Filter device and filter element

Abstract

The utility model relates to filtering equipment which is provided with a filter shell (10) and a control device (22), the filter shell at least comprises a shell upper part (12) and a shell lower part (14), and the shell lower part is used for at least partially accommodating a filtering element (16) in a replaceable mode. A control device (22) for controlling a fluid flow in the housing upper part (12), which control device separates a fluid-conducting connection between the fluid inlet (24) and the fluid outlet (26) in a locking position and releases this connection in a release position, the control device (22) being actuatable by means of an actuating device (44) on the filter element, the control device (22) has a locking position and a release position, in such a way that the control device (22) reaches the locking position when the housing lower part (14) is separated from the housing upper part (12) and establishes the release position when the housing lower part (14) is mounted on the housing upper part (12), characterized in that the control device (22) has a rotary spool housing (46) which has at least one coupling element (48, 50), the filter element (16) has at least one coupling element (54, 56, 58, 60), which interacts with a counterpart coupling element (54, 56, 58, 60) on the filter element (16) as the actuating device (44), forming at least one coupling device (52, 53), according to the invention, the housing lower part (14) is designed such that, when the housing lower part (14) is mounted or removed, at least one of the corresponding coupling elements (54, 56, 58, 60) in each case has a driving contact with a corresponding one of the associated coupling elements (48, 50) of the rotary spool housing (46), and the housing lower part (14) is designed such that the coupling elements (54, 56, 58, 60) of the corresponding coupling elements (54, 56, 58, 60) of the corresponding coupling elements (48, 50) of the rotary spool housing (46) can be coupled to the housing lower part (14). When the respective coupling device (52, 53) is subsequently released, the rotary spool housing (46) is moved from the locking position into the release position or vice versa as long as one of the positions is occupied by the rotary spool housing (46).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a filtration device having a filter housing and a control device. The filter housing includes at least an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. The lower housing portion is configured to at least partially accommodate a filter element in a replaceable manner. The control device is used to manipulate the fluid flow in the upper housing portion. The control device separates the flow guide connection between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet in a locked position and releases this connection in a released position. The control device can be manipulated by means of an actuating device on the filter element such that the control device reaches the locked position when the lower housing portion is separated from the upper housing portion, and establishes the released position when the lower housing portion is mounted onto the upper housing portion.

[0002] This invention also relates to a filter element, which is particularly designed for use in such a filtration device. Background Technology

[0003] A filtration device with a filter housing is known from DE102021002511A1. The filter housing has at least two connection points, such as an inlet for unfiltered material and an outlet for filtrate, and houses a replaceable filter element. A valve device is provided as a control device, which allows fluid flow between one of the connection points and the filter element in an open position and blocks this fluid flow in a locked position. Furthermore, the valve device is reciprocating between the open and locked positions by means of an actuating device on the filter element. The valve device has a spring-loaded inlet valve and a spring-loaded outlet valve. The inlet valve is positioned in the fluid flow between the inlet and the outside of the filter element, and the outlet valve is positioned in the fluid flow between the inside of the filter element and the outlet.

[0004] According to DE102021002024A1, a similar filtration device, together with an associated filter element, is known. An inflow valve is disposed in the fluid flow between the inlet and the outside of the filter element and has an inflow valve closing element as a control device. The inflow valve closing element is formed by a cylindrical wall section with an opening, which is movable and guided in a gap in the filter housing so that its opening coincides with the inlet in the open position of the control device.

[0005] When the filter element is installed into the filtration device, it is first inserted into the lower part of the housing and then into the upper part of the housing. Next, the lower part of the housing is screwed onto the upper part, causing the inserted filter element to rotate and the inflow valve to move to the open position. When the filter element is fully screwed in and thus secured to the upper part of the housing, the corresponding coupling elements can slide relative to each other via their respective inclined surfaces on the lower end cap of the filter element and on the bottom of the lower part of the housing, forming a ratchet coupling device. This allows the lower part of the housing to be fully screwed onto the upper part of the housing to obtain the operating position without further rotation of the filter element. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Starting from this prior art, the objective of this invention is to further improve known solutions so as to enable the control of fluid flow within a range of hydraulic equipment in a particularly functional and reliable manner.

