Filter for filtering a fluid, bypass-valve arrangement for a filter, and diffuser arrangement for a filter

Abstract

A filter (12) for filtering a fluid, a bypass-valve device (18) and a diffuser device (20) for a filter (12) are described. The bypass-valve device (18) is arranged in terms of fluid flow technology between a fluid inlet (54) and a fluid outlet (30) of the filter (12) in such a way that the bypass-valve device connects the fluid inlet (54) in terms of fluid flow technology with the fluid outlet (30) in its open state. The bypass-valve device (18) has a valve closure body and a valve seat, the valve closure body being movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, at least one valve closure body being sealably abuttable against the valve seat in the at least one closed position. The bypass-valve device (18) has a valve housing and a valve seat element, the valve closure body being movably arranged in the valve housing, the valve seat element having at least one valve seat. The valve seat element is connected to at least one component of the at least one valve housing by means of at least one mechanical connection. The connection can be realized by means of at least one relative rotation between the at least one valve seat element and the at least one component of the at least one valve housing (120) about an imaginary valve axis of the at least one bypass-valve device. The diffuser device (20) has a diffuser coupling section, with which the diffuser device (20) is connected in terms of fluid guiding technology with at least one fluid outlet (30) of a filter housing (14) of the filter (12). The diffuser device (20) has a plurality of fluid guiding faces.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a filter for filtering a fluid, having at least one filter housing having at least one fluid inlet for a fluid to be filtered and at least one fluid outlet for a filtered fluid, at least one filter element arranged in the at least one filter housing such that the filter element separates the at least one fluid inlet from the at least one fluid inlet in terms of fluid flow technology, at least one bypass-valve device arranged in terms of fluid flow technology between the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet such that the at least one bypass-valve device connects the at least one fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet in terms of fluid flow technology in its open state, wherein the at least one bypass-valve device has at least one valve-closure body and at least one valve seat, the valve-closure body being movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, the at least one valve-closure body being able to seal against the valve seat in the at least one closed position.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a bypass-valve device for a filter for filtering a fluid, wherein the bypass-valve device is arranged in terms of fluid flow technology between at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet of the filter such that the at least one bypass-valve device connects the at least one fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet in terms of fluid flow technology in its open state, and wherein the at least one bypass-valve device has at least one valve-closure body and at least one valve seat, the valve-closure body being movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, the at least one valve-closure body being able to seal against the valve seat in the at least one closed position.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter element for a filter for filtering a fluid, the filter element having at least one bypass-valve device, the bypass-valve device being fastened at an end body of the filter element such that the at least one bypass-valve device connects at least one original fluid side of the filter element to at least one cleaning fluid side of the filter element in terms of fluid flow technology in its open state, wherein the at least one bypass-valve device has at least one valve-closure body and at least one valve seat, the valve-closure body being movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, the at least one valve-closure body being able to seal against the valve seat in the at least one closed position.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter for filtering a fluid, having at least one filter housing having at least one fluid inlet for a fluid to be filtered and at least one fluid outlet for a filtered fluid, at least one filter element which is arranged in fluid-flow-technical terms between the at least one fluid outlet and the at least one fluid inlet in the at least one filter housing, and at least one diffuser device for the filtered fluid which is connected in fluid-conducting terms with the at least one fluid outlet.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a diffuser device for a filter for filtering a fluid, having at least one diffuser-coupling section with which the diffuser device can be connected in fluid-conducting terms with at least one fluid outlet of a filter housing of the filter. BACKGROUND

[0006] A filter arrangement assembly is known from US 3.750.888 which is fitted in a hydraulic reservoir or tank. The filter arrangement assembly comprises a cylindrical housing, a conically shaped base, a cylindrical filter element which is placed on the base, an outlet opening which is configured through the base and which is positioned in the interior of the filter element, and a diffuser tool or diffuser element. The housing is provided with an inlet opening through which liquid which is drawn back by a remote control system is guided into the filter arrangement assembly. The fluid flows through the filter element into the inner cavity of the filter element and through the outlet opening and the diffuser element into the tank. A bypass valve is movably fitted on a connecting bolt at the end of the filter element. If the element is clogged, a low differential pressure which results therefrom can be achieved on the valve, so that the valve is opened against the spring, as a result of which the backflowing liquid can bypass the element until the element is replaced. SUMMARY

[0007] The task on which the invention is based is to provide an improved filter, an improved bypass-valve device, an improved filter element and an improved diffuser device. In particular, the task on which the invention is based is to design a filter, a bypass-valve device, a filter element and a diffuser device in which the treatment of a fluid, in particular the removal of undesired media from the fluid, can be carried out more efficiently and / or more reliably.

[0008] For the filter, the task is solved according to the application by the fact that the at least one bypass-valve device has at least one valve housing and at least one valve-seat element, at least one valve-closure body is movably arranged in the valve housing, the valve-seat element has at least one valve seat, wherein the at least one valve-seat element is connected to at least one component of the at least one valve housing by means of at least one mechanical connection, wherein the connection can be implemented by means of at least one relative rotation between the at least one valve-seat element and the at least one component of the at least one valve housing about an imaginary valve axis of the at least one bypass-valve device.

[0009] According to the application, the at least one bypass-valve device has a valve housing. At least one valve-closure body is movably arranged in the valve housing. Furthermore, at least one valve-seat element having at least one valve seat is connected to at least one component, in particular a peripheral wall and / or a bottom, of the at least one valve housing by means of at least one mechanical connection. In this way, the at least one bypass-valve device can be more simply assembled. The mechanical connection can be implemented by means of at least one relative rotation about the imaginary valve axis. In this way, the at least one valve-seat element and the at least one component of the at least one valve housing can be more simply assembled.

[0010] In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve-seat element can at least together form the at least one valve housing. In particular, a peripheral wall of the at least one valve-seat element can at least together form a peripheral wall of the at least one valve housing.

[0011] In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve-closure body can be moved in an axial direction relative to the valve axis. In this way, the force introduction within the at least one bypass-valve device can be improved.

[0012] In an advantageous manner, the filter can have at least one inlet opening for the fluid to be cleaned and at least one outlet opening for the cleaned fluid. The filter housing can be configured for fastening at a liquid reserve container, that is to say a fuel tank, and have at least one housing body (housing bottom) and at least one fastening flange at the housing body and a housing cover, with which the filling opening to be opened can be closed. The at least one filling opening can be arranged at an axially upper side of the housing body.

[0013] The filter element can also be referred to as a filter cartridge. The filter element can be used in a liquid filter. The filter element can be arranged replaceably in the filter housing.

[0014] In an advantageous manner, the at least one bypass-valve device can have a pressure-regulating valve. With the pressure-regulating valve, the pressure between the input side and the output side can be regulated. The at least one bypass-valve device, in particular the pressure-regulating valve, can be used in a liquid filter.

[0015] In an advantageous manner, the bypass-valve device can have a valve housing, a valve-return element, in particular a spring, a valve-closure body, in particular a valve body, and a valve-seat element, in particular a valve seat. The valve-return element and the valve-closure body can be arranged in an advantageous manner within the valve housing. A first axial end of the valve-return element can be supported at the valve housing. A second axial end of the valve-return element can act on the valve-closure body and press the valve-closure body against the valve seat of the valve-seat element.

[0016] The valve-seat element can be configured as a hollow-cylindrical screw having an external thread. The external thread can correspond to an internal thread, which can be provided at an axial end of the valve housing. The hollow-cylindrical screw can have an operating element, in particular a handling section, at a first axial end and a valve-seat section, in particular a valve seat, at a second axial end, which is opposite the first axial end. When the valve is closed, the valve-closure body can rest against the valve seat. When the pressure acting on the valve-closure body exceeds a predefined opening pressure, the valve-closure body can be moved away from the valve-seat element, in particular the valve seat, under compression of the valve-return element.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one mechanical connection between the at least one valve-seat element and the at least one component of the at least one valve housing can be a threaded connection. The threaded connection can be implemented simply by a relative rotation, in which the at least one valve-seat element is rotated about the valve axis relative to the at least one component of the at least one valve housing.

[0018] With the threaded connection, a high-efficiency force transmission can be achieved in the direction along the axis relative to the valve axis.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one valve-seat element can have at least one thread, in particular an external thread and / or an internal thread, and / or the at least one component of the at least one valve housing can have at least one thread, in particular an internal thread and / or an external thread, and / or the at least one thread of the at least one valve-seat element and / or the at least one thread of the at least one component of the at least one valve housing can be a non-self-cutting thread, and / or the at least one thread of the at least one valve-seat element and / or the at least one thread of the at least one component of the at least one valve housing can be a self-cutting thread. In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve-seat element and the at least one component of the at least one valve housing, which correspond to each other, can each have a thread. In this way, the threads can be screwed into each other.

[0020] Here, the at least one valve seat element can have an outer thread and the corresponding valve housing can have an inner thread. The valve seat element can then be correspondingly screwed into at least one component of the at least one valve housing. Alternatively, the at least one valve seat element can have at least one inner thread and the corresponding at least one component of the at least one valve housing can have at least one outer thread. In this way, the valve seat element can be screwed onto at least one component of the at least one valve housing.

[0021] The at least one thread can be a non-self-cutting thread. In this way, the at least one thread can be precisely screwed into the corresponding non-self-cutting thread of the respective component.

[0022] As an alternative or in addition, the at least one thread can be a self-cutting thread. The self-cutting thread can be screwed into an opening of the respective component and can perform a corresponding thread cutting there. This can reduce the manufacturing effort.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one valve housing can have at least one valve-sealing section acting radially with respect to the valve axis, and / or the at least one valve housing can have at least one valve-sealing section that sealingly cooperates with at least one element-sealing section at a side of the at least one filter element. In this way, the area adjacent to the at least one valve housing can be sealed.

[0024] A valve-sealing section acting radially sealingly can simply be combined with an axial assembly direction between components.

