Filter element with attachment to filter housing with improved protection against damage during installation

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid filter (10) having a water separator (30), a filter bellows (32) and a central opening (28) for inserting a support tube (24) of the fluid filter (10). The fluid filter (10) is characterized in that a retaining protrusion (68) of the filter element (10) for fixing the filter element (10) to the support tube (24) is located above the bottom side of the filter bellows (32). The retaining protrusion (68) is insertable into a retaining recess (70) in the support tube (24). For this purpose, the retaining protrusion (68) is oriented into the interior of the central opening (28). Alternatively or additionally, the retaining recess in the central opening can accommodate a radially outwardly oriented retaining protrusion of the support tube (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to filter elements having attachments to a filter housing that provide improved protection against damage during installation, and to fluid filters having such filter elements. The invention also relates to a method for mounting the filter element onto a filter housing via such attachments. Background Technology

[0002] WO 2016 / 079029 A1 discloses a filter having a filter element and a filter housing. A support tube for discharging filtered liquid, fluid, or fuel is arranged in the central opening of the filter element. The filter element can be connected to the filter housing via a bayonet lock. The bayonet lock's bayonet protrusion extends beyond the upper end plate of the filter element in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The bayonet protrusion can engage in a bayonet retainer of the filter housing to attach the filter element to the filter housing.

[0003] If the filter element is guided along the support tube in an incorrect installation position, and the bayonet protrusion is pressed against the bayonet retainer, the bayonet protrusion can easily break.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a filter element and a fluid filter having such a filter element, wherein the attachment between the filter element and the filter housing provides better protection against damage during installation of the filter element on the filter housing. Another object of the present invention is to indicate a method for mounting a filter element on a filter housing via such an attachment.

[0005] This objective is achieved by the filter element according to claim 1, the fluid filter according to claim 10, and the method according to claim 14. The subject matter of the dependent claims is a preferred example. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A filter element for a fluid filter has a water separator for separating water from the fluid to be filtered, a filter bellows, and a central opening for insertion into the fluid filter. The filter element is characterized by having a retaining protrusion and / or a retaining recess for attaching the filter element to the support tube. The retaining protrusion and / or retaining recess are arranged above the bottom side of the filter bellows. The retaining protrusion projects radially inward in the central opening to engage in the retaining recess in the support tube, and / or the retaining recess in the central opening is designed to receive the radially outwardly projecting retaining protrusion of the support tube. The retaining protrusion of the filter element can be inserted into the retaining recess of the support tube without the risk of breakage, allowing the filter element to be attached to the support tube connected to the filter housing without damage to the filter element. This simplifies the installation of the filter element. In the present context of this invention, the terms "top," "bottom," "axial," "radial," etc., refer to the fluid filter in its installed state.

[0007] The retaining protrusion and / or retaining recess may have beveled sections for guiding the filter element as it rotates in the circumferential direction of the support tube. In this way, the filter element can be moved into a suitable mounting position by sliding along the corresponding retaining recess and / or retaining protrusion of the support tube via the retaining protrusion and / or retaining recess of the filter element. This is applicable, for example, when a bayonet lock is additionally used to attach the filter element to the filter housing.

[0008] Retaining protrusions and / or retaining recesses may be arranged on the inner circumferential wall of the end cap of the filter element. Since the retaining protrusions and / or retaining recesses are located in the central opening of the filter element, no additional space is required in the axial direction for the retaining arrangement.

[0009] The filter element may have another retaining protrusion and / or another retaining recess, particularly facing the retaining protrusion and / or retaining recess. The other retaining protrusion and / or the other retaining recess allows for a more stable alignment and attachment of the filter element to the support tube.

[0010] Relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter element, another retaining protrusion may be axially symmetrical with respect to the retaining protrusion, or another retaining recess may be axially symmetrical with respect to the retaining recess. In this case, the filter element can be formed symmetrically.

[0011] The filter element can be designed in the form of a diesel fuel filter. The filter element according to the invention is particularly suitable for use with diesel fuel vehicle engines.

