Intermediate cover and filter cartridge for filter housing of a filter for cleaning liquid fluid, filter and use

Abstract

The invention relates to an intermediate cover (28) of a filter housing (12) of a filter (10) for cleaning a liquid fluid. The intermediate cover (28) for separating a filter accommodation space (20) for at least one filter element (22) and a centrifuge accommodation space (24) for at least one centrifuge (26) is inserted into an inner space of the filter housing (12) by means of a rotational movement and / or a plug-in movement about an imaginary axis (18). The intermediate cover (28) has at least one initial fluid channel (92) which is arranged as a fluid-technical connection between at least one fluid inlet (30) of the filter housing (12) for an initial fluid to be cleaned and at least one centrifuge inlet (70) of the at least one centrifuge (26). The intermediate cover (28) forms at least one pure fluid channel (96) which is arranged as a fluid-technical connection between a pure fluid side of the at least one filter element (22) and at least one fluid outlet (32) of the filter housing (12) for a cleaned pure fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an intermediate cover for a filter housing of a filter used for cleaning liquid fluids.

[0002] - An intermediate cover for separating the filter housing space for at least one filter element and the centrifuge housing space for at least one centrifuge is inserted into or can be inserted into the internal space of the filter housing about an imaginary axis by means of rotational movement and / or insertion movement.

[0003] -And wherein the intermediate cover preferably has at least one initial fluid channel, which is arranged or can be arranged as a fluid technology connection between at least one fluid inlet of the filter housing for the initial fluid to be cleaned and at least one centrifuge inlet of at least one centrifuge.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a filter element for replaceably fitting into a filter housing of a filter for cleaning liquid fluids.

[0005] -The filter element has at least one connecting device on its axial end side about an imaginary axis for connecting to an intermediate cover, the intermediate cover being arranged or capable of being arranged inside the filter housing for separating a filter housing space for the filter element and a centrifuge housing space for at least one centrifuge.

[0006] -And the filter element can be inserted into the filter housing about an imaginary axis by means of rotational movement and / or insertion movement, and can be removed from the filter housing.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a filter comprising a filter housing, a replaceable filter element and an intermediate cover, and the use of the filter element and / or intermediate cover in the filter housing. Background Technology

[0008] US 4,640,772 A discloses an oil filter comprising a filter and a centrifuge, wherein the filter is screwed onto a mounting flange in the form of a screw-on, replaceable filter, and the centrifuge rotor is similarly mounted on the flange and surrounded by a cover. DE 103 44 664 A1 discloses an apparatus for separating contaminants from lubricating oil, particularly from internal combustion engines in motor vehicles. The apparatus includes a filter element, a centrifuge, an inlet system, an outlet system, and an intermediate wall. The filter element and centrifuge are arranged aligned with each other within a housing that can be closed by at least one cover. The filter element and centrifuge are removable from the housing when it is opened. An intermediate wall is arranged between the filter element and the centrifuge, removable from the housing when it is opened, and has means for holding, supporting, or centering the filter element and / or the centrifuge, and includes a connection channel on the outlet side connected to the centrifuge inlet. To improve the effective power of the apparatus, the connection channel is connected to the inlet system upstream of the filter element on the inlet side. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The objective of this invention is to design an intermediate cover and filter element of the type mentioned at the beginning, wherein the overall cost for pure fluid piping can be reduced in terms of the filter housing.

[0010] According to the invention, the task is solved in terms of the intermediate cover in such a way that the intermediate cover at least together forms at least one pure fluid channel, which is arranged or can be arranged as a fluid technology connection between the pure fluid side of at least one filter element and at least one fluid outlet of the filter housing for the cleaned pure fluid.

[0011] According to the present invention, a portion of a pure fluid channel is formed by means of an intermediate cover, which connects the pure fluid side of at least one filter element to the fluid outlet of the filter housing. In contrast, in devices known in the prior art, a separate outlet system is required in the filter housing, connecting the fluid outlet of the centrifuge (located above) and the fluid outlet of the filter element (located below) to the fluid outlet of the filter housing. The outlet systems known in the prior art are correspondingly costly in terms of manufacturing and required installation space. With the present invention, it is possible to arrange the fluid outlet of at least one centrifuge and the fluid outlet of at least one filter element within the area of ​​the intermediate cover. In this way, the costly outlet system in the filter housing can be eliminated.

[0012] The intermediate cover together forms at least one pure fluid channel. Advantageously, a corresponding section of the pure fluid channel can be implemented in the intermediate cover. This section of at least one pure fluid channel can connect a preferred intermediate fluid outlet of at least one filter element to a fluid outlet of the filter housing.

[0013] Alternatively, an intermediate cover can be used to complete only a portion of the vessel wall for at least one section of the pure fluid channel. The additional portion of the vessel wall for at least one pure fluid channel can be formed on the filter element, particularly using an end body, especially an end disc, of at least one filter element. In this way, the corresponding section of the pure fluid channel can be completed when the intermediate cover and filter element are connected.

[0014] Advantageously, at least one filter element, intermediate cover, and at least one centrifuge can be arranged axially about an axis. The components can be stacked in this manner. Furthermore, the components can be interconnected by means of rotational and / or insertion movements, particularly around an axis, and / or arranged within the filter housing.

