FILTER FOR FLUID FILTRATION, BYPASS VALVE ARRANGEMENT FOR A FILTER AND DIFFUSER ARRANGEMENT FOR A FILTER

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a filter for filtering fluid, comprising at least one filter housing having at least one fluid inlet for fluid to be filtered and at least one fluid outlet for filtered fluid, comprising at least one filter element arranged in the at least one filter housing in such a way that it separates the at least one fluid inlet from the at least one fluid inlet in terms of fluid flow, comprising at least one bypass valve arrangement arranged between the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet in such a way that the at least one bypass valve arrangement, in its open state, connects the at least one fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet in terms of fluid flow, wherein the at least one bypass valve arrangement has at least one valve closure body which is movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position,and at least one valve seat against which the at least one valve closure body can tightly rest in at least one closed position.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a bypass valve arrangement for a filter for filtering fluid, wherein the bypass valve arrangement can be arranged in terms of fluid flow between at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet of the filter such that the at least one bypass valve arrangement, in its open state, fluidly connects the at least one fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet, and wherein the at least one bypass valve arrangement has at least one valve closure body which is movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, and at least one valve seat against which the at least one valve closure body can bear tightly in at least one closed position.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter element for a filter for filtering fluid, with at least one bypass valve arrangement which is fastened to an end body of the filter element in such a way that the at least one bypass valve arrangement, in its open state, connects at least one raw fluid side of the filter element in terms of fluid flow to at least one clean fluid side of the filter element, wherein the at least one bypass valve arrangement has at least one valve closure body which is movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, and at least one valve seat against which the at least one valve closure body can bear tightly in at least one closed position.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter for filtering fluid, comprising at least one filter housing which has at least one fluid inlet for fluid to be filtered and at least one fluid outlet for filtered fluid, comprising at least one filter element which is arranged in the at least one filter housing between the at least one fluid outlet and the at least one fluid inlet in terms of fluid flow, and comprising at least one diffuser device for filtered fluid which is fluidly connected to at least one fluid outlet.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a diffuser device for a filter for filtering fluid, having at least one diffuser connection section with which the diffuser device can be connected to at least one fluid outlet of a filter housing of the filter in a fluid-conducting manner. State of the art

[0006] US 3,750,888 discloses a filter assembly mounted in a hydraulic reservoir or tank. The filter assembly comprises a cylindrical housing, a conically shaped base, a cartridge-shaped filter element seated on the base, an outlet opening formed through the base and positioned inside the filter element, and a diffusion means or element. The housing is provided with an inlet opening through which fluid, returned from a remote control system, is directed into the filter assembly. The fluid flows through the filter element, into its interior, and through the outlet opening and the diffusion element into the tank. A bypass valve is movably mounted on the connecting bolt at one end of the filter element.If the element becomes clogged, the resulting slight pressure difference across the valve allows the valve to open against a spring, allowing the returning fluid to bypass the element until the element is replaced.

[0007] DE10248907 A1 discloses a filter device, particularly for fluid filtration in internal combustion engines, comprising a filter element that can be inserted into a filter housing and secured in the filter housing by a clamping device. The clamping device comprises a spring element that applies a locking clamping force to the filter element.

[0008] US3457949 A discloses a check valve that offers the functional properties of a ball check valve combined with improved flow characteristics with minimized flow resistance through a valve body with reduced transverse dimensions. A flow control spool slidably disposed within a valve chamber defined in a valve body has a flow control head configured as a spherical segment and facing a valve seat generally shaped like a truncated cone.

[0009] US2011062061 AA discloses a liquid filter for a filter, comprising an upright housing with a base and a lid that allows viewing of the liquid level. The base has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A filter element has a filter medium for filtering the liquid, a lower end cap connected to the liquid outlet, and an upper end cap arranged above the lower end cap.

[0010] DE102011005106 A1 relates to a bypass valve of a device through which a fluid medium flows and which has a variable flow resistance, consisting of a valve seat and a valve body which interacts with the valve seat and which is acted upon and which can be moved in the opening direction by a medium pressure difference between the inflow side and the outflow side of the bypass valve which exceeds a predeterminable limit value.

[0011] EP1917086 B1 relates to an oil filter arrangement with a housing having a receiving space for a filter element which can be inserted into the housing and through which oil can flow radially, with an oil inlet and an oil outlet, with a support tube which is present in the receiving space and carries the filter element, wherein a bypass valve is provided in the support tube which opens when a limit pressure is exceeded and through which oil can flow from the oil inlet to the oil outlet, bypassing the filter element, wherein the bypass valve comprises a valve seat, a valve body which interacts with the valve seat and a cage-like hood part.

[0012] EP0154952 A2 discloses a filter insert which divides the interior of the housing into two sub-chambers, the first of which is connected to the inflow and the second to the outflow, and which has a displaceably mounted valve body which can be acted upon on the one hand by the medium in the first sub-chamber and on the other hand by the medium in the second sub-chamber and which can be displaced from an initial position against the action of an elastic force accumulator when a certain differential pressure of the media in the two sub-chambers is exceeded.

[0013] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved filter, an improved bypass valve arrangement, an improved filter element, and an improved diffuser device. In particular, the invention is based on the object of designing a filter, a bypass valve arrangement, a filter element, and a diffuser device in which the treatment of fluid, in particular the removal of unwanted media from fluid, can be carried out more efficiently and / or reliably. Disclosure of the invention

[0014] The object is achieved according to the invention in a filter in that the at least one bypass valve arrangement has at least one valve housing in which the at least one valve closure body is movably arranged, and at least one valve seat element which has at least one valve seat, wherein the at least one valve seat element is connected to at least one part of the at least one valve housing by means of at least one mechanical connection, wherein the connection can be realized by means of at least one relative rotation between the at least one valve seat element and the at least one part of the at least one valve housing about an imaginary valve axis of the at least one bypass valve arrangement.

[0015] According to the invention, at least one bypass valve arrangement comprises a valve housing. The at least one valve closure body is movably arranged in the valve housing. Furthermore, at least one valve seat element, which comprises at least one valve seat, is connected by means of at least one mechanical connection to at least one part, in particular a peripheral wall and / or a base, of the at least one valve housing. In this way, the at least one bypass valve arrangement can be assembled more easily. The mechanical connection can be realized by means of at least one relative rotation about an imaginary valve axis. In this way, the at least one valve seat element and the at least one part of the at least one valve housing can be assembled more easily.

[0016] Advantageously, the at least one valve seat element can at least co-form the at least one valve housing. In particular, a peripheral wall of at least one valve seat element can at least co-form a peripheral wall of the at least one valve housing.

[0017] Advantageously, the at least one valve closure body is movable axially relative to the valve axis. This allows for improved force transmission within the at least one bypass valve arrangement.

[0018] Advantageously, the filter can have at least one inlet opening for the fluid to be cleaned and at least one outlet opening for the cleaned fluid. The filter housing can be designed for attachment to a fluid reservoir, i.e., a fuel tank, and can have at least one housing body (housing base) and at least one mounting flange on the housing body, as well as a housing cover with which an openable installation opening can be closed. The at least one installation opening can be arranged on the axial upper side of the housing body.

[0019] A filter element can also be called a filter cartridge. The filter element can be used in a liquid filter. The filter element can be arranged replaceably in a filter housing.

[0020] Advantageously, at least one bypass valve arrangement can comprise a pressure control valve. A pressure control valve can be used to regulate the pressure between the inlet and outlet sides. At least one bypass valve arrangement, in particular a pressure control valve, can be used in a liquid filter.

[0021] Advantageously, the bypass valve arrangement can comprise a valve housing, a valve return element, in particular a spring, a valve closure body, in particular a valve body, and a valve seat element, in particular a valve seat. The valve return element and the valve closure body can advantageously be arranged within the valve housing. A first axial end of the valve return element can be supported on the valve housing. A second axial end of the valve return element can act on the valve closure body and press the valve closure body against the valve seat of the valve seat element.

[0022] The valve seat element can be designed as a hollow cylindrical screw having an external thread. The external thread can correspond to an internal thread that can be provided at an axial end of the valve housing. The hollow cylindrical screw can have a handling element, in particular an actuating portion, at a first axial end and a valve seat portion, in particular the valve seat, at the second axial end opposite the first axial end. The valve closure body can bear against the valve seat when the valve is closed. The valve closure body can move away from the valve seat element, in particular the valve seat, under compression of the valve return element when the pressure on the valve closure body exceeds a predefined opening pressure.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one mechanical connection between the at least one valve seat element and the at least one part of the at least one valve housing can be a screw connection. Screw connections can be easily implemented by a relative rotation, in which the at least one valve seat element is rotated about the valve axis relative to the at least one part of the at least one valve housing.

[0024] Screw connections can enable efficient force transmission in the axial direction to the valve axis.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one valve seat element can have at least one thread, in particular an external thread and / or an internal thread, and / or the at least one part of the at least one valve housing can have at least one thread, in particular an internal thread and / or an external thread, and / or at least one thread of at least one valve seat element and / or at least one thread of the at least one part of the at least one valve housing can be a non-self-tapping thread and / or at least one thread of at least one valve seat element and / or at least one thread of the at least one part of the at least one valve housing can be a self-tapping thread. Advantageously, at least one valve seat element and the corresponding at least one part of the at least one valve housing can each have a thread. In this way, the threads can be screwed into one another.

