JP6658361B2 - Water coagulator, fuel filter device, and method of manufacturing water coagulator - Google Patents

Description

  The disclosure in this specification relates to a water flocculator for flocculating water contained in fuel. The disclosure extends to a method of manufacturing a fuel filter device and a water aggregator.

  Patent documents 1-5 disclose a fuel filter device. These fuel filter devices include a filter for removing solid foreign matter by filtering fuel, and a water separator for coagulating and separating water contained in the fuel. At least a part of the performance of separating water from the fuel can be evaluated by the performance of coagulating water to grow into large water droplets, that is, the performance of coagulating water. Large water droplets have the advantage of being easily separated by known separation techniques, such as gravity separation, collision separation, separation by a water-repellent layer. In Patent Literatures 1 to 5, an attempt is made to use a water aggregator in which water is aggregated by a water aggregation layer. Descriptions of the prior art documents listed as prior art are incorporated by reference as descriptions of technical elements in this specification.

JP 2010-223028 A US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0102969 US Patent No. 8360251 U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,704 US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0284268

  In order to exhibit high water coagulation performance, a thick coagulation layer may be required. However, thick cohesive layers have several different challenges.

  In one aspect, thick cohesive layers are difficult to secure securely. In the flow of fuel, it is necessary to maintain the thickness and the large surface area while suppressing the collapse and decomposition of the thick agglomerated layer.

  In another aspect, a single thick coherent layer is difficult to manufacture. A single thick coherent layer is difficult to process and handle in the manufacturing process. For this reason, a single thick coherent layer requires special consideration in the manufacturing process.

  In view of the above, or other aspects not mentioned, there is a need for further improvements in water aggregators and fuel filter devices.

  One object disclosed is to provide a water flocculator, a fuel filter device, and a method of manufacturing a water flocculator having a thick flocculation layer.

  Another object disclosed is to provide a water aggregator, a fuel filter device, and a method for manufacturing a water aggregator having a thick agglomerated layer that is easy to manufacture.

  Still another object disclosed is to provide a water flocculator, a fuel filter device, and a method of manufacturing a water flocculator capable of fixing a thick flocculated layer with a small number of parts.

The water aggregator disclosed herein is a frame (51) that allows a flow of fuel in a radial direction, a tubular fiber layer mounted on the frame, and aggregating water in the fuel. A fiber layer (61) including a roll of a band-shaped material (62) arranged at least two times so as to overlap two or more layers, and a plurality of joints (71) for fixing the fiber layer to a frame ; junction is that are dispersedly arranged in the cylindrical circumferential surface of the fiber layer. In the disclosed water flocculator, the fiber layer is provided by a roll of a band-shaped material. The materials are arranged in two or more turns so as to overlap two or more layers in the radial direction. A thick fiber layer can be obtained using a band-shaped material. In addition, since a band-shaped material is used, an advantage in manufacturing is obtained from the viewpoint of easy handling and low waste.

  The water aggregator disclosed herein is a frame (51) that allows a flow of fuel in a radial direction, a tubular fiber layer mounted on the frame, and aggregating water in the fuel. A fiber layer (61) including a roll of a band-shaped material (62) arranged so as to at least partially overlap two or more layers, and a plurality of joints (71) for fixing the fiber layer to a frame; Has a penetrating joint (71b) that joins the material constituting the last layer disposed at least one intervening layer away from the frame to the frame through the intervening layer. The disclosed water aggregator comprises a tubular fiber layer. The fiber layer is fixed to the frame by a plurality of joints. Multiple joints provide secure fixation. In addition, the plurality of joints have penetrating joints. The through joint joins the last layer of material, which is disposed with at least one intervening layer separated from the frame, to the frame through the intervening layer. The through joint secures the last layer to the frame while maintaining a thick fiber layer. Therefore, breakage of the fiber layer due to the fuel flow is suppressed.

  The fuel filter device disclosed herein includes a water aggregator (32, 232, 532), a filter (31, 231) for removing solid foreign matter from the fuel, a fuel passage, and a water aggregator. A case (6) for accommodating the container and the filter.

  The method of manufacturing a water aggregator disclosed herein is directed to manufacturing a water aggregator having a frame (51) that allows fuel flow in a radial direction and a tubular fiber layer that aggregates water in the fuel. Winding a band-shaped material (62) for aggregating water in the fuel at least partially in two or more layers inside or outside the frame, thereby forming a roll of the material. And a joining step of joining the fiber layer to the frame, the winding step includes a step of arranging the last layer with at least one intervening layer separated from the frame, and the joining step includes: forming a material forming the last layer; And bonding the frame to the frame through the intervening layer. In the disclosed method for manufacturing a water flocculator, the strip-shaped material is wound so as to at least partially overlap two or more layers. As a result, the last layer is located at least one intervening layer away from the frame. In the joining step, the material forming the last layer is joined to the frame through the intervening layer. According to this method, the fiber layer can be manufactured by the winding step. In addition, the fiber layer is securely fixed to the frame by the joining step.

  The embodiments disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objects. The reference numerals in parentheses described in the claims and this section exemplarily show the correspondence with the parts of the embodiment described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objects, features, and advantages disclosed in this specification will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a fuel supply device according to the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing of a fuel filter device. It is a longitudinal section of a water aggregator of a fuel filter device. It is a cross-sectional view of a water aggregator of a fuel filter device. It is sectional drawing which shows a 1st fixing | fixed part. It is sectional drawing which shows a 1st fixing | fixed part. It is sectional drawing which shows a 1st fixing | fixed part. It is sectional drawing which shows a 2nd fixing | fixed part. It is sectional drawing which shows a 2nd fixing | fixed part. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification of a 2nd fixing part. It is a sectional view of a fuel filter device concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is an exploded view of a fuel filter device concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is an exploded view of a fuel filter device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is an exploded view of the fuel filter device concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a cross section of a water flocculator concerning a 5th embodiment.

  A plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In embodiments, functionally and / or structurally corresponding parts and / or associated parts may be provided with the same reference signs or reference signs that differ by more than a hundred places. For corresponding parts and / or associated parts, the description of the other embodiments can be referred to.

First embodiment <Fuel supply device>
FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a fuel filter device 2 in a fuel supply device 1 mounted on a vehicle. In the figure, the flow direction of the fuel is indicated by a thick arrow. The fuel supply device 1 supplies fuel from a fuel tank (TNK) 3 to an internal combustion engine (ENG) 4 as a fuel consuming device. One example of the internal combustion engine 4 is a diesel engine using light oil as fuel. The type of the internal combustion engine 4 is not limited. For example, an internal combustion engine using various hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and biodiesel can be applied. The internal combustion engine 4 is used as a power source of the machine. For example, the internal combustion engine 4 provides a power source for running the vehicle. The internal combustion engine 4 is provided with a high-pressure pump, which is also a part of the fuel supply device 1, and a fuel injection valve.

