Filter element, in particular for gas filtration

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter device (1) having a filter housing (3) having a filter element (2) comprising a ring-shaped filter medium body (7). A dust collection area (14) is formed in the filter housing and adjoins a fluid-tight separation element (27) on or adjacent to the filter medium body, wherein the dust collection area has a greater radial extension than an inflow area directly adjoining the dust collection area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter device for gas filtration, particularly according to the preamble of claim 1, the filter device comprising a filter housing and a filter element having an annular filter media body, wherein the filter element is received in a receiving space within the filter housing. Background Technology

[0002] US 4,388,091 describes a filter device implemented as an air filter, comprising a hollow cylindrical filter element within a filter housing. The filter element comprises two concentrically arranged perforated cylinders, with a filter media body positioned between the two concentrically arranged perforated cylinders, through which air to be filtered flows radially from the outside to the inside. In a receiving space within the filter housing, where the filter element is received, a contaminant discharge opening is axially arranged upstream of the filter element, through which separated contaminant particles are discharged from the receiving space in the filter housing. The contaminant discharge opening opens via a funnel portion into a contaminant collection chamber closed by a valve. Once the weight of the collected particles is sufficiently high, the valve opens, allowing the contaminant particles to escape into the environment.

[0003] DE 10 2014 011 444 A1 shows a filter device with a hollow cylindrical filter element, the hollow cylindrical filter element comprising a housing-associated stabilizing wall adjacent to an end disc, the stabilizing wall surrounding the filter element in an annular shape and extending across the axial portion length of the filter element. A waste outlet is provided in the filter housing at the bottom. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to configure a filter device using simple construction measures so as to effectively separate dirt particles from the flow of the fluid to be filtered.

[0005] This objective is achieved according to the invention having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims provide other advantageous embodiments.

[0006] The filter device according to the invention comprises a filter housing and a filter element having an annular filter media body received within the filter housing, wherein filtration of the fluid to be purified occurs at the annular filter media body. The filter device is particularly suitable for gas filtration, for example, for filtering combustion air to be supplied to an internal combustion engine. However, in principle, it is also conceivable for use with liquid fluids.

[0007] The annular filter media body of the filter element allows the fluid to be purified to flow through it radially, specifically from the outside to the inside, such that the outer portion of the filter media body is the inflow side or original side, and the inwardly positioned side is the clean side. In principle, reverse flow radially through the filter media body from the inside to the outside is also conceivable. The filter media body particularly has an annular closed configuration and includes an inwardly positioned flow space for the fluid. In the case of radial flow through the filter media body from the outside to the inside, the purified fluid is axially discharged from the inwardly positioned flow space.

[0008] A dirt collection space is provided within the filter housing, which is in flow communication with a receiving space for receiving filter elements. A dirt collection area is specifically integrated into the filter housing. The dirt collection area receives dirt particles that have separated from the fluid before flowing through the filter media body. These dirt particles can advantageously be discharged from the filter housing via the dirt collection area.

[0009] The contaminant collection area includes a radially larger extension than the inflow area within the receiving space relative to the longitudinal axis of the annular filter media body and filter element, the inflow area extending to the inflow side of the filter media body. This larger radial extension of the contaminant collection area provides flow stabilization, thereby facilitating the separation of contaminant particles from the fluid.

[0010] The waste collection area has a ring-shaped, circumferentially extending configuration. This enables annular flow and deposition of waste particles within the waste collection area. Particles, axially guided in the direction of the waste collection area, reach the radially expanding section of the waste collection area independently of their circumferential position, and there undergo flow stabilization and deposition at the wall of the waste collection area.

