Filter element and filter device

Abstract

To facilitate replacement of a filter element for multiple filters consolidated into one location, and to attain high space efficiency.SOLUTION: In a filter device 11, a movable housing 201 is movably attached to a fixed housing 101 to be attached to a machine, such as a vehicle, which needs filtration of fluid. The movable housing 201 detachably houses a plurality of filter elements 301. Each filter element 301 has a flat rectangular shape, includes a pair of passage pipes 331 located on one end and arranged parallel to each other, and is housed in the movable housing 201 so as to be located adjacent to another filter element 301 with the pair of passage pipes 331 arranged to each other. The fixed housing 101 has a pair of connection pipes 131 connected to fluid paths at the vehicle side. The passage pipes 331 included in the filter element 301 are detachably attached to the connection pipes 131 by the movable housing 201 moving relative to the fixed housing 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filter element and a filter device.

Background Art

[0002] In fields such as vehicles including automobiles and trucks, construction machinery, industrial machinery, and machine tools, oil circulation systems and fuel supply systems for internal combustion engines, hydraulic systems for hydraulic working machines, and the like are incorporated. All of these systems require oil filters and fuel filters.

[0003] For example, an oil circulation system circulates lubricating oil that lubricates each component, and thus requires an oil filter for filtering metal powder and sludge that accumulate in the lubricating oil.

[0004] A fuel supply system requires a fuel filter for removing foreign substances and moisture from fuel supplied to an internal combustion engine. A fuel filter may also be used in a combination of a pre-filter and a main filter.

[0005] A hydraulic system circulates hydraulic oil for transmitting power to each component, and thus requires an oil filter for filtering metal powder and sludge that accumulate in the hydraulic oil.

[0006] In the above-mentioned automobiles, construction machinery and the like equipped with an internal combustion engine, the filter is disposed in a closed space such as an engine room or an open space exposed to the outside, enabling periodic replacement of the filter element. At this time, individual filters are generally separately disposed at positions according to the layout design of the oil circulation system, the fuel supply system, and the like.

[0007] On the other hand, devices have conventionally been devised in which a plurality of or a plurality of types of filters are integrated in one place to facilitate replacement work of filter elements.

[0008] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an example in which three filters are mounted in a row on an internal combustion engine in an automobile (a work vehicle such as a dump truck). It states that "a plurality of filter devices 1 (three in this embodiment) are arranged on the side of the engine 100, and these filter devices 1 consist of a filter head 1H fixedly installed on the engine 100 and a filter cartridge 10 attached to the filter head 1H" (see paragraph

[0025] of Document 1, Figure 1).

[0009] Patent Document 2 discloses a filter mounting structure for construction machinery (hydraulic excavator) in which an oil filter (23) for a pilot circuit used in a hydraulic system and an engine oil filter (24) for an internal combustion engine are mounted on a single bracket (22) (see paragraphs

[0013] and

[0017] of Document 2, and Figures 2-4).

[0010] Patent Document 3 discloses a filter system for an internal combustion engine in which three filter assemblies (34, 35) are detachably attached to a single filter head (32) (see paragraph

[0020] of Document 3). The individual filter assemblies (34, 35) are attached to the filter head (32) by screw-in. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-117872 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-323502 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2010-524685 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 61-500208 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] Patent Document 1 shows, in Figure 1, a configuration in which three filters are installed side-by-side on an engine. However, the mechanism for attaching and detaching each filter is unclear.

[0013] Patent Document 2 clearly states that the structure is such that a filter case (23b, 24b) with a filter installed inside is detachably connected to the lower part of the main body (23a, 24a) which is fixed to a bracket (22) (see paragraph

[0017] of Document 2). However, there is no specific disclosure on how the filter case (23b, 24b) is attached or detached.

[0014] In this regard, Patent Document 3 describes attaching and detaching the filter assembly (34, 35) to the filter head (32) by screwing it in.

[0015] As we examine this, while it is known that multiple or multiple types of filters can be consolidated in one place, there is no particular indication of the structure for attaching and detaching individual filters (Patent Documents 1 and 2), or the structure is such that it requires a complicated screw-in operation (Patent Document 3). In this case, the purpose of consolidating multiple filters in one place, which is to facilitate the replacement of filter elements, is not achieved.

[0016] Another problem is that the filter aggregation structures described in Patent Documents 1-3 suffer from poor space efficiency. These three documents describe cylindrical filter elements. Therefore, when multiple filter elements are aggregated in one place, dead space inevitably increases.

[0017] In this regard, for example, using a flattened, housing-shaped filter element (oil filter) as described in Patent Document 4 should reduce the dead space when multiple filter elements are consolidated in one place. However, Patent Document 4 only describes a specific structure of an oil filter. It does not describe at all how to connect the oil filter to the fluid path of a machine that requires oil filtration.

[0018] When multiple filter elements are consolidated in one location, we want to make the filter element replacement process easier and improve space efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] One embodiment of a filter element comprises a flattened filter material that filters fluid flowing between its two flattened surfaces, a rectangular frame with open sides surrounding and holding the filter material, a flattened element frame having a partition wall on one side facing the fluid inlet and outlet sides arranged in parallel, a first cover surface covering one open surface of the element frame, a first end surface facing half of the longitudinal region of the partition wall, and a fluid inlet on the first end surface, a second cover surface covering the surface of the element frame opposite to the first surface, and the remaining half of the partition wall The element case comprises a second element case having a second end surface facing the region, with a fluid outlet provided on the second end surface; a partition wall between the partition wall and the first end surface that creates a front chamber connected to the inlet, and between the partition wall and the second end surface that creates a rear chamber connected to the outlet, and a partition wall that separates the front chamber and the rear chamber; a first partition wall between one surface of the element frame and the first cover surface that creates an inlet chamber connected to the front chamber; and a second partition wall between the opposite surface of the element frame and the second cover surface that creates an outlet chamber connected to the rear chamber.

[0020] One aspect of the filter device comprises: a fixed housing; a movable housing having an accommodating portion that accommodates and holds at least two of said filter elements adjacent to each other with said introduction port and said discharge port arranged in parallel, the movable housing being movably attached to the fixed housing along the direction of the central axes of the introduction port and the discharge port of the filter element accommodated and held in the accommodating portion; and a pair of connection pipes provided on the fixed housing so as to be respectively attached to and detached from the introduction port and the discharge port by movement of the movable housing, the pair of connection pipes being connected to a fluid path of a machine that requires fluid filtration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] Replacement work of filter elements can be facilitated. When a plurality of filter elements are integrated in one place, space efficiency can be improved. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a state where a movable housing is opened relative to a fixed housing, as the filter device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a state where a fuel pre-filter, which is one of filter elements, is removed. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing state transitions of a movable housing, in which (A) shows an in-use state where the movable housing is coupled to a fixed housing, (B) shows a detached state where the movable housing is lowered from the fixed housing, and (C) shows an opened state where the movable housing is rotated. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal sectional side view showing state transitions of a movable housing, in which (A) shows an in-use state where the movable housing is coupled to a fixed housing, (B) shows a detached state where the movable housing is lowered from the fixed housing, and (C) shows an opened state where the movable housing is rotated. [Figure 5] It is a longitudinal sectional front view showing an example of an outflow prevention mechanism provided in a connection pipe, in which (A) shows a state when a flow path pipe of a filter element is connected to the connection pipe, and (B) shows a state when the flow path pipe is detached from the connection pipe. [Figure 6] Decomposed perspective view of the filter element. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the element frame. [Figure 8] (A) is a view from arrow A in Figure 7, and (B) is a view from arrow B in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Perspective view of the filter element. [Figure 10] (A) is a view from arrow A in Figure 9, when the cross-section is taken with respect to the vertical plane containing the central axis X of the inlet, and (B) is a view from arrow B in Figure 9, when the cross-section is taken with respect to the vertical plane containing the central axis Y of the outlet. [Figure 11] (A) is a view from arrow C in Figure 9, when the filter element is cross-sectioned by the virtual plane Z that cuts it in half, and (B) is a view from arrow D in Figure 9, when the filter element is cross-sectioned by the virtual plane Z. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing the filter device of the second embodiment, with the movable housing open relative to the fixed housing. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the oil filter, one of the filter elements, removed. [Figure 14] (A) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the operating lever is rotated clockwise, lowering the movable housing from the fixed housing, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the operating lever is rotated counterclockwise, raising the movable housing relative to the fixed housing. [Figure 15] This is an exploded perspective view of the mating section connecting the fixed housing and the movable housing. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the fixed housing and the movable housing via a fitting mechanism. [Figure 17] The following are side views illustrating the state transitions of the movable housing: (A) is the usage state in which the movable housing is coupled to the fixed housing; (B) is the detached state in which the movable housing has descended from the fixed housing; (C) is the half-open state in which the movable housing has rotated to the half-open position; and (D) is the fully open state in which the movable housing has rotated to the fully open position. [Figure 18]As another embodiment of the fitting portion, this is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the fixed housing and the movable housing by the fitting portion. [Figure 19] The following are side views illustrating the state transitions of the movable housing: (A) is the usage state in which the movable housing is coupled to the fixed housing; (B) is the detached state in which the movable housing has descended from the fixed housing; (C) is the half-open state in which the movable housing has rotated to the half-open position; and (D) is the fully open state in which the movable housing has rotated to the fully open position. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view showing the filter device of the third embodiment, with the movable housing open relative to the fixed housing. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view showing the oil filter, one of the filter elements, removed. [Figure 22] (A) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the operating plate is rotated clockwise, lowering the movable housing from the fixed housing, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the operating plate is rotated counterclockwise, raising the movable housing relative to the fixed housing. [Figure 23] (A) is a schematic diagram showing the operation of rotating the control plate clockwise, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the operation of rotating the control plate counterclockwise. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] The embodiments will be described based on the drawings. The items to be described are as follows: [First Embodiment] 1. Overview 2. Configuration of the filter device (1) Schematic structure (2) Fixed housing (3) Movable housing (4) Filter element (5) Storage compartment (6) Storage wall (7) Outflow prevention mechanism 3. Configuration of filter elements (1) Element Frame (2) Element case (3) Ward bulkhead (4) The first partition and the second partition (5) Ribs (6) Summary 4. Method for manufacturing filter elements (1) Insert molding (2) Joining 5. Effects (1) Filter device (2) Filter element [Second Embodiment] 1. Structure (1) Position of the filter element (2) Lifting assist mechanism (3) Fitting part 2. Effects 3. Another embodiment of the mating portion [Third Embodiment] 1. Structure 2. Effects [Differentiation]