[0007] Therefore, this utility model proposes a filtration device having a filter housing and a control device. The filter housing includes at least an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. The lower housing portion is configured to at least partially accommodate a filter element in a replaceable manner. The control device is used to control the fluid flow in the upper housing portion. The control device separates the flow guide connection between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet in a locked position and releases this connection in a released position. The control device can be operated by means of an actuating device on the filter element, such that the control device reaches the locked position when the lower housing portion is separated from the upper housing portion, and establishes the released position when the lower housing portion is mounted onto the upper housing portion. The control device has a rotary slide valve housing. The rotary valve housing has at least one coupling element, which, when constituting at least one coupling device, cooperates with a corresponding coupling element on the filter element as the actuating device, such that when the lower part of the housing is installed or removed, at least one of the corresponding coupling elements engages with a corresponding configurable coupling element on the rotary valve housing, and when the corresponding coupling device is subsequently released, the rotary valve housing moves from the locked position to the released position or vice versa, provided that one of the positions is occupied by the rotary valve housing. All the essential operating elements for manipulating the control device are realized between the adjacent ends of the rotary valve housing and the filter element, which benefits functional reliability. Furthermore, the related arrangement can be achieved in a particularly space-saving manner. It also results in a direct force input between the actuating device of the filter element and the adjacent rotary valve housing as the control device, allowing for unimpeded operation. Moreover, spring-loaded valves, which are inherently susceptible to interference, can be omitted within the scope of the control device implementation. In this regard, it is possible to control the fluid flow in hydraulic equipment that is correspondingly connected to a filter and / or a filter element with particular reliability.

[0008] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the filtration device according to this utility model, the corresponding coupling device is constructed in the form of a ratchet coupling device, having two pairs of adjacent and opposing elastic tongues as corresponding coupling elements on the end cap of the filter element. The elastic tongues extend flexibly and elastically into the movement track of at least one control cam, which is one of the coupling elements of the rotary valve housing. Thus, the corresponding control cam of the rotary valve housing constitutes a corresponding coupling element, and the pairs of adjacent and opposing elastic tongues are constructed on the filter element as corresponding coupling elements. In contrast to the prior art, the ratchet coupling device is moved from the bottom side of the filter element to the top side of the filter element and no longer cooperates with the lower part of the housing, but rather with the rotary valve housing in the upper part of the housing. The lower part of the housing can be integrally constructed as an outwardly closed filter canister, which is integrally threadedly connected to the filter top, which is the upper part of the housing, in the operating position. The ratchet coupling device on the bottom side avoids dividing the filter canister into a single part attached to the filter top and another part for implementing the rotational movement of the filter element, thus simplifying the construction of the filtration device as a whole and enabling low-cost implementation. It also simplifies the necessary sealing between the filter canister and the filter top, as well as the removal and reinstallation of the filter canister from the filter top.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment of the filtration device according to this invention, the rotary slide valve housing has two fluid passage portions and two locking walls, which can coincide with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet in the released position and the locked position, respectively. Therefore, by means of the rotary slide valve housing in the central portion of the top of the filter, not only the fluid inlet but also the fluid outlet can be locked during component replacement, thus improving functional reliability. When no filter element should be installed in the device, the increased pressure loss is also ideally adjusted, which is typically based on settings and can be detected.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment of the filtration device according to this invention, the rotary valve housing has another control cam, which is guided in a groove guide portion in the upper part of the housing and defines the movement of the rotary valve housing between the locked position and the released position. Due to the groove guide portion, the position of the rotary valve housing is fixed in its end position, thus eliminating malfunctions.

[0011] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the filtration device according to this utility model, a carrying member is provided between the filter element and the lower part of the housing. This carrying member carries the filter element housed in the lower part of the housing in the same direction during relative movement between the stationary upper part of the housing and the lower part of the housing, which is movable relative to the upper part. By coupling the filter canister, which is the lower part of the housing, and the filter element via the corresponding carrying member, not only a force-locked connection but also a form-locked connection is achieved. This connection ensures reliable rotational carrying of the filter element not only when the filter canister is screwed onto the top of the filter but also when the filter canister is screwed off the top of the filter, ensuring that the operating device always correctly operates the control device.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the filtration device according to this invention, the rotary valve housing has an annular sealing device on the side of the fluid outlet in the upper part of the housing. This annular sealing device, in the released position, seals the fluid transition between the fluid outlet and the internal flow guide in the rotary valve housing. Surprisingly to those skilled in the art, a single annular sealing device on the outlet side of the filtration device is sufficient, eliminating the need for other sealing devices, particularly on the inlet side. Thus, a seal on the outlet side, which has a lower fluid pressure relative to the inlet side of the filtration device, is adequate.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the filtration device according to this utility model, the internal flow guide extends perpendicularly through the rotating slide valve housing and has a connecting inclined portion at its free end away from the fluid outlet for guiding the flow to the filter element on its inner side. Due to the right-angled flow guide, flow loss and cavitation are avoided, and the predetermined geometry on the connecting inclined portion provides anti-copying protection, ensuring that only original, high-quality filter elements can always be inserted into the filtration device as replacement elements.

[0014] In another preferred design, the rotary valve housing has an additional internal guide section that establishes a flow connection between the fluid inlet and the fluid space in the release position. This fluid space is formed by the filter element and the lower part of the housing in the operating position. This allows for a sloping plane to be achieved within the rotary valve housing at the top of the filter on the fluid supply side, i.e., on the contaminant side, which helps to avoid flow losses and cavitation.

