Filter system with filter element and safety assembly, safety assembly and filter element

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter system (100) comprising a housing (110) and a filter element (10) accommodated in the housing (110), wherein a safety assembly (130) is arranged inside the housing (110) having a blocked mode and an unblocked mode depending on an axial and / or rotational position of the filter element (10) in the housing (110) and being configured to provide a passage of a sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) to a sealing area (144) of the safety assembly (130) in the unblocked mode and to block the passage of the sealing structure (32) to the sealing area (144) when the sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) is moved towards the sealing area (144) in the blocked mode. The invention further relates to a safety assembly (130) for a filter system (100) and to a filter element (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filtration system having a filter element and a safety component, and the safety component and filter element for such a filtration system. Background Technology

[0002] This type of filtration system or filter element is used to filter gaseous or liquid fluids. In internal combustion engine vehicles and industrial engines, such filtration systems are used to filter fuels, particularly diesel or gasoline, engine oils, or hydraulic fluids.

[0003] US 20150033689 A1 discloses a filtration system for filtering fluids, having a housing, an inlet, and an outlet. A filter element is disposed inside the housing. A cover closes the housing and provides passage to the filter element within the housing. A retaining device prevents the housing from being closed by the cover when the filter element is lost. The filter element has at least one filter element guide path segment. The housing or cover has an edge region having at least one edge guide path segment. The filter element guide path segment and the edge guide path segment complement each other to form a guide path. The retaining device includes at least one retaining element disposed on the cover or housing. The retaining element is guided along the guide path when a closing movement for closing the housing is performed via the cover.

[0004] US 9,044,698 B2 discloses a fluid filter having a housing, a releasable cap, and a replaceable filter having a filter body and two end plates. The filter is inserted into a conduit in the housing, and a locking ring is guided along the conduit and preloaded in the ejection direction. The locking ring is locked in the ejection position by a locking device. When the filter is pushed onto the conduit, an unlocking device guided by the filter unlocks the locking device, allowing the locking ring and filter to be pushed in. When the filter is fitted into the housing, a seal on the end plate or locking ring interacts with the housing sealing surface to separate the untreated filter side from the clean side. When the locking ring is in the ejection position and the filter support abuts against the locking ring, the seal remains away from the housing sealing surface.

[0005] A positioning device is known from DE 10 2016 124587 A1, which includes a positioning guide element for positioning the first component relative to the second component in a peripheral direction of the second component to be connected to the first component, wherein, in the process of connecting the two components, the positioning guide element interacts with a positioning guide rail on the second component in a positioning manner.

[0006] US 9,731,235 B2 discloses a filter device including a filter housing and an annular filter element having an axis and being mountable within the filter housing. The filter element may include a first axial end plate with a protruding pin configured to engage a channel in the filter housing. The filter housing may have an interior including a first region, and the annular filter element may include a second region associated with the first region. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide a filtration system having a filter element and safety components, which allows for reliable and proper installation of the filter element.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a safety component for such a filtration system.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a filter element for such a filtration system.

[0010] The first objective is achieved by a filtration system comprising a housing with a housing head and a housing cover, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a filter element housed within the housing. The filter element includes a central tube having a longitudinal orientation and surrounded by a filter bellows, the filter bellows including end caps at one or both of its end regions. The filter element further includes a sealing structure at the end caps, specifically a gasket. A safety component is arranged within the housing, having a blocking mode and a non-blocking mode depending on the axial and / or rotational position of the filter element within the housing, and is configured to provide passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealing area of ​​the safety component in the non-blocking mode. In the blocking mode, when the sealing structure of the filter element moves toward the sealing area, the passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealing area of ​​the safety component is blocked; the safety component has a first section disposed at the housing and a second section disposed at the filter element, the first section and the second section including at least one blocking element and at least one non-blocking element, the non-blocking element being configured to cooperate with at least one blocking element, the at least one blocking element including an activation surface, and the at least one non-blocking element including a cam for pushing the activation surface in the radial direction when contact is established between the cam and the activation surface.

[0011] Another objective is achieved by a safety component for a filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, the filtration system comprising a filter element and a housing having a sealed region and having a blocking mode and a non-blocking mode depending on the axial and / or rotational position of the filter element in the housing, and configured to provide a passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealed region of the safety component in the non-blocking mode, and to block the passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealed region in the blocking mode when the sealing structure of the filter element moves toward the sealed region, the safety component having a first section disposed at the housing and a second section disposed at the filter element, the first section and the second section comprising at least one blocking element and at least one non-blocking element, the non-blocking element being configured to cooperate with the at least one blocking element, the at least one blocking element comprising an activation surface, and the at least one non-blocking element comprising a cam for radially pushing the activation surface when contact is established between the cam and the activation surface.

[0012] Another objective is achieved by a filter element for a filtration system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the filter element comprising a central tube having a longitudinal orientation and surrounded by a filter bellows, the filter bellows comprising end caps at one or both of its end regions, and the filter element comprising a section of a safety assembly, wherein at least one non-blocking element or at least one blocking element is configured to cooperate with at least one blocking element or at least one non-blocking element of a first section of the safety assembly, the filter element further comprising a sealing structure, in particular a gasket, on one of its end regions.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the further claims, description and drawings.