[0024] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11(A) and (B). 1. Overview This embodiment is an example of a filter device 11 used in vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, dump trucks, or construction machinery. These vehicles and construction machinery incorporate an oil circulation system and a fuel supply system for internal combustion engines, and construction machinery incorporates a hydraulic system for hydraulic work machines (neither of which are shown). Internal combustion engines and hydraulic work machines are machines that require filtration of fluids (lubricating oil, fuel, hydraulic oil). Each of the above systems is equipped with a fluid path (not shown) for such machines, and the filter device 11 is connected to this fluid path.

[0025] The filter device 11 combines a fixed housing 101 and a movable housing 201. The fixed housing 101 is permanently attached to an installation section A (see Figures 4(A) to (C)) provided on the side of the vehicle or construction machine in which the filter device 11 is used. The movable housing 201 is movably attached to the fixed housing 101.

[0026] The filter device 11 is preferably installed somewhere in the engine compartment if the vehicle is an automobile. If the vehicle is a truck or dump truck, the filter device 11 may be installed not only in the engine compartment, but also in an open space exposed to the outside, such as the frame structure supporting the cargo bed. In the case of construction machinery, the appropriate installation location will be determined according to the type of machinery.

[0027] 2. Configuration of the filter device (1) Schematic structure The schematic structure of the filter device 11 in this embodiment is such that the movable housing 201 opens relative to the fixed housing 101 (see Figure 1), allowing the attachment and detachment of the three filter elements 301 housed inside (see Figure 2). At this time, the movable housing 201 first descends vertically (see Figures 3(A)(B), 4(A)(B)), and then rotates forward from the operator's perspective (see Figures 3(C), 4(C)). This allows the movable housing 201 to achieve the open state shown in Figures 1 and 2, enabling the attachment and detachment of the filter elements 301. As shown in Figures 5(A)(B), the fixed housing 101 connected to the fluid path of the machine is equipped with an outflow prevention mechanism 151 to prevent fluid leakage when the filter elements 301 are detached.

[0028] (2) Fixed housing The fixed housing 101 will now be described. The fixed housing 101 is a rectangular housing that is elongated horizontally, and its internal space is separated from the outside by a rear panel 102, a top panel 103, and a pair of side panels 104. The fixed housing 101 has an open bottom, allowing the front and bottom sides to connect with the outside.

[0029] The fixed housing 101 is provided with two mounting pieces 105 on each side, projecting outwards in both directions from the rear. Each mounting piece 105 is provided with a mounting hole 106. The fixed housing 101 can be fixed to the installation section A of the machine requiring fluid filtration by fastening bolts (not shown) passed through the mounting holes 106.

[0030] The top panel 103 of the fixed housing 101 is provided with three sets of connecting pipes 131, each consisting of two pipes. Three sets of these connecting pipes 131 are provided to match the number and placement of the three filter elements 301 housed in the filter device 11, and all of them are oriented vertically in their axial direction.

[0031] However, whether the axial direction of the connecting pipe 131 is vertical depends on how the fixed housing 101 is attached to the installation part A. If the installation part A is a vertical plane and the fixed housing 101 is also attached vertically to it, then the connecting pipe 131 will also be positioned with its axial direction vertical. If the installation state of the fixed housing 101 is at an angle with respect to the vertical, then the connecting pipe 131 will also be inclined at the same angle.

[0032] The fixed housing 101 is manufactured from a hard material such as metal.

[0033] (3) Movable housing The movable housing 201 will now be described. The movable housing 201 separates the internal space from the external space by a front panel 202, a pair of side panels 203, and a bottom panel 204 (see Figures 4(A) to (C)). The movable housing 201 has an open top, connecting the rear and top sides to the outside, and forms a storage section 205 for the filter elements 301 inside. The storage section 205 houses and holds three rectangular filter elements 301 in an adjacent position.

[0034] The fixed housing 101 and the movable housing 201 are connected by a fitting portion E, which consists of two pins 107 protruding horizontally from the side panel of the fixed housing 101 on each side, and two guide holes 206 provided on the side panel 203 of the movable housing 201 on each side. The aforementioned vertical downward movement and subsequent rotation of the movable housing 201 are achieved by the fitting portion E.

[0035] In other words, the range of motion of the movable housing 201 is defined by a fitting portion E consisting of a pin 107 (protrusion) and a guide hole 206 (recess) provided on the fixed housing 101 and the movable housing 201 so as to fit together in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable housing 201. The fitting portion E has a linear guide portion E1 that displaces the pin 107 and the guide hole 206 along a straight path, and a rotary guide portion E2 that is positioned above the linear guide portion E1 and displaces the pin 107 and the guide hole 206 along a curved path to guide the rotational motion of the movable housing 201.

[0036] More specifically, the mating section E distributes the pin 107 and guide hole 206 in two locations, upper and lower. From the operator's perspective, the lower pin 107L and guide hole 206L are located on the far side, while the upper pin 107U and guide hole 206U are located on the near side. Both the guide hole 206L on the far side and the guide hole 206U on the near side have long straight paths in the vertical direction (straight guide section E1). The guide hole 206U on the near side has a curved path connected to the upper part of the straight path (rotation guide section E2). This curved path is located on an arc drawn with pin 107L as the center when pin 107L is positioned at the upper end of the guide hole 206L on the lower side (see Figures 3(B) and 3(C)).

[0037] The movable housing 201 has a pair of fixing pieces 207 projecting horizontally from the upper end of the side panel 203. Bolt holes 108 are provided in the top panel 103 of the fixed housing 101, and bolt thread holes 208 are provided in the fixing pieces 207 of the movable housing 201, aligned to each other. These top panel 103 and fixing pieces 207 are fixed together by tightening fastening bolts B. In this way, the movable housing 201 is fixed to the fixed housing 101 from above and below by fastening bolts B.

[0038] The movable housing 201 is manufactured from a hard material such as metal.

[0039] (4) Filter element Of the three filter elements 301 housed in the storage section 205, one is a fuel pre-filter element 301A, another is a fuel main filter element 301B, and yet another is an oil filter element 301C. All three of these filter elements 301 are rectangular in shape and have pairs of flow path tubes 331 on their upper surfaces. The pairs of flow path tubes 331 are arranged parallel to each other and are fitted into and connected to a connecting tube 131 provided in the fixed housing 101.

[0040] Of the flow channels 331 provided in each filter element 301, one is a fluid inlet 331I and the other is a fluid outlet 331O (see Figures 6 and 9). Therefore, of the connecting pipes 131 of the fixed housing 101, the connecting pipe 131 connected to the inlet flow channel 331 is connected to piping (not shown) that forms a fluid flow channel through which the fluid to be filtered flows, and the connecting pipe 131 connected to the outlet flow channel 331 is connected to piping (not shown) that forms a fluid path through which the filtered fluid flows.

[0041] The case 311 and flow channel 331 of the filter element 301 are manufactured, for example, from resin.

[0042] (5) Storage compartment As shown in Figures 4(A) to (C), the storage section 205 of the movable housing 201 detachably houses and holds the filter element 301 so that the central axes X and Y (see Figure 9) of the flow path pipe 331 (inlet 331I, outlet 331O) are oriented vertically. The central axis X is the central axis of the inlet 331I, and the central axis Y is the central axis of the outlet 331O.

