CLOSURE ELEMENT FOR AT LEAST ONE DRAIN OPENING OF A FILTER SYSTEM, FILTER HOUSING PART OF A FILTER SYSTEM, FILTER ELEMENT, FILTER SYSTEM, USE OF A FILTER ELEMENT AND A CLOSURE ELEMENT IN A FILTER SYSTEM

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a closure element for at least one drain opening of a filter system, a filter housing part of a filter system, a filter element, a corresponding filter system and a use of a filter element and a closure element in such a filter system. State of the art

[0002] Filter systems with replaceable filter elements are known to those skilled in the art. These filter systems comprise a housing in which a replaceable filter element is arranged, wherein a filter medium of the filter element filters a fluid flow passing through the filter element. The housing can comprise at least two housing parts which are detachably connected to one another. In their connected state, the housing parts form a cavity in which the filter element is replaceably arranged. At least one of the housing parts includes at least one drain opening. By releasing the at least one drain opening, the fluid in the housing can be drained out.

[0003] Closure elements that close the at least one drain opening of the filter system in at least one first position and at least partially open it in at least one second position are also known. The closure elements can comprise at least one sealing element and at least one connecting element.

[0004] A replaceable filter element typically comprises a filter medium, which is, for example, shaped like a hollow cylinder and through which a fluid to be cleaned flows from an outer to an inner surface. The filter medium is closed at two opposite ends by at least two end plates. A central tube can support the filter medium from the inside against the hydraulic pressure of the flowing fluid. At least one end plate can have at least one drain opening. By opening this drain opening, the fluid can be drained from the housing.

[0005] Corresponding uses of a filter element and a closure element in such a filter system are also known to those skilled in the art.

[0006] DE 102013216853 B4 discloses a filter device for filtering a fluid, in particular a motor vehicle fluid, comprising a filter housing and a filter element to be coupled to it via a fluid-conducting connection. The fluid-conducting connection has a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-sectional shape, to which the filter element is coupled by means of a sliding movement to the filter housing.

[0007] The filter device includes at least one electrical contact between the filter housing and the filter element, which is also established by means of the sliding movement.

[0008] EP 3666363 A1 discloses a fluid filter element. The fluid filter element comprises a filter medium arranged in a cylindrical configuration around a longitudinal axis. The fluid filter element further comprises a first and a second end disk, which are arranged at opposite cylindrical ends of the filter medium and sealed to it, the second end disk defining an outlet for filtered fluid. The fluid filter element further comprises at least one locking projection arranged on the second end disk for rotatably locking the fluid filter to the filter support by rotating the fluid filter element about the longitudinal axis in a first direction of rotation relative to the filter support.The fluid filter element also comprises at least one releasable holder, which is arranged on the second end disk and to which at least one locking projection is assigned in order to keep the at least one locking projection in locking engagement with the filter carrier, and which, when released, enables a rotatable unlocking of the fluid filter element from the filter carrier by rotating the fluid filter element about the longitudinal axis in a second direction of rotation relative to the filter carrier opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0009] From US patent 2017 / 0197160 A1, a filter system with a housing-side sealing element is known, which closes the clean side. When the filter element is inserted, the sealing element is opened by an actuating element on the filter element.

[0010] From DE 10 2015 008 693 A1, a hollow filter element with a closure element arranged on an axial end face is known, which closes a drain opening in the housing. The closing axis of the closure element is eccentric to the element axis.

[0011] WO 2014 / 191476A1 describes a filter element with a fluid path for a first fluid and a second fluid path for guiding a second fluid, wherein a check valve is arranged in the second fluid path which blocks the second fluid path when a flow of the first fluid is interrupted. Disclosure of the invention

[0012] One object of the invention is to create a closure element for at least one drain opening of a filter system, which can be easily attached to the filter system in the intended position.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to create a filter housing part of a filter system whose drain opening can be reliably sealed by a closure element.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to create a filter element whose drain opening can be reliably sealed by a closure element.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to create a filter system which can be reliably sealed by a sealing element.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to create a use of a filter element in a filter system that can be implemented easily.

[0017] Another objective of the invention is to create a use of a closure element in a filter system that can be implemented easily.

[0018] The aforementioned problem is solved according to one aspect of the invention with a closure element for at least one drain opening of a filter system comprising a connecting segment and a closure segment adjoining it in the longitudinal direction, wherein at least one central axis of the closure segment is arranged offset to at least one central axis of the connecting segment.

[0019] Another problem is solved by a filter housing part for a filter system with an interior and a drain opening coupled to the interior, wherein the drain opening has at least two sections arranged longitudinally one behind the other, wherein at least one connecting section has a longitudinally extending central axis and at least one sealing section has a longitudinally extending central axis. The central axis of the at least one connecting section is offset from the central axis of the at least one sealing section. The at least one connecting section of the drain opening and the connecting segment of the closure element form a detachable connection, and at least one of the sealing areas of the closure segment of the closure element forms a sealing arrangement with at least one sealing area of ​​the at least one sealing section of the drain opening.

[0020] Another problem is solved by a filter element with a filter medium and at least one end disk, wherein the at least one end disk has an engagement section with at least one central axis and at least one engagement area extending at least partially circumferentially. The at least one central axis of the engagement section is arranged offset from at least one further central axis of the filter element, or offset from the central axis of the end disk, or offset from the further central axis of the filter element and offset from the central axis of the end disk.

[0021] Another problem is solved by a filter system with a filter housing part comprising an interior and a drain opening coupled to the interior, wherein the drain opening includes at least two offset central axes. A closure element with at least two offset central axes seals the drain opening in at least a first position and at least partially releases the drain opening in at least a second position. A filter element with an engagement section is arranged in the interior of the filter housing part, wherein the engagement section engages or can be brought into engagement with at least one sealing area of ​​the closure element.

[0022] Another problem is solved by using a filter element in a filter system, wherein the filter element is inserted into an interior of the filter housing part and is aligned to the filter housing part in such a way that at least one central axis of the engagement section of the filter element is offset to at least one central axis of the drain opening of the filter housing part.

[0023] Another problem is solved by using a closure element in a filter system, wherein the closure element is inserted into the drain opening of the filter housing part. At least one first section of a closure segment projects into the at least one sealing section of the drain opening. The at least one sealing area of ​​the closure segment and at least one sealing element seal the drain opening at the corresponding sealing area of ​​the sealing section. The central axis of the first section is arranged coincidentally with the central axis of the sealing section. A connecting element of the connecting segment of the closure element forms a detachable connection with a connecting element of the connecting section of the drain opening, wherein the central axis of the connecting segment is arranged coincidentally with the central axis of the connecting section.

[0024] Favorable embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, a closure element for at least one drain opening of a filter system is proposed, comprising a connecting segment and a closure segment adjoining it longitudinally, the closure segment having at least one sealing area. The connecting segment and the closure segment each have at least one longitudinally extending central axis, wherein at least one of the central axes of the closure segment is offset from at least one of the central axes of the connecting segment.

[0026] It goes without saying that the closure element according to the invention is not only suitable for closing drain openings of filter systems, but also for closing drain openings of other fluid pans or sumps, such as oil pans of internal combustion engines or transmissions. In any case, the invention is explicitly not limited to the use of the closure element according to the invention in filter systems.

[0027] A sealing element is understood to be a component that can be inserted into at least one drain opening of the filter system and, when inserted, seals it in at least one first position. The sealing element is detachably connected to the at least one drain opening. The sealing element comprises a connecting segment and a sealing segment.

[0028] A closure segment is understood to be a segment which, in at least one first position of the closure element, can seal at least one of the drain openings of the filter system. For this purpose, a sealing element or elements can be arranged between a corresponding sealing area of ​​the closure segment and a sealing area of ​​a sealing section of the drain opening. During the insertion of the closure element into the drain opening, a sealing element can be positioned either at the sealing area of ​​the closure segment or at the sealing area of ​​the corresponding sealing section of the drain opening.If the sealing arrangement has several sealing elements, these can be arranged on the sealing area of ​​the sealing segment or on the sealing area of ​​the corresponding sealing section of the drain opening during the insertion of the closure element into the drain opening, or at least one sealing element can be arranged on the sealing area of ​​the closure segment and at least one further sealing element can be arranged on the sealing area of ​​the corresponding sealing section of the drain opening.

[0029] A connecting segment is understood to be a segment which can be detachably connected to a connecting section of the drain opening.

[0030] The central axes of the locking element each run through the center of the cross-section of the corresponding segment or a corresponding section of the segment. The cross-sections of the segments and the cross-sections of the segment sections can be identical and merely offset from one another. Additionally, the segments can differ from each other, particularly in the design of their cross-sections.

[0031] The cross-sections of the segments or the cross-sections of the sections can be rotationally symmetrical about the corresponding central axis or mirror-symmetrical about at least one plane or axis passing through the corresponding central axis. In the case of non-circular cross-sections, the cross-sections can differ from one another in their orientation.

