Electrically contactable filter element and filter with such a filter element

Abstract

Filter element (10, 36, 52, 64, 82, 94), in particular for a motor vehicle, wherein the filter element (10, 36, 52, 64, 82, 94) can be inserted into a filter housing (26, 46, 56, 70) of a filter (34, 44, 62, 76) and has on its outwardly facing surface (18) a first filter element electrode (20, 88) for contacting a first filter housing electrode (30, 48, 58, 72) and a second filter element electrode (22, 90) for contacting a second filter housing electrode (32, 50, 60, 74), wherein the first filter element electrode (20, 88) is electrically connected to the second filter element electrode (22, 90) via an ohmic conductor (92), characterized in that the first filter element electrode and / or the second The filter element electrode is connected indirectly or directly to a filter element body (42) of the filter element (36) by means of an elastic filter element part (40).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a filter element and a filter with a filter element inserted therein. State of the art

[0002] It is known from the prior art to provide an electrical arrangement on a filter comprising a filter housing and a filter element. This electrical arrangement allows verification that the filter element is correctly inserted into the filter housing.

[0003] For example, US patent 2010 / 0276352 A1 discloses a filter comprising a filter housing and a filter element. The filter has an electrical switch that closes when the filter element is inserted into the filter housing. This allows the system to determine whether a filter element is present in the filter housing. Alternatively, the switch can be configured to be closed when no filter element is inserted into the filter housing. In this case, the switch opens when a filter element is inserted into the filter housing.

[0004] Furthermore, US Patent 2011 / 0132816 A1 discloses a filter comprising a filter housing and a filter element that can be inserted therein. When the filter element is inserted into the filter housing, a plug provided on the filter housing is simultaneously inserted into a socket formed on the filter element. Electrically connected contact pins are provided inside the socket, which electrically bridge two electrodes formed on the plug. A short-circuit current flowing through the electrodes can then be used to verify the correct installation of the filter element in the filter housing.

[0005] US patent 2002 / 0144938 A1 discloses a filter comprising a filter housing and a filter element that can be inserted into the filter housing. The filter element has an end plate on which a chip for encoding the filter element is arranged. The chip is supplied with voltage by a first filter element electrode and a second filter element electrode.

[0006] Further relevant state of the art can be found in the publications DE 11 2013 002 268 T5 and DE 11 2012 002 607 T5.

[0007] The known electrical arrangements are relatively complex to manufacture. In particular, special plug-socket configurations must be provided. However, the filter elements in question are mass-produced items. Therefore, there is a need to further develop the known filter elements and filters so that the correct installation of a filter element in a filter housing can be electrically verified using simple design measures.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to protection against product piracy. Inferior filter elements can allow foreign substances to pass through the filter element undesirably. This can lead to significant damage, particularly when the filter elements are used in motor vehicles. Therefore, it remains necessary to ensure that only filter elements from the original manufacturer are used in filters. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a structurally simple filter element whose origin and correct installation are easily verifiable.

[0010] This problem is solved by a filter element having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims specify advantageous further developments.

[0011] The filter element can be inserted into a filter housing and has, on its outwardly facing surface, a first filter element electrode for contacting a first filter housing electrode and a second filter element electrode for contacting a second filter housing electrode, wherein the first filter element electrode is electrically connected to the second filter element electrode via an ohmic conductor. In particular, the first and second filter element electrodes are directly electrically connected to each other via an ohmic conductor.

[0012] Filter element electrodes or filter housing electrodes are elements with an electrically conductive surface. These electrodes can be, for example, in the form of electrically conductive films. Alternatively or additionally, they can be formed as a partial or complete coating of the filter element or housing. Preferably, the filter element electrodes or housing electrodes are made of metal.

[0013] When the filter element is correctly seated in the filter housing, the filter element electrodes can directly electrically bridge the filter housing electrodes located within the housing. A "direct electrical connection" is understood to be an ohmic connection, particularly a metallic conductor. A signal circuit is closed via the filter element electrodes. In other words, an electric current can flow from a first filter housing electrode, through the first filter element electrode, to a second filter housing electrode. By measuring this current, it can be determined that the filter element is correctly inserted into the filter housing. If no current flows between the first and second filter housing electrodes, this can be indicated to the user visually or audibly.In the case of use of the filter element according to the invention in a motor vehicle, the engine control can be interrupted to prevent damage to the vehicle. Furthermore, the filter element according to the invention ensures in a simple manner that no counterfeit filter elements are used without the first filter element electrode. Due to the arrangement or design of the first filter element electrode on the outside of the filter element, the first filter element electrode is easy to manufacture.