[0015] Advantageously, the intermediate cover and at least one filter element can be interconnected by means of a rotatable connection and / or a plug-in connection, especially a releasable connection. Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate cover and at least one centrifuge can be interconnected by means of a rotatable connection and / or a plug-in connection, especially a releasable connection.

[0016] Rotary and / or interlocking connections are connections that can be achieved and released by rotational and / or interlocking movements. This may include threaded connections, bayonet-locked connections, snap-lock connections, clamping connections, lap joints, and / or interlocking connections. Threaded connections are achieved through a combination of rotational and interlocking movements, wherein the interlocking movement is caused by the rotation of the involved components relative to each other.

[0017] Advantageously, at least one filter element and intermediate cover can be arranged axially within the internal space of the housing of the filter housing.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one centrifuge can be arranged within a cup-shaped housing cover of the filter housing. The housing cover can be connected to the housing tank by means of a rotatable and / or pluggable connection.

[0019] Advantageously, at least one filter element can be a so-called hollow filter element.

[0020] A hollow filter element is characterized by having at least one internal space surrounded by a filter medium. The filter medium can be passed through by a fluid to be cleaned from the outside inwards into the internal space, or vice versa. The internal space has outward fluid passages through which cleaned fluid can exit according to the flow direction, or through which fluid to be cleaned can enter the internal space. The filter medium can surround the internal space peripherally about the element axis. At at least one end side axially about the element axis, the filter medium can be connected to an end body, particularly an end disc. At least one end body can have at least one passage opening for the internal space.

[0021] Hollow filter elements can advantageously be so-called circular filter elements with a circular cross-section, elliptical circular filter elements with an elliptical cross-section, flat elliptical circular filter elements with a flattened elliptical cross-section, conical circular filter elements (where the circular cross-section is reduced relative to the main axis in the axial direction), conical elliptical circular filter elements (where the elliptical cross-section is reduced in the axial direction, at least in the direction of the transverse axis), conical flattened elliptical circular filter elements (where the flattened elliptical cross-section is reduced in the axial direction, at least in the direction of the transverse axis), or hollow filter elements having other types of cross-sections, especially angular cross-sections, and / or other types of axial cross-sectional distributions in the direction of the element axis.

[0022] The filter media can advantageously be closed or open around the periphery with respect to the element axis. The filter media can be, in particular, star-shaped, preferably serrated or corrugated, pleated or curved. The filter media can also be non-pleated or non-curved.

[0023] Filters can advantageously be part of an internal combustion engine. Filters can be used to clean engine oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, coolant, urea solution, water, or other liquid fluids. Filters can also be installed in industrial engines, particularly outside of automotive technology.

[0024] This invention can be installed in motor vehicles, especially cars, trucks, buses, agricultural and / or engineering vehicles, engineering / agricultural machinery, compressors, industrial engines, or other facilities, especially those with combustion engines. This invention can also be used in land vehicles, ships, and / or aircraft.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the intermediate cover may have at least one inlet opening for at least one pure fluid channel on its axial end facing at least one filter element, which corresponds in the installed intermediate cover to at least one outlet opening for pure fluid on at least one filter element. This allows for a space-saving direct connection between the pure fluid side of at least one filter element and at least one pure fluid channel in the intermediate cover.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment, the intermediate cover may have at least one discharge opening having at least one pure fluid passage on at least one peripheral side about the axis, which corresponds in the installed intermediate cover to at least one fluid outlet for pure fluid in the filter housing. In this way, pure fluid can flow laterally from at least one intermediate cover. This reduces the space requirement in the axial direction about the axis. Furthermore, corresponding connecting channels and bypass pipes for pure fluid in the filter housing can thus be eliminated.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one discharge opening of at least one pure fluid channel may extend over the entire outer periphery of the intermediate cover. In this way, at least one discharge opening may be connected to at least one fluid outlet of the filter housing in each rotational orientation with respect to the filter housing. This simplifies the installation of the intermediate cover.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one pure fluid channel can be implemented as an intermediate space axially between a separation section on the filter side of the intermediate cover and a separation section on the centrifuge side. In this way, at least one pure fluid channel can be integrated into the interior of the intermediate cover in a space-saving manner. At least one pure fluid channel can be separated relative to the centrifuge housing space on one side using the separation section on the filter side, and on the other side using the separation section on the filter side relative to the filter housing space.

[0029] Advantageously, the separation sections on the filter side and / or the centrifuge side can be implemented as disc sections. In this way, the corresponding separation sections can be implemented in a space-saving manner along the axial direction about the axis. Therefore, the overall axial height of the filter and filter housing can be reduced.

[0030] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one initial fluid passage in the intermediate cover can connect the filter-side end of the intermediate cover and the centrifuge-side end of the intermediate cover. This allows for a correspondingly short connection between the ends of the intermediate cover, thus reducing component costs. In cases where a housing variant without a centrifuge exists, both intermediate covers with and without such initial fluid passages can be used in the arrangement described herein.

[0031] Here, at least one initial fluid channel may extend about parallel to the axis of the intermediate cover about its axis.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one initial fluid channel can be guided through an intermediate space axially about the axis between a separation section on the filter side of the intermediate cover and a separation section on the centrifuge side, the intermediate space together forming at least one pure fluid channel, wherein the at least one initial fluid channel in the intermediate space is surrounded by at least one channel wall. In this way, at least one initial fluid channel and at least one pure fluid channel can be implemented in the same spatial area in a space-saving manner. Using at least one channel wall, the at least one initial fluid channel is easily separated from the at least one pure fluid channel. Furthermore, at least one channel wall can serve as a spacing maintainer, and / or a mechanical connection between the separation section on the filter side and the separation section on the centrifuge side.

