Filter module comprising a filter element in a filter housing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter device comprising a filter element in a filter housing, the filter element having a filter medium body of annular shape, the filter medium body having an elongated cross-sectional shape. A vortex device is located in a flow path between an inflow opening in the filter housing and an inflow side of the filter medium body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter module having filter elements in a filter housing according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] US 3,816,982 describes an air filter having a hollow cylindrical filter element within a receiving filter housing. Air to be filtered is introduced via an inlet opening arranged laterally within the filter housing and axially upstream of the filter element, and subsequently flows radially from the outside to the inside through the filter element. The filter element includes open and closed end discs at its opposing end faces. Purified air is axially discharged from the inwardly positioned flow space of the hollow cylindrical filter element via the open end discs.

[0003] DE 10 2011 011 595 A1 discloses an air filter having a filter element in a filter housing, wherein the filter element includes an annular, circumferentially extending filter media body having an elongated cross-sectional shape. The filter media body includes an inwardly positioned flow space into which the raw fluid to be purified is axially introduced. Subsequently, the fluid flows radially from the inside to the outside through the filter media body.

[0004] DE 20 2007 004 476 U1 discloses a filter module for purifying fluids, wherein filter elements are arranged in a filter housing having a cyclone pre-separator arranged upstream thereon, by means of which fluid can be supplied to the filter elements. The cyclone pre-separator comprises two cyclone units with different diameters. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to configure a filter module having a filter element comprising an annular filter media body having an elongated cross-sectional shape using simple construction measures, such that contaminant particles are separated from the fluid to be filtered before flowing through the filter media body.

[0006] This objective is achieved according to the invention having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims provide other advantageous embodiments.

[0007] The filter module according to the invention includes a filter housing and a filter element received within the filter housing, wherein filtration of the fluid to be purified occurs at the filter element. The filter element is implemented as annular and includes an annular filter media body through which the fluid flows during filtration. The filter media body is specifically implemented in an annular closed configuration and includes an inwardly positioned flow space for receiving the fluid. Advantageously, the fluid to be purified flows radially from the outside to the inside through the annular filter media body, such that the inwardly positioned flow space is located on the clean side of the filter media body, and the outer side of the filter media body is either the original side or the inflow side. However, in principle, a reverse flow direction radially through the filter media body from the inside to the outside is also conceivable.

[0008] Fluids, particularly gaseous fluids, such as combustion air to be supplied to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. Liquid fluids may also be used.

[0009] Fluid is guided through an inlet opening located within the filter housing in a direction toward the filter element and the filter media body. A vortex device is arranged in the flow path between the inlet opening and the inlet side of the filter media body within the filter housing, the vortex device being configured to impart vortices to the inflow fluid. The inlet opening and the vortex device are axially arranged upstream of the inlet side of the filter media body relative to the longitudinal axis of the annular filter element. Advantageously, the inlet opening has a greater axial distance to the inlet side of the filter media body than the vortex device.

[0010] The vortex device can be implemented as separate from the outer wall of the filter housing, forming a component that is implemented as separate from the outer wall of the filter housing. The vortex device, together with the outer wall of the filter housing, defines the flow path for the fluid after it enters the filter housing through the inlet opening.

[0011] Because a vortex is introduced into the incoming fluid even before it reaches the inflow side of the filter media body, contaminant particles entrained in the fluid are guided outward toward the inner side of the outer wall of the filter housing and can be separated before reaching the inflow side of the filter media body. Thus, pre-separation of contaminant particles entrained in the fluid occurs. If necessary, the separated contaminant particles can be discharged from the filter housing via a device implemented for this purpose.

[0012] An additional advantage of the vortex device, which is implemented as a component separate from the outer wall of the filter housing, is that the inlet opening can be positioned at different locations on the filter housing, and the inflow fluid is endowed with vortices from any of these locations. This expands the construction possibilities regarding the positioning of the inlet opening.

[0013] By employing a vortex device, specifically by narrowing the flow cross-section for the flow path into the fluid, flow acceleration occurs. The higher flow rate in vortex separation or centrifugal separation allows for better separation of entrained contaminant particles from the fluid.