[0012] The filter bellows and water separator are preferably implemented as concentrically arranged hollow cylinders. The water separator preferably includes a coalescer and can be a multi-stage design, particularly a three-stage design with a coalescer, gaps, and a lint. As the fluid to be filtered flows through the coalescer, water droplets from the separated water can form at the coalescer, for example, in the form of a screen. A retaining element can be located at the coalescer, supporting it. This retaining element can be arranged in the settling gaps of the three-stage water separator. Water droplets can be deposited on the lint located fluidly behind the coalescer. The droplets can then flow under gravity through the settling gaps into the water collection chamber of the filter housing.

[0013] The filter element may have a sealing ring on its peripheral side in the region of its lower axial end. This sealing ring allows the raw side of the liquid filter to be separated from the clean side. The sealing ring prevents liquid or fuel from flowing from the raw side to the clean side or into the water collection chamber.

[0014] The retaining protrusion can be positioned below the upper side of the filter element, particularly below the upper end plate of the filter element. This arrangement protects the retaining protrusion from damage.

[0015] The retaining protrusion may have a sloping section on its upper side, the sloping section having a gable roof shape. The retaining protrusion can then be guided along corresponding retaining notches on both sides.

[0016] The fluid filter may have a filter housing, a support tube, and a filter element according to the invention.

[0017] The support tube can be designed as a fluid-filled water-type tube. The fluid-filled water-type tube may include electrodes that measure the water level in the water collection chamber of the fluid filter to indicate when the water collection chamber must be emptied.

[0018] A retaining notch may be formed on the exterior of the support tube in the radial direction, along which a retaining protrusion of the filter element may be guided to attach the filter element to the support tube. Optionally or additionally, a retaining protrusion may be formed on the exterior of the support tube in the radial direction, along which a retaining notch of the filter element may be guided to attach the filter element to the support tube. This allows for easy guidance of the retaining protrusion of the filter element along a corresponding retaining notch of the support tube, and / or guidance of the retaining notch of the filter element along a corresponding retaining protrusion of the support tube.

[0019] The support tube of the fluid filter can be attached to the heating plate of the fluid filter. The fluid, especially diesel fuel, can then be heated, and the filtered fluid can subsequently be discharged using the compact design of the fluid filter.

[0020] The method for installing the fluid filter according to the invention is characterized in that... a) Insert the support tube into the central opening of the filter element; and b) The retaining protrusion and / or retaining notch are guided along the corresponding retaining notch and / or retaining protrusion of the support tube, and the filter element is secured to the support tube by the rotational movement of the retaining protrusion and / or retaining notch in the circumferential direction of the support tube.

[0021] When force is applied to the filter element in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the support tube during filter element installation, the filter element can be moved into the appropriate installation position by guiding the support protrusions and / or support recesses of the filter element along the corresponding support recesses and / or support protrusions of the support tube. The filter element can be attached to the support tube by simple rotational movement in the circumferential direction, whereby the retaining protrusions and / or retaining recesses of the filter element engage with the corresponding retaining recesses and / or retaining protrusions of the support tube. This reduces the risk of damage to the retaining protrusions and / or retaining recesses of the filter element during installation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Referring to the accompanying drawings showing important details, the following description of embodiments of the invention, and the claims, other advantages and features of the invention will be understood. In variations of the invention, individual features may be performed individually or in any combination.

[0023] Figure 1 A longitudinal section of a fluid filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A longitudinal section of a filter element according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the portion attached to the filter housing; Figure 3a A longitudinal cross-section of a filter element according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3b A top view of a filter element according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4a A longitudinal cross-section of a filter element according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4b A top view of a filter element according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown; and Figure 5 The method of mounting a filter element on a support tube according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1A longitudinal section of a two-part fluid filter 10 is shown, here a fuel filter, particularly a diesel filter, having a filter housing 12 and a filter element 14 mounted in the filter housing 12 in a first embodiment. The filter housing 12 has a filter housing body 16 and a cover 18. The cover 18 is screwed onto the filter housing body 16 via threads 20. To replace the filter element 14, the cover 18 is unscrewed from the filter housing body 16.