[0011] The waste collection area is adjacent to a flow-tight separation element, which is located directly at or at least adjacent to the filter media body. The flow-tight separation element extends across a portion of the surface of the filter media body and prevents or at least reduces the inflow of the filter media body into this section, thereby achieving stable flow of the original fluid at the inflow side of the filter media body.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, the filter media body has a folded configuration, wherein the length extension of the filter fold extends in the axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter element.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, a discharge valve is arranged in or at a waste collection area, the discharge valve being adjustable between a closed and an open position, preferably a duckbill valve, which closes when a vacuum relative to the environment is applied. To discharge particles collected in the waste collection area, the discharge valve is adjusted from the closed to the open position, for example, by manual actuation, by vibration, or by converting the system to a pressureless state (stationary). Active adjustment of the discharge valve can be achieved manually or by means of an actuator. Passive embodiments of the discharge valve are also possible, as described, particularly where the discharge valve is switched from the closed to the open position by external action, for example, by the weight of the collected waste particles or by a vacuum in a component connected to the discharge valve (e.g., a line connected to the vacuum side of the device, e.g., a cooling fan).

[0021] The dirt collection area is integrated into the filter housing and forms a section of the filter housing. Advantageously, the dirt collection area in the filter housing is axially adjacent to the outflow side of the filter element, and / or preferably axially spaced from the inlet opening at the opposite ends of the filter housing with respect to the inlet opening. This makes it possible to separate dirt particles from the fluid across the entire inner side of the housing wall of the filter housing before the dirt particles reach the dirt collection area. The dirt particles are transported radially outward by centrifugal force; this effect is enhanced by increasing the number of flow cycles around the filter element. Therefore, preferably, the spacing of the guide vanes is adjusted such that the flow circulates around the filter element several times after entering through the inlet opening, so that as many particles as possible are transported to the inner side of the housing wall before being carried across the axial length in the direction of the circumferential dirt collection space.

[0022] The waste collection area is preferably implemented as a single piece together with the filter housing. For example, the wall of the waste collection area, as part of the housing wall, extends radially outward further than the directly axially adjacent area of ​​the housing wall of the filter housing. In this embodiment, the waste collection area is a circumferentially extending radially outwardly projecting expansion of the housing wall of the filter housing.

[0023] Alternatively, such radial expansions of the filter housing may be omitted, and instead, the dirt collection area extends axially into the region adjacent to the end face of the filter element. Optionally, the dirt collection area is located entirely axially outside the filter media body and positioned adjacent to the end face of the filter media body. In this case, an end disc disposed at the filter media body forms a separation element that separates the dirt collection area from the filter media body. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the dirt collection area to radially abut an outlet recess adjacent to the end face of the filter media body, through which purified fluid is axially discharged from an inwardly positioned flow space within the filter media body.

[0024] Optionally, the dirt collection area axially arranged at the end faces of the filter element and the filter media body can be combined with a radially expanding housing wall. Furthermore, it is possible that the dirt collection area extends axially, partially along the filter media body and partially outside the filter media body, and is arranged adjacent to the end face of the filter element.

[0025] The waste collection area is advantageously adjacent to its arranged end discs, particularly those with an open configuration, which flow only tightly over the filter media body. In the case of radial flow through the filter media body from the outside to the inside, the cleaning fluid in the inwardly positioned flow space can be axially discharged from the filter media body via a central cutout in the end disc.

[0026] According to another advantageous embodiment, the filter media body includes an elongated cross-sectional shape, such as an oval or oval-shaped cross-sectional shape. Non-oval elongated cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable, such as flat longitudinal sides with recessed curved longitudinal sides or 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. The elongated cross-sectional shape of the filter media body or filter element has the advantage of allowing for the use of an installation space with a relatively low height. Furthermore, a large inflow surface is provided at the longitudinal side of the filter media body.

[0027] As an alternative example of an elongated cross-sectional shape, a circular cross-sectional shape for the filter media body can also be envisioned.