[0014] Different embodiments of the vortex device are conceivable. According to an advantageous embodiment, the vortex device is arranged at the filter element, for example, at a support grid positioned on the clean side of the filter element, or at an end disc of the filter element located on the end face of the filter media body. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the vortex device is connected to the filter housing and is optionally implemented as a single piece together with the filter housing. The vortex device is located, for example, at an inlet housing, which is part of the filter housing and can be attached to a filter base housing in which the filter element is received. In this embodiment, the vortex device forms a fixed component of the inlet housing, but the vortex device is implemented to be detached from the outer wall of the inlet housing.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment, the vortex device is located at the filter base housing that receives the filter element.

[0016] Regardless of its construction embodiment and its relevance to the components of the filter module, the vortex device is axially arranged upstream of the inflow side of the filter media body. Therefore, the separation of contaminant particles in the fluid also occurs in the region axially upstream of the inflow side of the filter media body. This has the advantage that by the time it reaches the inflow side of the filter media body, most of the contaminant particles have already been separated from the fluid flow.

[0017] The filter media body has an elongated cross-sectional shape and includes a longitudinal side and a narrow side, by means of which the two longitudinal sides are connected, such that the longitudinal side and the narrow side of the filter media body enclose an inwardly positioned flow space.

[0018] The cross-sectional shape of the filter media body can be oval or oval-shaped. However, non-oval elongated cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable, such as concave curved longitudinal sides or flat longitudinal sides with straight surfaces, or non-oval curved convex longitudinal sides. The extension of the longitudinal side is greater than the extension of the narrow side; for example, it may be advantageous for the extension of the longitudinal side to be at least twice the length of the extension of the narrow side. The narrow side is provided, for example, with a semi-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0019] The elongated cross-sectional shape of the filter media body or filter element has the advantage of providing a relatively low installation space for the filter module. Furthermore, a large inflow surface is provided on the longitudinal side of the filter media body, where the same or at least similar flow conditions exist.

[0020] The filter element and filter media body may have a non-constant cross-section across their axial length relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter element, the non-constant cross-section varying from one end face to a relatively positioned end face. For example, the cross-section increases from a closed end disc to a relatively positioned open end disc.

[0021] As an alternative example of a non-constant cross-section, it is also possible to have a filter element or filter media body with a constant cross-section across its length.

[0022] According to another advantageous embodiment, the vortex device is implemented as a displacement body arranged inside the filter housing adjacent to the inlet opening. The displacement body forms a flow guiding element for fluid introduced into the filter housing. The displacement body reduces the free volume available for the fluid and forces the incoming fluid into a predetermined flow path toward the inlet side of the filter media body. The flow path is preferably implemented in a curved configuration. This is specifically achieved in that the displacement body is configured in a curved direction toward the flow passage located between the end face of the filter media body and the housing wall of the filter housing. This curvature of the displacement body forms an inner wall defining the flow path along which the fluid moves toward the filter media body. The outer wall of the also curved flow path is preferably formed by the inner side of the outer wall of the housing portion receiving the displacement body. Due to the curvature, the fluid experiences a desired vortex, which aids in the separation of contaminant particles.

[0023] Fastening elements may be arranged at the displacement body. In order to fix the displacement body, the fastening elements are engaged with additional fastening elements, particularly by form-fit and / or friction-fit engagement. For example, the additional fastening elements are arranged at the end plate of the filter element.

[0024] According to another advantageous embodiment, the vortex device is implemented as one or more guide ribs arranged in a flow passage between the end face of the filter media body and the housing wall of the filter housing. The end face of the filter media body is preferably flow-tightly closed by an end disc, wherein the guide ribs extend radially outward at the end disc in a direction toward the inner side of the filter housing surrounding the housing wall. Fluid introduced into the filter module must pass through the flow passage to reach the original side of the filter media body, wherein the guide ribs impart vortices to the fluid as it flows through the flow passage.

[0025] The guide ribs are preferably located at the filter element, for example, at the end plate on the end face of the filter media body, or implemented as a single piece in the filter element together with the support frame. In an alternative embodiment, the guide ribs are located at the filter housing, particularly fastened to the inner side of the housing wall of the filter housing.