[0032] The cross-sections of the segments or the sections of the segments can differ in their geometric shape, for example, being angular or round. Furthermore, the cross-sections can differ in area or in the size of their diameters or edge lengths, even if they are of the same shape.

[0033] For example, the closure element can be cylindrical. In this case, the connecting segment and the closure segment can each have a round cross-section. Furthermore, the segments can have several sections with corresponding cross-sections of different or the same diameter. In an alternative embodiment, the closure segment, the connecting segment, or both the closure segment and the connecting element can have at least one rectangular cross-section. This allows the closure element to be adapted to different sections of the drain openings.

[0034] The central axes each run parallel to a longitudinal direction of the locking element. The central axes can be offset from each other by 0.1 mm to 3 mm, and in particular by 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Due to the offset of the central axes of the locking element, at least one area on an outer contour of the locking element is formed with an offset. Further areas with an offset on the outer contour can be formed by segments or by sections of segments with different cross-sections.

[0035] The offset area or areas of the outer contour allow a user to easily verify whether the closure element or segments of the closure element are positioned in the intended location within the drain opening.

[0036] Furthermore, at least one offset on the outer contour of the closure element can create a stop that defines the final position of the closure element in the drain opening and makes it more difficult to insert the closure element too deeply into the drain opening or into the interior of the filter system connected to the drain opening. The offset of the center axes can prevent or at least hinder assembly errors such as insufficient or excessive insertion depth of the closure element into the drain opening, or insertion with a different orientation than specified. Additionally, the arrangement of a sealing element between the sealing area of ​​the closure segment and the corresponding sealing area of ​​the drain opening's sealing section can be facilitated, for example, in a less exposed area of ​​the drain opening.The offset central axes make it more difficult to use inferior parts as replacements for the locking element and facilitate compliance with a quality standard.

[0037] In a favorable embodiment, the connecting segment can be rotatably mounted on the closure segment. This rotatable mounting prevents radial forces from being transmitted from the connecting segment to the closure segment when the connecting segment is inserted into the drain opening and / or attached to the drain opening. Alternatively, the rotatable mounting of the connecting segment on the closure segment can reduce radial forces during insertion and / or attachment of the connecting segment to the drain opening. In this case, primarily axial forces in the longitudinal direction act on the closure segment. This prevents or hinders twisting, twisting, and / or slippage of the sealing element on the closure segment. As a result, shearing of the sealing elements is less likely.This increases the probability that, when the closure element is inserted and secured in the drain opening, the sealing element is positioned with a predefined shape in a predetermined area between the corresponding sealing area of ​​the drain opening and the corresponding sealing area of ​​the closure segment. This ensures a reliable seal for this section of the drain opening. The closure segment can be rigidly coupled to the connecting segment, allowing axial forces to be easily transferred to the closure segment. The closure segment and the connecting segment can be coupled to each other via a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement can include snap-fit ​​elements, screw elements, clip elements, detent elements, and / or clamping elements.Various coupling methods are possible between the connecting segment and the locking segment. This coupling can be detachable or permanent.

[0038] According to a favorable embodiment, the closure segment can have at least two sections, each section comprising a sealing area and a central axis. The sections can seal against different elements of the filter system or against different sealing sections of the drain opening using at least one corresponding sealing element. This allows for a reliable seal of various areas of the filter system with a single closure element. Several sections of the closure segment can have different cross-sections. This allows the sealing areas of different sections to be offset inwards or outwards along the outer contour of the closure segment.Additionally, several sections of the closure segment can share a common central axis, allowing the corresponding sealing areas to be arranged coaxially around this common axis. In an alternative embodiment, the central axes of the closure segment sections can be offset from one another. The sealing areas each extend around the corresponding central axis. Here, the sealing areas of different sections can also be positioned inwards or outwards along the outer contour of the closure element. In this embodiment, the cross-sections of the sections can be identical or different. Several sealing areas can be fixed at an angle to the closure segment. The sealing areas of the closure segment can have at least one receptacle for the sealing element or at least one contact surface for the sealing element.A sealing receptacle can correspond to a sealing groove in which a sealing element is inserted. The sealing areas and corresponding sealing elements can, in particular, be arranged continuously around the entire circumference of the closure segment. Here, several sealing areas can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. In an alternative embodiment, several sealing areas can be arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the corresponding central axis. Optionally or additionally, several sealing areas can be arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to an axis running in the plane of the corresponding cross-section and through the corresponding central axis.

[0039] According to a favorable embodiment, the connecting segment can have at least one connecting element that is complementary to a connecting element of the drain opening. For example, the connecting element can be an external thread, a bayonet fitting, a snap-fit ​​connection, a clamping connection, a clip connection, or a snap-fit ​​connection. The connecting elements on the connecting segment and the drain opening allow the connecting segment to be easily and detachably connected to the drain opening.

[0040] According to a favorable embodiment, the connecting segment can have at least one actuating element at one end for initiating an actuating torque. The end of the connecting segment that has the actuating element can be an end facing away from the locking segment. The at least one actuating element can, for example, have an engagement contour in the form of an internal hexagon, external hexagon, slotted, cross-recessed, or internal multi-tooth profile.

[0041] The engagement contour can protrude from the surface of the end region or be recessed into the surface. The engagement contour can correspond to known contours, such as a multi-tooth contour, or it can be adapted to a specific tool. Optionally, the actuating element can be a lever connected to the end region. The actuating element allows the user to easily transfer force to the closure element, thus facilitating the connection of the connecting segment to the drain opening's connecting section and the disconnection of the connecting segment from the drain opening's connecting section. Depending on the design of the actuating element, suitable tools can be used.Furthermore, the tools can be adapted to the filter system or to the installation space in which the filter system is located, and can therefore also be used to introduce forces when the actuating element is difficult to access from the outside.

[0042] In a favorable embodiment, the connecting segment can have a larger cross-section than the closure segment. The connecting segment can project at least partially beyond the closure segment. This allows for easy control over which segment is inserted into the drain opening first, further simplifying the installation of the closure element within the drain opening. The closure element can be inserted into a drain opening that includes a connecting segment and at least one sealing segment. The sealing segment is located at an end of the drain opening facing the interior of the filter system, while the connecting segment is located at an end of the drain opening facing away from the interior of the filter system.The larger cross-section of the closure segment can cover the inner sealing section, thereby protecting the at least one sealing element located between the sealing area of ​​the drain opening in the sealing section and the sealing area of ​​the closure segment from external influences. For example, the at least one sealing element can be protected from dirt or other external influences.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention, a filter housing part for a filter system is proposed, comprising an interior space and a drain opening coupled to the interior space. A closing element seals the drain opening in at least a first position and at least partially releases the drain opening in at least a second position. The drain opening has at least two sections arranged longitudinally one behind the other, wherein at least one connecting section has a longitudinally extending central axis and at least one sealing section has a longitudinally extending central axis and at least one sealing area.The central axis of the at least one connecting section is arranged offset from the central axis of the at least one sealing section, wherein the at least one connecting section of the drain opening and a connecting segment of the closure element form a detachable connection and at least one of the sealing areas of a closure segment of the closure element with the sealing area of ​​the at least one sealing section of the drain opening with a sealing element form a sealing arrangement.

[0044] In at least one first position of the closure element, the central axis of the connecting segment of the closure element is aligned with the central axis of the corresponding connecting section of the drain opening. At least one of the central axes of the closure segment of the closure element, which is offset from at least one of the central axes of the connecting segment, is aligned with the central axis of the corresponding sealing section of the drain opening. In this case, the drain opening and the closure element have the same axial offset. The offset axes of the closure element and the drain opening determine the orientation of the closure element within the drain opening.Furthermore, the drain opening on the inner wall features projections and / or indentations due to the offset central axes of the sections. These projections and / or indentations are complementary to the projections and / or indentations on the outer contour of the closure element. This creates stops for the closure element within the drain opening, defining a final position during insertion. Additionally, the projections and / or indentations allow the user to better assess whether the segments of the closure element are positioned correctly within the designated sections of the drain opening. By reliably positioning the closure segment in a predetermined location, a reliable seal of the drain opening can be achieved.

[0045] A sealing element can be designed as a sealing ring and arranged between the corresponding sealing areas of the closure segment and the sealing section of the drain opening. The at least one sealing section of the drain opening can have a sealing area configured as a sealing receptacle or a sealing surface. The closure segment can also have a sealing area configured as a sealing receptacle or a sealing surface. In the at least one first position of the closure element, the at least one sealing area of ​​the closure segment is arranged opposite the at least one sealing area of ​​the corresponding sealing section of the drain opening.

[0046] The drain opening can be positioned off-center on a cylindrical filter housing part. Alternatively, the drain opening can be located on a lower side of the filter housing part, in the direction of gravity. This allows the center axes of the drain opening to be offset from a center axis of the filter housing part.

[0047] The filter housing part can be designed as a filter pot for a liquid filter, in particular a fuel or oil filter.