[0026] At least one valve seat element can have an external thread, and the corresponding valve housing can have an internal thread. Thus, the valve seat element can be screwed into the at least one part of the at least one valve housing. Alternatively, at least one valve seat element can have at least one internal thread, and the corresponding at least one part of the at least one valve housing can have at least one external thread. In this way, the valve seat element can be screwed onto the at least one part of the at least one valve housing.

[0027] At least one thread can be a non-self-tapping thread. This allows the at least one thread to be precisely screwed into a corresponding non-self-tapping thread of the corresponding component.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, at least one thread can be a self-tapping thread. A self-tapping thread can be screwed into an opening in the corresponding component and then tapped into the corresponding thread. This can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0029] According to the invention, at least one valve housing has at least one valve sealing section acting at least radially with respect to the valve axis, and / or at least one valve housing can have at least one valve sealing section that cooperates sealingly with at least one element sealing section on the side of at least one filter element. In this way, an area adjacent to the at least one valve housing can be sealed.

[0030] A radially sealing valve sealing section can be easily combined with an axial mounting direction between the components.

[0031] According to the invention, at least one valve housing has at least one valve sealing section, which cooperates in a sealing manner with at least one element sealing section on the side of at least one filter element. In this way, the at least one bypass valve arrangement can be mounted tightly on and / or in the at least one filter element. The at least one valve sealing section and the at least one element sealing section can act in a radially sealing manner with respect to the valve axis. Thus, the at least one bypass valve arrangement can be installed in a corresponding opening, in particular an opening of an end body, in particular an end plate or end cap, of the at least one filter element, in the axial direction with respect to the valve axis.

[0032] Advantageously, the valve housing may have at least one radially outer sealing surface which may be configured to sealingly contact an inner sealing surface of an opening provided in an end body of a filter element.

[0033] In the embodiment according to the invention, at least one valve seat element has at least one housing fastening element, with which the at least one valve seat element is connected to at least one part of the at least one filter housing. In this way, the at least one valve seat element, and thus the entire bypass valve arrangement via the mechanical connection to the valve housing, can be held to the part of the at least one filter housing.

[0034] Advantageously, at least one housing fastening element can be part of a rotatable and / or pluggable connection, in particular a locking connection, plug-in connection, snap connection, screw connection, bayonet-type connection, or the like. Such connections can be easily connected. Furthermore, rotatable and / or pluggable connections can also be designed so that they can be removed again without causing damage. Thus, at least one part of the at least one filter housing and / or the at least one valve seat element can be reused.

[0035] According to the invention, at least one housing fastening element of at least one valve seat element has at least one locking hook and / or a locking hook arrangement. The locking hooks can be easily connected using a plug-in connection.

[0036] According to the invention, the at least one valve seat element is connected, in particular by means of at least one housing fastening element, to a housing cover of the at least one filter housing. In this way, the at least one valve seat element and thus the at least one bypass valve arrangement can be separated together with the housing cover from the rest of the filter housing, in particular a filter bowl.

[0037] Advantageously, the valve housing may have a latching portion for latching the bypass valve arrangement to corresponding latching portions of a filter housing cover.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one valve seat element can have at least one handling section, by which the at least one valve seat element can be handled for connection to the at least one valve housing. In this way, the at least one valve seat element and the at least one valve housing can be assembled more easily.

[0039] Advantageously, at least one handling section can have at least one receptacle for a handling tool, in particular a wrench, especially a hexagon socket wrench, or the like. In this way, assembly forces for assembling or disassembly forces for separating the components can be better applied.

[0040] Advantageously, the at least one handling section can have at least one passage for fluid. In this way, the at least one handling section can additionally serve as an inlet or outlet for fluid that is intended to pass through the bypass valve arrangement in the open state.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one bypass valve arrangement can have at least one valve reset element, which engages at least one valve closure body on the one hand and at least one valve housing on the other. With the at least one valve reset element, the at least one valve closure body can be pressed against the at least one valve seat in its closed position.

[0042] Advantageously, at least one valve return element can be at least one elastic return element, in particular a spring element or the like. Elastic valve return elements can return to their original shape after the deformation force is removed. Spring elements can be implemented technically simply. Advantageously, at least one valve return element can comprise at least one helical spring. Helical springs can be arranged to act in the axial direction, in particular axially to the valve axis, in a space-saving manner.

[0043] Advantageously, at least one valve return element can comprise at least one compression coil spring. Compression coil springs can be supported on the side facing away from the valve seat of a section of the at least one valve closure body corresponding to the valve seat, in particular a valve plate, and on a corresponding section of the valve housing.

[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one valve seat element and / or the at least one part of the at least one valve housing can have at least one sealing device for sealing an area between the at least one valve seat element and the at least one part of the at least one valve housing. This prevents fluid from flowing through the at least one bypass valve arrangement in a closed position.

[0045] Advantageously, at least one sealing element can be arranged on at least one radially inner and / or radially outer circumferential side of the at least one valve seat element with respect to at least one valve axis. Alternatively or additionally, at least one sealing element can be arranged on at least one radially inner and / or radially outer circumferential side of the at least one part of the at least one valve housing with respect to at least one valve axis. Thus, a region between the respective circumferential sides of the at least one valve seat element and the at least one part of the at least one valve housing can be sealed.

[0046] Advantageously, at least one sealing element can have at least one sealing bead. A sealing bead can be easily implemented, particularly on a peripheral side.

[0047] Advantageously, at least one valve housing can have at least one flow opening for fluid. This allows the fluid to flow into and out of the valve housing.

[0048] Advantageously, at least one valve housing can be implemented as a valve basket or valve cage. In a valve basket or valve cage, at least one wall has a plurality of openings. Advantageously, the wall can be implemented from several struts. The openings in one wall of the valve housing can serve as flow openings for fluid.

[0049] Advantageously, at least one valve housing can comprise or consist of plastic, metal, composite material, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, at least one valve seat element can comprise or consist of plastic, metal, composite material, or the like. Plastic can be easily molded. Metal can be made stable. A self-tapping thread can advantageously be made of metal. Self-tapping threads can be easily screwed into plastic material.

[0050] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter can be an in-tank filter and / or the filter can be a liquid filter and / or a gas filter.

[0051] An in-tank filter is installed in a fluid tank, particularly a liquid tank, to filter the fluid as it enters or exits the tank. A liquid filter can separate liquids from contaminants, particularly particles, and / or gases, particularly air.

[0052] Advantageously, the filter can be a liquid filter. The liquid filter can be used to filter liquids, in particular oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, process fluid, urea-water solution, water, or the like. Advantageously, the filter can be an erosion filter.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the filter can be a gas filter, in particular an air filter. In this way, the filter can also be used to remove particles, in particular dirt, dust, oil, or the like, from gaseous fluids, in particular air, compressed air, compressor air, oxygen, or the like.

[0054] The invention can be used for cleaning operating fluids of internal combustion engines, in particular fuel, oil or air, or of hydraulic systems, in particular of motor vehicles.

[0055] The invention can be used in motor vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, buses, agricultural and / or construction vehicles, construction / agricultural machinery, compressors, industrial engines, or other devices, in particular those with internal combustion engines. The invention can be used in land, water, and / or aircraft.

[0056] Advantageously, the filter may comprise a filter housing suitable for attachment to a fluid storage container, in particular a fuel tank, an oil tank, a hydraulic oil tank, a water tank, a urea-water solution tank, a hydraulic fluid tank, an air tank, a gas tank or the like.

[0057] Advantageously, the filter housing can have at least one housing body and at least one mounting flange which is suitable for fastening to an installation opening of a liquid storage container, tank.

[0058] Advantageously, the filter housing can have at least one housing cover. A housing cover can be used to close an installation opening, in particular an openable one. Advantageously, the at least one installation opening can be arranged on the axial upper side of a filter bowl of the filter housing.

[0059] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one valve seat element can be a hollow cylinder with at least one thread, in particular an internal thread and / or external thread. Fluid can flow through a hollow cylinder. Thus, the at least one valve seat element can additionally serve as a fluid channel. With an internal thread and / or an external thread, a screw connection can be established between the at least one valve seat element and the at least one valve housing, which can be connected and disconnected by means of a rotary movement.

[0060] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter can have at least one diffuser device connected to at least one fluid outlet. With at least one diffuser device, the flow cross-section of the exiting filtered fluid can be increased. This allows the flow of the fluid to be calmed. Gas particles contained in a liquid, in particular air particles, can thus be better separated from the filtered fluid.

[0061] A diffuser device can be arranged at a fluid outlet of a liquid filter in a tank, particularly for use when immersed in the liquid stored in a tank.

[0062] Advantageously, the diffuser device can be immersed in the liquid stored in a tank. In this way, the liquid purified by the filter can be distributed throughout the tank via the diffuser device.