[0026] For example, the guide ribs are implemented as curved guide vanes. They can be arranged as an addition or option to the displacement body.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment, the filter media body has a folded configuration, wherein the longitudinal extension of the filter fold extends in the axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter element.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, a flow tight separation element is provided at the inflow side of the filter media body, the flow tight separation element extending across a portion of the surface of the filter media body. The flow tight separation element prevents or at least reduces inflow into the filter media body in this section, thereby achieving stable flow of the original fluid at the inflow side of the filter media body.

[0029] For example, the separation element is implemented as a stabilizing wall or separation membrane, preventing the fluid to be purified from flowing directly through the filter media body at the location of the separation element on the inflow side. The unpurified raw fluid, guided in the direction towards the inflow side, is prevented from flowing directly through the filter media body at the location of the separation element and is thus forced to reside in the space on the inflow side of the filter media body for at least a slightly longer period, requiring a flow stabilization operation. Subsequently, the unpurified fluid can flow through the filter media body. The result of this flow stabilization operation is that larger contaminant particles entrained in the raw fluid can deposit in the space upstream of the inflow side of the filter media body. Thus, pre-separation occurs, wherein the separated particles can advantageously be discharged from the filter housing via a drain valve. Due to this pre-separation, the contaminant load on the filter media body is reduced.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the separating element is located in the filter housing where the filter element having a filter media body is received. Depending on the need, the separating element can be implemented as a single piece together with the filter housing. For example, the separating element is a stabilizing wall that surrounds the filter media body in an annular shape and includes a distance relative to the outer side of the filter media body.

[0031] According to another advantageous embodiment, the separating element is arranged directly at the filter element, for example, applied to the outer side of the filter media body. For example, the separating element is a separating membrane, which is applied directly to the outer side of the filter media body. Direct radial flow into the filter media body is not possible in the region of the separating membrane. In a folded configuration of the filter media body, the separating membrane is placed on the outer edge of the filter fold, where dispersion of the original fluid along the longitudinal extension of the filter fold is possible at the inflow side. In this way, the original fluid, which would otherwise enter the filter media body radially without such a separating membrane, can be axially guided along the longitudinal extension of the fold to the region where the separating membrane is located, where radial flow also occurs through the filter media body in this section. In this way, the section of the filter media body covered by the separating membrane can also be used for filtration.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment, a separation element in the form of a housing-associated stabilizing wall and another separation element in the form of a filter element-associated separation membrane may be provided. These two separation elements are specifically located on the axially opposite sides of the filter media body of the filter element.

[0033] In any case, it is advantageous that the separating element, or the sum of all separating elements, extends only across a portion of the surface of the inflow side of the filter media body, such that another portion of the inflow side of the filter media body remains without such separating elements.

[0034] According to another advantageous embodiment, the separating element begins at the axial end face of the filter media body and extends both axially and entirely circumferentially in the filter media body. However, the axial extension of the stabilizing element is in any case less than the total axial length of the filter media body, such that a portion of the filter media body remains without the separating element. Advantageously, the axial extension of the separating element is at most half the total axial length of the filter media body, for example, at most only one-third of the total axial length of the filter media body.

[0035] When the separation membrane is used as the separation element, it is advantageous that the separation membrane is fixedly connected to the filter media body, for example by gluing or welding. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Other advantages and advantageous embodiments can be obtained from the appended claims, the description of the drawings, and the accompanying drawings. These illustrate:

[0037] Figure 1In the exploded diagram, a filter module for an internal combustion engine is shown as an air filter. The filter element has a filter housing with an elongated cross-sectional shape, wherein a displacement body is arranged in the filter housing adjacent to the inflow opening.