[0015] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the filtration device according to this invention, the rotary valve housing has at least one safety valve that opens when fluid flows through the rotary valve housing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in its locked position and releases the relevant fluid path by bypassing the fluid space in the lower part of the housing. Preferably, a contamination indicator is connected to the relevant fluid path. This ensures that, in the event of unintentional flow through the filtration device without an inserted filter element, a pre-tightening valve constituting the safety valve is operated via a safety passage in the rotary valve housing. This pre-tightening valve opens at the set pre-tightening pressure and establishes a safe fluid connection between the inlet and outlet without dangerous pressure configuration. As long as the contamination indicator, preferably configured as a differential pressure indicator, is connected to the relevant fluid path, the associated malfunction can be made visible through this contamination indicator. Thus, the lack of a filter element in the operating position of the filtration device can be reliably detected and thus avoided. The technical construction of such a contamination indicator is exemplarily shown in patentee DE10201401437A1, and will not be described in detail here.

[0016] Furthermore, it is preferably specified that at least one bypass valve is housed in the rotary spool valve housing. This bypass valve, in the release position, releases the fluid path between the fluid inlet and outlet during operation, bypassing the filter element, starting from a predetermined level of contamination. This ensures the functionality of the hydraulic equipment connected to the filter, supplying fluid to the hydraulic equipment at a predetermined pressure even when the filter element is clogged or blocked.

[0017] The present invention also addresses the task of improving the control of fluid flow within a hydraulic system in a functionally reliable manner using a filter element. This is achieved by the filter element, along with its component material having an end cap on at least one free end, having a single coupling element on the end cap. This coupling element extends outward as part of at least one coupling device, providing an operating mechanism directly on the filter element on its top side. This operating mechanism enables reliable control of the fluid flow between the fluid inlet and outlet via other coupling elements on the control device of the filter system. In particular, it ensures the coordination between the operating mechanism on the filter element and the control device on the filter housing of the filter system, preventing the filter system from being put into operation without the filter element. This eliminates the possibility of misoperation and ensures reliable control of the fluid flow in the hydraulic system, which is connected to the filter element.

[0018] Here, it is preferably specified that the coupling element of the end cap consists of at least one pair, preferably two pairs, of adjacent and opposing elastic tongues, each of which extends inward along a movement track for a predetermined stroke. Thus, the crucial component is arranged on the filter element in the form of a ratchet coupling device, which ensures that even if the filter element has not been completely removed or inserted into its operating position, the control device, typically in the form of a rotating slide valve housing, continues to operate.

[0019] Preferably, the motion track is defined by a shell-shaped guide surface that is part of a corresponding coupling device, the guide surface protruding from the configurable end cap and defined on the end side by a corresponding elastic tongue. By combining the motion track with the elastically flexible tongue, reliable guidance of the coupling elements that can be coupled to each other, such as the rotary valve housing and the filter element, is achieved on the one hand, and on the other hand, the actuation device is deactivated as long as the rotary valve housing is in its corresponding locked or released position in the filter housing.

[0020] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the filter element according to this invention, the shell-shaped guide surface is surrounded outward by a retaining ring, which at least partially protrudes from the guide surface in the axial direction, and the retaining ring is preferably fixedly connected in one piece to a configurable end cap via a tab. Preferably, the retaining ring protrudes from the end cap on its edge side and has at least one protruding carrying member in the direction of the end cap. Thus, the retaining ring and its carrying member provide the possibility of force-locking and form-locking fixation, and further protect the coupling elements on the filter element from mechanical damage. By combining the retaining ring and the coupling elements, and further via the associated end cap, a rigid, independent structure for the filter element is achieved.

[0021] In a particularly advantageous manner, the hinged housing is pivotally introduced into the central opening of the end cap, the hinged housing having a connecting portion that can be tilted in a predetermined direction to form a guide portion toward the inside of the filter element. The retaining ring provides the possibility of a rigid connection for receiving the filter element, while the central guide portion emanating from the inside of the filter element can be achieved in a sealed manner via the movable, and particularly tiltable, connecting portion. What is unexpected to those skilled in the art is that, on the one hand, the retaining ring allows for a static and reliable positioning of the filter element as a whole, and on the other hand, variability is achieved within the scope of the guide portion via the hinged housing, which in turn brings the advantage of directly compensating for possible tolerance differences between the element receiving portion and the guide portion.

[0022] Here, it is specified in a particularly space-saving manner that the end portion of the component material surrounds the hinge shell in the receiving portion of the end cap, such that the hinge shell is also supported outward by the component material and thereby enables the hinge shell to fit unobstructedly with its connection point, in such a way that the hinge shell can be placed unimpeded in the flow-guiding operating position. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The filtration device according to the present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and with the aid of embodiments. Here, the schematic diagrams are provided, and are not to scale:

[0024] Figure 1 The filtration device as a whole is shown in a longitudinal sectional view, having a fluid inlet located on the left and a fluid outlet located on the right when viewed along the orientation of the diagram.