[0028] The filter element or filter media body may have a non-constant cross-section across its 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Advantageously, the two housing portions of the filter housing are adjacent to each other in the dirt collection area. However, a one-piece configuration of the filter housing in the dirt collection area is also possible. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Other advantages and advantageous embodiments can be obtained from the appended claims, the description of the drawings, and the accompanying drawings. These illustrate:

[0032] Figure 1 Through a longitudinal section of a filter device implemented as an air filter for an internal combustion engine, the filter device has a filter element in the filter housing, the filter element having an annular filter media body, and the filter device having an annular circumferentially extending radially expanding dirt collection chamber.

[0033] Figure 2 Similar to another longitudinal section rotated 90° Figure 1 The filter device differs from others in that it uses devices for generating eddies. Figure 1 Filter device;

[0034] Figure 3 A partial cross-section of the filter device in a variant embodiment;

[0035] Figure 4 In the embodiment variant, it is implemented as an air filter device.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0037] According to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiments, two variations of the filter device 1 are shown, which are implemented as air filters in the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine for filtering combustion air supplied to the cylinders of the internal combustion engine. According to... Figure 1 In the variant, the flow is converted into a circulating flow around the filter element 2 due to the shape of the inlet housing 5 and the channel route; according to Figure 2The variation is due to the guide vane assembly. The filter device 1 includes a filter element 2 having a hollow cylindrical configuration, or being implemented with 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 inlet opening 6 is provided, have a one-piece configuration. The filter base housing 4 receives 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 inlet opening 6 and guided in a direction toward the filter element 2. The inlet opening 6 is laterally or radially displaced relative to the central longitudinal axis 15 of the filter element 2, wherein the inlet axis of the inlet opening 6 is positioned at an angle of approximately 90° relative to the central longitudinal axis 15 of the filter element 2.

[0038] 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 its 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.

[0039] 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, 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 device 1. The outlet section 11 is implemented to be separate from, but connected to, the filter base housing 4.

[0040] The cross-sectional shape of the filter element 2 or the filter media body 7 may be elongated, wherein, in an exemplary manner, the longitudinal sides are flat and extend 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.

[0041] Across the axial length, relative to the central longitudinal axis 15, the filter element 2 and the filter media body 7 include 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.

[0042] 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 with an annular configuration, and the separated dirt particles can be discharged from the filter housing 3 via the discharge valve 13.

[0043] 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 pressure.

[0044] The waste collection area 14 communicates with the receiving space 26 at the original or inflow side of the filter media body 7. The waste collection area 14 is located axially adjacent to the end disc 10 with an open configuration at the outflow side of the filter element 2. The waste collection area 14 extends across an axial portion of the total 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 area 14, the filter base housing 4 and the outlet section 11 of the housing are adjacent to each other.

[0045] In the radial direction, the waste collection area 14 is separated from the filter media body 7 by a circumferentially extending, conically configured stabilizing wall 27. The stabilizing wall 27 forms a radially inwardly positioned boundary wall of the waste collection chamber 14. The stabilizing wall 27 extends circumferentially and is positioned at minimal distance to the inflow or origin 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 horizontal plane of the end plate 10 from the end face section 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 ensures stable flow operation in this axial section of the receiving space 26 and reduces the inflow of the filter media body 7 in this section. The waste collection area 14 is in flow communication with the receiving space 26.

[0046] 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 the dirt particles are then discharged through the discharge valve 13.

[0047] exist Figure 3 The image shows a variant of the filter device 1, in which the filter element 2 comprises essentially the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and includes an annular closed filter media body 7 enclosed at its outlet side by an open end disc 10, wherein purified fluid can be axially discharged through an outlet section 11 via an opening in the end disc 10. A contaminant collection region 14 is axially adjacent to the end disc 10 and is thus positioned axially outside the filter media body 7. The contaminant collection region 14 is axially defined by the end disc 10, which forms a flow-tight separation element between the filter media body 7 and the contaminant collection region 14.