[0033] In another advantageous embodiment, multiple initial fluid channels can be arranged peripherally about the axis. In this way, the cross-sectional area through which the initial fluid flows can be increased. Furthermore, a uniform fluid flow can thus be achieved.

[0034] In another advantageous embodiment, the intermediate cover may have at least one circumferentially continuous seal on its peripheral side radially external about the axis. In this way, the intermediate cover may seal radially externally relative to at least one corresponding housing portion of the filter housing and / or at least one portion of the centrifuge.

[0035] Advantageously, at least one seal can be used to seal the intermediate cover relative to the radially inner peripheral wall of the shell tank.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, at least one seal may be used to seal the intermediate cover relative to at least one retaining portion of the centrifuge.

[0037] Advantageously, at least one seal can be designed such that it can seal relative to the radially inner peripheral wall of the shell tank and the retaining portion of at least one centrifugal separator.

[0038] Advantageously, at least one seal can be designed such that it acts in a sealing manner in both the axial direction and the radial direction about the axis.

[0039] Advantageously, at least one seal can be designed as a so-called crescent seal. A crescent seal has an approximately crescent-shaped profile. Multiple sealing sites can be sealed simultaneously, both radially and axially, using a crescent seal.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, at least one seal may be designed such that it seals only in the radial direction or only in the axial direction.

[0041] In another advantageous embodiment, the intermediate cover may have two peripherally continuous seals on its radially outer peripheral side about its axis, spaced axially from each other, wherein at least one discharge opening of at least one pure fluid passage leads axially between the seals from the peripheral side of the intermediate cover. In this way, at least one discharge opening can be sealed not only with respect to the centrifuge housing space but also with respect to the filter housing space. Furthermore, it can be sealed with respect to the environment.

[0042] In another advantageous embodiment, the intermediate cover may have at least one centrifuge centering device on its centrifuge-side end for holding at least a portion of at least one centrifuge, and / or at least one filter centering device on its filter-side end for holding at least one filter element. Using the centrifuge centering devices, at least one centrifuge and the intermediate cover can be centered relative to each other and / or kept spaced apart. Additionally, the centrifuge centering device may also have a retaining function, thereby allowing the involved components to be secured to each other. Correspondingly, at least one filter centering device may be used for centering and / or for maintaining the spacing of at least one filter element relative to the intermediate cover. Additionally, the filter centering device may also have a retaining function for securing at least one filter element to the intermediate cover.

[0043] Advantageously, at least one centrifuge centering device and / or at least one filter centering device can be designed for quick connection, particularly snap-lock connection, overlap connection, clamp connection, plug connection, etc. This allows for simple and quick connection and, if necessary, release of the centering device.

[0044] In another advantageous embodiment, the intermediate cover may be cup-shaped on its centrifuge-side end and / or its filter-side end. In this way, the intermediate cover may additionally accommodate corresponding components, particularly the holding portion of at least one centrifuge or the end body of at least one filter element, on the respective end side. The peripheral walls of the cup-shaped end side of the intermediate cover may surround the corresponding components of at least one centrifuge and / or at least one filter element. Therefore, the overall mechanical stability of the intermediate cover can be increased.

[0045] Furthermore, this task is solved in terms of the filter element according to the invention in such a way that the filter element has at least one discharge opening for cleaned pure fluid on the end side of the connecting device about the axial direction, which can correspond to at least one inlet opening of at least one pure fluid channel of the intermediate cover, wherein the at least one discharge opening at least together forms a connecting device.

[0046] According to the invention, the discharge opening for pure fluid in the filter element is arranged on the side facing the centrifuge. Therefore, a corresponding pure fluid channel in the filter housing located axially opposite at least one centrifuge end can be omitted. The fluid outlet of the filter housing can thus be realized approximately at the height of the intermediate cover between the filter housing and the centrifuge housing. Consequently, the pure fluid channel in the filter housing can be designed to be generally shorter.

[0047] Advantageously, the filter element may have a housing for a bypass valve on the end side facing away from the discharge opening about its axis. Through the bypass valve, the initial fluid can bypass the filter medium of the filter element and be directed directly to the clean fluid side. For this purpose, the bypass valve can be opened starting from a preset pressure differential. This pressure differential is particularly useful if the filter medium is blocked or otherwise prevented from flowing through. In this way, fluid can always flow through the filter. Therefore, safe operation of the machine, with the filter located in the machine's fluid circulation loop, can be ensured.

[0048] Advantageously, the bypass valve can be fixed to the side of the filter housing. When the filter element is installed, the bypass valve can be automatically guided into the corresponding receiving part.

[0049] Advantageously, the filter element connection device can have at least a portion of a centering device. The centering device can be used to center the filter element relative to the intermediate cover.

[0050] Advantageously, the radial dimension of the filter element on its side facing the intermediate cover, especially the radial dimension of the end body, can be significantly smaller than the radial interior dimension of the cup-shaped portion of the intermediate cover, which can at least partially accommodate the filter element. In this way, a fluid passage can be established between the radially outer peripheral side of the filter element and the radially inner peripheral side of the cup-shaped portion of the intermediate cover.

