Circular filter element, in particular for gas filtration

Abstract

The invention relates to a circular filter element, in particular for gas filtration. A filter device with a base filter element has a filter housing with a longitudinally extending cross-sectional shape, in which an inlet opening and an outlet opening are arranged on opposite sides in the filter housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a circular filter element according to the preamble of claim 1, specifically for gas filtration. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2011 011 595 A1 describes a filter element for air filtration, wherein a filter media body is circumferentially annular and axially introduced into an internal flow chamber surrounding an unfiltered fluid. The filter media body, through which the fluid flows radially from the inside to the outside, has a longitudinally extending cross-sectional shape with a semi-circular narrow side and an inwardly concave longitudinal side. The filter media body has a constant cross-sectional shape that remains the same above its axial height.

[0003] A filter device and a filter element having an elliptical cross-sectional shape are known from DE 10 2013 002 057 B4. The filter device has a receiving housing with an inlet connector and an outlet connector, wherein the inlet connector is located on a housing cover and the outlet connector is located on a base housing body. A package-shaped secondary element is received in the elliptical filter element and supported on an internal frame section of the filter element.

[0004] A very similar filter device is also known from DE 10 2014 006 850 A1, which also has an elliptical filter element with a corresponding housing, and additionally has a guide device, specifically a support, in the contact area between the base housing and the housing cover. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The basic objective of this invention is to implement a filter device using simple design measures, which has a circular filter element having an internal flow chamber through which the fluid to be filtered flows from the inside to the outside, thereby achieving high filtration performance over long operating periods.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the features of claim 1. The dependent claims provide useful improvements.

[0007] The inventive filter device includes a circular filter element, specifically for gas filtration, and preferably an air filter for intake air of an internal combustion engine. The filter device further preferably includes a filter housing for receiving the circular filter element. The circular filter element has a filter media body through which the fluid to be filtered can flow radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter element or filter device, and the filter media body surrounds an internal flow chamber. The circular filter element and / or filter housing preferably has a longitudinally extending cross-sectional shape. An inlet opening is preferably provided in the filter housing to introduce unfiltered fluid, and more preferably, an outlet opening is provided in the filter housing to remove filtered fluid on opposite sides of the filter housing. At least one opening, i.e., the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening, is more preferably arranged in a region on the narrow side of the filter housing. The inlet opening and outlet opening are more preferably arranged on opposite narrow sides, and also preferably arranged about the longitudinal axis of the filter housing or filter element at opposite axial ends of the filter housing. At least one opening, i.e., the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening, is more preferably arranged such that it forms a 45° angle with the longitudinal center plane of the filter housing intersecting the narrow side of the filter housing. In this way, flow optimization is possible, especially when using circular filter elements.

[0008] An inventive filter device with a circular filter element is preferably used for gas filtration, such as for filtering air, particularly in the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle. The filter element has an annular closed filter media body, through which unfiltered fluid flows radially. The filter media body surrounds an internal flow chamber defined by an inner wall of the filter media body, wherein the inner wall forms the unfiltered side. The fluid to be filtered is axially introduced into the internal flow chamber and flows radially through the wall of the filter media relative to its longitudinal axis. The outer side of the filter media body forms the filtered side, through which the filtered fluid exits from the wall of the filter media body. The axial end faces of the filter media body are flow-tightly covered by end plates. One end plate has a central opening communicating with the internal flow chamber to axially guide fluid flow; in contrast, the opposing end plate is implemented as closed, axially sealing the internal flow chamber to the outside.

[0009] The filter housing of the filter device has a longitudinally extending, elliptical or elliptical cross-section. The longitudinally extending cross-section includes, for example, a cross-sectional shape having a parallel longitudinal side and a semi-circular narrow side. The circular filter element to be received in the filter housing also has a corresponding cross-sectional shape.

[0010] According to the present invention, the filter housing includes a base filter housing and a housing cover that can be placed on the base filter housing, and the housing cover closes the receiving space in the base filter housing where the filter element can be placed. Both the base filter housing and the housing cover have a longitudinally extending cross-section.