[0025] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A partial view of the upper part of the filtration device rotated 180° about the longitudinal axis of the filtration device, which now has a fluid inlet on the right and a fluid outlet on the left, the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet being connected to each other in a flow-directing manner in the shown release position;

[0026] Figure 3 Showing the corresponding Figure 2 The diagram shows the flow connection between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet now separated in the locked position;

[0027] Figure 4 This shows the corresponding action when the filter element is removed and the safety valve is open. Figure 3 Diagram;

[0028] Figure 5 A partial view is shown, in which the coupling element of the rotating slide valve housing in the upper part of the housing is in contact with the corresponding coupling element on the end cap of the filter element to establish a coupling connection.

[0029] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 5 A top view of the coupled and interlocking structure, which has two opposing coupling elements on the rotating slide valve housing, together with the corresponding pairs of coupling elements on the end cap of the filter element.

[0030] Figure 7 Showing the involvement of according to Figures 1 to 3 The filter element is based on Figure 6 The end cap design;

[0031] Figure 8 Shown in Figure 7 The image shows a longitudinal section of the end cap;

[0032] Figure 9 The components of the rotary valve housing are shown in an exploded view, including adjacent components at the lower part of the housing when the filter element is inserted, along with an associated upper end cap.

[0033] Figure 10 Showing according to Figure 9 An inclined diagram of the rotating spool valve housing; and

[0034] Figure 11 and Figure 12 One is shown in a longitudinal section and the other in a bottom view according to Figure 9 and Figure 10 A single component of the rotating slide valve housing. Detailed Implementation

[0035] exist Figure 1 The filtration device shown has a filter housing 10, which includes an upper housing portion 12, also technically referred to as a filter top or filter canister, and a lower housing portion 14. The lower housing portion 14 is configured to accommodate a replaceable filter element 16. The upper housing portion 12 is typically stationary or fixed in position within the overall hydraulic arrangement, and the lower housing portion 14 can be releasably fixedly connected to the upper housing portion 12 via a threaded section 18. Thus, the lower housing portion 14 can, in particular, be releasably screwed into the internal threads of the upper housing portion 12 via a matching external thread forming the threaded section 18. Along the direction of Figure 1 Viewed from this angle, an annular groove 20 is provided above the external thread of the lower part 14 of the housing. This annular groove is configured to accommodate an annular sealing device (not shown) so as to seal the interior of the filter device relative to the environment at this location.

[0036] A control device 22 is housed in the upper part 12 of the housing for manipulating the fluid flow within the upper part 12 of the housing. The control device 22 operates in accordance with... Figure 3 In the locked position shown in the diagram, the flow guide connection between the fluid inlet 24 and the fluid outlet 26 is separated and... Figure 1 The connection is released again in the release position shown. Both fluid inlet 24 and fluid outlet 26 are connected to common, unshown pipes on the hydraulic (main) equipment. Thus, fluid, for example in the form of a hydraulic medium, can be released by means of... Figure 1 The filtration equipment purifies particulate contamination. For this purpose, unfiltered material flows into a hollow cylindrical fluid space 28 through the fluid inlet 24. This fluid space is defined on its outer periphery by the cylindrical inner wall of the lower part of the housing 14 and by the outer peripheral wall of the filter element 16, which is typically pleated.

[0037] The unfiltered stream then flows from the fluid space 28 inwards and reaches the inner side 32 of the filter element 16 as it flows through the purified element material 30. As it flows through the element material 30, the element material is supported along the outer shell of a hollow cylindrical support tube 34, the fluid channel 36 of which... Figure 1 Only a partial depiction is shown. The element material 30 purifies particulate contaminants (as long as they are present) from the fluid flow, such that the inner side 32 of the filter element 16 forms the so-called filtrate side of the filter device during operation. The purified fluid then reaches the fluid outlet 26 for further use via an internal guide 38 extending at right angles in the control device 22. In this regard, another internal guide 39 is formed through a fluid path from the inlet 26 to the fluid space 28 containing the filter element 16.

[0038] According to Figure 1 The diagram shows that the element material 30 of the filter element 16 is housed between the upper end cap 40 and the lower end cap 42. The end caps 40 and 42 are typically used as end-side enclosures for the free ends of the element material 30. The specific construction of the upper end cap 40 will be explained in detail below; the lower end cap 42 is typically supported at least on the lower part 14 of the housing, or on the side or bottom of the filter canister.

[0039] The upper cover 40 has an operating device 44 by means of which the control device 22 can be operated such that the control device 22 reaches a locked position when the lower part 14 of the housing is separated from the upper part 12 of the housing, and establishes a locking position when the lower part 14 of the housing is installed onto the upper part 12 of the housing. Figure 1 The release location.