[0014] In a first aspect of the invention, a filtration system is provided, comprising a housing having a housing head and a housing cover, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a filter element housed within the housing. The filter element includes a central tube having a longitudinal orientation and surrounded by a filter bellows, the filter bellows including end caps at one or both of its end regions. The filter element further includes a sealing structure, particularly a gasket, at the end cap. A safety assembly is arranged within the housing, having a blocking mode and a non-blocking mode depending on the axial and / or rotational position of the filter element within the housing, and is configured to provide a passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to a sealing region of the safety assembly in the non-blocking mode, and to block the passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealing region of the safety assembly in the blocking mode when the sealing structure of the filter element moves toward the sealing region. The safety assembly has a first section arranged at the housing and a second section arranged at the filter element, the first and second sections including at least one blocking element and at least one non-blocking element, the non-blocking element being configured to cooperate with the at least one blocking element. The at least one blocking element includes an active surface, and the at least one non-blocking element includes a cam for pushing the active surface in the radial direction when contact is established between the cam and the active surface.

[0015] The filtration system of the present invention includes a safety assembly for ensuring that the filter element is correctly and reliably installed into the housing of the filtration system. The safety assembly comprises two sections, wherein a first section is arranged at the housing and a second section is arranged at the filter element, preferably at the central tube or an annular structure connected to the central tube of the filter element. The first section is arranged at the housing cover or housing head of the filtration system. The two sections cooperate when the filter element is installed into the housing.

[0016] Before the filter element is installed into the housing, the safety assembly is in a blocked mode, where the sealing structure of the filter element and the sealing area of ​​the safety assembly are blocked by the blocking element. The connection between the sealing structure and the sealing area is necessary for proper sealing of the raw fluid area relative to the filtered fluid area in the filtration system.

[0017] The seal may advantageously include a sealing surface surrounding the blocking element for sealing the original fluid region of the filtration system relative to the filtered fluid region by interacting with the sealing structure of the filter element.

[0018] When a filter element with a corresponding non-clogging element is installed on top of a clogging element, the passage can be de-clogged. The clogging element can be implemented using a construction cage with a spring member, while the non-clogging element can be implemented using a cam arranged in the central tube, which cooperates appropriately with the spring member to de-clogg the sealing area. For this purpose, the cam can be arranged in the central tube, pointing radially inward. The cam can be uniformly formed with the central tube.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the blocking element may be arranged in a first section of the housing of the filtration system, while the non-blocking element may be arranged in a second section of the safety assembly within the filter element. However, in another embodiment, the blocking element may also be arranged in the second section of the filter element, and the non-blocking element may be arranged in the first section of the housing.

[0020] Advantageously, the safety assembly may also include means for securing the filter element to the safety assembly and thus to the housing cover or housing head. This can be achieved by locking the central tube of the filter element to a blocking element of the safety assembly. In another embodiment, the end cap of the filter element can be locked by the blocking element, thus securing the filter element to the housing of the filtration system.

[0021] A further advantage of the filtration system of the present invention is that, due to some self-positioning structures and guide channels of the blocking element of the safety assembly, positioning of the filter element is not required. These structures guide the filter element to the correct position in the housing in the longitudinal direction during installation by guiding rotation. Furthermore, the filter element is guided to an end position, where it is secured in a locked position by the safety assembly. The guide channel can be straight or curved in the axial direction. In a further embodiment, the guide channel has at least one straight section in the axial direction or around a circumferential portion perpendicular to the centerline and at least one section around a circumferential portion inclined to the centerline.

[0022] The fluid inlet and fluid outlet can be advantageously arranged in the head of the casing.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filtration system, the blocking element may include a spring member comprising an activation surface and a radially projecting lip, wherein the lip can retract from its blocked position by pushing the activation surface in a radial direction. The spring member can advantageously achieve a blocking mode in which the lip is in the projecting position and blocks passage to the sealing area of ​​the safety component. The lip can also be pushed back by pushing the activation surface in a radially inward direction, thus switching to a non-blocking mode, in which passage from the sealing structure of the filtration element to the sealing area can be allowed.

