Filter module and filter device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter module (2A, 2B) for a filter device (1A, 1B), particularly a fuel filter module, having a pre-filter element (3), a main filter element (4), a water separation port (12) for removing water (W) separated from the fluid (F) to be filtered by means of the pre-filter element (3) from the pre-filter element (3), a pre-filter port (11) for removing the fluid (F) filtered by means of the pre-filter element (3) from the pre-filter element (3), and a main filter port (23, 65) for removing the fluid (F) filtered by means of the main filter element (4) from the main filter element (4), wherein the water separation port (12), the pre-filter port (11), and the main filter port (23, 65) are arranged coaxially with the axis of symmetry (5) of the filter module (2A, 2B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter module for a filter device and a filter device having such a filter module. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicles, such as trucks, can include internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines. Before fuel is supplied to the internal combustion engine, the fuel can be filtered by means of a fuel filter. For this purpose, a fuel filter module can be used, which includes a pre-filter element and a main filter element fluidly connected after the pre-filter element.

[0003] DE 10 2015 003 165 A1 describes a fuel filter having a filter housing and a filter insert replaceably arranged in the filter housing, the filter insert having a pre-filter element and a main filter element, the pre-filter element and the main filter element being arranged successively to each other in the filter housing along the longitudinal axis of the filter housing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide an improved filter device.

[0005] Accordingly, a filter module for a filter device, particularly a fuel filter module, is proposed. The filter module includes a pre-filter element, a second filter element, a water separation port for removing water separated from the fluid to be filtered by means of the first filter element from the first filter element, a first filter port for removing the fluid filtered by means of the first filter element from the first filter element, and a second filter port for removing the fluid filtered by means of the second filter element from the second filter element, wherein the water separation port, the first filter port, and the second filter port are arranged coaxially with the axis of symmetry of the filter module. According to the invention, the water separation port, the first filter port, and the second filter port are respectively configured for axial outflow of the material flow, particularly for downward outflow of the material flow in the direction of gravity in the use device.

[0006] The terms “first filter element,” “first filter interface,” and “second filter element” and “second filter interface” used in this invention make a particular flow system open, that is, not only is the possibility that the first filter element is a pre-filter element opened, but also the possibility that the first filter element is a main filter element and the second filter element is accordingly either a pre-filter element or a main filter element.

[0007] The filter module or filter device is specifically designed for filtering fluids, such as air or other gases, liquids, especially liquid operating media in transport vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, such as oil, water, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, or urea solutions. The filter module or filter device is specifically designed for separating impurities, especially particles and suspended solids, from fuel. The filter module or filter device can be used in motor vehicles, watercraft, rail vehicles, agricultural vehicles, construction machinery, aircraft, or the like. Furthermore, the filter module or filter device can also be used in stationary applications, such as in stationary energy-generating equipment. The filter module or filter device is particularly suitable for so-called heavy-duty applications.

[0008] The filter module is preferably constructed in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to an axis of symmetry. Here, the axial or longitudinal direction of the filter module is aligned with or parallel to the axis of symmetry. The interface can be constructed, for example, as a sealing surface. The “coaxial” arrangement of the interfaces can specifically mean that the interfaces are each constructed in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to an axis of symmetry and positioned relative to each other. “Coaxial” with respect to the axis of symmetry also means that the interfaces extend along the axis of symmetry and not along the radial direction of the filter module. The radial direction is positioned perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and points away from it. The interface can be constructed in a tubular or hollow cylindrical shape.

[0009] The filter housing of the filter device has an interface corresponding to the interface of the filter module. This interface can be configured as a sealing surface or something similar. Separation of the filter module from the interface of the filter housing can be achieved by axial displacement of the filter module relative to the interface.

[0010] By arranging the interfaces coaxially, a particularly simple interface construction can be achieved in an advantageous manner. This eliminates the need for radial interfaces. This provides protection against copying and prevents the filter module from being incorrectly installed into the filter housing (mistake prevention).

[0011] In one embodiment, the second filter interface is radially arranged inside the first filter interface about the filter module, wherein the first filter interface is radially arranged inside the water separation interface. The arrangement of the second filter interface inside the first filter interface specifically means that the first filter interface surrounds the second filter interface. Correspondingly, the arrangement of the first filter interface inside the water separation interface means that the water separation interface surrounds the first filter interface.

