fuel filter

Abstract

Fuel filter (1), preferably diesel fuel, for a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, which runs along a filter axis (XX), comprising the following: - a filter medium (2) which is essentially tubular along the filter axis (XX) and includes a cavity (20), wherein the filter medium (2) is radially permeable to the fuel during filtration in order to filter it from unwanted elements and to separate it from water; - a filter housing (3) comprising a filtration chamber (30) suitable for receiving the filter medium (2), wherein the filter housing (3) comprises a base or bottom shell (4) and a top shell (5) comprising respective cylindrical side walls (41, 51) that can be coupled to each other along the filter axis (XX) at respective connection areas; wherein the top shell (5) comprises: a central opening (50) bounded by an opening rim (500), a planar top wall (53) extending substantially orthogonally relative to the filter axis (XX) from the opening rim (500), and a connecting section (52) extending between the planar wall (53) and the cylindrical side wall (51), wherein the connecting section (52) comprises at least one planar connecting wall (520).

Description

AREA OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel filter, preferably for diesel fuel. In particular, the present invention relates to a fuel filter for a fuel supply or fuel system of an internal combustion engine, preferably of a vehicle.

[0002] The present invention relates particularly to the automotive sector, in particular to fuel filtration. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] A variety of fuel filter solutions are known from the prior art that are suitable for filtering fuel, in particular diesel-like fuel.

[0004] Specifically, fuel filtration involves filtering the fuel from unwanted components, such as particles and / or dirt, and separating it from water.

[0005] Known fuel filters comprise a filter medium suitable for carrying out filtration processes and a filter housing which accommodates the filter medium and in which the aforementioned filtration processes take place.

[0006] A typical problem with such designs is the high pressure inside the filter housing. This high pressure sometimes leads to swelling of the filter housing walls, especially in the head area. SOLUTION TO THE TASK

[0007] In view of the above, it is considered necessary to solve this problem by proposing a fuel filter capable of withstanding high operating pressures inside the filter housing.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide such a filter solution.

[0009] This object is achieved by a filter according to the independent claims. The dependent claims show preferred embodiments with further advantageous aspects. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, which are given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached figures: - Fig. Figure 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a filter according to the present invention; - Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the filter according to Fig. 1; - The Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are two cross-sectional views with respect to the Fig. 2 mentioned cutting planes AA and BB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] With reference to the attached figures, a fuel filter is designated by the reference number 1.

[0012] The fuel filter 1 is suitable to be part of a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, preferably of a vehicle.

[0013] The fuel filter 1 is particularly suitable for filtering diesel fuel.

[0014] Preferably, the fuel filter 1 is suitable for carrying out fuel filtration processes in order to filter the fuel from undesirable components and to separate it from water.

[0015] According to the present invention, the fuel filter 1 extends along a filter axis XX.

[0016] Preferably, said filter axis XX is arranged perpendicular to the base plane when using the fuel filter 1.

[0017] According to the present invention, the fuel filter 1 comprises a filter medium 2 that is substantially tubular along the filter axis XX and has a cavity 20. In particular, the filter medium 2 is radially permeable, and during radial flow, the filter medium 2 filters the fuel from undesirable components and separates it from water.

[0018] According to the present invention, the fuel filter 1 comprises a filter housing 3 with a filter chamber 30 which is suitable for receiving the filter medium 2.

[0019] In other words, the fuel to be filtered flows into the filter chamber 30 and the filtered fuel flows out.

[0020] According to the present invention, the filter housing 3 comprises a base shell 4 and a head shell 5, which can be coupled axially to the filter axis XX. Furthermore, the base shell 4 and the head shell 5 each have cylindrical side walls 41, 51, which can be coupled along the filter axis XX at respective connecting regions.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the head shell 5 is manufactured using a machined sheet metal. Said sheet metal preferably has a thickness between 0.3 millimeters and 1.5 millimeters. Preferably, said sheet metal has a thickness of substantially 0.5 millimeters. For example, the head shell 5 is manufactured from a sheet metal machined by plastic deformation, preferably by deep drawing.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the base shell 4 is manufactured using a machined sheet metal. Said sheet metal preferably has a thickness between 0.3 millimeters and 1.5 millimeters. Preferably, said sheet metal has a thickness of substantially 0.5 millimeters. For example, the base shell 4 is manufactured from a sheet metal machined by plastic deformation, preferably by deep drawing.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical bottom or base side wall 41 and the cylindrical head side wall 51 are permanently connected to one another by mechanical crimping or mechanical pressing.

