Oil filter device and engine

Abstract

To provide a technology that can prevent a notification of replacement timing of an oil filter from being issued at unintended timing.SOLUTION: An oil filter device includes: a plurality of oil filters; a passage constitution part configured so that the oil filters are attachable and detachable and constituting an oil passage; a switching part for switching the oil passage; a detector for detecting replacement timing of the oil filter; and a blocking part for blocking detection operation by the detector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oil filter device and an engine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the following techniques have been known for oil filters provided in engines.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a lubricating oil filter provided for a marine internal combustion engine. The lubricating oil filter disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes two cylindrical filter sections and a selector cock for switching the flow path of lubricating oil to these filter sections. By operating the selector cock, the lubricating oil can be switched between being supplied to both filter sections and being supplied to only one of the filter sections. When disassembling a filter section, the selector cock is operated to stop the oil supply to the filter section being disassembled.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a device for detecting the replacement time of an oil filter provided in an internal combustion engine. Patent Document 2 discloses that the replacement time of the oil filter is notified based on the differential pressure before and after the oil filter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-42110 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-105318 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] For example, in marine engines, the oil filter may be replaced while the engine is running. In this case, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the oil filter replacement work can be carried out by operating a selector cock to prevent oil from flowing into the oil filter to be replaced.

[0007] If oil is prevented from flowing into the oil filter to be replaced, fewer oil filters than usual will be allowed to flow during that time. This increases the differential pressure across the oil filter, which could potentially activate a device for detecting when to replace the oil filter, such as that disclosed in Patent Document 2. This could lead to an undesirable situation where an alarm indicating that the oil filter needs to be replaced is issued while the oil filter is being replaced.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can prevent notification of the time to replace an oil filter from being made at an unintended timing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An exemplary oil filter device of the present invention includes a plurality of oil filters, a passage configuration section that configures an oil passage and that allows the plurality of oil filters to be attached and detached, a switching section that switches the oil passage, a detection section that detects when the oil filters need to be replaced, and an inhibition section that inhibits the detection operation of the detection section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent notification of the time to replace the oil filter from being made at an unintended timing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Left side view showing the general configuration of the engine [Figure 2] A front view showing the general configuration of the engine [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an engine. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the general configuration of an oil supply system provided in an engine. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an oil filter device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an oil filter device; [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the passage configuration portion taken along the line AA in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the passage configuration portion cut at position BB in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a switching unit; [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cross section taken along the line AA in FIG. 6; [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the orientation of a switching unit [Figure 12] 12 is a diagram showing a state in which the switching unit is rotated 90° from the state shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] Cross section at CC position in Figure 6 [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which an obstructing portion obstructs the detection operation of a detecting portion; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, an XYZ coordinate system is shown as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system where appropriate. In the following description, the X direction is the front-rear direction, the Y direction is the left-right direction, and the Z direction is the up-down direction. Note that the +X side is the front side and the -X side is the rear side. The +Y side is the left side and the -Y side is the right side. The +Z side is the up side and the -Z side is the down side. Specifically, the direction along the center line J of the crankshaft (output shaft) shown in FIG. 1 is defined as the front-rear direction. The side on which the cylinder block 11 is disposed relative to a flywheel (not shown) housed in a flywheel housing 3 is defined as the front side. The up-down direction is defined as the side on which the oil pan 2 is disposed relative to the cylinder block 11. The direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is defined as the left side, and the right side when viewed from the front to the rear is defined as the right side. Note that these directions are names used merely for explanation and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationships or directions.

[0013] <1. Engine Overview> Fig. 1 is a left side view showing a schematic configuration of an engine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an engine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an engine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. An overview of the engine 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

[0014] As an example, engine 100 is a marine engine used on a ship. However, engine 100 is not limited to a marine engine and may be an engine used for other purposes. Engine 100 is a diesel engine. Engine 100 generally comprises an engine body 1 and an oil pan 2. Engine body 1 comprises a cylinder block 11, a head block 12, and a head cover 13.

[0015] Inside the cylinder block 11, there are arranged a plurality of pistons (not shown) and a crankshaft (not shown) that is connected to each piston and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The crankshaft converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion. A flywheel (not shown) housed in a flywheel housing 3 is attached to the rear end of the crankshaft. The flywheel rotates integrally with the crankshaft and is used to extract power from the engine 100.

[0016] The cylinder block 11 has a plurality of cylinders (not shown) aligned in the front-to-rear direction on each of the left and right sides. A plurality of pistons are disposed in each cylinder. The engine 100 is, as an example, a V12 engine, with six cylinders aligned in the front-to-rear direction on each of the left and right sides.

[0017] The head blocks 12 are stacked above each cylinder. That is, the engine body 1 has six head blocks 12 lined up in the front-to-rear direction on each of the left and right sides. Each head block 12 has an intake port (not shown) for supplying gas to a combustion chamber formed by the cylinder, head block 12, and piston, and an exhaust port (not shown) for exhausting gas from the combustion chamber.

