Filter device, filter element, arrangement and method for identifying a filter element

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter device (10) for filtering fluids, in particular for filtering hydraulic oil, the device comprising a filter housing (11), at least one filter cover (12) and at least one filter element (20) which is exchangeably arranged in the filter housing (11), and comprising a support section (21) having at least one data store (22a, 22b). Identification data for, in particular, identifying the filter element (20), are stored in the data store (22a, 22b) and can be wirelessly read out of the data store (22a, 22b) by means of a read and / or write device (40). The invention is characterized in that at least part of the support section (21) extends through a through-opening (13) in the filter housing (11) and / or the filter cover (12), the data store (22a, 22b) being arranged on or in the support section (21).

Description

[0001] Filter device, filter element, arrangement and method for identifying a filter element

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a filter device for filtering fluids, in particular for filtering hydraulic oil, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter element for a filter device, an arrangement of a filter device and a reading and / or writing device, and a method for identifying a filter element. A filter device of the type mentioned above is known, for example, from DE 10 2004 054 172 A1.

[0004] Filter devices with filter elements are generally used to filter liquid or gaseous media. Such filter devices can be suction filters, return-line filters, pressure filters, or return-suction filters, which are primarily used in mobile hydraulics. The filter elements are usually adapted to the specific application and therefore differ in numerous parameters.

[0005] For example, if a filter element is damaged or its maximum service life has been reached, it is usually replaced with a new, fully functional filter element. Therefore, there is a fundamental risk that an unsuitable filter element will be installed in an existing filter device. Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that a new filter element may be forgotten after removing the used filter element. In both cases, serious damage to the machine with the connected filter device can occur, jeopardizing operational safety.

[0006] To detect an unsuitable or missing filter element, it is known to provide a data storage device with the filter element's identification data within the filter element. By reading this data using a suitable reader, the filter element installed in the filter device can be identified without having to disassemble the filter device.

[0007] DE 10 2004 054 172 A1 describes such a filter element, which is arranged in a filter housing. The filter element has a cover plate in which a data storage device is provided. The data storage device stores data that specifies the filter element. A reader is arranged on the outside of the filter housing. This reader wirelessly reads the data from the data storage device and thus identifies the filter element. During operation, the filtered fluid flows between the reader and the data storage device. The fluid, especially at high temperatures, can negatively impact data transmission when reading the data from the data storage device and thus endanger operational reliability.

[0008] It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve a filter device of the type mentioned above in such a way as to increase operational reliability. Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of providing a filter element for a filter device, an arrangement of a filter device and a reading and / or writing device, and a method for identifying a filter element.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a filter device according to claim 1 and a filter element according to claim 17, an arrangement according to claim 18 and a method for identifying a filter element according to claim 19.

[0010] Specifically, the object is achieved according to the invention by a filter device for filtering fluids, in particular for filtering hydraulic oil, comprising a filter housing, at least one filter cover, and at least one filter element that is arranged so as to be replaceable in the filter housing. The filter element has a carrier section with at least one data memory, wherein identification data, in particular for identifying the filter element, is stored in the data memory and can be wirelessly read from the data memory by means of a reading and / or writing device. In use, the carrier section extends at least partially through a passage opening in the filter housing and / or filter cover, wherein the data memory is arranged on or in the carrier section. The present invention therefore takes a different approach than the prior art, which uses conventional cover plates to accommodate the data memory.Rather, a carrier section is provided for this purpose, which extends at least partially through a passage opening in the filter housing and / or filter cover. In order to read the identification data from the data memory, a reading and / or writing device can thus be arranged on the outside of this passage opening during use. The filter housing and the at least one filter cover enclose, at least in sections, a filter interior into which the fluid, in particular a high-temperature fluid, flows during use. According to the invention, the carrier section thus protrudes from this fluid region, in particular a high-temperature fluid region, in the filter interior and extends through the passage opening in an outward direction, i.e. in use in the direction of the reading and / or writing device.

[0011] Since the carrier section protrudes from the fluid region in the filter interior, the data storage device can be arranged outside the fluid region. This ensures that the area between the data storage device and the outside of the passage opening—i.e., during use, the area between the data storage device and the read and / or write device—is essentially fluid-free. This reduces fluid-related interference during data transmission between the data storage device and the read and / or write device, thus increasing the operational reliability of the filter device.