[0063] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the bypass valve arrangement in that the at least one bypass valve arrangement has at least one valve housing in which the at least one valve closure body is movably arranged, and at least one valve seat element which has at least one valve seat, wherein the at least one valve seat element is connected to at least one part of the at least one valve housing by means of at least one mechanical connection, wherein the mechanical connection can be realized by means of at least one relative rotation between the at least one valve seat element and the at least one part of the at least one valve housing about an imaginary valve axis of the at least one bypass valve arrangement.

[0064] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the filter element in that the filter element has at least one receptacle for at least one bypass valve arrangement.

[0065] According to the invention, the filter element has at least one receptacle for at least one bypass valve arrangement. In this way, the bypass valve arrangement can be mounted on the filter element.

[0066] In an advantageous embodiment, the filter element can be a hollow filter element in which a filter medium at least partially surrounds an element interior.

[0067] A hollow filter element is characterized in that it has at least one element interior which is surrounded by a filter medium. The fluid to be filtered can flow through the filter medium from the outside to the inside of the element interior or vice versa. The element interior has a fluid passage to the outside through which, depending on the flow direction, the filtered fluid can leave the element interior or fluid to be filtered can enter it. The filter medium can surround the element interior circumferentially with respect to an element axis. On at least one end face axial with respect to the element axis, the filter medium can be connected to an end body, in particular an end disk or end cap, which can also be referred to as an end cap. At least one end body can have at least one passage opening for the element interior.

[0068] The hollow filter element can advantageously be a so-called round filter element with a round cross-section, an oval round filter element with an oval cross-section, a flat-oval round filter element with a flattened oval cross-section, a conical round filter element in which the round cross-section tapers in the axial direction towards a main axis, a conical-oval round filter element in which the oval cross-section tapers in the axial direction at least in the direction of a transverse axis, a conical flat-oval round filter element in which the flat-oval cross-section tapers in the axial direction at least in the direction of a transverse axis, or a hollow filter element with a different type of cross-section, in particular a square one, and / or a different type of axial cross-sectional profile in the direction of an element axis.

[0069] The filter medium can advantageously be circumferentially closed or open with respect to the element axis. The filter medium can be, in particular, star-shaped, preferably zigzag-shaped or wave-shaped, folded or curved. The filter medium can also be unfolded or unbent.

[0070] The fluid to be filtered can flow through the filter medium from the outside to the inside of the element or from the inside to the outside. Furthermore, at least one bypass valve arrangement can be accommodated in the interior of the element to save space.

[0071] Advantageously, at least one end body can have at least one opening for at least one bypass valve arrangement. The at least one bypass valve arrangement can be inserted into the at least one opening. The at least one bypass valve arrangement can thus be arranged at least partially within an element interior of the at least one filter element in a space-saving manner. The at least one opening and the element interior can thus serve as a receptacle for the at least one filter element for the at least one bypass valve arrangement.

[0072] According to the invention, at least one element sealing section is arranged on an end body. At least one valve sealing section on the side of the at least one bypass valve arrangement can cooperate in a sealing manner with the at least one element sealing section.

[0073] Advantageously, the hollow filter element can have an outer flow protection section. In this way, the filter body can be protected from direct fluid flow, particularly radially to an element axis. The flow protection region can be implemented in conjunction with at least one end body.

[0074] Advantageously, at least one filter element may comprise a hollow cylindrical filter medium and two end caps that close off the axial ends of the filter medium. A first end cap may have a flat, annular base portion. An outer cylindrical flow protection portion may extend from the outer edge of the base portion toward the second end cap. The outer cylindrical flow protection portion may have an axial length configured to protect the filter medium from direct radial flow entering the filter housing through a fluid inlet channel.

[0075] Advantageously, the first end cap may have a central opening comprising a radial seal configured to sealingly contact an outer sealing surface of a bypass valve assembly disposed at the central opening of the first end cap.

[0076] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the filter in that the at least one diffuser device has a plurality of fluid guide surfaces.

[0077] The fluid guide surfaces can be used to influence the flow path of the filtered fluid exiting the at least one fluid outlet of the filter housing. This calms the fluid flow. In liquid fluids, any gas bubbles, especially air bubbles, can be separated more effectively in a calm fluid flow than in a turbulent fluid flow.

[0078] When the filter is used as a so-called in-tank filter, the filtered fluid can be discharged into the tank via at least one diffuser device. The fluid guide surfaces calm the flow of the fluid so that the fluid's residence time in the tank is increased. The longer the fluid's residence time in the tank, the better the separation of any gas, especially air, from the fluid. By using multiple fluid guide surfaces, the fluid flow of the filtered fluid can be specifically influenced.

[0079] Fluid channels can be limited or separated from one another using multiple fluid guide surfaces.

[0080] Advantageously, the at least one diffuser device can be implemented as a single-piece component. This increases the stability of the at least one diffuser device.

[0081] Advantageously, the at least one diffuser device can be realized using thermoplastic material, in particular from a group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, or another thermoplastic material. Advantageously, the at least one diffuser device can be manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0082] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one diffuser device can have at least one fluid guide channel and / or at least one fluid guide channel of at least one diffuser device can be defined by at least one fluid guide surface. The fluid flow can be guided in a controlled manner within a fluid guide channel. In this way, the flow can be better stabilized.

[0083] Advantageously, at least one fluid channel can have a round or oval cross-section. In this way, the at least one fluid channel can be defined by a single, circumferentially continuous fluid guide surface.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, at least one fluid guide channel can have a polygonal, in particular square, triangular, or similar, cross-section. In this way, the at least one fluid channel can be defined by a plurality of fluid guide surfaces.

[0085] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two fluid guide surfaces can run parallel to one another at least in sections, and / or at least one fluid guide channel can have a constant cross-section at least in sections, and / or at least two fluid guide surfaces can run away from one another at least in sections, viewed in the direction of fluid flow, and / or at least one fluid guide channel can widen at least in sections, viewed in the direction of fluid flow. In this way, the course of the fluid guide surfaces and / or the fluid guide channel can be adapted accordingly to the requirements.

[0086] A uniform fluid flow can be achieved with at least two fluid guide surfaces which run parallel to one another at least in sections and / or at least one fluid guide channel which has a constant cross-section at least in sections.

[0087] With two fluid guide surfaces which extend away from each other at least in sections, viewed in the direction of fluid flow, and / or at least one fluid guide channel which widens at least in sections, viewed in the direction of fluid flow, a flow cross-section can be increased and thus the flow velocity can be reduced.

[0088] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one fluid guide surface can extend, at least in sections, at an angle between approximately 90° and 180° relative to a main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device, and / or at least one channel axis of at least one fluid guide channel can extend at an angle between approximately 90° and 180° relative to a main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device. In this way, the flow direction of the exiting, filtered fluid can be changed accordingly by an angle between 90° and 180°. Overall, the flow velocity can thus be further reduced. The separation of gas bubbles can thus be further improved.

[0089] Advantageously, the at least one fluid guide surface and / or the at least one channel axis can extend at an angle of more than 90°, preferably more than 130°, preferably less than 170°, relative to the main inflow axis.

[0090] The main inflow axis in the sense of the invention is an imaginary axis along which the filtered fluid passes from the fluid outlet of the filter housing into a diffuser inlet channel of the diffuser device.

[0091] Advantageously, the main inflow axis can run parallel or coaxially to a filter axis of the filter and / or a filter element axis of a particularly hollow filter element. This allows the filter to be arranged in line with the diffuser device. The overall design can thus be narrower.

[0092] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two fluid guide surfaces and / or at least two fluid guide channels can be arranged on different sides relative to a main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device, and / or at least two fluid guide surfaces and / or at least two fluid guide channels can be arranged on the same side relative to the main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device. In this way, the overall cross-section of the filtered fluid flowing out of the diffuser device can be increased. The fluid can thus be distributed more evenly overall. Furthermore, the flow velocity can be further reduced.

[0093] Advantageously, fluid guide surfaces and / or fluid channels can be arranged on opposite sides. Thus, the at least one diffuser device can be constructed symmetrically overall.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, multiple fluid guide surfaces and / or fluid channels can be arranged on one side. This allows the overall flow cross-section on the outlet side to be increased on one side of the main inflow axis.

[0095] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one fluid guide surface and / or at least one fluid guide channel can be curved at least in sections and / or at least one fluid guide surface and / or one fluid guide channel can be straight at least in sections and / or at least one fluid guide channel can be spiral and / or helical at least in sections.

[0096] With a curved profile, the at least one fluid guide surface and / or the at least one fluid guide channel can be lengthened overall without requiring the external dimensions of the diffuser device to be increased. In this way, the residence time of the fluid at the at least one fluid guide surface and / or in the at least one fluid guide channel can be extended, thus further calming the fluid.

[0097] Straight fluid guide surfaces and / or fluid guide channels can be implemented more easily from a technical perspective.

[0098] With spiral and / or helical fluid guide channels, the ratio between channel length and required installation space can be further improved.

[0099] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one diffuser device can have at least one diffuser connection section for connection to at least one fluid outlet of at least one filter housing and / or at least one connection sealing element for sealing the at least one diffuser device with respect to at least one fluid outlet of at least one filter housing.