[0043] As a result, each filter element 301 is positioned such that the axis of the connecting pipe 131 and the central axes X and Y of the flow channel pipe 331 coincide, that is, the connecting pipe 131 and the flow channel pipe 331 are positioned on the same vertical line. At this time, the movable housing 201 moves up and down in the vertical direction (see Figures 4(A) and 4(B)), so that the filter element 301 housed and held in the storage section 205 can move freely along the direction of the central axes X and Y of the flow channel pipe 331. For this reason, when attaching or detaching the filter element 301 to the fixed housing 101, if the movable housing 201 is lowered vertically, the flow channel pipe 331 detaches from the connecting pipe 131 and is removed from the connecting pipe 131 (see Figure 4(B)). Conversely, if the movable housing 201 is raised vertically, the flow channel pipe 331 is connected to the connecting pipe 131 (see Figure 4(A)).

[0044] The storage section 205 of the movable housing 201 houses the three filter elements 301 adjacent to each other in the width direction. At this time, the three filter elements 301 are housed and held in the storage section 205 with their respective pairs of flow channels 331 arranged in parallel.

[0045] (6) Storage wall The storage section 205 of the fixed housing 101 and the movable housing 201 is equipped with storage walls 102W and 202W facing both sides of the filter element. Storage wall 102W is a flat wall surface provided on the inner side of the rear panel 102 of the fixed housing 101. Storage wall 202W is a flat wall surface provided on the inner side of the front panel 202 of the movable housing 201.

[0046] When the movable housing 201 is closed to the fixed housing 101 and the filter element 301 is housed between the fixed housing 101 and the storage section 205 of the movable housing 201, the storage walls 102W and 202W face the flat surfaces 311S of the case 311 that make up both sides of the filter element 301 with a predetermined clearance C.

[0047] The predetermined clearance C is set so that when the case 311 of the filter element 301 tries to expand due to an increase in internal pressure, it can tolerate a certain degree of expansion, while restricting expansion beyond that limit. Since the fixed housing 101 and the movable housing 201 are made of hard materials such as metal, the storage walls 102W and 202W are highly rigid and can restrict the expansion of the case 311.

[0048] For example, clearance C is approximately 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0049] (7) Outflow prevention mechanism As shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side has a double-pipe structure at the connection point with the flow channel pipe 331 on the movable housing 201 side, forming an insertion space 132 that allows insertion of the flow channel pipe 331. The flow channel pipe 331 is connected to the connecting pipe 131 by being inserted into the insertion space 132. At this time, the flow channel pipe 331 is provided with an O-ring 332 on its inner circumference to seal the connection with the connecting pipe 131 and prevent fluid leakage.

[0050] If the flow path pipe 331 is removed from the connecting pipe 131, the fluid in the fluid path will leak out from the connecting pipe 131. In this embodiment, the filter device 11 incorporates an outflow prevention mechanism 151 in the connecting pipe 131 to prevent such fluid leakage.

[0051] The connecting pipe 131 has a double-layered insertion space 132, with the back side being a tapered surface 133. The tapered surface 133 has a tapered shape that narrows towards the open end 134 of the connecting pipe 131, which is the direction of fluid outflow. A ball valve 152 (valve) is provided on the tapered surface 133. This ball valve 152 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the open end 134 of the connecting pipe 131 and is biased by a coil spring 153 (biasing part) in the direction of closing the open end 134.

[0052] The flow channel pipe 331 has a push-up pin 334 at its open end 333. When the flow channel pipe 331 is connected to the connecting pipe 131 (see Figure 5(A)), the push-up pin 334 pushes up the ball valve 152, opening the open end 134 of the connecting pipe 131. When the flow channel pipe 331 is detached from the connecting pipe 131 and removed (see Figure 5(B)), the push-up state of the ball valve 152 by the push-up pin 334 is released, and the ball valve 152, which is pressed against the tapered surface 133 by the biasing force of the coil spring 153, closes the open end 134 of the connecting pipe 131, preventing fluid leakage from the connecting pipe 131.

[0053] The spill prevention mechanism 151 is manufactured from a hard material such as metal.

[0054] 3. Configuration of filter elements As shown in Figure 6, the case 311 of the filter element 301 is constructed by joining a pair of element cases 313 to both sides of the element frame 312. For the sake of explanation, one of the pair of element cases 313 will be called the first element case 313A, and the other the second element case 313B. As shown in Figure 6, when the element frame 312 is laid on its side, the first element case 313A is joined to the element frame 312 from above, and the second element case 313B is joined to the element frame 312 from below.

[0055] (1) Element Frame The element frame 312 houses the filter media 302. The filter media 302 has a rectangular, flattened shape and filters the fluid flowing between its two flat surfaces. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the filter media 302 filters the fluid as it is introduced from the top and flows through to the bottom (not shown) side.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the element frame 312 is a rectangular frame 312a with openings on both sides that surrounds and holds the filter material 302. For the sake of explanation, of the two opening surfaces 314 of the element frame 312, the one located at the top in Figure 7 is called the first opening surface 314A, and the surface opposite to the first opening surface 314A is called the second opening surface 314B.

[0057] The filter element 301 has a pair of flow path tubes 331, one of which is an inlet 331I and the other is an outlet 331O, and as mentioned above, they are arranged side by side and parallel to each other. The element frame 312 has four members that make up the rectangular frame 312a, one of which faces the parallel-arranged fluid inlet side (inlet 331I) and outlet side (outlet 331O) is a partition wall 315, and the other member facing the opposite side of this partition wall 315 is a rear partition wall 316.

[0058] (2) Element case As shown in Figure 6, the first element case 313A includes a first cover surface 317A that covers the first opening surface 314A of the element frame 312, and a pair of first end surfaces 318A that are perpendicular to the first cover surface 317A. The outer surface of the first cover surface 317A becomes the flat surface 311S of the case 311.

[0059] In Figure 6, one of the pair of first end faces 318A located on the near side faces half of the longitudinal region of the partition wall 315 and has an inlet 331I that protrudes outward. The flow channel pipe 331 that forms the inlet 331I penetrates the first end face 318A.

[0060] In Figure 6, the other first end surface 318A of the pair located on the far side (not shown in Figure 6, see Figure 10(A)) faces half of the longitudinal region of the rear partition wall 316.

[0061] The second element case 313B includes a second cover surface 317B that covers the second opening surface 314B of the element frame 312, and a pair of second end surfaces 318B that are perpendicular to the second cover surface 317B. The outer surface of the second cover surface 317B becomes the flat surface 311S of the case 311.

[0062] In Figure 6, one of the pair of second end faces 318B located on the near side faces the remaining half of the longitudinal region of the partition wall 315 and has an outlet 331O that protrudes outward. The flow channel pipe 331 that forms the outlet 331O penetrates the second end face 318B.

[0063] In Figure 6, the other second end surface 318B of the pair located on the far side faces the remaining longitudinal half of the rear partition wall 316.

[0064] (3) Ward bulkhead As shown in Figures 6 to 8(A)(B), partition walls 319 are provided on the partition wall 315 and the rear partition wall 316 of the element frame 312. The partition walls 319 are formed by ribs R1 that protrude outward from the partition walls 315 and the rear partition wall 316, that is, on the side opposite to the opening surface 314. For the sake of explanation, the one provided on the partition wall 315 will be called partition wall 319F, and the one provided on the rear partition wall 316 will be called partition wall 319R.

[0065] The partition wall 319F creates a front chamber 320 and a rear chamber 321 on the side of the flow pipe 331. The front chamber 320 is a space created between the partition wall 315 of the element frame 312 and the first end surface 318A of the first element case 313A, and receives the fluid introduced from the inlet 331I (see Figure 10(A)). The rear chamber 321 is a space created between the partition wall 315 of the element frame 312 and the second end surface 318B of the second element case 313B, and receives the fluid just before it is discharged from the outlet 331O (see Figure 10(B)). The partition wall 319F separates the front chamber 320 and the rear chamber 321 by a rib R1 in the form of a slope S1.

[0066] The partition wall 319R separates a gap IS connected to the inlet chamber 322 and a gap IS connected to the outlet chamber 323 by a rib R1 in the form of a slope S1. As shown in Figures 10(A) and 11(A)(B), the inlet chamber 322 is a fluid introduction space that introduces the fluid flowing in from the front chamber 320 into the filter media 302. As shown in Figures 10(B) and 11(A)(B), the outlet chamber 323 is a fluid discharge space that guides the fluid that has passed through the filter media 302 and been filtered to the rear chamber 321.

[0067] (4) The first partition and the second partition Case 311 comprises a first partition wall 324 that creates an inlet chamber 322 and a second partition wall 325 that creates an outlet chamber 323. The first partition wall 324 and the second partition wall 325 are molded together with the partition wall 319 to form an element frame 312.

[0068] As shown in Figures 6 to 8(A)(B), the first bulkhead 324 wraps around to one side of the element frame 312, connecting the two section bulkheads 319F and 319R. The second bulkhead 325 wraps around to the opposite side of the element frame 312, connecting the two section bulkheads 319F and 319R. In Figure 6, the first bulkhead 324 is connected to the upper ends of the two section bulkheads 319F and 319R. The second bulkhead 325 is connected to the lower ends of the two section bulkheads 319F and 319R. The first bulkhead 324 and the second bulkhead 325 are integrally molded with the element frame 312.