[0051] Advantageously, at least one gap maintainer can be implemented between the intermediate cover and the end face of the filter element facing the intermediate cover. In this way, the end face of the filter element, especially the end plate, can be kept spaced apart from the end face of the intermediate cover. Therefore, fluid flow can be achieved between the end faces of the filter element and the intermediate cover.

[0052] Advantageously, at least one spacing retainer can be implemented on the end side of the intermediate cover. In this way, common end discs can be used in terms of the filter element.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, at least one spacing retainer may be implemented on the end body of the filter element.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment, the filter element may have at least a portion of a sealing device that seals at least one discharge opening relative to the intermediate cover. The sealing device may advantageously be a seal or sealing surface that is circumferentially continuous with respect to the axis. The sealing device allows for the separation of the initial fluid side and the pure fluid side of the filter element.

[0055] In another advantageous embodiment, the filter element may have at least a portion of an actuating device for a fluid outlet to the filter housing on its axial end facing away from the connecting device. Through the fluid outlet, fluid contained in the filter housing can be discharged when the filter element is removed. This prevents undesirable fluid entry into the environment during filter element replacement. When replacing the filter element, the fluid outlet can be automatically released using the actuating device, allowing fluid to flow out. Conversely, when installing the filter element, the fluid outlet can be automatically closed using the actuating device.

[0056] Advantageously, the filter element may include an intermediate cover, particularly connected to it in a releasable or non-releasable manner, and these components may be interconnected, for example, by a snap-fit ​​friction engagement, a snap-lock connection, and / or an adhesive connection. This simplifies the replacement of the filter element. This simplification can also be achieved by a finished product unit according to the invention, which includes a filter element according to the invention for service installation in a filter housing and an intermediate cover according to the invention.

[0057] Advantageously, the axial length of the filter element can be designed such that, with the filter element correctly installed, the fluid outlet can be closed by means of an operating device.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a filtration device comprising a filter housing and a replaceable filter element according to the invention and an intermediate cover according to the invention, and the use of the filter element and / or intermediate cover in the filter housing.

[0059] Advantageously, the filter comprises a filter housing having a housing canister, which is closed by a removable housing cover. The housing canister and housing cover are preferably cup-shaped. The housing cover is preferably screwed together about an imaginary axis by means of a threaded connection. Preferably, the housing cover has external threads for this purpose, and the housing canister has corresponding internal threads.

[0060] Preferably, the filter housing contains a filter housing for a filter element and a centrifuge housing for a centrifuge. The filter housing and centrifuge housing are, by way of example, coaxially cylindrical. The filter housing and centrifuge housing are preferably separated from each other by an intermediate cover according to the invention. The filter housing is preferably located below the housing in the normal insertion position of the filter. The centrifuge housing is further preferably spatially located above the filter housing, and more preferably partially located within the housing cover and partially within the housing. The intermediate cover is, by way of example, screwed into the internal threads of the housing below the free edge of the housing cover. The intermediate cover is thus axially positioned between the filter housing and the centrifuge housing.

[0061] The filter housing has a fluid inlet for the fluid to be cleaned. The fluid inlet is preferably introduced into the filter housing space through the bottom of the housing tank.

[0062] In other respects, the features and advantages described in conjunction with the intermediate cover according to the invention and the filter element according to the invention and their respective advantageous designs are applicable in a mutually corresponding manner, and vice versa. The various features and advantages can, of course, be combined with each other, thereby producing additional advantageous effects that exceed the sum of several individual effects. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated in detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will also readily consider, individually, the features disclosed in combination in the drawings, description, and claims, and generalize them to other meaningful combinations. Wherein, illustratively:

[0064] Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter for cleaning liquids is shown, which has a filter element and a centrifuge, with an intermediate cover arranged between them;

[0065] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A section of the filter along a longitudinal section of another cutting plane;

[0066] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and 2 Another section of the filter's longitudinal cross-section along another cutting plane;

[0067] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A section of the longitudinal cross-section of the centrifuge-side seal area between the intermediate cover and the filter housing;

[0068] Figure 5 It shows Figures 1 to 3 Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter element and intermediate cover of the filter;

[0069] Figure 6 It shows Figures 1 to 3 A partial sectional view of the filter element and intermediate cover of the filter at equal intervals; and

[0070] Figure 7 It shows Figures 1 to 3 A longitudinal section view of the filter along another cut plane, wherein the fluid outlet for discharging fluid into the bottom of the filter housing is shown here.

[0071] In the accompanying drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Figures 1 to 7 The filter 10 for cleaning liquid fluids is shown in different cross-sectional views and detailed views.

[0073] The filter 10 can be used to remove particles from liquid fluids such as engine oil, fuel, water, urea solution, and hydraulic fluid. The filter 10 can be installed in the corresponding fluid lines of, for example, an internal combustion engine.

[0074] When "initial fluid" is mentioned subsequently, it therefore refers to the fluid to be cleaned using filter 10 in the sense of this invention. "Pure fluid" refers to the fluid that has been cleaned using filter 10. The initial fluid side is therefore the side where the fluid to be cleaned is located. The pure fluid side is the side where the cleaned fluid is located.