[0040] according to Figure 2 The diagram below depicts the upper part 12 of the housing, in which it is rotated 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter device, and now the fluid inlet 24 is oriented towards... Figure 2 The viewpoint is positioned on the right and the fluid outlet 26 is positioned on its left. In other respects, Figure 2 The components shown correspond to those according to Figure 1 The solution. For example... Figure 2As further shown, the control device 22 has a rotary valve housing 46 with two coupling elements 48, 50 diametrically opposed to each other relative to the aforementioned longitudinal axis. These coupling elements, when forming two coupling devices 52, 53, cooperate with corresponding coupling elements 54, 56, 58, 60 on the filter element 16 as actuating devices 44, such that when the lower part 14 of the housing is installed or removed, at least one of the corresponding coupling elements 54, 56, 58, 60 on the filter element 16 actuates with a corresponding configurable coupling element 48, 50 on the rotary valve housing 46, and upon subsequent release of the corresponding coupling devices 52, 53, the rotary valve housing 46 is released from its position as long as one of these positions is occupied by the rotary valve housing 46. Figure 3 The locking position is moved to according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The release position is moved in or vice versa.

[0041] The corresponding coupling solution on the upper end cover 40 is particularly capable of [from] Figure 7 It is concluded that two axially upwardly extending semi-shells 62, 64 are provided emanating from the fluid-permeable center of the upper end cover 40. These semi-shells are preferably a one-piece component of the upper end cover 40, which can be manufactured, for example, by plastic injection molding or 3D printing. The two semi-shells 62, 64 each have corresponding coupling elements 54, 60 or 56, 58 at their respective opposing free ends. Therefore, adjacent corresponding coupling elements 54 and 56 or 58 and 60 are components of corresponding coupling devices 52 or 53. The corresponding coupling elements 54, 56, 58, and 60 are formed by spring-loaded, flexible elastic tongues, each having an inwardly protruding locking protrusion 66 at its free end. The corresponding elastic tongue, along with its locking protrusion 66, is formed by a gap 68 on the bottom side of the corresponding half-shells 62, 64. This gap is located on the bottom side relative to the upper side 70 of the upper end cover 40, which extends substantially horizontally as a continuous surface in the operating position of the filter device. Here, the elastic tongue, along with its protruding locking protrusion 66, extends towards... Figure 7 Looking inward, the object extends along a circular motion track 72 for a predetermined stroke, the motion track being defined by the inner guide surfaces 74 of the half-shells 62 and 64.

[0042] If the lower part 14 of the housing is oriented towards Figure 5 and Figure 6 Looking counterclockwise from the bottom, screw it onto the upper part 12 of the housing, and if the control device 22 or the rotary valve housing 46 is in its position according to Figure 3In the position of the flow connection between the locking inlet 24 and the outlet 26, the locking protrusions 66 of the corresponding coupling elements 54 and 58 of the two half-shells 62 and 64, which are diametrically opposed to each other, drive the adjacent opposing coupling elements 48 and 50 of the control device 22 (provided that the coupling elements 48 and 50 are interlocked from below during the screwing process) and at this time, the rotary valve housing 46 is rotated to its position according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the release position. If the rotary valve housing 46 deflects to its associated release position, but the lower housing 14 with the filter element 16 may not yet be fully tightened, the corresponding coupling devices 52, 53 function as ratchet coupling devices, and the coupling elements 48, 50 in one end position are moved past by the corresponding coupling elements 54, 60; 56, 58 without triggering further operation. Accordingly, when the lower housing 14 is further tightened, the control device 22 or the rotary valve housing 46 remains in the position according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The release position occupied by it.

[0043] If, in order to replace the used filter element 14 with a new element, the lower housing 14 is now unscrewed from the upper housing 12 in the reverse direction of rotation as described so far, then the locking protrusions 66 corresponding to the coupling elements 56, 60 (if necessary after moving past the ratchet coupling devices 52, 53) come into contact with the control cams or coupling elements 48, 50 of the rotary valve housing 46, which are diametrically opposed to each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the device, and thus the rotary valve housing is removed from its position. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The release position is carried into the system based on... Figure 3 The locking position for the guide section. Here, it is given. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Describe possible rotation states if the rotating spool valve housing 46 should move from its locked position to its initial or released position.

[0044] For example, further from Figure 2 and Figure 3 Specifically, the spool valve housing 46 is configured to switch between a shut-off valve and a plug valve in the valve, except for the two fluid passage portions 76 and 78. Figure 2 It also has two locking walls 80 and 82. Figure 3 The locking wall can coincide with the fluid inlet 24 and the fluid outlet 26 in the released position and the locked position, respectively. The inlet 24 and the outlet 26... Figure 3 The two opposing arrows in the diagram symbolize that at least the filter element 16 is separated from the associated guide in the locked position along the two possible fluid flow directions.

[0045] Such external influence Figure 2 as well as Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the rotary valve housing 46, viewed along the direction of the figure, has another cylindrical control cam 84 on its top side. This control cam is a one-piece component of the rotary valve housing 46 and is supported circumferentially via a central or spring-loaded centering device 86. The related control cam 84 is thus associated with a groove guide 88 in the upper part 12 of the housing. Figure 2 Guided in the middle, so that the rotating slide valve housing 46 is defined in two pivot directions according to Figure 3 The locking position and according to Figure 2 Possible movement between the release positions. This is avoided so that whenever relative movement is formed between the lower part 14 and the upper part 12 of the housing by screwing on or off, the rotary valve housing 46 is unintentionally and continuously driven via the corresponding coupling devices 52, 53 and thus reaches an unintentional intermediate position.