[0014] To effectively prevent product piracy, the first filter element electrode can be manufactured with a precisely specified resistance, capacitance, and / or inductance. This resistance, capacitance, or inductance can then be measured by measuring the current flowing through the first filter element electrode, enabling precise identification of the filter element.

[0015] The first filter element electrode can be flexibly spaced apart from the second filter element electrode. This allows for flexible arrangement and design of the filter housing electrodes within the filter housing.

[0016] Alternatively, the first filter element electrode and the second filter element electrode can be formed on a common electrical conductor.

[0017] To effectively prevent product piracy, the second filter element electrode can be manufactured with a precisely specified resistance, capacitance, and / or inductance. When measuring the current flowing through the second filter element electrode, this resistance, capacitance, or inductance can be measured to allow for precise identification of the filter element.

[0018] According to the invention, the first filter element electrode and / or the second filter element electrode are arranged or formed directly or indirectly on an end plate of the filter element. This makes the first filter element electrode and / or the second filter element electrode particularly accessible to the first filter housing electrode and the second filter housing electrode, respectively.

[0019] According to the invention, the first filter element electrode and / or the second filter element electrode can be connected directly or indirectly to a filter element body of the filter element by means of an elastic filter element part. The filter element electrodes can each be connected to the filter element body via individual elastic spring element parts or a common elastic spring element part. The first filter element electrode and / or the second filter element electrode can thus be pressed against the first filter housing electrode and / or the second filter housing electrode, respectively, in a spring-like manner. This ensures good electrical contact between the first filter element electrode and / or the second filter element electrode and the first filter housing electrode and / or the second filter housing electrode, respectively.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first filter element electrode and / or the second filter element electrode are radially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the filter element. This allows the filter element to be inserted into the filter housing rotated about its longitudinal axis at any desired angle.

[0021] The filter element can include a sensor that is electrically connected in series with the first and second filter element electrodes. The sensor can be a water sensor, a pressure sensor, and / or a hot-film air mass meter (HFM). The sensor is only supplied with voltage via the two filter element electrodes when the filter element is inserted into the filter housing.

[0022] The sensor of the filter element, in the form of a water sensor, can be implemented particularly simply as two electrically separated water sensor electrodes. The open ends of the water sensor electrodes can be positioned opposite the filter element electrodes in the longitudinal direction of the filter element.

[0023] The invention further relates to a filter with a filter housing and a previously described filter element, wherein the filter element is received in the filter housing and the filter housing has an inner surface comprising a first filter housing electrode facing the filter element, which is in electrical and mechanical contact with the first filter element electrode, and wherein the inner surface of the filter housing further comprises a second filter housing electrode facing the filter element, which is in electrical and mechanical contact with the first filter element electrode and / or the second filter element electrode. The electrical contact allows verification, by means of an electrical conductivity measurement, that the filter element is correctly installed in the filter housing.

[0024] According to the invention, the first filter housing electrode and / or the second filter housing electrode can be connected directly or indirectly to a filter housing body of the filter housing by means of an elastic filter housing part. The filter housing electrodes can each be connected to the filter housing body via individual elastic filter housing parts or a common elastic filter housing part. In this way, the first filter housing electrode and / or the second filter housing electrode can maintain a reliable electrical contact with the first filter element electrode or the second filter element electrode, respectively.

[0025] The inner surface of the filter housing, as well as the first filter housing electrode and / or the second filter housing electrode, are preferably designed to be radially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the filter housing. This allows the filter element to be installed in the filter housing rotated about its longitudinal axis as desired.

[0026] The filter can have a sensor that is electrically connected in series with the first and second filter housing electrodes. This ensures that the sensor is only supplied with voltage when the filter element is inserted into the filter housing. Preferably, the sensor is located on the filter housing.

[0027] The filter element and filter according to the invention are preferably used in a diesel, oil, or air filter system. Particularly preferably, electrical / electronic components are provided in the filter and / or connected adjacent to it. This allows the power supply of the electrical / electronic component to be used.