[0048] According to a favorable embodiment, the at least one connecting section can be arranged on a region of the drain opening facing away from the interior of the filter housing part, and the at least one sealing section can be arranged on a region of the drain opening facing the interior of the filter housing part. This allows a first section of the closure segment to be located on the sealing section, and at least one further section of the closure segment to project into the interior of the filter housing part. Furthermore, this arrangement prevents the connecting elements of the connecting segment and the connecting section, and / or the coupling elements of the closure element, from coming into contact with the fluid when the drain opening is sealed.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, at least one connecting section of the drain opening can have a larger cross-section than at least one sealing section of the drain opening. This allows the drain opening to taper from the outside to the inside, thus defining an insertion direction and orientation of the closure element during insertion. Furthermore, the connecting segment can project at least partially beyond the closure segment. This simplifies the process of determining which segment is inserted into the drain opening first, thereby further facilitating the installation of the closure element within the drain opening. The sealing section is associated with an end region of the drain opening facing the interior of the filter system, while the connecting section is associated with an end region of the drain opening facing away from the interior of the filter system.The larger cross-section of the closure segment can cover the inner sealing section, thereby protecting the at least one sealing element located between the sealing area of ​​the drain opening in the sealing section and the sealing area of ​​the closure segment from external influences. For example, the at least one sealing element can be protected from dirt or other external influences.

[0050] According to a favorable embodiment, the at least one connecting section of the drain opening and the connecting segment of the closure element can each have mutually complementary detachable connecting elements. For example, the connecting segment of the closure element can have an external thread and the connecting section of the drain opening an internal thread. Optionally or additionally, the connecting segment can have at least one spring-loaded element that engages in a corresponding receptacle of the connecting section of the drain opening. Optionally or additionally, the connecting section of the drain opening can have at least one spring-loaded element that engages in a corresponding receptacle of the connecting segment. Optionally or additionally, a projection can be arranged on the connecting segment that is inserted into a kinked or bent guide recess of the connecting section.Alternatively or additionally, the projection can also be located on the connecting section and the guide recess on the connecting segment. A variety of connection arrangements are conceivable and feasible. By rotatably mounting the connecting segment on the closure segment, the rotational movement of the connecting segment during connection with the connecting section is essentially prevented from being transferred to the closure segment. This reduces mechanical stress on at least one sealing element.

[0051] According to a favorable embodiment, the walls of the drain opening outside the at least one sealing area can have a profile. This prevents sealing elements from being arranged in areas other than the specified sealing areas. This ensures that sealing elements are located in protected areas, thereby extending the service life of the sealing elements and / or improving their reliability.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the invention, a filter element comprising a filter medium and at least one end disk is proposed, wherein the at least one end disk has an engagement section with at least one longitudinally extending central axis and at least one engagement area. At least one of the central axes of the engagement section is offset from at least one further central axis of the filter element and / or from the central axis of the end disk. The filter element can have several central axes. A casing, which can at least partially surround the filter medium, can extend around at least one central axis, and each end disk has a central axis. In addition, the filter medium can have a central axis. An inlet can also have a longitudinally extending central axis if appropriately oriented.

[0053] The jacket can be positioned centrally or off-center on the end disc. The jacket's central axis can be congruent with the central axis of the end disc or with the central axis of the drain opening. An offset arrangement of the jacket's central axis relative to the end disc's central axis, the drain opening's central axis, or both the end disc's central axis and the drain opening is also conceivable. Multiple end discs can have congruent central axes or offset central axes.

[0054] The filter element can be positioned centrally or off-center within the filter housing. A further section of the sealing element's closure segment, projecting into the interior of the filter housing, can extend into the filter element's drain opening and seal it.

[0055] The end plate of the filter element, or another part of the filter element, such as the central tube or an outer casing, may have guide elements and fastening elements. The filter element can be guided by corresponding guide elements of the filter housing part, thereby positioning the filter element in a predetermined end position and, depending on the guide, in a specific orientation within the filter housing part. The fastening elements allow the filter element to be fixed to the filter housing part in this position, thus preventing unintentional slippage of the filter element within the filter housing part during operation, transport, or when inserting the sealing element.

[0056] According to an exemplary further embodiment of the filter element, the engagement section can be a drain opening that breaks through the end disk and communicates fluidically with an element interior, and wherein the engagement area is a sealing area.

[0057] In other embodiments, the engagement section can also be a purely mechanical engagement element that does not penetrate the end plate and therefore does not enable a draining function. For example, the engagement element can be provided as a nozzle or sleeve section on the end plate. The nozzle or sleeve section can have a circumferentially extending wall, which may be continuous or interrupted. In an operating state of the filter element in a filter system, the engagement section and / or the drain opening can engage a second section of the closure segment of the closure element. Either the engagement of the second section of the closure segment of the closure element serves only for a purely mechanical connection, or it achieves a sealing effect to control a fluid draining process.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the invention, a filter system with a filter housing part is proposed, which comprises an interior space and a drain opening coupled to the interior space, wherein a closing element seals the drain opening in at least a first position and at least partially releases the drain opening in at least a second position, wherein a filter element with an engagement section is arranged in the interior space of the filter housing part, wherein the engagement section of the filter element engages or can be brought into engagement with at least a sealing area of ​​the closing element.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the engagement section of the filter element can be a drain opening, wherein the drain opening of the filter element is fluidically coupled to the drain opening of the filter housing part, preferably via an end region of the drain opening of the filter element facing the filter housing part.

[0060] The drain opening of the filter housing part can have at least two sections arranged longitudinally one behind the other, wherein at least one connecting section has a longitudinally extending central axis and at least one sealing section has a longitudinally extending central axis and at least one sealing area. The central axis of the at least one connecting section is offset from the central axis of the at least one sealing section, wherein the at least one connecting section of the drain opening and the connecting segment of the closure element form a detachable connection, and at least one of the sealing areas of the closure segment of the closure element forms a sealing arrangement with the sealing area of ​​the at least one sealing section of the drain opening with at least one sealing element.

[0061] In at least one first position of the closure element, the central axis of the connecting segment of the closure element is aligned with the central axis of the corresponding connecting section of the drain opening. At least one of the central axes of the closure segment of the closure element, which is offset from at least one of the central axes of the connecting segment, is aligned with the central axis of the corresponding sealing section of the drain opening. The offset axes of the closure element and the drain opening determine the orientation of the closure element within the drain opening. Furthermore, the drain opening has projections and / or indentations on its inner wall, formed by the offset central axes of the sections, which are complementary to projections and / or indentations on the outer contour of the closure element.This creates stops for the sealing element in the drain opening, defining a final position during insertion. Furthermore, the protrusions and / or notches allow the user to better assess whether the segments of the sealing element are positioned within the designated sections of the drain opening. By reliably positioning the sealing segment in a predetermined location, a reliable seal of the drain opening can be achieved.

[0062] A sealing element can be designed as a sealing ring and arranged between the sealing area of ​​the closure segment and the corresponding sealing area of ​​the sealing section of the drain opening. The at least one sealing section of the drain opening can have a sealing area configured as a sealing receptacle or a sealing surface. The closure segment can also have a sealing area configured as a sealing receptacle or a sealing surface. In the at least one first position of the closure element, the at least one sealing area of ​​the closure segment is arranged opposite the at least one sealing area of ​​the corresponding sealing section of the drain opening.

[0063] The drain opening can be positioned off-center on a cylindrical filter housing part. Alternatively, the drain opening can be located on a lower side of the filter housing part, in the direction of gravity. This allows the center axes of the drain opening to be offset from a center axis of the filter housing part.

[0064] The filter element can be positioned centrally or off-center within the filter housing. One of the additional sections of the closure element's sealing segment, which projects into the interior of the filter housing, can extend into the filter element's drain opening and seal it.

[0065] According to a favorable embodiment, the central axis of the filter element's drain opening can be offset from the central axis of the filter element and / or from a central axis of the filter housing part and / or from at least one central axis of the filter housing part's drain opening. Since the filter element's drain opening is offset from at least one other central axis of the filter element or the filter housing part, the number of possible orientations of the filter element within the filter housing part can be reduced. This allows for a predetermined orientation or arrangement of the filter element within the filter housing part, thereby reducing installation errors. Furthermore, it prevents filter elements from being installed in the filter housing part without at least one central axis offset from other central axes. This ensures a consistent quality standard.

[0066] Furthermore, the central axis of the drain opening and the central axis of a second section of the closure element, which projects into the drain opening of the filter element when the closure element is inserted, can be congruent. The central axis of the second section of the closure segment can be offset from at least one central axis of the closure element. The offset axes of the closure element and the drain opening of the filter element determine the orientation of the closure element. In addition, the closure element has further projections and notches that are complementary to projections and / or notches at the transition between the drain opening of the filter housing part and the drain opening of the filter element. This creates stops for the closure element, defining a final position during insertion.Furthermore, the protrusions and / or notches allow the user to better assess whether the segments and sections of the sealing element are positioned within the designated sections of the drain opening and the drain opening of the filter element. By reliably positioning the sealing segment in a predetermined location, a reliable seal of the drain openings can be achieved. Additionally, the sealing segment of the sealing element can be adapted to the transition between the drain opening of the filter housing part and the drain opening of the filter element.