[0025] In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve housing can have at least one valve-sealing section that sealingly cooperates with at least one element-sealing section at a side of the at least one filter element. In this way, the at least one bypass-valve device can be sealingly assembled at and / or in the at least one filter element. Here, the at least one valve-sealing section and the at least one element-sealing section can act radially sealingly with respect to the valve axis. The at least one bypass-valve device can then be inserted into a corresponding opening of the at least one filter element, in particular an opening of an end body, in particular an end disk or an end cover, in a direction that is axial with respect to the valve axis.

[0026] In an advantageous manner, the valve housing can have at least one radially outer sealing surface that can be configured such that it sealingly touches a sealing surface provided on the inside of an opening in an end body of the filter element.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one valve seat element can have at least one housing-fastening element with which the at least one valve seat element is connected to at least one component of the at least one filter housing. In this way, the at least one valve seat element and thus the entire bypass-valve arrangement by means of the mechanical connection to the valve housing can be held at a component of the at least one filter housing.

[0028] In an advantageous manner, the at least one housing-fastening element can be part of a rotatable and / or insertable connection, in particular a latching connection, a plug connection, a snap connection, a screw connection, a bayonet connection or the like. Such a connection can be connected simply. Furthermore, the rotatable and / or insertable connection can also be designed in such a way that it can also be loosened without destruction. Then the at least one component of the at least one filter housing and / or the at least one valve seat element can also be used again.

[0029] In an advantageous manner, the at least one housing-fastening element of the at least one valve seat element can have at least one latching hook and / or a latching hook device. The latching hook can be connected simply by means of a plug connection.

[0030] In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve seat element can be connected to a housing cover of the at least one filter housing, in particular by means of the at least one housing-fastening element. In this way, the at least one valve seat element and thus the at least one bypass-valve arrangement can be separated together with the housing cover from the rest of the filter housing, in particular the filter pot.

[0031] In an advantageous manner, the valve housing can have a snap-in section for snapping the bypass-valve arrangement at a corresponding snap-in section of a filter housing cover.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one valve seat element can have at least one operating section at which the at least one valve seat element can be operated for connection to the at least one valve housing. In this way, the at least one valve seat element and the at least one valve housing can be assembled more simply.

[0033] In an advantageous manner, the at least one operating section can have at least one receptacle for an operating tool, in particular a screwdriver, in particular an internal hexagon wrench or the like. In this way, the assembly force for assembling the components or the disassembly force for separating the components can be introduced better.

[0034] In an advantageous manner, the at least one operating section can have at least one penetration for a fluid. In this way, the at least one operating section can additionally serve as an inlet or outlet for a fluid that should pass the bypass-valve arrangement in the open state.

[0035] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one bypass-valve device can have at least one valve-return element, which engages on the one hand with the at least one valve-closing body and on the other hand with the at least one valve housing. With the at least one valve-return element, the at least one valve-closing body can be pressed against the at least one valve seat in its closed position.

[0036] In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve-return element can be at least one elastic return element, in particular a spring element or the like. The elastic valve-return element can take up its original shape again after removal of the deforming force. The spring element can be realized technically simply. In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve-return element can have at least one coil spring. The coil spring can act in the axial direction, in particular be arranged axially relative to the valve axis.

[0037] In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve-return element can have at least one pressure coil spring. The pressure coil spring can be supported on the one hand on the side of the corresponding section of the at least one valve-closing body facing away from the valve seat, in particular on the valve disc, and on the other hand at the corresponding section of the valve housing.

[0038] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one valve-seat element and / or at least one component of the at least one valve housing can have at least one sealing device for sealing the region between the at least one valve-seat element and the at least one component of the at least one valve housing. In this way, it is possible to prevent fluid (pflückt) from possibly flowing through the at least one bypass-valve device in the closed position.

[0039] In an advantageous manner, the at least one sealing element can be arranged at at least one peripheral side of the at least one valve-seat element radially inside and / or radially outside with respect to the at least one valve axis. As an alternative or in addition, the at least one sealing element can be arranged at at least one peripheral side of the at least one component of the at least one valve housing radially inside and / or radially outside with respect to the at least one valve axis. The region between the corresponding peripheral side of the at least one valve-seat element and the corresponding peripheral side of the at least one component of the at least one valve housing can then be sealed.

[0040] In an advantageous manner, the at least one sealing element can have at least one sealing bead. The sealing bead can be realized simply, in particular at the peripheral side.

[0041] In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve housing can have at least one throughflow opening for fluid. In this way, fluid can enter into the valve housing and out of this valve housing.

[0042] In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve housing can be realized as a valve basket or as a valve housing. In the case of a valve basket or a valve housing, the at least one wall has a plurality of openings. In an advantageous manner, the wall can be realized by a plurality of struts. The openings in the wall of the valve housing can serve as throughflow openings for the fluid.

[0043] In an advantageous manner, the at least one valve housing can have or consist of plastic, metal, composite material or the like. As an alternative or in addition, the at least one valve seat element can have or consist of plastic, metal, composite material or the like. Plastic can be simply shaped. Metal can be realized stably. In the case of a metal, a self-tapping thread can be realized in an advantageous manner. In the case of a plastic material, a self-tapping thread can be simply screwed in.

[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter can be an in-tank filter and / or the filter is a liquid filter and / or a gas filter.

[0045] The in-tank filter is arranged in a tank for a fluid, in particular a liquid tank, for filtering the fluid when entering into the tank or when flowing out of the tank. With the liquid filter, the liquid can be separated from dirt, in particular particles, and / or gas, in particular air.

[0046] In an advantageous manner, the filter can be a liquid filter. With the liquid filter, a liquid, in particular oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, process liquid, urea solution, water or the like, can be filtered. In an advantageous manner, the filter can be a corrosion filter.

[0047] As an alternative or in addition, the filter can be a gas filter, in particular an air filter. In this way, with the filter, also a gaseous fluid, in particular air, compressed air, compressor air, oxygen or the like, can be freed from particles, in particular dirt, dust, oil or the like.

[0048] The invention can be used for cleaning an operating fluid, in particular fuel, oil or air, of an internal combustion engine or of a hydraulic system, in particular of a motor vehicle.

[0049] The invention can be used in a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, a truck, a motorcycle, a tractor, a bus, an agricultural and / or construction vehicle, a construction / agricultural machine, a compressor, an industrial motor or other apparatuses, in particular with an internal combustion engine. The invention can be used in land vehicles, water vehicles and / or air vehicles.

[0050] In an advantageous manner, the filter can have a filter housing which is suitable for fastening on a fluid storage container, in particular a fuel tank, an oil tank, a reservoir for hydraulic oil, a water tank, a reservoir for urea solution, a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, an air reservoir, a gas reservoir or the like.

[0051] In an advantageous manner, the filter housing can have at least one housing body and at least one mounting flange which is suitable for fastening at the mounting opening of the liquid reservoir container, the reservoir.

[0052] In an advantageous manner, the filter housing can have at least one housing cover. With the housing cover, in particular the openable mounting opening can be closed. In an advantageous manner, the at least one mounting opening can be arranged at the axial upper side of the filter pot of the filter housing.

[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one valve seat element can be a hollow cylinder having at least one thread, in particular an internal thread and / or an external thread. Fluid can flow through the hollow cylinder. The at least one valve seat element can then additionally serve as a fluid passage. With the internal thread and / or the external thread, a screw connection can be produced between the at least one valve seat element and the at least one valve housing, which can be connected and separated by means of a rotational movement.

[0054] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter can have at least one diffuser device which is connected with the at least one fluid outlet. With the at least one diffuser device, the flow cross section of the outflowing, filtered fluid can be increased. The flow of the fluid can then be quieted. For example, gas particles, in particular air particles, contained in the liquid can then be better separated from the filtered fluid.

[0055] The diffuser device can be arranged in the reservoir at the fluid outlet of the liquid filter, in particular for use when inserted into the liquid stored in the reservoir.

[0056] In an advantageous manner, the diffuser device can be inserted into the liquid stored in the reservoir. In this way, the liquid cleaned with the filter can be distributed in the reservoir by means of the diffuser device.

[0057] Furthermore, for the bypass-valve device, the task is solved according to the application by the bypass-valve device having at least one valve housing and at least one valve seat element, at least one valve closure body being movably arranged in the valve housing, the valve seat element having at least one valve seat, wherein at least one valve seat element is connected to at least one component of the at least one valve housing by means of at least one mechanical connection, wherein the mechanical connection can be realized by at least one relative rotation between the at least one valve seat element and the at least one component of the at least one valve housing about an imaginary valve axis of the at least one bypass-valve device.

[0058] Furthermore, for the filter element, the task is solved according to the application by the filter element having at least one receptacle for the at least one bypass-valve device.

[0059] According to the application, the filter element has at least one receptacle for the at least one bypass-valve device. In this way, the bypass-valve device can be fitted at the filter element.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, the filter element can be a hollow filter element, wherein the filter medium at least partially surrounds an element interior space.

[0061] The hollow filter element is characterized by having at least one element interior space, which is surrounded by the filter medium. The filter medium can be traversed by the fluid to be filtered from the outside to the inside towards the element interior space, and vice versa. The element interior space has an outward fluid penetration, through which, depending on the flow direction, filtered fluid can exit the element interior space or fluid to be filtered can enter this element interior space. The filter medium can surround the element interior space in a peripheral manner with respect to the element axis. At at least one end side in the axial direction with respect to the element axis, the filter medium can be connected with an end body, in particular an end disk or an end cap, which can also be referred to as an end cover. The at least one end body can have at least one penetration opening for the element interior space.

[0062] The hollow filter element can in an advantageous manner be a so-called round filter element having a circular cross section, an oval round filter element having an oval cross section, a flat oval round filter element having a truncated oval cross section, a conical round filter element, in which the circular cross section gradually narrows in the axial direction towards the main axis, a conical-oval round filter element, in which the oval cross section gradually narrows in the axial direction at least towards the direction of the lateral axis, a conical flat oval round filter element, in which the flat oval cross section gradually narrows in the axial direction at least towards the direction of the lateral axis, or a hollow filter element having a different, in particular angular, cross section and / or having a different axial cross-sectional progression in the axial direction of the element.