[0012] In this embodiment, the water separation interface, the first filter interface, and the second filter interface are assigned to the same longitudinal end region of the filter module, particularly to the region of a common end plate of the filter module. Preferably, each filter element has two end plates, with the filter medium arranged between the two end plates. Preferably, the interface is assigned to the first end plate of the first filter element opposite to the second filter element. The water separation interface, the first filter interface, and the second filter interface are particularly preferably concentric with each other. Here, concentricity means that the water separation interface, the first filter interface, and the second filter interface are coaxial and, additionally, at least partially located in a common plane.

[0013] In one embodiment, the water separation port, the first filter port, and the second filter port are positioned axially offset from each other when viewed along the axis of symmetry. The first filter port is retracted axially behind the water separation port, for example. The second filter port is retractable axially behind the first filter port.

[0014] In one embodiment, the filter module further includes an exhaust port, which is arranged coaxially with an axis of symmetry. The exhaust port is, in particular, an exhaust pipe.

[0015] In one embodiment, the vent port is arranged inside the second filter port. Specifically, the vent port is arranged radially inside the second filter port and can optionally be present with an axial offset or, however, concentrically present with the water separation port, the first filter port, and the second filter port.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first filter element may be a pre-filter element, and the first filter interface may be a pre-filter interface, and the second filter element may be a main filter element, and the second filter interface may be a main filter interface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pre-filter element is arranged below the main filter element with respect to gravity. Alternatively, the pre-filter element can also be arranged above the main filter element with respect to gravity.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second filter interface is guided through at least a partial section of the first filter element. Preferably, the second filter interface is located at the riser of the second filter element. The riser can be constructed in one piece, particularly in one piece of material, with the end plate of the second filter element.

[0019] In one embodiment, the filter module further includes a water separation unit assigned to the first filter element. The water separation unit particularly includes a coalescing medium for separating water from the fluid. The water separation unit is fluidly connected, in particular, after the filter medium of the first filter element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second filter element is arranged downstream of the first filter element. That is, the fluid to be filtered first flows through the first filter element and then immediately flows through the second filter element.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first filter element and the second filter element are form-fitted together, or the first filter element and the second filter element are welded or fused together. The form-fitting connection is achieved through the interlocking or back-joining of the two components. The form-fitting connection is detachable. For example, the first filter element and the second filter element may interlock or engage with each other.

[0022] In one embodiment, the filter module further includes a riser tube, at least partially extending through the first filter element and guided therethrough, which is in fluid connection with the second filter interface. Specifically, the riser tube is inserted into the second filter interface and is fluidly sealed relative to the second filter interface by means of a sealing element, particularly an O-ring. Alternatively, the riser tube can be constructed as a single piece, particularly of a single material, with one end plate of the second filter element, as previously mentioned.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first filter element and / or the second filter element have a filter medium, which is particularly star-shaped folded. The filter medium can be a filter body composed of planar and serrated folded filter material. The serrated filter material of the filter medium can therefore be constructed as a star-shaped continuous folded structure, which substantially forms a cylindrical envelope. The filter medium can be, for example, or include filter fabric, filter gauze, or filterless fabric. The filter medium can be implemented in one or more layers, wherein one or more layers have fibers made of cellulose, synthetic fibers, especially PET fibers, and / or glass and / or mixtures thereof.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first filter element and / or the second filter element are constructed as hollow cylinders. Preferably, not only the first filter element but also the second filter element are constructed as hollow cylinders and, in particular, as rotationally symmetrical about an axis of symmetry.

[0025] Furthermore, a filter device, particularly a fuel filter device, with such a filter module and filter housing is proposed, wherein the filter module is replaceably housed in the filter housing.

[0026] The filter housing preferably includes a filter bowl and a housing cover, in which the filter module is housed, and the housing cover is screwable onto the filter bowl. The filter module is coupled to the housing cover such that the filter module is pulled out of the filter bowl when the housing cover is removed. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Here:

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the filter device is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the filter device;

[0030] Figure 3 The filter device is shown according to Figure 2 Another schematic sectional view of section line III-III;

[0031] Figure 4 It shows the method for following Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the filter module of the filter device;

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the filter device is shown; and

[0033] Figure 6 It shows the method for following Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the filter module of the filter device.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, identical or functionally identical elements are designated with the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified.