[0024] According to the invention, the head shell 5 has a central opening 50 which is delimited by an opening edge 500.

[0025] Furthermore, the head shell 5 comprises a planar head wall 53 which extends substantially orthogonally to the filter axis XX from the opening edge 500.

[0026] According to the present invention, the head shell 5 comprises a connecting portion 52 extending between the planar wall 53 and the cylindrical side wall 51.

[0027] Said connecting section 52 comprises at least one planar connecting wall or end wall 520.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the head shell 5 comprises a single planar connecting wall 520. According to a preferred embodiment, said planar connecting wall 520 corresponds to a portion of a lateral surface of a truncated cone with an axis of rotation coinciding with the filter axis XX, and a main base with a diameter substantially coinciding with the diameter of the cylindrical wall 51 of the head shell 5.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one planar connecting wall 520 is inclined in longitudinal section relative to the planar head wall 53 by an angle α equal to or less than 45°, preferably equal to or less than 40°, in particular equal to 39.5°.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion 52 comprises at least three planar connecting walls 520.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion 52 comprises three planar connecting walls 520.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, each planar connecting wall is inclined relative to the head wall 53 at a different angle than the adjacent planar connecting wall.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, each planar connecting wall is inclined relative to the head wall 53 at a different acute angle than the adjacent planar connecting wall

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, each planar wall is inclined by a respective angle, wherein the value of the angle increases or becomes increasingly larger from the planar connecting wall proximal to the head wall 53 to the planar connecting wall distal to the head wall 53.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the first planar connecting wall 521 is inclined at an angle β of 15° or less relative to the planar head wall 53, the second planar connecting wall 520 is inclined at an angle α of 45° or less relative to the planar head wall 53, and the third planar connecting wall 522 is inclined at an angle γ of 65° or less relative to the planar head wall 53.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned angle values ​​have a tolerance of + / - 5°.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion 52 engages the planar head wall 53 and the cylindrical side wall 51 with corresponding transitions or couplings having a radius of curvature of less than 3 millimeters, preferably 2.5 millimeters.

[0038] Preferably, two consecutive planar head walls 520 interlock with a transition having a radius of curvature of less than 3 millimeters, preferably 2.5 millimeters.

[0039] According to this preferred embodiment, the radius of each transition has a tolerance of + / - 0.2 mm.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the base shell 4 further comprises a central drainage opening 40.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the base shell 4 further comprises a drainage element 8 which closes said central drainage opening 40 and drains off water which is separated from the fuel by the filter medium 2.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting region between the cylindrical bottom or base side wall 41 and the cylindrical head side wall 51 is located at an axial height between the central opening 50 and the central drainage opening 40.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the head shell 5 further comprises an annular seal or a sealing ring 6 which encloses the opening edge 500 upwards and downwards.

[0044] In an innovative manner, the fuel filter as the subject of the present invention largely fulfills the purpose of the present invention by solving the problems of typical prior art solutions.

[0045] Advantageously, the fuel filter and in particular the head shell is designed to withstand high pressures.

[0046] Advantageously, the head shell has a planar connecting wall which is suitable for dissipating the pressure effect on the end wall and the cylindrical side wall.

[0047] Advantageously, the head shell has a plurality of planar connecting walls which are suitable for dissipating the pressure effect on the planar head wall and the cylindrical side wall.

[0048] Advantageously, the head shell has increased mechanical strength due to at least one planar connecting wall suitable for cooperating with corresponding planar bearing surfaces provided on the receiving head or headlet on which said filter is installed.

[0049] Advantageously, the presence of planar walls breaks up the impact or shear effect or pressure effect into several orthogonal effects.

[0050] Advantageously, the filter is a simple component with low manufacturing costs.

[0051] The present invention particularly relates to a fuel filter 1, preferably a diesel fuel filter, for a fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The fuel filter 1 extends along a filter axis XX and comprises: a substantially tubular filter medium 2, through which the fuel can flow radially during filtration in order to filter it of undesirable elements and separate it from water; a filter housing 3 comprising a filtration chamber 30 suitable for receiving the filter medium 2, wherein the filter housing 3 comprises a bottom or base shell 4 and a head shell 5, each having cylindrical side walls 41, 51.

