JP2004074036A

JP2004074036A - Air filter

Info

Publication number: JP2004074036A
Application number: JP2002239048A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kenichi Maeda; 前田　健一; Hisashi Tanaka; 田中　尚志
Original assignee: CKD Corp
Current assignee: CKD Corp
Priority date: 2002-08-20
Filing date: 2002-08-20
Publication date: 2004-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-20
Also published as: JP3668214B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air filter capable of sufficiently making the best use of the performance of an element part. <P>SOLUTION: A flange part 23 projected from an outer peripheral part is provided on a filter element 15 provided on the midway through which air passes from an introduction passage 6 to a leading out passage 5. This flange part 23 is clamped by a body 2 and a bowl 8 and the bowl 8 is mounted to the body 2. When the bowl 8 is mounted to the body 2, the filter element 15 is supported in the bowl 8 by clamping the flange part by the bowl 8 and the body 2. As a result, when the filter element 15 is mounted, a foreign matter such as dust or the like is hardly generated on the secondary side. Thereby, the performance of the element part can be sufficiently utilized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、エアを清浄にするエアフィルタに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
加圧エアを利用して各種作業を行う自動化システムが数多く利用されている。この自動化システムは、加圧エアによって駆動される各種機器を備え、これら各機器には配管を介して加圧エアが給排される。
【０００３】
この配管内を流れる加圧エアは圧縮機等のエア供給源から供給されるが、このエア供給源で生じる潤滑油等のオイルミストや塵埃、その他大気中に含まれている塵埃、水分等といった異物を含んでいる。このような異物を含んだままの状態で加圧エアが自動化システムを構成する各種機器に供給されると、これら各種機器の故障の原因となる。また、自動化システムをクリーンルーム内で利用する場合には、各種機器等から排出される加圧エアが室内汚染の原因にもなる。そこで、自動化システムを構成する配管には、これらの異物を除去するためのエアフィルタが設けられる。
【０００４】
図８に示すように、従来のエアフィルタ４１の本体４２には、入口ポート４３が設けられている。本体４２の入口ポート４３に対向する側には出口ポート４４が設けられている。また、本体４２には入口ポート４３及び出口ポート４４にそれぞれ連通され、本体４２の下部で開口する導入通路４５及び導出通路４６が形成されている。本体４２の下部には有底筒状のボウル４７及びボウルカバー４８が取り付けられている。
【０００５】
ボウル４７の内部において、導入通路４５と導出通路４６との間にはフィルタエレメント４９が設けられている。このフィルタエレメント４９は、多孔質体により形成され加圧エアが通過する際に同エア内に含まれる異物を除去する筒状のエレメント部５０と、同エレメント部５０をその軸線方向の上下で支持する支持部材５１，５２とを備えている。上側支持部材５１には前記導出通路４６の開口部に対応した装着部５３が突出形成され、この装着部５３が導出通路４６の開口部に挿入されている。また、上側支持部材５１にはエレメント部５０の中空部に対応し、同中空部内と外部とを連通する貫通孔５４が形成されている。一方、下側支持部材５２にはエレメント部５０の中空部側に雌ネジ５２ａが形成されている。
【０００６】
前記本体４２には導出通路４６を形成する内面において、同通路４６内から上側支持部材５１の貫通孔５４、エレメント部５０の中空部を介して下側支持部材５２まで延びるロッド５５の一端部が固定されている。このロッド５５の他端部にはその外周面に雄ネジ５５ａが形成されている。そして、下側支持部材５２に形成された雌ネジ５２ａに前記ロッド５５の雄ネジ５５ａが螺合されることにより、上側支持部材５１の装着部５３が導出通路４６の開口部に挿入された状態でフィルタエレメント４９が本体４２に固定される。
【０００７】
従って、入口ポート４３に供給された加圧エアは導入通路４５、ボウル４７内部のエレメント部５０外周側、エレメント部５０内周側の中空部、上側支持部材５１の貫通孔５４、導出通路４６を介して出口ポート４４へ排出される。そして、加圧エアがエレメント部５０を通過するときに、加圧エアに含まれる異物が除去される。その結果、出口ポート４４からは異物の除去されたクリーンな加圧エアが排出されることになる。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、上記従来のエアフィルタ４１では、本体４２へのフィルタエレメント４９の固定を、エレメント部５０内周側の中空部内において下側支持部材５２に形成された雌ネジ５２ａと、ロッド５５の雄ネジ５５ａとを螺合させて行っている。この螺合の際にはネジ同士の摩擦による粉塵の発生が避けられない。このため、エレメント部５０の中空部内という異物の除去されたクリーンな加圧エアが通過する二次側に粉塵の発生源を有していることになる。その結果、エレメント部５０を通過したクリーンな加圧エアとともに粉塵が出口ポート４４から排出されてしまい、本来クリーンなはずであった加圧エアを得られず、エレメント部５０の性能を十分に活かしきれないという問題があった。