[0018] The head covers 13 are disposed above each head block 12. That is, the engine body 1 has six head covers 13 arranged in the front-to-rear direction on each of the left and right sides. Each head cover 13 covers an intake valve and an exhaust valve (not shown) disposed in the head block 12. An injector (not shown) is attached to each head cover 13. One end (lower end) of the injector, where an injection port for injecting fuel is provided, faces the combustion chamber. Each injector injects fuel supplied from a fuel pump 4, which discharges fuel at high pressure, into the combustion chamber at appropriate timing. The piston reciprocates due to the force generated by the combustion of the fuel injected into the combustion chamber. In this embodiment, the fuel pump 4 is disposed rearward on the left side of the engine 100.

[0019] The engine 100 also includes an intake manifold 5 and an exhaust manifold 6 .

[0020] The intake manifold 5 distributes intake air, which is air or an air-fuel mixture supplied from a turbocharger 7, the details of which will be described later, to each cylinder (combustion chamber). Specifically, one intake manifold 5 is arranged on each of the left and right sides of the engine body 1, corresponding to each of the cylinder rows arranged on the left and right. Both of the intake manifolds 5 arranged on the left and right extend in the front-to-rear direction. Hereinafter, the intake manifold 5 provided on the left side corresponding to the left cylinder row will be referred to as the left intake manifold 5L. The intake manifold 5 provided on the right side corresponding to the right cylinder row will be referred to as the right intake manifold 5R.

[0021] The exhaust manifold 6 collects the exhaust from each cylinder (combustion chamber). More specifically, two exhaust manifolds 6 are arranged corresponding to the cylinder rows arranged on the left and right. Both of the two exhaust manifolds 6 extend in the front-to-rear direction. The two exhaust manifolds 6 are arranged side by side on the left and right inside a V-bank formed by the left and right banks (cylinder rows) that make up the V-engine. Hereinafter, the exhaust manifold 6 arranged on the left side of the V-bank corresponding to the left cylinder row will be referred to as the left exhaust manifold 6L. The exhaust manifold 6 arranged on the right side of the V-bank corresponding to the right cylinder row will be referred to as the right exhaust manifold 6R.

[0022] The supercharger 7 is disposed at the rear upper portion of the engine 100. The supercharger 7 pressurizes and compresses air or an air-fuel mixture supplied from outside the engine 100, and supplies the compressed air to the intake manifold 5 via an intercooler 8. The supercharger 7 is a turbocharger that uses exhaust gas supplied from the exhaust manifold 6 as its driving source.

[0023] The intercooler 8 connected to the intake manifold 5 is supplied with cooling water by driving a pump (not shown) and cools the intake air. The intake air supplied from the turbocharger 7 is pressurized and compressed, generating heat of compression and causing the temperature to rise. The intercooler 8 cools the intake air by exchanging heat between the cooling water and the pressurized and compressed intake air. In other words, by providing the intercooler 8, the temperature of the intake air supplied to the intake manifold 5 can be adjusted to a desired temperature.

[0024] Specifically, the turbocharger 7 has a left turbocharger 7L provided on the left side of the engine 100 and a right turbocharger 7R provided on the right side of the engine 100. The left turbocharger 7L supplies air and the like (intake air) to the left intake manifold 5L via an intercooler 8. The right turbocharger 7R supplies air and the like (intake air) to the right intake manifold 5R via an intercooler 8. Exhaust gas collected in the left exhaust manifold 6L is exhausted to the outside via the left turbocharger 7L. Exhaust gas collected in the right exhaust manifold 6R is exhausted to the outside via the right turbocharger 7R.

[0025] The oil pan 2 is disposed below the cylinder block 11 and stores lubricating oil. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an oil supply system 20 provided in the engine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The oil supply system 20 supplies the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 2 to each part of the engine 100 that requires lubrication.

[0026] 4, oil stored in the oil pan 2 is sent to the oil filter device 30 via the oil cooler 22 by driving the oil pump 21. In this embodiment, a portion of the oil pumped up by the oil pump 21 is sent to the centrifugal filter 23, where it is purified, and then returned to the oil pan 2. This allows the oil in the oil pan 2 to be purified.

[0027] The oil sent to the oil filter device 30 is purified by passing through an oil filter provided in the oil filter device 30. The oil flowing out of the oil filter device 30 is adjusted to a predetermined pressure by a pressure regulating valve 24 and sent to a main gallery 25 provided in the engine body 1. The oil relieved by the pressure regulating valve 24 is returned to the oil pan 2.

