular shape centered on a central axis CL that fits around the circumference of the cylinder of the filter element 11. In this case, the fixing member 22 is fixed by inserting it from one end of the filter element 11 and fitting it into the cylinder of the filter element 11.

[0025] Furthermore, the fixing member 22 does not have to be a perfect annular shape that fits around the circumference of the cylinder of the filter element 11. As shown in Figure 1D, a notch 22a can be placed in a part of the fixing member 22, so that the part other than the notch 22a is shaped like a part of an annule centered on the central axis CL. In this case, the fixing member 22 may be inserted from one end of the filter element 11, or it can be inserted into the filter element 11 through the notch 22a of the fixing member 22 and fixed to the cylinder of the filter element 11. As shown in Figure 1E, a stopper 25 can be placed on the annular edge of the fixing member 22. The fixing member 22 has an annular shape or at least a portion of an annular shape that can fit onto the outer circumference of the cylindrical shape of the filter element 11, while the stopper 25 has a protrusion that is narrower than the outer circumference of the cylindrical shape of the filter element 11, and functions to ensure that the filter element vibration reducing member 1 is positioned at the longitudinal end of the cylindrical shape of the filter element 11, by engaging with and fixing the fixing member 22 at the longitudinal end of the cylindrical shape of the filter element 11, where the filter element 11 is not fixed. In particular, since the filter element 11 is configured in a cantilever state with one end fixed to the filter container 12, by positioning the filter element vibration reducing member 1 at the unfixed end (free end), the filter element vibration reducing member 1 can be positioned at the free end of the filter element 11 where the amplitude is greatest.

[0026] The fixing member 22 can also be permanently fixed to the filter element 11 by bonding, welding, press-fitting, or integral molding. Alternatively, the fixing member 22 can be detachably fixed. In the case of detachable fixing, it can be fixed by engaging means 24 arranged on both the fixing member 22 and the filter element 11. The engaging means 24 is configured to be engaged by having a latch on one of the fixing member 22 and the filter element 11, and a claw that engages with the latch on the other. The engaging means 24 can also be a magnet. The fixing member 22 can be a magnet, and a metal part can be placed on the filter element 11, so that the magnetic engaging means 24 can be detachably fixed to the metal.

[0027] The following description will assume the use of the fixing member 22, but this description also includes complete fixing by adhesive welding, press-fitting, or integral molding during the manufacture of the filter element 11. When the fixing member 22 is used, the filter element vibration reduction member 1 is fixed by the fixing member 22 to any fixed position on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical shape of the filter element 11.

[0028] The filter element vibration reducing member 1 comprises an elastic plate member 21. The plate member 21 is fixed to the filter element 11 completely or detachably by the fixing means described above. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the plate member 21 is attached to the fixing member 22. The plate member 21 is attached to the fixing member 22 by adhesive, welding, press-fitting, or integral molding.

[0029] The plate member 21 can typically be made of a resin material with high elasticity as a material property, such as rubber or elastomer. Alternatively, the plate member 21 may be made of a highly rigid material such as metal. In particular, in this case, as will be explained below, the shape can give the plate member 21 elasticity.

[0030] The elastic plate members 21 typically consist of multiple pieces, are fixed to a fixing means, and, depending on their material and shape, have elasticity toward the outward direction of the filter element 11. This becomes a biasing force that biases the filter element 11 toward the outward direction. For example, at least a portion of the plate members 21 protrudes away from the circumferential surface of the cylinder of the filter element 11, has elasticity toward the outward direction of the filter element 11, and has a shape that generates a biasing force toward the outward direction of the filter element 11. The biasing force of any plate member 21 and the biasing force of a plate member 121 from the opposite direction cause the filter element vibration reducing member 1 to balance the resultant force of the biasing force toward the inner center of the filter container 12, producing an effect that attempts to hold the filter element 11 at the inner center of the filter container 12, thereby reducing the vibration of the filter element 11 itself and the contact between the filter element 11 and the filter container 12. Specifically, the shape is such that it protrudes from an arbitrary fixed position on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical cross-section in a direction that gradually moves away from the circumference along the circumferential direction. That is, each of the multiple plate members 21 has a shape that protrudes from each of multiple different positions in the circumferential direction of the cylinder of the filter element 11, radially from the central axis CL of the cylinder of the filter element 11, so as to gradually move away from the fixed member 22.