[0069] As shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B), on the side of the first opening surface 314A of the element frame 312, the first partition wall 324 raises the position of the end of the element frame 312 by a length L1 compared to the storage position of the filter media 302. Therefore, when the first partition wall 324 is interposed between the element frame 312 and the first element case 313A, a fluid flow path with a width of length L1 is generated between the element frame 312 and the first cover surface 317A in the portion that connects to the inlet chamber 322.

[0070] As shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B), on the side of the second opening surface 314B of the element frame 312, the second partition wall 325 raises the position of the end of the element frame 312 by a length L2 compared to the storage position of the filter media 302. Therefore, when the second partition wall 325 is interposed between the element frame 312 and the second element case 313B, a fluid flow path with a width of length L2 is generated between the element frame 312 and the second cover surface 317B in the portion that connects to the outflow chamber 323.

[0071] (5) Ribs As shown in Figures 6 to 8(A)(B), the first partition wall 324 and the second partition wall 325 are also provided with ribs R1 at their ends that protrude outward from the element frame 312, so as to be continuous with the partition wall 319 (319F, 319R). The partition wall 319, the first partition wall 324, and the second partition wall 325 are integrally formed by the endless shaped ribs R1.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, the first element case 313A has a semi-enclosure shape in which a pair of first end surfaces 318A are connected by a side surface 326A, and fits into the element frame 312 from the side of the first opening surface 314A. The pair of first end surfaces 318A and the side surface 326A are provided with ribs R2 that connect to ribs R1 provided on the element frame 312. Due to the relationship of fitting into the element frame 312, the pair of first end surfaces 318A and a part of the ribs R2 of the first element case 313A are given the form of a slope S2 that follows the slope S1 of the partition walls 319F and 319R of the element frame 312.

[0073] The first element case 313A is fixed to the element frame 312 by joining the first cover surface 317A and rib R2 to rib R1. At this time, rib R1 and the first element case 313A (first cover surface 317A and rib R2) are fixed by joining joining surfaces that are parallel to a virtual flattened plane that follows the flattened shape of the element frame 312.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, the second element case 313B has a semi-enclosure shape in which a pair of second end faces 318B are connected by a side face 326B, and fits into the element frame 312 from the side of the second opening face 314B. The pair of second end faces 318B and the side face 326B are provided with ribs R2 that connect to ribs R1 provided on the element frame 312. Due to the relationship of fitting into the element frame 312, the pair of second end faces 318B and a part of the ribs R2 of the second element case 313B are given the form of a slope S2 that follows the slope S1 of the partition walls 319F and 319R of the element frame 312.

[0075] The second element case 313B is fixed to the element frame 312 by joining the second cover surface 317B and rib R2 to rib R1. At this time, rib R1 and the second element case 313B (second cover surface 317B and rib R2) are fixed by joining joining surfaces that are parallel to a virtual flattened plane that follows the flattened shape of the element frame 312.

[0076] In Figure 6, the hatched areas represent the joint surfaces between the element frame 312 and the pair of element cases 313 (313A, 313B). As is clear from Figure 6, the element frame 312 and the pair of element cases 313 (313A, 313B) are positioned opposite each other with a predetermined gap IS between them, without the surfaces that fit together in contact (see Figures 10(A)(B) and 11(A)(B)).

[0077] As shown in Figure 9, the first element case 313A is joined to the element frame 312 from the side of the first opening surface 314A, and the second element case 313B is joined to it from the side of the second opening surface 314B, thereby forming the case 311. In Figure 9, the symbol X is the central axis of the inlet 331I, and the symbol Y is the central axis of the outlet 331O.

[0078] (6) Summary Figure 10(A) is a view from arrow A in Figure 9, when the cross-section is taken along a vertical plane containing the central axis X of the inlet 331I, and (B) is a view from arrow B in Figure 9, when the cross-section is taken along a vertical plane containing the central axis Y of the outlet 331O. Outflow prevention mechanisms such as the O-ring 332 and the push-up pin 334 are omitted from the diagram.

[0079] Referring to Figures 10(A) and 10(B), it can be seen that an inlet chamber 322 and an outlet chamber 323 are provided in the storage area for the filter media 302.

[0080] Figure 10(A) shows that a fluid passage with a width of length L1 (see Figures 8(A) and 8(B)) is provided between the first cover surface 317A and the partition wall 315 of the first element case 313A, and that the front chamber 320 and the inlet chamber 322 are in contact. Furthermore, a gap IS is created between the first end surface 318A and the rear partition wall 316 of the first element case 313A, and it can be seen that there is no contact between the first cover surface 317A and the rear partition wall 316, and that fluid can flow between the gap IS and the inlet chamber 322.

[0081] Figure 10(B) shows that a fluid passage with a width of length L2 (see Figures 8(A) and 8(B)) is provided between the second cover surface 317B of the second element case 313B and the partition wall 315, and that the rear chamber 321 and the outlet chamber 323 are connected. Furthermore, a gap IS is created between the second end surface 318B of the second element case 313B and the rear partition wall 316, and the second cover surface 317B and the rear partition wall 316 are also in a non-contact state, and it can be seen that fluid can flow between the gap IS and the outlet chamber 323.

[0082] Figure 11(A) is a view taken along arrow C when the filter element 301 is cross-sectioned by the virtual plane Z in Figure 9, and (B) is a view taken along arrow D when the filter element 301 is cross-sectioned by the virtual plane Z in Figure 9.

[0083] Referring to Figures 11(A) and 11(B), it can be seen that an inlet chamber 322 and an outlet chamber 323 are provided in the storage area for the filter media 302. It can also be seen that a gap IS is provided between the side surface 326A of the first element case 313A and the frame 312a of the element frame 312, and between the side surface 326B of the second element case 313B and the frame 312a of the element frame 312.

[0084] Figure 11(B) shows how the front chamber 320 and the inlet chamber 322 are connected via a fluid flow path, and how the outlet chamber 323 and the rear chamber 321 are connected via a fluid flow path.

[0085] The filter element 301 configured as described above constitutes a fluid flow path consisting of an inlet 331I, a pre-chamber 320, an inlet chamber 322, a filter medium 302, an outlet chamber 323, a post-chamber 321, and an outlet 331O.

[0086] 4. Method for manufacturing filter elements The filter element 301 is manufactured by first creating an element frame 312 incorporating the filter media 302 and a pair of element cases 313 (313A, 313B), and then joining the pair of element cases 313 (313A, 313B) to the element frame 312.

[0087] (1) Insert molding The element frame 312 incorporating the filter media 302 can be manufactured, for example, by insert molding.

[0088] The element frame 312 is made of a resin with a melting point of approximately 200-300°C. A mold (not shown) with the filter material 302 inserted is heated to approximately 50-100°C, and the molten resin is injected into the mold to produce the element frame 312 with the filter material 302 inserted.

[0089] (2) Joining The element frame 312 and the pair of element cases 313 (313A, 313B) are joined, for example, by heat welding. Heat welding is performed, as an example, by vibration welding.

[0090] When two components, in this embodiment, the element frame 312 and the element case 313, are subjected to unidirectional vibration while in pressurized contact, frictional heat is generated at the contact points, causing them to melt. This makes it possible to join the element frame 312 and the element case 313 together.

[0091] However, if vibration is applied to the object to be molten while it is still cold, burrs may form, and these burrs may remain in the internal space. Therefore, in this embodiment, the element frame 312 and element case 313, which are the objects to be molten, are preheated, and then heat welding is performed by applying vibration.

[0092] 5. Effects (1) Filter device In this configuration, when replacing the filter element 301, the fastening bolt B is loosened to release the connection between the movable housing 201 and the fixed housing 101.

[0093] The movable housing 201 then descends vertically due to the operator's pulling motion. At this time, the guide hole 206 on the movable housing 201 side guides the pin 107 on the fixed housing 101 side to the linear guide section E1 (see Figures 3(A) and 3(B)). As the movable housing 201 descends, the flow channel 331 of the filter element 301 detaches from the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side (see Figure 4(B)).

[0094] The filter element 301 may rapidly release the internal pressure, which has increased due to thermal expansion, into the atmosphere when the flow channel 331 detaches from the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side. In this embodiment, when the movable housing 201 is lowered to its lowest position, a gap G is created between the top panel 103 of the fixed housing 101 and the front panel 202 of the movable housing 201, but this gap G is not very large (see Figure 3(B)). Therefore, in combination with the leakage prevention mechanism 151 described later, which prevents fluid from leaking out of the connecting pipe 131, it is possible to prevent fluid from splashing out from various places.

[0095] Next, the movable housing 201 is rotated towards the front. At this time, the upper guide hole 206U of the movable housing 201 guides the upper pin 107U on the fixed housing 101 side to the rotation guide part E2, so the movable housing 201 rotates around the lower pin 107L. This creates a space between the movable housing 201 and the fixed housing 101 that allows for the attachment and detachment of the filter element 301 (see Figures 1, 2, 3(C), and 4(C)), making it possible to attach and detach the filter element 301.

[0096] After replacing the filter element 301, the movable housing 201 is rotated to an upright position and pushed upward to connect to the fixed housing 101 with fastening bolts B. This connects the flow channel 331 of the filter element 301 to the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side. In this way, the operator can replace the desired filter element 301 from among the three types of filter elements 301.