[0028] Specifically, one main gallery 25 is provided for each of the left and right cylinder banks. The oil sent to each main gallery 25 is distributed to each part of the engine body 1 that requires lubrication, such as the pistons and crankshaft. The oil supplied from the main gallery 25 to each part of the engine body 1 is returned to the oil pan 2 as appropriate. In addition, the oil that passes through one of the two main galleries 25 is supplied to the turbocharger 7. Specifically, the oil is supplied to the left turbocharger 7L and the right turbocharger 7R. The oil that passes through the other of the two main galleries 25 is supplied to the fuel pump 4. The oil supplied to the turbocharger 7 and the fuel pump 4 is returned to the oil pan 2 as appropriate.

[0029] <2. Oil filter device> As described above, the engine 100 of this embodiment is equipped with the oil filter device 30. Details of the oil filter device 30 will be described below. In this embodiment, the oil filter device 30 is disposed on the left side of the front end of the engine 100, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, the location of the oil filter device 30 in the engine 100 may be changed as appropriate.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an oil filter device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an oil filter device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the oil filter device 30 includes a plurality of oil filters 31, a passage forming unit 32, a switching unit 33, and a detection unit 34.

[0031] The oil filter 31 has a filtering section (not shown) inside. Oil (lubricating oil) that enters the oil filter 31 through its inlet section passes through the filtering section and is discharged to the outside through the outlet section of the oil filter 31. The oil that enters the oil filter 31 is purified by passing through the filtering section, which removes impurities. The oil filter 31 needs to be replaced when the filtering section becomes dirty with impurities. The oil filter 31 can be replaced by replacing the entire oil filter or by replacing only part of it, including the filtering section.

[0032] In this embodiment, the oil filter 31 has a bottomed tubular shape that extends vertically, and the filtering section disposed inside has a cylindrical shape that also extends vertically. There are four oil filters 31, and the four oil filters 31 are detachably attached to the underside of the passage forming section 32. In other words, the passage forming section 32 is provided with a plurality of oil filters 31 that can be detached. When replacing the oil filters 31, the oil filters 31 are removed from the passage forming section 32. When attached to the passage forming section 32, the four oil filters 31 are arranged in two oil filter rows lined up in the front-rear direction, with two oil filters 31 lined up in the left-right direction.

[0033] The passage forming portion 32 forms an oil passage P. The oil passage P is provided inside the passage forming portion 32. The oil passage P is connected to an inlet portion 321 (see FIG. 7 etc. described later) and an outlet portion 322 provided in the passage forming portion 32. The inlet portion 321 is a portion through which oil supplied from the oil pan 2 enters the device 30. The outlet portion 322 is a portion through which oil purified by the oil filter 31 is discharged to the outside of the device 30. In this embodiment, the inlet portion 321 is provided on the right side surface of the passage forming portion 32. The outlet portion 322 is provided on the upper surface of the passage forming portion 32.

[0034] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the passage forming portion 32 taken along line AA in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the passage forming portion 32 taken along line BB in Fig. 6. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the passage forming portion 32 has a plurality of internal spaces S1 to S5 for forming a passage P for oil.

[0035] In detail, the passage forming portion 32 has a central internal space S1 extending in the left-right direction. The central internal space S1 is a cylindrical space. The right end of the central internal space S1 is connected to the inlet portion 321. The left end of the central internal space S1 is connected to a mounting hole 323 provided on the left side surface of the passage forming portion 32. The mounting hole 323 is a through-hole for mounting the switching portion 33. The switching portion 33 is inserted into the central internal space S1 through the mounting hole 323. As will be described later, the switching portion 33 arranged in the central internal space S1 forms an oil passage P together with the passage forming portion 32.

[0036] A plurality of passage openings PO are provided in the inner wall (inner peripheral surface) that constitutes the central internal space S1. Specifically, four passage openings PO1 to PO4 are provided. The first passage opening PO1 is located on the front right side of the central internal space S1 and is connected to a front first internal space S2 that is located forward of the central internal space S1. The second passage opening PO2 is located on the front left side of the central internal space S1 and is connected to a front second internal space S3 that is located forward of the central internal space S1. The third passage opening PO3 is located on the rear right side of the central internal space S1 and is connected to a rear first internal space S4 that is located rearward of the central internal space S1. The fourth passage opening PO4 is located on the rear left side of the central internal space S1 and is connected to a rear second internal space S5 that is located rearward of the central internal space S1.

[0037] The first front internal space S2 and the second front internal space S3 are generally arranged vertically. The first front internal space S2 is located mainly below the second front internal space S3. The first front internal space S2 and the second front internal space S3 form an oil passage P for the two oil filters 31 arranged in the front row.