【０００９】
そこで、本発明は、以上のような問題を解決することができるエアフィルタを提供することを主目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段及び発明の効果】
以下に、上記課題を解決し得る手段等について項を分けて列挙する。なお、必要に応じてその作用、効果、具体的手段等についても付記する。
【００１１】
手段１．本体に入口ポートと出口ポートを設けるとともに、入口ポートに連通し本体の下部に開口する導入通路と、出口ポートに連通し本体の下部に開口する導出通路を設け、本体の通路開口側には導入通路から導出通路へエアが通過する途中にそのエア内の異物を除去するフィルタエレメントを設け、同フィルタエレメントを覆う有底筒状のカバーを本体に取り付けたエアフィルタにおいて、
前記フィルタエレメントには同フィルタエレメントの外周部から突出する支持部を設け、その支持部を前記カバーと本体とで挟むようにしてそのカバーを本体に取り付けたエアフィルタ。
【００１２】
手段１によれば、カバーを本体に取り付ける際に、カバーと本体とでフィルタエレメントの支持部が挟まれることにより、フィルタエレメントがカバー内で支持される。このため、フィルタエレメントを取り付ける際に、エアがフィルタエレメントを通過した後の二次側において粉塵等の異物を発生させることはほとんどない。その結果、エレメント部を通過したエアがそのまま出口ポートから排出されることになって、エレメント部の性能を十分に活かすことができる。
【００１３】
また、単に本体とカバーとで支持部が挟まれることでフィルタエレメントが支持されるため、本体に対して螺合させて取り付けるといった工程が不要となり、本体に対するフィルタエレメントの取り付けを容易に行うことができる。
【００１４】
手段２．前記カバーを本体に取り付けた際に相対向するカバーの開口上端面と本体の下面とにより前記支持部を挟むようにしてカバーを本体に取り付けた手段１に記載のエアフィルタ。
【００１５】
手段２によれば、本体の下面とカバーの開口上端面を利用して支持部を挟むよう構成されているため、支持部を挟むための構成を新たに本体やカバーに設ける必要がない。これにより、従来からの本体やカバーをそのまま用いて支持部を挟むことが可能であり、装置のコスト削減に寄与することができる。
【００１６】
手段３．前記支持部を平板状に形成し、その板面が挟まれるようにした手段１又は２に記載のエアフィルタ。
【００１７】
手段３によれば、支持部が平板状に形成されているため、カバーと本体とで支持部を挟んだ場合において、支持部以外の箇所で本体とカバーとの間に生じる隙間を小さくすることができる。このため、無駄な空間が生じることを最小限に抑えることができ、エアフィルタの小型化に寄与することができる。
【００１８】
手段４．本体に入口ポートと出口ポートを設けるとともに、入口ポートに連通し本体の下面に開口する導入通路と、出口ポートに連通し本体の下面に開口する導出通路を設け、本体の通路開口側には導入通路から導出通路へエアが通過する途中にそのエア内の異物を除去するフィルタエレメントを設け、同フィルタエレメントを覆う有底筒状のカバーを本体に取り付けたエアフィルタにおいて、
前記フィルタエレメントには同フィルタエレメントの外周部から突出する支持部を設け、その支持部を前記カバーの開口上端面に載置した状態でそのカバーを本体に取り付け、支持部を挟んでカバーの開口上端面と本体の下面とを相対向させたエアフィルタ。
【００１９】
手段４によれば、フィルタエレメントはその支持部がカバーの開口上端面に載置された状態でカバー内に支持される。このため、手段１と同様、フィルタエレメントを取り付ける際に二次側で異物を発生させることがほとんどなくなり、エレメント部の性能を十分に活かすことができる。
【００２０】
また、導入通路からカバー内部のフィルタエレメントを介して導出通路に流出するという加圧エアの流れのため、フィルタエレメントは本体側に押し付けられる。このため、本体の下面とカバーの開口上端面との間に多少の遊びを設けても、フィルタエレメントはその支持部がカバーの開口上端面に載置されていればフィルタエレメントの支持が不安定な状態にはならない。とすれば、遊びを設けることが可能であるから、その遊びによって支持部周辺の構成を精密加工する必要がなく加工時に生じる誤差を吸収することができる。その結果、エアフィルタの製造コストの削減に寄与できる。
【００２１】
手段５．本体の下面に、カバーの開口上端部の形状に合わせて形成され当該開口上端部が収容される取り付け凹部を形成し、前記支持部の外周部を取り付け凹部の周面と接触するように形成した手段４に記載のエアフィルタ。
【００２２】
手段５によれば、支持部の外周部が取り付け凹部の周面と接触するように形成されているため、カバーを本体に取り付ける際に支持部の外周部をカバーの外周部に合わせて当該支持部を開口上端面に載置すればフィルタエレメントが位置決めされる。このため、支持部にフィルタエレメントの位置決め機能を持たせることができる。
【００２３】
手段６．前記支持部を複数設け、そのうち一対の支持部を、フィルタエレメントを平面視した場合において当該エレメントを挟んで相対向するように配置した手段１乃至５に記載のエアフィルタ。
【００２４】
手段６によれば、支持部が複数設けられているため、フィルタエレメントの周囲の複数箇所で支持部がカバーと本体とにより挟まれることになる。このため、フィルタエレメントの支持をより確実に行うことができる。
【００２５】
また、少なくとも一対の支持部がフィルタエレメントを挟んで相対向するように配置されているため、カバーと本体とで支持部を挟んでフィルタエレメントを支持した場合に、その支持をバランスよく行うことができる。
【００２６】
手段７．本体に入口ポートと出口ポートを設けるとともに、入口ポートに連通し本体の下部に開口する導入通路と、出口ポートに連通し本体の下部に開口する導出通路を設け、本体の通路開口側には導入通路から導出通路へエアが通過する途中にそのエア内の異物を除去するフィルタエレメントを設け、同フィルタエレメントを覆う有底筒状のカバーを本体に取り付けたエアフィルタにおいて、