[0067] According to a favorable embodiment, the cross-section of the drain opening of the filter element can be smaller than at least the cross-section of the drain opening of the filter housing part. In this configuration, an end region of the drain opening of the filter element, which faces an interior-facing end region of the drain opening of the filter housing part, can be arranged above the drain opening of the filter housing part, causing fluid flowing from the drain opening of the filter element to flow into the drain opening of the filter housing part. Due to the smaller cross-section, the drain opening of the filter element can act as a funnel.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, in at least one first position of the closure element, at least one section of the closure segment projecting into the interior of the filter housing part can seal the drain opening of the filter element with the corresponding sealing area. In this case, two drain openings can be closed and sealed simultaneously by one closure element. In another position, the closure element can at least partially release the drain opening of the filter element while continuing to seal the drain opening of the filter housing part. Optionally, in a further position, the closure element can close the drain opening of the filter element while at least partially releasing the drain opening of the filter housing part.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the filter element can be detachably attached to the filter housing part via a fastening arrangement, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises fastening elements on the filter element side and cooperating fastening elements on the housing part side. The distribution of the fastening elements on the filter element can be limited only by the position of the fastening elements on the filter housing part with which they form a connection. Pairs of fastening elements on the filter element side and fastening elements on the housing part side can be formed. The arrangement of the pairs relative to each other can be freely chosen depending on the available installation space or other factors.The fastening arrangement allows the filter element to be securely held in the filter housing part, making it more difficult for the filter element to slip during operation, transport or when inserting the locking element, thus improving the reliability of the filter system.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, a housing wall of the filter housing part can include guide elements that guide guide elements of the filter element. By guiding the filter element into an end position, fastening elements arranged on the filter element and fastening elements arranged on the filter housing part can be brought together. In the end position of the filter element, the drain opening of the filter element can be fluidically coupled to the drain opening of the filter housing part. The guide elements can be designed such that the filter element can only be inserted into the filter housing part with a specific orientation. For example, a guide element on the filter housing part and a guide element on the filter element can be wider than other guide elements.

[0071] According to a further aspect of the invention, the use of a filter element in a filter system is proposed, wherein the filter element is inserted into an interior space of a filter housing part and is aligned with the filter housing part such that at least one central axis of an engagement section of the filter element is offset from at least one central axis of a drain opening of the filter housing part. If the engagement section of the filter element is a drain opening, the drain openings can be fluidically coupled to each other. A sealing element with at least two central axes can, in at least a first position, seal both drain openings.

[0072] In a favorable embodiment, the filter element can be aligned with the filter housing part such that the fastening elements on the filter element side and those on the housing part form a detachable attachment of the filter element to the filter housing part. The fastening arrangement formed by the fastening elements on the filter element side and those on the housing part reliably secures the filter element within the filter housing part.

[0073] According to a further aspect of the invention, a closure element is used in a filter system, wherein the closure element is inserted into a drain opening of a filter housing part. At least a first section of a closure segment projects into at least one sealing section of the drain opening. At least one sealing area of ​​the closure segment, at least one sealing area of ​​the sealing section of the drain opening, and at least one sealing element seal the drain opening in the corresponding sealing section. A central axis of a first section is arranged coincidentally with a central axis of the sealing section. A connecting element of a connecting segment of the closure element forms a detachable connection with a connecting element of a connecting section of the drain opening, wherein a central axis of the connecting segment is arranged coincidentally with a central axis of the connecting section.The offset center axes of the drain opening and the closure element allow the user to easily align the closure element and move it into the predefined initial position. Furthermore, the stops on the closure element and the drain opening provide tactile feedback upon reaching the initial end position.

[0074] According to a favorable embodiment, at least a second section of the closure segment can project into an engagement section of a filter element. In this embodiment, a central axis of the second section of the closure segment is arranged congruently with a central axis of the engagement section of the filter element.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the use of the closure element, at least a second section of the closure segment projects into a drain opening of a filter element. Here, a corresponding sealing area of ​​the drain opening of the filter element, at least one sealing area of ​​the second section of the closure segment, and at least one sealing element seal the drain opening. A central axis of the second section of the closure segment is arranged to coincide with a central axis of the drain opening.

[0076] This design of the closure segment allows for an advantageous seal between the filter element and the filter system. The filter element can be reliably fixed within the filter housing part of the filter system.

[0077] Since the articles closure element for at least one drain opening of a filter system, filter housing part of a filter system, filter element, filter system, use of a filter element and use of a closure element in a filter system constitute a single invention, features disclosed for one or more of the articles can be combined individually or in groups with other articles according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0078] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. The following are shown as examples: Figure 1 shows a side view of a locking element according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the locking element according to Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the locking element. Figures 1 and 2 Figure 4 shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​a filter system with a closure element according to Figures 1 to 3 Figure 5 shows a side view of a locking element according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the locking element according to Figure 5 Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the locking element. Figures 5 and 6 Figure 8 shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​a filter system with a closure element according to Figures 5 to 7 Figure 9 shows a side view of a locking element according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows a sectional view of the locking element according to Figure 9Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the locking element. Figures 9 and 10 Figure 12 shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​a filter system with a closure element according to Figures 9 to 11 Figure 13 shows a side view of a connecting segment of a closure element according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 shows a sectional view of a lower region of a filter system with a closure element according to Figure 13 Figure 15 shows a side view of a connecting segment of a closure element according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 16 shows a sectional view of a lower region of a filter system with a closure element according to Figure 15 Figure 17 shows a sectional view of a lower region of a filter system with a closure element according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 shows a further sectional view of the filter system according to Figure 17along section line XVIII; Figure 19 a sectional view of a lower region of a filter system with a closure element according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; Figure 20 a sectional view of a lower region of a filter system with a closure element according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; Figure 21 a side view of a filter housing part according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 22 a sectional view of a filter system with a filter housing part according to Figure 21 along section line XXII; Figure 23 a perspective sectional view of a filter housing part according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 24 a perspective view of a part of a filter element according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 25 a perspective sectional view of a filter system with a filter housing part according to Figure 23 and a part of a filter element after Figure 24in an intermediate position and a locking element according Figure 17 Figure 26 shows a perspective sectional view of a filter system with a filter housing part according to Figure 23 and a part of a filter element after Figure 24 in a final position and a locking element after Figure 17 Figure 27 shows a perspective sectional view of a filter system with a filter housing part according to an embodiment of the invention and a part of a filter element according to an embodiment of the invention in an intermediate position and a closure element according to Figure 17 Figure 28 shows a perspective sectional view of a filter system with a filter housing part according to an embodiment of the invention and a part of a filter element according to an embodiment of the invention in an intermediate position and a closure element according to Figure 17Figure 29 shows a perspective sectional view of a filter system with a filter housing part according to an embodiment of the invention and a part of a filter element according to an embodiment of the invention in an intermediate position and a closure element according to Figure 17 . Embodiments of the invention

[0079] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference symbols. The figures merely show examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0080] To explain the invention, we will show Figures 1 to 3 Various representations of a first embodiment of a locking element 100. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​a filter system 10 with such a closure element 100, a filter housing part 200 and a filter element 300.

[0081] Figures 5 to 7show various representations of a second embodiment of a closure element 100. Figure 8 shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​a filter system 10 with such a closure element 100, a filter housing part 200 and a filter element 300.

[0082] Figures 9 to 11 show various representations of a third embodiment of a closure element 100. Figure 12 shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​a filter system 10 with such a closure element 100 and a filter housing part 200.

[0083] Figure 13 shows a side view of a connecting segment 120 of a fourth embodiment of a locking element 100. Figure 14 shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​a filter system 10 with such a closure element 100 and a filter housing part 200.

[0084] Figure 15shows a side view of a connecting segment 120 of a fifth embodiment of a locking element 100. Figure 16 shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​a filter system 10 with such a closure element 100 and a filter housing part 200,

[0085] Figure 17 shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​an embodiment of a filter system 10 with a sixth embodiment of a closure element 100, a filter housing part 200 and a filter element 300. Figure 18 shows another cross-sectional view of this filter system 10 along section line XVIII.

[0086] Figure 19 shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​an embodiment of a filter system 10 with a seventh embodiment of a closure element 100, a filter housing part 200 and a filter element 300.

[0087] Figure 20shows a sectional view of a lower area of ​​an embodiment of a filter system 10 with an eighth embodiment of a closure element 100, a filter housing part 200 and a filter element 300.

[0088] Figure 21 shows a side view of an embodiment of the filter housing part 200 and Figure 22 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a filter system 10 with such a filter housing part 200 and a filter element 300 along section line XXII.

[0089] Figure 23 shows a perspective sectional view of another embodiment of a filter housing part 200. Figure 24 shows a perspective view of part of a filter element 300. Figure 25Figure 1 shows a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of a filter system 10 with such a filter housing part, such a filter element 300 in an intermediate position and the sixth embodiment of the closure element 100. Figure 26 shows the filter system 10 with the filter element 300 in an end position.