[0100] With a diffuser connection section, the at least one diffuser device can be easily connected to the at least one fluid outlet via fluid lines.

[0101] At least one connection sealing element can be used to prevent fluid from escaping in an uncontrolled manner between the at least one diffuser device and the at least one fluid outlet of the at least one filter housing.

[0102] Advantageously, at least one connection sealing element can have at least one sealing surface. A corresponding sealing element, in particular a sealing body, can sealingly bear against a sealing surface on the side of the at least one fluid outlet. Alternatively or additionally, at least one connection sealing element can have at least one sealing body. A sealing body can sealingly bear against a corresponding sealing element, in particular a sealing surface, on the side of the at least one fluid outlet.

[0103] Advantageously, at least one sealing body can be designed as a sealing ring and / or at least one sealing surface as a circumferentially continuous sealing surface. Such sealing bodies and sealing surfaces can achieve a circumferential seal.

[0104] Advantageously, the at least one connecting sealing element can act in a radial and / or axial direction relative to the diffuser's main flow axis. This can improve the overall sealing effect. Depending on the design, a corresponding installation tolerance can also be achieved.

[0105] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one diffuser device can have at least one diffuser fixing element for fixing the at least one diffuser device to the at least one filter housing. This prevents the at least one diffuser device connected to the fluid outlet from becoming detached in an uncontrolled manner.

[0106] Advantageously, at least one diffuser fixing element can be quickly activated. This allows assembly to be simplified, in particular, accelerated. Advantageously, at least one diffuser fixing element can be a non-destructively removable fixing element. This allows the fixing element to be released and reactivated without causing any damage as needed, in particular for maintenance purposes and / or for replacing the at least one diffuser device.

[0107] Advantageously, at least one diffuser fixing element can have or consist of a rotatable and / or pluggable fixing device, in particular a locking connection, a snap connection, a screw connection, a bayonet-type connection, a plug-in connection, or a combination of different connections. Such fixing devices can be activated easily and quickly and, if necessary, released without causing damage.

[0108] Advantageously, at least one diffuser fixing element can be a locking hook. A locking hook can be easily connected to a corresponding projection on the filter housing.

[0109] Alternatively, the at least one filter housing can have at least one latching hook and the at least one diffuser device can have at least one diffuser fixing element in the form of a projection which can cooperate with the at least one latching hook in a fixing manner.

[0110] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one diffuser device can have at least one diffuser inlet channel which is connected to at least one fluid guide channel and / or leads to at least one fluid guide surface, and / or a main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device can run within at least one diffuser inlet channel and / or at least one diffuser inlet channel of at least one diffuser device can have a round cross-section at least in sections and / or at least one diffuser inlet channel of at least one diffuser device can have a constant cross-section at least in sections.

[0111] With a diffuser inlet channel, the at least one fluid outlet of the at least one filter housing can be connected to the at least one fluid channel and / or the at least one fluid guide surface. Thus, the diffuser inlet channel can act as an adapter between the fluid outlet of the filter housing and the at least one fluid channel and / or at least one fluid guide surface.

[0112] With the at least one diffuser inlet channel, the geometric shape, in particular the cross section, of the fluid outlet of the at least one filter housing can be adapted to the geometric shape, in particular the cross section in the region of the at least one fluid guide channel and / or the at least one fluid guide surface.

[0113] Furthermore, the flow path of the filtered fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid guide channel and the at least one fluid guide surface can be adapted with the at least one diffuser inlet channel.

[0114] A main inflow axis of the at least one diffuser device can extend in the at least one diffuser inlet channel. In this way, a flow direction of the fluid can be defined there.

[0115] At least one diffuser inlet channel can have a round cross-section, at least in sections. A round cross-section is symmetrical with respect to its rotational orientation. Thus, the at least one diffuser inlet channel can be arranged in different rotational orientations at the fluid outlet of the filter housing. This allows the orientation of the at least one diffuser device, in particular the outlet direction of the filtered fluid from the at least one diffuser device, to be adjusted more flexibly.

[0116] The diffuser inlet channel can have a constant cross-section, at least in sections. This allows for a uniform fluid flow in the diffuser inlet channel.

[0117] Advantageously, a diffuser device can comprise an axial, tubular diffuser inlet channel with an inlet opening configured to be attached to an outlet opening of a filter, in particular a fluid outlet opening. Advantageously, the inlet channel can define an inlet flow direction, in particular a diffuser main flow axis, along the axial direction from the inlet opening through the inlet channel. Advantageously, the diffuser device can comprise at least one diffuser channel, in particular a fluid guide channel, connected to the diffuser inlet channel downstream of the inlet opening. Advantageously, the diffuser channel can be configured to discharge fluid, in particular liquid, into a tank.Advantageously, the diffuser channel may extend from the inlet channel at an acute angle so that fluid, in particular liquid, entering the diffuser channel from the inlet channel experiences a change of direction of more than 90 degrees, preferably more than 130 degrees, preferably less than 170 degrees.

[0118] Advantageously, the diffuser device may comprise a plurality of diffuser channels.

[0119] Advantageously, the diffuser device may comprise a plurality of parallel diffuser channels.

[0120] Advantageously, the plurality of diffuser channels may be a first plurality of parallel diffuser channels and a second plurality of diffuser channels. The second plurality of diffuser channels may extend in a direction opposite to the direction of the first plurality of diffuser channels. Advantageously, a configuration may be created that may have a plane of symmetry along the axial axis of the inlet channel.

[0121] Advantageously, the diffuser device can be manufactured as a one-piece component using thermoplastic material selected from the group polyamide, polyester, polypropylene or another thermoplastic material, molded in an injection molding process.

[0122] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the diffuser device in that the at least one diffuser device has a plurality of fluid guide surfaces.

[0123] Furthermore, the features and advantages presented in connection with the filter according to the invention, the bypass valve arrangement according to the invention, the filter element according to the invention, and the diffuser device according to the invention, and their respective advantageous embodiments, apply to one another accordingly and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with one another, whereby further advantageous effects can arise that go beyond the sum of the individual effects. Short description of the drawings

[0124] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features disclosed in the drawings, the description, and the claims in combination individually and combine them to form useful further combinations. The figures show schematically: Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of a tank for liquid, in which a filter according to a first embodiment with a bypass valve arrangement according to a first embodiment and a diffuser device according to a first embodiment is arranged; Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section of the filter from the Figure 1 ; Figure 3 an isometric view of the filter from the Figures 1 and 2 ; Figure 4 an isometric detail view of the diffuser device of the filter from the Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal section of the diffuser device of the filter from the Figures 1 to 3 ; Figure 6 a detailed view of the longitudinal section of the filter from the Figure 2 in the area of ​​the connection of the bypass valve arrangement in an upper end cap of a filter element of the filter; Figure 7 an isometric view of the bypass valve arrangement according to the first embodiment of the filter from the Figures 1 to 3 ; Figure 8 shows a longitudinal section of the bypass valve arrangement according to the first embodiment of the filter from the Figures 1 to 3 ; Figure 9 an isometric view of a filter arrangement with two filters according to the first embodiment of the Figures 1 to 3 ; Figure 10 an isometric view of a filter arrangement with two filters according to a second embodiment; Figure 11 a longitudinal section of the filter arrangement from Figure 10; Figure 12 is an isometric view of a bypass valve arrangement according to a second embodiment; Figure 13 is a longitudinal section of the bypass valve arrangement according to the second embodiment Figure 12 ; Figure 14 is an isometric view of a diffuser device according to the second embodiment; Figure 15 is a longitudinal section of the diffuser device according to the second embodiment from the Figure 14 ; Figure 16 shows a cross section of the diffuser device according to the second embodiment from the Figures 14 and 15 along a section line XVI-XVI from the Figure 15 .

[0125] In the figures, identical components are provided with identical reference symbols. Embodiment(s) of the invention

[0126] In the Figure 1A tank 10 for liquid, such as fuel, oil, hydraulic oil, urea-water solution, or the like, is shown. A filter 12 in the form of a liquid filter, a so-called in-tank filter according to a first exemplary embodiment, is arranged in the tank 10. The filter 12 is inserted into an upper wall of the tank 10 and extends into the interior of the tank 10. Outside the tank 10, the filter 12 is accessible from the outside.

[0127] The filter 12 and its components are in the Figures 2 to 8 shown in different perspectives, sections and detailed representations.

[0128] The filter 12 comprises a filter housing 14 in which a filter element 16 and a bypass valve arrangement 18 are arranged according to a first embodiment. Furthermore, the filter 12 comprises a diffuser device 20 in the first embodiment. The diffuser device 20 is shown in the Figures 4 and 5shown in detail. The bypass valve arrangement 18 is shown in detail in the Figures 7 and 8 The connection of the bypass valve arrangement 18 to the filter element 16 is shown in detail in the Figure 6 shown.

[0129] The filter housing 14 comprises a housing pot 22, into which Figures 1 to 3 at the bottom, a housing connection part 24 in the middle, and a housing cover 26 at the top. The housing pot 22 has approximately the shape of a hollow circular cylinder coaxial with an imaginary filter axis 28.