[0038] Figure 2 The cross section that passes longitudinally through the filter module in the first cross-sectional plane;

[0039] Figure 3 The cross-section of the filter module is longitudinally passed through another cross-sectional plane;

[0040] Figure 4 Another illustration of a section of the air filter;

[0041] Figure 5 In another embodiment of the filter module implemented as an air filter in the exploded view, guide vanes are in the flow path between the inflow opening in the filter housing and the filter element;

[0042] Figure 6 Figure 5 An example of a longitudinal section;

[0043] Figure 7 In the variant of the embodiment, according to Figure 2 The filter module is implemented as an air filter in the diagram.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0045] According to Figures 1 to 4 In a first embodiment, a filter module 1 is shown, which is implemented as an air filter in the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine for filtering combustion air supplied to the cylinders of the internal combustion engine. The filter module 1 includes a filter element 2 having an elongated cross-sectional shape and arranged in a filter housing 3 having a filter base housing 4 and an upstream inlet housing 5. The filter base housing 4 houses the filter element 2. A laterally arranged inflow opening 6 is provided in the inlet housing 5, which is connected to the filter base housing 4, through which combustion air is introduced into the filter housing 3 and guided toward the filter element 2. The inflow opening 6 is laterally or radially displaced relative to the central longitudinal axis 15 of the filter element 2, wherein the inflow axis of the inflow opening 6 is positioned at an angle of approximately 90° relative to the central longitudinal axis 15 of the filter element 2.

[0046] The filter element 2 includes a filter media body 7, which is implemented in an annular closed configuration and is provided with an elongated cross-sectional shape. The filter media body 7 is radially permeated from the outside to the inside by the fluid to be filtered (combustion air) relative to a central longitudinal axis 15, such that the outer portion of the filter media body 7 forms a pristine side or inflow side, and the inner portion forms a clean side. The filter media body 7 is lined at its inner or clean side by a support frame 8 made of plastic material. An inwardly positioned flow space within the filter media body 7 forms a clean space in which the purified fluid is collected and discharged axially.

[0047] End discs 9 and 10 are respectively arranged at two oppositely positioned end faces of filter element 2. The first end disc 9, adjacent to the inflow opening 6, is implemented in a closed configuration, while the second oppositely positioned end disc 10, facing away from the inflow opening 6, is implemented in an open configuration, allowing fluid to flow axially out of the inwardly positioned cleaning space via the open end disc 10. Adjacent to the open end disc 10 of filter element 2, the associated outlet section 11 of the housing abuts the filter base housing 4 and includes an outlet opening 12. Figure 1 The purified fluid is discharged from the filter module 1 through the outflow opening 12.

[0048] The filter element 2 or filter media body 7 has an elongated cross-sectional shape, wherein the longitudinal sides extend planarly and parallel to each other and are connected by curved narrow sides. The extension of the longitudinal sides is at least twice the distance bridged by the narrow sides (i.e., the distance between the two longitudinal sides). Across the axial length, relative to the central longitudinal axis 15, the filter element 2 and filter media body 7 have a non-constant cross-section, which is smaller in the region of the closed end disc 9 than in the relatively positioned region with the open end disc 10, and increases continuously and uniformly from smaller to larger.

[0049] Adjacent to the associated outlet section 11 of the housing, the filter base housing 4 is provided with a radially expanding annular space 14, at which a discharge valve 13 is arranged. Separated contaminant particles can be collected in the radially expanding annular space 14, and these particles can be discharged from the filter housing through the discharge valve 13.

[0050] A displacement body 16 is inserted into the inlet housing 5. The displacement body 16 significantly reduces the free volume within the inlet housing 5 available for receiving the introduced fluid, and simultaneously forms a defined flow path for the fluid in the direction toward the filter element 2, which has a filter media body 7. The displacement body 16 is secured in the inlet housing 5 and preferably includes a receiving member for the filter element 2, which removably receives the filter element 2, preferably as a closed end disc 9. For this purpose, a plurality of fastening elements 17 are arranged around the outer perimeter of the end disc 9, each fastening element 17 having a corresponding fastening element 18 associated with it at the displacement body 16. The fastening elements 17 and 18 are fastened together to center the displacement body 16 and the filter element 2 relative to each other.

[0051] The displacement body 16 is sized so that the flow path 19 ( Figure 3 A flow path 19 is formed between the outer side of the displacement body 16 and the inner side of the outer shell wall of the inlet housing 5 for introducing fluid via the inflow opening 6. The outer contour of the displacement body 16 substantially follows the inner contour of the inlet housing 5; both contours are implemented in a curved configuration, such that the flow path 19 is also correspondingly curved. The flow path 19 extends in a direction toward the flow passage 20, which is formed between the end face of the filter media body 7 with the end plate 9 and the shell wall of the filter housing 3. This flow passage 20 extends circumferentially throughout and provides passage for the introduced fluid to the original or inflow side of the filter media body 7 in the filter base housing 4. The displacement body 16 and the inlet housing 5 are axially arranged upstream of the filter element 2 in the flow direction.