[0011] An inlet opening for introducing unfiltered fluid and an outlet opening for discharging filtered fluid are added to the filter housing. The inlet and outlet openings are located on radially opposite sides of the filter housing, wherein the longitudinal flow axes of the inlet and outlet openings (characterizing the flow path through each opening) are oriented at least approximately radially and form an angle of at most 45° with the longitudinal center plane of the filter housing. The longitudinal center plane of the filter housing is a plane intersecting the two relatively narrow sides of the filter housing and includes both the longitudinal axes of the filter housing and the inserted filter element. The longitudinal center plane preferably divides the filter housing into two mirror-symmetrical halves relative to the basic geometry of the filter housing.

[0012] This embodiment has the advantage that the flow of the fluid being filtered in the filter device undergoes only relatively little deflection, and therefore the flow velocity through the filter geometry is reduced to only a relatively small degree. This improves the filtration performance of the filter device.

[0013] According to another useful embodiment, both the inlet opening and the outlet opening are disposed in the substrate filter housing that receives the filter element. However, the inlet opening and the outlet opening are disposed on opposite sides of the substrate filter housing. The inlet opening is advantageously added to the housing cover, and when assembled, when the housing cover has been placed on the substrate filter housing, the inlet opening is aligned with the inlet opening in the substrate filter housing.

[0014] The longitudinal axes of the inlet and outlet openings in the base filter housing may be at least approximately parallel, and an angle, such as 30°, may exist between them. An angle deviation greater than or less than 30° is also possible. However, as described above, the angular deviation between the longitudinal axes of the inlet and outlet openings relative to the longitudinal plane of the filter housing is a maximum of 45°, and smaller angular deviations, such as a maximum of 30°, are also possible. Furthermore, the flow longitudinal axes of the inlet and outlet openings may also be located, or at least approximately, in the longitudinal center plane of the filter housing. In alternative embodiments, the longitudinal axes of the inlet and outlet openings are at least approximately in a common plane, but this plane forms a maximum angle of 30° or 45° relative to the longitudinal center plane.

[0015] According to another useful embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the inlet opening and / or outlet opening is arranged at least approximately in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter. For example, the inlet opening is laterally disposed in the wall of the base filter housing such that the longitudinal axis of the inlet opening is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter, and therefore in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter. In this orientation of the inlet opening, it may be useful to tilt the outlet opening at an angle relative to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter, advantageously at least 30°. The outlet opening is specifically arranged in a region near the bottom of the base filter housing, such as the transition region between the sidewall and the bottom of the base filter housing.

[0016] Alternatively, an embodiment may be used in which either the inlet opening or the outlet opening is oriented such that each of its longitudinal axes is at least approximately in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter; or an embodiment may be used which has angled inlet and outlet openings whose longitudinal axes are at least approximately in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter.

[0017] Both the inlet and outlet openings can be located on the housing connector on the molded and base filter housing. The housing connector extends radially beyond the base filter housing relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter.

[0018] According to another advantageous embodiment, preferably blade-shaped guide ribs are arranged inside the housing cover, which support the flow of fluid into the internal flow chamber and promote uniform particle loading on the filter element during fluid filtration, especially even in asymmetric or non-parallel flows. The unfiltered liquid is preferably guided radially from the outside toward the filter media body and then impacts the guide ribs inside the housing cover, which influence the flow of fluid impacting it, such as guiding the fluid flow into two parts and / or axially toward the internal flow chamber in the filter media body.

[0019] Various embodiments of the flow guide ribs can be used. The flow guide ribs may be implemented as straight and in a plane, or, according to alternative embodiments, as curved. In the straight embodiment, the flow guide ribs may extend along the axial direction of the filter element such that the wall side of the flow guide ribs extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter element.

[0020] The flow guide ribs can protrude into the flow openings of the end plate added to the circular filter element, and through these flow openings, unfiltered fluid is introduced into the internal flow chamber of the filter media body.