[0046] For example, further from Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 10 and Figure 12 As it turns out, the rotary valve housing 46 has an annular sealing device on the side of the fluid outlet 26 in the upper part 12 of the housing, which is not shown in detail, but rather only the associated receiving portion 90 for the associated annular sealing device is shown. Because the annular sealing device is to cover multiple fluid openings (which will be explained in more detail), the associated annular receiving portion 90 has a straight-extending intermediate section 92 between adjacent rounded corners 94, thus forming a flattened sealing ellipse.

[0047] Such as especially Figure 4 As shown, the Figure 4 The filtration device is depicted in its locked position and without the inserted filter element 16 in the lower part 14 of the canister-shaped housing, opening a possible fluid path between the fluid inlet 24 and the fluid outlet 26, which in Figure 4 The flow arrows indicate possible fluid paths. For the relevant flow guides, two locking walls 80, 82, diametrically opposed to each other, each have an additional fluid opening 96 or 98, through which possible fluid flow can proceed from the fluid inlet 24 via the fluid opening 96 of the first locking wall 80 into the interior of the rotary valve housing 46, and from there via another fluid opening 98 in the locking wall 82 to the side with the fluid outlet 26. In this respect, the rotary valve housing 46, constructed in a cavity structure, is equipped with corresponding free fluid paths between the supporting cavity walls within the interior of the rotary valve housing 46.

[0048] In addition, according to Figure 11A cross-sectional view of the rotating slide valve housing 46, with two safety valves 100 positioned according to... Figure 4 Within the possible fluid paths shown. The corresponding safety valve 100 is constructed as a so-called dual valve, that is, the corresponding safety valve 100 also functions as a bypass valve 102. For this purpose, the corresponding valves 100, 102 have associated paired shut-off components 104 or 106, which are paired and supported on coupling springs 108 designed as pressure springs. Accordingly, a single valve structure can perform both the safety valve function and the bypass function. A preload pressure can be predetermined for the corresponding valve function via the coupling spring 108, and if the pressure at the fluid inlet 24 exceeds a predetermined threshold, both associated safety valves 100 open, in which... Figure 4 Only one safety valve is shown in part. Accordingly, in the event of erroneous flow through a filter without filter element 16, the corresponding preload or safety valve 100 is operated when bypass valve 102 is closed via the aforementioned safety boreholes in the form of additional fluid openings 96, 98 in the rotary slide valve housing 46, and thus an unacceptably high fluid pressure cannot be constructed on the inlet side 24 of the filter.

[0049] The contamination indicator 110 is screwed into the upper housing 12 from above. This contamination indicator is designed as a differential pressure gauge to collect differential pressure for differential pressure measurement across two fluid channels 112. One fluid channel 112 leads to the inside of the upper housing 12, within which a rotating slide valve housing 46 can pivotally guide it, and the other fluid channel 112 is configured according to... Figure 4 The diagram shows the flow into the fluid outlet 26. Therefore, by setting a pre-tightening pressure (which can be identified by the differential pressure or contamination indicator 110 as an excess of the pre-tightening pressure), malfunctions of the filtration equipment can be prevented; that is, operation of the filtration equipment without the filter element 16 can be prevented. For example, particularly from… Figure 10 As it turns out, at least the fluid passage portion 78 and the additional fluid opening 98 in the locking wall 82 are surrounded on the edge side by an elliptical annular sealing device in the associated receiving portion 90 and thus sealed relative to the environment.

[0050] If the filtration device is in its... Figure 2 If the filter is in its operating position and causes so-called blockage of the filter element 16 due to particulate contamination, then the bypass valve 102 opens and releases the direct path from the fluid inlet 24 to the fluid outlet 26, bypassing the fluid space 28 containing the filter element 16, so as not to affect or even interrupt the function of the overall hydraulic equipment to which the filter is connected. Figure 12In the middle, from below towards the rotating slide valve housing 46, one can see the corresponding receiving portions for valves 100 and 102 and the closing member 106 for the bypass valve 102, which is respectively spring-loaded.

[0051] Such external influence Figure 11 and Figure 12 As it turns out, in the region of the lower connecting pipe 114 (which extends with its free lower end 117 into the upper end region of the screwed-on lower housing 14), a wedge-shaped deflector 116 is provided, which is used not only on the outlet side of the rotary valve housing 46 but also on the inlet side of the rotary valve housing to reduce pressure loss during operation and at this time in the release position, it is centrally deflected into the outlet 26 or inlet 24.

[0052] The following describes in detail the connection between the lower part 12 of the housing and the upper end cover 40 of the filter element 16, and further describes in detail the construction of the upper end cover 40.