前記フィルタエレメントには環状の装着溝を形成し、この装着溝に支持板を装着し、支持板には装着溝への装着状態で同装着溝から突出する鍔部を備え、その鍔部をカバーの開口上端面と本体の下面とで挟むようにしてそのカバーを本体に取り付けたエアフィルタ。
【００２７】
手段７によれば、カバーを本体に取り付ける際に、カバーの開口上端面と本体の下面とで鍔部が挟まれることにより、フィルタエレメントがカバー内で支持される。このため、手段１と同様、フィルタエレメントを取り付ける際に二次側で異物を発生させることがほとんどなくなり、エレメント部の性能を十分に活かすことができる。
【００２８】
また、フィルタエレメントに直接支持部を設けた場合には、支持部を本体に接着手段で固定したり、あるいは成型したりするにも、そのようなフィルタエレメントの製造は困難な面が少なからずある。この点、支持部がフィルタエレメントとは別部材である支持板の鍔部とされるため、エアフィルタの製造を容易にすることができる。なお、支持板は装着溝に対して着脱自在であることが好ましい。
【００２９】
手段８．前記装着溝を円環状に形成し、前記支持板をＣリング状に形成するとともに、その開口部が装着溝内の外径よりも少し小さく、かつ弾力で開口部を拡大するように構成した手段７に記載のエアフィルタ。
【００３０】
手段８によれば、支持板は弾力で先端開口部間を拡大しうるよう形成されているため、支持板を装着溝に装着する際には、先端部を装着溝内の外周部に対して押し込むことで支持板が装着溝内に嵌め込まれる。そして、いったん嵌め込まれたら支持板は弾力により装着溝から容易に外れなくなっている。このため、本体の下面とカバー開口上端面とにより挟まれる鍔部がフィルタエレメントの外周部において確実に固定されることになり、フィルタエレメントの支持をより確実に行うことができる。
【００３１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に、実施の形態について図１乃至図４を参照しつつ説明する。なお、図１はエアフィルタの縦断面図であり、図２はフィルタエレメントの正面図であり、図３は支持板の平面図、図４は支持板の正面図である。
【００３２】
図１に示すように、エアフィルタ１の本体２にはその側部に入口ポート３が設けられ、入口ポート３に対向する側には出口ポート４が設けられている。入口ポート３には図示しない圧力供給源からの一次側配管が接続され、出口ポート４には加圧エアにより駆動される各種機器等へつながる二次側配管が接続される。両ポート３，４は配管が接続されるための雌ネジが形成された雌ネジ孔として形成したり、その他ワンタッチ継手を設けたりする等、各種形態が考えられる。
【００３３】
本体２には出口ポート４に連通され、本体２下部の中央部付近で開口する導出通路５が形成されている。また、本体２には入口ポート３に連通され、本体２下部において導出通路５の開口部の周辺で開口する導入通路６が形成されている。
【００３４】
本体２の下部には円環溝形状の取り付け凹部７が形成され、この取り付け凹部７には有底円筒状に形成されたカバーとしてのボウル８の開口上端部が装着されている。ボウル８の開口上端部の外周には環状のシールリング９が装着され、このシールリング９により本体２の取り付け凹部７を形成する壁面とボウル８の外周面との間の気密性が保持されている。なお、ボウル８は有底筒状に形成されていればよく、円筒状以外でも横断面四角形状の筒状とするなど各種形状を選択できる。もっとも、この場合には本体２の取り付け凹部７の横断面形状もボウル８の形状に対応した形状となる。
【００３５】
本体２には係合孔１０が形成されている。ボウル８の開口上端部には外周側に突出する係合突部１１が形成されており、ボウル８の開口上端部が取り付け凹部７に装着される際には、この係合突部１１と本体２の係合孔１０とが係合される。これにより、本体２の下部にボウル８が固定される。
【００３６】
ボウル８の外側には有底円筒状に形成されたボウルカバー１２がボウル８を覆うようにして設けられている。ボウルカバー１２の上端部はフランジ状に形成され、このフランジ部１３が前記本体２の係合孔１０に係合されている。これにより、本体２の下部にボウルカバー１２が固定される。そして、ボウル８及びボウルカバー１２の下端部には、ボウル８の内側下端部に溜まった油分・水分等を排出するドレン装置１４が設けられている。
【００３７】
本体２の下部には導入通路６と導出通路５との間にフィルタエレメント１５が設けられ、同フィルタエレメント１５がボウル８の内部に収容されている。図１及び図２に示すように、フィルタエレメント１５は、筒状のハウジング１６と、その内部に設けられた図示しないエレメント部とを備えている。ハウジング１６の上端部には本体装着部１７が設けられている。本体装着部１７は導出通路５の開口部の横断面形状に合わせてその横断面が形成されるとともに、ハウジング１６の内外を連通する貫通孔を有している。この本体装着部１７が導出通路５の開口部に装着されている。このため、ボウル８内のフィルタエレメント１５外側の空間がフィルタエレメント１５の下端側の開口部、フィルタエレメント１５の内部を介して導出通路５に連通される。
【００３８】
本体装着部１７の外周には環状のシールリング収容溝１８が形成され、この収容溝１８に環状のシールリング１９が収容されている。このシールリング１９により導出通路５の内面と本体装着部１７の外周面との間の気密性が保持されている。
【００３９】
エレメント部は、同エレメント部を加圧エアが通過する際に加圧エア中に含まれている異物を除去するもので、例えば開口部をそろえて二つ折りした多数本の多孔質中空糸を結束した構成とされている。もっとも、その他にも一端を閉塞した多数本の多孔質中空糸を設けて多端の開口部側を結束した構成、ハウジング１６の内部全体に設けた多孔質体等、各種の構成を採用できる。
【００４０】
従って、一次側配管から本体２の入口ポート３に供給された加圧エアは導入通路６、ボウル８内部のフィルタエレメント１５外側、エレメント部、本体装着部１７の貫通孔、導出通路５を介して出口ポート４へ排出される。そして、加圧エアがエレメント部を通過するとき、このエレメント部により加圧エアに混じったオイルミスト、水分、塵埃等の異物が除去される。エレメント部で捕捉された異物は、その自重によりボウル８内部の下端部に落下する。このボウル８の内側下端部に溜まったオイルミスト等の異物廃液がドレン装置１４により排出される。その結果、異物の除去されたクリーンな加圧エアだけが導出通路５を介して出口ポート４の二次側配管に流出することになる。
【００４１】