[0063] The filter medium can be closed or open in a circumferential manner with respect to the element axis in an advantageous manner. The filter medium can be folded or curved in particular star-shaped, preferably zigzag or wave-shaped. The filter medium can also be unfolded or not curved.

[0064] The fluid to be filtered can flow through the filter medium from the outside into the element interior or from the element interior through the filter medium to the outside. Furthermore, at least one bypass-valve device can be arranged space-savingly in the element interior.

[0065] In an advantageous manner, the at least one end body can have at least one opening for the at least one bypass-valve device. The at least one bypass-valve device can be inserted into the at least one opening. The at least one bypass-valve device can then be arranged at least partially in the element interior of the at least one filter element in a space-saving manner. The at least one opening and the element interior can then serve as a receptacle for the at least one bypass-valve device of the at least one filter element.

[0066] In an advantageous manner, at least one element-sealing section can be arranged at the at least one end body. At the side of the at least one bypass-valve device, the at least one valve-sealing section can interact sealingly with the at least one element-sealing section.

[0067] In an advantageous manner, the hollow filter element can have an outer flow protection section. In this way, the filter body can be protected from direct fluid flow, in particular fluid flow in the radial direction towards the element axis. The flow protection section can be realized in connection with the at least one end body.

[0068] In an advantageous manner, the at least one filter element can have a hollow-cylindrical filter medium and two end caps, which close the axial end sides of the filter medium. The first end cap can have a flat, annular base section. An outer, cylindrical flow protection section can protrude from the outer boundary of the base section in the direction of the second end cap. The outer, cylindrical flow protection section can have an axial length, which is designed in such a way that the filter medium is protected from direct radial flow through the fluid inlet channel into the filter housing.

[0069] In an advantageous manner, the first end cap can have a central opening, which comprises a radial sealing portion, which is configured in such a way that it can sealingly touch an outer sealing surface of a bypass-valve device arranged at the central opening of the first end cap.

[0070] Furthermore, for the filter, the task is solved according to the invention in that the at least one diffuser device has a plurality of fluid guiding surfaces.

[0071] With the fluid guiding surfaces it is possible to influence the flow direction of the filtered fluid flowing out of the at least one fluid outlet of the filter housing. The fluid flow is thereby quietened. In the case of a fluid in the liquid state, gas bubbles, in particular air bubbles, which are present can be separated better in the case of a smooth fluid flow than in the case of a turbulent fluid flow.

[0072] In the case of use of the filter as a so-called in-tank filter, the filtered fluid can be output into a tank by means of the at least one diffuser device, the fluid flow being quietened by means of the fluid guiding surfaces in such a way that the residence time of the fluid in the tank is increased. The longer the residence time of the fluid in the tank, the better gas, in particular air, which is present can be separated from the fluid. By means of the use of a plurality of fluid guiding surfaces it is possible to influence the fluid flow of the filtered fluid in a targeted manner.

[0073] With a plurality of fluid guiding surfaces it is possible to define fluid channels or to define them from one another.

[0074] In an advantageous manner, the at least one diffuser device can be implemented as a one-piece assembly. In this way, the stability of the at least one diffuser device can be improved.

[0075] In an advantageous manner, the at least one diffuser device can be implemented in the case of use of a thermoplastic material, in particular a material from the group of polyamide, polyester, polypropylene or other thermoplastic materials. In an advantageous manner, the at least one diffuser device can be produced in accordance with an injection-moulding process.

[0076] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one diffuser device can have at least one fluid guiding channel and / or the at least one fluid guiding channel of the at least one diffuser device can be defined by means of at least one fluid guiding surface. In the fluid guiding channel, the fluid flow can be guided in a controlled manner. In this way, the flow can be quietened better.

[0077] In an advantageous manner, the at least one fluid channel can have a circular or oval cross section. In this way, the at least one fluid channel can be defined by means of a single circumferentially continuous fluid guiding surface.

[0078] As an alternative or in addition, the at least one fluid guiding channel can have an angular, in particular square, triangular or the like cross section. In this way, the at least one fluid channel can be defined by means of a plurality of fluid guiding surfaces.

[0079] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least two fluid-conducting surfaces can extend at least section- wise parallel to one another and / or the at least one fluid-conducting channel has at least section- wise a constant cross section and / or the at least two fluid-conducting surfaces extend at least section- wise away from one another viewed in the fluid flow direction and / or the at least one fluid-conducting channel widens at least section- wise viewed in the fluid flow direction. In this way, the course of the fluid-conducting surfaces and / or of the fluid-conducting channel can be adapted to the requirements accordingly.

[0080] With the at least two fluid-conducting surfaces, which extend at least section- wise parallel to one another, and / or the at least one fluid-conducting channel, which has at least section- wise a constant cross section, a uniform fluid flow can be achieved.

[0081] With the two fluid-conducting surfaces, which extend at least section- wise away from one another viewed in the fluid flow direction, and / or the at least one fluid-conducting channel, which widens at least section- wise viewed in the fluid flow direction, the flow cross section can be increased and thus the flow velocity can be reduced.

[0082] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one fluid-conducting surface can extend at least section- wise at an angle of approximately 90° to 180° with respect to the main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device and / or the at least one channel axis of the at least one fluid-conducting channel can extend at an angle of approximately 90° to 180° with respect to the main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device. In this way, the flow direction of the outflowing, filtered fluid can be changed accordingly at an angle of 90° to 180°. The flow velocity can then be further reduced overall. The separation of the gas bubbles can then be further improved.

[0083] In an advantageous manner, the at least one fluid-conducting surface and / or the at least one channel axis can extend at an angle of greater than 90°, preferably greater than 130°, preferably less than 170°, with respect to the main inflow axis.

[0084] The main inflow axis is an imaginary axis in the sense of the application along which the filtered fluid enters from the fluid outlet of the filter housing into the diffuser-inlet channel of the diffuser device.

[0085] In an advantageous manner, the main inflow axis can extend parallel or coaxially to the filter axis of the filter and / or in particular to the filter element axis of the hollow filter element. In this way, the arrangement of the filter and the diffuser device can be realized in line. The arrangement can then be configured overall more narrowly.

[0086] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least two fluid guiding surfaces and / or the at least two fluid guiding channels can be arranged on different sides with respect to the main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device, and / or the at least two fluid guiding surfaces and / or the at least two fluid guiding channels are arranged on the same side with respect to the main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device. In this way, the cross section of the filtered fluid flowing out of the diffuser device can be increased overall. The fluid can then be distributed more uniformly overall. Furthermore, the flow velocity can then be reduced further.

[0087] In an advantageous manner, the fluid guiding surfaces and / or the fluid channels can be arranged on opposite sides. The at least one diffuser device can then be configured overall symmetrically.

[0088] As an alternative or in addition, a plurality of fluid guiding surfaces and / or fluid channels can be arranged on one side. The flow cross section at the outflow side can then be increased overall on the side of the main inflow axis.

[0089] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one fluid guiding surface and / or the at least one fluid guiding channel can extend at least partially section-wise meander- like, and / or the at least one fluid guiding surface and / or the fluid guiding channel extends at least partially section-wise straight, and / or the at least one fluid guiding channel extends at least partially section-wise helically and / or spirally.

[0090] With a meandering course, the at least one fluid guiding surface and / or the at least one fluid guiding channel can be lengthened overall without having to increase the outer dimensions of the diffuser device. In this way, the residence duration of the fluid at the at least one fluid guiding surface and / or in the at least one fluid guiding channel can be lengthened and the fluid can thus be further quieted.

[0091] Fluid guiding surfaces and / or fluid guiding channels that extend straight can be realized more simply in terms of technology.

[0092] In the case of helical and / or spiral fluid guiding channels, the ratio between channel length and required construction space can be further improved.

[0093] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one diffuser device can have at least one diffuser-coupling section for coupling at the at least one fluid outlet of the at least one filter housing and / or at least one coupling sealing element for sealing the at least one diffuser device with respect to the at least one fluid outlet of the at least one filter housing.

[0094] With a diffuser-coupling section, the at least one diffuser device can be simply connected in terms of fluid guiding technology with the at least one fluid outlet.

[0095] With the at least one coupling sealing element it is possible to prevent that fluid can escape uncontrolled between the at least one diffuser device and the at least one fluid outlet of the at least one filter housing.

[0096] In an advantageous manner, the at least one coupling sealing element can have at least one sealing surface. The corresponding sealing element, in particular a sealing body, can be sealingly abutted on the side of the at least one fluid outlet at the sealing surface. As an alternative or in addition, the at least one coupling sealing element can have at least one sealing body. The sealing body can be sealingly abutted on the side of the at least one fluid outlet at the corresponding sealing element, in particular the sealing surface.

[0097] In an advantageous manner, the at least one sealing body can be designed as a sealing ring and / or the at least one sealing surface is designed as a circumferentially continuous sealing surface. With such a sealing body and sealing surface a circumferential sealing can be achieved.

[0098] In an advantageous manner, the at least one coupling sealing element can sealingly act in a radial direction and / or in an axial direction with respect to the diffuser-main flow axis. In this way the sealing effect can be improved overall. According to the design it is also possible to achieve corresponding installation tolerances.

[0099] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one diffuser device can have at least one diffuser fixing element for fixing the at least one diffuser device at the at least one filter housing. In this way it is possible to prevent that the at least one diffuser device connected with the fluid outlet can be uncontrolled released.

[0100] In an advantageous manner, the at least one diffuser fixing element can be quickly activated. In this way it is possible to accelerate, in particular simplify, the assembly.