  The fuel supply device 1 has a low-pressure pump that pumps up the fuel in the fuel tank 3. The low-pressure pump is provided between the fuel filter device 2 and the fuel tank 3, or between the fuel filter device 2 and the internal combustion engine 4. In the illustrated example, the low-pressure pump is housed in the fuel tank 3. The fuel pressurized by the low pressure pump is supplied to the fuel filter device 2. The fuel filter device 2 filters the fuel. The fuel filtered by the fuel filter device 2 is supplied to the internal combustion engine 4 via a high-pressure pump and a fuel injection valve.

<Fuel filter device>
The fuel filter device 2 has a case 6 and a filter unit 7. The case 6 houses the filter unit 7. The case 6 has a fuel inlet 11 and a fuel outlet 12. The case 6 has a cap 21 and a cup 22. The cap 21 provides a holding bracket for fixing the fuel filter device 2. The holding bracket is used to fix the fuel filter device 2 to a vehicle. The cap 21 and the cup 22 are separable to exchange the filter unit 7. When the cup 22 is removed from the cap 21, the filter unit 7 is exposed, and the filter unit 7 is in a replaceable state. Case 6 is made of metal or resin. The cap 21 is made of a metal, for example, an aluminum alloy. The cup 22 is made of resin.

  FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the fuel filter device 2. The case 6 has an entrance passage 13 extending from the entrance 11. The inlet passage 13 provides a portion of the dirty side DS through which unfiltered fuel flows. The case 6 has an outlet passage 14 extending from the outlet 12. The outlet passage 14 provides a portion of the clean side CS through which the filtered fuel flows. The case 6 provides a fuel flow path connecting the inlet 11 and the outlet 12. The cap 21 and the cup 22 define a cavity therein as a fuel passage therein. The cap 21 and the cup 22 define a chamber including the dirty side DS and the clean side CS. An entrance passage 13 communicates with the dirty side DS. An outlet passage 14 communicates with the clean side CS.

  The case 6 is also a member that provides a container that houses the filter unit 7. Case 6 can be opened to remove the filter unit. The cap 21 and the cup 22 are configured to be detachable. The cap 21 provides a fixedly arranged first case part. Cup 22 provides a removable second case portion.

  A connection mechanism 23 is provided between the cap 21 and the cup 22 to removably connect them. The connection mechanism 23 is provided by a screw mechanism including a female screw provided on the cap 21 and a male screw provided on the cup 22. The coupling mechanism 23 may include a seal member that provides a seal between the cap 21 and the cup 22.

  A drain hole 24 and a drain plug 25 are provided at the bottom of the cup 22. The drain hole 24 and the drain plug 25 provide a discharge mechanism for discharging water and foreign matters accumulated at the bottom of the cup 22.

  A water level sensor 26 is provided at the bottom of the cup 22. The water level sensor 26 outputs a detection signal when the water level in the cup 22 reaches a predetermined level. The water level sensor 26 has a float 27 and a support column 28. The support post 28 is arranged to extend upward from the bottom of the cup 22. The float 27 can float along the support pillar 28. The float 27 floats according to the water level. For example, a magnet switch is housed in the support column 28. The float 27 contains a permanent magnet. Thus, when the float 27 reaches a predetermined height, the magnet switch outputs a detection signal.

  The filter unit 7 is detachably attached to the case 6. The filter unit 7 is replaceable. The filter unit 7 is mounted on the open end of the cup 22. The cup 22 to which the filter unit 7 is attached is inserted into the cap 21, and the cap 21 and the cup 22 are connected by the connection mechanism 23, so that the filter unit 7 is positioned at a regular position. At the regular position, the filter unit 7 separates the dirty side DS and the clean side CS.

  The filter unit 7 has a basic element that provides a basic function of the fuel filter device 2 and an additional element that provides an additional function. The basic element is a filter 31 that removes solid foreign matter by filtering fuel. The additional element is a water separator that separates moisture in the fuel. The water separator includes a flocculation stage that captures moisture in the fuel, forms water droplets, and makes the water droplets grow large, and a separation stage that separates the water droplets from the fuel. The flocculation stage is provided by a water flocculator 32 having a fiber layer that captures moisture. The separation stage is provided by a sedimentation separation chamber in which the water drops settle. The sedimentation separation chamber is defined in the case 6. The water separator is located in the dirty side DS.

  The filter 31 has a frame 41. The frame 41 is a member that separates the dirty side DS and the clean side CS when disposed between the cap 21 and the cup 22. Further, the frame 41 is also a member that defines a filtration passage that allows the flow of fuel from the dirty side DS to the clean side CS.

  The frame 41 is also a member for supporting the element 42. The element 42 is formed by a filter medium for removing foreign matter from the fuel. The filter medium that forms the element 42 is a fiber product that can be called paper. The filter medium removes foreign matter by flowing fuel in the thickness direction. The element 42 is arranged so as to cross the filtration passage. The element 42 filters the fuel flowing through the filtration passage. The element 42 is formed in a substantially columnar shape. Element 42 includes a number of tubes formed by the filter media. Many cylinders are bundled in a cylindrical shape. Many tubes filter the fuel by flowing the fuel along the axial direction of the cylinder. The element 42 is an axial flow type filter. In the illustrated example, fuel flows from the lower end of the element 42 to the upper end.

  The frame 41 has a cover portion 43, a connection portion 44, and a center pipe 45. The cover portion 43 is connected to the element 42 so as to cover the outflow end of the element 42. The radially outer edge of the cover portion 43 is in sealing contact with the case provided by the cap 21 and the cup 22.

  The connection portion 44 is connected to the wall surface of the case 6 in a sealed state. The connecting portion 44 is provided with a lip seal as a sealing member. The connection portion 44 is located between the open end of the inlet passage 13 and the open end of the outlet passage 14 in the case 6. The connection portion 44 is also a member that separates the dirty side DS and the clean side CS.

  The center pipe 45 is a cylindrical member extending so as to penetrate the center of the element 42 along the axial direction. The center pipe 45 defines therein an inlet passage extending in the axial direction from the radially inner side of the connection portion 44. The center pipe 45 is a passage member that forms a fuel passage through which fuel before being filtered by the element 42 passes. The center pipe 45 has a connecting pipe 46 connected to the water flocculator 32. The connecting pipe 46 is also referred to as a first connecting portion that is detachably connected to the water flocculator 32 so as to supply the fuel to the water flocculator 32. The connecting pipe 46 is provided on an outer surface of a projecting portion of the center pipe 45 projecting from the element 42. Further, the center pipe 45 has an opening 47 at its tip. The center pipe 45 is also an opening defining member that defines an opening 47 as a fuel passage in the case. The opening 47 is opened at the center of the case defined by the cap 21 and the cup 22.

  The filter unit 7 is held between the cap 21 and the cup 22. The cover portion 43 is held between the connection portion 44 and the cap 21 and between the outer edge of the cover portion 43 and the cup 22.

  The water flocculator 32 is formed as a member having a cylindrical appearance. The water aggregator 32 has a frame 51 and a fiber layer 61. The frame 51 has a plurality of openings in the radial direction so as to allow the fuel flow in the radial direction. The frame 51 supports the fiber layer 61. The frame 51 can also be called a cage-shaped holder or bobbin. The frame 51 has an upper end plate 52 and a lower end plate 53. The end plates 52, 53 are connected by snap fitting, bonding, or welding. The frame 51 is made of resin. This resin is thermoplastic.