[0028] The filter can be in the form of a fuel filter and the sensor in the form of a water sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the filter can be in the form of an oil filter and the sensor in the form of a water sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor. Or, the filter can be in the form of an air filter and the sensor in the form of a hot-film air mass meter, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of several embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures in the drawing which show essential details of the invention, and from the claims.

[0030] The features shown in the drawing are presented in such a way as to clearly illustrate the special features of the invention. The various features can be implemented individually or in any combination in variants of the invention.

[0031] They show: Fig. 1a a perspective view of a first filter element; Fig. 1b a top view of a first filter housing for receiving the first filter element made of Fig. 1a; Fig. 1c a cutaway partial view of the first filter housing according to Fig. 1b with the first filter element inserted therein according to Fig. 1a; Fig. 2a a perspective view of a second filter element; Fig. 2b a sectioned partial view of the second filter element according to Fig. 2a in a second filter housing; Fig. 3a a perspective view of a third filter element; Fig. 3b a perspective view of a third filter housing for holding the third filter element made of Fig. 3a; Fig. 3c a cutaway partial view of the third filter housing according to Fig. 3b with the third filter element inserted therein according to Fig. 3a; Fig. 4a a perspective view of a fourth filter element; Fig. 4b a perspective view of a fourth filter housing for holding the fourth filter element made of Fig. 4a; Fig. 4c a cutaway partial view of the fourth filter housing according to Fig. 4b with the fourth filter element inserted therein according to Fig. 4a; Fig. 5 a top view of a fifth filter element; and Fig. 6 a top view of a sixth filter element. Embodiments of the invention

[0032] Fig. Figure 1a shows a first filter element 10. The first filter element 10 has a filter medium 12. The filter medium 12 is designed as a pleated filter. The filter medium 12 is enclosed by a first end plate 14 and a second end plate 16.

[0033] A first filter element electrode 20 and a second filter element electrode 22 are arranged on the outwardly facing surface 18 of the first end plate 14. The first filter element electrode 20 is connected to the second filter element electrode 22 by means of an electrical conductor 24. In this case, the electrical conductor 24 is in the form of a metal strip.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1b shows a first filter housing 26 for receiving the first filter element 10 according to Fig. 1a. The filter housing 26 has an inner filter housing surface 28. The inner filter housing surface 28 faces the first filter element 10 when the first filter element 10 is inserted into the filter housing 26.

[0035] A first filter housing electrode 30 and a second filter housing electrode 32 are arranged on the inside of the filter housing 28. The first filter housing electrode 30 is radially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the filter housing 26. The second filter housing electrode 32 is also radially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the filter housing 26. The second filter housing electrode 32 is concentric with the first filter housing electrode 30. In other words, the first filter housing electrode 30 and the second filter housing electrode 32 are essentially ring-shaped or annular with a common center point. The first filter housing electrode 30 is made of an electrically conductive material, preferably metal. The second filter housing electrode 32 is also made of an electrically conductive material, preferably metal.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1c shows a first filter 34. The first filter 34 includes the first filter housing 26 inside - compared to Fig. 1a “upside down” inserted – first filter element 10. The term “upside down” means a rotation by 180°, whereby the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first filter element 10. As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1c, the first filter element electrode 20 and the second filter element electrode 22 are segmentally arc-shaped. This gives the first filter element electrode 20 and the second filter element electrode 22 spring-like properties. When the filter element 10 is installed in the filter housing 26, the first filter element electrode 20 is in electrical and mechanical contact with the first filter housing electrode 30. Similarly, when the filter element 10 is installed in the filter housing 26, the second filter element electrode 22 is in electrical and mechanical contact with the second filter housing electrode 32.

[0037] The first filter housing electrode 30 can be connected to a filter housing body (not shown) of the first filter housing 26 by means of a first elastic filter housing part (not shown). Furthermore, the second filter housing electrode 32 can be connected to the filter housing body of the first filter housing 26 by means of a second elastic filter housing part (not shown). This allows for a permanent electrical contact, subjected to a spring force, between the first filter element electrode 20 and the first filter housing electrode 30, and between the second filter element electrode 22 and the second filter housing electrode 32.