[0038] Two circular bottom openings BO are provided on the bottom surface of the front first internal space S2 and spaced apart in the left-right direction. Each bottom opening BO is provided at a position where an oil filter 31 is attached. Furthermore, a cylindrical portion CP extending downward from the bottom surface of the front second internal space S3 is arranged at a distance in the left-right direction. The front second internal space S3 is connected to the internal space of the cylindrical cylindrical portion CP. Each cylindrical portion CP penetrates the front first internal space S2 and is provided at a position where an oil filter 31 is attached. Specifically, each cylindrical portion CP provided at a position where the oil filter 31 is attached and each bottom opening BO have the same center position in a plan view. Based on this center position, the cylindrical portion CP is arranged radially inward of the bottom opening BO.

[0039] The rear first internal space S4 and the rear second internal space S5 are generally aligned vertically. The rear first internal space S4 is located mainly below the rear second internal space S5. The rear first internal space S4 and the rear second internal space S5 form an oil passage P for the two oil filters 31 arranged in the rear row.

[0040] Two circular bottom openings BO are provided on the bottom surface of the rear first internal space S4 and spaced apart in the left-right direction. Each bottom opening BO is provided at a position where the oil filter 31 is attached. Furthermore, a tubular portion CP extending downward from the bottom surface of the rear second internal space S5 is provided at a position spaced apart in the left-right direction. The rear second internal space S5 is connected to the internal space of the cylindrical tubular portion CP. Each tubular portion CP penetrates the rear first internal space S4 and is provided at a position where the oil filter 31 is attached. Specifically, each tubular portion CP provided at the position where the oil filter 31 is attached and each bottom opening BO have the same center position in a plan view. Based on this center position, the tubular portion CP is located radially inward of the bottom opening BO.

[0041] The switching unit 33 is disposed in the passage forming unit 32. As described above, the switching unit 33 is disposed, more specifically, in the central internal space S1 of the passage forming unit 32. The switching unit 33 switches the oil passage P. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the switching unit 33. In this embodiment, the switching unit 33 is configured as a rotary valve.

[0042] The switching unit 33 has a cylindrical tube portion 331 extending in the left-right direction and a knob portion 332 disposed at one end (specifically, the left end) of the tube portion 331. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , at least a portion of the knob portion 332 protrudes outward from the passage-forming unit 32 when the switching unit 33 is disposed in the central internal space S1. Specifically, the portion of the switching unit 33 disposed in the central internal space S1 is covered by a cover member 35 attached to the left side surface of the passage-forming unit 32. A portion of the knob portion 332 penetrates the cover member 35 and protrudes outward from the cover member. That is, a worker performing the work of replacing the oil filter 31 can grasp the knob portion 332 from outside the oil filter device 30 and rotate the switching unit 33. Note that a handle such as a lever member may be attached to the knob portion 332 to make it easier for the worker to operate it.

[0043] A first valve internal space VS1 and a second valve internal space VS2 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction are provided inside the cylindrical portion 331. The first valve internal space VS1 and the second valve internal space VS2 are separated by a partition wall 333 arranged inside the cylindrical portion 331. The first valve internal space VS1 is located to the right of the second valve internal space VS2.

[0044] A plurality of first valve openings VO1 connected to the first-valve internal space VS1 are provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 331. In this embodiment, the number of first valve openings VO1 is three. The three first valve openings VO1 are arranged at 90° intervals along the circumferential direction based on the center of the cylindrical portion 331. In addition, the same number of second valve openings VO2 connected to the second-valve internal space VS2 as the first valve openings VO1 are provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 331. In this embodiment, the number of second valve openings VO2 is three. The three second valve openings VO2 are arranged at 90° intervals along the circumferential direction based on the center of the cylindrical portion 331. The first valve openings VO1 and the second valve openings VO2 are provided at the same circumferential position. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the first valve openings VO1 and the second valve openings VO2 are provided on the front, top, and rear surfaces of the cylindrical portion 331. The lower surface of the cylindrical portion 331 is not provided with the first valve opening VO1 or the second valve opening VO2.

[0045] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a cross section taken along the line AA in Figure 6. The flow of oil in the oil filter device 30 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Note that in Figure 10, the switching portion 33 is oriented so that the first valve opening VO1 and the second valve opening VO2 of the cylindrical portion 331 are located on the front, top, and rear surfaces.

[0046] Oil that passes through the inlet portion 321 enters the first valve internal space VS1. The oil that enters the first valve internal space VS1 is distributed to each oil filter 31 according to the position of the first valve opening VO1. That is, the passage configuration portion 32 is provided with a distribution passage P1 that distributes oil to each of the multiple oil filters 31.

[0047] The switching unit 33 is rotatably disposed in the central internal space S1. The position of the first valve opening VO1 can be changed by rotating the switching unit 33. The oil filter 31 to which oil is supplied from the distribution passage P1 can be changed by rotating the switching unit 33. In other words, the switching unit 33 is provided so as to be able to switch the distribution state of oil in the distribution passage P1.