[0053] Such as especially Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the upper end cap 40 has a surrounding circular retaining ring 118, which is widened in diameter on its outer circumference and protrudes axially and radially from the element receiving portion 120 on the ring side. This element receiving portion is used to receive the upper free end side of the pleated element material 30, which is shown for simplicity in the illustration. Figure 7 and 8 However, this is not shown in the figure. The retaining ring 118 is integrally joined to the upper side 70 of the end cap 40 via inclined extending retaining tabs 122. Two retaining tabs 122, which are diametrically opposed to each other, are provided with intersecting extending tabs 124 for further reinforcement. The retaining ring 118, together with its tabs 122, 124, is at least an integral part of the upper end cap 40, such that an annular fluid channel 126 is provided between the upper side 70 of the end cap 40 and the retaining ring 118, through which unfiltered material can flow from the fluid inlet 24 from above into the fluid space 28 having the filter element 16, so that the element material 30 then flows from the outside to the inside, so that there is fluid flow from the fluid space 28 to the inner side 32 of the filter element 16. Thus, in the cavity between the cylindrical inner side of the retaining ring 118 and the cylindrical outer side of the upper element end cap 40, the unfiltered material is guided through outside the element receiving portion 120.

[0054] The retaining ring 118 preferably has at least one actuating element 128 on its downward-pointing edge, however, it is preferable to have two or three actuating elements 128. Figure 6 The carrying elements extend equidistantly from each other on the underside of the retaining ring 118. For example, particularly... Figure 9As shown, the lower part 14 of the can-shaped housing has a rectangular gap 130 on its free upper end side, into which the corresponding carrier 128 can be precisely fitted. When the retaining ring 118 is fully fitted on the upper side of the lower part 14, the filter element 16 and the lower part 14 are connected via the upper end cover 40 through the paired carriers 128 with the gap 130, forming a connection that is both force-locked and form-locked. Thus, the filter element 16 can be driven by the lower part 14 in the same direction of rotation not only during screwing-on movement but also during screwing-off movement. If the lower part 14 is in accordance with Figure 1 When the retaining ring 118 is screwed on in the functional or operating position, its opposing upper end face 132 and lower end face 134 abut against the adjacent wall portion of the upper housing 12 or the lower housing 14, fixing its position. Thus, in the operating position, the filter element 16 is reliably clamped and secured between the upper housing 12 and the lower housing 14 via the retaining ring 118.

[0055] This is especially true from Figure 8 As it turns out, a hinged shell 136 is provided in a concentric arrangement structure relative to the central opening of the component end cap 40. This hinged shell has a shell component 138, which is pivotally guided in a shell receiving portion 140 in the form of a spherical cap. The hollow cylindrical shell component 136 has an annular sealing surface 144 centrally located on at least one fixed tab 142 preferably annularly connected to the inner side of the pivotable shell component 138. This sealing surface forms a seal with the pivotable rotating valve housing 46 in the operating position as long as the free edge 117 of the lower part of the connecting pipe 114 of the rotating valve housing abuts against the upper side of the annular sealing device 144. For this purpose, the annular sealing device 144 preferably has an inclined or roof-shaped sealing edge 146, which forms a seal with the free end side of the lower abutment surface 117 of the connecting pipe 114 of the rotating valve housing 46. Figure 5 In this regard, the surrounding sealing edge 146 can pivot freely via the hinged housing 136, meaning that the pivotable housing component 138, movably disposed within the housing housing 140, together with its connecting portion 145, can automatically adapt to the connection geometry of the connecting pipe 114 of the rotating slide valve housing 46. Thus, tolerance differences between the connecting pipe 114 and the annular sealing device 144 can be compensated within the hinged housing 136. Even according to... Figure 2The connecting pipe 114 shown in the diagram has an extreme inclination at its free lower end. The annular sealing device 144 can also naturally compensate for this difference via the hinged housing 136 and establishes a reliable seal between the outlet side 26 of the filter device and the inner side of the filter element 16 or the filtrate side 32 via the sealing edge 146 of the annular sealing device 144, within the internal guide portion 38. Anti-copying protection can also be achieved by appropriately selecting the connection geometry on the control device 22 or the rotary valve housing 46. There is no corresponding content in the prior art for this.

Claims

1. Filtration apparatus having a filter housing (10) comprising at least a housing upper part (12) and a housing lower part (14) which is provided for at least partially receiving a filter element (16) in a replaceable manner, and a control device (22) for manipulating a fluid flow in the housing upper part (12), which in a locked position separates a flow-conducting connection between a fluid inlet (24) and a fluid outlet (26) and in a released position releases this connection, the control device (22) being manipulable by means of a manipulation device (44) on the filter element, such that the control device (22) reaches into the locked position when the housing lower part (14) is separated from the housing upper part (12) and the released position is established when the housing lower part (14) is mounted on the housing upper part (12), characterized in that The control device (22) has a rotary slide housing (46) with at least one coupling element (48, 50) which, in the case of at least one coupling device (52, 53), cooperates with a corresponding coupling element (54, 56, 58, 60) on the filter element (16) as the actuating device (44) in such a way that at least one of the corresponding coupling elements (54, 56, 58, 60) is in driving abutment with a correspondingly equipable coupling element (48, 50) of the rotary slide housing (46) in the case of the installation or removal of the housing lower part (14) and, in the case of the subsequent release of the corresponding coupling device (52, 53), moves the rotary slide housing from the blocking position into the release position or vice versa as soon as one of the positions is occupied by the rotary slide housing (46).