図１及び図２に示すように、前記フィルタエレメント１５のハウジング１６の上端部には円環状の装着溝２０が形成されている。この装着溝２０は前記シールリング収容溝１８よりも下方に形成されている。装着溝２０には支持板２１が装着される。図３及び図４に示すように、支持板２１は装着溝２０に装着される被装着部２２を備えている。被装着部２２は装着溝２０の深さ程度の幅を有した板状かつＣリング状に形成されている。被装着部２２の内径は装着溝２０内の外径とほぼ同じ大きさに形成され、その開口部２２ａは装着溝２０内の外径よりも少し小さく形成されている。支持板２１は金属製であり、開口部２２ａを若干拡大しうる程度の弾性力を有している。この被装着部２２の開口部２２ａを装着溝２０内の外周部に当て、その後、装着溝２０内の外周部に対して押し込むことで被装着部２２が装着溝２０内に嵌め込まれる。このようにして支持板２１が装着溝２０に装着されている。そして、被装着部２２の開口部２２ａは装着溝２０内の外径よりも少し小さく形成されているため、いったん被装着部２２が嵌め込まれると支持板２１は装着溝２０から容易に外れないようになっている。
【００４２】
被装着部２２の外周部には、被装着部２２の外周部からいったん上方に延び、その後外側へ略水平に突出したフランジ状に形成された支持部としての鍔部２３が一対設けられている。両鍔部２３は支持板２１を平面視した場合において同一線上に設けられ、左右対称とされている。そして、支持板２１が装着溝２０に装着されると、両鍔部２３は装着溝２０から突出した状態とされる。また、両鍔部２３の外周部は本体２の取り付け凹部７の周面と接触するように形成されている。従って、その外周部は円弧状に形成されている。もっとも、鍔部２３は取り付け凹部７にボウル８を装着した際に、ボウル８の開口上端面に載置されるものであればよい。ただ、取り付け凹部７やボウル８の横断面形状に合わせて形成するのがより好ましい。
【００４３】
フィルタエレメント１５はこの支持板２１を用いることでボウル８の内部で支持される。即ち、フィルタエレメント１５は装着溝２０に支持板２１が装着された状態で、本体装着部１７が導出通路５の開口部に装着されている。このとき、支持板２１の鍔部２３は本体２の取り付け凹部７内において、その外周部が取り付け凹部７の周面と接触した状態で配置されている。そして、取り付け凹部７にボウル８の開口上端部を装着した場合には、鍔部２３はボウル８の開口上端面と取り付け凹部７の底面とによって挟まれる。これにより、フィルタエレメント１５がボウル８の内部で支持される。
【００４４】
このように、本実施形態のエアフィルタ１では、フィルタエレメント１５に装着された支持板２１の鍔部２３が本体２とボウル８とに挟まれることで、フィルタエレメント１５がボウル８の内部で支持される。その結果、フィルタエレメント１５の取り付け時に、エレメント部を通過した後の二次側に粉塵を発生させることがほとんどなくなり、エレメント部の性能を十分に活かすことができる。
【００４５】
しかも、単に本体２とボウル８とで鍔部２３が挟まれることによりフィルタエレメント１５が支持されるため、取り付けのために本体２に対して螺合させるといった工程が不要となり、本体２に対するフィルタエレメント１５の取り付けを容易に行うことができる。
【００４６】
なお、本実施形態において、支持板２１は二つの部材から構成してもよい。例えば、図５に示すように、被装着部２５を半円Ｃリング状に形成し、円弧方向の中央部に鍔部２６を設けた構成とする。かかる支持板２７を二つ用い、被装着部２５同士で装着溝２０内の外周部を囲うようにして支持板２７を装着溝２０に装着し、所定の手段を用いて両支持板２７を固定するようにしてもよい。
【００４７】
また、支持板２１を用いないでフィルタエレメント１５を支持してもよい。例えば、図６に示すように、ハウジング１６に長手方向が略平行となるように一対の挿通孔２８を形成し、各挿通孔２８に棒２９を挿通する。この場合、両棒２９の挿通孔２８から突出した箇所が支持部とされ、この箇所が本体２とボウル８によって挟まれることで、フィルタエレメント１５がボウル８の内部で支持される。
さらに、図７に示すように、支持板２１等のハウジング１６とは別の部材を用いるのではなく、ハウジング１６の外周面に直接支持部としての鍔部３０を設けてもよい。
【００４８】
また、フィルタエレメント１５を筒状のエレメント部と、同エレメント部をその軸線方向の上下から支持する支持部材とにより構成し、上側支持部材に鍔部２３等の支持部を設ける構成としてもよい。
【００４９】
さらに、鍔部２３は本体２の下面とボウル８の開口上端面とで挟まれるが、鍔部２３と本体２の下面との間には遊びが設けられていてもよい。導入通路６からボウル８内部のフィルタエレメント１５外側、同エレメント１５の下端側の開口部、同エレメント１５の内部を介して導出通路５に流出するという加圧エアの流れのため、フィルタエレメント１５は本体２側に押し付けられる。このため、多少の遊びが設けられていても、エアの流通が休止している状態でフィルタエレメント１５が落下しないよう鍔部２３が形成され、本体２とボウル８との間の気密性が保持されてさえいればフィルタエレメント１５の支持が不安定な状態にはならない。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】エアフィルタの縦断面図。
【図２】フィルタエレメントの正面図。
【図３】支持板の平面図。
【図４】支持板の正面図。
【図５】別の支持構成を示すフィルタエレメントの平面図。
【図６】別の支持構成を示すフィルタエレメントの平面図。
【図７】別の支持構成を示すフィルタエレメントの正面図。
【図８】従来のエアフィルタの縦断面図。
【符号の説明】
１…エアフィルタ、２…本体、３…入口ポート、４…出口ポート、５…導出通路、６…導入通路、８…カバーとしてのボウル、１５…フィルタエレメント、２３…支持部としての鍔部。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an air filter for cleaning air.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Many automation systems that perform various operations using pressurized air are used. This automation system includes various devices driven by pressurized air, and these devices are supplied and discharged with pressurized air via piping.