[0024] The blocking element can be advantageously connected to the housing head or housing cover of the filtration system.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filtration system, the blocking element may include a positioning structure connected to a guide channel, which, when the filter element is moved longitudinally toward the blocking element, guides the non-blocking element to the activation surface by rotational movement. A further advantage of the filtration system of the present invention is that, due to some self-positioning structures and guide channels of the blocking element in the safety assembly, positioning of the filter element is not required. These structures guide the filter element to the correct position in the housing in the longitudinal direction during installation by guiding rotation.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filtration system, the blocking element may include a locking structure, wherein the filter element is locked to the blocking element when the cam is inserted into the locking structure by rotational movement of the filter element after the cam has passed the activation surface in the longitudinal direction. Advantageously, the safety assembly may also include means for securing the filter element to the safety assembly and thus fastening the filter element to the housing cover or housing head. This can be achieved by locking the central tube of the filter element to the blocking element of the safety assembly. Thus, the filter element is led to an end position, where it is secured in a locked position by the safety assembly.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filtration system, the locking structure can be configured as two adjacent ribs on the circumferential portion of the blocking element. A cam can be locked between the two ribs in the axial direction of the filter element. Therefore, movement of the filter element in the longitudinal direction can be advantageously suppressed.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filtration system, when the cam moves to an end position by the rotational movement of the filter element after it has passed the activation surface in the longitudinal direction, the filter element can be locked to the blocking element by the lip of the blocking element. Due to this further embodiment, the end cap of the filter element can be locked by the blocking element, thus securing the filter element to the housing of the filtration system. Therefore, movement of the filter element in the longitudinal direction can also be suppressed.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filtration system, when the cam is in its end position, the lip can overlap with the collar structure of the end cap. In this way, axial movement of the filter element is suppressed because the end cap is locked in one axial direction by the protruding lip of the spring member, while in the opposite direction, the end cap can be blocked by the end plate of the blocking element itself.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filtration system, the non-clogging element may include at least one cam at an annular element arranged inside the central tube, particularly inside the water separator, wherein the cam points radially inward. In this embodiment, the auxiliary structure, i.e., the annular element, includes a cam for interacting with the activating surface of the clogging element. This feature can provide additional degrees of freedom to envision the non-clogging element as an additional element that does not need to be fixed to the central tube but can be installed in a separate step.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filtration system, the annular element can be arranged rotatably inside the central tube, particularly in water separators. The annular element can be inserted before the end caps are welded to the filter bellows. The installation of the filter element in the rotational position offers additional degrees of freedom. This embodiment allows for reliable and proper installation of the filter element with respect to the passageway to the sealed area of ​​the safety component.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, a safety assembly for a filtration system is provided, the filtration system comprising a filter element and a housing, having a sealing region and having a blocking mode and a non-blocking mode depending on the axial and / or rotational position of the filter element in the housing, and configured to provide a passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealing region of the safety assembly in the non-blocking mode, and to block the passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealing region in the blocking mode when the sealing structure of the filter element moves toward the sealing region. The safety assembly has a first section disposed at the housing and a second section disposed at the filter element, the first section and the second section comprising at least one blocking element and at least one non-blocking element, the non-blocking element being configured to cooperate with the at least one blocking element. The at least one blocking element includes an activation surface, and the at least one non-blocking element includes a cam for radially pushing the activation surface when contact is established between the cam and the activation surface.

[0033] The safety assembly advantageously ensures that the filter element is correctly and reliably installed into the housing of the filtration system. The safety assembly comprises two sections, a first section disposed at the housing and a second section disposed at the filter element, preferably at the central tube or an annular structure connected to the central tube of the filter element. The first section is disposed at the housing cover or housing head of the filtration system. The two sections cooperate when the filter element is installed into the housing.

[0034] Before the filter element is installed into the housing, the safety assembly is in a blocked mode, where the passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealing area of ​​the safety assembly is blocked by the blocking element. The connection between the sealing structure and the sealing area is necessary for proper sealing of the raw fluid area relative to the filtered fluid area in the filtration system.

[0035] When a filter element with a corresponding non-blocking element is installed on top of a blocking element, the passage can be deblocked. The blocking element can be implemented by a construction cage with a spring member, while the non-blocking element can be implemented by a cam arranged in the central tube, which cooperates with the spring member in a suitable manner to deblock the sealing area.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, a filter element for a filtration system is provided, the filter element comprising a central tube having a longitudinal direction and surrounded by a filter bellows, the filter bellows including end caps at one or both of its end regions, and the filter element including a section of a safety assembly, wherein at least one non-blocking element or at least one blocking element is configured to cooperate with at least one blocking element or at least one non-blocking element of a first section of the safety assembly. The filter element further includes a sealing structure, particularly a gasket, on one of its end regions.

[0037] Before the filter element is installed into the housing of the filtration system, the safety component can be in a blocked mode, in which the passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealing area of ​​the safety component is blocked by the blocking element. The connection between the sealing structure and the sealing area is necessary for proper sealing of the raw fluid area relative to the filtered fluid area in the filtration system.

[0038] When a filter element with a corresponding non-blocking element is installed on top of a blocking element, the passage can be deblocked. The blocking element can be implemented by a construction cage with a spring member, while the non-blocking element can be implemented by a cam arranged in the central tube, which cooperates with the spring member in a suitable manner to deblock the sealing area.

[0039] Advantageously, the filter element can also be secured to the safety assembly, and thus to the housing cover or housing head of the filtration system. This can be achieved by locking the central tube of the filter element to the blocking element of the safety assembly. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the end cap of the filter element can be locked by the blocking element, thus securing the filter element to the housing of the filtration system.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, at least one blocking element may include an activation surface, and at least one non-blocking element includes a cam for pushing the activation surface in the radial direction when contact is established between the cam and the activation surface.

[0041] A spring-loaded blocking element can advantageously achieve a blocking mode, in which the lip is in a protruding position and blocks the passage to the sealing area of ​​the safety component. The lip can also be pushed back by pushing the activation surface in a radially inward direction, thus switching to a non-blocking mode, in which passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealing area is allowed.

[0042] According to an advantageous embodiment, multiple spring members can block the safety component. At least two spring members, particularly radially opposed spring members, can be integrated into one piece for easier attachment to a single spring band.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the non-clogging element may include at least one cam arranged radially inward at the central tube. Thus, by moving the filter element in the longitudinal direction, the cam at the central tube contacts the activation surface of a clogging member positioned inside the central tube. The cam radially inward pushes the activation surface, unblocking the passage to the sealing area of ​​the clogging element of the safety assembly.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the non-clogging element may include at least one cam located at an annular element disposed inside a central tube, wherein the cam is radially inwardly oriented, and particularly, wherein the annular element is rotatably disposed inside the central tube. In this embodiment, the auxiliary structure, i.e., the annular element, includes a cam for interacting with the activating surface of the clogging element. This feature provides additional degrees of freedom to envision the non-clogging element as an additional element that does not need to be fixed to the central tube but can be installed in a separate step. The annular element can be inserted before the end cap is welded to the filter bellows. The installation of the filter element in a rotational position has additional degrees of freedom. This embodiment enables reliable and proper installation of the filter element with respect to the passage to the sealing area of ​​the safety component.