[0021] According to another useful embodiment, during installation, the filter element protrudes slightly axially beyond the end face of the base filter housing, thereby facilitating removal of the filter element from the base filter housing, for example, for maintenance purposes. A sealing support with a sealing element is positioned at a small axial distance from the protruding end face of the filter element, ensuring a flow-tight separation between the externally disposed portion of the filter element and the internally disposed portion of the filter element received within the base filter housing.

[0022] Usefully, the end plate on the filter element, having a central opening, is configured to be rounded radially inward, allowing unfiltered air to flow more easily into the interior of the filter media body. The radius of this rounding is advantageously larger radially inward than radially outward. The radially inward radius can be configured to be large enough that the beginning of the radius on the end face remains within the contour of the filter media body.

[0023] The inner and outer walls of the filter media body preferably extend concentrically to each other, so that the filter media body has a constant radial thickness.

[0024] According to another useful embodiment, the circular filter element has an axially tapered cross-sectional shape, such that the outer circumference of the circular filter element differs in size in the region of the first end plate compared to the outer circumference of the circular filter element in the region of the opposing second end plate. Furthermore, in this embodiment, both end plates can have a circular cross-sectional shape, such that the circular filter element and the filter media body are implemented as tapered. Additionally, an elliptical or elliptical cross-sectional shape may also be provided in the region of each of the end plates.

[0025] When a circular filter element has a tapered cross-sectional shape, the end plate on the end face with a smaller outer circumference can be implemented as closed and can be axially closed in the internally disposed flow chamber, while the opposite end plate on the larger outer circumference has a flow opening for introducing fluid into the internal flow chamber.

[0026] Furthermore, the following embodiment is possible, wherein the end plate on the end face with a larger outer circumference is implemented as closed and axially enclosed in an internally disposed flow chamber, and the opposite end plate on the smaller outer circumference has a flow opening for introducing fluid into the internal flow chamber.

[0027] On the outer wall of the filter media body, a circular filter element has a support mesh, specifically implemented in a dimensionally stable manner. The support mesh is, for example, implemented as a thermoplastic injection-molded part. Because flow passes radially from the inside out through the filter media body, the walls of the filter media body are subjected to radially outward pressure, causing the walls to tend to bulge outward. The support mesh on the outer wall of the filter media body prevents radial outward deformation of the walls and thus helps the filter media body maintain its shape during filtration, preventing deformation. Therefore, the filter media body maintains its original geometry over long operating periods and retains its flow behavior during fluid filtration. Furthermore, the support mesh supports the exterior of the filter media body, subjecting it to lower loads and reducing the risk of damage. Advantageously, at least one end face and possibly both end faces of the support mesh are embedded in an end plate. The end plate preferably comprises a material more flexible than the sealing support and support mesh on the filter element receiving the sealing element.

[0028] The filter media body is preferably implemented as a pleated filter with multiple filter pleats. The filter pleats preferably extend radially or approximately radially, and thus extend in the direction of flow and simultaneously extend axially between the two end faces of the filter media body. The pleated filter is implemented as an annular closure.

[0029] Specifically, exactly one filter media body, implemented as a circular filter, is arranged in the filter element.

[0030] According to another advantageous embodiment, the molded body protrudes into the end face of the filter media body and provides additional stability to the filter media body, and in embodiments serving as pleated filters, retains the filter pleats in the desired position. In embodiments with a tapered cross-sectional surface area, the molded body is preferably disposed on the end face with the reduced cross-sectional surface area. The molded body can be integrally implemented with a support mesh on the filter media body, such that the supporting forces acting on the end face of the filter element with the molded body are directed via the molded body to the support mesh, and the end plate is relieved of the supporting forces.