[0035] List of reference numerals

[0036] 1A Filter Device

[0037] 1B Filter Unit

[0038] 2A Filter Module

[0039] 2B Filter Module

[0040] 3 First filter element / pre-filter element

[0041] 4 Second filter element / Main filter element

[0042] 5. Axis of symmetry

[0043] 6. Filter Media

[0044] 7. Plate

[0045] 8. End plate

[0046] 9 Support tubes

[0047] 10 Water Separation Units

[0048] 11 Pre-filter interface

[0049] 12 Water separation interface

[0050] 13 Sealing elements

[0051] 14 Connecting Section

[0052] 15. Piercing

[0053] 16 Filter Media

[0054] 17 serving trays

[0055] 18 serving trays

[0056] 19 Sealing flange

[0057] 20 Sealing elements

[0058] 21 Connecting Section

[0059] 22 Vertical pipe

[0060] 23 Main Filter Interface

[0061] 24 bowl sections

[0062] 25 Joint Section

[0063] 26 Joint Section

[0064] 27 Exhaust Unit

[0065] 28 Exhaust Interface

[0066] 29 Sealing elements

[0067] 30 Support tube

[0068] 31 Filter housing

[0069] 32 filter bowls

[0070] 33. Housing cover

[0071] 34. Functional Section

[0072] 35 Threaded connection part

[0073] 36 Sealing elements

[0074] 37 Reverse joint section

[0075] 38 water collection chamber

[0076] 39 Liquid Level Sensor

[0077] 40 Discharge valve

[0078] 41 Sealing elements

[0079] 42 Entrances

[0080] 43 Exports

[0081] 44 Fuel Pump

[0082] 45 Entrance

[0083] 46 Sealing surface

[0084] 47 Accommodation Section

[0085] 48 Accommodation Section

[0086] 49 Sealing surface

[0087] 50 bottom

[0088] 51 Sealing surface

[0089] 52 Accommodation Section

[0090] 53 Exhaust pipe

[0091] 54 Connecting Section

[0092] 55 Accommodation Section

[0093] 56 Sealing elements

[0094] 57 Exhaust outlet

[0095] 58 Drainage Channel

[0096] 59 Drainage gap

[0097] 60 Drainage gap

[0098] 61 Drainage gap

[0099] 62 Exhaust gap

[0100] 63 Original fluid gap

[0101] 64 Vertical pipe

[0102] 65 Main filter interface

[0103] 66 Sealing elements

[0104] F fluid

[0105] G - Gravity direction

[0106] R radial

[0107] RL Cleaning side

[0108] RO original side

[0109] W Water. Detailed Implementation

[0110] The accompanying drawings describe one embodiment in which the first filter element 3 is a pre-filter element 3 and the second filter element 4 is a main filter element 4, i.e., an apparatus in which the first filter element 3 and the second filter element 4 are passed in series. However, the features and advantages mentioned herein can also be applied to the following embodiment, in which the first filter element 3 is the main filter element and the second filter element 4 is the pre-filter element.

[0111] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional views of one embodiment of the filter device 1A are shown. Figure 3 The filter device 1A is shown in accordance with Figure 2 Another schematic cross-sectional view along section line III-III. The filter device 1A is suitable for filtering liquid operating media of a transport vehicle, such as oil or fuels like diesel, kerosene, or gasoline. In certain embodiments, the filter device 1A is also suitable for filtering urea solutions. The filter device 1A is particularly preferred as a fuel filter device.

[0112] The filter device 1A is preferably used in motor vehicles, especially passenger cars, trucks, construction machinery, or agricultural machinery, in water transport vehicles, rail vehicles, or in aircraft. In particular, the filter device 1A can be used in the field of commercial vehicles, and is especially preferred for so-called heavy-duty applications. Furthermore, the filter device 1A can be used, for example, in stationary energy-generating applications. The filter device 1A is particularly preferably suitable for filtering diesel fuel.

[0113] The filter device 1A includes Figure 4The filter module 2A is shown in a cross-sectional view. The filter module 2A is preferably a fuel filter module for filtering diesel fuel from internal combustion engines, particularly diesel engines. The filter module 2A includes a pre-filter element 3 and a main filter element 4. Figure 4 In this orientation, the pre-filter element 3 and the main filter element 4 are arranged vertically relative to each other. The filter module 2A can also be referred to as a dual-layer filter.