[0101] In an advantageous manner, the at least one diffuser fixing element can be a fixing element which can be released again without destruction. In this way it is possible to release and activate the fixing structure again without destruction if necessary, in particular for maintenance purposes and / or for replacing the at least one diffuser device.

[0102] In an advantageous manner, the at least one diffuser fixing element can have a rotatable and / or insertable fixing means, in particular a snap connection, a click connection, a screw connection, a bayonet connection type connection, a plug connection or a combination of different connections or consist of them. Such a fixing means can be activated simply and quickly and released again without destruction if necessary.

[0103] In an advantageous manner, the at least one diffuser fixing element can be a snap hook. The snap hook can be simply connected with a corresponding protrusion on the side of the filter housing.

[0104] Alternatively, the at least one filter housing can have at least one catch hook and the at least one diffuser device can have at least one diffuser fixing element in the form of a protrusion, which can fixedly cooperate with the at least one catch hook.

[0105] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one diffuser device can have at least one diffuser-inlet channel, which is connected to the at least one fluid-conducting channel and / or opens into the at least one fluid-conducting surface, and / or the main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device can run within the at least one diffuser-inlet channel, and / or the at least one diffuser-inlet channel of the at least one diffuser device can have a circular cross section at least sectionally, and / or the at least one diffuser-inlet channel of the at least one diffuser device can have a constant cross section at least sectionally.

[0106] The at least one fluid outlet of the at least one filter housing can be connected to the at least one fluid-conducting channel and / or the at least one fluid-conducting surface by means of a diffuser-inlet channel. The diffuser-inlet channel can then act to some extent as an adapter between the fluid outlet of the filter housing and the fluid outlet of the at least one fluid channel and / or the at least one fluid-conducting surface.

[0107] The geometry, in particular the cross section, of the fluid outlet of the at least one filter housing can be adapted to the geometry, in particular the cross section, in the region of the at least one fluid-conducting channel and / or the at least one fluid-conducting surface by means of the at least one diffuser-inlet channel.

[0108] Furthermore, the flow direction of the filtered fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid-conducting channel and the at least one fluid-conducting surface can be adapted by means of the at least one diffuser-inlet channel.

[0109] The main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device can run in the at least one diffuser-inlet channel. In this way, the flow direction of the fluid can be specified there.

[0110] The at least one diffuser-inlet channel can have a circular cross section at least sectionally. The circular cross section is symmetrical with respect to its direction of rotation. The at least one diffuser-inlet channel can then be arranged at the fluid outlet of the filter housing in different directions of rotation. The direction of the at least one diffuser device, in particular the outflow direction of the filtered fluid from the at least one diffuser device, can then be set more flexibly.

[0111] The diffuser-inlet channel can at least partially sectionally have a constant cross section. In this way a uniform fluid flow can be achieved in the diffuser-inlet channel.

[0112] In an advantageous manner, the diffuser device can comprise an axial, tubular diffuser-inlet channel having an inlet opening, which inlet opening is configured such that it can be mounted at an outlet opening, in particular a fluid outlet opening, of the filter. In an advantageous manner, the inlet channel can define an entry flow direction, in particular a diffuser-main flow axis, along an axial direction from the inlet opening through the inlet channel. In an advantageous manner, the diffuser device can comprise at least one diffusion channel, in particular a fluid guiding channel, which fluid guiding channel is connected with the diffuser-inlet channel downstream of the inlet opening. In an advantageous manner, the diffusion channel can be configured such that it outputs fluid, in particular liquid, into a reservoir. In an advantageous manner, the diffusion channel can extend from the inlet channel at an acute angle, such that fluid, in particular liquid, entering from the inlet channel into the diffusion channel experiences a change in direction of greater than 90 degrees, preferably greater than 130 degrees, preferably less than 170 degrees.

[0113] In an advantageous manner, the diffuser device can comprise a plurality of diffusion channels.

[0114] In an advantageous manner, the diffuser device can comprise a plurality of parallel diffusion channels.

[0115] In an advantageous manner, the plurality of diffusion channels can be a plurality of first parallel diffusion channels and a plurality of second diffusion channels. The plurality of second diffusion channels can extend in a direction arranged opposite to a direction of the plurality of first diffusion channels. In an advantageous manner a configuration can be produced which can have a plane of symmetry along an axial axis of the inlet channel.

[0116] In an advantageous manner, the diffuser device can be manufactured in a one-piece component in a shaped manner in an injection molding process using a material selected from the group of thermoplastic materials, from the group of polyamides, polyesters, polypropylenes or other thermoplastic materials.

[0117] Furthermore, for the diffuser device the task is solved according to the invention by the fact that the at least one diffuser device has a plurality of fluid guiding surfaces.

[0118] Furthermore, the features and advantages set forth in connection with the filter according to the invention, the bypass-valve device according to the invention, the filter element according to the invention and the diffuser device according to the invention and their respective advantageous design solutions correspondingly apply to one another and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can be combined with one another without further ado, wherein further advantageous effects can be set which exceed the sum of the individual effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0119] Further advantages, features and specific details of the present application are derived from the following description, in which embodiments of the present application are explained in more detail on the basis of the drawings. The person skilled in the art will also observe the features disclosed in the drawings, the description and the claims in an appropriate manner individually and will generalize them to meaningful further combinations. Therein are shown schematically:

[0120] Figure 1 a longitudinal sectional view of a tank for liquid, in which a filter according to the first embodiment is arranged, the filter having a bypass-valve arrangement according to the first embodiment and a diffuser arrangement according to the first embodiment;

[0121] Figure 2 a longitudinal sectional view of a filter from Figure 1 ;

[0122] Figure 3 isometric views of a filter from Figure 1 and Figure 2 ;

[0123] Figure 4 a detailed isometric view of a diffuser arrangement of a filter from Figures 1 to 3 ;

[0124] Figure 5 a longitudinal sectional view of a diffuser arrangement of a filter from Figures 1 to 3 ;

[0125] Figure 6 a detailed view of a longitudinal sectional view of a filter from Figure 2 in the area of the connection of the bypass-valve arrangement in the end cap above the filter element;

[0126] Figure 7 an isometric view of a bypass-valve arrangement according to the first embodiment of a filter from Figures 1 to 3 ;

[0127] Figure 8 a longitudinal sectional view of a bypass-valve arrangement according to the first embodiment of a filter from Figures 1 to 3 ;

[0128] Figure 9 a detailed isometric view of a filter arrangement with two filters according to the first embodiment from Figures 1 to 3 ;

[0129] Figure 10 a detailed isometric view of a filter arrangement with two filters according to the second embodiment;

[0130] Figure 11 a longitudinal sectional view of a filter device from Figure 10 ;

[0131] Figure 12 a isometric view of a by-pass valve device according to a second embodiment is shown;

[0132] Figure 13 a longitudinal sectional view of a by-pass valve device according to a second embodiment from Figure 12 ;

[0133] Figure 14 a isometric view of a diffuser device according to a second embodiment is shown;

[0134] Figure 15 a longitudinal sectional view of a diffuser device according to a second embodiment from Figure 14 ;

[0135] Figure 16 a cross section of a diffuser device according to a second embodiment from Figure 14 and Figure 15 along the section line XVI-XVI from Figure 15 ;

[0136] Identical components in the figures are provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0137] A tank 10 for a liquid, for example fuel, oil, hydraulic oil, urea solution or the like is shown in Figure 1 . In the tank 10 a filter 12 is arranged as a so-called in-tank filter in the form of a liquid filter according to a first embodiment. The filter 12 is inserted into the wall above the tank 10 and extends into the inner cavity of the tank 10. The filter 12 is accessible from the outside outside the tank 10.

[0138] The filter 12 and its components are shown in different isometric cross sections and detailed views in Figures 2 to 8 .

[0139] The filter 12 comprises a filter housing 14 in which a filter element 16 according to the first embodiment and a by-pass valve device 18 are arranged. Furthermore, the filter 12 comprises a diffuser device 20 in the first embodiment. The diffuser device 20 is shown in detail in Figure 4 and Figure 5 . The by-pass valve device 18 is shown in detail in Figure 7 and Figure 8 . The connection of the by-pass valve device 18 to the filter element 16 is shown in detail in Figure 6 .

[0140] The filter housing 14 comprises a housing pot 22 (in the lower middle), a housing coupling part 24 (in the middle) and a housing cover 26 (in the upper region). The housing pot 22 approximately has the shape of a hollow cylinder coaxial with respect to an imaginary filter axis 28. Figures 1 to 3

[0141] The filter axis 28 in the embodiment coincides with the valve axis 128 of the bypass-valve device 18 and with the diffuser-main-flow axis 204 of the diffuser device 20. If in the following "radially", "coaxially", "axially", "tangentially", "along the circumference", "concentrically", "eccentrically" or the like are mentioned, this relates to the axis of the respective context, as long as the opposite is not mentioned.

[0142] On the axial end side, in the lower middle, the housing pot 22 has a bottom section in which a coaxial fluid outlet 30 is located, exemplarily. On the opposite axial end side, in the upper region, the housing pot 22 has an insertion opening 32 for the filter element 16. Figures 1 to 3

[0143] The fluid outlet 30 comprises an exemplarily cylindrical coaxial outlet sleeve 34, the inside of which is hollow. The outlet sleeve 34 has a smaller diameter than the housing pot 22. The outlet sleeve 34 extends in axial direction through the bottom of the housing pot 22. The outlet sleeve 34 extends approximately half in axial view in the inner cavity of the housing pot 22 and outside the housing pot 22.

[0144] The part of the outlet sleeve 34 located outside the housing pot 22 is designed as a coupling part 36 for the diffuser device 20. The coupling part 36 comprises a surrounding catch flange 38. The outer diameter of the coupling part 36 tapers conically, viewed from the catch flange 38 towards the free end of the coupling part 36. In front of the free end of the coupling part 36, a seal receiving portion 40 extends continuously along the circumference. In the seal receiving portion 40 a seal ring 42 is arranged. The seal ring 42 acts sealingly in radial direction.