[0031] The outer contour of the molded body advantageously corresponds to the outer and / or inner contour of the filter media body on its end face, within which the molded body protrudes into the filter media body. It may be useful to connect the molded body (at least partially) to an adjacent end plate, for example, by implementing a dome protruding into the end plate on the molded body. The end plate into which one or more sections of the molded body protrude is preferably implemented as closed, sealing the interior of the filter media body in a flow-tight manner. The molded body may potentially taper in a wedge shape towards its free end face, which simplifies and facilitates the filter element manufacturing process. The molded body is particularly implemented as a longitudinally extending body, extending between opposite sides of the support mesh.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the circular filter element has a sealing element, specifically a circumferential sealing ring, arranged on a sealing support implemented separately from the end plate and adjacent to the unfiltered air-side end plate, through which unfiltered fluid is introduced into the internal flow chamber. The sealing element is configured to be axially and radially spaced apart from the nearest adjacent end plate. The sealing element is used to tightly separate the flow between the unfiltered side and the filtered side. Because the sealing support is implemented separately from the end plate, the end plate is not subjected to retaining and sealing forces that are absorbed by the sealing element and sealing support during the installation of the circular filter element. The end plate is thus kept unaffected by retaining and sealing forces. Due to the axial and radial distances from the sealing element and, advantageously, also from the sealing support to the adjacent end plate, the sealing support and sealing element are also spaced apart from the filtered or external portion of the filter media body, allowing fluid to exit unimpeded from the sealing support and from the sealing element via the filtered side of the filter media body. The sealing support is implemented as fluid-tight, and advantageously the nearest adjacent end plate is connected to the sealing element in a fluid-tight manner.

[0033] The sealing support is axially spaced apart from the end face of the nearest adjacent end plate. The axial spacing relative to the entire axial height of the filter element is, for example, a maximum of 30% of the axial height, preferably a maximum of 20% of the axial height, or a maximum of 10% of the axial height.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, a sealing support is arranged on a support mesh. The support mesh and the sealing support can be implemented integrally, preferably as plastic components. Sealing, retaining, and supporting forces are correspondingly absorbed via the sealing support and the support mesh, while the filter media body is relieved of these forces.

[0035] According to another advantageous embodiment, the sealing support is implemented as a circumferential support wall that extends spaced apart from the outwardly disposed outer surface of the filter media body. The support wall extends particularly parallel to the outwardly disposed outer surface of the filter media body. The sealing element is advantageously disposed within a receiving groove in the support wall, wherein the receiving groove is preferably located on or adjacent to an end face of the support wall. The sealing element is positioned on the end face of the support wall opposite to the nearest end plate.

[0036] During installation, the sealing support is advantageously supported on the housing component, such as on the inner shoulder of the base filter housing that houses the filter element and on which the housing cover can be placed.

[0037] The segments may be molded onto the end face, particularly on the top of the sealing support, and advantageously spaced axially from the end face. These segments compensate for tolerances and can compensate for deviations in portions of the sealing support from the planar surfaces of the shoulders used to house the housing cover and / or the base filter housing. The segments are implemented, for example, in a rod shape and arranged parallel to the sidewalls of the sealing support; rod-shaped segments, for example, extend radially. During installation, the segments are pressed into the material of the housing component, and / or the segments are specifically elastic or plastic and deformable, thereby compensating for deviations in the tolerances. Preferably, a softer material is selected for the segments than for the housing components (especially the housing cover), such that deformation occurs substantially or entirely within the segments.

[0038] According to another useful embodiment, the smaller end disc has radially overhanging support cams. These support cams advantageously do not protrude radially further than the inner or outer contour of the opposing end disc or the opposing seal. However, a slight overlap can be provided to specifically achieve strong tension. The inner contour of the seal support and / or sealing element advantageously extends substantially radially along the outer circumference of the larger end disc.

[0039] If the cross-sectional shape of the filter media body is elliptical or elliptical, the support cam is preferably arranged on the longitudinal side, and specifically on the end plate, preferably on a smaller end plate, and specifically integrally implemented and molded thereto with the end plate. However, it is also possible to additionally arrange one or more cams on the end plate. The cams extend radially beyond the end plate and, when installed, support the circular filter element on the receiving filter housing. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Additional advantages and useful embodiments can be found in the other claims, the description of the drawings, and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are shown below.