[0052] The head shell 5 comprises a central opening 50 defined by an opening edge 500, a planar head wall 53 extending from the opening edge 500 substantially orthogonal to the filter axis XX, and a connecting portion 52 extending between the planar head wall 53 and the cylindrical side wall 51. This connecting portion 52 comprises at least one planar connecting wall 520.

[0053] It is understood that a person skilled in the art may make modifications to the conventional boiler and the filter to meet possible needs, all of which are within the scope of protection defined by the following claims. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS: 1 filter 2 Filter medium 20 cavity 3 filter housings 30 filter chamber 4 Bottom or base shell 41 cylindrical bottom or base side wall 40 Drainage opening 5 Head shell 50 central opening 500 opening edge 51 cylindrical head side wall 52 connecting section 520 planar connecting wall 521, 522 Connecting side walls 6 ring seal 8 Drainage element α, β, γ angles XX Filter axis

Claims

[1] Fuel filter (1), preferably diesel fuel, for a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, which runs along a filter axis (XX), comprising: - a filter medium (2) which is substantially tubular along the filter axis (XX) and comprises a cavity (20), wherein the filter medium (2) can be radially flowed through by the fuel during filtration in order to filter it from undesirable elements and to separate it from water; - a filter housing (3) comprising a filtration chamber (30) suitable for receiving the filter medium (2), wherein the filter housing (3) comprises a base shell (4) and a head shell (5) comprising respective cylindrical side walls (41, 51) that can be coupled together at respective connecting regions along the filter axis (XX); wherein the head shell (5) comprises: a central opening (50) defined by an opening edge (500), a planar head wall (53) extending substantially orthogonally relative to the filter axis (XX) from the opening edge (500), and a connecting portion (52) extending between the planar wall (53) and the cylindrical side wall (51), wherein the connecting portion (52) comprises at least one planar connecting wall (520). [2] Fuel filter (1) according to claim 1, wherein, in longitudinal section, the at least one planar connecting wall (520) is inclined relative to the planar head wall (53) by an angle (α) of 45° or less, preferably 40° or less. [3] Fuel filter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion (52) comprises a plurality of planar connecting walls, preferably at least three planar connecting walls. [4] Fuel filter (1) according to claim 3, wherein the connecting portion (52) comprises three planar connecting walls (520, 521, 522). [5] A fuel filter (1) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein each planar connecting wall is inclined relative to the head wall (53) at a different angle than the adjacent planar connecting wall. [6] A fuel filter (1) according to claim 5, wherein each planar wall is inclined by a corresponding angle, the value of the angle increasing progressively from the planar connecting wall proximal to the head wall (53) to the planar connecting wall distal to the head wall (53). [7] Fuel filter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 4, wherein the first planar connecting wall (521) is inclined by an angle (β) equal to or less than about 15° relative to the planar head wall (53), the second planar connecting wall (520) is inclined by an angle (α) of 45° or less relative to the planar head wall (53), the third planar connecting wall (522) is inclined by an angle (γ) of about 65° relative to the planar head wall (53). [8] Fuel filter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion (52) engages the planar head wall (53) and the cylindrical side wall (51) with respective transitions or connections having a radius of curvature of less than 3 millimeters, preferably 2.5 millimeters. [9] Fuel filter (1) according to claim 8 in combination with claim 3 or 4, wherein two successive planar connecting walls (520) interlock with a transition having a radius of curvature of less than 3 millimeters, preferably equal to 2.5 millimeters. [10] Fuel filter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head shell (5) is manufactured by means of a sheet metal processed by plastic deformation, preferably by deep drawing. [11] Fuel filter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base shell (4) is manufactured by means of a sheet metal processed by plastic deformation, preferably by deep drawing. [12] Fuel filter (1) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the cylindrical bottom or base side wall (41) and the cylindrical head side wall (51) are permanently and firmly connected to one another by mechanical crimping or mechanical pressing. [13] Fuel filter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base shell (4) further comprises a central drainage opening (40), wherein the base shell (4) further comprises a drainage element (8) which closes the central drainage opening (40) and drains away the water separated from the fuel by the filter medium (2). [14] Fuel filter (1) according to claim 13 and claim 12, wherein the connecting region between the cylindrical base side wall (41) and the cylindrical head side wall (51) is located at an axial height between the central opening (50) and the central drainage opening (40). [15] Fuel filter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head shell (5) further comprises an annular seal (6) which encloses the opening edge (500) upwards and downwards.

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