[0090] Figure 27 shows a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of a filter system 10 with a further embodiment of a filter housing part 200, a further embodiment of a filter element 300 in an intermediate position and the sixth embodiment of the closure element 100.

[0091] Figure 28shows a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of a filter system 10 with a further embodiment of a filter housing part 200, a further embodiment of a filter element 300 in an intermediate position and the sixth embodiment of the closure element 100.

[0092] Figure 29 shows a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of a filter system 10 with a further embodiment of a filter housing part 200, a further embodiment of a filter element 300 in an intermediate position and the sixth embodiment of the closure element 100.

[0093] First, the commonalities of the various embodiments of the locking element 100 are described. The differences between the embodiments are then discussed.

[0094] As from Figures 1 to 17 , 19 , 20 and 25 to 28As can be seen, the closure element 100 for at least one drain opening 210, 310 of a filter system 10 comprises a connecting segment 120 and a closure segment 140 adjoining it in the longitudinal direction x, which has at least one sealing area 142. The connecting segment 120 and the closure segment 140 each have at least one central axis 160, 181, 182 extending in the longitudinal direction x, wherein at least one of the central axes 181, 182 of the closure segment 140 is offset from at least one of the central axes 160 of the connecting segment 120. In an embodiment not shown, the closure element 100 can be made in one piece. In this case, the connecting segment 120 and the closure segment 140 can be rigidly or permanently connected to each other. In the illustrated embodiments, the connecting segment 120 and the closure segment 140 are coupled to each other via a suitable coupling arrangement 190.

[0095] As from Figures 1 to 17 , 19 , 20 and 25 to 28 As can be further seen, the connecting segment 120 is rotatably mounted on the locking segment 140 in the illustrated embodiments. Here, a coupling arrangement 190 has coupling elements 147 designed as locking hooks and coupling elements 124 designed as edges, wherein the locking hooks interact with the edges, and the engagement of the locking hooks with the edges enables rotation about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction x. Movement of a segment 120, 140 in the axial direction is not possible without the segment coupled to it (or only to the extent that the segments have play relative to each other). Other suitable coupling arrangements 190 are also conceivable.

[0096] As from Figures 1 to 17 , 19 , 20 and 25 to 28As can be further seen, in the illustrated embodiments, the connecting segment 120 is arranged longitudinally x in front of the locking segment 140. Furthermore, the largest diameter of the locking segment 140 is smaller than the smallest diameter of the connecting segment 120. As a result, the connecting segment 120 projects beyond the locking segment 140. The locking segment 140 does not project beyond the connecting segment 120 in any section 144, 145, 146. In an alternative embodiment not shown, a different arrangement of the segments 120, 140 is also conceivable. In addition, the locking element 100 can have further segments 120, 140 in another embodiment not shown.Due to the axis offset v, the closure element 100 can only be inserted into a drain opening 210, 310 whose cross-section in the area where the closure segment 140 can be arranged is larger by the axis offset v than the cross-section of the closure segment 140 or which also has the axis offset v.

[0097] As from Figures 4 , 8 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 and 29As can be seen, an outer contour of the connecting segment 120 is at least partially adapted to an inner contour of a connecting section 212 of the corresponding drain opening 210, which seals the closure element 100 in at least one first position. In the illustrated embodiments of the closure element 100, the connecting segments 120 have a round cross-section. The connecting sections 212 of the corresponding illustrated drain openings 210 also have round cross-sections. However, other suitable cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable.

[0098] As from Figures 4 , 8 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 and 29As can be further seen, an outer contour of a first section 144 of the closure segment 140 is at least partially adapted to an inner contour of a sealing section 214 of the corresponding drain opening 210. In the illustrated embodiments of the closure element 100, the closure segments 140 have a round cross-section. However, other suitable shapes are also conceivable. In addition, the sections 144, 145, 146 of the closure segment 140 can have differently shaped cross-sections. The sealing sections 214, 312 of the corresponding illustrated drain openings 210, 310 also have round cross-sections. However, other suitable shapes are also conceivable.

[0099] As from Figures 4 , 8 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 and 29As can be further seen, the illustrated embodiments of the closure element 100 each have only one connecting segment 120, which has at least one connecting element 122 that is designed to be complementary to a connecting element 213 of the drain opening 210. In the illustrated embodiments, the connecting element 122 corresponds to an external thread which can be screwed into the corresponding connecting element 213 of the drain opening 210, which is designed as an internal thread. Due to the rotatable mounting of the connecting segment 120 on the closure segment 140, the rotational movement when screwing in the connecting segment 120 is not, or hardly, transmitted to the closure segment 140. The coupling arrangement 190 transmits the movement in the longitudinal direction x to the closure segment 140, so that the closure segment 140 can be moved in the longitudinal direction x in the direction of the corresponding sealing section 214, 312.In an alternative embodiment not shown, instead of a screw connection, another suitable connection can connect the connecting segment 120 to the connecting section 212. A bayonet connection, a clip connection, a snap connection, a detent connection, or a clamp connection is conceivable. Corresponding connecting elements 122, 213 can be arranged on the connecting segment 120 and on the connecting section 212. Furthermore, different connection types can be combined.

[0100] As from Figures 1 to 17 , 19 , 20 and 25 to 28 As can be further seen, the connecting segment 120 has at least one actuating element 126 at one end region for initiating an actuating torque. The actuating element 126 is arranged at the end region facing away from the locking segment 140. As can be seen from Figures 3 , 7 and 11As can be further seen, the actuating element 126 in the illustrated embodiments is designed as an engagement contour for a hexagonal wrench. The hexagonal wrench allows torque to be transmitted via the actuating element 126 to the connecting segment 120, thus facilitating the screwing process. However, other configurations of the actuating element 126 are also conceivable.

[0101] As from Figures 1 to 4As can be further seen, the closure element 100 in the illustrated first embodiment has a closure segment 140 with three sections 144, 145, 146. Two of the three sections 144, 145 each have at least one sealing area 142 and a central axis 181, 182. The first section 144 is designed to form a sealing arrangement 12 with at least one sealing element 150 and a sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200. The second section 145 is designed to form a sealing arrangement 12 with at least one sealing element 150 and a sealing section 312 of the drain opening 310 of a filter element 300. The sealing areas 142 are arranged longitudinally spaced apart from each other.

[0102] The sealing areas 142 of sections 144, 145 each have a sealing receptacle 143 designed as a sealing groove, which surrounds the respective section 144, 145. The sealing areas 142 are designed to each receive one sealing element 150. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the sealing elements 150 can also be received in a sealing receptacle in the sealing area 215, 314 of the sealing section 214, 312 of the drain opening 210, 310. In a further alternative embodiment, the sealing areas 142 can also receive several sealing elements 150. For example, the sealing areas 142 can have a sealing surface against which several sealing elements 150 can bear. In addition, the sealing areas 142 can have several sealing receptacles 143. Furthermore, the sealing areas 142 of sections 144, 145 can be designed differently.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 144 and the second section 145 are arranged essentially rotationally symmetrically with respect to their respective central axes 181 and 182. In particular, the sealing receptacles 143 are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to their respective central axes 181 and 182. In the illustrated embodiment, the central axes 181 and 182 are congruent in the longitudinal direction x. This results in the sealing receptacles 143 of sections 144 and 145 being arranged coaxially with respect to each other. The central axes 181 and 182 are offset from a central axis 160 of the connecting segment 120. This results in the sealing receptacles 143 of sections 144 and 145 being arranged eccentrically with respect to the connecting segment 120. The central axes 181 and 182 of the closure segment 140 are offset by 0.5 mm from the central axis 160 of the connecting segment.Furthermore, the connecting segment 120 has a larger diameter than the first section 144 of the closure segment 140, and the first section 144 of the closure segment 140 has a larger diameter than the second section 145 of the closure segment 140. The third section 146 of the closure segment 140 has at least one chamfer. This causes the diameter of the third section 146 to decrease continuously in the longitudinal direction x. In addition, the end face of the third section 146 has a central axis that is aligned with the central axis 160 of the connecting segment 120. The chamfer of the third section 146 can facilitate insertion into a drain opening 210, 310 and can act as a guide during insertion.

[0104] As from Figure 4As can be further seen, the second section 145 and the third section 146 of the closure segment 140 project into an interior space of a filter housing part 200 in at least one first position. A drain opening 310 of a filter element 300, projecting into the interior space, also projects into the interior space with one end region. Here, a central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 is aligned with a central axis 280 of a sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200, whereby the second section 145 and the third section 146 project into the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300. Here, the second section 145, together with at least one sealing element 150 and the sealing section 312 of the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300, form a sealing arrangement 12. The third section 146 protrudes into an interior space of the filter element 300.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking segment 140 has coupling elements 147 designed as latching hooks, with the hook tips extending radially from the inside to the outside. The latching hooks bear against a coupling element 124 of the connecting segment 120, which is designed as the underside of a projection. The resulting force-fit coupling arrangement 190 couples the locking segment 140 to the connecting segment 120. Other configurations of the coupling arrangement 190 are also conceivable. For example, the connecting segment 120 can have the latching hooks and the locking segment 140 a suitable engagement surface. In addition, recesses into which the latching hooks can engage are conceivable. Furthermore, other coupling arrangements 190 are conceivable.