[0012] A data storage device located outside the fluid area has the further advantage of reducing the need for additional shielding measures to protect the data storage device from the signal-impairing, and particularly high-temperature, fluid. This advantageously simplifies the design of the data storage device and thus the design of the filter device.

[0013] Since the carrier section extends in the direction of the reading and / or writing device during use, the data storage device can be arranged closer to the reading and / or writing device. This advantageously stabilizes the data transmission between the data storage device and the reading and / or writing device, for example when reading out the identification data, so that the operational reliability of the filter device is further increased. To identify the filter element, the reading and / or writing device wirelessly reads the identification data from the data storage device during use and identifies the filter element on the basis of the read-out identification data. By identifying the filter element, it can advantageously be checked whether a filter element is present or installed in the filter housing and / or whether the filter element is suitable for the specific requirement. It can also be checked whether the installed filter element is an original manufacturer filter element.is an original spare part.

[0014] A data storage device according to the invention is configured such that, by means of the reading and / or writing device, data can be wirelessly read from the data storage device and the data storage device can be written to with data, in particular wirelessly.

[0015] A filter device according to the invention is designed for use in mobile hydraulic systems, in particular for filtration of hydraulic oil. For this purpose, the filter device can be arranged on and / or in a hydraulic tank. Other arrangements are possible. The invention can be used generally in connection with the filtration of fluids.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support section is arranged on one end face of the filter element. This end-face arrangement allows the data storage device to be positioned at a greater distance from the signal-impairing, and particularly high-temperature, fluid in the center of the filter element on or in the support section. This reduces the need for shielding measures to protect the data storage device from the fluid, thus simplifying the design of the filter device.

[0018] Preferably, the support section has an extension that extends at least partially through the passage opening in the filter housing and / or filter cover. The extension reduces the distance of the support section from the outside of the passage opening, i.e., from the reading and / or writing device during use, so that the data storage device can be arranged closer to the reading and / or writing device. This stabilizes the data transmission between the data storage device and the reading and / or writing device, thus further increasing operational reliability.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the support section seals the passage opening in the filter housing and / or filter cover in a fluid-tight manner. This ensures that no fluid escapes from the filter interior during operation. This prevents fluid from entering the area between the data storage device and the read / write device, thereby impairing data transmission. Conversely, leakage of fluid from the filter interior signals a missing filter element, which advantageously allows operation without a filter element to be easily detected and thus avoided. Both aspects increase operational reliability.

[0020] Preferably, the carrier section is formed from a material, for example plastic, whose shielding effect is less than the shielding effect of the filter housing and / or filter cover. In other words, it is advantageous if the signal permeability of the material from which the carrier section is formed is higher than the signal permeability of the filter housing and / or filter cover. This stabilizes the data transmission between the data storage device and the read and / or write device through the carrier section, for example when the data storage device is arranged in the carrier section, thus increasing operational reliability. Such a material can also advantageously reduce the weight of the carrier section and facilitate its manufacture.

[0021] To minimize the distance between the data storage device and the outside of the through-opening, i.e., when in use by the reading and / or writing device, it is advantageous if the data storage device is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, within the through-opening. The short distance between the data storage device and the reading and / or writing device stabilizes data transmission and thus increases operational reliability.

[0022] In order to minimize the distance of the data storage device from the outside of the passage opening, i.e. when in use from the reading and / or writing device, it is particularly advantageous if the data storage device is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, outside the filter housing and / or filter cover. The data storage device is therefore preferably arranged on or in the carrier section in such a way that it protrudes at least partially, in particular completely, outwards from the passage opening in the filter housing and / or filter cover. For this purpose, the carrier section can extend through the passage opening to the outside of the passage opening. Due to the minimized distance of the data storage device from the reading and / or writing device during use, data transmission is particularly stable and operational reliability is particularly increased.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data storage device is arranged on or in an end face of the carrier section. In other words, the data storage device is arranged on or in an outer surface of the carrier section facing away from the fluid region. In this way, the carrier section shields the data storage device from the signal-impairing, and in particular high-temperature, fluid, thus reducing the need for additional shielding measures to protect the data storage device from the fluid.