[0075] The filter 10 includes a filter housing 12 with a housing canister 14, which is closed by a removable housing cover 16. The housing canister 14 and the housing cover 16 are cup-shaped. The housing cover 16 is screwed together about an imaginary axis 18 by means of a threaded connection. The housing cover 16 has external threads for this purpose, and the housing canister 14 has corresponding internal threads.

[0076] When "axial", "radial", "peripheral", "coaxial", etc. are mentioned later, then this is related to axis 18, unless otherwise specified.

[0077] The filter housing 12 contains a filter housing 20 for the filter element 22 and a centrifuge housing 24 for the centrifuge 26. The filter housing 20 and the centrifuge housing 24 are, by way of example, coaxially cylindrical. The filter housing 20 and the centrifuge housing 24 are separated from each other by an intermediate cover 28. In the normal installed position of the filter 10, the filter housing 20 is located below in the housing tank 14, as it is in… Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the centrifuge housing 24 is spatially located above the filter housing 20 and partially within the housing cover 16. An intermediate cover 28 is exemplarily screwed into the internal threads of the housing jar 14 below the free edge of the housing cover 16. The intermediate cover 28 is thus axially positioned between the filter housing 20 and the centrifuge housing 24.

[0078] The filter housing 12 has a fluid inlet 30 for the fluid to be cleaned. The fluid inlet 30 leads into the filter housing space 20 through the bottom of the housing tank 14.

[0079] The fluid outlet 32 ​​for the cleaned fluid is directed through the peripheral side of the housing tank 14. The fluid outlet 32 ​​is located approximately at the height of the intermediate cover 28 in the area between the filter housing space 20 and the centrifuge housing space 24.

[0080] The shell tank 14 has an opening that can be closed by the shell cover 16, which serves as an insertion opening for the retaining unit 60 for the filter element 22, the intermediate cover 28, and the centrifuge 26.

[0081] Furthermore, a bypass channel 34 is centrally guided through the bottom of the housing tank 14, and a bypass valve 36 is arranged within the bypass channel. The bypass valve 36 extends axially into the filter housing space 20. The bypass channel 34 directly connects the initial fluid side and the pure fluid side of the filter element 22. Once a corresponding pressure difference exists between the input and output sides of the bypass valve 36, the bypass valve 36 releases the bypass channel 34. This can be done, for example, when fluid flow to the filter element 22 is blocked. In this way, fluid flow to the filter element 10 can be further ensured.

[0082] Filter element 22 is exemplarily a so-called circular filter element. Filter element 22 has a filter medium 38, such as a nonwoven fabric or filter paper. The filter medium 38 continuously surrounds the axis 18 peripherally and peripherally defines the internal space 40 of filter element 22. A grid-like support tube 42 is arranged within the internal space 40, extending between the axial end sides of filter element 22. The support tube 42 is open at both end sides. The peripheral walls of the support tube 42 are permeable to liquids.

[0083] An inlet-side end plate 44 is arranged on the end side of the filter element 22 facing the bottom of the housing tank 14, which is tightly connected to the filter medium 38. The inlet-side end plate 44 has a coaxial opening through which the bypass valve 36 is guided. The area where the opening and the support tube 42 are located forms a receiving portion 46 for the bypass valve 36.

[0084] On the centrifuge side facing the housing cover 16, the centrifuge-side end plate 48 is tightly connected to the filter medium 38. The centrifuge-side end plate 48 has an intermediate discharge opening 50 for the cleaned fluid. The area where the discharge opening 50 and the support tube 42 are located belongs to the connecting device 52, by which the filter element 22 is connected to the intermediate cover 28.

[0085] The outer diameter of the filter element 22, particularly the outer diameters of the end discs 44 and 48, is significantly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 14. In this way, an annular space 54 for guiding fluid is formed on the initial fluid side of the filter element 22 between the radially outer peripheral side of the filter element 22 and the radially inner peripheral side of the housing 14.

[0086] Furthermore, the end plate 44 on the inlet side is axially spaced from the bottom of the shell tank 14, thereby forming an end-side inlet space 56 for the fluid to be cleaned between the end plate 44 on the inlet side and the bottom of the shell tank 14. The fluid inlet 30 enters the inlet space 56.

[0087] The centrifuge 26 includes a holding unit 60, a rotor 58, and a bypass valve 62.

[0088] The retaining unit 60 has a cylindrical, coaxial, externally threaded fixed section 64 and an intermediate section 66. The intermediate section 66 is located radially inside the fixed section 64 and is integrally connected to the fixed section.

[0089] Using the external thread of the fixed section 64, the retaining unit 60 is screwed into the internal thread in the loading opening area of ​​the housing 14.

[0090] The intermediate section 66 forms a separation wall between the centrifuge outlet space 68 and the intermediate cover 28. The intermediate section 66 is convexly curved when viewed from the housing cover 16. The intermediate section 66 has a coaxial centrifuge inlet 70 for the fluid to be cleaned.

[0091] On the side opposite to the intermediate cover 28, the centrifuge inlet 70 is connected to a lower support 72 for the rotor 58. A corresponding upper support 74 for the rotor 58 is arranged above in the bottom of the housing cover 16. The rotor 58 is rotatably supported about axis 18 in the lower support 72 and the upper support 74.