[0106] As from Figures 5 to 8As can be further seen, the second embodiment of the closure element 100 differs from the first embodiment of the closure element 100 essentially in that the closure segment 140 only has the first section 144 and the second section 145. Due to the missing third section 146, the second embodiment of the closure element 100 is shorter than the first embodiment of the closure element 100 and, in at least one first position, does not project into the interior of the filter element 300. In addition, the end face of the second section 145 has a central axis which is arranged congruently with the central axes 181, 182 of the closure segment 140.

[0107] As from Figures 9 to 12As can be further seen, the third embodiment of the closure element 100 differs from the first and second embodiments essentially in that the closure segment 140 has only the first section 144 and thus only one central axis 181, which is offset from the central axis 160 of the connecting segment 120. Due to the absence of the second section 145 and the third section 146, the third embodiment of the closure element 100 is shorter than the first and second embodiments and protrudes only slightly from the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200 into its interior. In this configuration, the closure element 100 only seals the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200 in at least one first position.The filter element, which is not shown, can then be designed without a drain opening or the drain opening can be closed in another way.

[0108] As from Figures 13 and 14 As can be further seen, the fourth embodiment of the locking element 100, like the third embodiment of the locking element 100, has a locking segment 140 with only one first section 144. The difference to the other embodiments lies in the coupling arrangement 190. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking segment 140 has coupling elements 147 designed as latching hooks, the hook tips of which extend radially from the outside to the inside. The latching hooks bear against a coupling element 124 of the connecting segment 120, which is designed as the underside of a projection.

[0109] As from Figures 15 and 16As can be further seen, the fifth embodiment of the locking element 100 differs from the fourth embodiment of the locking element 100 essentially in that the connecting segment 120 has an additional section which has a larger diameter than the connecting element 122. This section is arranged longitudinally x after the connecting element 122 and projects beyond the connecting element 122. This additional rim on the connecting segment 120 distinguishes the fifth embodiment of the locking element 100 from the other embodiments of the locking element 100.

[0110] The in Figures 17 and 18The sixth embodiment of the locking element 100 shown is essentially designed like the first embodiment of the locking element 100. The difference between the embodiments lies in the coupling arrangements 190. In the sixth embodiment shown, the locking segment 140 has coupling elements 147 designed as latching hooks, with the hook tips extending radially from the outside to the inside. The latching hooks bear against a coupling element 124 of the connecting segment 120, which is designed as the underside of a projection.

[0111] The in Figure 19The seventh embodiment of the closure element 100 shown differs from the first, second, and sixth embodiments of the closure element 100 in that the closure segment 140 does not have a third section 146, and that the second section 145 has a receptacle for the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300. The central axis of this receptacle is aligned with the central axis 182 of the second section 145. In at least one first position, the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 is inserted into the receptacle of the second section 145. In this position, the sealing element 150 is arranged between a sealing area 142 on an inner side of the receptacle and a sealing area 314 on an outer side of the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300.The sealing area 314 on the outside of the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 is designed as a sealing receptacle. The sealing area 142 on the inside of the receptacle is designed as a sealing surface. A reversed arrangement of the sealing receptacle and sealing surface would also be conceivable. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the central axis of the receptacle could be arranged offset from the central axis 182 of the second section 145. Another alternative embodiment would be a second section 145 with a receptacle for the drain opening 310, wherein the central axis 182 of the second section 145 is arranged offset from the central axis 181 of the first section 144. The orientation of the drain opening 310 on the filter element 300, or the orientation of the filter element 300 in the interior of the filter housing part 200, is adjusted accordingly.The closure element 100 can thereby be adapted to an orientation of the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300, such that the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 is arranged congruently with the central axis of the receptacle.

[0112] The in Figure 20The eighth embodiment of the locking element 100 shown differs from the first, second, sixth, and seventh embodiments of the locking element 100 in that the first section 144 of the locking segment 140 has a central axis 181 which is offset from the central axis 160 of the connecting segment 120 and from the central axis 182 of the second section 145. This means that the first section 144 is eccentric to the connecting segment 120 and eccentric to the second section 145. In the illustrated embodiment, the central axis 182 of the second section 145 is coincident with the central axis 160 of the connecting segment 120.This ensures that the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 is aligned with the central axis 160 of the connecting segment 120 to allow the drain opening 310 to be sealed by the second section 145. In an alternative embodiment, the second section 145 can have a central axis 182 that is offset from the central axis 181 of the first section 144 and from the central axis 160 of the connecting segment 120. In this case, the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 of the filter element is aligned accordingly. Another embodiment can correspond to the eighth embodiment, wherein the closure segment 140 can additionally have the third section 146 or a second section 145 with a receptacle for the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300.

[0113] The following describes exemplary embodiments of a filter housing part 200, first discussing the similarities and then the differences.

[0114] As from Figures 4 , 8 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 and 29As can be seen, the filter housing part 200 for the filter system 10 comprises the interior and the drain opening 210 coupled to the interior. The drain opening 210 is arranged longitudinally x at the bottom of the filter housing part 200, so that a fluid can flow out of the interior by gravity when the drain opening 210 is opened. The drain opening 210 has at least two sections 212, 214 arranged one behind the other longitudinally x. At least one connecting section 212 has a central axis 260 extending longitudinally x. At least one sealing section 214 has a central axis 280 extending longitudinally x and at least one sealing area 215. The central axis 260 of the at least one connecting section 212 is offset from the central axis 280 of the at least one sealing section 214.Here, the axial offset v of the central axes 260, 280 of the drain opening 210 corresponds to the axial offset v of the corresponding closure element 100, which can be inserted into the drain opening 210 and seals the drain opening 210 in at least one first position. The closure element 100 is designed according to one of the embodiments already described.

[0115] The illustrated embodiments of the filter housing part 200 each have only one connecting section 212 and only one sealing section 214 in the drain opening 210. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the drain opening 210 can also have several connecting sections 212, several sealing sections 214, or several sealing sections 214 and several connecting sections 212. The respective sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210 has a sealing area 215, which is designed as a sealing surface. A sealing element 150 can bear against this sealing surface. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing area can also be designed as a receiving groove for a sealing element 150.

[0116] As from Figures 4 , 8 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 25 , 26 ,27 , 28 and 29As can be further seen, the illustrated embodiments of the filter housing part 200 have round cross-sections. The drain opening 210 has several round cross-sections with different diameters. Accordingly, the corresponding closure elements 100 also have round cross-sections.The drain opening 210 and the corresponding closure element 100 are adapted to each other such that an inner diameter of the drain opening 210 and an outer diameter of the closure element 100 are selected such that in at least one first position of the closure element 100, the connecting section 212 of the drain opening 210 and the connecting segment 120 of the closure element 100 form a detachable connection, and the sealing area 142 of the closure segment 140 of the closure element 100 with the at least one sealing area 215 of the sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210 form a sealing arrangement 12 with the sealing element 150, which is arranged between the sealing areas 142, 215.

[0117] In at least one first position of the closure element 100, at least one central axis 160 of the connecting segment 120 of the closure element 100 is arranged coincidentally with the central axis 260 of the at least one connecting area 212 of the drain opening 210. The central axis 181 of the first section 144 of the closure segment 140 is arranged coincidentally with the central axis 280 of the at least one sealing area 214. The central axes 260, 280 of the drain opening need not be arranged coincidentally with a central axis of the filter housing part 210.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiments, the sealing arrangement 12 between the first section 144 and the sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210 comprises an annular sealing element 150, which is arranged between a sealing area 142 of the first section 144 and a sealing area 215 of the sealing section 214. The annular sealing element 150 is arranged in a sealing receptacle 143, designed as a sealing groove, of the sealing area 142 of the first section of the closure segment 140 and surrounds the closure segment 140 in the sealing area 142. In at least one first position, the sealing element 150 rests against the sealing area 215 of the sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210, which is designed as a sealing surface. In an alternative embodiment, other shapes of the sealing element 150 and the sealing areas 142, 215 are also conceivable.For example, the sealing section 214 can have a sealing receptacle and the sealing area 142 of the first section 144 can have the sealing surface. In addition, the sealing arrangement 12 can have more than one sealing element 150.