[0130] In the exemplary embodiment, the filter axis 28 coincides with a valve axis 128 of the bypass valve arrangement 18 and a diffuser main flow axis 204 of the diffuser device 20. When reference is made below to "radial," "coaxial," "axial," "tangential," "circumferential," "concentric," "eccentric," or the like, this refers, unless otherwise stated, to the axis corresponding to the context.

[0131] On one axial face, in the Figures 1 to 3 At the bottom, the housing pot 22 has a bottom section in which, for example, a coaxial fluid outlet 30 is located. On the opposite axial end face, at the top, the housing pot 22 has an installation opening 32 for the filter element 16.

[0132] The fluid outlet 30 comprises an exemplary circular-cylindrical, coaxial outlet nozzle 34, which is hollow inside. The outlet nozzle 34 has a smaller diameter than the housing pot 22. The outlet nozzle 34 extends axially through the bottom of the housing pot 22. Viewed axially, the outlet nozzle 34 extends approximately halfway into the interior of the housing pot 22 and halfway outside the housing pot 22.

[0133] The portion of the outlet nozzle 34 located outside the housing pot 22 is designed as a connecting part 36 for the diffuser device 20. The connecting part 36 comprises a circumferential locking collar 38. Viewed from the locking collar 38 toward the free end of the connecting part 36, the outer diameter of the connecting part 36 tapers conically. A sealing receptacle 40 extends circumferentially in front of the free end of the connecting part 36. A sealing ring 42 is arranged in the sealing receptacle 40. The sealing ring 42 acts as a seal in the radial direction.

[0134] The installation opening 32 of the housing pot 22 extends radially across the entire internal cross-section of the housing pot 22. In the area of ​​the front edge surrounding the installation opening 32, the housing pot 22 has a shoulder 44. The shoulder 44 extends circumferentially and radially outward on the radially outer circumferential side. Two seal receptacles 46 are arranged in the radially outer circumferential side of the shoulder 44. The seal receptacles 46 each extend circumferentially continuously. Viewed in the axial direction, the seal receptacles 46 are arranged next to one another. A seal ring 48 is arranged in each seal receptacle 46. The seal rings 48 each act to seal in the radial direction.

[0135] A coaxial central tube 50, for example, is mounted on the end of the outlet nozzle 34, which is located in the interior of the housing pot 22. The central tube 50 tapers from the outlet nozzle 34 toward its free end. At its free end, the central tube 50 has a coaxial, rod-shaped attachment 52. The peripheral wall of the central tube 50 is permeable to fluid. The central tube 50 is inserted, for example, at one end into the outlet nozzle 34.

[0136] The housing connection part 24 has approximately the shape of a hollow circular cylinder, which is open at both axial ends. The housing connection part 24 is coaxial with the filter axis 28. The housing connection part 24 has a fluid inlet 54 and a mounting flange 56. The fluid inlet 54 comprises an inlet nozzle 58, which surrounds an inlet channel 60. The inlet nozzle 48 extends radially outward on a circumferential side of the housing connection part 24. A connection flange 62 is arranged at the free end of the inlet nozzle 58. The connection flange 62 has, for example, four screw openings, to which a corresponding pipe nozzle of a fluid supply line (not shown) can be detachably fastened. The housing connection part 24 is implemented accordingly with the mounting flange 56 and the inlet nozzle 58.

[0137] The housing connection part 24 has on an axial front edge, into which Figures 1 to 3At the bottom, which faces the housing pot 22 in the assembled state, the housing connection part 24 has a stop ridge 64 on the radially inner circumferential side. The stop ridge 64 extends radially inward. An inner diameter in the region of the stop ridge 64 is smaller than an outer diameter of the shoulder 44 of the housing pot 22. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the stop ridge 64 is larger than the outer diameter of the housing pot 22 outside the shoulder 44. The inner diameter of the housing connection part 24 in the axial direction next to the stop ridge 64 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shoulder 44 of the housing pot 22.

[0138] For assembly, the housing pot 22 can be inserted with its lower end, which has the fluid outlet 30, in the axial direction through the opening at the end of the housing part 24 axially facing away from the stop web 64. In the assembled state, the stop web 64 lies, as shown in the Figure 2 and 6shown, in the axial direction on the shoulder 44. The sealing rings 48 lie radially sealingly on the radially inner circumferential side of the housing connection part 24, which acts as a sealing surface.

[0139] The mounting flange 56 of the housing connection part 24 is located between the inlet nozzle 58 and the free edge with the stop web 64. The mounting flange 56 extends circumferentially on the radially outer circumferential side of the housing connection part 24. The mounting flange 56 has, for example, four screw holes 66 distributed circumferentially. The axes of the screw holes 66 run parallel to the filter axis 28. On its axial end face facing the edge of the housing connection part 24 with the stop web 64, the mounting flange 56 has a seal receptacle 68. A sealing ring 70 is arranged in the seal receptacle 68.

[0140] With the filter 12 mounted in tank 10, the mounting flange 56 rests on a corresponding tank mounting section 72 of the tank 10. The mounting flange 56 is bolted to the tank mounting section 72 with four screws. The sealing ring 70 rests on a corresponding sealing surface of the tank mounting section 72, acting as a seal in the axial direction.

[0141] Between the inlet nozzle 58 and the free edge, which is axially opposite the stop web 68, the housing connection part 24 has an internal thread 74 on the radially inner circumferential side. Between the internal thread 74 and the free edge on the axial end face of the housing connection part 24, the radially inner circumferential side of the housing connection part 24 is designed as a sealing surface 76. Towards the axially free edge, the sealing surface widens approximately in a funnel shape, thus forming an insertion bevel for the housing cover 26.

[0142] The housing cover 26 has a coaxial, circular-cylindrical peripheral wall. On one axial end face, which faces the housing cup 22 in the assembled state, the housing cup 22 is open. On the axially opposite end face, the housing cup 22 is closed.

[0143] Axially adjacent to its open edge, the housing cover 26 has an external thread 78 on its radially outer circumferential side. The external thread 78 mates with the internal thread 74 of the housing connection part 24. In the assembled state, the external thread 78 is screwed into the internal thread 74.

[0144] On the side axially opposite the free edge, next to the external thread 78 in the radially outer circumferential side of the housing cover 26, a circumferentially continuous seal receptacle 80 is arranged. A sealing ring 82 is arranged in the seal receptacle 80. When the housing cover 26 is installed, the sealing ring 82 rests against the sealing surface 76 of the housing connection part 24, acting as a seal in the radial direction.

[0145] A stop rib 84 is provided on the side of the seal receptacle 80 axially opposite the external thread 78. The stop rib 84 extends radially outward on the radially outer circumferential side of the housing cover 26. When the housing cover 26 is assembled, the free edge of the housing connection part 24 rests against the stop rib 84. This prevents the housing cover 26 from being screwed too far into the housing connection part 24.

[0146] On its closed side, the housing cover 26 is provided on the outside with an engagement element 86. The engagement element 86 is designed, for example, in the shape of a hexagon and is coaxial with the filter axis 28. A tool, such as a wrench, can be attached to the engagement element 86 in order to screw the housing cover 26 into the housing connection part 24 or to unscrew it from there.

[0147] A coaxial retaining cage 88 is arranged inside the housing cover 26. The retaining cage 88 has the approximate shape of a coaxial hollow circular cylinder. The retaining cage 88 is integrally connected to the closed side of the housing cover 26.

[0148] The holding basket 88 comprises at the free end a coaxial circumferentially connected annular strut 94 and a plurality of basket struts 90. The basket struts 90 each extend approximately parallel to the filter axis 28 between the annular strut 94 and the closed side of the housing cover 26. Passage openings 92 for fluid are realized between the basket struts 90.

[0149] The radially inner circumferential side of the annular strut 94 forms a circumferentially continuous locking projection 96. On its side axially facing the housing cup 22, the locking projection 96 has an insertion bevel for a housing fastening element 178 of the bypass valve arrangement 18. The retaining cage 88 projects axially beyond the free edge of the circumferential wall of the housing connection part 24.

[0150] The filter element 16 is designed, for example, as a round filter element. The filter element 16 has a filter medium 98, for example in the form of filter fleece or the like, which coaxially surrounds a coaxial support cage 100. The filter medium 98 and the support cage 100 surround an interior space 102 of the filter element 16.

[0151] On an end face axially facing the fluid outlet 30, the filter element 16 has an outlet-side end cap 104. The outlet-side end cap 104 extends radially over the axial end face of the filter medium 98. In the center, the outlet-side end cap 104 has a through-opening. The center tube 50 and the inner part of the connection piece 34 protrude through the through-opening into the element interior 102.

[0152] On the radially outer circumferential side, the end cap 104 has a wall section extending in the axial and circumferential directions, which encompasses the filter medium 98. On the radially inner circumferential side, the outlet-side end cap 104 is stepped to form a seal receptacle in which a sealing ring 106, for example made of elastomer, is arranged. When the filter element 16 is installed, the sealing ring 106 bears radially against the radially outer circumferential side of the outlet connection piece 34, which forms a sealing surface.