[0048] In the example shown in Fig. 10, a first passage opening PO1 (see Fig. 7) provided in the passage configuration portion 32 faces one of the three first valve openings VO1 in the front-rear direction. Also, a third passage opening PO3 (see Fig. 7) provided in the passage configuration portion 32 faces another of the three first valve openings VO1 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, oil that enters the first valve internal space VS1 is sent to the front first internal space S2 via the first valve opening VO1 and the first passage opening PO1. Also, oil that enters the first valve internal space VS1 is sent to the rear first internal space S4 via the first valve opening VO1 and the third passage opening PO3.

[0049] The oil that has entered the first front internal space S2 enters the interior of the two oil filters 31 in the front row through each of the two bottom openings BO. More specifically, the oil enters the exterior of a cylindrical filtering section disposed inside the oil filter 31. The oil that has entered the exterior of the filtering section passes through the filtering section and enters the interior of the cylindrical filtering section. At this time, the oil is purified by the filtering section. The oil that has entered the interior of the filtering section enters the second front internal space S3 through the cylindrical section CP. The oil that has been purified by each of the two oil filters 31 in the front row enters the second front internal space S3.

[0050] The oil that has entered the rear first internal space S4 enters the interior of the two rear row oil filters 31 through each of the two bottom openings BO. More specifically, the oil enters the exterior of a cylindrical filtering section disposed inside the oil filter 31. The oil that has entered the exterior of the filtering section passes through the filtering section and enters the interior of the cylindrical filtering section. At this time, the oil is purified by the filtering section. The oil that has entered the interior of the filtering section enters the rear second internal space S5 through the cylindrical section CP. The oil purified by each of the two rear row oil filters 31 enters the rear second internal space S5.

[0051] The oil that enters the front second internal space S3 enters the second-valve internal space VS2 via the second passage opening PO2 (see FIG. 7) and the second valve opening VO2 provided in the passage-forming portion 32. The oil that enters the rear second internal space S5 enters the second-valve internal space VS2 via the fourth passage opening PO4 (see FIG. 7) and the second valve opening VO2 provided in the passage-forming portion 32. That is, the passage-forming portion 32 is provided with a collecting passage P2 that collects the oil discharged from each of the four oil filters 31. The oil that enters the second-valve internal space VS2 (collecting passage P2) is sent to the outlet portion 322 via the second valve opening VO2 located above. The oil sent to the outlet portion 322 is discharged to the outside of the device 30. The oil purified by the oil filter 31 is discharged from the outlet portion 322.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the orientation of the switching unit 33. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the switching unit 33 is rotated 90 degrees from the state illustrated in FIG. 11. Specifically, the rotation direction is counterclockwise in a plan view from the left side. The orientation of the switching unit 33 illustrated in FIG. 11 is the same as the orientation of the switching unit 33 in the example illustrated in FIG. 10. When the switching unit 33 is oriented as illustrated in FIG. 12, the first valve opening VO1 and the second valve opening VO2 are not located on the front side. On the other hand, the first valve opening VO1 and the second valve opening VO2 are located on the rear side. As a result, oil is not sent from the first-valve internal space VS1 to the front first internal space S2. On the other hand, oil is sent from the first-valve internal space VS1 to the rear first internal space S4. In other words, oil is not distributed from the distribution passage P1 to the two oil filters 31 in the front row, but is distributed only to the two oil filters in the rear row.

[0053] As can be seen from the above, the oil passage P provided in the passage configuration portion 32 is provided so as to be switchable by the switching portion 33 between a first mode in which oil is sent to all of the plurality of oil filters 31, and a second mode in which oil is sent to some of the oil filters 31. With this configuration, the oil filter 31 can be replaced while the engine 100 is still operating.

[0054] In this embodiment, when it is desired to replace the two oil filters 31 in the front row, the orientation of the switching unit 33 is adjusted to stop the supply of oil to the two oil filters 31 in the front row while maintaining the supply of oil to the two oil filters 31 in the rear row. Specifically, the orientation of the switching unit 33 is adjusted to the orientation shown in FIG. 12. Furthermore, when it is desired to replace the two oil filters 31 in the rear row, the orientation of the switching unit 33 is adjusted to stop the supply of oil to the two oil filters 31 in the rear row while maintaining the supply of oil to the two oil filters 31 in the front row. Specifically, the orientation of the switching unit 33 is rotated 90° from the state shown in FIG. 11 to the opposite direction from the state shown in FIG. 12.

[0055] In this embodiment, the oil filters 31 are replaced in pairs of two oil filters 31, but this is merely an example. For example, the oil filters 31 may be replaced one by one.

[0056] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the CC line in Figure 6. Note that the oil filter 31 has been largely omitted from Figure 13. The detection unit 34 provided in the oil filter device 30 will be described primarily with reference to Figure 13. The detection unit 34 is disposed in the passage configuration unit 32. The detection unit 34 detects when the oil filter 31 needs to be replaced. The detection unit 34 may be included in a notification unit that notifies the user when it is time to replace the oil filter 31.