[0003]
The pressurized air flowing through this pipe is supplied from an air supply source such as a compressor. However, oil mist such as lubricating oil generated by the air supply source, dust, and other dust and moisture contained in the atmosphere are generated. Contains foreign matter. If the pressurized air is supplied to various devices constituting the automation system in a state where such foreign materials are contained, it may cause a failure of these various devices. When the automation system is used in a clean room, pressurized air discharged from various devices and the like also causes indoor contamination. Therefore, an air filter for removing these foreign substances is provided in a pipe constituting the automation system.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 8, an inlet port 43 is provided in a main body 42 of a conventional air filter 41. An outlet port 44 is provided on the side of the main body 42 facing the inlet port 43. In addition, the main body 42 is formed with an introduction passage 45 and a discharge passage 46 which communicate with the inlet port 43 and the outlet port 44, respectively, and open at the lower part of the main body 42. A bottomed cylindrical bowl 47 and a bowl cover 48 are attached to a lower portion of the main body 42.
[0005]
Inside the bowl 47, a filter element 49 is provided between the introduction passage 45 and the discharge passage 46. The filter element 49 is formed of a porous body and supports a cylindrical element portion 50 for removing foreign substances contained in the air when the pressurized air passes therethrough, and supports the element portion 50 in the upper and lower directions in the axial direction. And supporting members 51 and 52 to be provided. A mounting portion 53 corresponding to the opening of the lead-out passage 46 protrudes from the upper support member 51, and the mounting portion 53 is inserted into the opening of the lead-out passage 46. The upper support member 51 has a through hole 54 corresponding to the hollow portion of the element portion 50 and communicating the inside of the hollow portion with the outside. On the other hand, a female screw 52 a is formed in the lower support member 52 on the hollow side of the element portion 50.
[0006]
One end of a rod 55 extending from the inside of the passage 46 to the lower support member 52 through the through hole 54 of the upper support member 51 and the hollow portion of the element portion 50 on the inner surface forming the lead-out passage 46 in the main body 42. Fixed. At the other end of the rod 55, a male screw 55a is formed on the outer peripheral surface. The mounting portion 53 of the upper support member 51 is inserted into the opening of the lead-out passage 46 by screwing the male screw 55a of the rod 55 into the female screw 52a formed in the lower support member 52. , The filter element 49 is fixed to the main body 42.
[0007]
Therefore, the pressurized air supplied to the inlet port 43 flows through the introduction passage 45, the outer peripheral side of the element part 50 inside the bowl 47, the hollow part on the inner peripheral side of the element part 50, the through hole 54 of the upper support member 51, and the lead-out passage 46. The air is discharged to the outlet port 44 through the port. Then, when the pressurized air passes through the element unit 50, foreign substances contained in the pressurized air are removed. As a result, clean pressurized air from which foreign matter has been removed is discharged from the outlet port 44.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described conventional air filter 41, the filter element 49 is fixed to the main body 42 by a female screw 52 a formed on the lower support member 52 in a hollow portion on the inner peripheral side of the element portion 50 and a male screw of the rod 55. 55a. At the time of this screwing, generation of dust due to friction between the screws is inevitable. For this reason, a dust generation source is provided on the secondary side of the hollow portion of the element portion 50 through which clean pressurized air from which foreign matter has been removed passes. As a result, the dust is discharged from the outlet port 44 together with the clean pressurized air that has passed through the element unit 50, and the pressurized air that should have been originally clean cannot be obtained, and the performance of the element unit 50 is fully utilized. There was a problem that it could not be done.
[0009]
Then, an object of the present invention is to provide an air filter which can solve the above problems.
[0010]
Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
Hereinafter, means and the like that can solve the above-mentioned problems will be enumerated in separate sections. The operation, effects, specific means, and the like will be additionally described as necessary.
[0011]
Means 1. In addition to providing an inlet port and an outlet port in the main body, an introduction passage communicating with the inlet port and opening at the lower part of the main body, and a lead-out passage communicating with the outlet port and opening at the lower part of the main body are provided. An air filter provided with a filter element that removes foreign matter in the air while the air is passing from the passage to the outlet passage, and a bottomed cylindrical cover that covers the filter element is attached to the main body.
An air filter, wherein the filter element includes a support protruding from an outer peripheral portion of the filter element, and the cover is attached to the main body such that the support is sandwiched between the cover and the main body.
[0012]
According to the first aspect, when the cover is attached to the main body, the filter element is supported in the cover by sandwiching the support portion of the filter element between the cover and the main body. Therefore, when the filter element is mounted, foreign matter such as dust rarely occurs on the secondary side after the air has passed through the filter element. As a result, the air that has passed through the element portion is directly discharged from the outlet port, and the performance of the element portion can be fully utilized.
[0013]
In addition, since the filter element is supported simply by the support portion being sandwiched between the main body and the cover, a step of screwing and mounting the main body to the main body becomes unnecessary, and the filter element can be easily mounted to the main body. it can.
[0014]
Means 2. The air filter according to claim 1, wherein the cover is attached to the main body such that the support portion is sandwiched between the upper end surface of the cover and the lower surface of the main body that face each other when the cover is attached to the main body.
[0015]
According to the means 2, since the supporting portion is sandwiched between the lower surface of the main body and the upper end surface of the opening of the cover, it is not necessary to newly provide a structure for sandwiching the supporting portion in the main body or the cover. This makes it possible to sandwich the support portion by using the conventional body or cover as it is, which can contribute to a reduction in the cost of the device.
[0016]
Means 3. 3. The air filter according to Means 1 or 2, wherein the support portion is formed in a flat plate shape, and the plate surface is sandwiched.
[0017]
According to the means 3, since the support portion is formed in a flat plate shape, when the support portion is sandwiched between the cover and the main body, a gap generated between the main body and the cover at a portion other than the support portion is reduced. Can be. For this reason, generation of useless space can be minimized, which can contribute to downsizing of the air filter.