[0153] On the end face axially facing the housing cover 26, the filter element 16 has an inlet-side end cap 108. The inlet-side end cap 108 has a flat, radially extending base portion 110 and a radially outer, cylindrical flow protection portion 112 projecting from the radially outer edge of the base portion 110 toward the outlet-side end cap 104. The axial length of the flow protection portion 112 is designed such that the filter medium 98 is protected from a direct radial flow of fluid entering the filter housing 14 through the fluid inlet 54.

[0154] The inlet-side end cap 108 has a coaxial sealing cylinder section 114 on its radially inner circumferential side. The sealing cylinder section 114 extends in the axial direction away from the flow section 112. In its radially inner circumferential side, the sealing cylinder section 114 has a seal receptacle 116 in which a sealing ring 118, for example in the form of an O-ring, is arranged. The sealing ring 118 can be made of elastomer, for example. In addition or alternatively to the sealing ring 118, the seal can also be provided by the material of the end cap 108. A seal that acts sealingly in the axial direction or in both the axial and radial directions can also be provided.

[0155] The bypass valve arrangement 18 according to the first embodiment is shown in detail in the Figures 7 and 8The bypass valve assembly 18 comprises a valve housing 120, a valve closure body 122, a valve return element 124, for example in the form of a coaxial helical compression spring, and a valve seat element 126.

[0156] The valve closure body 122 is arranged in the valve housing 120 so as to be movable axially relative to the valve axis 128. The valve closure body 122 has a valve plate 130 and a valve rod 132. The valve plate 130 and the valve rod 132 are, for example, configured as a single piece.

[0157] The valve rod 132 has the shape of a hollow circular cylinder.

[0158] The valve plate 130 is arranged at an axial end of the valve rod 132 and closes the interior of the valve rod 132. The valve plate 130 is bent at its radially outer edge toward the free end of the valve rod 132. The radially outer circumferential side of the valve plate 130 thus formed has a coaxial circular cylindrical shape and forms a guide section 135. The interior of the valve rod 132 is open at the free end.

[0159] The curved edge of the valve plate 130 forms a valve seat contact surface 133 in the area of ​​the bend. The valve seat contact surface 133 is in the closed position, which is Figures 1 , 2 and 6 to 8 As shown, it tightly abuts a valve seat 134 of the valve seat element 126. The valve disk 130 and the valve seat 134 each have an overall rotationally symmetrical shape with respect to the valve axis 128.

[0160] The valve disk 130 has a coaxial dome on its axial outer side. The outer diameter of the dome approximately corresponds to the inner diameter of the interior of the valve rod 132.

[0161] The valve housing 120 is designed as a valve basket or valve cage. The valve housing 120 has a coaxial peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has a plurality of flow openings 164 for fluid. The peripheral wall is multiply stepped in the axial direction. On a Figures 7 and 8 On the axially upper side, the valve housing 120 has an installation opening 136 for the valve seat element 126. On the axially lower side, the valve housing 120 is closed with a bottom portion 146.

[0162] On the side facing the base section 146, the valve housing 120 has a plurality of vanes 138 on the radially outer circumferential side, each extending radially outward. The vanes 138 are integrally connected to the base section 146. The vanes 138 each terminate with an axial end face at the same height as the underside of the base section 146. The end faces of the vanes 138 axially facing away from the underside of the base section 146 are located at different axial heights when viewed in the axial direction. The end faces of the vanes 138 axially facing away from the underside of the base section 146 extend along a coaxial, imaginary helical line. The vanes 138 can, for example, be brought together with corresponding parts of the support basket 100 of the filter element 16 to form a bayonet-type connection.

[0163] In the interior of the valve housing 120, a guide cylinder 140 extends coaxially from the bottom section 146 into a coaxial receiving space 142 for the valve return element 124. The guide cylinder 140 is integrally connected to the bottom section 146.

[0164] On the side of the base portion 146 facing the interior of the valve housing 120, a circumferentially continuous, coaxial guide annular groove 144 is arranged. The guide annular groove 144 surrounds the guide cylinder 140.

[0165] The valve rod 132 of the valve closure body 122 is mounted on the guide cylinder 140 so as to be movable in the axial direction. The guide cylinder 140 and the guide annular groove 144 guide the valve rod 132 during its axial movement.

[0166] The valve rod 132 has a guide bevel 150 radially outward at its open end. The guide bevel 150 allows the valve rod 132 to be more easily inserted into the guide ring groove 144 during its axial movement.

[0167] Radially outside the guide ring groove 144, the base section 146 forms a support section 148 that extends radially and circumferentially. The valve return element 124, namely the coil spring, rests on the support section 148 at one end. The other end of the valve return element 124 rests on the underside of the valve plate 130. The valve return element 124 acts on the valve plate 130 and presses the valve plate 130 against the valve seat 134.

[0168] The base section 146 merges integrally into a circumferential receiving wall section 152. The receiving wall section 152 coaxially surrounds the receiving space 142 for the lower part of the valve reset element 124, which faces the base section 146. The inner diameter of the receiving space 142 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the valve reset element 124.

[0169] Behind a radially outward step, the receiving wall section 152 merges integrally into a circumferential guide chamber wall section 156. The guide chamber wall section 156 surrounds a coaxial guide chamber 158 for the valve disk 130.

[0170] The receiving wall section 152 and the guide chamber wall section 156 are each formed by axially extending wall struts 160. The wall struts 160 extend between two coaxial ring sections 162, which are spaced apart in the axial direction. The middle ring section 162 is located at the level of the step between the receiving wall section 152 and the guide chamber wall section 156. Continuous flow openings 164 for fluid are formed between the wall struts 160. The receiving wall section 152 and the guide chamber wall section 156 are permeable to fluid.

[0171] In the area of ​​the middle ring section 162, the wall struts 160 of the receiving wall section 152 and the wall struts 160 of the guide space wall section 156 overlap in the axial direction.

[0172] The wall struts 160 of the receiving wall section 152 each have an insertion bevel 166 on the radially inner circumferential side at their end facing away from the base section 146. The insertion bevels 166 facilitate the installation of the valve return element 124.

[0173] Above the wall struts 160 of the receiving wall section 152, the radially inner circumferential sides of the wall struts 160 of the guide chamber wall section 156 extend in the axial direction. The radially inner circumferential sides of the wall struts 160 of the guide chamber wall section 156 form radially outer guide surfaces 168. The guide section 135 of the valve plate 130 is guided on the guide surface 168 during a movement of the valve closure body 122 in the axial direction.

[0174] On the side axially remote from the base section 146, the upper ring section 162 of the guide chamber wall section 156 merges integrally into a screw and sealing section 170.

[0175] The radially outer circumferential side of the screw and sealing section 170 forms a sealing surface 172. The sealing surface 172 has the shape of a coaxial circular cylinder shell. When the bypass valve assembly 18 is installed, the sealing rings 118 of the inlet-side end cap 108 of the filter element 16 rest radially against the sealing surface 172.

[0176] The radially inner circumferential side of the screw and sealing section 170 has a coaxial valve housing thread 174 in the form of an internal thread.

[0177] On the side axially remote from the base section 146, the screw and sealing section 170 merges integrally into a fastening flange 176 which extends circumferentially and radially outwards.

[0178] The mounting flange 176 has a one-piece housing fastening element 178 on its side axially remote from the base section 146. The housing fastening element 178 comprises a coaxial, circumferentially connected locking ring 180. The locking ring 180 is integrally connected to the mounting flange 176 by a plurality of fastening webs 182. The fastening webs 182 each extend in the axial direction and are arranged circumferentially distributed. When the filter 12 is mounted, the locking ring 180 locks behind the locking projection 96 of the retaining cage 88 of the housing cover 26. The bypass valve assembly 18 is held to the housing cover 26 by the housing fastening element 178 and the locking projection 96.

[0179] A coaxial sealing cylinder section 184 is arranged radially inside the housing fastening element 178. The sealing cylinder section 184 is integrally connected to the side of the fastening flange 176 facing away from the base section 146. The radially outer peripheral side of the sealing cylinder section 184 is spaced from the radially inner peripheral side of the housing fastening element 178. The inner diameter of the sealing cylinder section 184 is larger than the inner diameter of the screw and sealing section 170. The radially inner peripheral side of the sealing cylinder section 184 is designed as a sealing surface 186. On its edge axially facing away from the base section 146, the sealing cylinder section 184 has an insertion bevel 188 on the radially inner peripheral side. The insertion bevel 188 facilitates the installation of the valve seat element 126 into the valve housing 120.

[0180] The valve seat element 126 has the overall shape of a stepped, hollow circular cylinder, which is arranged coaxially. On the side axially facing the base section 146 of the valve housing 120, the valve seat element 126 has a coaxial, circumferentially and axially extending threaded wall section 190. The threaded wall section 190 has a valve seat element thread 192 in the form of an external thread on its radially outer circumferential side. The valve seat element thread 192 is screwed into the valve housing thread 174 in the assembled state and forms a screw connection with it. The screw connection can be realized by means of a relative rotation between the valve seat element 126 and the screw and sealing section 170 of the valve housing 120 and can be separated in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0181] The free edge of the threaded wall section 190, which faces the bottom section 146, is quenched on the radially inner circumferential side and forms the valve seat 134 there.