[0052] Fluid introduced laterally via inlet opening 6 flows into flow path 19 between displacement body 16 and inlet housing 5, and is thus endowed with vortices due to the curvature of flow path 19, which lead to the separation of contaminant particles. Furthermore, flow path 19 has a reduced flow cross-section compared to inlet opening 6, thereby accelerating the introduced fluid. The increased velocity of the fluid and the contaminant particles entrained therein improves the degree of separation.

[0053] A centrally positioned support sleeve 22 is integrally formed on the outer side of the closed end plate 9, which allows the filter element 2 to be axially supported from the outside. For this purpose, the inlet housing 5 is provided with a recess 24, which is axially aligned with the support sleeve 22 and functions as a support for the sleeve 22.

[0054] The displacement body 16 includes an outer contour smaller than the inner contour of the receiving inlet housing 5. In this way, at multiple sides, preferably comprehensively at all sides, a flow path is provided between the outer wall of the displacement body 16 and the inner wall of the inlet housing 5, extending from the inlet opening 6 in the inlet housing 5 to a flow passage 20 in the region of the closed end plate 9 of the filter element 2. This flow path 19 has curvature in all directions, such that the inflowing fluid is correspondingly given vortices in all directions, and uses these vortices to enter the annular circumferentially extending flow passage 20 in which the guide rib 21 is arranged.

[0055] In the flow path 20, multiple guide ribs 21 are arranged and distributed around the perimeter; they form flow blades and further accelerate the flow in the direction toward the filter medium body 7. More precisely, the initial eddies generated by the displacement body 16 and the inner wall of the housing are absorbed and further amplified. In this way, the degree of separation can also be further improved. The guide ribs 21 can be arranged at the filter housing 3, especially at the filter base housing 4. It is also conceivable that the guide ribs 21 can be arranged at the filter element 2, especially at the closed end plate 9.

[0056] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 The image shows another embodiment of filter module 1, which forms an air filter for the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The basic configuration of the air filter 1 and the cross-sectional geometry of the filter element 2 correspond to those of the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The displacement body in the inlet housing 5 is missing. Therefore, the combustion air entering through the inlet opening 6 can expand throughout the entire interior of the inlet housing 5 and flow in the direction toward the flow passage 20, which is located between the outer periphery of the closed end disc 9 at the filter media body 7 and the inner side of the housing wall of the filter base housing 4.

[0057] Guide ribs 21 are arranged in the flow passage 20, the guide ribs 21 being partially implemented as curved guide vanes 21 and partially having straight sections. The guide vanes 21 form a vortex device for the flow of combustion air. A plurality of such guide vanes 21 are arranged in the flow passage 20, distributed around a perimeter. The guide vanes 21 are specifically secured to the filter element 2. In alternative embodiments, the guide vanes 21 may also be secured to a housing portion, for example, at the filter base housing 4, or at the inlet housing 5.

[0058] exist Figure 7 The image shows a variant of an embodiment of filter module 1 implemented as an air filter. The basic configuration corresponds to... Figures 1 to 4 Those.

[0059] according to Figure 7 The filter module 1 includes a filter element 2, which is implemented as a hollow cylinder or has an elongated cross-sectional shape, and is arranged in a filter housing 3, which includes a filter base housing 4 and an upstream inlet housing 5. The filter base housing 4 and the inlet housing 5, where the inflow opening 6 is located, are in a one-piece configuration. The filter base housing 4 houses the filter element 2 in its receiving space 26. Combustion air to be filtered is introduced into the filter housing 3 via the laterally arranged inflow opening 6 and is guided in a direction toward the filter element 2. The inflow opening 6 is laterally positioned or radially displaced relative to the central longitudinal axis 15 of the filter element 2, wherein the inflow axis of the inflow opening 6 is positioned at an angle of approximately 90° relative to the central longitudinal axis 15 of the filter element 2.