  The case 6 and the water coagulator 32 have a connection mechanism for connecting the case 6 and the water coagulator 32. The coupling mechanism has an engaging portion 22 a provided on the cup 22 and an engaging portion 51 a provided on the frame 51. The engagement portions 22a and 51a provide a snap-fit mechanism that can be engaged and disengaged by utilizing elastic deformation of the resin material. The engagement mechanism connects the case 6 and the water condenser 32 so that the water condenser 32 remains in the cup 22 when the filter unit 7 is removed from the case 6. The connection strength provided by the connection mechanism provided by the engagement portions 22a and 51a is stronger than the connection strength provided by the connection pipe 46.

  When the filter 31 is pulled upward from the inside of the cup 22, the engaging portions 22 a and 51 a maintain the connection state between the cup 22 and the water flocculator 32, but the connecting pipe 46 connects the filter 31 and the water flocculator 32. Is separated. This configuration encourages reuse of the water coagulator 32 and encourages replacement of the filter 31 alone. The water flocculator 32 is less likely to be clogged than the filter 31. The water flocculator 32 withstands use for a longer time than the filter 31. This configuration makes it possible to reduce costs caused by replacement.

  The fiber layer is cylindrical. The fiber layer 61 is held on the frame 51. The fiber layer 61 is mounted on the frame 51. The fiber layer 61 is also called a cohesive layer. The fiber layer 61 provides a water aggregation member that aggregates water in the fuel. The fiber layer 61 captures and aggregates minute water droplets dispersed in the fuel. The fiber layer 61 captures moisture and grows the size of a water droplet. The fiber layer 61 releases water droplets that have coagulated and grown greatly into the fuel again, and settle in the cup 22. The fiber layer 61 is formed of fibers having physical properties and chemical properties suitable for capturing water droplets.

  The fiber layer 61 provides a larger gap than the filter medium of the filter 31. The filter 31 has relatively small holes to remove the required minimum foreign matter. On the other hand, the fiber layer 61 cannot remove the required minimum foreign matter. The fiber layer 61 has relatively large holes. The fiber layer 61 has a thickness much larger than the thickness of the filter 31 in the flow direction of the filter medium. Further, the fiber layer 61 is softer than the filter medium of the filter 31 due to its relatively high porosity and thickness.

  Patent Documents 1 to 5 can be referred to for the fiber layer 61. The contents described in Patent Documents 1 to 5 are incorporated in this specification by reference. For example, the fiber layer 61 is a hydrophilic fiber, for example, rayon.

<Water coagulator>
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are cross-sectional views showing the water flocculator 32. FIG. 3 shows a cross section taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 shows a cross section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. The frame 51 has a shape similar to a bobbin for winding a long object. The frame 51 has both end plates 52, 53. The end plates 52 and 53 are arranged so as to face each other. The frame 51 has a core 54 disposed between the end plates 52 and 53. The core 54 is also a winding core for the fiber layer 61. The core 54 has many gaps to allow the flow of fuel through the fiber layer 61. The core 54 provides a plurality of radially extending passages.

  The end plate 52 is also called an upper member. The end plate 52 is an annular plate. The end plate 52 has a cylindrical portion 52a. The cylindrical portion 52a is provided at the center of the end plate 52. The tubular portion 52a is connected to the center pipe 45 by receiving the center pipe 45. The tubular portion 52a defines an inlet for receiving fuel from the center pipe 45. The water flocculator 32 is separable from the filter unit 7 via the tubular portion 52a. Therefore, replacement of only the filter 31 or replacement of only the water flocculator 32 is possible. The tubular portion 52a is also a part of the core 54.

  End plate 52 provides an annular flat surface 52b. The plane 52b is located radially outside the cylindrical portion 52a. The flat surface 52 b provides a contact seal that contacts the end surface of the fiber layer 61 to prevent leakage from between the end surface of the fiber layer 61 and the end plate 52. No adhesive portion such as an adhesive or a re-cured layer is provided between the flat surface 52b and the fiber layer 61.

  The end plate 53 is also called a lower member. The end plate 52 and the end plate 53 are connected to form the illustrated frame 51. The end plate 53 has a conical portion 53a at the center. The conical portion 53a provides a downwardly inclined surface that extends downward while expanding radially outward. The downward slope contributes to create a downward flow. The downward flow promotes the settling of water droplets.

  The end plate 53 has an annular flat surface 53b facing the flat surface 52b. The plane 53b is located radially outside the conical portion 53a. The two planes 52b and 53b are opposed to each other in the vertical direction. The two planes 52b and 53b face each other in the width direction of the fiber layer 61. The flat surface 53 b provides a contact seal that prevents leakage from between the end surface of the fiber layer 61 and the end plate 53 by contacting the end surface of the fiber layer 61. No adhesive portion such as an adhesive or a re-cured layer is provided between the flat surface 53b and the fiber layer 61.

  The flat surfaces 52b and 53b face both end surfaces of the fiber layer 61. In other words, the fiber layer 61 has both end faces only in contact with the planes 52b, 53b.

  The end plate 53 has a downward wall 53c extending downward at the outer edge. The downward wall 53c promotes the growth of water droplets and promotes the release of the water droplets into the fuel.

  Further, the end plate 53 has a plurality of ribs 55. The rib 55 has a plate shape. The plurality of ribs 55 are arranged radially. The plurality of ribs 55 are arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction. A plurality of radially extending passages are defined between the plurality of ribs 55. The plurality of ribs 55 are provided by eight ribs including a winding start rib 55a and a winding end rib 55b. The plurality of ribs 55 are also part of the core 54.

  The end plate 53 has a plurality of support portions 56. The plurality of support portions 56 are dispersedly arranged on radially outer edges of the plurality of ribs 55. The support portion 56 is a protrusion that protrudes radially outward. The plurality of support portions 56 are arranged apart from each other in the axial direction. The plurality of support portions 56 are arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The radially outer surface of the support portion 56 is a curved surface. The radially outer surface of the support portion 56 is in contact with the inner surface of the fiber layer 61. The plurality of supports 56 provide a contact surface for receiving and supporting the fiber layer 61.

  A fiber layer 61 is disposed radially outside the frame 51. The fiber layer 61 is cylindrical. The fiber layer 61 is slightly polyhedral corresponding to the plurality of ribs 55. The fiber layer 61 has an inner peripheral surface, an outer peripheral surface, and both end surfaces. The inner peripheral surface provides an inlet surface for the fuel. The outer peripheral surface provides an exit surface for the fuel. Both end surfaces are pressed against end plates 52 and 53. Both end faces provide a sealing surface.

  The fiber layer 61 has a plurality of layers along the flow direction. The layers are in direct contact with each other. Each layer is formed by the same fibers. The fiber layer 61 is formed of a band-shaped material 62. The band-shaped material 62 can be obtained by cutting a long base material into a predetermined length, or by cutting a square base material. Therefore, waste of material is suppressed as compared with a case where a disk is cut out from the base material. The material 62 is a nonwoven fabric. The material 62 can be called a floc. The material 62 has a much lower fiber density than the material of the filter 31. The material 62 has a softness that can be wound around the frame 51.