[0182] The inner diameter of the threaded wall section 190 is smaller than the outer diameter of the valve disk 130. Figure 8 In the closed state of the bypass valve arrangement 18 shown, the radially outer peripheral side of the valve plate 130 lies tightly against the valve seat 134 under the spring force of the valve return element 124.

[0183] Behind a radially outward step, the threaded wall section 190 merges integrally into a handling and sealing wall section 194. The handling and sealing wall section 194 has a plurality of sealing nubs 196 on its radially outer circumferential side, which extend circumferentially contiguously and radially outward.

[0184] The outer diameter of the handling and sealing wall section 194 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the sealing cylinder wall section 184 of the valve housing 120. When the valve seat element 126 is mounted, the sealing nubs 196 are located on the radially inner circumferential side of the sealing cylinder wall section 184, sealing in the radial direction.

[0185] The radially inner circumferential side of the handling and sealing wall section 194 is designed as a handling element 198. The handling element 198 has, for example, the shape of a hexagon socket opening. A suitable tool, for example, an Allen key, can be used to engage the handling element 198. By handling the tool, the valve seat element 126 can be screwed into or unscrewed from the screw and sealing section 170 of the valve housing 120. Furthermore, the preassembled bypass valve arrangement 18 can be inserted into the installation opening in the inlet-side end cap 108 by handling the tool.

[0186] When the bypass valve assembly 18 is installed, the interior of the valve seat element 126 is fluidly connected to the fluid inlet 54 via the passage openings 92 of the retaining cage 88. Thus, the fluid pressure of the raw fluid side of the filter element 16 is present there. The interior of the valve housing 120 is connected to the element interior 102 of the filter element 16 via the passage openings 164. The fluid pressure of the clean fluid side of the filter element 16 is present in the interior of the valve housing 120.

[0187] If the filter element 16, or the filter medium 98, becomes partially or completely blocked, for example by separated particles, the pressure difference between the raw fluid side and the clean fluid side, i.e., between the interior of the valve seat element 126 and the interior of the valve housing 120, increases. The pressure difference causes an opening force in the axial direction on the valve plate 130. As soon as the opening force exceeds the spring force of the valve return element 124, the bypass valve arrangement 18 is opened. Raw fluid can thus pass directly through the bypass valve arrangement 18 into the element interior 102 of the filter element 16 and from there to the fluid outlet 30. Thus, when the filter element 16 is blocked, fluid can pass through the filter 12.

[0188] The diffuser device 20 according to the first embodiment is shown in the Figures 4 and 5shown in detail. The diffuser device 20 comprises a diffuser connection section 200 and a fluid guide section 202. The diffuser connection section 200 comprises a circular-cylindrical diffuser connection piece 206 that is coaxial with the diffuser main flow axis 204. The diffuser connection piece 206 surrounds a diffuser inlet channel 208.

[0189] The diffuser device 20 is, for example, manufactured as a one-piece component using thermoplastic material, for example from a group of polyamide, polyester, polypropylene or another thermoplastic material, for example by an injection molding process.

[0190] The diffuser main flow axis 204 indicates the main inflow direction of the fluid from the fluid outlet 30 of the filter element 16 into the diffuser connection section 200.

[0191] At the free end of the connection piece 206, which faces axially toward the fluid outlet 30 of the filter 12, the edge on the radially inner circumferential side is formed as an insertion bevel 212. The insertion bevel 212 facilitates the insertion of the outlet piece 34 into the diffuser connection piece 206.

[0192] Axially behind the insertion bevel 212, the radially inner circumferential side of the connection piece 206 is designed as a circumferential connection sealing surface 210. The connection sealing surface 210 is coaxially circular-cylindrical. When the diffuser device 20 is installed, the sealing ring 42, which is located on the outlet piece 34 of the filter 12, rests against the connection sealing surface 210 in a radially sealing manner.

[0193] Radially outside the diffuser connection piece 206, two exemplary one-piece fixing elements 214 in the form of locking elements are arranged. The fixing elements 214 are located on radially opposite sides. The fixing elements 214 each have a fastening arm extending parallel to the diffuser main flow axis 204. The fastening arms are connected at one end via a web in one piece to the radially outer circumferential wall of the diffuser connection piece 206. Viewed in the axial direction, the fastening arms protrude beyond the free edge of the diffuser connection piece 206. A radially inward-facing locking lug is provided at each free end of the fastening arms.When the diffuser device 20 is mounted, the locking lugs of the fixing elements 214 engage behind the locking collar 38 on the outlet nozzle 34 of the filter housing 14 and thus form a quickly connectable and non-destructively separable locking connection between the diffuser device 20 and the filter housing 14.

[0194] Diffuser connection piece 206 merges integrally into the fluid guide section 202 on its side axially remote from the free end. The fluid guide section 202 itself is also integral. The fluid guide section 202 comprises, for example, a total of eight fluid guide channels 216. The fluid guide channels 216 are arranged, for example, in two channel groups 224. Each channel group 224 comprises four of the fluid guide channels 216.

[0195] The fluid guide channels 216 have, for example, identical shapes and dimensions. On their radially inner sides, the fluid guide channels 216 are connected to the diffuser inlet channel 208 via respective fluid connection openings 228. The fluid guide channels 216 extend radially outward toward the diffuser main flow axis 204 at an angle to the diffuser main flow axis 204. On the radially outer circumferential side, the fluid guide channels 216 each have, for example, a rectangular channel outlet opening 230.

[0196] The fluid guide channels 216 each have, for example, a rectangular cross-section. The fluid guide channels 216 widen in width, tangential to the diffuser main flow axis 204, from their respective fluid connection opening 228 to the channel outlet opening 230.

[0197] Each fluid guide channel 216 is defined by two central fluid guide surfaces 218, opposite one another with respect to a respective channel axis 222, and two lateral fluid guide surfaces 220, also opposite one another with respect to the channel axis 222. The fluid guide surfaces 218 and 220 are each planar. The two central fluid guide surfaces 218 run parallel to one another. The two lateral fluid guide surfaces 220 also run parallel to one another. The central fluid guide surfaces 218 and the lateral fluid guide surfaces 220 of a fluid channel 216 run perpendicular to one another. The lateral fluid guide surfaces 220 each have the shape of a parallelogram. The central fluid guide surfaces 218 each have the shape of an isosceles trapezoid. The central fluid guide surfaces 218 of a channel group 224 run parallel to one another.

[0198] The central fluid guide surfaces 218 are each realized on central channel walls 225. Adjacent central fluid guide surfaces 218 of adjacent fluid channels 216 of a channel group 224 are realized on opposite sides of the same central channel wall 225. The lateral fluid guide surfaces 220 on the same side of a channel group 224 are realized on a common lateral channel wall 227. The lateral channel walls 227 overall have the shape of a parallelogram. The central channel walls 225 and the lateral channel walls 227 are each planar, for example. An imaginary plane spanned by the edges of the channel outlet openings 230 of a channel group 224 runs parallel to the diffuser main flow axis 204. For example, the planes of the edges of the channel outlet openings 230 of the two opposite channel groups 224 also run parallel to one another.

[0199] The two channel groups 224, each with four fluid channels 216, are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the diffuser's main flow axis 204. For example, the channel groups 224 are arranged and configured symmetrically with respect to an imaginary plane of symmetry with the diffuser's main flow axis 204. The channel groups 224 are each located on the same side of the diffuser connection piece 206 as one of the fixing elements 214. In this way, the force introduction via the fixing elements 214 into the outlet piece 34 can be improved.

[0200] The fluid channels 216, or the channel axes 222, and the central fluid guide surfaces 218 each extend at an acute angle 226 to the diffuser main flow axis 204.

[0201] The angle 226 is approximately 120°, for example. The angle 226 can also have a different value, preferably between 90° and 180°. Due to the inclination of the fluid guide channels 216 and the central fluid guide surfaces 218 relative to the diffuser main flow axis 204, the filtered fluid flowing into the diffuser inlet channel 208 is deflected accordingly.

[0202] During operation of the filter 12, fluid to be filtered flows through the fluid inlet 54 into the interior of the housing connection part 24. From there, the fluid to be filtered flows into an annular space of the housing pot 22 that radially surrounds the filter medium 98 on the outside. From the annular space, the fluid to be filtered flows through the filter medium 98 from radially inside to radially outside, is filtered with it, and enters the element interior 102. The filtered fluid passes through the center tube 50 into the outlet nozzle 34.

[0203] If the filter medium 98 is clogged, the fluid to be filtered passes directly through the bypass valve arrangement 18 into the element interior 102 and from there into the outlet connection 34.

[0204] The fluid flows from the outlet nozzle 34 into the diffuser inlet channel 208 and flows along the diffuser main flow axis 204 into the diffuser inlet channel 208.

[0205] The fluid is distributed among the eight fluid guide channels 216, thereby increasing the overall flow cross-section. The increase in the flow cross-section slows and calms the flow. The already calmed fluid is guided in the fluid guide channels 216 along the fluid guide surfaces 218 and 220 and is further calmed due to the widening of the fluid guide channels 216. Furthermore, the flow direction of the fluid is redirected by the fluid guide channels 216.