[0041] Figure 1 It is an exploded view of a filter device for gas filtration, which includes a base filter housing, filter elements, and a housing cover; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the filter assembly during assembly; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the filter element as seen from above; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the filter element as seen from below; Figure 5 This is an internal view of the housing cover, which has guide ribs on the inside of the housing cover; Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the cross-section of the filter device in the area of ​​the housing cover; Figure 7 Depicting another cross-section through the filter device; and, Figure 8 This is a top view of a base filter housing with inserted filter elements, wherein the inlet and outlet connectors are molded into the base filter housing.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustration shows a filter device 1, preferably used for gas filtration, particularly for air filtration in the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The filter device 1 includes a filter housing 2, which includes a base filter housing 3 and a housing cover 4, and includes a filter element 5 that can be inserted into the base filter housing 3. The housing cover 4 closes a receiving space in the base filter housing for receiving the filter element 5.

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen, the filter element 5 is equipped with a filter media body 6, and the filtration of unfiltered fluid occurs at the filter media body 6. The filter element 5 is implemented as a circular filter element, and the filter media body 6 is correspondingly implemented as a circular element, which surrounds the unfiltered fluid being introduced into its internal flow chamber 7. The fluid relative to the filter element 5 and the filter device 1 ( Figure 1 The longitudinal axis 8 of the filter is axially introduced into the flow chamber 7. Then, the fluid flows radially from the inside to the outside through the wall of the filter media body 6. Therefore, the inner wall of the filter media body 6 forms the unfiltered side, and the outer wall forms the filtered side.

[0045] The filter element 5 and the filter media body 6 have a highly elliptical shape with two parallel longitudinal sides and two semi-circular narrow sides. The filter element 5 also has a basic conical shape, wherein the axially opposite end faces of the filter element 5 are configured with different sizes and outer circumferences. Each of the axial end faces of the filter media body 6 is flow-tightly covered by end discs 9 and 10, wherein the end disc 9 on the larger end face of the filter element 5 is configured to be open and have a flow opening 11 through which unfiltered fluid can flow into the internal flow chamber 7. In contrast, as... Figure 4 As can be seen, the opposite end plate 10 is implemented as closed, so that the internal flow chamber 7 is also closed on that side.

[0046] Molded into the closed end plate 10 is a cam 12, which extends radially outward and is positioned on the longitudinal side adjacent to the narrow side. The cam 12, integrally implemented with the end plate 10, supports the filter element 5 on the base filter housing 3 during assembly. The cam 12 does not protrude radially forward as far as the relatively larger end plate 9.

[0047] Specifically, a support mesh 13, made of plastic and implemented separately from end plates 9 and 10, is disposed on the outer wall of the filter media body 6. The support mesh 13 radially supports the filter media body on the outer wall of the filter media body. Since the flow passes radially from the inside to the outside of the filter media body 6, the outward pressure occurs in the filter media body and is absorbed by the support mesh 13. This ensures that the pressure of the fluid flowing through the filter media body 6 does not deform the filter media body 6.

[0048] A sealing support 14 supporting the sealing element 15 is disposed adjacent to the end plate 9, and a flow opening 11 for introducing unfiltered fluid is added to the end plate 9. The sealing support 14 is implemented as a circumferential support wall, which lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8 and is preferably implemented integrally with the support mesh 13. The sealing support 14 is arranged to be slightly axially spaced from the end plate 9 disposed thereon and at a significantly greater axial distance from the end plate 10 below it. The outer circumference of the sealing support 14 has a larger radial range compared to the outer wall of the filter media body 6.

[0049] The sealing element 15 is implemented as a sealing ring, which is preferably inserted into a receiving groove in the end face of the support wall 14 on the side facing away from the adjacent end plate 9. The sealing element 15 faces away from the nearest end plate 9 and towards the opposite end plate 10, and during assembly, a circumferential shoulder 16 is provided on the inner wall of the receiving substrate filter housing 3. Figure 1 The shoulder 16 is axially spaced apart from the upper edge of the base filter housing 3.