[0031] The protruding shape is such that, as shown in Figures 1C and 1D, each of the multiple plate members 21 has a shape such that, at least a portion of it, the distance from the fixing member 22 gradually increases when viewed from the central axis CL. For example, as shown in Figure 1C, each of the multiple plate members 21 extends in a direction along the circumference of the cylinder of the filter element 11 around the central axis CL, and the distance from the fixing member 22 gradually increases. The direction of extension along the circumference can be any direction around the central axis CL. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1D, the shape can be such that it extends in a direction along the central axis CL of the cylinder of the filter element 11, and the distance from the fixing member 22 gradually increases. The direction along the central axis CL can be either upward or downward.

[0032] Furthermore, all of the plate members 21 may be configured to extend in the same direction, and the direction in which each of the plate members gradually moves away from the circumference can be arbitrarily chosen, but it is particularly preferable that they all align in the same direction along the circumference. This allows for reduced friction between the plate members 21 and the inner surface of the filter container 12 when inserting the filter element 11 into the filter container 12, by rotating the filter element 11 from the base to the tip of the plate member 21 during insertion.

[0033] However, each of the multiple plate members 21 may extend in a different direction. The shape of each of the multiple plate members 21 can be in various forms, as long as it is a shape that protrudes from the fixing member 22 such that the distance from the fixing member 22, i.e., the distance from the central axis CL, gradually increases.

[0034] The protruding shape of each of the multiple plate members 21, such that the distance from the fixing member 22, i.e., the distance from the central axis CL, gradually increases, will be explained with reference to Figures 2A to 2F. Figures 2A to 2E show the filter element vibration reduction member 1 as viewed from arrow A in Figures 1A and 1B, in relation to the filter container 12 and the filter element 11, along the direction of the central axis CL of the cylinder of the filter element 11.

[0035] The plate member 21 consists of multiple units, and there is no upper limit on the number of units. When there are multiple plate members 21, there can be multiple arbitrary fixing positions. The fixing position of the plate member 21 on the fixing member 22 will be referred to as the "base" below.

[0036] In the following examples shown in Figures 2A to 2D, we will explain using the case where there are four plate members 21, specifically multiple plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d. The shapes of each plate member 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d can be various, as long as they protrude away from the circumferential surface of the cylindrical filter element 11 and have flexibility and elasticity in the radial direction of the cylindrical filter element 11. For example, the shapes of each plate member 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d can be configured as shapes that extend in a straight line from the base of the fixing member 22 when viewed from a direction along the central axis CL of the cylindrical filter element 11, as shown in Figure 2A. In this case, the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d have the shape of a plane extending from the base along the central axis CL of the cylindrical filter element 11. When the shapes of the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are planar, for example, they can be planar shapes of various kinds. The plane can be a surface having one angle with respect to the tangent surface of the circumference of the cylindrical cross-section of the filter element 11, as shown in Figure 2A, but it may also be a combination of multiple planes that extend in different directions along the way, that is, planes that have multiple angles with respect to the tangent surface of the circumference of the cylindrical cross-section of the filter element 11.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the shapes of the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d can be configured as curved shapes when viewed from a direction along the central axis CL of the cylindrical filter element 11, as shown in Figures 2B and 2C. In this case, the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d have the shape of a curved surface along the central axis CL of the cylindrical filter element 11. In this curved surface shape, the curved surface can be a curved surface with a curvature that combines multiple curvatures such that the curvature changes by 1 or more. Figure 2C shows an example of a curved surface shape that extends in one direction from the base of the fixing member 22 and then extends in the opposite direction. Furthermore, although not shown, this shape can also be made into a ring shape that returns to the base.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2D, the shapes of the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d may be a combination of curved and planar shapes. Figure 2D shows a shape that, when viewed from arrow A along the central axis CL, is curved from the base and straight from the base. That is, the base is curved, and the part away from the base is a combination of a curved shape and a planar shape. In this way, the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d have elasticity due to the effect of their shape or material.

[0039] The spacing between the fixed positions (roots) of each plate member 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d can be arbitrarily selected, but it is particularly preferable to arrange them at equal intervals around the center of the circumference (central axis of the filter element 11) of the cylindrical filter element 11. In the example shown in Figures 2A to 2D, four plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are shown arranged at 90-degree intervals around the central axis CL. In this way, for example, two plate members can be arranged at 180-degree intervals, four plate members at 90-degree intervals, and six plate members at 60-degree intervals. Arranging them at equal intervals produces a vibration reduction effect for vibrations in various directions. In Figures 2A to 2D, an example of four plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d was explained as multiple plate members 21, but as shown in Figure 2E, it is also possible to use a single plate member 21. One plate member 21 has a shape that extends spirally from a fixed position (base) toward the inner surface of the filter container 12, so as to gradually move away from the filter element 11.