[0119] If one of the embodiments of the closure element 100 is arranged in the drain opening 210 with a second section 145 or a second section 145 and a third section 146, then the second section 145 or the second section 145 and the third section 146, in at least one first position, project at least partially into the interior of the filter housing part 200. In this case, the sections 145, 146 can project into a drain opening 310 of the filter element 300, which projects into the interior.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiments of the filter housing part, the at least one connecting section 212 is located on a region of the drain opening 210 facing away from the interior of the filter housing part 200, and the at least one sealing section 214 is located on a region of the drain opening 210 facing the interior of the filter housing part 200. This places the sealing arrangement 12 in the protected, inner region of the drain opening 210, thus protecting the sealing element 150 from external influences. In the illustrated embodiments, the connecting section 212 of the drain opening 210 has a larger cross-section than the at least one sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210. The region of the connecting segment 120 that overlaps the closure segment 140 additionally covers the sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210.In addition, in the transition area between the connecting section 212 and the sealing section 214, steps are arranged on the inner contour of the drain opening 210, which act as a stop for the segments 120, 140 or sections 144, 145 of the segments 120, 140.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiments of the filter housing part 200, the connecting section 212 of the drain opening 210 and the connecting segment 120 of the closure element 100 each have complementary detachable connecting elements 122, 213. Here, the connecting element 122 corresponds to an external thread, which can be screwed into the corresponding connecting element 213 of the drain opening 210, which is designed as an internal thread. Due to the rotatable mounting of the connecting segment 120 on the closure segment 140, the rotational movement when screwing in the connecting segment 120 is not, or hardly, transmitted to the closure segment 140, thus resulting in no or very few radial or shear forces acting on the sealing element 150.The coupling arrangement 190 transmits longitudinal movement x to the locking segment 140, enabling the locking segment 140 to move longitudinally x towards the corresponding sealing section 214, 312. A suitable tool can transmit torque via the actuating element 126 to the connecting segment 120, thus facilitating screwing. In an alternative embodiment not shown, a suitable connection can be used instead of a screw connection to connect the connecting segment 120 to the connecting section 212. Possible connections include a bayonet fitting, a clip connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, a detent connection, or a clamp connection. Corresponding connecting elements 122, 213 can be arranged on the connecting segment 120 and on the connecting section 212. Furthermore, different connection types can be combined.

[0122] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the filter housing part 200 has a profile on the walls of the drain opening 210, which are located outside the at least one sealing area 215. This profile marks areas where the sealing element 150 should not be located. This makes it easier to identify the intended area for the sealing element 150. Furthermore, it ensures that the sealing element 150 is located in the less exposed area within the drain opening 210.

[0123] The in Figures 4 , 8 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 20 The illustrated filter housing parts 200 differ essentially in that the dimensions of the drain opening 210, in particular the sections 212, 214 of the drain opening 210 are adapted to different closure elements 100 and their axis offset v.

[0124] In Figure 21 Figure 1 shows an external view of an embodiment of the filter housing part 200, which shows the guide elements 230 from the outside. The drain opening 210 is also shown.

[0125] Figure 22 shows a sectional view along section line XXII from Figure 21 In this embodiment, a filter element 300 is arranged in the filter housing part 200, and a closure element 100 according to the first embodiment is arranged in the drain openings 210, 310. The filter element 300 has guide elements 330, which are guided by the guide elements 230 of the filter housing part 200. As shown in the Figure 22As can be seen, one guide element 330 of the filter element 300 is wider than the other two guide elements 330. The filter housing part 200 has a corresponding wider guide element 230 and two narrower guide elements, thereby allowing the orientation of the filter element 300 in the filter housing part 200 and the orientation of the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 relative to the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200 to be predetermined. Other guide elements 230, 330 and other arrangements are also conceivable. The guide elements 230, 330 ensure that the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 is arranged relative to the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200 such that a central axis 182 of the second section of the closure element 100 is aligned with the central axis 360 of the drain opening.In the illustrated embodiment, the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 is also aligned with the central axis 181 of the first section of the closure element 100 and with the central axis 280 of the sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200. Depending on the design of the closure element 100, the orientation of the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 relative to the central axes 280 and 260 of the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200 can vary. The drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 is arranged eccentrically to the end disk 340 on which it is mounted and eccentrically to a central tube 370, which supports a filter medium 316 from the inside. Other configurations of the central tube 370 are also conceivable.The central tube 370 and the end disc 340 have central axes that are aligned with the central axis 160 of the connecting segment 120 and with the central axis 260 of the connecting section 212. This alignment can vary, however, without affecting the sealing of the drain opening 310. To achieve a seal of the drain opening 310, the drain opening 310 must be positioned above the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200 such that the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 is aligned with the central axis 182 of the second section 145 of the closure element 100, which can be positioned in the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200.

[0126] The in Figures 21 to 28 The illustrated embodiments of the filter housing part 200 differ essentially in the design of the guide elements 230.

[0127] In Figure 22The guide element 230 is designed as a recess in which a corresponding guide element 330 of the filter element 300, designed as a protrusion, is guided. The filter housing part 200 has several such guide elements 230.

[0128] In Figure 23 , 25 and 26 The guide element 230 is designed as a protrusion or as a rail, which is arranged in a guide element of the filter element 300 designed as a receiver. Furthermore, the Figures 25 and 26 Different positions of the filter element 300 when inserting or removing the filter element 300 into or from the filter housing part 200. The filter housing part 200 has several such guide elements 230.

[0129] In Figure 27 The guide element 230 is designed as a recess in which a corresponding guide element 330 of the filter element 300, designed as a bulge, is guided. In contrast to the one in Figure 22 In the illustrated embodiment, the recess is not stamped into the housing wall, but is realized by an additional component inserted into the interior. The filter housing part 200 has several such guide elements 230.

[0130] In Figure 28 The guide element 230 is designed as a downwardly curved guide edge, on which a guide element 330 of the filter element 300, designed as a bulge, is guided.

[0131] In Figure 29 The filter housing part 200 has a large inwardly projecting guide element 230, which is guided in a guide element 330 of the filter element 300 designed as a bulge.

[0132] The following describes exemplary embodiments of a described filter system 10, first addressing the similarities and then the differences.

[0133] As from Figures 4 , 8 ,17 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 and 29 As can be seen, the exemplary embodiments of the filter system 10 comprise a filter housing part 200, which includes an interior space and a drain opening 210 coupled to the interior space. A closure element 100 seals the drain opening 210 in at least one first position and at least partially releases the drain opening 210 in at least one second position (not shown). In the second position of the closure element 100, the closure element can allow passage through the drain opening 210; alternatively, the closure element 100 can be arranged outside the drain opening 210, in which case the drain opening 210 is completely released.

[0134] Inside the filter housing part 200, a filter element 300 with a drain opening 310 is arranged. An end region of the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300, facing the filter housing part 200, is fluidically coupled to the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200. A filter housing part (not shown) can form a closed filter housing with the illustrated filter housing part 200. The filter housing part (not shown) can have an inlet opening and can be detachably connected to the illustrated filter housing part 200. The two-part filter housing allows the filter element 300 arranged inside to be easily replaced if necessary. The filter system 10 is designed as a liquid filter, in particular as a fuel filter or as an oil filter.The liquid to be filtered flows into the filter housing through the inlet opening, passes through the filter element 300, and the filtered fluid flows out of the filter housing through the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200. If necessary, the sealing element 100 can be inserted into at least one of the first positions in the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200, thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the filter housing part 200.

[0135] As from Figures 4 , 8 , 17 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 and 29As can be further seen, the filter element 300 comprises a central tube 370, which supports a filter medium 316 from the inside, and at least one end disc 340, wherein the at least one end disc 340 has a drain opening 310 with at least one central axis 360 and at least one sealing area 314. In the illustrated embodiments, the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 is arranged offset from the central axis of the end disc 340 and from the central axis of the central tube 370. An identical arrangement of the central axes 360 is also conceivable. If the closure element 100 in the embodiment has only the first section 144, the filter element can be designed without a drain opening or the drain opening can be closed in another way.In the exemplary embodiment, if the closure element 100 has the first section 144 and the second section 145, in at least one first position of the closure element 100, at least one section 144, 145 of the closure segment 140 of the closure element 100 projects into the interior of the filter housing part 200 and into the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300. This seals the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 in the corresponding sealing area 142 formed by the sealing arrangement 12. In addition, a drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200 is sealed. A further position is conceivable in which the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 is at least partially open and the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200 is closed.To seal the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300, the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 is arranged to the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200 such that a central axis 182 of the second section of the closure element 100 is arranged congruently with the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310.

[0136] As from Figures 4 , 8 , 17 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 and 29 As can be further seen, a cross-section of the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 is smaller than at least one of the cross-sections of the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200. Here, the drain opening 310 can act as a funnel and direct the fluid into the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200. Furthermore, an end region of the drain opening 310, as shown in Figure 19 is shown in a photograph of the second section 145.

[0137] As from Figures 4 , 8 , 17 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 and 29 As can be further seen, the filter element 300 is detachably attached to the filter housing part 200 via a fastening arrangement, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises filter element-side fastening elements 320 and housing-side fastening elements 220 that interact with these. The distribution of the fastening elements on the filter element 300 is limited only by the position of the fastening elements 220 on the filter housing part 200, or by forming pairs of filter element-side fastening elements 320 and housing-side fastening elements 220. The fastening elements 320 and 220 can be arranged as shown in the Figure 17 , 19 , 20 , 23 , 24 , 25 and 26It is shown to be designed as snap hooks, which interact in pairs. Alternatively, a fastening element 220 can be used as shown in the Figure 27 , 28 It may be designed as an engagement edge which interacts with one or more snap hooks.