[0092] Furthermore, a bypass valve 62 is arranged in the intermediate section 66. When the pressure difference exceeds a preset limit, the bypass valve 62 can establish a direct connection between the intermediate space 76 on the inlet side of the centrifuge 26 and the centrifuge outlet space 68. If fluid flow through the centrifuge 26 is blocked, for example due to contaminants, the fluid can bypass the centrifuge 26 in this manner.

[0093] A coaxial retaining post 78 is arranged on the axial side of the intermediate section 66 opposite to the rotor 58. The retaining post 78 is integrally connected to the intermediate section 66. The retaining post 78 continuously surrounds the centrifuge inlet 70 and the intermediate space 76. The retaining post 78 extends axially toward the intermediate cover 28 and terminates near the front of the separation section 80 on the centrifuge side of the intermediate cover 28. A peripheral clearance for fluid flow is achieved by the spacing between the free edge of the retaining post 78 and the separation section 80 on the centrifuge side.

[0094] On the radially inner peripheral side, the retaining post 78 has a peripheral locking groove in which a corresponding hook 82 of the retaining device 84 of the intermediate cover 28 can be engaged.

[0095] The intermediate cover 28 includes a centrifuge-side separation section 80 on the end side of the centrifuge 26 in the axial direction and a filter-side separation section 88 on the side of the filter element 22 in the axial direction. Separation sections 80 and 88 are designed as disc sections. Separation sections 80 and 88 extend parallel to each other, axially spaced apart, by way of example.

[0096] Separation sections 80 and 88 are integrally connected to each other by means of multiple hollow cylindrical sections 90. The imaginary axis of the cylindrical section 90 extends parallel to axis 18, for example. The internal spaces of the cylindrical section 90 respectively form initial fluid channels 92. The cylindrical section 90 and thus the initial fluid channels 92 are arranged peripherally. The initial fluid channels 92 connect the initial fluid side of the filter element 22 and the centrifuge inlet space 94.

[0097] The centrifuge inlet space 94 surrounds the retaining column 78 of the retaining unit 60 of the centrifuge 26. The centrifuge inlet space 94 is connected to the intermediate space 76 through the passage gap between the retaining column 78 and the separation section 80 on the centrifuge side, and is also connected to the centrifuge inlet 70 through the intermediate space.

[0098] The intermediate space between the separation sections 80 and 88 generally forms a pure fluid channel 96. The pure fluid channel 96 is radially and continuously open around its periphery, forming a discharge opening 98 there. A cylindrical section 90 with an initial fluid channel 92 is guided through the intermediate space, which forms the pure fluid channel 96. Here, the initial fluid channel 96 is separated from the pure fluid channel 96 by the walls of the cylindrical section 90.

[0099] In the installed intermediate cover 28, the discharge opening 98 corresponds to the outlet annular space 100. The connection to the outlet annular space 100 is formed independently of the rotational orientation of the filter element 22 relative to the filter housing 12 through the continuously open discharge opening 98. The outlet annular space 100 surrounds the intermediate cover 28 and connects to the fluid outlet 32. The discharge opening 98 corresponds to the fluid outlet 32 ​​in this manner.

[0100] The separation section 88 on the filter side also has an intermediate inlet opening 102 for the cleaned fluid. The inlet opening 102 leads into the clean fluid channel 96.

[0101] On the side of the separation section 88 on the filter side that faces away from the separation section 80 on the centrifuge side, the filter centering device 104 extends axially in the form of a hollow cylinder. The filter centering device 104 is peripherally closed on the side of the separation section 88 facing the filter side.

[0102] The filter centering device 104 has a peripherally continuous sealing device 105 on its radially outer peripheral side, which seals against the radially inner peripheral side of the centrifuge-side end disc 48. Therefore, the discharge opening 50 is sealed relative to the intermediate cover 28. The sealing device 105 separates the initial fluid side and the pure fluid side.

[0103] On the side of the separation section 88 facing away from the filter side in the axial direction, the filter centering device 104 has a plurality of locking arms 106 distributed peripherally. The locking arms 106 can engage with the support tube 42 of the filter element 22, and thus center the filter element relative to the intermediate cover 28. Here, the discharge opening 50 and / or the support tube 42 form a connecting device on the side of the filter element 22 for connection with the intermediate cover 28.

[0104] Furthermore, on the axially opposite end of the separation section 80 on the centrifuge side of the filter-side separation section 88, a plurality of spacing retainers 108 are arranged peripherally. The spacing retainers 108 extend axially. Using the spacing retainers 108, an axial distance is pre-set between the filter-side separation section 88 and the centrifuge-side end section 48 of the filter element 22. Therefore, an initial fluid space 110 is achieved between the filter-side separation section 88 and the centrifuge-side end section 48. An initial fluid channel 92 leads out from the initial fluid space 110.

[0105] At the radial outer edge, the separation section 88 on the filter side integrally transitions into the cylindrical section 112 on the filter side. The cylindrical section 112 surrounds the portion of the filter element 22 facing the intermediate cover 28 in the axial direction. Both the separation section 88 on the filter side and the cylindrical section 112 on the filter side have a cup-shaped overall shape.

[0106] In the region of the free edge of the cylindrical section 112 on the filter side, a sealing groove and an annular seal 114 are provided radially outward.

[0107] The centrifuge-side separation section 80 has hooks 82 on its side facing away from the filter-side separation section 88 in the axial direction. The hooks 82 are distributed around the periphery and extend in the axial direction.