[0057] As the oil filter 31 is used, the filtering section disposed inside becomes dirty (for example, clogged), making it difficult for oil to pass through. For this reason, as the period of use increases, the pressure on the inlet side of the oil filter 31 becomes higher than on the outlet side. In other words, the differential pressure before and after the oil filter 31 changes with use. The detection unit 34 uses this change in differential pressure to detect when it is time to replace the oil filter 31. The detection unit 34 detects that it is time to replace the oil filter 31 when the differential pressure reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

[0058] A detector for detecting the replacement time of the oil filter 31 may be provided for each oil filter 31. However, in this embodiment, the multiple oil filters 31 are arranged symmetrically, with the same number of filters on each side of the distribution passage P1 (see FIG. 10 ), on the first and second sides. Specifically, the four oil filters 31 are arranged symmetrically, with two filters on each side of the distribution passage P1, on the front and rear sides. The oil filters 31 arranged on the same side (front or rear) are supplied with oil as a group. The structure of the oil passage P is the same for the group of oil filters 31 in the front row and the group of oil filters 31 in the rear row. With this configuration, the state of the oil filters 31 on one side (front or rear) of the two oil filter groups can be inferred from the state of the oil filters 31 on the other side. Taking this into consideration, in this embodiment, the detector 34 is arranged on one of the first and second sides. Specifically, the detector 34 is arranged only on the front side of the distribution passage P1. The number of detectors can be reduced, allowing the oil filter device 30 to have a simple configuration.

[0059] 7, a first sensor opening SO1 is provided in an inner wall that defines the central internal space S1 of the passage forming portion 32. The first sensor opening SO1 is provided in the center of the front side of the central internal space S1 in the left-right direction. The first sensor opening SO1 is connected to a sensor space SS that extends in the front-rear direction. The sensor space SS is a space provided inside the passage forming portion 32 and is a space for disposing the detection unit 34. The sensor space SS extends to the front end of the passage forming portion 32. The sensor space SS is circular in a plan view from the front. In detail, the sensor space SS has a large diameter on the front side and a small diameter on the rear side, and therefore has an annular wall surface portion 324 in the middle portion in the front-rear direction.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 13, the detection unit 34 has a first movable member 341, a second movable member 342, a switch unit 343, a first elastic member 344, and a second elastic member 345.

[0061] The first movable member 341 is cylindrical with a bottom. The first movable member 341 is oriented to open forward and is disposed in the large diameter portion of the sensor space SS. The second movable member 342 is composed of a disk portion 342a and a rod-shaped portion 342b and is T-shaped in cross section. The second movable member 342 is oriented such that the rod-shaped portion 342b extends forward and backward. The disk portion 342a is housed inside the first movable member 341. A portion of the rod-shaped portion 342b protrudes forward from the front end of the first movable member 341.

[0062] The switch unit 343 is inserted from the outside of the device 30 and fixedly attached to the front end of the sensor space SS. The switch unit 343 has a needle portion 343a extending rearward. The first elastic member 344 and the second elastic member 345 are, in detail, compression springs. The first elastic member 344 is arranged in the front-rear direction between the first movable member 341 and the switch unit 343, and urges the first movable member 341 toward the wall surface portion 324. The second elastic member 345 is arranged between the disk portion 342a of the second movable member 342 and the switch unit 343 in the front-rear direction, and urges the second movable member 342 toward the first movable member 341.

[0063] The moving section 340, which is made up of the first movable member 341 and the second movable member 342, may be provided as a single member. In this case, the number of elastic members may also be one.

[0064] In normal use when oil is distributed from the distribution passage P1 to the four oil filters 31, the direction of the switching unit 33 is as shown in Figure 11, as described above. In this case, the second sensor opening SO2 (see also Figure 11) provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 331 faces the first sensor opening SO1 provided in the passage forming portion 32 in the front-rear direction. The second sensor opening SO2 is connected to the first valve internal space VS1.

[0065] Under normal operating conditions, a portion of the oil that enters the distribution passage P1 enters the sensor space SS via the first sensor opening SO1 and the second sensor opening SO2. This applies a forward pressure (first pressure) to the rear end surface of the first movable member 341. Additionally, a rearward pressure (second pressure) is applied to the front end surfaces of the first movable member 341 and the second movable member 342 by oil in the front second internal space S3, through which oil discharged from the two oil filters 31 in the front row passes. As the filter section becomes dirty, the first pressure increases relative to the second pressure. When the filter section becomes dirty enough to require replacement, the moving part 340 moves forward, and the front end of the rod-shaped part 342b comes into contact with the needle part 343a. This contact turns the switch part 343 on. When the switch part 343 turns on, a warning is issued that the oil filter 31 needs to be replaced.