[0040] As explained above, the shape of each plate member 21 such that the distance from the fixing member 22 gradually increases when viewed from the central axis CL and moves toward the inner surface of the filter container 12 does not need to be present throughout the entire plate member 21, but only in a part of the plate member 21.

[0041] The tips of the multiple plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d may be set to contact the inner surface of the filter container 12 while the filter element 11 is fixed to the filter container 12, or they may be set to be spaced apart so that there is a gap between them and the inner surface of the filter container 12. The configurations shown in Figures 2A to 2E are examples showing the state in which the filter element vibration reducing member 1 is in contact with the inner surface of the filter container 12 while the filter element vibration reducing member 1 is fixed to the filter element 11. In addition, a mounting tip 23 can be attached to the tip (opposite the base) of the plate members 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d), as shown in Figure 2F. The mounting tip 23 is placed at the locations of the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d where contact with the filter container 12 is expected. The mounting tip 23 has a slope 23a along the direction of the central axis CL. The slope 23a is typically a curved surface. When the filter container 12 is constructed by welding multiple members together, uneven steps may be created at the welded joints. When the filter element 11 to which the filter element vibration reduction member 1 is attached moves to the correct position inside the filter container 12, the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d move relative to the filter container 12 while in contact with the inner surface of the filter container 12. In this way, the ramping tips 23 induce elastic deflection deformation of the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d as they move in contact with the filter container 12, thereby promoting smooth movement of the filter element vibration reduction member 1 inside the filter container 12 by allowing the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d to avoid the uneven steps. For this reason, the inclined surfaces 23a are arranged on both sides along the direction of the central axis CL. This makes it possible to avoid unevenness in the welded portion of the filter container 12 with low friction through deformation caused by the elastic bending of the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d.

[0042] When the ends of each plate member 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are set to contact the inner surface of the filter container 12 while the filter element 11 is fixed to the filter container 12, the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d always exert a vibration reduction effect on the inner surface of the filter container 12 due to their elastic force.

[0043] When the tips of each plate member 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are set to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the filter container 12 while the filter element 11 is fixed to the filter container 12, the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d that are in contact with the filter container 12 will always exert a vibration reduction effect on the inner surface of the filter container 12 due to their elastic force.

[0044] When setting the tips of each plate member 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d so that they are spaced apart from the inner surface of the filter container 12 while the filter element 11 is fixed to the filter container 12, the positions of the tips of the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are set so that, within the filter container 12, in the vibration expected in the filter element 11, at least one of the plate members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d of the filter element vibration reduction member 1 contacts the inner surface of the filter container 12.

[0045] Thus, the filter element vibration reduction member 1 and filter system 2, which include the plate member 21, can reduce the vibration of the filter element 11 when vibrations applied to the filter container 12 are transmitted to the filter element 11, and in particular, they have the effect of reducing the amplitude of those vibrations.

[0046] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 1 is an example in which the filter element vibration reducing member 1 is attached to the filter element 11 by fixing means, while Embodiment 2 is an example in which the filter element vibration reducing member 1 is attached to the filter container 12 by fixing means. Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to Figures 3A to 4D. Here, only a brief explanation will be given for parts that are the same as Embodiment 1, and the parts of Embodiment 2 that differ from Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0047] In this embodiment, the plate member 21 of the filter element vibration reducing member 1 has a shape that protrudes from multiple different positions on the inner surface of the filter container 12 in a direction that gradually moves away from the inner surface along the circumferential direction of the inner surface.

[0048] In Embodiment 2, the plate members 121 are also elastic members, typically consisting of multiple members, fixed to a fixing means, and are the same in that they are flexible and elastic in the radial direction of the cylinder of the filter element 11, depending on the material and shape. A major difference in Embodiment 2 is that the fixing means is fixed to the inner surface of the filter container 12. The form of the fixing means is the same as in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 3C, the fixing means may be a fixing member 122. That is, the fixing member 122 corresponds to the fixing member 22 in Embodiment 1 and has the form of a complete annular or a part of an annular shape that can be fitted to the inner surface of the filter container 12. Similar to Embodiment 1, multiple plate members 121 are arranged on the inner surface side of the fixing member 122, and the outer surface of the fixing member 122 is fitted to the inner surface of the filter container 12. Also, similar to Embodiment 1, there is no need for multiple plate members 121, and as will be described later, there may be only one plate member 121. Furthermore, the fixing means may be integrally molded with the filter container on the inner surface of the filter container 12.