[0145] The insertion opening 32 of the housing pot 22 extends radially over the entire inner cross section of the housing pot 22. In the region of the end-side border surrounding the insertion opening 32, the housing pot 22 has a shoulder 44. The shoulder 44 extends along the circumference and radially outward at the radially outer circumferential side. In the radially outer circumferential side of the shoulder 44 two seal receiving portions 46 are arranged. The seal receiving portions 46 respectively extend continuously along the circumference. Viewed in axial direction, the seal receiving portions 46 are arranged next to each other. In each seal receiving portion 46 a seal ring 48 is arranged. The seal rings 48 respectively act sealingly in radial direction.

[0146] ​​On the end of the outlet sleeve 34 which is located in the interior space of the housing pot 22, an exemplary coaxial intermediate tube 50 is attached. The intermediate tube 50 tapers, viewed from the free end of the outlet sleeve 34, towards the free end thereof. At the free end thereof, the intermediate tube 50 has a coaxial, rod-shaped cap 52. The peripheral wall of the intermediate tube 50 is permeable to fluid. The intermediate tube 50 is exemplary inserted with the end into the outlet sleeve 34.

[0147] The housing coupling part 24 has the shape of an approximately hollow cylinder which is open at both axial ends. The housing coupling part 24 is coaxial to the filter axis 28. The housing coupling part 24 is provided with a fluid inlet 54 and a mounting flange 56. The fluid inlet 54 comprises an inlet sleeve 58 which surrounds an inlet channel 60. The inlet sleeve 48 extends radially outwards on the peripheral side of the housing coupling part 24. At the free end of the inlet sleeve 58, a coupling flange 62 is arranged. The coupling flange 62 is exemplary provided with four threaded openings at which a corresponding tube guide sleeve of a fluid input line, not shown, can be releasably fastened. The housing coupling part 24 is realized in relation to the mounting flange 56 and the inlet sleeve 58.

[0148] The housing coupling part 24 has a stop tab 64 at the axially end-side, radially inner peripheral side at the lower boundary, which in the mounted state faces the housing pot 22. The stop tab 64 extends radially inwards. The inner diameter in the region of the stop tab 64 is smaller than the outer diameter of the shoulder 44 of the housing pot 22. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the stop tab 64 is larger than the outer diameter of the housing pot 22 outside the shoulder 44. The inner diameter of the housing coupling part 24 in axial direction next to the stop tab 64 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shoulder 44 of the housing pot 22. Figures 1 to 3 The housing coupling part 24 has a stop tab 64 at the axially end-side, radially inner peripheral side at the lower boundary, which in the mounted state faces the housing pot 22. The stop tab 64 extends radially inwards. The inner diameter in the region of the stop tab 64 is smaller than the outer diameter of the shoulder 44 of the housing pot 22. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the stop tab 64 is larger than the outer diameter of the housing pot 22 outside the shoulder 44. The inner diameter of the housing coupling part 24 in axial direction next to the stop tab 64 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shoulder 44 of the housing pot 22.

[0149] For the mounting, the housing pot 22 can be inserted with its lower, end with the fluid outlet 30 in the axial forward direction through the opening at the end of the housing part 24 which axially faces away from the stop tab 64. In the mounted state, the stop tab 64 abuts in axial direction at the shoulder 44 as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 6 The sealing ring 48 seals radially against the radially inner peripheral side of the housing coupling part 24 which functions as a sealing surface.

[0150] The assembly flange 56 of the housing coupling part 24 is located between the inlet sleeve 58 and the free border with the stop tab 64. The assembly flange 56 extends along the circumference at the radially outer circumferential side of the housing coupling part 24. The assembly flange 56 has exemplarily four threaded holes 66 distributed along the circumference. The axes of the threaded holes 66 run parallel to the filter axis 28. On the axial end side of the assembly flange facing the border of the housing coupling part 24 with the stop tab 64, the assembly flange 56 has a seal portion receiving portion 68. In the seal portion receiving portion 68 a seal ring 70 is arranged.

[0151] For the assembly of the filter 12 in the tank 10, the assembly flange 56 is located on a corresponding tank-assembly section 72 of the tank 10. The assembly flange 56 is screwed with four threaded pieces to the tank-assembly section 72. The seal ring 70 is placed sealingly effective in axial direction on a corresponding sealing surface of the tank-assembly section 72.

[0152] Between the inlet sleeve 58 and the free border axially opposite to the stop tab 68, the housing coupling part 24 has an inner thread 74 at the radially inner circumferential side. Between the inner thread 74 and the free border on the axial end side of the housing coupling part 24, the radially inner circumferential side of the housing coupling part 24 is designed as a sealing surface 76. The sealing surface widens approximately funnel-shaped towards the axially free border and thus forms an introduction bevel for the housing cover 26.

[0153] The housing cover 26 has a coaxial, cylindrical peripheral wall. On the axial end side facing in the assembled state the housing tank 22, the housing tank 22 is open. On the axially opposite end side, the housing tank 22 is closed.

[0154] Close to the open border of the housing cover in axial direction, the housing cover 26 has an outer thread 78 at its radially outer circumferential side. The outer thread 78 is adapted to the inner thread 74 of the housing coupling part 24. In the assembled state, the outer thread 78 is screwed into the inner thread 74.

[0155] On the side axially opposite to the free border, close to the outer thread 78 in the radially outer circumferential side of the housing cover 26, a circumferentially continuous seal portion receiving portion 80 is arranged. In the seal portion receiving portion 80 a seal ring 82 is arranged. In the assembled housing cover 26, the seal ring 82 sealingly effective abuts in radial direction at the sealing surface 76 of the housing coupling part 24.

[0156] On the side of the sealing portion receptacle 80 which is axially opposite the outer thread 78, a stop tab 84 is realized. The stop tab 84 extends radially outward at the radially outer circumferential side of the housing cover 26. In the assembled state of the housing cover 26, the free boundary of the housing coupling part 24 rests against the stop tab 84. It is thereby possible to prevent the housing cover 26 from being screwed too far into the housing coupling part 24.

[0157] On the closed side of the housing cover, the housing cover 26 is externally provided with an engagement element 86. The engagement element 86 is exemplarily designed in the shape of a hexagon and is coaxial with the filter axis 28. It is possible, for example, to attach a tool, for example a screwdriver, at the engagement element 86 in order to screw the housing cover 26 into the housing coupling part 24 or to screw it out of this.

[0158] In the interior of the housing cover 26, a coaxial holding basket 88 is arranged. The holding basket 88 approximately has the shape of a coaxial hollow cylinder. The holding basket 88 is integrally connected with the closed side of the housing cover 26.

[0159] The holding basket 88 comprises, at the free end, a coaxial circumferentially continuous annular strut 94 and a plurality of basket struts 90. The basket struts 90 each extend approximately parallel to the filter axis 28 between the annular strut 94 and the closed side of the housing cover 26. Between the basket struts 90, penetration openings 92 for fluid are realized.

[0160] The radially inner circumferential side of the annular strut 94 forms a circumferentially continuous latching projection 96. On its axially facing side towards the housing pot 22, the latching projection 96 has an introduction ramp for the housing-fastening element 178 of the bypass-valve device 18. The holding basket 88 protrudes in axial direction beyond the free boundary of the circumferential wall of the housing coupling part 24.

[0161] The filter element 16 is exemplarily designed as a circular filter element. The filter element 16 is provided with a filter medium 98 which is exemplarily in the form of a filter nonwoven or the like, which coaxially surrounds a coaxial support basket 100. The filter medium 98 and the support basket 100 surround an element interior space 102 of the filter element 16.

[0162] On the end side which axially faces the fluid outlet 30, the filter element 16 has an outlet-side end cap 104. The outlet-side end cap 104 extends in radial direction beyond the axial end side of the filter medium 98. In the center, the outlet-side end cap 104 has a straight insertion opening. The central tube 50 and the inner portion of the coupling sleeve 34 protrude through the straight insertion opening into the element interior space 102.

[0163] At the radially outer peripheral side, the end cap 104 has a wall section extending in axial direction and in circumferential direction, which wall section surrounds the filter medium 98. At the radially inner peripheral side, the outlet-side end cap 104 is stepped with respect to a seal portion receptacle in which a seal ring 106, for example made of elastomer, is arranged. In the case of the mounted filter element 16, the seal ring 106 seals against the radially outer peripheral side of the outlet sleeve 34 in axial direction, which forms a sealing surface.

[0164] On the end side facing in axial direction towards the housing cover 26, the filter element 16 has an inlet-side end cap 108. The inlet-side end cap 108 has a flat, radially extending base section 110 and a radially outer, columnar flow protection section 112 projecting from the radially outer boundary of the base section 110 in the direction of the outlet-side end cap 104. The axial length of the flow protection section 112 is designed such that the filter medium 98 is protected from a radial direct flow of fluid through the fluid inlet 54 into the filter housing 14.

[0165] The inlet-side end cap 108 has a seal portion-cylinder section 114 coaxial with the radially inner peripheral side. The seal portion-cylinder section 114 extends in axial direction away from the flow section 112. In the radially inner peripheral side of the seal portion-cylinder section, the seal portion-cylinder section 114 has a seal portion receptacle 116 in which a seal ring 118, for example in the form of an O-ring, is arranged. The seal ring 118 can exemplarily be made of elastomer. As an additional solution or alternative to the seal ring 118, the seal portion can also be provided by the material of the end cap 108. A seal portion acting sealingly in axial direction or in axial and radial direction can also be provided.

[0166] In Figure 7 and Figure 8 the bypass-valve device 18 according to the first embodiment is shown in detail. The bypass-valve device 18 comprises a valve housing 120, a valve-closure body 122, a valve-return element 124 exemplarily in the form of a coaxial coil spring, and a valve seat element 126.