[0108] The periphery of the centrifuge-side separation section 80 transitions integrally into the centrifuge-side cylindrical section 116. The centrifuge-side cylindrical section 116 extends axially away from the filter-side separation section 88. Both the centrifuge-side cylindrical section 116 and the centrifuge-side separation section 80 have a cup-shaped overall shape.

[0109] On the radially outer peripheral side, a continuous crescent-shaped seal 118 is arranged on the cylindrical section 116 on the centrifuge side. The crescent-shaped seal 118 has an approximate crescent shape in its outline.

[0110] In the installed filter 10, the annular seal 114 seals the radially inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall of the housing 14 in the radial direction. The annular seal 114 is located on the side of the fluid outlet 32 ​​that faces away from the loading opening of the housing 14 in the axial direction. Therefore, the annular seal 114 seals the initial fluid side of the filter element 22 relative to the pure fluid side.

[0111] Half-moon seal 118 Figure 4 The details are shown below. In the installed filter 10, the crescent seal 118 is located in the region between the fixed section 64 of the holding unit 60 of the centrifuge 26 and the radially inner peripheral side of the shell tank 14. Here, the crescent seal 118 acts sealingly in both the radial and axial directions. On the one hand, an axial sealing effect is generated by the axial compression between the edge of the axial end side of the fixed section 64 and the stepped portion 120 on the shell tank 14. By axial compression, the crescent seal 118 shifts in the radial direction, thereby improving the radial sealing effect. In this way, multiple sealing points can be sealed using the crescent seal 118 in both the radial and axial directions.

[0112] During filter 10 operation, initial fluid flows into annular space 54 through fluid inlet 30. The flow of initial fluid through filter 10 is indicated by continuous arrows. A portion of the initial fluid flows radially outward from annular space 54 through filter media 38 and fluid-permeable support tube 42 into core interior space 40. Cleaned fluid exits core interior space 40 through inlet opening 102 and enters clean fluid channel 96. Cleaned fluid flows from clean fluid channel 96 to fluid outlet 32 ​​of filter housing 12 and exits filter 10.

[0113] Another portion of the initial fluid flows around the annular space 54 to the centrifuge 26. This portion of the initial fluid... Figure 1The initial fluid flows into the annular gap 122, which is radially between the radially outer peripheral side of the filter element 22 and the radially inner peripheral side of the cylindrical section 112 on the filter side. The initial fluid then enters the initial fluid space 110 on the end side through the annular gap 122. From there, the initial fluid flows into the centrifuge inlet space 94 through the initial fluid channel 92. The initial fluid enters the intermediate space 76 through the gap between the hollow cylinder 78 and the separation section 80 on the centrifuge side. From there, the initial fluid flows into the rotor 58 through the centrifuge inlet 70. Using the rotor 58, the initial fluid eliminates particles in a known manner not described in detail here. The cleaned fluid descends due to gravity, exits the rotor housing of the rotor 58 through a corresponding opening not described in detail here, and enters the centrifuge outlet space 68. The cleaned fluid flows from the centrifuge outlet space 68 into the fluid outlet 32 ​​of the filter housing 112.

[0114] If, for example, filter element 22 is filled with contaminants, the pressure difference between the initial fluid side and the clean fluid side of filter element 22 exceeds a preset level, then bypass valve 36 opens, allowing the initial fluid to flow directly into the internal space 40 of the element, and from there exit the filter 10 through fluid outlet 32 ​​as described above.

[0115] If, for example, due to interference, the pressure difference between the intermediate space 76 and the centrifuge outlet space 68 of the centrifuge 26 exceeds a preset level, then the bypass valve 62 opens, so that the initial fluid can flow directly to the fluid outlet 32 ​​without bypassing the centrifuge 26.

[0116] exist Figure 7 The filter 10 is shown in a separate longitudinal section, in which a fluid outlet 126 in the bottom of the housing 14 can be seen. When the filter element 22 is removed, the passage containing fluid in the filter housing 12 is automatically released through the fluid outlet 126. The fluid outlet 126 can be automatically closed by an end disc 44 on the inlet side, which presses axially toward the bottom of the housing 14 against a corresponding operating mechanism of the fluid outlet 126. The end disc 44 on the inlet side thus provides part of the operating mechanism for the fluid outlet 126. The axial dimension of the filter element 22 is determined such that when the retaining unit 60 is screwed in, the retaining unit axially presses the intermediate cover 28 downward, thereby causing the intermediate cover 28 itself to axially press the filter element 22 against the operating mechanism of the fluid outlet 126, and the fluid outlet is closed by operation.

Claims

1. An intermediate cover (28) of a filter housing (12) for cleaning liquid fluids. The intermediate cover (28) for separating the filter housing space (20) for at least one filter element (22) and the centrifuge housing space (24) for at least one centrifuge (26) is inserted into or can be inserted into the internal space of the filter housing (12) about an imaginary axis (18) by means of rotational movement and / or insertion movement. Its features are, The intermediate cover (28) together forms at least one pure fluid channel (96), which is arranged or can be arranged as a fluid technology connection between the pure fluid side of at least one filter element (22) and at least one fluid outlet (32) of the filter housing (12) for cleaned pure fluid. At least one initial fluid channel (92) is guided through an intermediate space axially about the axis (18) between a separation section (88) on the filter side and a separation section (80) on the centrifuge side of the intermediate cover (28), which together form at least one pure fluid channel (96). The at least one initial fluid channel (92) in the intermediate space is surrounded by at least one channel wall (90). The intermediate cover (28) has at least one peripherally continuous annular seal (114, 118) on its peripheral side about the radially outer side of the axis (18).