[0097] As described above, according to this embodiment, any filter element 301 concentrated in one place can be easily replaced simply by loosening the fastening bolt B to release the connection to the fixed housing 101, lowering the movable housing 201, and rotating it.

[0098] In this case, since the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side is located above the flow channel pipe 331 of the filter element 301, the flow channel pipe 331 can be easily removed from the connecting pipe 131 by the downward movement of the movable housing 201.

[0099] Furthermore, since the movable housing 201 moves vertically relative to the fixed housing 101, no excessive force is applied to the flow path pipe 331 when it detaches from the connecting pipe 131. From another perspective, this means that the flow path pipe 331 can be easily removed from the connecting pipe 131 without requiring excessive attention or special effort.

[0100] Furthermore, when the flow channel pipe 331 is detached from the connecting pipe 131, the leakage prevention mechanism 151 prevents fluid from leaking out of the connecting pipe 131. As a result, the filter element 301 can be replaced without the need to stop the leaking fluid, further improving work efficiency.

[0101] (2) Filter element When a fluid such as fuel or oil flows in from one of the connecting pipes 131 of the filter device 11, the fluid is introduced from the inlet 331I through the pre-chamber 320 into the inflow chamber 322. The fluid introduced into the inflow chamber 322 passes through the filter media 302, is filtered, flows into the outflow chamber 323, and is discharged from the outlet 331O through the post-chamber 321. The discharged filtered fluid is returned to the other connecting pipe 131 of the filter device 11.

[0102] In this fluid flow path, between the pre-chamber 320 and the inflow chamber 322, the fluid flows into the inflow chamber 322 and the gap IS through slopes S1 and S2. The fluid that enters the gap IS is also flowed into the inflow chamber 322 through slopes S1 and S2. This allows the fluid to circulate more uniformly across one surface of the filter media 302, improving the lifespan and filtration efficiency of the filter media 302. Furthermore, the filtered fluid that flows out into the outlet chamber 323 is also discharged to the rear chamber 321 through slopes S1 and S2, allowing for smooth discharge of the filtered fluid to the rear chamber 321.

[0103] The filter element 301 in this embodiment has a rectangular, flattened shape, which allows for excellent space efficiency when multiple elements are arranged in parallel, contributing to the miniaturization of the filter device 11. Furthermore, since the filter media 302 also has a rectangular, flattened housing, dead space is reduced when housed in the case 311, further improving space efficiency.

[0104] In this embodiment, the rib R1 of the element frame 312 and the first element case 313A (first cover surface 317A and rib R2) and the second element case 313B (second cover surface 317B and rib R2) are fixed together by joining surfaces parallel to a virtual flattened plane that follows the flattened shape of the element frame 312. This makes it easy to join the pair of element cases 313 (313A, 313B) to the element frame 312, thereby simplifying the manufacturing of the filter element 301.

[0105] Furthermore, the frame 312a of the element frame 312 and the first element case 313A and the second element case 313B are arranged with a gap IS between them. This allows the pair of element cases 313 (313A, 313B) to be joined to the element frame 312 by heat welding, which also facilitates the manufacturing of the filter element 301.

[0106] The internal pressure on the fuel filter and oil filter can reach high pressures of around 1.5 MPa. Therefore, if the filter element 301 is configured in a flat rectangular shape as in this embodiment, there is a concern that the internal pressure may cause damage such as rupture to the case 311.

[0107] In this embodiment, although the filter element 301 has a flat rectangular shape, when housed in the filter device 11, both sides of the case 311 of the filter element 301 are covered by rigid metal housing walls 102W and 202W. This prevents the case 311 from expanding uncontrollably as the internal pressure increases due to the thermal expansion of the filtered fluid, thereby protecting the filter element 301 from damage.

[0108] At this time, the storage walls 102W and 202W provided in the storage section 205 of the filter device 11 are made flat, and the filter element 301 is positioned with an appropriate clearance C of 0.5 to 1.5 mm (see Figures 4(A) to (C)). The technical significance of the lower limit of clearance C, which is 0.5 mm, is to allow dimensional changes due to thermal expansion in the resin material constituting the case 311 and to prevent stress on the resin parts. The technical significance of the upper limit of clearance C, which is 1.5 mm, is to limit the expansion of the resin parts constituting the case 311 due to internal pressure to a certain range and to prevent deformation and fracture.

[0109] Thus, according to this embodiment, by setting a predetermined clearance C between the storage walls 102W, 202W provided in the storage section 205 of the filter device 11 and the filter element 301, the filter element 301 can be protected from damage such as rupture.

[0110] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described based on Figures 12 to 17(A) to (D) and Figures 18 to 19(A) to (D). Parts identical to those in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0111] 1. Structure This embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the following three points, in addition to the details of its form. (1) Position of the filter element (2) Lifting assist mechanism (3) Fitting part

[0112] (1) Position of the filter element In the first embodiment, when the filter device 11 is viewed from the front, the storage section 205 of the movable housing 201 houses, from left to right, the fuel pre-filter element 301A, the fuel main filter element 301B, and the oil filter element 301C.

[0113] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the storage section 205 of this embodiment is configured to house, from right to left, a fuel pre-filter element 301A, a fuel main filter element 301B, and an oil filter element 301C.

[0114] The storage section 205 of the movable housing 201 allows for the appropriate setting of the type, order, and number of filter elements 301 to be stored.

[0115] The pair of connecting pipes 131 provided on the top panel 103 of the fixed housing 101 are appropriately sized and spaced to match the pair of flow path pipes 331 of the filter element 301 housed in the storage section 205.

[0116] (2) Lifting assist mechanism The filter device 11 of this embodiment is equipped with a lifting assist mechanism LM to support the lifting and lowering of the movable housing 201.

[0117] As shown in Figures 12 to 14(A)(B), the lifting assist mechanism LM is equipped with a lifting plate 251 on the front side of the movable housing 201. The lifting plate 251 is mounted so as to be movable in the vertical direction and has a hook 252 at its upper end. The fixed housing 101 is provided with a catcher 171 on which the hook 252 can be hooked. The lifting assist mechanism LM raises and lowers the movable housing 201 by moving the lifting plate 251 up and down while the hook 252 is hooked onto the catcher 171. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0118] A plate holder 253 is fixed to the front panel 202 of the movable housing 201 to hold the lifting plate 251. The plate holder 253 holds the lifting plate 251 so that it can move along the front panel 202 between a vertically raised position UP and a vertically lowered position LP. As shown in Figure 14(A), the raised position UP is the position when the lifting plate 251 is raised. As shown in Figure 14(B), the lowered position LP is the position when the lifting plate 251 is lowered.

[0119] When the lifting plate 251 is in the raised position UP, its upper end protrudes from the plate holder 253 (see Figure 14(A)), and when it is in the lowered position LP, the amount of protrusion from the lifting plate 251 is reduced (see Figure 14(B)). A hook 252 is provided on the protruding portion of the lifting plate 251 that changes the amount of protrusion in this way. The hook 252 bends at a right angle from the lifting plate 251 and extends toward the fixed housing 101.

[0120] As shown in Figures 12 to 14(A)(B), the plate holder 253 is also provided with a motion direction conversion unit DC. The motion direction conversion unit DC converts rotational motion into linear motion by rotating the operating lever 261, which acts as the operating unit, to raise and lower the lifting plate 251.

[0121] The operating lever 261, which forms the main component of the motion direction conversion unit DC, is rotatably mounted between the front panel 202 of the movable housing 201 and the plate holder 253 by a fixing pin 262. The motion direction conversion unit DC is constructed by connecting the lifting plate 251 and the operating lever 261. More specifically, the lower end of the lifting plate 251 is provided with a horizontally elongated slot 254, and the operating lever 261 is provided with a connecting pin 263 near the fixing pin 262, which is the center of rotation of the lever. The lifting plate 251 and the operating lever 261 are connected by fitting the connecting pin 263 into the slot 254.

[0122] As shown in Figure 14(A), when the operating lever 261 is tilted horizontally, the connecting pin 263 is positioned above the fixing pin 262. This pushes the lifting plate 251 upward, positioning it in the raised position UP.

[0123] As shown in Figure 14(B), when the operating lever 261 is raised vertically, the connecting pin 263 is positioned below the fixing pin 262. This pulls the lifting plate 251 downward and positions it in the lowered position LP.

[0124] As the operating lever 261 rotates between the horizontal and vertical positions, the movement trajectory of the connecting pin 263 is arc-shaped. More specifically, when the operating lever 261 is in the horizontal position shown in Figure 14(A) and the vertical position shown in Figure 14(B), the connecting pin 263 is positioned at the far right in Figures 14(A) and (B). In contrast, when the operating lever 261 rotates from the horizontal to the vertical position, or from the vertical to the horizontal position, due to the effect of the offset from the center of rotation (fixing pin 262), the connecting pin 263 follows a trajectory in Figures 14(A) and (B) that gradually moves to the left and then returns to the right. The elongated hole 254 in the lifting plate 251 allows the connecting pin 263 to move along this arc-shaped trajectory and ensures that the lifting plate 251 moves in the vertical direction.