[0066] The notification may be made by emitting a sound such as a buzzer or voice, displaying a message on a monitor, or emitting a light such as a warning light.

[0067] The first pressure applied to the rear end surface of the first movable member 341 corresponds to the pressure on the oil inlet side of the oil filter 31. Meanwhile, the second pressure applied to the front end surfaces of the first movable member 341 and the second movable member 342 corresponds to the pressure on the oil outlet side of the oil filter 31. From this, the detection unit 34 can be expressed as follows. The detection unit 34 has a first pressure-sensitive unit that receives the first pressure, which is the pressure on the oil inlet side of the oil filter 31, and a second pressure-sensitive unit that receives the second pressure, which is the pressure on the oil outlet side of the oil filter 31. The detection unit 34 also has a switch unit 343 that is activated by the difference in pressure received by the first and second pressure-sensitive units. The first pressure-sensitive unit is formed by a portion (rear end surface) of the first movable member 341. The second pressure-sensitive unit is formed by a portion (front end surface) of the first movable member 341 and a portion (front end surface) of the second movable member 342.

[0068] In this embodiment, the oil filter device 30 includes an inhibiting unit 36 ​​(see FIG. 14 described later) that inhibits the detection operation of the detecting unit 34 in response to the switching operation of the switching unit 33. The provision of this inhibiting unit 36 ​​prevents the detecting unit 34 from detecting the time to replace the oil filter due to a change in the oil distribution state in the distribution passage P1. In other words, it is possible to prevent the time to replace the oil filter 31 from being notified at an unintended time.

[0069] As described above, the switching unit 33 is switchable between a first mode in which oil is sent from the distribution passage P1 to all of the oil, and a second mode in which oil is sent to some of the oil. The inhibiting unit 36 ​​inhibits the detection operation of the detecting unit 34 when switched to the second mode. The first mode is a normal use mode when the engine 100 is operating. The second mode is a mode used when replacing the oil filter 31 while the engine 100 is running. That is, in this embodiment, the detecting unit 34 can be prevented from detecting the time to replace the oil filter while the engine 100 is being replaced. That is, it is possible to prevent the time to replace the oil filter 31 from being notified at an unintended time.

[0070] Specifically, the inhibiting portion 36 inhibits the application of the first pressure to the first pressure-sensing portion described above. Note that inhibiting the application of the first pressure may mean blocking the application of the first pressure. Because the application of the first pressure to the first pressure-sensing portion is inhibited, even if the filtering portion of the oil filter 31 becomes dirty and the first pressure increases, the detecting portion 34 cannot operate in response to the increase in pressure. More specifically, the moving portion 340 does not move toward the switch portion 343 (front side). In other words, the replacement time of the oil filter 31 is not detected, and it is possible to prevent the replacement time of the oil filter 31 from being notified at an unintended timing.

[0071] Figure 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the obstruction unit 36 ​​obstructs the detection operation of the detection unit 34. Figure 14 shows a case in which the switching unit 33 is in the state shown in Figure 12 above. That is, in order to replace the two oil filters 31 in the front row, the supply of oil to the two oil filters 31 in the front row is stopped, and oil is being supplied only to the two oil filters 31 in the rear row.

[0072] If the oil supply state is changed from four oil filters 31 to only two oil filters 31, the oil pressure at the inlet side of the oil filters 31 tends to increase. For this reason, if the detector 34 is operated in the same way as in the normal state, the oil filter 31 replacement time will be detected unnecessarily during the oil filter 31 replacement work. To prevent this, the obstruction unit 36 ​​blocks communication between the distribution passage P1 and the sensor space SS.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 14 , the obstruction portion 36 is the outer peripheral wall of the tubular portion 331 of the switching portion 33. In other words, the obstruction portion 36 is formed by the wall portion of the rotary valve 33. This wall portion blocks the first sensor opening SO1 provided in the passage configuration portion 32, thereby obstructing the application of the first pressure to the rear end surface of the first movable member 341. This prevents the moving portion 340 from moving forward, thereby disabling the function of the detection portion 34. By using the wall portion of the rotary valve 33 as the obstruction portion 36, it is possible to prevent unnecessary detection of the replacement time of the oil filter 31 with a small number of parts.

[0074] In the above description, the wall of the rotary valve 33 is used as the obstructing portion 36, but this is merely an example. Similarly, the detecting portion 34 may include a moving portion 340 that moves due to the pressure difference between the oil inlet and outlet sides of the oil filter 31, and a switch portion 343 that detects contact with the moving portion 340. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15 , the obstructing portion 36A may be a mechanism that obstructs the movement of the moving portion 340. The mechanism that obstructs the movement of the moving portion 340 may be a locking mechanism that prohibits the movement of the moving portion 340. For example, the locking mechanism may be configured to switch the position of the plate member 361 between a position that obstructs the movement of the moving portion 340 and a position that does not obstruct the movement of the moving portion 340 in response to the switching operation of the switching portion 33.