2. The intermediate cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate cover (28) has at least one initial fluid channel (92) which is arranged or can be arranged as a fluid technology connection between at least one fluid inlet (30) of the filter housing (12) for the initial fluid to be cleaned and at least one centrifuge inlet (70) of at least one centrifuge (26).

3. The intermediate cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The intermediate cover (28) has at least one inlet opening (102) for at least one pure fluid passage (96) on its end side facing at least one filter element (22) about the axis (18), which corresponds in the installed intermediate cover (28) to at least one outlet opening (50) for pure fluid of at least one filter element (22).

4. The intermediate cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The intermediate cover (28) has at least one discharge opening (98) on at least one peripheral side about the axis (18) with at least one pure fluid passage (96), which corresponds in the installed intermediate cover (28) to at least one fluid outlet (32) of the filter housing (12) for pure fluid.

5. The intermediate cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one discharge opening (98) of at least one pure fluid passage (96) extends over the entire outer periphery of the intermediate cover (28).

6. The intermediate cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one pure fluid channel (96) is realized as an intermediate space about the axis (18) between the separation section (88) on the filter side of the intermediate cover (28) and the separation section (80) on the centrifuge side.

7. The intermediate cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one initial fluid channel (92) connects the filter side end of the intermediate cover (28) and the centrifuge side end of the intermediate cover (28).

8. The intermediate cover according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, Multiple initial fluid channels (92) are arranged around the axis (18).

9. The intermediate cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The intermediate cover (28) has two peripherally continuous seals (114, 118) on its peripheral side about the radially outer side of the axis (18), which are axially spaced apart from each other, wherein at least one discharge opening (98) of at least one pure fluid passage (96) is axially led out from the peripheral side of the intermediate cover (28) between the seals (114, 118).

10. The intermediate cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The intermediate cover (28) has at least one centrifuge centering device on its centrifuge-side end for holding at least a portion of at least one centrifuge (26), and / or has at least one filter centering device (104) on its filter-side end for holding at least one filter element (22).

11. The intermediate cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The intermediate cover (28) is cup-shaped on its centrifuge side end and / or its filter side end.

12. A filter element (22) for replaceably fitting into a filter housing (12) of a filter (10) for cleaning liquid fluids, -The filter element (22) has at least one connecting device (52) on the end side of the imaginary axis (18) for connecting to an intermediate cover (28), which is arranged or can be arranged inside the filter housing (12) for separating the filter housing space (20) for the filter element (22) and the centrifuge housing space (24) for at least one centrifuge (26). -And the filter element (22) can be inserted into the filter housing (12) about the axis (18) by means of rotational movement and / or insertion movement, and can be removed from the filter housing. Its features are, The filter element (22) has at least one discharge opening (50) for cleaned pure fluid on the end side of the axially connected device (52) about the axis (18), which corresponds to at least one inlet opening (102) of at least one pure fluid channel (96) of the intermediate cover (28), wherein the at least one discharge opening (50) together forms the connecting device, the filter element (22) is a circular filter element, and The filter element (22) includes an intermediate cover (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The filter element according to claim 12, characterized in that, The filter element (22) has at least a portion of a sealing device (105) which enables at least one discharge opening (50) to be sealed relative to the intermediate cover (28).

14. The filter element according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The filter element (22) has at least a portion of an actuating device (44) for a fluid outlet (126) of the filter housing (12) on its axial end opposite to the connecting device (52).

15. A finished product unit comprising an intermediate cover (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a filter element having at least one connecting device (52) on an axial end side about an imaginary axis (18), wherein the connecting device (52) is designed for connection with the intermediate cover (28), wherein the filter element (22) is a circular filter element, wherein the filter element (22) is capable of being inserted into a filter housing (12) about the axis (18) by means of rotational movement and / or insertion movement, and is capable of being removed from the filter housing, and wherein, The filter element (22) has at least one discharge opening (50) for cleaned pure fluid on the end side of the axial connection device (52) about the axis (18), which can correspond to at least one inlet opening (102) of at least one pure fluid passage (96) of the intermediate cover (28), wherein at least one discharge opening (50) together forms the connection device.

16. A filter (10) comprising a filter housing (12) having a housing canister (14) and a filter element (22) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 housed in the housing canister, or an intermediate cover according to any one of claims 1 to 11 housed in the housing canister and a filter element (22) connected thereto, the filter element having at least one connecting means (52) on an axial end side about an imaginary axis (18), wherein the connecting means (52) is designed for connection with the intermediate cover (28), wherein the filter element (22) is a circular filter element, wherein the filter element (22) is capable of being inserted into the filter housing (12) about the axis (18) by means of rotational movement and / or insertion movement, and is capable of being removed from the filter housing, and wherein, The filter element (22) has at least one discharge opening (50) for cleaned pure fluid on the end side of the axial connection device (52) about the axis (18), which can correspond to at least one inlet opening (102) of at least one pure fluid passage (96) of the intermediate cover (28), wherein at least one discharge opening (50) together forms the connection device.

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