[0045] In another embodiment of the safety component, a slanted guide slot can be used to achieve smoother guidance.

[0046] In another embodiment, additional positioning devices at the safety element can prevent incorrect assembly. Preferably, at least two additional extensions can be arranged on the circumferential portion of the central tube or annular element. The filter element can only be installed into the filter housing or filter cover when all extensions are engaged in the corresponding slots of the mating parts. These positioning devices can be combined with any of the foregoing embodiments, and the number of extensions and corresponding cutouts can be adapted to functional requirements.

[0047] Any angle can be set between the extension and the opening of the guide groove to secure the correct filter element assembly. The amount and angle of the extension can be adapted to technical functions. The extension can be positioned rotationally symmetrically or in another configuration.

[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the blocking element may include a spring member having an activation surface and a radially projecting lip, wherein the lip can retract from its blocked position by pushing the activation surface in the radial direction. The spring member can advantageously achieve a blocking mode in which the lip is in the projecting position and blocks passage to the sealing area of ​​the safety component. The lip can also be pushed back by pushing the activation surface in a radially inward direction, thus switching to a non-blocking mode, where passage from the sealing structure of the filter element to the sealing area can be allowed. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The present invention, together with the above and other objects and advantages, can be best understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, but is not limited to the embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view through a filtration system having safety components and filter elements according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 Is it through Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a filter element in a filtration system, which is connected to a blocking element; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the first segment of the security component; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of the first segment of the security component; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of the filter element; Figures 6 to 12 The perspective and sectional views illustrate the sequential steps of the interaction between the sections of the safety element during the installation of the filter element; Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the first segment of a security component according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A cross-sectional perspective view of the first segment of the security component; Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a filter element according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figures 16 to 22 The perspective and sectional views illustrate the sequential steps of the segmental interaction of the safety element during the installation of the filter element according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23 It is a cross-sectional view through a filtration system having safety components and filter elements according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24 Is it through Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of a filter element in a filtration system, which is connected to a blocking element; Figure 25 This is a perspective view of the first segment of a security component according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A cross-sectional perspective view of the first segment of the security component; Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a filter element according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 28 This is a perspective view of a ring-shaped element according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 29 to 33 The perspective and sectional views illustrate the sequential steps of the segmental interaction of the safety element during the installation of the filter element according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 34 It is a perspective view of the safety assembly with mounting components at the top; Figure 35 It is based on Figure 34 A perspective view of the safety components, showing a cutout in the center tube of the filter element before assembly; Figure 36 This is a detailed view of the unlocking element before it slides into the guide slot; Figure 37 This is a detailed view of the component being unlocked and slid into the guide slot during assembly; Figure 38 It is a view of the safety component in the direction from the positioning structure to it; Figure 39 This is a top view of a central tube with a non-blocking element, which has a cam. Detailed Implementation

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings are merely schematic representations and are not intended to depict specific parameters of the invention. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0051] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a filtration system 100 having a safety component 130 and a filter element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted.

[0052] The filtration system 100 includes a housing 110 having a housing head 112 and a housing cover 114, a fluid inlet 102 and a fluid outlet 104, and a filter element 10 housed within the housing 110. The filtration system 100 can be used to filter fluids, particularly engine oil or hydraulic oil. The filter element 10 is installed onto the housing cover 114, and then mounted onto the housing head 112 by inserting the housing cover 114, which has the filter element 10, into the housing head 112. The housing 110 is closed by tightening the threaded connection 116, particularly tightening the threaded connection 116 such that the threads of the housing head 112 engage with the threads of the cover 114.

[0053] The filter element 10 separates the original fluid region 40 inside the housing 110 from the filtered fluid region 42 by sealing the sealing surface 146 of the sealing region 144 of the blocking element 140 with a gasket 34 on the first end cap and sealing the fluid outlet 104 in the housing head 112 with a gasket 36 on the other end cap 21.

[0054] The fluid to be filtered enters the housing 110 of the filtration system 100 through the fluid inlet 102, passes from the original fluid region 40 on the outside of the filter element 10 through the filter bellows 12 to the filtered fluid region 42 inside the filter element 10. The filtered fluid exits the housing 110 through the fluid outlet 104. Both the fluid inlet 102 and the fluid outlet 104 are arranged in the housing head 112.

[0055] In order to replace the filter element 10 for maintenance purposes, the housing cover 114 is unscrewed and removed from the housing head 112 together with the filter element 10.

[0056] The filter element 10 includes a central tube 14 having a longitudinal direction L and being surrounded by a filter bellows 12. The filter bellows 12 includes end caps 20 and 21 at both of its end regions 16 and 18. The filter element 10 further includes a sealing structure 32 having a gasket 34 at the end cap 20 for sealing against the safety assembly 130, while a second gasket 36 is disposed at the other end cap 21 for sealing against the fluid outlet 104 of the housing head 112.