[0075] <3. Things to keep in mind> Various technical features disclosed in this specification can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. In other words, the above-described embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Furthermore, multiple embodiments and modifications shown in this specification may be combined to the extent possible.

[0076] In the embodiment described above, the oil filter device is configured to be applied to a V-type engine. However, this is merely an example. The oil filter device of the present invention can also be applied to, for example, an in-line engine in which the pistons reciprocate vertically, or a horizontally opposed engine in which the pistons reciprocate horizontally.

[0077] Furthermore, the present invention is applicable not only to marine engines but also to land engines.

[0078] <4. Notes> An exemplary oil filter device in this specification may be configured (first configuration) to include a plurality of oil filters, a passage configuration section that configures an oil passage and that allows the plurality of oil filters to be detachably mounted, a switching section that switches the oil passage, a detection section that detects when the oil filters need to be replaced, and an inhibition section that inhibits the detection operation of the detection section.

[0079] In the oil filter device of the first configuration described above, the oil passage is configured to be switchable by the switching unit between a first mode in which oil is sent to all of the plurality of oil filters, and a second mode in which oil is sent to some of the oil filters, and the inhibiting unit may be configured (second configuration) to inhibit the detection operation when switched to the second mode.

[0080] In the oil filter device of the first or second configuration, the detection unit has a first pressure-sensitive unit that receives a first pressure, which is the pressure on the oil inlet side of the oil filter, a second pressure-sensitive unit that receives a second pressure, which is the pressure on the oil outlet side of the oil filter, and a switch unit that operates based on the difference in pressure received by the first pressure-sensitive unit and the second pressure-sensitive unit, and the inhibition unit may be configured to inhibit the application of the first pressure to the first pressure-sensitive unit (third configuration).

[0081] In the oil filter device of the third configuration, the switching portion may be configured by a rotary valve, and the obstruction portion may be configured by a wall portion of the rotary valve (fourth configuration).

[0082] In the oil filter device of the third or fourth configuration described above, the passage configuration unit may be provided with a distribution passage that distributes oil to each of the plurality of oil filters, the switching unit may be configured to be able to switch the distribution state of the oil in the distribution passage, the plurality of oil filters may be arranged on a first side and a second side that are sandwiched between the distribution passage, and the detection unit may be configured on one of the first side and the second side (fifth configuration).

[0083] In the oil filter device of the first or second configuration, the detection unit may have a moving part that moves due to the pressure difference between the oil inlet side and outlet side of the oil filter, and a switch unit that detects contact with the moving part, and the obstruction unit may be a mechanism that obstructs movement of the moving part (sixth configuration). [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 30 Oil filter device 31 Oil filter 32...Aisle component 33... Switching unit (rotary valve) 34. Detection unit 36, 36A···Inhibition section 100···Engine 340 Moving part 341 First movable member 342... Second movable member 343···Switch section P...Oil passage P1...Distribution passage

Claims

1. Several oil filters, a passage forming portion that is detachably provided with the plurality of oil filters and that forms an oil passage; a switching unit that switches the oil passage; a detection unit that detects when the oil filter needs to be replaced; an inhibiting portion that inhibits the detection operation of the detecting portion; An oil filter device comprising:

2. The oil passage is switchable by the switching unit between a first mode in which oil is sent to all of the plurality of oil filters and a second mode in which oil is sent to some of the oil filters, The oil filter device according to claim 1 , wherein the inhibiting portion inhibits the detection operation when the oil filter device is switched to the second mode.

3. The detection unit a first pressure sensing portion that receives a first pressure, which is a pressure on the oil inlet side of the oil filter; a second pressure sensing portion that receives a second pressure, which is the pressure at the oil outlet side of the oil filter; a switch unit that operates in response to a difference in pressure between the first pressure sensing unit and the second pressure sensing unit; and The oil filter device according to claim 1 , wherein the inhibiting portion inhibits application of the first pressure to the first pressure sensing portion.

4. The switching unit is configured by a rotary valve, The oil filter device according to claim 3 , wherein the obstruction portion is formed by a wall portion of the rotary valve.

5. The passage configuration portion is provided with a distribution passage that distributes oil to each of the plurality of oil filters, the switching unit is provided to be able to switch the distribution state of the oil in the distribution passage, The plurality of oil filters are arranged on a first side and a second side of the distribution passage, The oil filter device according to claim 3 , wherein the detection unit is disposed on one of the first side and the second side.

6. The detection unit a moving part that moves due to a pressure difference between the oil inlet side and the oil outlet side of the oil filter; a switch unit that detects contact with the moving unit; and The oil filter device according to claim 1 , wherein the obstructing portion is a mechanism that obstructs movement of the moving portion.

7. An engine comprising an oil filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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