  The fiber layer 61 is disposed on the core 54. The fiber layer 61 is arranged radially outside the core 54. The material 62 has a shape that can be called a spiral shape or a spiral shape. The fiber layer 61 includes a tubular roll of a band-shaped material 62. The fiber layer 61 can be provided only by a roll body. The fiber layer 61 is provided by a laminate of a series of band-shaped materials 62. The fiber layer 61 may include an additional layer in addition to the roll body of the material 62.

  The material 62 is laminated on the core 54. The material 62 is arranged so as to at least partially overlap two or more layers in the radial direction. The material 62 is arranged in two or more turns so as to overlap two or more layers in the radial direction. The raw materials 62 are arranged in three or more turns so as to form three layers. The raw material 62 laminated in two or more layers makes it possible to form a thick fiber layer 61 along the fuel passage direction.

  The material 62 is arranged along a virtual peripheral surface provided by the core 54. The material 62 circulates around the core 54 two or more times. The material 62 may go around the core 54 three or more times. The two adjacent layers laminated in the fiber layer 61 are in direct contact. This configuration allows a thick fiber layer 61 to be formed.

  The material 62 has an end 63 and an end 64. The inner end 63 is a winding start end. The outer end 64 is the winding end. The end 63 and the end 64 are arranged between two ribs 55a and 55b which are adjacent in the circumferential direction. The material 62 has a shift portion from the inner layer to the outer layer between the two ribs 55a and 55b. The shift portion is a portion where the material 62 is bent in a step shape. A plurality of shift parts are arranged intensively between the two ribs 55a, 55b. This arrangement makes it possible to make the outer peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61 close to a circle.

  The frame 51 and the fiber layer 61 are joined at a plurality of joints 71. The joint portion 71 has a dot shape on the inner surface or the outer surface of the fiber layer 61. In other words, when the fiber layer 61 is viewed from the outside in the radial direction, the joint portion 71 has a dot shape. The joint portion 71 is a re-cured portion in which the material of the frame 51 is melted, penetrated into the fiber layer 61, and is cured again. At the joint portion 71, the frame 51 and the fiber layer 61 are inseparably joined.

  The plurality of joints 71 are dispersedly arranged on the cylindrical peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61. The plurality of joints 71 are uniformly dispersed. The plurality of joints 71 are dispersed in the axial direction and the circumferential direction.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of joints 71 include a plurality of joints 71 provided apart from each other in the axial direction. In the figure, four joints 71 arranged along the axial direction are shown. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the plurality of joints 71 include a plurality of joints 71 provided apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In the drawing, eight joints 71 arranged along the circumferential direction are illustrated. The plurality of joints 71 are arranged at equal intervals in the axial direction and the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, the plurality of joints 71 are arranged like a 4 × 8 = 32 polka dot pattern (Polkadots Pattern).

  The plurality of joints 71 join the innermost layer (the innermost material 62) and the frame 51. The joining section 71 joins at least one layer and the frame 51. The plurality of joints 71 are arranged at the tips of the plurality of ribs 55.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the plurality of joints 71 include a joint 71a and a joint 71b. The joining portion 71 a joins the material 62 forming the first layer in the radial direction from the frame 51 to the frame 51. The joint 71a is also called an adjacent joint. The joining portion 71 a joins the material 62 to the frame 51 near one end 63. The joining portion 71a joins the innermost layer and the frame 51. The joint 71 a fixes the layer located at the most upstream of the fuel flow to the frame 51. A plurality of joints 71a are provided on the first layer.

  The joining portion 71b joins the material 62 that is the last layer disposed at least one intervening layer away from the frame 51 to the frame 51 through the intervening layer. The joint 71b is also called a through joint. The joining portion 71b joins the material 62 to the frame 51 near the other end 64. The joining portion 71b joins the outermost layer and the frame 51. The joint portion 71b joins the outermost layer and the frame 51. The joint 71 b fixes the layer located at the most downstream of the fuel flow to the frame 51. The joining portion 71b is provided only near the end portion 64 at the end of winding of the material 62.

  The joining portion 71b may join the plurality of layers and the frame 51. For example, the joint 71b may join all layers and the frame 51. The joint portion 71b fixes a plurality of layers to the frame 51. The joint portion 71b fixes the entire fiber layer 61 to the frame 51 in the thickness direction of the fiber layer 61. In other words, the joint portion 71b sewes the fiber layer 61 to the frame 51. The joining portion 71b joins three layers of the material 62 to the frame 51.

  The joining portion 71a is provided on the rib 55a at the beginning of winding. The joint 71a is the first joint position. The joining portion 71b is provided on the rib 55b at the end of winding. The joint portion 71b is the last joint position after the winding forming the overlapping portion.

  The plurality of joints 71 fix the material 62 to the frame 51 in the circumferential direction, the axial direction, and the radial direction. The extension piece between the end 63 and the joint 71a maintains the illustrated shape due to its rigidity. The extension piece between the end 64 and the joint 71b maintains its illustrated shape due to its rigidity. These projecting pieces maintain their shape in contact with adjacent layers as shown, even when fuel flows, i.e., under normal use conditions.

  The plurality of joints 71 dispersed along the inner peripheral surface or the outer peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61 contribute to secure fixing. Also, the joint 71, which is a re-cured part, provides a secure fixation. The plurality of joints 71a suppress crushing of the fiber layer 61 from the upstream side of the fuel flow. The joint portion 71b suppresses separation of the fiber layer 61 downstream of the fuel flow. The fibrous layer 61 provides a seal by just contacting the planes 52b, 53b at the end faces. For this reason, a stable seal can be obtained without depending on the thickness of the adhesive. As a result, reliable fixing of the fiber layer 61 and sealing performance are realized. This structure enables cost reduction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the engaging portions 22a and 51a provide a case connecting portion. The case connecting portion is formed such that the water coagulator 32 can maintain the connected state with the case 6 even when the filter 31 is removed from the case 6. The replacement operation includes a step of loosening the connecting mechanism 23 and a step of removing the cup 22 from the cap 21. The operation of separating the cap 21 and the cup 22 in the connection mechanism 23 is a rotation operation. The connection state of the water flocculator 32 and the cup 22 by the case connection portion can be released by an operation different from the rotation operation. The case connecting portion is released by an axial operation of pulling out the water aggregator 32 in the axial direction or a slightly diagonally pulling out the water coagulator 32 while elastically deforming the resin material. Therefore, the connection state in the case connection portion is not released by the operation for the connection mechanism 23.

  Further, the replacement operation includes a step of pulling out the filter 31 from the inside of the cup 22, a step of pulling out the water flocculator 32 from the inside of the cup 22, and a step of replacing and reassembling them. When the filter 31 is pulled out in the axial direction, the case connecting portion maintains the engaged state, and maintains the connected state between the water coagulator 32 and the cup 22. Therefore, even if the filter 31 is removed from the inside of the cup 22, the water flocculator 32 remains in the cup 22. This facilitates replacement of only the filter 31. The inside of the cup 22 is the dirty side DS, and the upstream and downstream of the fiber layer 61 are also the dirty side DS. Therefore, even if a new filter 31 is inserted after the connection pipe 46 is pulled out, entry of foreign matter into the clean side CS is suppressed.