[0050] The following refers to the housing cover 4, which has blade-shaped guide ribs 17 inside. Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 The guide rib 17 is specifically implemented as being straight and located in a plane, and during assembly, extends axially into the internal flow chamber 7 of the filter element 5, as shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be seen in the image. The flow guide rib 17 is integrally implemented with the housing cover 4.

[0051] Unfiltered fluid can be added to the housing cover 4 through its radial flow into the lateral inlet opening 19 within the filter device. The inlet opening 19 in the housing cover 4 corresponds to another inlet opening 20 added to the base filter housing 3. When the housing cover 4 is positioned, the inlet openings 19 and 20 overlap, forming a continuous flow path for the unfiltered fluid. The end face 18 of the guide rib 17 faces the inlet opening 19 in the housing cover 4. The guide rib 17 is particularly positioned centered inside the housing cover 4, such that radially approaching unfiltered fluid is separated by the blade-shaped guide rib 17 and, additionally, undergoes improved axial flow toward the internal flow chamber 7 in the filter media body 6.

[0052] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As can be seen, a radial outlet opening 21 for removing the filtered fluid is provided on the base filter housing 3. The longitudinal flow axes of the inlet openings 19 and 20, and the longitudinal flow axis of the outlet opening 21, extend at least almost parallel. The plane of the flow guiding element 17 can similarly extend at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal flow axes of the inlet and outlet openings, even though embodiments with a non-parallel arrangement of the flow guiding element 17 to both openings 19, 20, and 21 and embodiments with a non-parallel arrangement between the inlet openings 19 and 20 and the outlet opening 21 are also possible.

[0053] As from Figure 7As can be seen, the molded body 22, specifically integrated with the support mesh 13, is disposed in the bottom region of the filter element 5, adjacent to the lower end plate 10. The molded body 22 extends axially into the internal flow chamber 7 of the filter media body 6 and stabilizes the filter media body 6, which is implemented as a pleated filter. The molded body 22 tapers to its open end face in a wedge shape and has a recessed dome 23 protruding into the lower end plate 10 in the central region. The radially outer portion of the molded body 22 also protrudes into the end plate 10, thereby achieving a firm connection between the molded body 22 and the lower end plate 10. The molded body 22 is implemented to be at least substantially straight and extends along the longitudinal direction of the filter media body 6. The radially outer portion of the molded body 22 is connected to the support mesh 13, such that the supporting force and retaining force are absorbed by the molded body 22, and the lower end plate 10 is depressurized.

[0054] Such as combination Figure 4 exist Figure 7 As can be seen, the annular support portion 24 is molded onto the lower end plate 10 on the side axially opposite to the internal flow chamber 7, and can be used to place the filter element 5 on the housing side of the support dome 25. The support dome 25 is disposed on the bottom of the base filter housing 3. The annular support portion 24 has a longitudinally extending cross-sectional shape.

[0055] If still Figure 7 As can be seen, inlet openings 19 and 20 are positioned such that the end face of the upper end plate 9 and inlet openings 19 and 20 form a continuous profile at the same height. The lower interior of inlet openings 19 and 20 is located at the same axial height as the outer end face of the end plate 9 above it. This ensures that unfiltered fluid can flow in unimpeded.

[0056] Such as combination Figure 3 exist Figure 7 As can be seen, the upper end plate 9 has a rounded edge 26 on its radially inner side facing the central opening, which facilitates the inflow of unfiltered fluid into the internal flow chamber 7. The radius of the rounded edge 26 is advantageously larger on the radially inner side of the end plate 9 than on the radially outer side.

[0057] Figure 8 A top view of a base filter housing 3 is depicted, showing an inserted filter element 5 but without a housing cover. Similar to the filter element 5, the base filter housing 3 has a longitudinally extending cross-sectional shape with a semi-circular narrow side and a straight longitudinal side. The base filter housing 3 has a constant cross-sectional shape across its axial height. The basic geometry of the base filter housing 3, with its adjacent sidewalls and bottom, is implemented as a mirror image about a longitudinal central plane 50 that extends through the center of the base filter housing 3 and intersects the semi-circular narrow side at the center.