[0038] A voltage can be applied between the first filter housing electrode 30 and the second filter housing electrode 32. Then a current flows from the first filter housing electrode 30 to the first filter element electrode 20 via the electrical conductor 24 (see Fig. 1a) to the second filter element electrode 22 and further to the second filter housing electrode 32. Depending on the polarity of the applied voltage, the current can also flow in the opposite direction. The current flow only occurs if the first filter element 10 is correctly installed in the first filter housing 26. By measuring the current flow, it can therefore be concluded that the first filter element 10 is correctly installed in the first filter housing 26.

[0039] The circuit described above can also have a known resistance. By measuring this resistance, it can be easily determined whether the first filter element 10 is an original part or a counterfeit. Furthermore, the circuit described above can have a known capacitance and / or inductance. By applying an alternating voltage between the first filter housing electrode 30 and the second filter housing electrode 32 and measuring the resulting current, it can be determined with particular precision whether the first filter element 10 is a counterfeit.

[0040] If a control unit (not shown) detects that a counterfeit is present or that the first filter element 10 is not correctly installed in the first filter housing 26, this can be indicated to a user visually or audibly. If the filter 34 is used in a motor vehicle, the engine control can be interrupted to prevent damage to the vehicle.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2a shows a second filter element 36. The second filter element 36 corresponds to the first filter element 10 according to Fig. 1a. In contrast to the first filter element 10, the second filter element 36 has a filter element electrode plate 38 that comprises both the first and second filter element electrodes, the electrodes being connected via an electrical conductor. The first and second filter element electrodes are distinct sections of the filter element electrode plate 38. The filter element electrode plate 38 is connected to a filter element body 42 of the second filter element 36 via an elastic filter element part 40. The filter element electrode plate 38 is made of an electrically conductive material, preferably metal.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2b shows a second filter 44. The second filter 44 has the second filter element 36, which – in comparison to Fig. 1a "upside down" - is installed in a second filter housing 46. The second filter housing 46 has a first filter housing electrode 48 and a second filter housing electrode 50. A voltage can be applied between the first filter housing electrode 48 and the second filter housing electrode 50. When the second filter element 36 is installed in the second filter housing 46, the filter housing electrodes 48 and 50 are electrically bridged by the electrically connected filter element electrodes of the first filter element electrode plate 38. This allows verification of the correct seating of the second filter element 36 in the second filter housing 46. Furthermore, it allows verification of whether the second filter element 36 is a replica.

[0043] The filter housing electrodes 48, 50 can be radially symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the second filter housing 46 in order to be able to insert the second filter element 36 into the second filter housing 46 rotated arbitrarily about its longitudinal axis.

[0044] The first filter housing electrode 48 and / or the second filter housing electrode 50 can be designed in the form of an electrically conductive plate, in particular a metal plate.

[0045] As an alternative to the second filter housing 46, the first filter housing 26 can be used according to Fig. 1b in combination with the second filter element 36 according to Fig. 2a will be used.

[0046] Fig. Figure 3a shows a third filter element 52. The third filter element 52 corresponds to the second filter element 36 according to Fig. 2a. In contrast to the second filter element 36, the third filter element 52 has a filter element electrode plate 54 in the form of a ring.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3b shows a third filter housing 56. The third filter housing 56 has a first filter housing electrode 58 and a second filter housing electrode 60.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3c shows a third filter 62. The third filter 62 has the third filter housing 56 according to Fig. 3b. The third filter element 52 (according to Fig. 3a) of the filter 62 is inserted "upside down" into the third filter housing 56. This electrically short-circuits the first filter housing electrode 58 with the second filter housing electrode 60 via the filter element electrode plate 54. The filter housing electrodes 58 and 60 are designed as spring pins. The spring pins have elastic filter housing components (not shown). The spring pins ensure a particularly reliable electrical contact.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4a shows a fourth filter element 64. The fourth filter element 64 corresponds to the third filter element 52 according to Fig. 3a. In contrast to the third filter element 52, the fourth filter element 64 has a first filter element electrode ring 66 that surrounds an end plate 68 of the fourth filter element 64 in a ring-like fashion around its outer circumference. The filter element electrode ring 66 comprises, in different sections, a first filter element electrode, a second filter element electrode, and a direct electrical connection between these filter element electrodes.