[0125] In this embodiment, the operating lever 261 is provided with a handle 264 at the operating end. The handle 264 has a shape that is bent in a direction perpendicular to the front panel 202 of the movable housing 201.

[0126] As shown in Figures 12 to 14(A)(B), the fixed housing 101 is provided with a catcher 171 for hooking the hook 252 of the lifting plate 251. The catcher 171 is provided on the front end face of the top panel 103 of the fixed housing 101 and has a recessed shape. The catcher 171 accepts the hook 252 with some play so that the hook 252 can be inserted into and removed by the rotation of the movable housing 201.

[0127] The lifting plate 251, with the hook 252 attached to the catcher 171, raises the movable housing 201 in the lowered position LP, connecting the flow channel pipe 331 to the connecting pipe 131. In the raised position UP, the movable housing 201 is lowered, detaching the flow channel pipe 331 from the connecting pipe 131. This constitutes the lifting assist mechanism LM.

[0128] Each component of the lifting assist mechanism LM is manufactured using, for example, metal as the material. For instance, if metal sheet metal is used for the lifting plate 251, plate holder 253, and operating lever 261, the hook 252 of the lifting plate 251 and the handle 264 of the operating lever 261 can be easily manufactured by press working.

[0129] (3) Fitting part As shown in Figures 15 to 17(A) to (D), in this embodiment, the fitting portion E has a relationship in the opposite way to that of the first embodiment, with the convex pin 107 (107L, 107U) and the concave guide hole 206 (206L, 206U). That is, the guide hole 206 (206L, 206U) is provided in the side panel 104 of the fixed housing 101, and the pin 107 (107L, 107U) is provided in the side panel 203 of the movable housing 201.

[0130] In this embodiment, the guide holes 206 (206L, 206U) are formed in the shape of grooves that do not penetrate the side panel 104 of the fixed housing 101. Of course, the guide holes 206 (206L, 206U) may also be provided in the form of through holes.

[0131] In this embodiment, the pins 107 (107L, 107U) are screwed from the outside into pin screw holes 203a provided in the side panel 203 of the movable housing 201, and protrude inward from the side panel 203.

[0132] There is one more difference between the fitting portion E of this embodiment and that of the first embodiment. The rotating guide portion E2 provided in the upper guide hole 206U that guides the rotation of the movable housing 201 is provided with a first step 211 and a second step 212.

[0133] The first step 211 restricts the movement of the pin 107U within the rotation guide section E2 so as to restrict the rotation of the movable housing 201 when it has been lowered to its lowest position. For example, the first step 211 restricts the movement of the pin 107U without any play so that the movable housing 201 when it has been lowered to its lowest position does not move even slightly in the rotational direction.

[0134] However, in practice, the first step 211 may be configured to restrict the movement of the pin 107U in such a way that it allows for some rotation.

[0135] The second step 212 restricts the movement of the pin 107U within the rotation guide E2 in order to restrict the rotation of the movable housing 201 during rotation.

[0136] In this case, the second step 212 may be provided in multiple locations within the rotating guide section E2, and may be configured to restrict the rotation of the movable housing 201 by two or more degrees during rotation.

[0137] 2. Effects In this configuration, when replacing the filter element 301, the fastening bolt B is loosened to release the connection between the movable housing 201 and the fixed housing 101.

[0138] At this time, the lifting assist mechanism LM is in the vertical position with the operating lever 261 upright, as shown in Figure 14(B). As a result, the hook 252 of the lifting plate 251 is inserted into the catcher 171 on the fixed housing 101 side, and the downward movement of the movable housing 201 is restricted by the lifting plate 251, which is in the lowered position LP.

[0139] As shown in Figure 14(A), grasp the handle 264 of the operating lever 261 and rotate the vertically upright operating lever 261 clockwise. This causes the lifting plate 251 to move towards the UP position, and the hook 252 pushes against the ceiling surface inside the catcher 171, causing the movable housing 201 to descend. At this time, the guide hole 206 on the fixed housing 101 side guides the pin 107 on the movable housing 201 side to the linear guide section E1, causing the movable housing 201 to descend vertically (see Figures 17(A) and 17(B)). As the movable housing 201 descends, the flow channel pipe 331 of the filter element 301 detaches from the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side (see Figure 4(B) of the first embodiment).

[0140] The filter element 301 may rapidly release the internal pressure, which has increased due to thermal expansion, into the atmosphere because the flow channel 331 has detached from the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side.

[0141] In this embodiment, when the movable housing 201 is lowered to its lowest position, a gap G is created between the upper panel 103 of the fixed housing 101 and the front panel 202 of the movable housing 201, but this gap G is not very large (see Figure 14(B)). Therefore, in combination with the leakage prevention mechanism 151's action of preventing fluid leakage from the connecting pipe 131, it is possible to prevent fluid from splashing out from various places.

[0142] The filter element 301 tends to expand due to the increase in internal pressure caused by thermal expansion. In particular, in the case of the filter element 301, which has a flat rectangular shape as in this embodiment, the expansion phenomenon is most pronounced in the front and back portions, which have a large surface area. This expansion of the filter element 301 is suppressed by the rigidity of both housings 101 and 201 inside the fixed housing 101 and the movable housing 201, which are joined together by fastening bolts B and closed to each other. However, when the flow channel pipe 331 detaches from the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side, the filter element 301, which has descended together with the movable housing 201, tends to rotate in the direction that opens the movable housing 201.

[0143] In this embodiment, when the movable housing 201 is lowered to its lowest position, the first step 211 provided in the rotating guide section E2 restricts the movement of the pin 107U, thereby suppressing the rotation of the movable housing 201 (see Figure 17(B)). Therefore, it is possible to prevent undesirable situations such as the lowered movable housing 201 unexpectedly opening.

[0144] The anti-opening effect of the movable housing 201 by this first step 211 is made even more reliable by configuring the movement of the pin 107U to be restricted without any play so that the movable housing 201 does not move even slightly when it has descended to its lowest position.

[0145] Subsequently, the movable housing 201, which has descended to its lowest position, is rotated towards the front. At this time, the upper pin 107U of the movable housing 201 overcomes the first step 211 and is guided through the upper guide hole 206U of the fixed housing 101, so that the movable housing 201 rotates around the lower pin 107L. The rotated movable housing 201 is then restricted from moving the upper pin 107U by the second step 212 and stops in a half-open state (see Figure 17(C)).

[0146] By stopping the movable housing 201 in a half-open state instead of opening it fully all at once, the impact on the filter element 301 is mitigated. As a result, the splashing of fluid from the flow channel 331 can be suppressed.

[0147] Subsequently, the movable housing 201, which was stopped in the half-open position, is rotated further forward. This causes the upper pin 107U to overcome the second step 212, and the movable housing 201 opens to the fully open position (see Figures 12-17 and 17(D)). This creates a space between the movable housing 201 and the fixed housing 101 that allows for the attachment and detachment of the filter element 301, making it possible to attach and detach the filter element 301.

[0148] After replacing the filter element 301, rotate the movable housing 201 to the upright position so that the upper pin 107U moves over the second step 212 and the first step 211 in sequence (see Figure 17(B)). Then, the hook 252 of the lifting plate 251 is inserted into and engages with the catcher 171 of the fixed housing 101.

[0149] Next, grasp the handle 264 of the operating lever 261 and rotate the horizontally lying operating lever 261 counterclockwise. This moves the lifting plate 251 toward the lowered position LP, and the hook 252 catches on the bottom surface inside the catcher 171, causing the movable housing 201 to rise. At this time, the guide hole 206 on the fixed housing 101 side guides the pin 107 on the movable housing 201 side to the linear guide section E1, causing the movable housing 201 to rise vertically (see Figures 17(A) and 17(B)). As the movable housing 201 rises, the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side is connected to the flow channel pipe 331 of the filter element 301.

[0150] After rotating the operating lever 261 to a vertically upright position (see Figure 14(B)), the movable housing 201 is connected to the fixed housing 101 with the fastening bolt B, completing the replacement of the filter element 301. In this way, the operator can replace the desired filter element 301 from among the three types of filter elements 301.

[0151] As described above, according to this embodiment, any filter element 301 concentrated in one place can be easily replaced simply by loosening the fastening bolt B to release the connection to the fixed housing 101, lowering the movable housing 201, and rotating it.

[0152] 3. Another embodiment of the mating portion Another embodiment of the mating portion E will be described based on Figures 18 to 19(A) to (D).

[0153] In the fitting portion E of this embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 17(A) to (D), guide holes 206 (206L, 206U) are provided in the side panel 104 of the fixed housing 101, and pins 107 (107L, 107U) are provided in the side panel 203 of the movable housing 201. In another embodiment of the fitting portion E, guide holes 206 (206L, 206U) are provided in the side panel 203 of the movable housing 201, and pins 107 (107L, 107U) are provided in the side panel 104 of the fixed housing 101, similar to the first embodiment.

[0154] In another embodiment, the guide holes 206 (206L, 206U) are formed as grooves that do not penetrate the side panel 203 of the movable housing 201. Of course, the guide holes 206 (206L, 206U) may also be provided in the form of through holes.