[0048] An axially extending groove 10a is integrally formed at the end plate 10, forming a sealing groove and sealingly contacting the outer side of the outflow channel in the outlet section 11. The outflow channel 11a is formed as a single piece together with the outlet section 11 of the housing. The waste collection area 14 is partially defined radially inward by the axially sealing groove 10a of the end plate 10 and partially by the outflow channel 11a of the outlet section 11.

[0049] Within the housing wall of the filter base housing 4, a discharge opening 28 is provided in the dirt collection area 14 and is adjacent to a discharge valve 13. The discharge opening 28 and the discharge valve 13 are arranged entirely axially within the dirt collection area 14 and are therefore axially outside the filter media body 7.

[0050] The radial extension of the annular dirt collection area 14 is greater than the receiving space 26 in the region of the filter media body 7 and therefore the radial extension of the inflow area of ​​the filter media body 7. The outflow channel 11a and the sealing groove 10a have smaller radii than the outer portion of the filter media body 7, so that the dirt collection area 14 is correspondingly provided with a larger radial extension. The radially outer portion of the dirt collection area 14 is formed by the outer wall of the filter base housing 4 without any additional radial protrusion. The axial boundary of the dirt collection area 14 on the side opposite to the filter media body 7 is formed by the wall section of the associated outlet section 11 of the housing.

[0051] exist Figure 4 The image shows a variant of an embodiment of a filter device 1 implemented as an air filter. According to... Figure 4The filter device 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 receives the filter element 2 in its receiving space 26. Combustion air to be filtered is introduced into the filter housing 3 through 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 housing 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.

[0052] The filter element 2 includes a filter media body 7 having an annular closed configuration and being provided with an elongated cross-sectional shape. The filter media body 7 is radially permeable from the outside to the inside relative to its central longitudinal axis 15 by the fluid to be filtered (combustion air), 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.

[0053] 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, 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 device 1. The outlet section 11 is implemented to be separate from, but connected to, the filter base housing 4.

[0054] 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 flat and extend 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 with an annular configuration, and the separated dirt particles can be discharged from the filter housing 3 via the discharge valve 13.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The waste collection area 14 communicates with the receiving space 26 at the original or inflow side of the filter media body 7. The waste collection area 14 is located axially adjacent to the end disc 10 with an open configuration at the outflow side of the filter element 2. The waste collection area 14 extends across an axial portion of the total 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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. A filter device for gas filtration, comprising a filter housing (3) and a filter element (2), the filter element (2) comprising an annular filter media body (7) and received in a receiving space within the filter housing (3), and the filter device having a contaminant collection area (14) within the filter housing (3) in flow communication with an inflow side of the filter media body (7), characterized in that, The waste collection area (14) is adjacent to the flow tight separation element (27), which is located at or adjacent to the filter medium body (7) of the filter element (2), and is characterized in that, in the waste collection area (14), the outer wall of the filter housing (3) expands radially relative to the directly adjacent housing wall of the filter housing (3), wherein the waste collection area (14) has an annular circumferentially extending configuration.

2. The filter device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge valve (13) is located in the waste collection area (14).

3. The filter device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waste collection area (14) is arranged axially adjacent to the outflow side of the filter element (2).

4. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The separating element (27) is a stabilizing wall arranged in the inflow region at the inflow side of the filter media body (7) and extending across a portion of the length of the filter media body (7).

5. The filter device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The stabilizing wall (27) is part of the filter housing (3).

6. The filter device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The stabilizing wall (27) is implemented as a hollow cylinder or cone.

7. The filter device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The stabilizing wall (27) extends axially beyond the waste collection area (14).

8. The filter device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waste collection area (14) extends into the area located adjacent to the end face of the filter element (2).

9. The filter device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The waste collection area (14) is adjacent to the outlet groove (11a), which is adjacent to the end face of the filter media body (7).

10. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The separation element is formed by an end plate (10), which is arranged at the end face of the filter media body (7).

11. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The separation elements (27, 27a) are respectively arranged on the sides of the filter media body (7) in an axially relative position.

Images