[0057] Safety component 130 is disposed within housing 110 and exhibits a blocking mode and a non-blocking mode depending on the axial and / or rotational position of filter element 10 within housing 110. Safety component 130 is configured to provide a passage from the sealing structure 32 of filter element 10 to the sealing region 144 of safety component 130 in non-blocking mode, and to block the passage from the sealing structure 32 of filter element 10 to the sealing region 144 of safety component 130 in blocking mode when the sealing structure 32 of filter element 10 moves toward the sealing region 144.

[0058] Safety component 130 has a first section 132 disposed at housing 110 and a second section 134 disposed at filter element 10. First section 132 includes a blocking element 140. Second section 134 includes a non-blocking element 180 configured to cooperate with blocking element 140. Blocking element 140 includes an activation surface 148. Non-blocking element 180 includes a cam 188 for radially pushing activation surface 148 when contact is established between cam 188 and activation surface 148.

[0059] The blocking element 140 includes a spring member 150, which includes an activation surface 148 and a radially projecting lip 152, wherein the lip 152 can retract from its blocking position by pushing the activation surface 148 in the radial direction. The blocking element 140 is secured to the housing cover 114 by a mounting member 172 that extends in the longitudinal direction L and is arranged in a circumferential portion radially from the axis L.

[0060] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view is depicted of a filter element 10 passing through a filtration system 100, which is connected to a blocking element 140 in a first segment 132 of a safety component 130.

[0061] Safety component 130 has a sealing region 144 and has a blocking mode and a non-blocking mode depending on the axial and / or rotational position of filter element 10 in housing 110. Safety component 130 is configured to provide passage from the sealing structure 32 of filter element 10 to the sealing region 144 of safety component 130 in non-blocking mode, and to block the passage from the sealing structure 32 of filter element 10 to the sealing region 144 when the sealing structure 32 of filter element 10 moves toward the sealing region 144 in blocking mode.

[0062] The safety component 130 has a first section 132 disposed at the housing cover 114 of the filtration system and a second section 134 disposed at the filter element 10. The first section 132 includes a blocking element 140, and the second section 134 includes at least one non-blocking element 180 configured to cooperate with the blocking element 140.

[0063] The blocking element 140 includes an activation surface 148, while the non-blocking element 180 includes a cam 188 for radially pushing the activation surface 148 when contact is established between the cam 188 and the activation surface 148.

[0064] exist Figure 3 The image depicts a perspective view of the first segment 132 of the security component 130, while... Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the first segment 132 of the safety component.

[0065] The blocking element 140, as part of the first segment 132, includes two spring members 150, each including an activation surface 148 and a radially projecting lip 152. The lip 152 can retract from its blocking position by pushing the activation surface 148 in the radial direction. The spring members 150 are arranged opposite to each other in the blocking element 140.

[0066] The blocking element 140 includes a positioning structure 160 connected to a guide groove 162, which, by rotational movement, guides the non-blocking element 180 to the activation surface 148 as the filter element 10 is moved toward the blocking element 140 in the longitudinal direction L. The interaction of the safety components 130... Figures 6 to 12 It is shown in detail in the text.

[0067] The blocking element 140 further includes a locking structure 164, wherein the filter element 10 locks into the blocking element 140 when the cam 188 is inserted into the locking structure 164 by rotational movement of the filter element 10 after it has passed the activation surface 148 in the longitudinal direction L. The locking structure 164 is configured with two adjacent ribs 166, 168 on the circumferential portion of the blocking element 140.

[0068] When the cam 188 moves to the end position 170 by the rotational movement of the filter element 10 after it has passed the activation surface 148 in the longitudinal direction L, the filter element 10 is locked to the blocking element 140 by the protruding lip 152 of the spring member 150 of the blocking element 140.

[0069] Safety component 130 has an interlocking device 135 that prevents movement, particularly rotation, of safety component 130 when it is installed. For example, radially outwardly extending ribs may engage in corresponding recesses on mating members. In another embodiment, interlocking device 135 may be a recess at safety component 130 into which a protrusion extends from mating member.

[0070] Figure 5 A cross-sectional perspective view of the filter element 10 is depicted.

[0071] The filter element 10 includes a central tube 14 having a longitudinal direction L, which is surrounded by a filter bellows 12. The filter bellows 12 includes end caps 20, 21 at its end regions 16, 18. The filter element 10 further includes a second section 134 of a safety assembly 130 having two non-blocking elements 180 arranged opposite each other and configured to cooperate with the blocking element 140 of the first section 132 of the safety assembly 130.

[0072] The filter element 10 further includes a sealing structure 32 having a gasket 34 on its end region 16.

[0073] exist Figures 6 to 12 In the diagram, the sequential interaction of segments 132 and 134 of the safety element 130 during the installation of the filter element 10 is depicted in perspective and sectional views. The filter element 10 is shown only with its end cap 20 and two opposing cams 188 to obtain a free view of the interaction behavior of the different elements.

[0074] This process is in Figure 6 Initially, the cam 188 is guided via the positioning structure 160 to the guide groove 162 of the blocking element 140. The spring member 150 is in its initial position, wherein the lip 152 protrudes and blocks the passage of the sealing structure 32 at the end cap 20 to the sealing area 144 of the blocking element 140.

[0075] The movement of cam 188 is indicated by a black arrow.

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, by moving the filter element 10 in the longitudinal direction L to the blocking element 140, the cam 188 is guided in the guide groove 162 to the activation surface 148 of the spring member 150.