[0155] In this embodiment, the pins 107 (107L, 107U) are, for example, screwed from the inside into pin screw holes (not shown) provided in the side panel 104 of the fixed housing 101, and protrude outwards from the side panel 104.

[0156] The fact that the two guide holes 206L and 206U form a linear guide section E1, the upper guide hole 206U forms a rotating guide section E2, and the rotating guide section E2 has a first step 211 and a second step 212 is the same as the fitting section E of this embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 17(A) to (D). Therefore, the effects and functions of each of these parts are also the same.

[0157] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment will be described based on Figures 20 to 23(A) and (B). Parts identical to those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0158] 1. Structure This embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the following three points, in addition to the details of its form. (1) Position of the filter element (2) Lifting assist mechanism (3) Fitting part Points (1) and (3) are common to the second embodiment. Therefore, the following will describe the lifting assist mechanism LM (2), which differs from the second embodiment.

[0159] The filter device 11 of this embodiment, like the second embodiment, is equipped with a lifting assist mechanism LM to support the lifting and lowering of the movable housing 201.

[0160] As shown in Figures 20 to 23(A) and (B), the lifting assist mechanism LM is equipped with a lifting plate 251 on the front side of the movable housing 201. The lifting plate 251 is mounted so as to be movable in the vertical direction and has a hook 252 at its upper end. The fixed housing 101 is provided with a catcher 171 on which the hook 252 can be hooked. The lifting assist mechanism LM raises and lowers the movable housing 201 by moving the lifting plate 251 up and down while the hook 252 is hooked onto the catcher 171. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0161] The front panel 202 of the movable housing 201 is provided with a plate holder 253 for holding the lifting plate 251. The plate holder 253 holds the lifting plate 251 so that it can move along the front panel 202 between a vertically raised position UP and a vertically lowered position LP. As shown in Figure 22(A), the raised position UP is the position when the lifting plate 251 is raised. As shown in Figure 22(B), the lowered position LP is the position when the lifting plate 251 is lowered.

[0162] As is clear from comparing Figures 12 to 14(A)(B) with Figure 20 (without Figure 20) and Figure 23(A)(B), the lifting plate 251 of this embodiment is shorter in length than the lifting plate 251 of the second embodiment. Accordingly, the plate holder 253 is also smaller than that of the second embodiment.

[0163] When the lifting plate 251 is in the raised position UP, its upper end protrudes from the plate holder 253 (see Figure 22(A)), and when it is in the lowered position LP, the amount of protrusion of the upper end from the lifting plate 251 is reduced (see Figure 22(B)). A hook 252 is provided on the protruding portion of the lifting plate 251 that changes the amount of protrusion in this way. The hook 252 is bent at a right angle from the lifting plate 251 and extends toward the fixed housing 101.

[0164] As shown in Figures 20 to 23(A) and (B), the plate holder 253 is also provided with a motion direction conversion unit DC. The motion direction conversion unit DC converts rotational motion into linear motion by rotating the operating bolt 271, which acts as an operating unit, thereby raising and lowering the lifting plate 251.

[0165] The main component of the motion direction changing section DC is an operating plate 272 that rotates integrally with the operating bolt 271. The operating plate 272 is rotatably attached by the operating bolt 271 to the back side of a plate holder 253, which is integrally provided with the front panel 202 of the movable housing 201 so as to protrude forward from the front panel 202. The motion direction changing section DC is constructed by connecting the lifting plate 251 and the operating plate 272. More specifically, the lower end of the lifting plate 251 is provided with a horizontally elongated slot 254, and the operating plate 272 is provided with a connecting pin 263. The lifting plate 251 and the operating plate 272 are connected by fitting the connecting pin 263 into the slot 254.

[0166] As mentioned above, the plate holder 253 is integrated with the front panel 202. Therefore, a structure is needed to house the mechanical components of the motion direction changing unit DC inside the plate holder 253. In this embodiment, a notch (not shown) is provided in the portion of the front panel 202 of the movable housing 201 that is covered by the plate holder 253, and the mechanical components of the motion direction changing unit DC, excluding the lifting plate 251 and the plate holder 253, are unitized and detachably attached to the notch from the back side of the plate holder 253.

[0167] As shown in Figure 23(A), when the operating plate 272 is rotated to its maximum extent clockwise, the connecting pin 263 is positioned above the axis of the operating bolt 271, which is the rotation center of the operating plate 272. This pushes the lifting plate 251 upward, positioning it in the raised position UP. For the sake of explanation below, the position where the operating plate 272 is rotated to its maximum extent clockwise will be referred to as the "clockwise end".

[0168] As shown in Figure 23(B), when the operating plate 272 is rotated to its maximum extent counterclockwise, the connecting pin 263 is located below the axis of the operating bolt 271, which is the rotation center of the operating plate 272. This pulls the lifting plate 251 downward and positions it in the lowered position LP. For the sake of explanation below, the position where the operating plate 272 is rotated to its maximum extent counterclockwise will be referred to as the "counterclockwise end".

[0169] As the operating plate 272 rotates between the clockwise and counterclockwise ends, the movement trajectory of the connecting pin 263 is arc-shaped. More specifically, when the operating plate 272 is positioned at the clockwise end shown in Figure 23(A) and the counterclockwise end shown in Figure 23(B), the connecting pin 263 is positioned at the far right in Figures 23(A) and (B). In contrast, when the operating plate 272 rotates from the clockwise end to the counterclockwise end, or from the counterclockwise end to the clockwise end, due to the effect of the offset from the center of rotation, the connecting pin 263 follows a trajectory in Figures 23(A) and (B) that gradually moves to the left and then returns to the right. The elongated hole 254 in the lifting plate 251 allows the connecting pin 263 to move along this arc-shaped trajectory and ensures that the lifting plate 251 moves in the vertical direction.

[0170] As shown in Figures 20 to 23(A) and (B), the fixed housing 101 is provided with a catcher 171 for hooking the hook 252 of the lifting plate 251. The catcher 171 is provided on the front end face of the top panel 103 of the fixed housing 101 and has a recessed shape. The catcher 171 accepts the hook 252 with some play so that the hook 252 can be inserted into and removed by the rotation of the movable housing 201.

[0171] The lifting plate 251, with the hook 252 attached to the catcher 171, raises the movable housing 201 in the lowered position LP, connecting the flow channel pipe 331 to the connecting pipe 131. In the raised position UP, the movable housing 201 is lowered, detaching the flow channel pipe 331 from the connecting pipe 131. This constitutes the lifting assist mechanism LM.

[0172] Each component of the lifting assist mechanism LM is manufactured using, for example, metal as the material. For instance, if sheet metal is used for the lifting plate 251, the hooks 252 and other parts of the lifting plate 251 can be easily manufactured by press working.

[0173] 2. Effects In this configuration, when replacing the filter element 301, the fastening bolt B is loosened to release the connection between the movable housing 201 and the fixed housing 101.

[0174] At this time, the lifting assist mechanism LM is in a state where the operating plate 272 is at the counterclockwise end, as shown in Figure 23(B). As a result, the hook 252 of the lifting plate 251 is inserted into the catcher 171 on the fixed housing 101 side, and the downward movement of the movable housing 201 is restricted by the lifting plate 251, which is in the lowered position LP.

[0175] As shown in Figure 23(A), the operating bolt 271 is rotated clockwise with the wrench W. This causes the lifting plate 251 to move towards the raised position UP, and the hook 252 pushes against the ceiling surface inside the catcher 171, causing the movable housing 201 to descend. At this time, the guide hole 206 on the fixed housing 101 side guides the pin 107 on the movable housing 201 side to the linear guide section E1, causing the movable housing 201 to descend vertically (see Figures 17(A) and 17(B) of the second embodiment). As the movable housing 201 descends, the flow channel pipe 331 of the filter element 301 detaches from the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side (see Figure 4(B) of the first embodiment).

[0176] The process of rotating the movable housing 201, which has been lowered to its lowest position, and replacing the desired filter element 301 is the same as in the second embodiment, so a description will be omitted.

[0177] After replacing the filter element 301, rotate the movable housing 201 to the upright position so that the upper pin 107U moves over the second step 212 and the first step 211 in sequence (see Figure 17(B) of the second embodiment). Then, the hook 252 of the lifting plate 251 is inserted into and engages with the catcher 171 of the fixed housing 101.

[0178] Subsequently, a wrench W is set on the operating bolt 271, and the operating bolt 271 is rotated counterclockwise with the wrench W in order to rotate the operating plate 272, which is located at the clockwise end, to the counterclockwise end. This causes the lifting plate 251 to move toward the lowered position LP, and the hook 252 catches on the bottom surface inside the catcher 171, causing the movable housing 201 to rise. At this time, the guide hole 206 on the fixed housing 101 side guides the pin 107 on the movable housing 201 side to the linear guide section E1, causing the movable housing 201 to rise vertically (see Figures 17(A) and 17(B) of the second embodiment). As the movable housing 201 rises, the connecting pipe 131 on the fixed housing 101 side is connected to the flow channel pipe 331 of the filter element 301.