[0114] The filter module 2A is constructed substantially rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis or axis of symmetry 5. Viewed along the axis of symmetry 5, or along the direction of gravity g, the pre-filter element 3 and the main filter element 4 are arranged side-by-side or vertically relative to each other. The filter module 2A is provided with a radial radius R. This radial radius R is positioned perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 5 and points away from it.

[0115] The pre-filter element 3 includes a filter medium 6. The filter medium 6 can be a filter body composed of planar and serrated folded filter material. The serrated filter material of the filter medium 6 can therefore be constructed as a star-shaped, continuously folded structure, the envelope of which is substantially cylindrical. The filter medium 6 can be, for example, or include filter fabric, filter gauze, or filter nonwoven fabric. The filter medium 6 can be felted or sewn together. The filter medium 6 can have natural fibers such as cellulose or cotton, or synthetic fibers such as polyester, polyethylene sulfide, or polytetrafluoroethylene. The fibers of the filter medium 6 can be oriented laterally and / or obliquely relative to the machine direction during processing.

[0116] The filter medium 6, viewed along the axis of symmetry 5, is arranged between the first or lower end plate 7 and the second or upper end plate 8. The filter medium 6 can be bonded, welded, or fused to the end plates 7 and 8. The filter medium 6 is internally supported by a fluid-permeable support tube 9. The support tube 9 can be tubularly constructed. The support tube 9 can also be constructed as a support structure or referred to as a support structure. Preferably, the support tube 9 is grid-shaped. The support tube 9 prevents the filter medium 6 from collapsing. The support tube 9 can be securely connected to the end plates 7 and 8, for example, by bonding, fusion, or welding.

[0117] The filter medium 6 has a raw side RO and a clean side RL. The fluid F to be cleaned, such as diesel fuel, passes from the raw side RO through the filter medium 6 to the clean side RL, where the filter medium 6 filters out dirt particles, suspended matter, and the like from the fluid F.

[0118] The pre-filter element 3 has a water separation unit 10 for separating water contained in the fluid F. The water separation unit 10 includes a coalescing medium for separating water from the fluid F. The water separation unit 10 is fluidly connected after the filter medium 6 of the pre-filter element 3. That is, the fluid F first passes through the filter medium 6 from the raw side RO and then through the water separation unit 10 to the clean side RL. Here, the water separation unit 10 separates water from the fluid F. The water separation unit 10 is cylindrical and surrounds the axis of symmetry 5. Figure 4 In the orientation, the water separation unit 10 includes a flange-shaped pre-filter interface 11 arranged on the lower side.

[0119] A cylindrical water separation interface 12 extends downward from the first end plate 7, and a pre-filter interface 11 of the water separation unit 10 is accommodated within the water separation interface 12. The water separation interface 12 is a sealing flange or can be referred to as a sealing flange. The water separation interface 12 surrounds the pre-filter interface 11. The water separation interface 12 includes a sealing element 13 surrounding the axis of symmetry 5. The sealing element 13 is elastically deformable. The sealing element 13 is made, for example, of an elastomeric material, particularly of fluororubber (FKM), fluorovinylmethyl silicone rubber (FVMQ), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), and / or hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), but thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), are also feasible.

[0120] The connecting section 14 extends upward from the second end plate 8. The connecting section 14 can be cylindrically constructed and surround the axis of symmetry 5. The connecting section 14 can be constructed as a single hook or multiple hooks. Furthermore, the second end plate 8 includes a through-hole 15. The through-hole 15 can be annular.

[0121] The main filter element 4, like the pre-filter element 3, includes a filter medium 16. The filter medium 16, like the filter medium 6, is zigzag-folded and has a substantially cylindrical geometry, which is rotationally symmetrical about an axis of symmetry 5. The filter medium 16 includes a raw side RO and a clean side RL. The fluid F to be filtered, which has already been pre-filtered by the pre-filter element 3, flows from the raw side RO through the filter medium 16 to the clean side RL.

[0122] The filter medium 16 is disposed between the lower or first end plate 17 and the second or upper end plate 18. The filter medium 16 is, for example, bonded, fused, or welded to the end plates 17 and 18. The first end plate 17 includes a sealing flange 19 surrounding an axis of symmetry 5, the sealing flange 19 having a sealing element 20 in the form of an O-ring. The first end plate 17 also includes a connecting section 21 adapted to be in a form-locking engagement with a connecting section 14. The connecting section 21 can be constructed in the form of one or more interlocking hooks. The pre-filter element 3 and the main filter element 4 can be connected to form a filter module 2A by means of the connecting sections 14 and 21.