[0167] The valve-closure body 122 is arranged in the valve housing 120 in axial direction with respect to a valve axis 128 in a movable manner. The valve-closure body 122 has a valve disc 130 and a valve stem 132. The valve disc 130 and the valve stem 132 are exemplarily designed in one piece.

[0168] The valve stem 132 has the shape of a hollow cylinder.

[0169] The valve disc 130 is arranged at an axial end of the valve stem 132 and closes the inner cavity of the valve stem 132 there. The valve disc 130 is curved at its radially outer border towards the free end of the valve stem 132. The thus formed radially outer peripheral side of the valve disc 130 has a coaxial cylindrical course and forms a guide section 135. The inner cavity of the valve stem 132 is open at the free end.

[0170] The curved border of the valve disc 130 forms a valve seat- abutment face 133 in the curved region. The valve seat- abutment face 133 sealingly abuts at the valve seat 134 of the valve seat element 126 in the closed position shown in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figures 6 to 8 . The valve disc 130 and the valve seat 134 respectively have a rotationally symmetrical shape about the valve axis 128.

[0171] The valve disc 130 has a coaxial dome at its axial outer side. The outer diameter of the dome approximately corresponds to the inner diameter of the inner cavity of the valve stem 132.

[0172] The valve housing 120 is designed as a valve basket or valve housing. The valve housing 120 has a coaxial peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has a plurality of through-flow openings 164 for fluid. The peripheral wall is formed in axial direction several times in steps. On the axially upper side in Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the valve housing 120 has an insertion opening 136 for the valve seat element 126. On the axially lower side, the valve housing 120 is closed with a bottom section 146.

[0173] On the side facing the bottom section 146, the valve housing 120 has a plurality of vanes 138 at the radially outer peripheral side, which respectively extend radially outward. The vanes 138 are integrally connected with the bottom section 146. The vanes 138 respectively end with an axial end side at the same height as the underside of the bottom section 146. The axial end sides of the vanes 138, which are axially away from the underside of the bottom section 146, are located at different heights in axial direction viewed in axial direction. The axial end sides of the vanes 138, which are axially away from the underside of the bottom section 146, extend along a coaxial, imaginary helix. The vanes 138 can be coupled, for example, with corresponding parts of the support basket 100 of the filter element 16 in a connection of the bayonet type.

[0174] In the inner cavity of the valve housing 120, a guide cylinder 140 extends coaxially from the bottom section 146 into a coaxial receiving chamber 142 for the valve-return element 124. The guide cylinder 140 is integrally connected with the bottom section 146.

[0175] On the side of the bottom section 146 facing the inner cavity of the valve housing 120, a circumferentially continuous, coaxial guide ring groove 144 is arranged. The guide ring groove 144 surrounds the guide cylinder 140.

[0176] The valve stem 132 of the valve-closure body 122 is movably inserted in axial direction on the guide cylinder 140. The guide cylinder 140 and the guide ring groove 144 guide the valve stem 132 upon axial movement of the valve stem.

[0177] The valve stem 132 has a guide bevel 150 radially outward at its open end. By means of the guide bevel 150, the valve stem 132 can be more easily introduced into the guide ring groove 144 upon axial movement thereof.

[0178] The bottom section 146 forms a support section 148 radially outside the guide ring groove 144, which extends in radial direction and in circumferential direction. The valve-return element 124, i.e. the coil spring, is supported with one end at the support section 148. The valve-return element 124 is supported with the other end at the underside of the valve disc 130. The valve-return element 124 acts onto the valve disc 130 and presses the valve disc 130 against the valve seat 134.

[0179] The bottom section 146 transitions integrally into a circumferential receiving-wall section 152. The receiving-wall section 152 coaxially surrounds a receiving chamber 142 for the lower portion of the valve-return element 124, which faces the bottom section 146. The inner diameter of the receiving chamber 142 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the valve-return element 124.

[0180] Behind the step, the receiving-wall section 152 transitions integrally radially outward into a circumferential guide-chamber-wall section 156. The guide-chamber-wall section 156 surrounds a coaxial guide chamber 158 for the valve disc 130.

[0181] The receiving-wall section 152 and the guide-chamber-wall section 156 are each realized by an axially extending wall strut 160. The wall strut 160 extends between two coaxial ring sections 162, which are spaced apart in axial direction. The middle ring section 162 is located at the height of the step between the receiving-wall section 152 and the guide-chamber-wall section 156. Between the wall struts 160, a continuous throughflow opening 164 for fluid is realized, respectively. The receiving-wall section 152 and the guide-chamber-wall section 156 are permeable to fluid.

[0182] In the region of the middle ring section 162, the wall strut 160 of the receiving-wall section 152 and the wall strut 160 of the guide-chamber-wall section 156 overlap in axial direction.

[0183] The wall struts 160 of the receiving-wall section 152 have an introduction bevel 166 on the radially inner peripheral side at their end facing away from the base section 146. The introduction bevel 166 facilitates the insertion of the valve-return element 124.

[0184] Above the wall struts 160 of the receiving-wall section 152, the radially inner peripheral side of the wall struts 160 of the guide-chamber-wall section 156 extends in axial direction. The radially inner peripheral side of the wall struts 160 of the guide-chamber-wall section 156 forms a radially outer guide face 168. At the guide face 168, the guide section 135 of the valve disc 130 is guided in axial direction upon movement of the valve-closure body 122.

[0185] On the side facing axially away from the base section 146, the ring section 162 above the guide-chamber-wall section 156 transitions integrally into a screw- and seal section 170.

[0186] The radially outer peripheral side of the screw- and seal section 170 forms a seal face 172. The seal face 172 has the shape of a coaxial cylindrical peripheral side. In the case of the inserted bypass-valve device 18, the seal ring 118 of the end cap 108 of the filter element 16 on the inlet side seals against the seal face 172 in radial direction.

[0187] The radially inner peripheral side of the screw- and seal section 170 has a coaxial valve housing thread 174 in the form of an internal thread.

[0188] On the side facing axially away from the base section 146, the screw- and seal section 170 transitions integrally into a fastening flange 176, which extends peripherally and radially outward.

[0189] The fastening flange 176 has an integral housing-fastening element 178 on its side facing axially away from the base section 146. The housing-fastening element 178 comprises a coaxial, peripherally continuous latching ring 180. The latching ring 180 is integrally connected with the fastening flange 176 by means of a plurality of fastening tabs 182. The fastening tabs 182 respectively extend in axial direction and are arranged peripherally distributed. In the assembled filter 12, the latching ring 180 latches behind the latching protrusion 96 of the retaining basket 88 of the housing cover 26. The bypass-valve device 18 is retained at the housing cover 26 by means of the housing-fastening element 178 and the latching protrusion 96.

[0190] A coaxial sealing cylinder section 184 is arranged radially inside the housing-fastening element 178. The sealing cylinder section 184 is integrally connected with the side of the fastening flange 176 facing away from the bottom section 146. The radially outer peripheral side of the sealing cylinder section 184 is spaced apart from the radially inner peripheral side of the housing-fastening element 178. The inner diameter of the sealing cylinder section 184 is greater than the inner diameter of the screw-and-sealing section 170. The radially inner peripheral side of the sealing cylinder section 184 is designed as a sealing face 186. At the axial boundary of the sealing cylinder section facing away from the bottom section 146, the sealing cylinder section 184 has an introduction bevel 188 at the radially inner peripheral side. The introduction bevel 188 facilitates the insertion of the valve seat element 126 into the valve housing 120.

[0191] The valve seat element 126 has a stepped, hollow-cylindrical shape overall, which is arranged coaxially. On the side axially facing the bottom section 146 of the valve housing 120, the valve seat element 126 has a coaxial, circumferentially and axially extending thread-wall section 190. The thread-wall section 190 has, at its radially outer peripheral side, a valve seat element thread 192 in the form of an external thread. The valve seat element thread 192 forms, in the assembled state screwed into the valve housing thread 174, a thread connection with this valve housing thread. The thread connection can be achieved by means of a relative rotation between the valve seat element 126 and the screw-and-sealing section 170 of the valve housing 120 and can be separated in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0192] The free boundary of the thread-wall section 190 facing the bottom section 146 is quenched on the radially inner peripheral side and forms there the valve seat 134.

[0193] The inner diameter of the thread-wall section 190 is smaller than the outer diameter of the valve disc 130. In the closed state of the bypass-valve device 18 shown in Figure 8 In the closed state of the bypass-valve device 18 shown in

[0194] Behind the step, the thread-wall section 190 integrally transitions radially outward into an operating-and-sealing-wall section 194. The operating-and-sealing-wall section 194 has, on the radially outer peripheral side, a plurality of sealing nubs 196, which extend continuously circumferentially and radially outward.

[0195] The outer diameter of the operating-and-sealing-wall section 194 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the sealing cylinder-wall section 184 of the valve housing 120. In the case of the assembled valve seat element 126, the sealing nubs 196 sealingly abut at the radially inner peripheral side of the sealing cylinder-wall section 184 in the radial direction.

[0196] The circumferential side of the operation- and sealing wall section 194 radially inside is configured as an operating element 193. The operating element 193 exemplarily has the shape of an internal hexagonal opening. With a corresponding tool, for example an internal hexagonal spanner, it is possible to engage into the operating element 198. By operating with the tool, the valve seat element 126 can be screwed into the screw- and sealing section 170 of the valve housing 120 or out of this screw- and sealing section. Furthermore, the preassembled bypass- valve device 18 can be introduced into the insertion opening in the end cap 108 on the inlet side by operating with the tool.

[0197] In the assembled bypass- valve device 18, the inner cavity of the valve seat element 126 is fluidically connected with the fluid inlet 54 via the penetration opening 92 of the retaining basket 88. In this way, there the fluid pressure is exerted at the original fluid side of the filter element 16. The inner cavity of the valve housing 120 is connected with the element interior space 102 of the filter element 16 via the penetration opening 164. In the inner cavity of the valve housing 120, the fluid pressure is exerted at the clean fluid side of the filter element 16.