[0024] The support section preferably has an end cap for receiving the data storage device, with the data storage device being arranged between the end face and the end cap. The end cap advantageously holds the data storage device to the support section. The end cap preferably encloses a protected receiving space for the data storage device with the end face of the support section, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the data storage device and thus further increasing operational reliability.

[0025] In order to facilitate data transmission between the data storage device and the reading and / or writing device through the end cap, it is advantageous if the end cap is made of a material, for example plastic, whose shielding effect is lower than the shielding effect of the filter housing and / or filter cover.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reading or

[0027] The writing device can also be arranged outside the filter housing without forming a permanent connection with the filter housing or filter cover. The filter housing and / or the filter cover can preferably be connected to the reading and / or writing device. Such a design of the filter device has the advantage that, during use, the reading and / or writing device can be permanently mounted on the filter device. This facilitates data transmission, in particular continuous data transmission, between the data storage device and the reading and / or writing device during operation of the filter device. For this purpose, the filter housing and / or the filter cover can be connected to the reading and / or writing device on the outside of the passage opening in order to reduce the distance of the data storage device from the reading and / or writing device during use.

[0028] Preferably, the filter housing and / or the filter cover has a connecting means at the through-opening for connection, in particular a positive connection, in particular a bayonet connection, to the reading and / or writing device. This facilitates the mounting of the reading and / or writing device on the filter housing and / or filter cover and ensures stable data transmission between the data storage device and the reading and / or writing device through the through-opening.

[0029] Preferably, further data, in particular operating data and / or production data, can be stored in a writable memory area of ​​the data storage device. Thus, production data, i.e., data generated before or during the production of the filter element, and / or operating data, i.e., data generated after the production of the filter element, in particular during operation, can be stored in the data storage device. Such data can advantageously further increase the operational reliability of the filter device, for example, by monitoring the exceedance of certain limit values ​​or by calculating the remaining service life and / or lifetime of the filter element.

[0030] In order to facilitate the storage of data in the data storage device, it is advantageous if the data storage device can be written to with data wirelessly using the reading and / or writing device.

[0031] The data storage device preferably comprises at least one wirelessly communicating data storage device, in particular an RFID transponder. Wirelessly communicating data storage devices, in particular RFID transponders, enable particularly simple and efficient data transmission. The high reliability of the RFID transponder increases operational reliability.

[0032] A subordinate aspect of the invention relates to a filter element for a filter device, in particular a filter device as described above. The filter element is adapted for placement in a filter housing and has, on one end face, a support portion with an extension that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the filter housing. A data storage device is arranged on or in the extension, in which identification data for identifying the filter element are stored, which can be wirelessly read from the data storage device using a read and / or write device. The extension of the support portion is arranged centrally with respect to the filter element.

[0033] The filter element is therefore disclosed and claimed both as part of the filter device and independently of the filter device.

[0034] A further subordinate aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement of a filter device, in particular a previously described filter device, and a reading and / or writing device. The filter device comprises a filter housing, at least one filter cover, and at least one filter element that is arranged interchangeably in the filter housing. The filter element has a carrier section with at least one data memory. The carrier section extends at least partially through a passage opening in the filter housing and / or filter cover, wherein the data memory is arranged on or in the carrier section. Identification data for identifying the filter element are stored in the data memory and can be wirelessly read from the data memory by means of the reading and / or writing device.The reading and / or writing device is arranged at the passage opening in the filter housing and / or filter cover for identifying the filter element, wherein the reading and / or writing device is configured to read the identification data from the data memory and to identify the filter element on the basis of the read identification data.

[0035] Therefore, both the arrangement of the filter device and the reading and / or writing device, i.e. the combination of filter device and reading and / or writing device, and the filter device itself, i.e. independently of the reading and / or writing device, are disclosed and claimed. Finally, within the scope of the invention, a method for identifying a filter element using a filter device, in particular a previously described filter device, and a reading and / or writing device is specified. The filter device comprises a filter housing, at least one filter cover and at least one filter element which is arranged interchangeably in the filter housing and which has at least one carrier section with at least one data memory. The carrier section extends at least partially through a passage opening in the filter housing and / or filter cover, wherein the data memory is arranged on or in the carrier section.Identification data for the filter element is stored in the data memory. The read and / or write device is located at the through-opening in the filter housing and / or filter cover. The read and / or write device reads the identification data from the data memory and identifies the filter element based on the read identification data.