[0123] A riser 22 is formed at the first end plate 17. The riser 22 passes through the through-hole 15 of the second end plate 8 of the pre-filter element 3 and is guided through the water separation interface 12 of the pre-filter element 3. The riser 22 may have a main filter interface 23 in the form of an external thread. The riser 22 is connected to the first end plate 17 in a one-piece, particularly one-piece, material connection via a bowl section 24.

[0124] The second end plate 18 includes engagement sections 25 and 26, which are components of a bayonet-type connection. An exhaust unit 27 for venting the filter module 2A is also provided at the second end plate 18. The exhaust unit 27 is equipped with an exhaust pipe or a tubular exhaust port 28, which has an O-ring sealing element 29. Viewed along the axis of symmetry 5, the exhaust port 28 extends towards the pre-filter 3 and into the main filter element 4.

[0125] A support tube 30 is provided between the first end plate 17 and the second end plate 18. The support tube 30 can be firmly connected to the end plates 17 and 18. The support tube 30 is, for example, bonded, fused or welded to the end plates 17 and 18.

[0126] Now back Figures 1 to 3 The filter device 1A, in addition to the filter module 2A, also includes a filter housing 31, in which the filter module 2A is housed. The filter housing 31 includes a filter bowl 32 and a housing cover 33. The filter bowl 32 houses the filter module 2A, and the housing cover 33 is designed to be removable from the filter bowl 32. The filter bowl 32 and the housing cover 33 can be, for example, plastic components, particularly injection-molded plastic components.

[0127] The housing cover 33 includes an actuating section 34, which can be gripped, for example, by a tool, to separate the housing cover 33 from the filter bowl 32. The connection between the filter bowl 32 and the housing cover 33 can be configured as a threaded connection 35. Here, the housing cover 33 is fluidly sealed relative to the filter bowl 32 by means of a sealing element 36, such as an O-ring.

[0128] An inverse engagement section 37 is provided on the inner side, that is, away from the functional section 34, and the inverse engagement section 37 is adapted to be in a form-locking engagement with the engagement sections 25, 26 of the filter module 2A. Thus, the filter module 2A can be coupled to the housing cover 33 such that when the housing cover 33 is separated from the filter bowl 32, the filter module 2A can be pulled off the filter bowl 32 together with the housing cover 33.

[0129] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the orientation, a water collection chamber 38 is provided on the lower side of the filter bowl 32 for collecting water W separated from the fluid F by means of the water separation unit 10. A liquid level sensor 39 can be provided in the water collection chamber 38, by means of which the liquid level of the water collection chamber 38 can be detected and given. The water collection chamber 38 can also have a discharge valve 40 for discharging water W. The water collection chamber 38 can be detachably connected to the filter bowl 32, for example, by screwing it together or by other methods and means. The water collection chamber 38 can be sealed relative to the filter bowl 32 by means of a sealing element 41, in particular an O-ring.

[0130] The filter bowl 32 includes an inlet 42 assigned to the pre-filter element 3, through which fluid F to be cleaned is supplied to the raw side RO of the pre-filter element 3. The filter bowl 32 also includes an outlet 43 assigned to the pre-filter element 3, the outlet 43 being in fluid connection to the clean side RL of the pre-filter element 3. By means of the outlet 43, the fluid F pre-cleaned by the pre-filter element 3 is supplied to the fuel pump 44. The fuel pump 44 supplies the pre-cleaned fluid F to the raw side RO of the main filter element 4 via an inlet 45 assigned to the main filter element 4.

[0131] The filter bowl 32 includes a sealing surface 46 on its inner side, and the sealing element 20 of the main filter element 4 fluid-tightly abuts against the sealing surface 46, thereby fluid-tightly sealing the first end plate 17 of the main filter element 4 relative to the sealing surface 46. The filter bowl 32 also includes a receiving section 47 for receiving the pre-filter element 3 and a receiving section 48 for receiving the main filter element 4. The sealing surface 46 is arranged between the receiving sections 47 and 48 when viewed along the axis of symmetry 5.