[0025] The heating plate 22 is attached to the filter housing 12 above the filter element 14. The support tube 24 extends through the opening 26 in the middle of the heating plate 22 and through the central opening 28 of the filter element 14.

[0026] For filtering the fluid, filter element 14 has a three-stage water separator 30 combined with filter bellows 32. A coalescer 34 of the three-stage water separator 30, in the form of a sieve, is fluidly arranged behind the filter bellows 32. A retaining element 36 is located at the coalescer 34, supporting both the coalescer 34 and the filter bellows 32. This retaining element 36 is arranged in a settling gap 38 of the three-stage water separator 30. As the fluid to be filtered flows through the coalescer 34, water droplets form at the coalescer 34. A cloth 40 is fluidly located behind the coalescer 34. Water droplets are deposited on the cloth 40. Under the influence of gravity, they flow through the settling gap 38 into the water collection chamber 43 of the filter housing 12. A sealing ring 44 on the connector 45 prevents the filtered fluid from flowing into the water collection chamber 43.

[0027] The filter element 14 has an upper end plate 46 and a lower end plate 48 adjacent to the filter bellows 32 along its longitudinal axis 50. The lower end plate 48 has a sealing groove 52 for an inner sealing element 54. The inner sealing element 54 is designed radially, particularly in the form of an O-ring. The inner sealing element 54 separates the raw side 56 of the fluid filter 10 from the clean side 58. The inner sealing element 54 prevents fluid or fuel from flowing from the raw side 56 to the clean side 58, or to the water collection chamber 43. Unfiltered fluid, particularly crude diesel, can flow from the raw side 56 of the fluid filter 10 through the three-stage water separator 30 into the support pipe 24. Then, filtered fluid, particularly pure diesel, can exit the support pipe 24 through the outlet 60. This fluid flow... Figure 1 The arrows 62a and 62b are used to mark this.

[0028] When the cap 18 is unscrewed, the inner sealing element or inner sealing ring 54 is no longer engaged with the cap 18. Unfiltered fluid can flow from the original side 56 into the cap 18. Liquid leakage into the environment is prevented by an outer sealing ring 64, which is specifically designed as an O-ring. When the seal formed by the inner sealing ring 54 between the filter element 14 and the cap 18 has been removed, the seal between the cap 18 and the filter housing body 16 remains closed by the outer sealing ring 64. To ensure this mechanism, the filter element 14 (and its inner sealing ring 54) is closed by the outer sealing ring 64. Figure 1 (The position shown in the image is reversed) During the removal of the support tube 24, it must remain attached to the filter housing body 16, as described later.

[0029] The support tube 24 can be designed as a fluid-encased water-type tube. In this case, electrodes are arranged in the support tube 24 to detect when the maximum water level in the water collection chamber 43 is reached. The fluid filter 10 has a fluid outlet 66 or a fuel outlet through which the separated water can be discharged.

[0030] To attach the filter element 14 to the support tube 24, the filter element 14 has a retaining protrusion 68. The support tube 24 has a corresponding retaining recess 70. The retaining protrusion 68 has an upper surface 72, which has a sloping section 74, particularly in the form of a gable roof. The vertical side surface 76 and the lower side surface 78 of the retaining protrusion 68 are planar. The retaining recess 70 has a beveled section 80 corresponding to one side of the beveled surface 72 of the retaining protrusion 68. The vertically oriented section 82 of the retaining recess 70 is located at this beveled section 80. Following the vertically oriented section 82 is a horizontally oriented section 84 of the retaining recess 70. The horizontally aligned section 84 forms part of a stop 86 of the retaining recess 70 into which the retaining protrusion 68 can be inserted to lock the retaining protrusion 68. The horizontally aligned section 84 and the vertically aligned section 82 of the retaining recess 70 have the shape of a capital letter L. The vertically oriented segment 82, the horizontally oriented segment 84, and the obliquely oriented segment 80 schematically have the shape of a nose. The retaining protrusion 68 can be inserted into the stop 86 along the obliquely oriented segment 80, the vertically oriented segment 82, and the horizontally oriented segment 84 to secure the filter element 14 to the support tube 24.