[0049] For example, the plate member 121 has a shape that is flexible and elastic, projecting at least in part away from the inner surface of the filter container 12, and approaching the circumference of the filter element 11's cylinder in the radial direction toward the central axis CL. Specifically, it has a shape that projects from an arbitrary fixed position on the inner surface of the filter container 12's cylinder along the circumferential direction, gradually moving away from the inner surface of the filter container 12. That is, each of the multiple plate members 121 has a shape that projects from each of multiple different positions in the circumferential direction of the filter element 11's cylinder, gradually moving away from the inner surface of the filter container 12 in the radial direction toward the central axis CL.

[0050] The protruding shape is such that, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, each of the multiple plate members 121 gradually increases in distance from the inner surface of the filter container 12 when viewed from the central axis CL. For example, as shown in Figure 3A, each of the multiple plate members 121 extends in a direction along the circumference of the cylindrical filter element 11 around the central axis CL, and gradually increases in distance from the filter container 12. The direction of extension along the circumference can be any direction around the central axis CL. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3B, the shape can be such that it extends in a direction along the central axis CL of the cylindrical filter element 11, and gradually increases in distance from the filter container 12. The direction along the central axis CL can be either upward or downward. The only difference from Embodiment 1 is that the base of each of the multiple plate members 121 is on the inner surface of the filter container 12. If the fixing member 22 of Embodiment 1 is read as the inner surface of the filter container 12, the configuration of each of the multiple plate members 121 in Embodiment 2 becomes clear.

[0051] Here, referring to Figures 4A to 4E, the multiple plate members 121 of Embodiment 2 will be explained using the example of four plate members 121a, 21b, 21c, and 21d. Figures 4A to 4E are views of the filter element vibration reduction member 1 in relation to the filter container 12 and the filter element 11, taken from the direction of arrow A in Figures 1A and 1B, which is along the central axis CL of the cylinder of the filter element 11, and correspond to Figures 2A to 2E.

[0052] The fixing member 122 is shaped to fit into the inner surface of the filter container 12. The shapes of the plate members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d each protrude away from the inner surface of the fixing member 122 and have elasticity toward the center inside the filter container. This becomes a biasing force that biases the filter element 11 toward the center inside the filter container. This can be any shape as long as it generates a biasing force that biases the filter element 11 toward the outside. By balancing the biasing force of any plate member 121 with the biasing force of plate members 121 from the opposite direction, the filter element vibration reduction member 1 can reduce the vibration of the filter element 11 inside the filter container 12.

[0053] For example, the shape of each plate member 121 (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) can be configured as shown in Figure 4A, such that when viewed from a direction along the central axis CL of the cylinder of the filter element 11, it extends in a straight line from the base of the fixing member 122 of the filter container 12. In Embodiment 2 as well, the fixing position of the plate member 121 on the fixing member 122 will be referred to as the "base" below. In this case, the plate members 121 (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) will have a planar shape extending from the base of the fixing member 122 along the central axis CL of the cylinder of the filter element 11. When the shape of each plate member 121 (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) is planar, for example, the plate members 121 can also have various planar shapes. The plane of the plate member 121 can be a plane having one angle with respect to the virtual contact surface on the inner surface of the filter container 12, as shown in Figure 4A. Alternatively, it may be a combination of multiple planes that extend in different directions, i.e., have multiple angles with respect to the virtual contact surface on the inner surface of the filter container 12, as it is formed away from the filter container 12.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, the shape of each plate member 121 (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) can be configured as a curved shape when viewed from a direction along the central axis CL of the cylindrical filter element 11, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C. In this case, the plate members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d have the shape of a curved surface along the central axis CL of the cylindrical filter element 11. In this curved surface shape, the curved surface can be a curved surface with a curvature that combines multiple curvatures such that the curvature changes by 1 or more. Figure 4C shows an example of a curved surface shape that extends in one direction from the base of the plate member 121 in the fixing member 122 of the filter container 12, and then extends in the opposite direction. Furthermore, although not shown, this shape can be made to return to the base of the plate member 121 in the fixing member 122 and become an annular shape.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4D, the shape of each plate member 121 (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) may be a combination of a curved shape and a planar shape. In Figure 4D, when viewed from arrow A in the direction along the central axis CL, the plate member 121 is curved from the base of the fixing member 122 and becomes straight in the part away from the base. That is, the base of the plate member 121 is curved, and the part away from the base of the plate member 121 is a combination of a curved shape and a planar shape. In this way, the plate members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d have elasticity due to the effect of their shape or material. Also, the plate member 121 does not have to be multiple as shown in Figures 4A to 4D; for example, as shown in Figure 4E, it can be a single plate member 121. When arranging a single plate member 21, for example, it has a shape that extends spirally from the fixing position (base) of the plate member 121 on the fixing member 122 toward the center inside the filter container 12, so as to gradually move away from the fixing member 122.