[0132] The filter bowl 32 includes a surrounding cylindrical sealing surface 49, at which the sealing element 13 of the pre-filter element 3 fluid-tightly abuts. The bottom 50 of the receiving section 47 is disposed perpendicular to the sealing surface 49. The first end plate 7 of the pre-filter element 3 can be placed on the bottom 50. Another cylindrical sealing surface 51 is disposed coaxially with the sealing surface 49, at which the pre-filter interface 11 of the water separation unit 10 fluid-tightly abuts.

[0133] A receiving section 52 is also provided coaxially with the sealing surfaces 49 and 51, and the vertical tube 22 of the main filter element 4 is received in the receiving section 52 with its main filter interface 23. A sealing element, for example in the form of an O-ring, can be provided between the vertical tube 22 and the receiving section 52. The receiving section 52 extends beyond the bottom 50 when viewed along the axis of symmetry 5.

[0134] An exhaust pipe 53 is provided in the filter bowl 32, and the exhaust pipe 53 is detachably connected to the exhaust port 28 of the main filter element 4. For this purpose, the exhaust port 28 and the exhaust pipe 53 can be inserted into each other. The exhaust pipe 53 includes a connecting section 54 in which the end section of the exhaust port 28 having a sealing element 29 is accommodated. The exhaust pipe 53 is accommodated in a receiving section 55 arranged concentrically with the sealing surfaces 49, 51. The exhaust pipe 53 has a sealing element 56, for example in the form of an O-ring, on its end side, which fluidly seals the exhaust pipe 53 relative to the receiving section 55. The filter module 2A can exhaust air through an exhaust outlet 57 provided at the receiving section 55.

[0135] The function of the filter device 1A is explained below. During operation of the filter device 1A, unfiltered fluid F drawn in by the gas pump 44 flows through inlet 42 into the receiving section 47 of the filter bowl 32. The unfiltered fluid F is now located on the original side RO of the pre-filter element 3. The fluid F flows radially from the outside to the inside towards the axis of symmetry 5 through the filter medium 6.

[0136] Here, the water W contained in the fluid F is separated from the fluid F by means of the water separation unit 10 and flows downward into the water collection chamber 38 through the drainage channel 58 provided in the filter bowl 32, following the direction of gravity g between the support pipe 9 and the water separation unit 10. For this purpose, a drainage gap 59 is provided between the support pipe 9 and the water separation unit 10. Figure 3 The drainage gap 59 and the drainage channel 58 are in fluid connection.

[0137] Fluid F is at least partially removed from water W as it passes through the water separation unit 10 and through the drainage gap 60 provided between the water separation unit 10 and the riser 22. Figure 3 The fluid flows downwards along the direction of gravity g towards outlet 43. The fuel pump 44 delivers the pre-cleaned fluid F from outlet 43 to inlet 45.

[0138] The pre-cleaned fluid F passes through the filter medium 16 of the main filter element 4 and flows downwards along the direction of gravity g. Here, a discharge gap 61 is provided between the vertical pipe 22 and the exhaust port 28, or exhaust pipe 53. Figure 3 The cleaned fluid F flows from the drain gap 61 through an unshown outlet of the filter bowl 32 to an unshown internal combustion engine. Exhaust from the filter module 2A, or rather, its receiving sections 47, 48, is achieved by means of the exhaust unit 27. Here, exhaust is achieved through an exhaust gap 62 surrounded by the exhaust port 28 and the exhaust pipe 53. A raw fluid gap 63 is provided between the receiving section 47 of the filter bowl 32 and the pre-filter element 3, in which the still unfiltered fluid F resides.

[0139] To replace the filter module 2A, the housing cover 33 is removed from the filter bowl 32 in the first step. The bayonet connection between the housing cover 33 and the second end plate 18 of the main filter element 4, formed by the engagement sections 25, 26 and the reverse engagement section 37, is closed or closed by the screwing motion of the housing cover 33. The filter module 2A is removed axially as a whole along the axis of symmetry 5 by the screwing motion of the housing cover 33. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vertical tube 22 is moved out of the installation position shown in the figure. During the screwing motion, the vertical tube 22 is also simultaneously disassembled from the receiving section 52.

[0140] Once the sealing element 20 of the main filter element 4 is no longer abutting against the sealing surface 46 of the filter bowl 32, the pre-filtered fluid F flows from the receiving section 48 into the receiving section 47. By extending the receiving section 52 beyond the bottom 50, contaminated fluid is reliably prevented from entering the filter bowl 32 through an outlet not shown.