[0031] Figure 2 The longitudinal section of filter element 14 and support tube 24 is shown, but without filter housing 12 (see [reference]). Figure 1 The filter element 14 includes a filter bellows 32 and a three-stage water separator 30 (with a coalescer 34, a sedimentation gap 38 for the water separator 30, and a lint 40) and an inner sealing element 54. The separated water is in the direction of the water collection chamber 43 (see [reference]). Figure 1 The flow along the velvet 40 through the sedimentation gap 38 is marked with arrow 87.

[0032] The support tube 24 includes an outlet 60. It is located in an opening 26 in the middle of the heating plate 22 and in the central opening 28 of the filter element 14.

[0033] When the filter element 14 is attached to the support tube 24, the retaining protrusion 68 and its inclined side surface 72 are guided along the corresponding inclined section 80 of the retaining recess 70 of the support tube 24. The filter element 14 performs a first rotational movement in the circumferential direction of the support tube 24. Simultaneously, the filter element 14 moves linearly in the direction of the longitudinal axis 50 of the support tube 24. Then, using the linear movement of the retaining protrusion 68 relative to the longitudinal axis 50 of the support tube 24, the retaining protrusion 68 and its planar vertical side surface 76 are guided along the corresponding vertical section 82 of the retaining recess 70. In the final step, the planar lower side surface 78 of the retaining protrusion 68 is guided along the corresponding horizontal section 84 of the retaining recess 70. The retaining protrusion 68 performs a second rotational movement in the circumferential direction of the support tube 24, the second rotational movement being opposite to the first rotational movement. During the fastening of the filter element 14 to the support tube 24, the movement of the retaining protrusion 68... Figure 2 The center is indicated by arrow 90.

[0034] The bayonet noses 92a and 92b are attached to the upper end plate 46. The bayonet noses 92a and 92b, together with the corresponding locking protrusions 96a and 96b, form bayonet fittings 94a and 94b. The bayonet fittings 94a and 94b are used for additional fastening of the filter element 14 to the filter housing 12.

[0035] Figure 3a A longitudinal cross-section of a second embodiment of a filter element 14 having a filter bellows 32 and a water separator 30 is shown. Figure 3b A top view of a second embodiment of the filter element 14 is shown. The difference from the first embodiment is that, in the second embodiment, the filter element 14 does not have latches 92a, 92b on the upper end plate 46 (see [link]). Figure 2 Therefore, it is only via two retaining protrusions 68a, 68b ( Figure 3a The retaining protrusion 68a) is shown attached to the support tube 24. The two retaining protrusions 68a, 68b are located opposite each other in the central opening 28 of the upper end plate 46 of the filter element 14.

[0036] Figure 4a A longitudinal section of a third embodiment of a filter element 14 having a filter bellows 32 and a water separator 30 is shown. Figure 4b It shows two opposing retaining protrusions 68c, 68d ( Figure 4aA top view of a third embodiment of the filter element 14 with retaining protrusions 68c is shown. The two retaining protrusions 68c, 68d are located opposite each other in the central opening 28 of the upper end plate 46 of the filter element 14. The difference from the second embodiment is that the upper surface 72 of the retaining protrusions 68c, 68d is not inclined (see [reference needed]). Figure 1 All sides 72, 76, and 78 of the protrusions 68c and 68d are planar. Specifically, the corresponding vertically aligned section 82 along the retaining notch 70 of the support tube 24 (see...) Figure 1 Along the longitudinal axis 50 of the support tube 24 (see...) Figure 1 The retaining protrusions 68c and 68d are guided along a straight line using their flat, vertical side surface 76. Subsequently, they can be guided along the corresponding horizontal portion 84 of the retaining recess 70 of the support tube 24 (see...). Figure 1 The lower flat side surfaces 78 of the retaining protrusions 68c and 68d are guided by the rotational movement of the retaining protrusions 68c and 68d in the circumferential direction of the support tube 24, so that the filter element 14 is attached to the support tube 24 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0037] Figure 5 A method 100 for mounting a filter element 14 according to the invention onto a support tube 24 is shown. In a first step 102, the support tube 24 is inserted into the central opening 28 of the filter element 14. In a second step 104, retaining protrusions 68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d and / or retaining recesses 70 are guided along corresponding retaining protrusions and / or retaining recesses 70 of the support tube 24. The filter element 14 is attached to the support tube 24 and thus to the filter housing 12 by rotational movement of the retaining protrusions 68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d and / or retaining recesses in the circumferential direction of the support tube 24.