[0018]
Means 4. An inlet port and an outlet port are provided in the main body, and an introduction passage communicating with the inlet port and opening on the lower surface of the main body, and an outlet passage communicating with the outlet port and opening on the lower surface of the main body are provided. An air filter provided with a filter element that removes foreign matter in the air while the air is passing from the passage to the outlet passage, and a bottomed cylindrical cover that covers the filter element is attached to the main body.
The filter element is provided with a support protruding from an outer peripheral portion of the filter element, and the cover is attached to the main body with the support placed on the upper end face of the opening of the cover. An air filter with the upper end face and the lower face of the main body facing each other.
[0019]
According to the means (4), the filter element is supported in the cover with the supporting portion placed on the upper end face of the opening of the cover. For this reason, as in the case of the means 1, when the filter element is attached, almost no foreign matter is generated on the secondary side, and the performance of the element portion can be fully utilized.
[0020]
Also, due to the flow of the pressurized air flowing out of the introduction passage into the outlet passage through the filter element inside the cover, the filter element is pressed against the main body. Therefore, even if there is some play between the lower surface of the main body and the upper end surface of the opening of the cover, the support of the filter element is unstable if the support portion is placed on the upper end surface of the opening of the cover. It does not become a state. If so, it is possible to provide a play, so that it is not necessary to precisely machine the configuration around the support portion due to the play, and it is possible to absorb an error generated during the processing. As a result, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the air filter.
[0021]
Means 5. On the lower surface of the main body, a mounting recess is formed to fit the shape of the upper end of the opening of the cover and the upper end of the opening is accommodated, and the outer peripheral portion of the supporting portion is formed to be in contact with the peripheral surface of the mounting recess. An air filter according to means 4.
[0022]
According to the means 5, since the outer peripheral portion of the support portion is formed so as to be in contact with the peripheral surface of the mounting recess, the outer peripheral portion of the support portion is aligned with the outer peripheral portion of the cover when the cover is attached to the main body. The filter element is positioned by placing the portion on the upper end surface of the opening. For this reason, the support part can be provided with the function of positioning the filter element.
[0023]
Means 6. The air filter according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of the support portions are provided, and a pair of the support portions are arranged so as to face each other across the filter element when the filter element is viewed in a plan view.
[0024]
According to the means 6, since a plurality of support portions are provided, the support portions are sandwiched between the cover and the main body at a plurality of locations around the filter element. For this reason, the filter element can be more reliably supported.
[0025]
Further, since at least a pair of support portions are arranged to face each other with the filter element interposed therebetween, when the filter element is supported with the support portion sandwiched between the cover and the main body, the support can be performed in a well-balanced manner. it can.
[0026]
Means 7. In addition to providing an inlet port and an outlet port in the main body, an introduction passage communicating with the inlet port and opening at the lower part of the main body, and a lead-out passage communicating with the outlet port and opening at the lower part of the main body are provided. An air filter provided with a filter element that removes foreign matter in the air while the air is passing from the passage to the outlet passage, and a bottomed cylindrical cover that covers the filter element is attached to the main body.
An annular mounting groove is formed in the filter element, a support plate is mounted in the mounting groove, and the support plate has a flange protruding from the mounting groove in a state of being mounted in the mounting groove, and covers the flange. An air filter in which the cover is attached to the body so as to be sandwiched between the upper end surface of the opening and the lower surface of the body.
[0027]
According to the means 7, when the cover is attached to the main body, the filter element is supported in the cover by the flange portion being sandwiched between the upper end surface of the opening of the cover and the lower surface of the main body. For this reason, as in the case of the means 1, when the filter element is attached, almost no foreign matter is generated on the secondary side, and the performance of the element portion can be fully utilized.
[0028]
Further, when a support portion is provided directly on the filter element, even if the support portion is fixed to the main body by an adhesive means or molded, there are not a few difficulties in manufacturing such a filter element. . In this regard, since the support portion is a flange portion of a support plate that is a separate member from the filter element, the manufacture of the air filter can be facilitated. Note that the support plate is preferably detachable from the mounting groove.
[0029]
Means 8. Means wherein the mounting groove is formed in an annular shape, the support plate is formed in a C-ring shape, and the opening is slightly smaller than the outer diameter in the mounting groove, and the opening is expanded by elasticity. 8. The air filter according to 7.
[0030]
According to the means 8, since the support plate is formed so as to be able to expand between the distal end openings by elasticity, when the support plate is mounted in the mounting groove, the distal end is moved with respect to the outer peripheral portion in the mounting groove. The support plate is fitted into the mounting groove by being pushed. Then, once fitted, the support plate is not easily detached from the mounting groove due to elasticity. Therefore, the flange portion sandwiched between the lower surface of the main body and the upper end surface of the cover opening is securely fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the filter element, and the filter element can be more reliably supported.
[0031]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the air filter, FIG. 2 is a front view of the filter element, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the support plate, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the support plate.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 2 of the air filter 1 is provided with an inlet port 3 on a side portion thereof, and an outlet port 4 is provided on a side opposite to the inlet port 3. The inlet port 3 is connected to a primary pipe from a pressure source (not shown), and the outlet port 4 is connected to a secondary pipe connected to various devices driven by pressurized air. Various forms are conceivable, such as forming the ports 3 and 4 as female screw holes in which female threads for connecting pipes are formed, or providing other one-touch joints.
[0033]
An outlet passage 5 is formed in the main body 2 and communicates with the outlet port 4 and opens near the center of the lower part of the main body 2. In addition, an introduction passage 6 is formed in the main body 2 so as to communicate with the inlet port 3 and open around the opening of the lead-out passage 5 in the lower part of the main body 2.
[0034]
An annular groove-shaped mounting recess 7 is formed in a lower portion of the main body 2, and an upper end of an opening of a bowl 8 serving as a cover having a bottomed cylindrical shape is mounted in the mounting recess 7. An annular seal ring 9 is attached to the outer periphery of the upper end of the opening of the bowl 8, and the seal ring 9 maintains the airtightness between the wall surface forming the mounting recess 7 of the main body 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the bowl 8. I have. The bowl 8 only needs to be formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and various shapes other than a cylindrical shape such as a cylindrical shape having a square cross section can be selected. However, in this case, the cross-sectional shape of the mounting concave portion 7 of the main body 2 also becomes a shape corresponding to the shape of the bowl 8.