[0138] As from Figures 4 , 8 , 17 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 and 29As can be further seen, a housing wall of the filter housing part 200 comprises guide elements 230, which guide guide elements 330 of the filter element 300. By guiding the filter element 300 into an end position, fastening elements 320 arranged on the filter element 300 and fastening elements 220 arranged on the filter housing part 200 can be brought together, and the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 can be fluidically coupled to the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200. In addition, the alignment of the drain opening 310 with the second section 145 of the closure element 100 can be effected by the guide.

[0139] In an unspecified use of a filter element 300 in a filter system 10, the filter element 300 is inserted into an interior of the filter housing part 200 and aligned with the filter housing part 200 such that at least one central axis 360 of the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300 is offset from at least one central axis 260, 280 of the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200. Furthermore, the filter element 300 can be aligned with the filter housing part 200 such that fastening elements 320 on the filter element side and fastening elements 220 on the housing part side form a detachable fastening of the filter element 300 to the filter housing part 200.

[0140] In an unspecified use of a closure element 100 in a filter system 10, the closure element 100 is inserted into the drain opening 210 of the filter housing part 200. At least one first section 144 of the closure segment 140 projects into the at least one sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210, wherein the at least one sealing area 142 of the closure segment 140, at least one sealing area 215 of the sealing section 214 of the drain opening 210, and at least one sealing element 150 seal the drain opening 210 in the corresponding sealing section 214, the central axis 181 of the first section 144 being congruent with the central axis 280 of the sealing section 214.A connecting element 122 of the connecting segment 120 of the closure element 100 forms a detachable connection with a connecting element 213 of the connecting section 212 of the drain opening 210, wherein the central axis 160 of the connecting segment 120 is aligned with the central axis 280 of the connecting section 212. Furthermore, at least one second section 145 of the closure segment 140 can project into the drain opening 310 of the filter element 300, wherein the corresponding sealing area 314, the at least one sealing area 142 of the second section 145, and at least one sealing element 150 seal the drain opening 310, the central axis 182 of the second section 145 being aligned with the central axis 360 of the drain opening 310. Reference symbol list

[0141] 10 Filter assembly 12 Sealing assembly 100 Locking element 120 Connecting segment 122 Connecting element 124 Coupling element 140 126 Actuating element 140 Locking segment 142 Sealing area 143 Seal receptacle 144 First section 145 Second section 146 Third section 147 Coupling element to 120 150 Sealing element 160 Center axis connecting segment 181 First center axis locking segment 182 Second center axis locking segment 190 Coupling assembly 200 Filter housing part Filter pot 210 Drain opening 212 Connection section 213 Connection element 214 Sealing section 215 Sealing area 220 Fastening element 230 Guide element 260 Center axis Connection section 280 Center axis Sealing section 300 Filter element 310 Drain opening 312 Sealing section 314 Sealing area drain opening 316 Filter medium 320 Mounting element 330 Guide element 340 End disc 360 Center axis drain opening 370 Center tube XL longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A closure member (100) for at least one discharge opening (210, 310) of a filter system (10), having a connecting segment (120) and a closure segment (140) adjoining it in the longitudinal direction (x), said closure segment having at least one sealing area (142), wherein the connecting segment (120) and the closure segment (140) each have at least one center axis (160, 181, 182) extending in the longitudinal direction (x), wherein at least one of the center axes (181, 182) of the closure segment (140) is offset relative to at least one of the center axes (160) of the connecting segment (120).

2. The closure member according to claim 1, wherein the connecting segment (120) is rotatably mounted on the closure segment (140).

3. The closure member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure segment (140) features at least two sections (144, 145, 146), wherein the sections (144, 145) each having a sealing area (142) and a center axis (181, 182), wherein the sealing areas (142) are axially spaced apart from each other, and wherein the center axes (181, 182) are preferably coaxial or offset relative to each other.

4. The closure member according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting segment (120) features at least one actuation member (126) at one end region for initiating an actuating torque.

5. The closure member according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting segment (120) features a larger cross-section than the closure segment (140).

6. A filter housing component (200) for a filter system (10) having an interior space and a discharge opening (210) coupled to the interior space, wherein a closure element (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 5 seals the discharge opening (210) in at least a first position and, in at least a second position, at least partially releases the discharge opening (210), wherein the discharge opening (210) features at least two sections (212, 214) disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (x), wherein at least one connecting section (212) features a center axis (260) extending in the longitudinal direction (x) and at least one sealing portion (214) features a center axis (280) extending in the longitudinal direction (x) and at least one sealing area (215), wherein the center axis (260) of the at least one connecting section (212) is offset relative to the center axis (280) of the at least one sealing portion (214), wherein the at least one connecting section (212) of the discharge opening (210) and a connecting segment (120) of the closure member (100) form a releasable connection in at least one of the first positions, and at least one sealing area (142) of a closure segment (140) of the closure member (100) with the at least one sealing area (215) of at least one of the sealing portions (214) of the discharge opening (210) form a sealing arrangement (12).

7. The filter housing component according to claim 6, wherein the at least one connecting section (212) is disposed at a region of the discharge opening (210) facing away from the interior space of the filter housing component (200) and the at least one sealing portion (214) is arranged at a region of the discharge opening (210) facing the interior space of the filter housing component (200).

8. The filter housing component according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one connecting section (212) of the discharge opening (210) features a larger cross-section than the at least one sealing portion (214) of the discharge opening (210).

9. The filter housing component according to one of the claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least one connecting section (212) of the discharge opening (210) and the connecting segment (120) of the closure member (100) each feature complementary detachable connecting elements (122, 213).

10. The filter housing component according to one of the claims 6 to 9, wherein walls of the discharge opening (210) outside the at least one sealing area (215) have a profile, in particular a stepped profile.

11. A filter element (300) having a filter medium (316) and at least one end disc (340), wherein the at least one end disc (340) features an engagement section (310) with at least one center axis (360) and at least one engagement portion (312) extending at least partially around the circumference, wherein at least one center axis (360) of the engagement section (310) is offset relative to at least one center axis of the filter element (300) and / or offset relative to the center axis of the end disc (340).

12. The filter element (300) according to claim 11, wherein the engagement section (310) is a discharge opening (310) that penetrates the end disc (340) and communicates fluidically with an element interior space, and wherein the engagement portion (312) is a sealing area (314).

13. A filter system (10) having a filter housing component (200) according to one of the claims 6 to 10, which comprises an interior space and a discharge opening (210) coupled to the interior space, wherein a closure element (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 5 seals the discharge opening (210) in at least a first position and, in at least a second position, at least partially releases the discharge opening (210), wherein a filter element (300) having an engagement section (310) is disposed in the interior space of the filter housing component (200), wherein the engagement section (310) of the filter element (300) engages or can be brought into engagement with at least one sealing area (142) of the closure member (100).

14. The filter system (10) according to claim 13, wherein the filter element (300) is a filter element according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the engagement section (310) is a discharge opening (310), wherein the discharge opening (310) of the filter element is fluidically coupled to the discharge opening (210) of the filter housing component (200), preferably via an end region of the discharge opening (310) of the filter element facing the filter housing component (200).

15. The filter system according to claim 14, wherein a center axis (360) of the discharge opening (310) of the filter element (300) is offset relative to a further center axis of the filter element (300) and / or offset relative to a center axis of the filter housing component (200) and / or offset relative to at least one center axis (260, 280) of the discharge opening (210) of the filter housing component (200).

16. A use of a filter element (300) in a filter system (10) according to one of the claims 13 to 15, wherein the filter element (300) is inserted into an interior space of a filter housing component (200) and is aligned with respect to the filter housing component (200) such that at least one center axis (360) of an engagement section (310) of the filter element (300) is offset relative to at least one center axis (260, 280) of a discharge opening (210) of the filter housing component (200).

17. The use of a closure member (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 5 in a filter system (10) according to one of the claims 13 to 15, wherein the closure member (100) is inserted into a discharge opening (210) of a filter housing component (200), wherein at least a first section (144) of a closure segment (140) protrudes into at least one sealing portion (214) of the discharge opening (210), wherein at least one sealing area (142) of the closure segment (140), at least one sealing area (215) of the sealing portion (214) of the discharge opening (210) and at least one sealing member (150) seal the discharge opening (210) in the corresponding sealing portion (214), wherein a center axis (181) of a first section (144) of the closure segment (140) is congruent with a center axis (280) of the sealing portion (214) of the discharge opening (210), wherein a connecting element (122) of a connecting segment (120) of the closure element (100) forms a releasable connection with a connecting element (213) of a connecting section (212) of the discharge opening (210), wherein a center axis (160) of the connecting segment (120) is disposed to be congruent with a center axis (260) of the connecting section (212).