[0060] The filter element 2 includes a filter media body 7, which is implemented in an annular closed embodiment and is provided with an elongated cross-sectional shape. The filter media body 7 is radially permeated from the outside to the inside by the fluid to be filtered (combustion air) relative to its central longitudinal axis 15, such that the outer portion of the filter media body 7 forms a pristine or inflow side, and the inner portion forms a clean side. The filter media body 7 is lined at its inner or clean side by a support frame 8 made of plastic material. An inwardly positioned flow space within the filter media body 7 forms a clean space in which the purified fluid is collected and discharged axially.

[0061] End discs 9 and 10 are respectively arranged at two oppositely positioned end faces of the filter media body 7. The first end disc 9, adjacent to the inflow opening 6, is implemented in a closed configuration, while the second oppositely positioned end disc 10, facing away from the inflow opening 6, is implemented in an open configuration, allowing fluid to flow axially out of the inwardly positioned cleaning space via the open end disc 10. Adjacent to the open end disc 10 of the filter element 2, a housing-associated outlet section 11 abuts the filter base housing 4 and includes an outlet opening 12 through which purified fluid is discharged from the filter module 1. The outlet section 11 is implemented to be separate from, but connected to, the filter base housing 4.

[0062] The cross-sectional shape of the filter element 2 or the filter media body 7 can be implemented as elongated, wherein, in an exemplary manner, the longitudinal sides are planar and parallel to each other, and are connected by curved narrow sides. However, a circular cross-sectional shape for the filter element 2 and the filter media body 7 is also possible.

[0063] Across the axial length, relative to the central longitudinal axis 15, the filter element 2 and the filter media body 7 have a non-constant cross section, which is smaller in the region of the closed end disc 9 than in the region of the relatively positioned open end disc 10, and increases continuously and uniformly from smaller to larger.

[0064] Adjacent to the associated outlet section 11 of the housing, a radially expanding annular space 14 is provided in the filter base housing 4, the radially expanding annular space 14 forming a dirt collection area, and a discharge valve 13 is arranged at the radially expanding annular space 14. Separated dirt particles can be collected in the radially expanding dirt collection area 14 of the annular embodiment, and the separated dirt particles can be discharged from the filter housing 3 via the discharge valve 13.

[0065] The discharge valve 13 is preferably implemented as a passive valve, which can be adjusted by external influence from a normally closed position to an open position in which dirt particles can be discharged. For example, the discharge valve 13 may be connected to a vacuum source, such as the vacuum side of a cooling fan in a vehicle, so that the discharge valve 13 opens under a sufficiently high vacuum.

[0066] The waste collection area 14 communicates with the receiving space 26 at the origin or inflow side of the filter media body 7. The waste collection area 14 is located axially adjacent to the open end plate 10 at the outlet side of the filter element 2. The waste collection area 14 extends across a portion of the total axial length of the filter element 2, the total length of which is no more than 20% of the total length of the filter element 2. The waste collection area 14 expands radially relative to the directly adjacent housing wall of the filter base housing 4. At the axial center of the waste collection chamber 14, the filter base housing 4 and the outlet section 11 of the housing are adjacent to each other.

[0067] In the radial direction, the waste collection area 14 is separated from the filter media body 7 by a separating element 27, wherein the separating element 27 is implemented as a circumferentially extending conical stabilizing wall 27, which is part of the filter housing 3. The stabilizing wall 27 forms a radially inwardly positioned boundary wall of the waste collection chamber 14. The stabilizing wall 27 extends circumferentially throughout and is positioned with minimal distance relative to the inflow side or original side of the filter media body 7. In the axial direction, the stabilizing wall 27 extends beyond the axial extension of the waste collection area 14 at the level of the end plate 10 from the end portion of the filter housing 3, particularly the outlet section 11. The axial length of the stabilizing wall 27 is, for example, at least one-quarter of the total axial length of the filter element 2. The stabilizing wall 27 provides flow stabilization in this axial section of the receiving space 26 and reduces the inflow into the filter media body 7 in this section. The waste collection area 14 is in flow communication with the receiving space 26.

[0068] Compared to the housing wall directly adjacent to the filter base housing 4, dirt particles can be deposited in the dirt collection area 14 due to the flow stabilization action and the larger radial extension of the dirt collection area 14, and then discharged via the discharge valve 13.