2. The filter apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that The corresponding coupling devices (52, 53) are constructed in the form of a ratchet coupling device with two pairs of resilient tongues which are adjacent to one another and which project spring-elastic, flexibly into the movement track (72) of at least one control cam as one of the coupling elements (48, 50) of the rotary slide housing (46) on the end cap (40) of the filter element (16).

3. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The rotary slide housing (46) has two fluid passage regions (76, 78) and two blocking walls (80, 82) which can be brought into line with the fluid inlet (24) and the fluid outlet (26) in the release position or the blocking position, respectively.

4. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The rotary slide housing (46) has a further control cam (84) which is guided in a sliding slot guide (88) in the housing upper part (12) and which delimits the movement of the rotary slide housing (46) between the blocking position and the release position.

5. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A driving element (128) is provided between the filter element (16) and the housing lower part (14) which, in the case of a relative movement between a stationary housing upper part (12) and a housing lower part (14) which can be moved relative to the housing upper part, drives the filter element (16) accommodated in the housing lower part (14) in the same direction.

6. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The rotary slide housing (46) has an accommodation (90) for a ring seal on the side of the fluid outlet in the housing upper part (12) which seals the fluid transition between the fluid outlet (26) and an internal flow guide (38) in the rotary slide housing (46) in the release position.

7. The filter apparatus of claim 6, wherein The internal flow guide (38) runs at right angles through the rotary slide housing (46) and has a connection bevel on its free end remote from the fluid outlet (26) for flow-conducting connection of the filter element (16) on the inner side (32) of the filter element.

8. The filter apparatus of claim 6, wherein The rotary slide housing (46) has a further inner flow guide (39) which establishes a flow-conducting connection between the fluid inlet (24) and a fluid space (28) in the release position, which fluid space is constituted in the operating position by the filter element (16) and the housing lower part (14).

9. The filter apparatus of claim 8, wherein The rotary slide housing (46) has at least one safety valve (100) which opens when the rotary slide housing (46) is flowed through from the fluid inlet (24) to the fluid outlet (26) in its locked position and releases the associated fluid path without passing through the fluid space (28) in the housing lower part (14).

10. The filter apparatus of claim 9, wherein A contamination indicator (110) is connected into the associated fluid path.

11. The filter apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one bypass valve (102) is accommodated in the rotary slide housing (46), which bypass valve releases the fluid path between the fluid inlet (24) and the fluid outlet (26) in operation without passing through the filter element (16) starting from a predefinable degree of contamination of the filter element in the release position.

12. Filter element, which is provided for use in a filter device according to one of claims 1 to 11, which has an element material (30) which has an end cap (40) on at least one free end side, characterized in that The end cap (40) has a single coupling element (54, 56, 80, 60) which projects outward as part of at least one coupling device (52, 53).

13. The filter element of claim 12, wherein The coupling element (54, 56, 58, 60) of the end cap (40) consists of at least one pair of adjacent, oppositely directed resilient tongues which project inward along a movement track (72) by a predefinable stroke, respectively.

14. The filter element of claim 13, wherein The coupling element (54, 56, 58, 60) of the end cap (40) consists of two pairs of mutually adjacent, oppositely directed resilient tongues.

15. Filter element according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The movement track (72) is delimited by a shell-like guide surface (74) which is part of the respective coupling device (52, 53), which guide surface projects beyond the assignable end cap (40) and is delimited on the end side by the respective one resilient tongue.

16. The filter element of claim 15, wherein The shell-like guide surface (74) is outwardly surrounded by a retaining ring (118) which at least partially projects beyond the guide surface (74) in the axial direction and which is fixedly connected to the assignable end cap (40) via webs (122, 124).

17. The filter element of claim 16, wherein The retaining ring (118) is fixedly connected in one piece to the assignable end cap (40) via webs (122, 124).

18. The filter element of claim 16 or 17, wherein The retaining ring (118) projects on the edge side beyond the end cap (40) and has at least one projecting drive element (128) directed toward the end cap.

19. The filter element of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, A hinged housing (136) is pivotably introduced into a central opening of the end cap (40), which hinged housing has a connection site (145) which can be tilted in a predefinable direction for constituting a flow guide (38) onto the inner side (32) of the filter element (16).

20. The filter element of claim 19, wherein An end side portion of the element material (30) surrounds the hinged housing (136) in the element receptacle (120) of the end cap (40).

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