[0206] The calmed fluid enters the tank 10 through the channel outlet openings 230.

[0207] By slowing the fluid flow, the fluid remains in the tank 10 longer than would be the case without the diffuser device 20. This allows for better separation of gases entrained by the fluid, such as air. By redirecting the fluid flow upward toward the liquid surface in the tank 10, gas bubbles in the filtered fluid are also forced to move toward the liquid surface. This separates the gas bubbles from the fluid.

[0208] In the Figure 9 A filter arrangement with two filters 12 is shown. The elements that make up the filter 12 from the Figures 1 to 8are similar, are provided with the same reference numerals. The filters 12 are connected in parallel for fluidic purposes. The respective fluid inlets 54 are connected to one another via a central fluid inlet connection 358 and can be connected to a corresponding fluid supply line via a common connecting flange 62.

[0209] In the Figures 10 and 11 A filter arrangement with two filters 412 is shown in perspective view and in a section. In contrast to the filter 12 from the Figures 1 to 8 In the second embodiment, the bypass valve arrangements 18 of the filters 412 are arranged spatially at the bottom of the filter housings 14. Instead, the respective fluid outlets 430 are arranged spatially at the top. Diffuser devices, as in the first embodiment, are not used in the embodiment shown in the Figures 10 and 11 waived.

[0210] In the Figures 12 and 13A bypass valve arrangement 18 according to a second embodiment is shown. The elements that make up the filter 12 from the Figures 1 to 8 are similar, are provided with the same reference numerals. In contrast to the first embodiment from the Figures 1 to 8 In the second embodiment, the valve seat element 126 forms the peripheral wall of the valve housing 120. The valve seat 134 is located axially approximately in the center of the peripheral wall of the valve housing 120. The valve seat element thread 192 is designed as an internal thread in the region of the free end of the peripheral wall. The valve housing thread 174 is implemented as an external thread on the side of the base portion 146.

[0211] The guide cylinder 140 for the valve closure body 122 is hollow. The guide cylinder 140 is open at both ends and connects the interior of the valve closure body 122 with the environment below the bottom section 146.

[0212] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the bypass valve assembly 18, instead of the handling element 198 in the form of a hexagon socket, several handling elements 498 in the form of openings are arranged circumferentially distributed on the end face of the valve seat element 26. The radially outer circumferential side of the base portion 446 is designed as an external hexagon, which can be engaged by appropriate tools, for example, wrenches or the like, for assembling the bypass valve assembly 18.

[0213] In the Figures 14 to 16 A diffuser device 20 according to a second embodiment is shown. The elements that make up the filter 12 from the Figures 1 to 8 are similar, are provided with the same reference numerals. In contrast to the first embodiment from the Figures 1 to 8In the second embodiment, a total of four channel groups 224, each with three fluid guide channels 216, are arranged evenly distributed around the diffuser main flow axis 204.

[0214] The radially outer edges of the central fluid guide surfaces 218 extend along an imaginary coaxial circular cylinder surface. The fluid guide channels 216 widen outward. The central fluid guide surfaces 218 widen in the direction of fluid flow.

[0215] Viewed in the axial direction, the fluid guide channels 216 each extend approximately spirally. Viewed in the radial direction, the fluid guide channels 216 each extend approximately helically.

Claims

1. A filter (12; 412) for filtering fluid, having at least one filter housing (14) featuring at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) for fluid to be filtered and at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) for filtered fluid, having at least one filter element (16) disposed in the at least one filter housing (14) in such a way that it separates the at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) from the at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) in terms of fluid flow, having at least one bypass valve arrangement (18) disposed in terms of fluid flow between the at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) and the at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) in such a way that the at least one bypass valve arrangement (18) connects, in its open state, the at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) to the at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) in terms of fluid flow, wherein the at least one bypass valve arrangement (18) features at least one valve closure element (122) movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, and at least one valve seat (134), against which the at least one valve closure element (122) can sealingly rest in at least one closed position, characterized in that the at least one bypass valve arrangement (18) features at least one valve housing (120), in which the at least one valve closure element (122) is movably disposed, and at least one valve seat element (126) featuring at least one valve seat (134), wherein the at least one valve seat element (126) is connected to at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) using at least one mechanical connection (174, 192), wherein the connection is realizable using at least one relative rotation between the at least one valve seat element (126) and the at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) about an imaginary valve axis (128) of the at least one bypass valve arrangement (18), wherein the valve housing (120) features at least one radially acting valve sealing section (170; 172) with respect to the valve axis (128), said valve sealing section interacting sealingly with at least one element sealing section (116; 118) on the side of at least one filter element (16), wherein at least one valve seat element (126) features at least one housing fastening element (178) by which the at least one valve seat element (126) is connectable to at least one part of the filter housing (14), wherein at least one housing fastening element (176) of at least the valve seat element (126) features at least one snap-in hook and / or a snap-in hook arrangement, wherein the at least one valve seat element (126) is connectable to a housing cover (26) of the filter housing (14), in particular using at least one housing fastening element (126).

2. The filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one mechanical connection (174, 192) between the at least one valve seat element (126) and the at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) is a screwed connection.

3. The filter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one valve seat element (126) features at least one thread (192), in particular an external thread and / or an internal thread, and / or that the at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) features at least one thread (174), in particular an internal thread and / or an external thread, and / or that at least one thread (192) of at least one valve seat element (126) and / or at least one thread (174) of the at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) is a non-self-tapping thread and / or that at least one thread of at least one valve seat element and / or at least one thread of the at least one part of the at least one valve housing is a self-tapping thread.

4. The filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one valve seat element (126) features at least one housing fastening element (178) by which the at least one valve seat element (126) is connected to at least one part of the at least one filter housing (14).

5. The filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one valve seat element (126) features at least one handling section (194) at which the at least one valve seat element (126) can be handled for being connected to the at least one valve housing (120).

6. The filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one bypass valve arrangement (18) features at least one valve return element (124) engaging on at least one valve closure element (122) on the one hand and at least one valve housing (120) on the other hand.

7. The filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one valve seat element (126) and / or the at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) features at least one sealing means (186, 196) for sealing an area between the at least one valve seat element (126) and the at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120).

8. The filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter (12; 412) is an in-tank filter and / or that the filter is a liquid filter and / or a gas filter.

9. The filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one valve seat element (126) is a hollow cylinder with at least one thread (192), in particular internal thread and / or external thread.

10. The filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter (12) features at least one diffuser device (20) connected to at least one fluid outlet (30).

11. A bypass valve arrangement (18) for a filter (12; 412) for filtering fluid, wherein the bypass valve arrangement (18) can be disposed in terms of fluid flow between at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) and at least one fluid outlet (30; 430) of the filter (12; 412) in such a way that the at least one bypass valve arrangement (18), in its open state, connects the at least one fluid inlet (54; 454) in terms of fluid flow to the at least one fluid outlet (30; 430), and wherein the at least one bypass valve arrangement (18) features at least one valve closure element (122) movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, and at least one valve seat (134), against which the at least one valve closure element (122) can sealingly rest in at least one closed position, characterized in that the at least one bypass valve arrangement (18) features at least one valve housing (120), in which the at least one valve closure element (122) is movably disposed, and at least one valve seat element (126) featuring at least one valve seat (134), wherein the at least one valve seat element (126) is connected to at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) using at least one mechanical connection, wherein the mechanical connection is realizable using at least one relative rotation between the at least one valve seat element (126) and the at least one part (170; 146) of the at least one valve housing (120) about an imaginary valve axis (128) of the at least one bypass valve arrangement (18), wherein the valve housing (120) features at least one radially acting valve sealing section (170; 172) with respect to the valve axis (128), said valve sealing section being able to interact sealingly with at least one element sealing section (116; 118) on the side of at least one filter element (16), wherein at least one valve seat element (126) features at least one housing fastening element (178) by which the at least one valve seat element (126) is connectable to at least one part of the filter housing (14), wherein at least one housing fastening element (176) of at least the valve seat element (126) features at least one snap-in hook and / or a snap-in hook arrangement, wherein the at least one valve seat element is connectable to a housing cover (26) of the filter housing (14), in particular using at least one housing fastening element (126).

12. A filter element (16) for a filter (12; 412) according to one of the claims 1 to 10, for filtering fluid, having at least one bypass valve arrangement (18) according to claim 11 attached to an end body (108) of the filter element (16) in such a way that, in its open state, the at least one bypass valve arrangement (18) connects at least one raw fluid side of the filter element (16) in terms of fluid flow to at least one clean fluid side of the filter element (16), wherein the at least one bypass valve arrangement (18) features at least one valve closure element (122) movable between at least one closed position and at least one open position, and at least one valve seat (134), against which the at least one valve closure element (122) can sealingly rest in at least one closed position, wherein the filter element (16) features at least one accommodating means (108, 102) for at least one bypass valve arrangement (18), characterized in that at least one element sealing section, with which at least one valve sealing section on the side of an at least one bypass valve arrangement cooperates in a sealing manner, is disposed on an end body of the filter element (16).