[0069] The stabilizing wall 27 is located axially adjacent to the open end plate 10 and extends axially across a portion of the filter media body 7 starting at the open end plate 10.

[0070] The axially oppositely positioned sides are provided with additional separating elements 27a in the form of a separating membrane, which is applied directly to the filter media body 7. The separating membrane 27a extends axially from the closed end disc 9, such that the stabilizing wall 27 and the separating membrane 27a extend axially from the oppositely positioned end faces toward the center of the filter media body 7. The axial lengths of the stabilizing wall 27 and the separating membrane 27a are at least approximately the same. A portion of the filter media body 7 is provided at the center between the two separating elements 27 and 27a, this portion having no separating elements and thus directly receiving the radial inflow of the raw fluid to be purified.

[0071] Two separating elements 27 and 27a provide flow stabilization for the raw fluid flowing into the inflow space at the inflow side of the filter media body, making it possible for coarse contaminant particles to deposit in the annular space 14 and be discharged via the drain valve 13. Despite the presence of separating elements 27 and 27a, the raw fluid can flow into the filter media body 7 across its entire axial length and its entire inflow side. The stabilizing wall 27 is radially positioned at a distance from the inflow side of the filter media body 7, such that the annular space is formed between the stabilizing wall 27 and the inflow side into which the raw fluid of the filter media body can flow.

[0072] The filter media body 7 has a folded configuration, wherein the longitudinal extension of the fold extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 15 of the filter element. In the region where the filter media body 7 is directly applied to and, for example, welded or glued to the stabilizing membrane 27a, the raw fluid can begin to flow axially along the fold of the filter media body 7 in the portion of the filter media body without the separation element, into the portion covered by the separation membrane 27a. In this way, the filter media body 7 can achieve filtration of the raw fluid even in the region of the separation membrane 27a.

Claims

1. Filter module having a filter housing (3) and a filter element (2) arranged in the filter housing (3), the filter housing (3) comprising an inlet housing (5) and a filter base housing (4), the inlet housing (5) being attachable to the filter base housing (4), the filter element (2) comprising a ring-shaped filter medium body (7) and a closed end disc (9) at an axial end face of the filter medium body (7), the filter medium body (7) having an oblong cross-sectional shape and extending along a central longitudinal axis (15), characterized in that, A vortex device is arranged in a flow path (19) between an inflow opening (6) in the filter housing (3) and an inflow side of the filter medium body (7), the vortex device being implemented as detached from an outer wall of the filter housing (3) in order to impart a vortex onto the incoming fluid, wherein the vortex device is arranged axially upstream of the inflow side of the filter medium body (7), wherein the vortex device comprises a ring-like displacement body (16) which is arranged within the inlet housing (5) adjacent to the inflow opening (6), wherein the displacement body (16) comprises a first axial end supported on a closed end disc (9) and a second axial end opposite the first axial end, the second axial end abutting against the inlet housing, an outer contour of the displacement body (16) following an inner contour of the inlet housing (5) and curving in a direction towards a flow passage (20) between an end face of the filter medium body (7) and a housing wall of the filter base housing (4).

2. The filter module of claim 1, wherein, The displacement body (16) together with the housing wall delimits a flow path (19) in a direction towards the flow passage (20).

3. The filter module of claim 1, wherein, A fastening element (18) is arranged at the displacement body (16), the fastening element (18) engaging with an additional fastening element (17) for fixation or centering of the filter element (2).

4. The filter module of claim 1, wherein, The vortex device comprises one or more guide ribs (21) arranged in a flow passage (20) between an end face of the filter element (2) and a housing wall of the filter housing (3).

5. The filter module of claim 4, wherein, The guide ribs (21) are arranged at the filter element (2).

6. The filter module of claim 4, wherein, The guide ribs (21) are arranged at the filter housing (3).

7. The filter module of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The inflow opening (6) in the filter housing (3) is positioned at a lateral distance with respect to a central longitudinal axis (15) of the filter element (2).

8. The filter module of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, A flow-tight separation element (27) is arranged at or adjacent to the filter medium body (7) of the filter element (2), the flow-tight separation element (27) extending across a partial surface of the filter medium body (7) at the inflow side.

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