[0035]
An engagement hole 10 is formed in the main body 2. At the upper end of the opening of the bowl 8, an engaging projection 11 projecting to the outer peripheral side is formed. When the upper end of the opening of the bowl 8 is attached to the mounting recess 7, the engaging projection 11 and the main body are formed. The two engagement holes 10 are engaged. Thereby, the bowl 8 is fixed to the lower part of the main body 2.
[0036]
A bowl cover 12 formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom is provided outside the bowl 8 so as to cover the bowl 8. The upper end of the bowl cover 12 is formed in a flange shape, and the flange portion 13 is engaged with the engagement hole 10 of the main body 2. Thereby, the bowl cover 12 is fixed to the lower part of the main body 2. At the lower end of the bowl 8 and the bowl cover 12, a drain device 14 for discharging oil, moisture, and the like accumulated at the inner lower end of the bowl 8 is provided.
[0037]
A filter element 15 is provided below the main body 2 between the introduction passage 6 and the discharge passage 5, and the filter element 15 is housed inside the bowl 8. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the filter element 15 includes a cylindrical housing 16 and an element (not shown) provided therein. A main body mounting portion 17 is provided at an upper end portion of the housing 16. The main body mounting portion 17 has a cross section formed in accordance with the cross sectional shape of the opening of the lead-out passage 5 and has a through hole communicating between the inside and the outside of the housing 16. The main body mounting portion 17 is mounted on the opening of the outlet passage 5. For this reason, the space outside the filter element 15 in the bowl 8 is communicated with the outlet passage 5 through the opening at the lower end of the filter element 15 and the inside of the filter element 15.
[0038]
An annular seal ring accommodation groove 18 is formed on the outer periphery of the main body mounting portion 17, and an annular seal ring 19 is accommodated in the accommodation groove 18. The seal ring 19 maintains the airtightness between the inner surface of the lead-out passage 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the main body mounting portion 17.
[0039]
The element part removes foreign substances contained in the pressurized air when the pressurized air passes through the element part.For example, a number of porous hollow fibers that are folded in half with aligned openings are bound. The configuration is as follows. However, various other configurations, such as a configuration in which a number of porous hollow fibers having one end closed and provided and a multi-end opening side is bound, and a porous body provided in the entire interior of the housing 16 can be adopted.
[0040]
Accordingly, the pressurized air supplied from the primary pipe to the inlet port 3 of the main body 2 passes through the introduction passage 6, the outside of the filter element 15 inside the bowl 8, the element portion, the through hole of the main body mounting portion 17, and the outlet passage 5. It is discharged to the outlet port 4. When the pressurized air passes through the element portion, foreign matter such as oil mist, moisture, dust, and the like mixed with the pressurized air is removed by the element portion. The foreign matter caught by the element part falls to the lower end inside the bowl 8 by its own weight. Foreign matter waste such as oil mist accumulated in the lower end of the inside of the bowl 8 is discharged by the drain device 14. As a result, only clean pressurized air from which foreign matter has been removed flows out to the secondary pipe of the outlet port 4 through the outlet passage 5.
[0041]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an annular mounting groove 20 is formed at the upper end of the housing 16 of the filter element 15. The mounting groove 20 is formed below the seal ring housing groove 18. A support plate 21 is mounted in the mounting groove 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support plate 21 has a mounted portion 22 mounted in the mounting groove 20. The mounting portion 22 is formed in a plate shape and a C-ring shape having a width about the depth of the mounting groove 20. The inner diameter of the mounted portion 22 is formed to be substantially the same size as the outer diameter in the mounting groove 20, and the opening 22a is formed slightly smaller than the outer diameter in the mounting groove 20. The support plate 21 is made of metal and has an elastic force enough to slightly enlarge the opening 22a. The mounting portion 22 is fitted into the mounting groove 20 by pressing the opening 22 a of the mounting portion 22 against the outer peripheral portion in the mounting groove 20 and then pressing the outer peripheral portion in the mounting groove 20. Thus, the support plate 21 is mounted in the mounting groove 20. Since the opening 22a of the mounting portion 22 is formed to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the mounting groove 20, once the mounting portion 22 is fitted, the support plate 21 is not easily detached from the mounting groove 20. It has become.
[0042]
A pair of flanges 23 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the mounted portion 22 as a flange-shaped support portion that extends upward from the outer peripheral portion of the mounted portion 22 and then projects outward substantially horizontally. . The two flange portions 23 are provided on the same line when the support plate 21 is viewed in a plan view, and are symmetrical. Then, when the support plate 21 is mounted in the mounting groove 20, the both flange portions 23 are in a state of protruding from the mounting groove 20. The outer peripheral portions of both flange portions 23 are formed so as to be in contact with the peripheral surface of mounting recess 7 of main body 2. Therefore, the outer peripheral portion is formed in an arc shape. However, the flange portion 23 may be any as long as it is placed on the upper end surface of the opening of the bowl 8 when the bowl 8 is mounted in the mounting recess 7. However, it is more preferable to form it according to the cross-sectional shape of the mounting recess 7 and the bowl 8.
[0043]
The filter element 15 is supported inside the bowl 8 by using the support plate 21. That is, the main body mounting portion 17 is mounted on the opening of the lead-out passage 5 in a state where the support plate 21 is mounted on the mounting groove 20 of the filter element 15. At this time, the flange 23 of the support plate 21 is disposed in the mounting recess 7 of the main body 2 with its outer peripheral portion in contact with the peripheral surface of the mounting recess 7. When the upper end of the opening of the bowl 8 is attached to the mounting recess 7, the flange 23 is sandwiched between the upper end of the opening of the bowl 8 and the bottom surface of the mounting recess 7. As a result, the filter element 15 is supported inside the bowl 8.