  The connecting pipe 46 and the tubular portion 52a are connecting portions for mechanically connecting the filter 31 and the water flocculator 32. Further, the connection pipe 46 and the tubular portion 52 a are also fluid connection parts that provide a fluid connection of the fuel passage so that the fuel flows through the fiber layer 61. The case connection portion is formed so as to be able to maintain the connection state with the case 6 even when the connection at the fluid connection portion is released.

<Production method>
The method of manufacturing the fuel filter device 2 includes a step of forming the case 6, a step of disposing the filter unit 7 in the case 6, and a step of closing the case 6. The method for manufacturing the filter unit 7 includes a step of assembling the filter 31, a step of assembling the water aggregator 32, and a step of connecting the filter 31 and the water aggregator 32.

  The method of replacing the filter unit 7 includes a step of opening the case 6, a step of removing the old filter unit 7, a step of arranging the new filter unit 7, and a step of closing the case 6. When only the filter 31 is replaced, a step of disassembling the old filter unit 7 into the filter 31 and the water flocculator 32, and a step of connecting the old water flocculator 32 to the new filter 31 to manufacture a new filter unit 7; Is added. The disassembling process may include a step of separating the filter 31 and the water flocculator 32 while maintaining the connection state between the water flocculator 32 and the cup 22. The disassembly step can be performed simultaneously in the step of opening the case 6 in the case 6. The connecting step can be performed in the case 6 while maintaining the connected state of the water flocculator 32 and the cup 22. The connecting step can be performed simultaneously with the step of closing the case 6.

  The method of manufacturing the water flocculator 32 includes a forming step of forming the frame 51, a mounting step of mounting the fiber layer 61 to the frame 51, and a fixing step of fixing the fiber layer 61 to the frame 51. The forming step can include a step of forming the frame 51 with a resin material. The mounting step can be provided by a winding step of winding the material 62 along the frame 51. The attaching step may be provided by attaching the frame 51 to the fiber layer 61 around which the material 62 is wound. In this embodiment, the mounting step is provided by a winding step.

  The mounting step includes forming a seal between the fiber layer 61 and the frame 51 so that the fuel passes through the fiber layer 61. The seal is formed by pressing the end face of the tubular fiber layer 61 against the flat surfaces 52b and 53b. The seal is formed by pressing the longitudinal end face of the material 62 against the flat surfaces 52b and 53b in the winding step. In the winding step, the raw material 62 is wound around the frame 51 while pressing the longitudinal end faces against the flat surfaces 52b and 53b.

  The winding step is a step of winding the material 62 on the frame 51. The winding process is started with winding on the rib 55a. The material 62 is wound from the end 63. The winding process ends when the end 64 is positioned at the prescribed position as shown.

  The winding step is a step of winding the material 62 so as to at least partially overlap two or more layers. The winding step includes a first step of winding the material 62 around the frame 51 only once. Thereby, the first round of the material 62 is formed. The winding process includes a second step of additionally winding the material 62 onto the frame 51 by one full turn. Thereby, the second round of the material 62 is formed. The winding step includes a third step of winding the material 62 onto the frame 51 and additionally one round. Thereby, the third round of the raw material 62 is formed. As a result, a fiber layer 61 is formed.

  The winding process includes an initial stage of positioning the material 62 at the tip of the rib 55a. In the initial stage, the end 63 is positioned between the first rib 55a and the last rib 55b. In the initial stage, the material 62 is further positioned on the tip of the rib 55a. In the initial stage, the raw material 62 is arranged over the rib 55a. In the initial stage, the material 62 may be arranged on the second rib 55. After the initial stage, the above-described first, second, and third stages are performed.

  The winding step includes a step of disposing the last layer with at least one intervening layer separated from the frame 51. This step is provided by the third stage. The intervening layer is provided by a first layer and a second layer.

  In the fixing step, the fiber layer 61 is fixed to the frame 51 by forming a plurality of joints 71. The fixing step is performed intermittently in the winding step. The fixing process includes a plurality of steps for forming each of the plurality of joints 71. The fixing process may include an initial stage for forming the first joint portion 71a after the material 62 is positioned on the rib 55a. The fixing process may include an intermediate stage for forming the joint portion 71a after the material 62 is positioned on the second and subsequent ribs 55.

  The intermediate stage may be performed such that after positioning the material 62 on the plurality of ribs 55, the plurality of joints 71a are sequentially formed. The intermediate step may be performed such that after positioning the material 62 on one rib 55, a single step of forming one joint portion 71 is repeated on the plurality of ribs 55. Further, the intermediate stage may be executed by being divided into a plurality of partial stages. In one partial stage, a plurality of joints 71a are formed on the plurality of ribs 55, for example, three ribs 55, after the material 62 is disposed on the plurality of ribs 55. In the remaining partial stages, a plurality of joints 71 a are formed on the remaining group of ribs 55, for example, three ribs 55, after the material 62 is arranged.

  FIG. 5 shows the first rib 55a. A support portion 56 is formed at the tip of the rib 55a. Before melting, the support portion 56 is slightly large. The rib 55a has a volume capable of supplying a molten resin for fixing a single layer of the material 62.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the material 62 is positioned at the tip of the rib 55a. In the winding process, the material 62 is positioned on the rib 55a.

  The fixing step includes a step of melting a part of the rib 55a. The fixing step includes a step of pressing the material 62. A part of the rib 55a is melted by pressing the high-temperature member 57. The material 62 is pressed and compressed by the member 57. A portion of the rib 55a can be melted by high energy supplied from the outside, for example, by laser irradiation, ultrasonic irradiation, electromagnetic wave irradiation, hot air supply, or the like. A portion of the rib 55a deforms during the melting phase from the shape illustrated in FIG. This step is a supply step of supplying a fluid material between the frame 51 and the material 62. The material is given fluidity such that it penetrates into the material 62.

  The fixing step includes positioning the fibers of the raw material 62 in the molten resin material. At this stage, the molten resin material spreads while penetrating the fiber layer. Also, some fibers enter into the molten resin material. This step is a step in which a fluid material and the material 62 are mixed.

  The fixing step includes a step of re-curing the resin material once melted. In this step, the fluidity of the fluid material is reduced. The fluidity of the material is reduced to a level low enough to fix the material 62 to the frame 51.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the joint 71. The joint portion 71 is a lump of recured resin. The joint part 71 takes in the fiber of the raw material 62 inside the resin mass. The shape of the joint portion 71 is different from that of the rib 55a. The shape of the rib 55a has changed into an irregular mass of the joint portion 71. The surface of the joint 71 is provided with an irregular surface due to the flow. The shape of the joining portion 71 can also be called a rod shape or a column shape extending radially outward from the tip of the support portion 56. Further, the raw material 62 may be deformed so as to be slightly concave due to shrinkage when the joint portion 71 is re-hardened, or due to an externally applied pressing force for melting the rib 55a. For example, the thickness of the material 62 may decrease slightly around the joint 71.