[0141] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the filter device 1B is shown. Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the filter module 2B for the filter device 1B is shown.

[0142] according to Figure 6 The only difference between filter module 2B and filter module 2A according to 4 is that the first end plate 17 of the main filter element 4 does not have a vertical tube 22, but instead has a vertical tube 64 as a separate component. Figure 5 The vertical tube 64 is inserted into the bowl-shaped main filter interface 65 of the first end plate 17 of the main filter element 4. Here, a sealing element 66 in the form of an O-ring is provided at the main filter interface 65. Therefore, in this embodiment of the filter device 1B, the vertical tube 64 can be retained in the filter bowl 32 when the filter module 2B is replaced.

Claims

1. A filter module (2A, 2B) for a filter device (1A, 1B), comprising a first filter element (3), a second filter element (4), a water separation port (12), a first filter port (11), and a second filter port, wherein the water separation port (12) is used to remove water (W) separated from a fluid (F) to be filtered by means of the first filter element (3) from the first filter element (3), the first filter port (11) is used to remove fluid (F) filtered by means of the first filter element (3) from the first filter element (3), and the second filter port... For drawing away fluid (F) filtered by means of the second filter element (4) from the second filter element (4), wherein the water separation port (12), the first filter port (11) and the second filter port are arranged coaxially with the axis of symmetry (5) of the filter module (2A, 2B), and wherein the water separation port (12), the first filter port (11) and the second filter port are respectively configured for the outflow of material flow in the axial direction, wherein the water separation port (12), the first filter port (11) and the second filter port are assigned to the same longitudinal end region.

2. The filter module according to claim 1, wherein the second filter interface is arranged radially (R) about the filter module (2A, 2B) inside the first filter interface (11), and wherein the first filter interface (11) is arranged radially (R) about the water separation interface (12).

3. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water separation interface (12), the first filter interface (11) and the second filter interface are assigned to the area of ​​a common end plate (7) of the filter module (2A, 2B).

4. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water separation interface (12), the first filter interface (11) and the second filter interface are positioned axially offset from each other when viewed along the axis of symmetry (5).

5. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2 further includes an exhaust port (28) arranged coaxially with the axis of symmetry (5).

6. The filter module according to claim 5, wherein the exhaust port (28) is axially retracted and / or exists concentrically with the water separation port, the first filter port and the second filter port.

7. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, -The first filter element (3) is a pre-filter element and - The first filter interface (11) is a pre-filter interface and - The second filter element (4) is the main filter element and - The second filter interface is the main filter interface.

8. The filter module according to claim 7, wherein the pre-filter element is arranged below the main filter element with respect to the direction of gravity (g).

9. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second filter interface is guided through at least a partial section of the first filter element (3).

10. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a water separation unit (10) assigned to the first filter element (3).

11. The filter module according to claim 7, wherein the main filter interface is arranged downstream of the pre-filter element in the use device.

12. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first filter element (3) and the second filter element (4) are connected to each other in a form-locking manner, or wherein the first filter element (3) and the second filter element (4) are welded to each other.

13. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a riser (64) that is guided through at least a portion of the first filter element (3) and is in fluid connection with the second filter interface.

14. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first filter element (3) and / or the second filter element (4) have filter media (6, 16).

15. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first filter element (3) and / or the second filter element (4) are constructed in a hollow cylindrical shape.

16. The filter module according to claim 1, wherein the filter module (2A, 2B) is a fuel filter module.

17. The filter module according to claim 3, wherein the water separation interface (12), the first filter interface (11) and the second filter interface are concentrically located.

18. The filter module according to claim 5, wherein the exhaust port (28) is arranged radially inside the second filter port.

19. The filter module according to claim 10, wherein the first filter element (3) is configured as a pre-filter element.

20. The filter module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first filter element (3) and the second filter element (4) are fused together.

21. The filter module according to claim 14, wherein the filter media (6, 16) are folded in a star shape.

22. A filter device (1A, 1B) having a filter module (2A, 2B) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 and a filter housing (31), the filter module (2A, 2B) being replaceably housed in the filter housing (31).

23. The filter device (1A, 1B) according to claim 22, wherein the filter device (1A, 1B) is a fuel filter device.

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