[0198] In the case of a partial or complete blocking of the filter element 16, more precisely of the filter medium 98, for example by separated particles, the pressure difference between the original fluid side and the clean fluid side, i.e. between the inner cavity of the valve seat element 126 and the inner cavity of the valve housing 120, increases. The pressure difference causes an opening force acting on the valve disc 130 in axial direction. As soon as the opening force exceeds the spring force of the valve- return element 124, the bypass- valve device 18 opens. The original fluid can then directly pass through the bypass- valve device 18 into the element interior space 102 of the filter element 16 and from there to the fluid outlet 30. It is thus possible to pass the fluid through the filter 12 in the case of a blocked filter element 16.

[0199] The diffuser device 20 according to the first embodiment is shown in detail in Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diffuser device 20 comprises a diffuser- coupling section 200 and a fluid guiding section 202. The diffuser- coupling section 200 comprises a diffuser- coupling sleeve 206 which is coaxially cylindrical with respect to a diffuser- main flow axis 204. The diffuser- coupling sleeve 206 encircles a diffuser- inlet channel 208.

[0200] The diffuser device 20 is exemplarily manufactured as a one-piece assembly, for example according to an injection molding process, in the case of using a thermoplastic material, for example from the group of thermoplastic materials of polyamide, polyester, polypropylene or others.

[0201] The diffuser-main flow axis 204 describes the main inflow direction of the fluid from the fluid outlet 30 of the filter element 16 into the diffuser-coupling section 200.

[0202] At the free end of the coupling sleeve 206, which axially faces the fluid outlet 30 of the filter 12, a radially inner peripheral side is configured as an introduction bevel 212. The introduction bevel 212 facilitates the insertion of the outlet sleeve 34 into the diffuser-coupling sleeve 206.

[0203] Axially behind the introduction bevel 212, the radially inner peripheral side of the coupling sleeve 206 is designed as a peripheral coupling-sealing face 210. The coupling-sealing face 210 is coaxially cylindrical. In the case of the assembled diffuser arrangement 20, the sealing ring 42 at the outlet sleeve 34 of the filter 12 sealingly actively acts against the coupling-sealing face 210 in the radial direction.

[0204] Radially outside the diffuser-coupling sleeve 206, two exemplary, respectively integral securing elements 214 in the form of latching elements are arranged. The securing elements 214 are located on radially opposite sides. The securing elements 214 each have a fastening arm which extends parallel to the diffuser-main flow axis 204. The fastening arms are integrally connected with the radially outer peripheral wall of the diffuser-coupling sleeve 206 with the end portions by tabs. The fastening arms protrude beyond the free boundary of the diffuser-coupling sleeve 206 in the axial direction. At the free end of the fastening arms, respectively a radially inwardly pointing latching nose is realized. In the case of the assembled diffuser arrangement 20, the latching noses of the securing elements 214 latch behind the latching flange 38 at the outlet sleeve 34 of the filter housing 14 and thus form a quickly connectable and non-destructively separable latching connection between the diffuser arrangement 20 and the filter housing 14.

[0205] The diffuser-coupling sleeve 206 integrally transitions into the fluid guide section 202 on the side thereof which axially faces away from the free end. The fluid guide section 202 is likewise integral. The fluid guide section 202 comprises a total of exemplary eight fluid guide channels 216. The fluid guide channels 216 are exemplary arranged in two channel groups 224. Each channel group 224 comprises four of the fluid guide channels 216.

[0206] The fluid guiding channels 216 exemplarily have the same shape and size. On their radially inner sides, the fluid guiding channels 216 connect the respective fluid connection openings 228 with the diffuser-inlet channel 208. The fluid guiding channels 216 extend radially outwardly obliquely with respect to the diffuser-main flow axis 204 about the diffuser-main flow axis 204. At the radially outer circumferential sides, the fluid guiding channels 216 have respective exemplarily rectangular channel-outlet openings 230.

[0207] The fluid guiding channels 216 have respective exemplarily rectangular cross sections. The fluid guiding channels 216 widen in their width aspect, tangentially to the diffuser-main flow axis 204, from their respective fluid connection openings 228 towards the channel-outlet openings 230.

[0208] Each fluid guiding channel 216 is defined by two centrally located fluid guiding faces 218 opposite about the respective channel axis 222 and two laterally located fluid guiding faces 220 likewise opposite about the channel axis 222. The fluid guiding faces 218 and 220 are respectively flat. The two centrally located fluid guiding faces 218 extend parallel to each other. Likewise, the two laterally located fluid guiding faces 220 extend parallel to each other. The centrally located fluid guiding faces 218 and the laterally located fluid guiding faces 220 of a fluid channel 216 extend perpendicular to each other. The laterally located fluid guiding faces 220 have respectively a parallelogram shape. The centrally located fluid guiding faces 218 have respectively an isosceles trapezoid shape. The centrally located fluid guiding faces 218 of the channel groups 224 extend parallel to each other.

[0209] The centrally located fluid guiding faces 218 are respectively realized at centrally located channel walls 225. Adjacent centrally located fluid guiding faces 218 of adjacent fluid channels 216 of a channel group 224 realize identical centrally located channel walls 225 on opposite sides. The laterally located fluid guiding faces 220 are realized at common laterally located channel walls 227 on identical sides of a channel group 224. The laterally located channel walls 227 have generally a parallelogram shape. The centrally located channel walls 225 and the laterally located channel walls 227 are exemplarily respectively flat. An imaginary plane spanned by the boundaries of the channel-outlet openings 230 of a channel group 224 extends parallel to the diffuser-main flow axis 204. Exemplarily, the planes of the boundaries of the channel-outlet openings 230 of two opposite channel groups 224 likewise extend parallel to each other.

[0210] Two channel groups 224, each having four fluid channels 216, are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the diffuser-main flow axis 204. Exemplarily, the channel groups 224 are arranged and configured symmetrically with respect to an imaginary symmetry plane to the diffuser-main flow axis 204. The channel groups 224 are each located on the same side of the diffuser-coupling sleeve 206, on which one of the securing elements 214 is also located. In this way, the force introduction through the securing elements 214 into the outlet sleeve 34 can be improved.

[0211] The fluid channels 216, more precisely the channel axes 222 and the central fluid guiding surfaces 218, each extend at an acute angle 226 with respect to the diffuser-main flow axis 204.

[0212] The angle 226 is exemplarily approximately 120°. The angle 226 can also have other values, preferably between 90° and 180°. By the inclination of the fluid guiding channels 216 and the central fluid guiding surfaces 218 with respect to the diffuser-main flow axis 204, the filtered fluid flowing into the diffuser-inlet channel 208 is correspondingly diverted.

[0213] When the filter 12 is in operation, the fluid to be filtered flows through the fluid inlet 54 into the inner cavity of the housing coupling part 24. From there, the fluid to be filtered flows into the annular chamber of the housing pot 22 radially outwardly surrounding the filter medium 98. The fluid to be filtered flows from the radially inner side radially outwardly through the filter medium 98, with which the filtering takes place, and into the element interior space 102. The filtered fluid enters the outlet sleeve 34 through the intermediate tube 50.

[0214] If the filter medium 98 is blocked, the fluid to be filtered enters the element interior space 102 directly through the bypass-valve device 18 and from there into the outlet sleeve 34.

[0215] The fluid flows from the outlet sleeve 34 into the diffuser-inlet channel 208 and along the diffuser-main flow axis 204 into the diffuser-inlet channel 208.

[0216] The fluid is distributed onto the eight fluid guiding channels 216, whereby the flow cross section is increased overall. By increasing the flow cross section, the flow is slowed down and quieted. The already quiet fluid is then guided along the fluid guiding surfaces 218 and 220 in the fluid guiding channels 216 and further quieted due to the widening of the fluid guiding channels 216. In addition, the flow direction of the fluid is diverted with the fluid guiding channels 216.

[0217] The quiet fluid enters the reservoir 10 through the channel outlet openings 230.

[0218] By delaying the fluid flow it is achieved that the fluid will stay in the tank 10 for a longer time compared to the case without the diffuser device 20. In this way it is possible to better separate the gas, for example air, which is carried along with the fluid. By the deflection of the fluid flow in upward direction towards the liquid surface in the tank 10, the gas bubbles in the filtered fluid are also forced to move to the liquid surface. Thereby the gas bubbles are separated from the fluid.

[0219] In Figure 9 a filter device with two filters 12 is shown. Such elements similar to the filter 12 from Figures 1 to 8 are provided with the same reference signs. The filters 12 are connected in parallel in fluid technology. The respective fluid inlets 54 are connected to each other by means of a central fluid inlet sleeve 358 and can be connected to the corresponding fluid input lines by means of a common coupling flange 62.

[0220] In Figure 10 and in Figure 11 a filter device with two filters 412 is shown in perspective view and in cross section. In contrast to the filter 12 from Figures 1 to 8 in the second embodiment the bypass-valve device 18 of the filter 412 is arranged spatially below in the filter housing 14. In other words, the respective fluid outlet 430 is arranged spatially above. As in the first embodiment, the diffuser device is dispensed with in the embodiments from Figure 10 and Figure 11 .

[0221] In Figure 12 and Figure 13 a bypass-valve device 18 according to the second embodiment is shown. Such elements similar to the filter 12 from Figures 1 to 8 are provided with the same reference signs. In contrast to the first embodiment from Figures 1 to 8 in the second embodiment the valve seat elements 126 together form the peripheral wall of the valve housing 120. The valve seat 134 is located approximately in the middle of the peripheral wall of the valve housing 120 in axial direction. The valve seat element screw thread 192 is designed as an internal screw thread in the region of the free end of the peripheral wall. The valve housing screw thread 174 is realized as an external screw thread on the side of the bottom section 146.

[0222] The guide cylinder 140 for the valve closure body 122 is hollow. The guide cylinder 140 is open to both ends and connects the inner cavity of the valve closure body 122 with the surroundings below the bottom section 146.