  As described above, the innermost layer of the material 62 is disposed on the frame 51 by the first stage of the winding process. By the fixing step, a plurality of joints 71a are formed. This fixing step provides an adjacent joining step in which only the first layer in the radial direction is joined to the frame 51. As a result, the innermost layer of the material 62, that is, the uppermost layer, is firmly fixed to the frame 51. Further, the winding process proceeds to a first stage, a second stage, and a third stage. Each time the stage of the winding process proceeds, the material 62 is stacked on the last rib 55b.

  FIG. 8 shows the last rib 55b. A support portion 56 is formed at the tip of the rib 55b. The rib 55b has a volume that can supply the molten resin for fixing the three layers of the material 62. The frame 51 corresponds to the number of layers of the material 62 fastened thereto or the thickness of the fiber layer fastened thereto. When the third layer of material 62 is positioned on the rib 55b at the end of winding, the last partial stage of the fixing process is performed. In the last partial stage, the last rib 55b is melted and re-hardened.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the joint portion 71b on the rib 55b at the end of winding. By the fixing step, the rib 55b is melted so as to be joined to at least the outermost layer of the material 62 having a plurality of layers. The rib 55b is melted so as to be joined with the plurality of layers. The rib 55b is melted so as to be joined to all the layers. The joint portion 71b fixes the fiber layer 61 including a plurality of layers. It can be said that the joint portion 71b sewes the fiber layer 61. The three-layered material 62 is greatly compressed by the member 57 to form the concave portion 66. This step provides a penetration bonding step of bonding the last layer in the radial direction to the frame 51 through the intervening layer.

  A plurality of support portions 56 are provided on one rib 55 along the axial direction. For example, a plurality of support portions 56 are provided on the first rib 55a along the axial direction. For example, a plurality of support portions 56b are provided on the last rib 55b along the axial direction. Therefore, a plurality of joints 71a are formed on the rib 55a along the axial direction. A plurality of final joint portions 71b are formed on the rib 55b. These plurality of final joints 71 b fix the end 64 of the raw material 62 at the end of winding to the frame 51. Since the end portion 64 is located on the most downstream side, the joint portion 71b fixes the entire fiber layer 61 in the thickness direction on the frame 51.

  FIG. 10 shows a modification of the joint 71b. When the joint portion 71b is formed from the rib 55b, three thick layers of the material 62 are stacked around the rib 55b. The joint portion 71b does not have to completely penetrate the three layers of the material 62.

<Operation>
Returning to FIG. 2, the flow of fuel is illustrated by arrows in the figure. The fuel supplied from the inlet 11 passes through the water flocculator 32, passes through the filter 31, and exits from the outlet 12. The water droplet flowing out of the water flocculator 32 sinks by its own weight and sinks into the cup 22. On the other hand, the fuel flows upward in the cup 22 and flows into the filter 31. The fuel that has passed through the filter 31 reaches the outlet 12.

  The water drops sinking into the cup 22 accumulate at the bottom of the cup 22. In the drawing, a water droplet WD and a water surface WL which is a boundary between water and fuel are schematically illustrated. When the float 27 rises due to the rise of the water surface WL, the water level sensor 26 outputs a detection signal. The detection signal alerts the user. When the user loosens the drain plug 25, water is discharged.

  The filter 31 is provided with a performance of removing solid foreign matter having a size intended for the fuel filter device 2. The filter 31 is designed to remove fine solid foreign matter so that a high-pressure pump or the like can maintain performance for a long period of time. On the other hand, the fiber layer 61 provided in the water flocculator 32 cannot remove the intended solid foreign matter. This is because the fiber layer 61 has holes larger than the filter 31. The fiber layer 61 is designed to capture and aggregate moisture.

  The fuel flows from the inner surface to the outer surface of the fiber layer 61. The joint portion 71a positions the inner peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61 at a prescribed position against the pressure of the fuel. The joint portion 71b positions the outer peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61, for example, the end portion 64, at a prescribed position against the pressure of the fuel. Therefore, even if the fuel passes through the inside of the fiber layer 61, the crushing and decomposition of the fiber layer 61 are suppressed.

  The water contained in the fuel is captured by the fiber layer 61 in the fiber layer 61, aggregates, and grows into large water droplets. Water droplets are released again into the fuel from the outer surface of the fiber layer 61.

<Effect>
According to the embodiments described above, a plurality of advantages are provided by a plurality of characteristic configurations which can be used independently. The fiber layer 61 provides the water coagulator 32 having a thick coagulation layer, and the fuel filter device 2. The fiber layer 61 is provided by a cylindrical roll of a band-shaped material 62 that has been turned two or more times. For this reason, the thick fiber layer 61 is formed by the strip-shaped material 62 that is easy to handle. As a result, a water flocculator 32 having a thick flocculated layer that is easy to manufacture, a filter unit 7 including the water flocculator 32, and the fuel filter device 2 are provided.

  The fiber layer 61 is fixed to the frame 51 by a plurality of joints 71. The plurality of joints 71 provide a secure fixation. Moreover, the plurality of joints 71 are distributed. The plurality of joints 71 are integrated with the fibers of the fiber layer 61. For this reason, reliable fixing is possible.

  The plurality of bonding portions 71 include a bonding portion 71a for fixing the fiber layer 61 to the frame 51 on the inner peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61 and a bonding portion 71b for fixing the fiber layer 61 to the frame 51 on the outer peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61. Have. The joint 71b provides a through joint. The through joint joins the material forming the last layer to the frame 51 through the intervening layer. The piercing joint fixes the position of the last layer while maintaining the thick fiber layer 61. Therefore, breakage of the fiber layer 61 due to the fuel flow is suppressed.

  The fiber layer 61 is fixed to the frame 51 on both the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface. The joint portion 71a suppresses crushing of the fiber layer 61 from the inner peripheral surface. The joint portion 71b suppresses separation from the outer peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61. In other words, the joint portion 71a suppresses the collapse of the fiber layer 61 from the upstream side of the fuel flow. The joint portion 71b suppresses separation of the fiber layer 61 downstream of the fuel flow. Thereby, the water coagulator 32, the filter unit 7 including the water coagulator 32, and the fuel filter device 2 that can fix the thick coagulation layer with a small number of parts are provided.

  According to the method of manufacturing the water aggregator 32, the strip-shaped material is wound so as to at least partially overlap two or more layers. The last layer is disposed at least one intervening layer from the frame 51. In the joining step, the material forming the last layer is joined to the frame 51 through the intervening layer. According to this method, the fiber layer 61 can be manufactured by a winding step. Moreover, the fiber layer 61 is securely fixed to the frame by the joining step. In the joining step, the fiber layer 61 is fixed to the frame 51 while maintaining the position of the last layer. Therefore, the thick fiber layer 61 is maintained.

Second Embodiment This embodiment is a modified example based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the water flocculator 32 is disposed on the dirty side DS. Alternatively, the water aggregator may be located on the clean side CS.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the fuel filter device 2 has a filter 231 for removing solid foreign matter. The filter 231 partitions the inside of the case 6 into a dirty side DS and a clean side CS. The filter 231 has a pleated cylindrical filter medium. The filter 231 has a seal member such as an O-ring for preventing direct communication between the dirty side DS and the clean side CS.