[0077] exist Figure 8 In this mode, cam 188 radially pushes the activation surface 148 inward, causing the lip 152 to retract radially. Therefore, safety component 130 is in a non-blocking mode. In this mode, the sealing structure 32 of the end cap 20 with gasket 34 can slide onto the sealing surface 146 of the sealing region 144 of the blocking element 140.

[0078] exist Figure 9 In the middle, cam 188 has passed the activation surface 148. End cap 20 is in its final position, wherein gasket 34 of sealing structure 32 is pressed tightly at sealing surface 146 of sealing area 144.

[0079] Now, the filter element 10 can rotate, as... Figure 10 As indicated, cam 188 is therefore moved to end position 170 between adjacent ribs 166, 168. In this position, as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the filter element 10 is locked in the locking structure 164, wherein the cam 188 is located between ribs 166 and 168.

[0080] Figure 13 A perspective view of the first segment 132 of a security component 130 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Figure 14 The image shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the first section 132.

[0081] In this embodiment, the activation surface 148 of the spring member 150 exhibits a different shape such that when the cam 188 is in its end position at the rib 166, the activation surface 48 remains in contact with the cam 188. This behavior affects the interaction of the safety component 130 in… Figures 16 to 22 As shown in the image.

[0082] Figure 15 A cross-sectional perspective view of a filter element 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is depicted.

[0083] Main structure and Figure 5 The first embodiment shown is the same. The main difference is that the end cap 20 includes a collar structure 26 that extends in the longitudinal direction L and is connected to the sealing structure 32.

[0084] exist Figures 16 to 22 According to a second embodiment of the present invention, during the installation of the filter element 10, the successive steps of the interaction of segments 132, 134 of the safety element 130 are depicted in perspective and sectional views.

[0085] exist Figure 16 and Figure 17 The diagram illustrates the guiding process of the cam 188 in the guide groove 162 toward the interaction surface 148 of the spring element 150, which is similar to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The process of the first embodiment is shown in the figure. The main difference of the blocking element 140 is that it only exhibits one rib 166 and lacks the second rib 168 of the first embodiment.

[0086] exist Figure 18 In this mode, cam 188 radially pushes the activation surface 148 inward, causing the lip 152 to retract radially. Therefore, safety component 130 is in a non-blocking mode. In this mode, the sealing structure 32 of the end cap 20 with gasket 34 can slide onto the sealing surface 146 of the sealing region 144 of the blocking element 140.

[0087] exist Figure 19 In this embodiment, cam 188 has partially exceeded the activation surface 148, but a portion of cam 188 is still pushing the activation surface 148 inward because it has a longer extension in the longitudinal direction L compared to the first embodiment. Therefore, although cam 188 has reached the rib 166 of the blocking element 140, lip 152 is still radially recessed inward.

[0088] exist Figure 20 In the image, as indicated by the black arrow, the filter element 10 is now rotated to the end position 170. Cam 188, as shown... Figure 21As shown, it is on its way to the end position. Now, the active surface 148 is no longer pushed inward, so the lip 152 protrudes again.

[0089] This process caused Figure 22 In the depicted configuration, when the cam 188 is in its end position 170, the lip 152 overlaps with the collar structure 26 of the end cap 20. Therefore, the filter element 10 is locked during its axial movement in the longitudinal direction L. The end cap 20 is in its final position, where the gasket 34 of the sealing structure 32 is tightly pressed against the sealing surface 146 of the sealing region 144.

[0090] Figure 23 A cross-sectional view is depicted through a filtration system 100 having a safety component 130 and a filter element 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The filtration system 100 can be used to filter fluids, particularly fuels for internal combustion engines.

[0091] The filtration system 100 includes a housing 110 having a housing head 112 and a housing cover 114 assembled together by a threaded connection 116. A fluid inlet 102 and a fluid outlet 114 are arranged in the housing head 112, the fluid outlet being not visible in the figure. Additionally, a manual pump 118 is arranged in the filter head 112 for delivering fuel after maintenance operations.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first segment 132 of the safety assembly 130, having a blocking element 140, is connected to the housing head 112. Therefore, the filter element 10 is installed to the housing head 112 before closing the housing 110 by screwing the housing cover 114 to the housing head 112 via the threaded connection 116 of the housing 110. The filter element 10 is sealed to the housing cover 114 by a gasket 36 on the radially circumferential portion of the end cap 20 on the lower end region 16.

[0093] In another end region 18, the filter element 10 includes a sealing structure 32 having a gasket 34 at the end cap 21, which, as in other embodiments, seals against the sealing surface 146 of the sealing region 144 of the blocking element 140.

[0094] The non-clogging element 180 of the second segment of the safety component 130 in the filter element 10 includes at least one cam 188 at an annular element 28 disposed inside the central tube 14, and particularly inside the water separator 30 in the illustrated embodiment. The cam 188 points radially inward. The annular element 28 is arranged in a rotatable manner inside the water separator 30.

[0095] Figure 24 Depicting the passage connected to the blocking element 140 Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of the filter element 10 of the filtration system 100.

[0096] The non-blocking element 180 includes two opposing cams 188 at an annular element 28 disposed inside the central tube 14. The cams 188 point radially inward. The annular element 28 is rotatably disposed inside the central tube 14.

[0097] The annular element 28 can be installed onto the filter element 10 after the water separator 30 is inserted into the central tube 14 and before the filter element 10 is closed with the end cap 21. After the end cap 21 is installed onto the filter bellows 12, the annular element 28 can be fixed in the longitudinal direction L of the filter element 10, but remains free to rotate.