[0223] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the bypass-valve device 18, instead of the operation element 198 in the shape of an internal hexagon, a plurality of operation elements 498 in the shape of openings are arranged distributed along the circumference at the end side of the valve seat element 26. The radially outer circumferential side of the bottom section 446 is designed as an external hexagon, at which a corresponding tool, for example a screwdriver or the like, can be engaged for the assembly of the bypass-valve device 18.

[0224] In Figures 14 to 16 the diffuser device 20 according to the second embodiment is shown. Such elements are provided with the same reference numerals as the filter 12 from Figures 1 to 8 The different from the first embodiment from Figures 1 to 8 In the second embodiment, a total of four channel groups 224, each having three fluid guiding channels 216, are arranged uniformly distributed around the diffuser-main flow axis 204.

[0225] The radially outer border of the central fluid guiding face 218 runs along an imaginary coaxial cylindrical peripheral side. The fluid guiding channels 216 widen outwards. The central fluid guiding face 218 widens in the fluid flow direction.

[0226] Viewed in axial direction, the fluid guiding channels 216 each extend approximately helically.

[0227] Viewed in radial direction, the fluid guiding channels 216 each extend approximately spirally.

Claims

1. Filter (12; 412) for filtering a fluid, having at least one filter housing (14) with at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) for a fluid to be filtered and at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) for a filtered fluid, at least one filter element (16) arranged in the at least one filter housing (14) such that the filter element separates the at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) from the at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) in terms of fluid flow technology, at least one bypass-valve arrangement (18) arranged in terms of fluid flow technology between the at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) and the at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) such that the at least one bypass-valve arrangement (18) connects the at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) to the at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) in terms of fluid flow technology in its open state, wherein the at least one bypass-valve arrangement (18) has at least one valve-closure body (122) and at least one valve seat (134), the at least one valve-closure body being movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, the at least one valve-closure body (122) being sealably abuttable against the at least one valve seat in the at least one closed position, characterized in that the at least one bypass-valve arrangement (18) has at least one valve housing (120) and at least one valve seat element (126), the at least one valve-closure body (122) being movably arranged in the at least one valve housing, the at least one valve seat element having the at least one valve seat (134), wherein the at least one valve seat element (126) is connected to at least one component (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) by means of at least one mechanical connection (174, 192), wherein the connection can be effected by means of at least one relative rotation between the at least one valve seat element (126) and the at least one component (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) about an imaginary valve axis (128) of the at least one bypass-valve arrangement (18). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Wherein the valve housing (120) has at least one valve-sealing section (170; 172) acting at least radially with respect to the valve axis (128), which cooperates sealingly with at least one element-sealing section (116; 118) at a side of at least one filter element (16), wherein at least one valve seat element (126) has at least one housing-fastening element (178) with which the at least one valve seat element (126) can be connected to at least one part of the at least one filter housing (14), wherein at least one housing-fastening element (176) of at least one valve seat element (136) can have at least one latching hook and / or latching hook means, wherein at least one valve seat element (126) can be connected, in particular by means of at least one housing-fastening element (126), to a housing cover (26) of at least one filter housing (14).

2. The filter of claim 1, wherein The at least one mechanical connection (174, 192) between the at least one valve seat element (126) and at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) is a threaded connection.

3. The filter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one valve seat element (126) has at least one thread (192), in particular an external thread and / or an internal thread, and / or at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) has at least one thread (174), in particular an internal thread and / or an external thread, and / or at least one thread (192) of at least one valve seat element (126) and / or at least one thread (174) of at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) is a non-self-cutting thread, and / or at least one thread of at least one valve seat element and / or at least one thread of at least one part of the at least one valve housing is a self-cutting thread.

4. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one valve seat element (126) has at least one housing-fastening element (178) with which the at least one valve seat element (126) can be connected to at least one part of the at least one filter housing (14).

5. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one valve seat element (126) has at least one operating section (194) at which the at least one valve seat element (126) can be operated for connection to the at least one valve housing (120).

6. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one bypass-valve device (18) has at least one valve-resetting element (124) which engages on the one hand at at least one valve-closure body (122) and on the other hand at at least one valve housing (120).

7. The filter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one valve seat element (126) and / or at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) has at least one sealing means (186, 196) for sealing an area between the at least one valve seat element (126) and at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120).

8. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The filter (12; 412) is an in-tank filter and / or the filter is a liquid filter and / or a gas filter.

9. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one valve seat element (126) is a hollow cylinder having at least one thread (192), in particular an inner thread and / or an outer thread.

10. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The filter (12) has at least one diffuser device (20) which is connected to at least one fluid outlet (30).

11. A bypass-valve device (18) for a filter (12; 412) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for filtering a fluid, wherein, The bypass-valve device (18) is arranged in terms of fluid flow technology between at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) and at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) of the filter (12; 412) in such a way that the at least one bypass-valve device (18) connects the at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) in terms of fluid flow technology with the at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) in its open state, and wherein the at least one bypass-valve device (18) has at least one valve closure body (122) and at least one valve seat (134), the at least one valve closure body being movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, the at least one valve closure body (122) being able to seal against the at least one valve seat in the at least one closed position, characterized in that the at least one bypass-valve device (18) has at least one valve housing (120) and at least one valve seat element (126), the at least one valve closure body (122) being movably arranged in the at least one valve housing, the at least one valve seat element having at least one valve seat (134), wherein the at least one valve seat element (126) is connected to at least one component (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) by means of at least one mechanical connection, wherein the mechanical connection can be realized by means of at least one relative rotation between the at least one valve seat element (126) and the at least one component (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) about an imaginary valve axis (128) of the at least one bypass-valve device (18).

12. Filter element (16) for a filter (12; 412) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for filtering a fluid, the filter element having at least one bypass-valve device (18) which is fastened at an end body (108) of the filter element (16) in such a way that the at least one bypass-valve device (18) connects at least one original fluid side of the filter element (16) in terms of fluid flow technology with at least one clean fluid side of the filter element (16) in its open state, wherein The at least one bypass-valve device (18) has at least one valve closure body (122) and at least one valve seat (134), the at least one valve closure body being movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, the at least one valve closure body (122) being able to seal against the at least one valve seat in the at least one closed position, characterized in that The filter element (16) has at least one receptacle (108, 102) for at least one bypass-valve device (18).

13. A filter (12) for filtering a fluid, having: at least one filter housing (14) having at least one fluid inlet (54) for a fluid to be filtered and at least one fluid outlet (30) for a filtered fluid; at least one filter element (16) which is arranged in fluid flow technology between the at least one fluid outlet (30) and the at least one fluid inlet (54) in the at least one filter housing (14); and at least one diffuser device (20) for a filtered fluid which is connected in fluid guiding technology with at least one fluid outlet (30), characterized in that the at least one diffuser device (20) has a plurality of fluid guiding faces (218, 220) which at least section-wise extend at an angle (226) of approximately 90° to 180° with respect to a main inflow axis (204) of the at least one diffuser device (20) and / or at least one channel axis (222) of at least one fluid guiding channel (216) extends at an angle (226) of approximately 90° to 180° with respect to the main inflow axis (204) of the at least one diffuser device (20).

14. The filter of claim 13, wherein, The at least one diffuser device (20) has at least one fluid guiding channel (216) and / or at least one fluid guiding channel (216) defines at least one diffuser device (20) having at least one fluid guiding face (218, 220).

15. The filter according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that At least two fluid guiding faces (218, 220) at least section-wise extend parallel to one another and / or at least one fluid guiding channel (216) at least section-wise has a constant cross section and / or at least two fluid guiding faces (218, 220) at least section-wise extend away from one another viewed in the fluid flow direction and / or at least one fluid guiding channel (216) at least section-wise widens viewed in the fluid flow direction.

16. The filter of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, At least two fluid guiding faces (218, 220) and / or at least two fluid guiding channels (216) are arranged on different sides with respect to a main inflow axis (24) of the at least one diffuser device (20) and / or at least two fluid guiding faces (218, 220) and / or at least two fluid guiding channels (216) are arranged on the same side with respect to a main inflow axis (24) of the at least one diffuser device (20).

17. The filter of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, At least one fluid guiding face (218, 220) and / or at least one fluid guiding channel (216) at least section-wise extends in a meandering manner and / or at least one fluid guiding face (218, 220) and / or fluid guiding channel (216) at least section-wise extends in a straight manner and / or at least one fluid guiding channel (216) at least section-wise extends in a helical and / or spiral manner.

18. The filter of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein, The at least one diffuser device (20) has at least one diffuser-coupling section (200) for coupling with at least one fluid outlet (30) of the at least one filter housing (14) and / or has at least one coupling sealing element (210) for sealing the at least one diffuser device (20) relative to the at least one fluid outlet (30) of the at least one filter housing (14).

19. The filter of any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein, The at least one diffuser device (20) has at least one diffuser fixing element (214) for fixing the at least one diffuser device (20) at the at least one filter housing (14).

20. The filter of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein, The at least one diffuser device (20) has at least one diffuser-inlet channel (208) which is connected with at least one fluid-conducting channel (216) and / or opens into at least one fluid-conducting surface (218, 220), and / or the main inflow axis (24) of the at least one diffuser device (20) extends within the at least one diffuser-inlet channel (208), and / or the at least one diffuser-inlet channel (two lach) of the at least one diffuser device (20) has at least sectionally a circular cross section, and / or the at least one diffuser-inlet channel of the at least one diffuser device (20) has at least sectionally a constant cross section.

21. Diffuser device (20) for a filter (12; 412) according to any one of claims 13 to 20 for filtering a fluid, the diffuser device having at least one diffuser-coupling section (200) with which the diffuser device (20) can be connected in terms of fluid-conducting technology with at least one fluid outlet (30) of a filter housing (14) of the filter (12), characterized in that The at least one diffuser device (20) has a plurality of fluid-conducting surfaces (218, 220).

Images