  The water flocculator 232 is arranged on the clean side CS. In other words, the water flocculator 232 is arranged downstream of the filter 231. The water flocculator 232 is arranged radially inside the filter 231. The water aggregator 232 has a frame 51 and a fiber layer 61 fixed to the frame 51. The fiber layer 61 is fixed to the frame 51 by a plurality of joints 71. The fiber layer 61 provides a water aggregation layer. The water aggregator 232 is connected to the cup 22 by the engaging portions 22a and 51a. Also in this embodiment, the engaging portions 22a and 51a promote reuse of the water flocculator 232.

  In this embodiment, the fuel flows radially from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface of the tubular fiber layer 61. Since the fiber layer 61 is supported by the inner frame 51, the pressure accompanying the flow of the fuel acts to compress the fiber layer 61. On the other hand, the plurality of joints 71 extending from the frame 51 in the thickness direction of the fiber layer 61 act so as to maintain the thickness of the fiber layer 61. Therefore, also in this embodiment, the thick fiber layer 61 is maintained.

  The fuel filter device 2 has a water separation layer 233. The water separation layer 233 is disposed downstream of the water aggregator 232. The water separation layer 233 is disposed between the water aggregator 232 and the outlet 12. Between the water aggregator 232 and the water separation layer 233, a cylindrical cavity for sedimenting water droplets is formed. The water separation layer 233 suppresses passage of water droplets and promotes sedimentation of the water droplets. The water separation layer 233 is provided by a screen having a property that can be called water repellent or hydrophobic.

  The water separation layer 233 is connected to the water aggregator 232 by a connection mechanism 234. The coupling mechanism 234 is provided by a snap-fit mechanism. The connection mechanism 234 enables taking out only the filter 231 while maintaining the state where the water separation layer 233 is connected to the water aggregator 232. Therefore, the connection mechanism 234 promotes the reuse of the water separation layer 233.

Third Embodiment This embodiment is a modified example based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the water separation layer 233 is connected to the water aggregator 232. Alternatively, the water separation layer may be connected to the filter 231.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the water separation layer 333 is connected to the filter 231 by a connection mechanism 334. According to this configuration, reuse of the water flocculator 232 is promoted. On the other hand, replacement of the filter 231 with the water separation layer 333 is prompted.

Fourth Embodiment This embodiment is a modified example based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the water separation layer 233 is connected to the filter 231 or the water aggregator 232. Alternatively, the water separation layer may be independent.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the water separation layer 433 has no connection mechanism. In this configuration, the water separation layer 433 is left on the water flocculator 232 by its own weight. However, the user can easily remove the water separation layer 433 from the water aggregator 232. Therefore, the user can select the replacement and reuse of the water separation layer 433 for the user.

Fifth Embodiment This embodiment is a modified example based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the material 62 is wound around the outside of the frame 51. Alternatively, the material 62 may be wound inside the frame 51.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the water aggregator 532 has a frame 51. The water aggregator 532 can be used as the water aggregator 32, 232 of the preceding embodiment. The frame 51 has a plurality of ribs 55 projecting radially inward. The frame 51 is arranged radially outside the fiber layer 61. The plurality of support portions 56 are adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61.

  The belt-shaped material 62 is wound from the inside into a virtual cylindrical cavity defined by the plurality of ribs 55. In the manufacturing method, the band-shaped raw material 62 is sequentially arranged in the internal cavity of the frame 51 from the end 63. The end 64 is positioned at a position further wound beyond the position of the end 63. The band-shaped material 62 is stacked from the radial outside to the radial inside. Also in this embodiment, in the manufacturing method, the band-shaped material 62 is sewn. Also in this embodiment, a thick fiber layer 61 is formed by the band-shaped material 62 wound up.

  The fiber layer 61 is fixed to the frame 51 by a plurality of joints 71. The fiber layer 61 is fixed on the first rib 55 and the support portion 56 by the joint portion 71a. The joint portion 71a fixes one layer corresponding to one sheet of the material 62. In other words, the joint 71a fixes the outermost layer. In yet another aspect, joint 71a secures the most upstream layer in the fuel flow. The water aggregator 532 has a plurality of joints 71a for fixing the first layer. The plurality of joints 71a are dispersedly arranged in the circumferential direction.

  The fiber layer 61 is fixed on the last rib 55 by a joint 71b. The joining portion 71b fixes a plurality of layers corresponding to a plurality of sheets of the material 62. In other words, the joint 71b fixes the innermost layer. In yet another aspect, joint 71b secures the most downstream layer of the fuel flow. The water aggregator 532 has a plurality of joints 71b for fixing the last layer. The plurality of joints 71b are dispersedly arranged in the circumferential direction.

  The fiber layer 61 is fixed on some of the ribs 55 by a joint 71c. The joint 71c fixes a plurality of layers. The number of layers fixed by the joint 71c is between the number of layers fixed by the joint 71a and the number of layers fixed by the joint 71b. In the illustrated example, the joint 71b fixes the two layers. In other words, the joint 71c fixes the middle layer in the fuel flow. The water aggregator 532 has a plurality of joints 71c. The plurality of joints 71c are arranged dispersedly in the circumferential direction. The plurality of joints 71c are also called intermediate joints. The plurality of joints 71c reinforce the thick fiber layer 61 inside thereof.

  The plurality of joints 71 a securely fix the fiber layer 61 to the frame 51 outside the fiber layer 61 in the radial direction. The plurality of joints 71a suppress crushing of the fiber layer 61 from the outside to the inside in the radial direction. The plurality of joints 71b securely fix the fiber layer 61 to the frame 51 inside the fiber layer 61 in the radial direction. The plurality of joints 71b suppress the decomposition of the inner peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61, in other words, the radially inner side of the most downstream layer.

  Also in this embodiment, the thick fiber layer 61 can be formed by the strip-shaped raw material 62 which is easy to handle. Also in this embodiment, the thick fiber layer 61 is reliably fixed to the frame 51 by the plurality of joints 71. Further, the plurality of joints 71a suppress crushing of the fiber layer 61 from the upstream side of the fuel flow. The plurality of joints 71b suppress separation of the fiber layer 61 downstream of the fuel flow.

Other Embodiments The disclosure herein is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The disclosure includes the illustrated embodiments and variations thereon based on those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combination of parts and / or elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses embodiments that omit parts and / or elements. The disclosure encompasses the replacement or combination of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. Some of the disclosed technical ranges are indicated by the description of the claims, and should be construed to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the description of the claims.

  In the above embodiment, the positive pressure system in which the fuel filter device 2 is installed downstream of the low pressure pump is illustrated. Instead, a negative pressure system in which the fuel filter device 2 is installed upstream of the low pressure pump may be applied. In the above embodiment, the filter 31 has the honeycomb-shaped element 42. Instead, various types of filter media such as a chrysanthemum flower type and a spiral type can be used.

  In the above embodiment, the case 6 can be divided into a cap 21 and a cup 22. Instead, the case 6 may be configured to be able to be divided into three. Further, only the member corresponding to the lid may be configured to be separable. In any case, the filter unit 7 is exchangeably housed in the case 6.