[0098] As shown in the figure, the filter element 10 is sealed against the blocking element 140, but is not fixed in the longitudinal direction L. The filter element can still be removed by moving the filter element 10 from the blocking element 140 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0099] The blocking element 140 includes an activation surface 148, and at least one non-blocking element 180 includes a cam 188 for radially pushing the activation surface 148 when contact is established between the cam 188 and the activation surface 148.

[0100] The non-blocking element 180 includes at least one cam 188 disposed at the central tube 14, which points radially inward.

[0101] exist Figure 25 The diagram shows a perspective view of the first segment 132 of a security component 130 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, while... Figure 26 The first section 132 is depicted in the perspective view.

[0102] The blocking element 140 includes two spring members 150 having an activation surface 148 and a radially projecting lip 152, wherein the lip 152 can retract from its blocking position by pushing the activation surface 148 in the radial direction. Therefore, the structure of the blocking element 140 is very similar to other embodiments. The main difference is that the guide groove 162 does not exhibit a curved shape but is oriented straight in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, no rotational movement is involved in mounting the filter element 10 to the blocking element 140. In the depicted embodiment, the two spring members 150 are integrated into one piece for easier attachment to a single spring band.

[0103] Figure 27 A cross-sectional perspective view of the filter element 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The water separator 30 and the mounting of the annular element 28 having two opposing cams 188 inside the water separator 30 can be seen in more detail. Figure 28A perspective view of the ring element 28 is depicted separately.

[0104] exist Figures 29 to 33 In the present invention, during the installation of the filter element 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the successive steps of the interaction of the segments 132, 134 of the safety element 130 are depicted in perspective and sectional views.

[0105] Figure 29 and Figure 30 The process of inserting the filter element 10 by moving the cam 188 of the non-blocking element 180 along the guide groove 162 is depicted as indicated by the black arrow.

[0106] exist Figure 31 In the cross-sectional view, cam 188 is positioned just before the activation surface 148 of the activation spring member 150. Therefore, the passage from the sealing structure 32 to the sealing region 144 of the blocking element 140 remains in a blocked mode.

[0107] exist Figure 32 In the process, the activation surface 148 is pushed radially inward by the cam 188, causing the lip 152 to be recessed, so that the safety component 130 is in a non-blocking mode, and the passage from the sealing structure 32 of the filter element 10 to the sealing area 144 of the blocking element 140 is opened.

[0108] Therefore, the gasket 34 of the sealing structure 32 can slide on the sealing surface 146 of the sealing area 144 until a tight seal is formed between the end cap 21 and the blocking element 140.

[0109] The cam 188 has extended beyond the activation area 148, causing the lip 152 to protrude again. To remove the filter element 10, it only needs to be pulled in the other direction to re-open the passage by activating the activation surface 148 through the actuation of the cam 188.

[0110] Figure 34 and Figure 35 As a supplementary illustration, another perspective view shows the assembly of the safety component 130 with the mounting member in an additional embodiment having an inclined guide groove 162. Figure 35 The middle section depicts the central tube 14 of the filter element 10.

[0111] According to Figure 36 and Figure 37In a further embodiment, the safety element 130 has further positioning devices. Two additional extensions 190 are arranged on the circumferential portion of the central tube 14 or the annular element 28. The filter element can only be installed into the filter housing 110 or the filter cover 114 when all extensions 188, 190 are engaged in the corresponding grooves 162, 191 on the mating member. These positioning devices 190, 191 can be combined with any of the foregoing embodiments. The number of extensions 190 and corresponding notches 191 can be adapted to functional requirements.

[0112] Safety component 130 is shown in the view from positioning structure 160 to safety component 130. Figure 38 In this view, the positioning extension 190 with the corresponding cutout 191 is visible. An angle X° is set between the extension 190 and the opening of the guide groove 162. This option allows only the appropriate filter element 10 to be assembled.

[0113] Figure 39 A top view of a central tube 14 with a non-blocking element 180, a cam 188, and an extension 190 as a positioning device is shown. An angle X° is provided between the cam 188 and the extension 190. The amount of the extension and the angle X° can be adapted to technical functions.

[0114] Figure Labels 10 Filter elements 12 Filter Corrugated Pipe 14. Central tube 16 End regions 18 End Region 20 End Caps 21. End cap 26-shaft collar structure 28 Ring elements 30 Water Separator 32 Sealing structure 34 Washers 36 Washer 40 Original fluid region 42. Filtered fluid zone 100 Filtration System 102 Fluid inlet 104 Fluid Outlet 110 Casing 112 Shell Head 114 Housing cover 116 Threaded connection 118 Manual Pump 130 Security Components 132 First Section 134 Second Section 135 Interlocking device 140 Blocking element 144 Sealed Area 146 Sealing Surface 148 Activated Surface 150 Spring Component 152 Lip border 160 Positioning Structure 162 Guide slot 164 Locking Structure 166 ribs 168 ribs 170 End Position 172 Installation Components 180 Non-blocking element 188 Cam 190 Extension 191 Incision.