[0179] After rotating the operating bolt 271 with a wrench W until the operating plate 272 is positioned at the counterclockwise end (see Figure 23(B)), the movable housing 201 is connected to the fixed housing 101 with the fastening bolt B, completing the replacement of the filter element 301. In this way, the operator can replace the desired filter element 301 from among the three types of filter elements 301.

[0180] As described above, according to this embodiment, any filter element 301 concentrated in one place can be easily replaced simply by loosening the fastening bolt B to release the connection to the fixed housing 101, lowering the movable housing 201, and rotating it.

[0181] [Differentiation] Various modifications and changes are possible during implementation.

[0182] For example, the types of filter elements 301 that can be aggregated in the filter device 11 are not limited to the three types described above, but may also be other types of filter elements 301. The number of filter elements 301 that can be housed in the filter device 11 is not limited to three, but may be two, four or more.

[0183] Even if the filter elements 301 are individually separated and independent as in the above embodiment, all or part of them may be connected to each other, or they may be formed as a single unit. Taking the above embodiment as an example, for instance, the fuel pre-filter element 301A and the fuel main filter element 301B may be connected or integrated, while only the oil filter element 301C can be separated and independent.

[0184] Of course, the various embodiments of the filter element 301 described above are merely examples. The storage section 205 of the movable housing 201 can accommodate various modifications and changes to accommodate all variations of the filter element 301, such as type, number, and whether or not they are in an independent configuration.

[0185] In this embodiment, an example was shown in which the movable housing 201 is lowered and then rotated, thereby enabling the replacement of the filter element 301 without requiring a large amount of space. On the other hand, if there is sufficient space for the installation of the filter device 11, the space necessary for replacing the filter element 301 can also be created by lowering the movable housing 201 to a range greater than the height of the filter element 301, for example.

[0186] In this embodiment, an example configuration is shown in which the first partition wall 324 and the second partition wall 325 are integrally molded with the element frame 312. However, in practice, this configuration is not necessarily required. Either one or both of the first partition wall 324 and the second partition wall 325 may be integrally molded with the element case 313 (313A, 313B), for example. Alternatively, parts of the first partition wall 324 and the second partition wall 325 may be integrally molded with the element frame 312, and the remaining parts may be integrally molded with the element case 313 (313A, 313B). Alternatively, either one or both of the first partition wall 324 and the second partition wall 325 may be prepared as separate components and interposed between the element frame 312 and the element case 313 (313A, 313B) for joining.

[0187] In this embodiment, an example using a rectangular filter medium 302 is shown, but the filter medium 302 does not necessarily have to be rectangular. For example, it may have a shape with rounded corners or a shape with a constricted central portion. Furthermore, the filter medium 302 does not necessarily have to be insert-molded into the element frame 312, and may be configured to be incorporated into the element frame 312 later.

[0188] Any other changes or modifications are possible during implementation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0189] 11 Filter device 101 Fixed Housing 102 Rear Panel 102W Storage Wall 103 Top panel 104 Side Panel 105 Mounting piece 106 Mounting holes 107, 107L, 107U pins (protrusions) 108 bolt holes 131 Connecting pipe 132 Insertion space 133 Tapered surface 134 Open end 151 Outflow prevention mechanism 152 Ball valve (valve) 153 Coil spring (biasing part) 171 Catcher 201 Movable Housing 202 Front Panel 202W Storage Wall 203 Side Panel 203a Pin screw hole 204 Bottom Panel 205 Storage compartment 206, 206L, 206U Guide hole (recess) 207 Fixed piece 208 bolt threaded holes 211 First step 212 Second step 251 Lifting Plate 252 Hooks 253 Plate holder 254 long hole 261 Operating lever (operating part) 262 Fixing pins 263 Connecting pins 264 Handle 271 Operating bolt (operating part) 272 Control Plate 301 filter elements 301A Fuel Pre-filter Element (Fuel Filter Element) 301B Fuel Main Filter Element (Fuel Filter Element) 301C Oil Filter Element 302 Filter media 311 cases 311S flat surface 312 Element Frame 312a frame 313 Element Case 313A First element case 313B Second element case 314 Opening surface 314A First opening surface 314B Second opening surface 315 Bulkhead 316 Rear bulkhead 317A First cover surface 317B Second cover surface 318A First end surface 318B Second end face 319, 319F, 319R bulkhead 320 Vestibule 321 Posterior chamber 322 Inflow chamber 323 Outflow chamber 324 First bulkhead 325 Second bulkhead 331 Flow channel 331I Inlet 331O Outlet 331 Flow channel 332 O-ring 333 Open end 334 Push-up pin A Installation part B bolt C Clearance DC motion direction conversion unit E Fitting part E1 Straight guide section E2 Rotating guide section G Gap IS Gap LM Lifting Assist Mechanism LP lowering position R1 Rib R2 Rib S-slope UP Raised position W wrench X center axis Y center axis Z virtual surface

Claims

1. A filter material having a flattened shape, which filters the fluid flowing between its two flattened surfaces, A rectangular frame with open sides that surrounds and holds the filter material, and a flat element frame having a partition wall on one side facing the fluid inlet side and the fluid outlet side arranged in parallel, A first element case having a first cover surface that covers one open surface of the element frame and a first end surface that faces half of the longitudinal region of the partition wall, with a fluid inlet provided on the first end surface, A second element case having a second cover surface that covers the surface of the element frame opposite to the one surface, and a second end surface that faces the remaining half of the partition wall, with a fluid outlet provided on the second end surface, A front chamber connected to the inlet is generated between the partition wall and the first end surface, a rear chamber connected to the outlet is generated between the partition wall and the second end surface, and a partition wall separates the front chamber and the rear chamber. Between the one surface of the element frame and the first cover surface, there is a first partition wall that creates an inflow chamber that connects to the front chamber, Between the opposite side of the element frame and the second cover surface, there is a second partition wall that creates an outflow chamber that connects to the rear chamber, A filter element equipped with the following features.

2. The partition wall separates the front chamber and the rear chamber by a ramp. The filter element according to claim 1.

3. The element frame has the partition wall, the first partition wall, and the second partition wall. The filter element according to claim 2.

4. The partition wall, the first partition wall, and the second partition wall are integrally formed by endless ribs that protrude outward from the frame of the element frame. The first element case has a semi-enclosure shape that covers one side of the frame, The second element case has a semi-enclosure shape that covers one side of the frame and the opposite side. The filter element according to claim 3.

5. The rib and the first and second element cases are fixed together by joining surfaces that are parallel to a virtual flattened plane that conforms to the flattened shape of the element frame. The filter element according to claim 4.

6. The frame of the element frame and the first and second element cases are arranged with a gap between them. The filter element according to claim 4.

7. The inlet has the form of a flow channel tube fixed to the first end surface, The discharge port has the form of a flow channel tube fixed to the second end surface. The filter element according to claim 1.

8. Fixed housing and A storage section for storing and holding at least two filter elements according to any one of claims 1 to 7 adjacent to each other, with the inlet and outlet arranged in parallel, and a movable housing that is movably attached to the fixed housing along the direction of the central axis between the inlet and outlet of the filter elements stored and held in the storage section, A pair of connecting pipes are provided on the fixed housing so as to be attached to and detached from the inlet and outlet, respectively, by the movement of the movable housing, and are connected to the fluid path of a machine that requires fluid filtration, A filter device equipped with the following features.

9. The storage section of the fixed housing and the movable housing are each provided with flat storage walls facing each other with a clearance between them on both sides of the filter element. The filter device according to claim 8.

10. The fixed housing and the movable housing are combined such that the connecting pipe is positioned above the inlet and outlet of the filter element. The filter device according to claim 8.

11. The direction of movement of the movable housing relative to the fixed housing is vertical. The filter device according to claim 10.

12. A lifting plate is attached to the front side of the movable housing so as to be movable between a vertically raised position and a vertically lowered position, and has a hook extending in the direction of the fixed housing, A motion direction conversion unit that converts the rotational motion generated by rotating the operating unit into the lifting motion of the lifting plate, A catcher is provided on the fixed housing so that the hook can be hooked onto, Equipped with, The lifting plate, with the hook attached to the catcher, raises the movable housing in the lowered position to connect the inlet and outlet to the pair of connecting pipes, respectively, and lowers the movable housing in the raised position to detach the inlet and outlet from the pair of connecting pipes, respectively. The filter device according to claim 11.

13. The aforementioned operating unit is an operating lever that can be rotated manually. The filter device according to claim 12.

14. The aforementioned operating part is an operating bolt that can be rotated using a tool. The filter device according to claim 12.

15. The movable housing is rotatably mounted relative to the fixed housing after it has descended until the inlet and outlet are separated from the connecting pipe. The filter device according to claim 12.

16. The catcher has a recessed shape into which the hook is inserted and removed by the rotation of the movable housing. The filter device according to claim 15.

17. The pair of connecting pipes have an outflow prevention mechanism that prevents fluid leakage when the inlet and outlet are separated, respectively. The filter device according to claim 10.

18. The aforementioned leakage prevention mechanism is A valve that opens and closes the open end of a connecting pipe when pressed by the inlet and outlet, which are connected to a pair of connecting pipes, A biasing part that biases the valve in the direction of closing the open end, Equipped with, The filter device according to claim 17.

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