[0058] Housing connectors 51 and 52 are molded on the narrow side of the base filter housing 3 along opposite diameters. Housing connector 51 forms an inlet connector for introducing unfiltered fluid, and housing connector 52 forms an outlet connector through which filtered fluid is removed. Therefore, an inlet opening 20 is provided at the open end face of the inlet connector, and an outlet opening 21 is provided at the open end face of the outlet connector 52. Each of connectors 51 and 52 is implemented as a straight line, and longitudinal axes 53 and 54 also form opening longitudinal axes at the height of the inlet opening 20 and the outlet opening 21, defining the direction of fluid flow. The opening longitudinal axis 53 of the inlet opening 20 and the opening longitudinal axis 54 of the outlet opening 21 both form an angle of less than 30° relative to the longitudinal center plane 50. The opening longitudinal axes 53 and 54 extend parallel to each other.

[0059] Furthermore, various orientations of both inlet connector 51 and outlet connector 52 relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter can be used. In an advantageous embodiment, the opening longitudinal axes 53 and 54 of connectors 51 and 52 extend parallel to the plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter. However, other angular deviations are also possible, either for one connector 51, 52 or for both connectors 51 and 52, for example, the outlet connector 52 is oriented downwards at a maximum angle of preferably 30° relative to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter, and thus away from the opening side of the base filter housing 3.

Claims

1. A filter device having a circular filter element for gas filtration, having a filter housing (2) for receiving the circular filter element, the circular filter element having a filter media body (6), wherein unfiltered fluid can flow radially relative to the longitudinal axis (8) of the filter element (5) through the wall of the filter media body (6), wherein, The filter housing (2) has a longitudinally extending cross-sectional shape, characterized in that an inlet opening (19, 20) for introducing unfiltered fluid and an outlet opening (21) for removing filtered fluid are arranged on opposite sides of the filter housing (2), wherein both the inlet opening (19, 20) and the outlet opening (21) form an angle of up to 45° with the longitudinal center plane of the filter housing (2) intersecting the narrow side of the filter housing (2), wherein the filter housing (2) has a base filter housing (3) and a housing cover (4), and the inlet opening (19, 20) and the outlet opening (21) are arranged in the base filter housing (3), the housing cover (4) includes a flow guiding element (17) that extends axially along the filter longitudinal axis (8) of the filter element (5) into the internal flow chamber (7) of the filter element (5) and is centered on the housing cover (4).

2. The filter device according to claim 1, characterized in that, During assembly, the inlet openings (19, 20) on the inlet openings (19, 20) stacked in the base filter housing (3) are also added to the housing cover (4).

3. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inlet opening (19, 20) and the outlet opening (21) have at least approximately parallel longitudinal axes (53, 54).

4. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The longitudinal axes (53, 54) of the inlet opening and the outlet opening (21) are at least 30° apart.

5. The filter device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The longitudinal axes (53, 54) of the inlet opening and the outlet opening (21) are at least approximately in a common plane.

6. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The longitudinal axes (53, 54) of the inlet openings (19, 20) and the outlet opening (21) are at least approximately located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter.

7. The filter device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis (53, 54) of the outlet opening (21) is inclined at an angle of at least 30° relative to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter.

8. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The end face (18) of the flow guiding element (17) faces the inlet opening.

9. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, A circumferential shoulder (16) for supporting the filter element (5) to be received is arranged on the inner side of the filter housing (3).

10. A filter element for use in a filter device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The filter element (5) has a filter media body (6) through which unfiltered fluid can flow radially relative to the filter longitudinal axis (8) of the filter media body (6) through the wall of the filter media body (6), wherein the filter media body (6) has a longitudinally extending cross-sectional shape and a support mesh (13) is arranged on the outer wall of the filter media body (6).

11. The filter element according to claim 10, characterized in that, The filter media body (6) is implemented as a pleated filter.

Images