[0050] Fig. Figure 4b shows a fourth filter housing 70. The fourth filter housing 70 has a first filter housing electrode 72 and a second filter housing electrode 74.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4c shows a fourth filter 76. The fourth filter 76 includes the fourth filter housing 70 according to Fig. 4b and the fourth filter element 64 according to Fig. 4a. The fourth filter element 64 is installed "upside down" in the fourth filter housing 70. In the installed state, the filter element electrode ring 66 bridges the filter housing electrodes 72, 74 (see Fig. 4b; in Fig. 4c shows only the first filter housing electrode 72). From Fig. Figure 4c shows that the first filter housing electrode 72 is connected to a filter housing body 80 of the fourth filter housing 76 via an elastic filter housing part 78. The electrical connection between the filter housing electrodes 72, 74 and the filter element electrodes of the filter element electrode ring 66 is thus maintained even after repeated installation and removal of a fourth filter element 64. The second filter housing electrode 74 (not shown) is also connected to the filter housing body 80 of the fourth filter housing 76 via an elastic filter housing part (not shown).

[0052] Fig. Figure 5 shows a fifth filter element 82. The fifth filter element 82 has an end plate 84. A metal contact strip 86 is formed on the end plate 84. The contact strip 86 can, for example, be in the form of a metal foil. The contact strip 86 has a first filter element electrode 88 and a second filter element electrode 90. The filter element electrodes 88 and 90 are directly electrically connected via an ohmic conductor 92. The ohmic conductor 92 is formed in the form of a section of the contact strip 86.

[0053] Fig. Figure 6 shows a sixth filter element 94. The sixth filter element 94 corresponds to the fifth filter element 82. However, a section of a contact strip 98 designed as an ohmic conductor 96 is concealed by the plastic of an end plate 100 and embedded in the end plate 100. This makes the ohmic conductor 96 less susceptible to damage.

Claims

[1] Filter element (10, 36, 52, 64, 82, 94), in particular for a motor vehicle, wherein the filter element (10, 36, 52, 64, 82, 94) can be inserted into a filter housing (26, 46, 56, 70) of a filter (34, 44, 62, 76) and has on its outwardly facing surface (18) a first filter element electrode (20, 88) for contacting a first filter housing electrode (30, 48, 58, 72) and a second filter element electrode (22, 90) for contacting a second filter housing electrode (32, 50, 60, 74), wherein the first filter element electrode (20, 88) is electrically connected to the second filter element electrode (22, 90) via an ohmic conductor (92), characterized by , that the first filter element electrode and / or the second filter element electrode are connected directly or indirectly to a filter element body (42) of the filter element (36) by means of an elastic filter element part (40). [2] Filter element according to claim 1, characterized by, that the first filter element electrode (20, 88) and / or the second filter element electrode (22, 90) are arranged or formed directly or indirectly on an end plate (14, 68, 84) of the filter element (10, 36, 52, 64, 82, 94). [3] Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first filter element electrode and / or the second filter element electrode are radially symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the filter element (52, 64). [4] Filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the filter element has a sensor which is electrically connected in series with the first filter element electrode and the second filter element electrode. [5] Filter (34, 44, 62, 76) with a filter housing (26, 46, 56, 70) and a filter element (10, 36, 52, 64) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (10, 36, 52, 64) is received in the filter housing (26, 46, 56, 70) and the filter housing (26, 46, 56, 70) has an inner filter housing surface (28) which has a first filter housing electrode (30, 48, 58, 72) facing the filter element (10, 36, 52, 64) which is in electrical and mechanical contact with the first filter element electrode (20) and the inner filter housing surface (28) has a second filter housing electrode (32) facing the filter element (10, 36, 52, 64). 50, 60, 74) which is in electrical and mechanical contact with the first filter element electrode and / or the second filter element electrode (22), characterized by, that the first filter housing electrode (58, 72) and / or the second filter housing electrode (60, 74) are connected directly or indirectly to a filter housing body (80) of the filter housing (70) by means of an elastic filter housing part (78). [6] Filter according to claim 5, characterized by , that the inner surface of the filter housing (28) as well as the first filter housing electrode (30) and / or the second filter housing electrode (32) are radially symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the filter housing (26). [7] Filter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the filter has a sensor which is electrically connected in series with the first filter housing electrode and the second filter housing electrode. [8] Filter according to claim 7, characterized by, that the filter is in the form of a fuel filter and the sensor is in the form of a water sensor, a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor, the filter is in the form of an oil filter and the sensor is in the form of a water sensor, a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor, or the filter is in the form of an air filter and the sensor is in the form of a hot-film air mass meter, a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor.

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