[0056] The plate member 121 is the same as in Embodiment 1 in that, under normal conditions, it can be in either contact with or separated from the outer surface of the filter element 11. Furthermore, the leading tips 23 shown in Figure 2F can be attached to the ends of the plate members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0057] In Embodiment 2, the fixing member 122 is typically fixed to the filter container 12 by bonding, welding, press-fitting, or integral molding during the manufacture of the filter container, similar to Embodiment 1. That is, the filter element vibration reducing member 1 is attached to the inner surface of the filter container 12 by bonding, welding, press-fitting, or integral molding with the filter container. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1. Filter element vibration reduction member 2 Filter System 11 filter elements 12 filter container 14 Filter Media 21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d plate members 22 Fixing member 24 Engagement means 121, 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d plate members

Claims

1. A filter element vibration reducing member for a filter element that is held inside a filter container and has a cylindrical shape, wherein the filter element vibration reducing member is A fixing means that can be fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element, or to the inner surface of the filter container, The fixing means comprises a plate member that has a biasing force toward the outside of the filter element when fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element, or a plate member that has a biasing force toward the filter element when fixed to the inner surface of the filter container, A filter element vibration reducing member, wherein when the fixing means is fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element, the plate member has a shape that protrudes toward the filter container in a direction that gradually moves away from the fixing means, or when the fixing means is fixed to the inner surface of the filter container, the plate member has a shape that protrudes toward the filter element in a direction that gradually moves away from the fixing means.

2. The fixing means has a ring shape or at least a part of the ring shape that fits onto the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element or the inner surface of the filter container. The fixing is performed by engaging means arranged on the fixing means and the filter element, respectively, as described in claim 1.

3. The filter element vibration reducing member according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means is bonded to, welded to, press-fitted to, or integrally molded to the filter element or the filter container.

4. The plate member includes at least one of a curved shape and a planar shape. The filter element vibration reducing member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the direction of the protrusion is along the circumference of the cylinder or along the longitudinal direction of the shape of the cylinder.

5. The plate member has a shape that protrudes from each of a plurality of different positions in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the cylinder of the filter element or the filter container toward the filter container or the filter element toward the fixing means, The filter element vibration reducing member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of different positions are at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the cylinder of the filter element or the filter container.

6. Filter container and A filter element, which is held inside the filter container and has a cylindrical shape, A filter system comprising a filter element vibration reducing member for the filter element, The aforementioned filter element vibration reduction member is A fixing means that can be fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element, The system comprises a plate member fixed to the fixing means and having a biasing force toward the outside of the filter element, The filter system has a shape in which the plate member protrudes toward the filter container in a direction that gradually moves away from the fixing means.

7. The filter system according to claim 6, wherein the plate member is in contact with or separated from the inner surface of the filter container.

8. The fixing means has a ring shape or a shape that is at least a part of the ring shape that fits onto the outer circumference of the cylinder of the filter element. The filter system according to claim 6, wherein the fixing is performed by engaging means arranged on the fixing means and the filter element, respectively.

9. The filter system according to claim 6, wherein the fixing means is bonded to, welded, press-fitted to, or integrally molded with the filter element.

10. The plate member includes at least one of a curved shape and a planar shape. The filter system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the direction of the protrusion is in the direction along the circumference of the cylinder or in the longitudinal direction of the shape of the cylinder.

11. The plate member has a shape that protrudes from each of several different positions in the circumferential direction of the cylinder toward the filter container in a direction that gradually moves away from the fixing means, The filter system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the plurality of different positions are at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

12. Filter container and A filter element having a cylindrical shape held inside the filter container, A filter system comprising a filter element vibration reducing member for the filter element, The filter container is provided with a plate member on its inner surface that has a biasing force toward the outer circumference of the filter element. The filter system has a shape in which the plate member protrudes toward the filter element so as to gradually move away from the inner surface of the filter container.

13. The filter system according to claim 12, wherein the plate member is in contact with or separated from the outer surface of the filter element.

14. The plate member includes at least one of a curved shape and a planar shape. The filter system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the direction of the protrusion is along the circumference of the cylinder or in the longitudinal direction of the shape of the cylinder.

15. The plate member has a shape that protrudes from each of a plurality of different positions in the circumferential direction of the cylinder toward the filter element in a direction that gradually moves away from the inner surface of the filter container, The filter system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the plurality of different positions are at equal intervals on the inner surface of the filter container in the circumferential direction of the inner surface.

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