[0036] For the features, effect and advantages of the filter element, the arrangement and the method, reference is made to the explanations in connection with the filter device and the filter element.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings. In these drawings:

[0038] Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section of a filter device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the filter device of Fig. 1;

[0040] Fig. 3 is a detailed view of a filter element of the filter device from Fig. 1;

[0041] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an end cap of the filter device of Fig. 1 with a data storage device and coil for energy and data transmission; Fig. 5 is a detailed view of the connection between the filter device of Fig. 1 and a reading and / or writing device; and

[0042] Fig. 6 is a detailed view of the connection between a further filter device according to an embodiment of the invention and a reading and / or writing device.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section of a filter device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The filter device 10 is designed for filtering hydraulic oil in a mobile hydraulic system. Other applications are possible.

[0044] The filter device 10 comprises a filter housing 11, a filter cover 12 and a filter element 20.

[0045] The filter housing 11 forms a cylindrical pot with a longitudinal direction and a substantially circular housing base 18. The pot-shaped filter housing 11 is closed by the filter cover 12 on a side opposite the housing base 18. The filter housing 11 and the filter cover 12 thus form a filter interior for the fluid, with an inlet 16 for the fluid to be filtered and an outlet 17 for the filtered fluid being provided in the filter cover 12.

[0046] The filter element 20 is arranged in a replaceable manner in the filter housing 11, wherein the filter element 20 is substantially cylindrical and arranged substantially coaxially in the filter housing 11. The filter element 20 comprises a substantially hollow-cylindrical filter material 28. The outer side of the filter material 28 is fluidly connected to the inlet 16, and the cavity enclosed by the filter material 28 is fluidly connected to the outlet 17. The filter element 20 can have other geometries and be arranged differently.

[0047] In use, the fluid, which is usually hot in practice, flows from the inlet 16 through the filter material 28 to the outlet 17. The filter element 20 has a support section 21 with a data storage device 22a, 22b arranged on the support section 21. The data storage device 22a, 22b can also be arranged in the support section.

[0048] Identification data for identifying the filter element 20 are stored in the data memory 22a, 22b and can be wirelessly read from the data memory 22 by means of a read and / or write device 40. The identification data specify the filter element 20. For this purpose, the identification data can include data that enable identification of only the type of filter element 20, for example, a type designation. The identification data can also include data that allow identification of the individual filter element 20, for example, a number that is assigned only once, i.e., a substantially unique number. Such a number can, for example, be a consecutive manufacturing or identification number of the data memory 22a, 22b and / or the filter element 20.

[0049] The carrier section 21 extends at least partially through a passage opening 13 in the filter housing 11. Specifically, the carrier section 21 extends outward through the passage opening 13 and is essentially flush with an outer side of the passage opening 13. The carrier section 21 thus extends from the filter material 28 through the passage opening 13 in the filter housing 11 to the outer side of the passage opening 13. In this way, the carrier section 21 connects the filter material 28 to the outer side of the passage opening 13 and thus displaces the fluid in the filter interior in this area. The area between the data storage device 22a, 22b and the outer side of the passage opening 13 is therefore essentially fluid-free.

[0050] The support section 21 is arranged on an end face 23 of the filter element 20. Specifically, the support section 21 is arranged on the end face 23 of the filter element 20 facing away from the filter cover 12 and extends from the end face 23 through the passage opening 13 formed in the housing base 18 of the filter housing 11. The support section 21 can be arranged differently, for example on a different end face 23. The passage opening 13 can be formed at a different location, for example in the filter cover. The support section 21 has an annular groove on the side facing the filter material 28, into which the filter material 28 is inserted. The support section 21 thus forms an end face closure of the filter material 28, which supports the filter material 28 or filter element 20 in the filter housing 11.