[0044]
As described above, in the air filter 1 of the present embodiment, the flange 23 of the support plate 21 mounted on the filter element 15 is sandwiched between the main body 2 and the bowl 8, so that the filter element 15 is supported inside the bowl 8. Is done. As a result, when the filter element 15 is mounted, dust is hardly generated on the secondary side after passing through the element portion, and the performance of the element portion can be fully utilized.
[0045]
In addition, since the filter element 15 is supported simply by the collar portion 23 being sandwiched between the main body 2 and the bowl 8, a step of screwing the main body 2 for mounting is unnecessary, and the filter element for the main body 2 is not required. 15 can be easily mounted.
[0046]
In the present embodiment, the support plate 21 may be composed of two members. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the mounting portion 25 is formed in a semicircular C-ring shape, and a flange portion 26 is provided at a central portion in an arc direction. Using two such support plates 27, the support plate 27 is mounted in the mounting groove 20 so that the mounted portions 25 surround the outer peripheral portion in the mounting groove 20, and the two support plates 27 are fixed using predetermined means. You may make it.
[0047]
Further, the filter element 15 may be supported without using the support plate 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a pair of insertion holes 28 is formed in the housing 16 so that the longitudinal directions thereof are substantially parallel, and a rod 29 is inserted into each of the insertion holes 28. In this case, a portion protruding from the insertion hole 28 of both rods 29 is used as a support portion, and this portion is sandwiched between the main body 2 and the bowl 8, so that the filter element 15 is supported inside the bowl 8.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, instead of using a member such as the support plate 21 which is different from the housing 16, a flange portion 30 as a support portion may be provided directly on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 16.
[0048]
Further, the filter element 15 may be configured by a cylindrical element portion and a support member that supports the element portion from above and below in the axial direction, and a support portion such as the flange portion 23 may be provided on the upper support member.
[0049]
Furthermore, although the flange 23 is sandwiched between the lower surface of the main body 2 and the upper end surface of the opening of the bowl 8, play may be provided between the flange 23 and the lower surface of the main body 2. Due to the flow of pressurized air flowing from the introduction passage 6 to the outlet passage 5 through the outside of the filter element 15 inside the bowl 8, the opening at the lower end side of the element 15, and the inside of the element 15, the filter element 15 It is pressed against the body 2 side. For this reason, even if some play is provided, the flange portion 23 is formed so that the filter element 15 does not drop in a state where the flow of air is stopped, and the airtightness between the main body 2 and the bowl 8 is maintained. As long as it is performed, the support of the filter element 15 does not become unstable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an air filter.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a filter element.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a support plate.
FIG. 4 is a front view of a support plate.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a filter element showing another support configuration.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a filter element showing another support configuration.
FIG. 7 is a front view of a filter element showing another support configuration.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional air filter.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Air filter, 2 ... Main body, 3 ... Inlet port, 4 ... Outlet port, 5 ... Outlet passage, 6 ... Introductory passage, 8 ... Bowl as a cover, 15 ... Filter element, 23 ... Flange as a support part.

Claims

In addition to providing an inlet port and an outlet port in the main body, an introduction passage communicating with the inlet port and opening at the lower part of the main body, and a lead-out passage communicating with the outlet port and opening at the lower part of the main body are provided. An air filter provided with a filter element that removes foreign matter in the air while the air is passing from the passage to the outlet passage, and a bottomed cylindrical cover that covers the filter element is attached to the main body.
An air filter, wherein the filter element includes a support protruding from an outer peripheral portion of the filter element, and the cover is attached to the main body such that the support is sandwiched between the cover and the main body.

2. The air filter according to claim 1, wherein the cover is attached to the main body such that the support portion is sandwiched between an upper end surface of the cover and a lower surface of the main body facing each other when the cover is attached to the main body.

The air filter according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is formed in a flat plate shape, and the plate surface is sandwiched.

In addition to providing an inlet port and an outlet port in the main body, an introduction passage communicating with the inlet port and opening at the lower part of the main body, and a lead-out passage communicating with the outlet port and opening at the lower part of the main body are provided. An air filter provided with a filter element that removes foreign matter in the air while the air is passing from the passage to the outlet passage, and a bottomed cylindrical cover that covers the filter element is attached to the main body.
The filter element is provided with a support protruding from an outer peripheral portion of the filter element, and the cover is attached to the main body with the support placed on the upper end face of the opening of the cover. An air filter with the upper end face and the lower face of the main body facing each other.

On the lower surface of the main body, a mounting recess formed to fit the shape of the upper end of the opening of the cover is formed to accommodate the upper end of the opening, and the outer peripheral portion of the supporting portion is formed to be in contact with the peripheral surface of the mounting recess. The air filter according to claim 4.

The air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of the support portions are provided, and a pair of the support portions are arranged so as to face each other with the element interposed therebetween when the filter element is viewed in a plan view.

In addition to providing an inlet port and an outlet port in the main body, an introduction passage communicating with the inlet port and opening at the lower part of the main body, and a lead-out passage communicating with the outlet port and opening at the lower part of the main body are provided. An air filter provided with a filter element that removes foreign matter in the air while the air is passing from the passage to the outlet passage, and a bottomed cylindrical cover that covers the filter element is attached to the main body.
An annular mounting groove is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the filter element, a support plate is mounted on the mounting groove, and a flange protruding from the mounting groove is provided on the support plate in a state of being mounted on the mounting groove. An air filter in which a cover is attached to a main body such that a flange is sandwiched between an upper end surface of an opening of the cover and a lower surface of the main body.

The mounting groove is formed in an annular shape, the support plate is formed in a C-ring shape, and the opening is slightly smaller than the outer diameter in the mounting groove, and the opening is expanded by elasticity. Item 7. An air filter according to item 7.