Claims

1. A filtration system (100) comprising a housing (110) having a housing head (112) and a housing cover (114), a fluid inlet (102) and a fluid outlet (104), and a filter element (10) housed in said housing. The filter element (10) includes a central tube (14) having a longitudinal direction (L) and being surrounded by a filter bellows (12), the filter bellows (12) including end caps (20, 21) at one or both of its end regions (16, 18), and the filter element (10) further including a sealing structure (32) at the end caps (20, 21). The safety component (130) is disposed inside the housing (110) and has a blocking mode and a non-blocking mode depending on the axial and / or rotational position of the filter element (10) in the housing (110). It is configured to provide a passage from the sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) to the sealing region (144) of the safety component (130) in the non-blocking mode, and to block the passage from the sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) to the sealing region (144) of the safety component (130) when the sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) moves toward the sealing region (144) in the blocking mode. The safety component (130) has a first section (132) disposed at the housing (110) and a second section (134) disposed at the filter element (10), the first section (132) and the second section (134) including at least one blocking element (140) and at least one non-blocking element (180) configured to cooperate with the at least one blocking element (140). The at least one blocking element (140) includes an activation surface (148), and the at least one non-blocking element (180) includes a cam (188) for pushing the activation surface (148) in the radial direction when contact is established between the cam (188) and the activation surface (148). The blocking element (140) includes a positioning structure (160) connected to a guide groove (162) which guides the non-blocking element (180) to the activation surface (148) by rotational movement as the filter element (10) is moved toward the blocking element (140) in the longitudinal direction (L).

2. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein the blocking element (140) comprises a spring member (150) including the activation surface (148) and a radially projecting lip (152), wherein the lip (152) is retractable from its blocking position by pushing the activation surface (148) in the radial direction.

3. The filtration system according to claim 2, wherein, The sealing structure (32) includes gaskets (34, 36).

4. The filtration system according to claim 2, wherein the blocking element (140) includes a locking structure (164), wherein the filter element (10) is locked to the blocking element (140) when the cam (188) is inserted into the locking structure (164) by rotational movement of the filter element (10) after the cam (188) has passed the activation surface (148) in the longitudinal direction (L).

5. The filtration system according to claim 4, wherein the locking structure (164) is configured as two adjacent ribs (166, 168) on the circumferential portion of the blocking element (140).

6. The filtration system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein when the cam (188) moves to the end position (170) by the rotational movement of the filter element (10) after the cam (188) has passed the activation surface (148) in the longitudinal direction (L), the filter element (10) is locked to the blocking element (140) by the lip (152) of the blocking element (140).

7. The filtration system according to claim 6, wherein when the cam (188) is in its end position (170), the lip (152) overlaps with the collar structure (26) of the end cap (20, 21).

8. The filtration system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the non-clogging element (180) includes at least one cam (188) at an annular element (28) disposed inside the central tube (14) inside the water separator (30), wherein the cam (188) points radially inward.

9. The filtration system according to claim 8, wherein the annular element (28) is arranged in a rotatable manner inside the central tube (14) in the water separator (30).

10. A safety component (130) for a filtration system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the filtration system (100) comprising a filter element (10) and a housing (110), the safety component: It has a sealed area (144) and has a blocking mode and a non-blocking mode depending on the axial and / or rotational position of the filter element (10) in the housing (110), and The filter element (10) is configured to provide a passage from the sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) to the sealing region (144) of the safety component (130) in the non-blocking mode, and in the blocking mode, the passage from the sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) to the sealing region (144) is blocked when the sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) moves toward the sealing region (144). It has a first section (132) arranged at the housing (110) and a second section (134) arranged at the filter element (10), the first section (132) and the second section (134) including at least one blocking element (140) and at least one non-blocking element (180) configured to cooperate with the at least one blocking element (140). The at least one blocking element (140) includes an active surface (148), and the at least one non-blocking element (180) includes a cam (188) for pushing the active surface (148) in the radial direction when contact is established between the cam (188) and the active surface (148).

11. A filter element (10) for a filtration system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the filter element comprising a central tube (14) having a longitudinal direction (L) and surrounded by a filter bellows (12), the filter bellows (12) comprising end caps (20, 21) at one or both of its end regions (16, 18), and the filter element comprising a section of a safety assembly (130), wherein at least one non-blocking element (180) or at least one blocking element (140) is configured to interact with the at least one blocking element (140) or the at least one non-blocking element in a first section (132) of the safety assembly. The elements (180) cooperate, wherein the filter element (10) further includes a sealing structure (32) on one of its end regions (16, 18), wherein the blocking element and the non-blocking element are configured to provide a passage from the sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) to the sealed region (144) of the safety component (130) in the non-blocking mode, and in the blocking mode, the passage from the sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) to the sealed region (144) of the safety component (130) is blocked when the sealing structure (32) of the filter element (10) moves toward the sealed region (144).

12. The filter element of claim 11, wherein the at least one blocking element (140) includes an activation surface (148), and the at least one non-blocking element (180) includes a cam (188) for radially pushing the activation surface (148) when contact is established between the cam (188) and the activation surface (148).

13. The filter element according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the non-clogging element (180) includes at least one cam (188) arranged radially inward at the central tube (14).

14. The filter element according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the non-clogging element (180) includes at least one cam (188) at an annular element (28) disposed inside the central tube (14), wherein the cam (188) is radially inwardly oriented, wherein the annular element (28) is disposed inside the central tube (14) in a rotatable manner.

15. The filter element according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the blocking element (140) includes a spring member (150) including the activation surface (148) and a radially projecting lip (152), wherein the lip (152) is retractable from its blocking position by pushing the activation surface (148) in the radial direction.

Images