[0051] The support section 21 has an extension 26 which extends at least partially through the passage opening 13 in the filter housing 11. For this purpose, the extension 26 is formed centrally with respect to the filter element 20 or substantially coaxially with the filter housing 11 and is arranged on a side opposite the filter material 28. The extension 26 thus protrudes from the filter material 28 in the longitudinal direction of the filter housing 11 and extends through the passage opening 13 to the outside of the passage opening 13. The outer shape of the extension 26 is adapted to the inner shape of the passage opening 13, so that the passage opening 13 is substantially fluid-free. The extension 26 thus forms a pin which engages in the passage opening 13 and thus displaces fluid from the passage opening 13. The extension can have other geometries.

[0052] The support section 21 seals the passage opening 13 in the filter housing 11 in a fluid-tight manner. For this purpose, the support section 21 has a sealing means 30. The sealing means 30 forms a sealing ring that is arranged radially circumferentially on the extension 26 and cooperates with the inner surface of the passage opening 13 to form a seal. The sealing means can be designed differently.

[0053] The support section 13 is made of plastic. The support section 13 can be made of other materials.

[0054] Fig. 1 discloses two different arrangements of the data storage device 22a, 22b on the carrier section 21, wherein the data storage device 22a, 22b is arranged either on a side of the carrier section 21 facing the filter interior (indicated by the lowercase letter a) or on a side of the carrier section 21 facing away from the filter interior (indicated by the lowercase letter b). The data storage device 22a, 22b can be fixed to the carrier section 21, for example, by gluing or welding. However, the data storage device 22a, 22b can also be arranged in the carrier section 21, i.e., integrally built into the carrier section 21, for example, cast or injected.

[0055] According to the first data storage arrangement, the data storage device 22a is arranged on the support section 21 and completely within the passage opening 13. For this purpose, the support section 21 has a recess 31 on a side facing the filter element 20, in which the data storage device 22a is arranged. The recess 31 is formed in the extension 26 in the longitudinal direction of the filter housing 11, so that it extends toward the outside of the passage opening 13.

[0056] According to the second data storage arrangement, the data storage device 22b is also arranged on the support section, but at least partially outside the filter housing 11. The data storage device 22b thus protrudes completely from the passage opening 13 and is thus arranged on the outside of the passage opening 13.

[0057] Specifically, the data storage device 22b is arranged on an end face 24 of the support section 21. The end face 24 is formed on the extension 26 on a side opposite the filter element 20, specifically at the tip of the extension 26. The end face 21 is flush with the outer side of the passage opening 13. In this way, the data storage device 22b arranged on the end face 24 protrudes from the passage opening 13. The data storage device 22b can also be arranged in the end face 24.

[0058] The support section 21 has an end cap 25 for receiving the data storage device 22b, wherein the data storage device 22b is arranged between the end face 24 and the end cap 25. For this purpose, an undercut 34 is formed on the support section 21, specifically on the extension 26, which radially surrounds the end face 24 and engages the end cap 25 in a form-fitting manner.

[0059] The end cap 25 is made of plastic. The end cap 25 can be made of other materials. The filter housing 11 is connectable to the reading and / or writing device 40, wherein in Fig. 1, the reading and / or writing device 40 is connected to the filter device 10.

[0060] The filter device 10 is therefore disclosed and claimed both in a state connected to the reading and / or writing device 40 and per se, i.e. independently of the reading and / or writing device 40.

[0061] The reading and / or writing device 40 is connected to the filter housing 11 on the outside of the through-opening 13. For this purpose, the filter housing 11 has a connecting means 14 at the through-opening 13 for a bayonet connection to the reading and / or writing device 40. The connecting means 14 forms an annular extension with an external hexagon, through which the through-opening 13 extends centrally. A mating connecting means 41 of the reading and / or writing device 40 engages in undercuts 35 of the connecting means 14 in a form-fitting manner, so that the filter housing 11 is connected to the reading and / or writing device 40. The connection between the filter housing 11 and the reading and / or writing device 40 can be designed differently.

[0062] The reading and / or writing device 40 is designed as a reading and / or writing device specifically for this application. The reading and / or writing device 40 can also be, for example, a smartphone, laptop, or the like with a suitable application program.