  In the above embodiment, the water aggregator has a star-shaped frame 51 with radial ribs 55. Alternatively, the water aggregator can use frames of various shapes such as a cage type and a coil type. Further, the frame 51 can have various surface shapes such as concentric step surfaces and a plurality of protrusions instead of the flat surfaces 52b and 53b in order to ensure contact with both end surfaces of the fiber layer 61. . In the above embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61 is exposed on the radially outer surface of the water flocculator. Instead of this, a net-shaped or column-shaped protection member may be provided outside the outer peripheral surface of the fiber layer 61. In the above embodiment, the rib 55 is melted through one layer of the material 62 or three layers of the material. Instead, a needle for piercing the material 62 may be provided in the ribs 55a and 55b. The material 62 can be fixed by the needle.

  In the above embodiment, the fiber layer 61 is formed by winding the band-shaped material 62 several times. Instead, the number of turns of the band-shaped material 62 can be set to one or more turns so that the fiber layer 61 having a required thickness is obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the joining portion 71 is formed by melting the resin material forming the frame 51. Alternatively, when the fibers forming the fiber layer 61 can be melted, the joining portion 71 may be formed by melting the fiber layer 61. Alternatively, the bonding portion 71 may be formed by supplying a flowable adhesive between the frame 51 and the fiber layer 61 and curing the adhesive. Even in this case, the plurality of joints 71 can provide a secure fixing that can withstand the flow of fuel and the pressure difference.

  In the above-described embodiment, the joining portion 71a is provided between the first layer of the strip-shaped material 62 and the plurality of ribs 55, and the joining portion 71b is provided between the third layer of the strip-shaped material 62 and the rib 55b. . Instead, only the first joint 71a and the last joint 71b may be provided. Further, only a part of the plurality of joints 71a may be provided. Further, a part of the plurality of joints 71a may be a joint extending over a plurality of layers similar to the joint 71b.

  In the above embodiment, the seal is provided by bringing both end surfaces of the fiber layer 61 into contact with the flat surfaces 52b and 53b. Alternatively, the seal may be provided by bonding the frame 51 and the fiber layer 61 together. For example, an adhesive may be arranged between the frame 51 and the fiber layer 61. For example, between the frame 51 and the fiber layer 61, a welded portion obtained by melting and re-hardening a resin material forming the frame 51 may be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the connection provided by the engagement portions 22a and 51a is a snap fit. Alternatively, a connection using screws may be provided. Further, the water coagulator 32 and the cup 22 may be permanently connected. For example, the frame 51 of the water flocculator 32 and the cup 22 may be welded or bonded. In the above embodiment, the connecting portion provided by the connecting tube 46 and the tubular portion 52a is a fluid connection having a sealing performance provided by an insertion relationship between the tube and the tube. Instead, a seal member such as an O-ring and a lip seal may be provided. Further, connection by screws may be used together. Further, it may be provided by pressing the end faces in the axial direction or press-fitting two members.

1 fuel supply device, 2 fuel filter device, 3 fuel tank, 4 internal combustion engine,
6 cases, 7 filter units, 11 inlets, 12 outlets,
13 inlet passage, 14 outlet passage, 21 caps, 22 cups,
22a engaging portion, 23 connecting mechanism,
24 drain holes, 25 drain plugs, 26 water level sensor, 27 float,
28 support pillar, 31, 231 filter, 32, 232, 532 water aggregator,
233, 333, 433 water separation layer, 234, 334 connection mechanism,
41 frame, 42 elements, 43 cover member, 44 connection part,
45 center pipe, 46 connecting pipe, 47 opening,
51 frame, 51a engaging portion, 52, 53 end plate, 52a cylindrical portion,
52b plane, 53a cone, 53b plane, 53c downward wall,
54 core, 55, 55a, 55b rib, 56 support, 57 high temperature member,
61 fiber layer, 62 material, 63, 64 end,
71, 71a, 71b joint,
DS dirty side, CS clean side, WD water drop, WL water surface.

Claims (13)

A frame (51) that allows fuel flow in the radial direction,
A roll of a band-shaped material (62) attached to the frame and arranged in two or more turns so as to overlap two or more layers in the radial direction, the roll being a tubular fiber layer for coagulating water in the fuel. A fiber layer (61) including a body, and a plurality of joints (71) for fixing the fiber layer to the frame ;
The plurality of the joints, water condenser that are dispersedly arranged in the cylindrical circumferential surface of the fibrous layer. A frame (51) that allows fuel flow in the radial direction,
A roll of a band-shaped material (62) mounted on the frame and being a tubular fiber layer for coagulating water in the fuel and arranged so as to at least partially overlap two or more layers in the radial direction. A fiber layer (61) including a body, and a plurality of joints (71) for fixing the fiber layer to the frame;
The plurality of joints have a through-coupling part (71b) for joining the material, which is the last layer disposed at least one intervening layer from the frame, to the frame through the intervening layer. .   The water flocculator according to claim 2, wherein the material is arranged in two or more turns so as to overlap with two or more layers in the radial direction. The plurality of joints further include:
The water flocculator according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising an adjacent joint (71a) for joining the material forming the first layer in the radial direction from the frame to the frame. The material has one end (63) and the other end (64) in the longitudinal direction,
The adjacent joint (71a) joins the material to the frame near the one end (63),
The water agglomerator according to claim 4, wherein the through joint (71b) joins the material to the frame near the other end (64). The frame is disposed radially inward or radially outward of the fiber layer, and has a plurality of support portions (56) adjacent to an inner peripheral surface or an outer peripheral surface of the fiber layer,
The water coagulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the plurality of joining portions is provided on each of the plurality of support portions.   The water flocculator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of joints are arranged apart from each other in a circumferential direction and an axial direction. The frame has planes (52b, 53b) facing both end faces of the fiber layer,
The water flocculator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fiber layer has both end faces only in contact with the plane. A water coagulator (32, 232, 532) according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Filters (31, 231) for removing solid foreign matter from the fuel;
A fuel filter device including a case (6) that defines a fuel passage and houses the water aggregator and the filter.   The fuel filter device according to claim 9, further comprising a water separation layer (233, 333, 433) disposed downstream of the water flocculator and configured to block the passage of water droplets. In a method for manufacturing a water aggregator, comprising: a frame (51) allowing a flow of fuel in a radial direction; and a tubular fiber layer for aggregating water in the fuel,
A winding step of forming a roll body of the material by winding a band-shaped material (62) that agglomerates water in the fuel at least partially on two or more layers inside or outside the frame; A joining step of joining the fiber layer to the frame,
The winding step includes a step of arranging a last layer with at least one intervening layer separated from the frame,
The method for manufacturing a water aggregator, wherein the joining step includes a step of joining the material forming the last layer to the frame through the intervening layer. The joining step includes:
The water flocculator according to claim 11, further comprising: an adjacent joining step of joining only the first layer in the radial direction to the frame; and a through joining step of joining the last layer in the radial direction to the frame through the intervening layer. Manufacturing method. Furthermore, the method further includes a step of forming flat surfaces (52b, 53b) on the frame, which face both end surfaces of the fiber layer,
The method according to claim 11, wherein, in the winding step, the material is wound while a longitudinal end surface extending along a longitudinal direction is in contact with the plane.

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