Abstract: An end-of-life estimation device for an air cleaner, which is capable of always accurately estimating an end of a service life of the air cleaner with an inexpensive construction, thereby enabling the air cleaner to be efficiently used until the service life comes close to the end. The end-of-life estimation device calculates a life parameter indicative of remaining service life of the air cleaner during running of an engine, on an as needed basis, and stores a relationship between the degree of clogging of the air cleaner, an intake air amount, and an intake parameter (an intake pressure on a downstream side of the air cleaner and/or a throttle valve opening). Further, the end-of-life estimation device calculates and updates a reference value with reference to which the life parameter is calculated, based on the stored relationship, according to the detected intake air amount and intake parameter.

Abstract: A control device includes an opening detector that detects the opening of a control valve driven by an electric actuator. A control element sets the target opening of the control valve, thereby to control the electric actuator in accordance with a deviation between the target opening and the detected opening. In the case where a predetermined necessary condition containing at least a condition for the absolute value of the deviation to be smaller than a predetermined value is satisfied, power to the electric actuator is interrupted to prevent the electric actuator from generating a driving force. This reduces situations where the driving force to be applied from the electric actuator to the control valve fluctuates finely to suppress the progress of the wear or deterioration of the components of the electric actuator.

Abstract: An end-of-life estimation device for an air cleaner, which is capable of always accurately estimating an end of a service life of the air cleaner with an inexpensive construction, thereby enabling the air cleaner to be efficiently used until the service life comes close to the end. The end-of-life estimation device calculates a life parameter indicative of remaining service life of the air cleaner during running of an engine, on an as needed basis, and stores a relationship between the degree of clogging of the air cleaner, an intake air amount, and an intake parameter (an intake pressure on a downstream side of the air cleaner and/or a throttle valve opening). Further, the end-of-life estimation device calculates and updates a reference value with reference to which the life parameter is calculated, based on the stored relationship, according to the detected intake air amount and intake parameter.

Abstract: A control device includes an opening detecting means 17 which detects the opening of a control valve 9 driven by an electric actuator 11. A control element 21 sets the target opening of the control valve 9, thereby to control the electric actuator 11 in accordance with a deviation between the target opening and the detected opening. In the case where a predetermined necessary condition containing at least a condition for the absolute value of the deviation to be smaller than a predetermined value is satisfied, power to the electric actuator 11 is interrupted to prevent the electric actuator 11 from generating a driving force. This reduces situations where the driving force to be applied from the electric actuator to the control valve fluctuates finely to suppress the progress of the wear or deterioration of the components of the electric actuator.

Abstract: A filter element comprises an oil-impregnated filtering member, and a transmission preventing layer formed on a downstream side of the filtering member, for restricting transmission of at least the carbon dusts from the oil-impregnated filtering member. The filtering member may be formed like a ridge-like-folded structure. The transmission preventing layer may be formed of a coating layer having a resistance against a viscous oil that is impregnated in the filtering member. This coating layer may be formed uniformly as a whole or the thickness or the content of the coating layer may be increased partially. A ventilation shutting-off member (filling layer) may be formed as the transmission preventing layer in the root portion areas of the ridge portions. The transmission preventing layer may comprise a resistant component that is insoluble in the oil that is impregnated in the filtering member.

Abstract: A filter element comprises an oil-impregnated filtering member, and a transmission preventing layer formed on a downstream side of the filtering member, for restricting transmission of at least the carbon dusts from the oil-impregnated filtering member. The filtering member may be formed like a ridge-like-folded structure. The transmission preventing layer may be formed of a coating layer having a resistance against a viscous oil that is impregnated in the filtering member. This coating layer may be formed uniformly as a whole or the thickness or the content of the coating layer may be increased partially. A ventilation shutting-off member (filling layer) may be formed as the transmission preventing layer in the root portion areas of the ridge portions. The transmission preventing layer may comprise a resistant component that is insoluble in the oil that is impregnated in the filtering member.