[0038] In summary, the present invention relates to a fluid filter 10 having a water separator 30, a filter bellows 32, and a central opening 28 for inserting a support tube 24 into which the fluid filter 10 is inserted. The fluid filter 10 is characterized in that retaining protrusions 68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d of the filter element 10 for securing the filter element 10 to the support tube 24 are located above the underside of the filter bellows 32. The retaining protrusions 68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d can be inserted into retaining recesses 70 in the support tube 24. For this purpose, the retaining protrusions 68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d are oriented into the interior of the central opening 28. Optionally or additionally, the retaining recess in the central opening can accommodate radially outwardly oriented retaining protrusions of the support tube 24.

Claims

1. A filter element (14) for a fluid filter (10), having a water separator (30) for separating water from the fluid to be filtered, a filter bellows (32), and a central opening (28) for inserting a support tube (24) into the fluid filter (10), characterized in that, The filter element (14) has retaining protrusions (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) and / or retaining recesses for attaching the filter element (14) to the support tube (24), wherein the retaining protrusions (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) and / or the retaining recesses are arranged above the bottom side of the filter bellows, wherein, a) The retaining protrusions (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) protrude radially inward in the central opening (28) to engage in the retaining recess (70) in the support tube (24), and / or b) The retaining recess in the central opening is designed to accommodate the radially outwardly protruding retaining protrusion of the support tube; The filtered fluid can exit the support tube through the outlet of the support tube, wherein the retaining protrusions (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) and / or the retaining recess have a beveled section (74) for guiding the filter element (14) in rotational movement of the filter element (14) in the circumferential direction of the support tube (24).

2. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element (14) has another retaining protrusion (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) and / or another retaining recess facing the retaining protrusion (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) and / or the retaining recess.

3. The filter element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The other retaining protrusion (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) is axially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis (50) of the filter element (14), or the other retaining recess is axially symmetrical with respect to the retaining protrusion (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d).

4. The filter element according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The filter element (14) is designed in the form of a diesel fuel filter.

5. The filter element according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The water separator (30) is a multi-stage design.

6. The filter element according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The filter element (14) has a sealing ring (54) on the periphery side in the region of the lower axial end of the filter element (14).

7. The filter element according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The retaining protrusions (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) are arranged on the upper side below the filter element (14).

8. The filter element according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The retaining protrusions (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) have a sloping section (74) on their upper side, the sloping section (74) having a gable roof shape.

9. The filter element according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water separator (30) is a three-stage design with a coalescer (34), a gap (38), and a cloth (40).

10. A fluid filter (10) having a filter housing (12), a support tube (24), and a filter element (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The fluid filter according to claim 10, characterized in that, The support tube (24) is designed as a fluid-filled water-type tube.

12. The fluid filter according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, On the outside of the support tube (24) in the radial direction, a) Forming the retaining recess (70) along which the retaining protrusions (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) of the filter element (14) can be guided to attach the filter element (14) to the support tube (24), and / or b) Form the retaining protrusion so that the retaining recess of the filter element (14) can be guided along the retaining protrusion so that the filter element (14) can be attached to the support tube (24).

13. The fluid filter according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The support tube (24) of the fluid filter (10) is attached to the heating plate (22) of the fluid filter (10).

14. A method for installing a fluid filter (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, a) Insert the support tube (24) into the central opening (28) of the filter element (14); and b) The retaining protrusions (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) and / or the retaining recesses are guided along the corresponding retaining notches (70) and / or the corresponding retaining protrusions of the support tube (24), and the filter element (14) is secured to the support tube (24) by the rotational movement of the retaining protrusions (68; 68a, 68b; 68c, 68d) and / or the retaining recesses in the circumferential direction of the support tube (24).

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