[0063] Further data, in particular operating data and / or production data, can be stored in a writable memory area of ​​the data memory 22a, 22b. Specifically, production data, such as a production date or an order number, can be stored in the data memory 22a, 22b. In addition, operating data, such as the commissioning date or data from sensors, such as temperature sensors or pressure sensors that record measured values ​​in or on the filter element 20, can be stored in the data memory 22a, 22b.

[0064] The data storage device 22a, 22b can be wirelessly written with data using the read and / or write device 40. The read and / or write device 40 can thus send data to the data storage device 22a, 22b, which is received by the data storage device 22a, 22b and stored in the data storage device 22a, 22b.

[0065] The data storage device 22a, 22b comprises a wirelessly communicating data storage device 22a, 22b, specifically an RFID transponder. The data storage device 22a, 22b may comprise other data storage devices 22a, 22b.

[0066] The data in the data storage is stored partially or completely in a form encrypted using a cryptographic method, i.e., as ciphertext. Alternatively or additionally, the data in the data storage can be partially or completely provided with a digital signature.

[0067] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the filter device 10 from Fig. 1. The cylindrical geometry of the filter housing 11 is clearly visible. The inlet 16 for the fluid to be filtered and the outlet 17 for the filtered fluid in the filter cover 12 (indicated by the outward-pointing arrow) are clearly visible.

[0068] Connecting means 15, for example, screw holes, are provided on the filter cover 12, by means of which the filter device 10 can be mounted to a mobile hydraulic system. The filter device 10 is thus mounted to the mobile hydraulic system with the filter cover 12, so that the reading and / or writing device 40 is connected to the filter device 10 on a side facing away from the mobile hydraulic system.

[0069] The reading and / or writing device 40 is connected to the filter housing 11 at the housing base 18. The mating connection means 41, which interacts positively with the connection means 14 of the filter housing 11, is clearly visible.

[0070] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section of the filter element 20 from Fig. 1. Shown is the end face 23 of the filter element 20, on which the carrier section 21 is arranged.

[0071] The data storage device 22a is shown according to the first data storage arrangement, i.e., on a side of the support section 21 facing the filter interior. The data storage device 22a is thus arranged in the recess 31 of the support section 21, which extends from the filter interior, specifically from the cylindrical cavity inside the filter material 28, in the extension 26 toward the end face 24. The data storage device 22a is secured to the support section 13.

[0072] The annular sealant 30 is clearly visible on the outside of the extension 26. The undercut 34 of the support section 21, specifically the extension 26, radially encircling the end face 24 is visible.

[0073] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the end cap 25 of the filter device 10 from Fig. 1 with the data storage device 22b and a coil 37 for energy and data transmission. In contrast to Fig. 3, the data storage device 22b is now shown according to the second data storage arrangement, i.e., on a side of the support section 21 facing away from the filter interior.

[0074] The end cap 25 is essentially designed as a cylindrical pot with a substantially circular base 32 and a circumferential side wall 33. The data storage device 22b is arranged in the end cap 25. The data storage device 22b is secured to the base 32 of the end cap 25. Connecting means are provided on the inside of the side wall 33, which are adapted to cooperate in a form-fitting manner with the undercut 34 of the support section 21 in order to connect the end cap 25 to the support section 21. If the end cap 25 is connected to the extension 26 in this way, the data storage device 22b is arranged on the support section 21, specifically on the end face 24 of the support section 21. The end cap 25, together with the end face 24 of the support section 21, encloses a protected receiving space in which the data storage device 22b is arranged.

[0075] The data storage device 22b is thus held, particularly during operation, by the end cap 25 on the carrier section 21 and protected from damage by external influences.

[0076] Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the connection between the filter device

[0077] 10 from Fig. 1 and the reading and / or writing device 40 are shown. The annular connecting means 14, which protrudes from the housing base 18 as an external hexagon, is clearly visible. In particular, the undercuts 35 are visible, which are formed between the housing base 18 and the edges of the hexagonal outer geometry of the connecting means 14 extending upwards from the housing base 18. In this way, the connecting means 14 surrounds the passage opening 13 through which the carrier section 21 extends, on which the data storage device 22a, 22b is arranged.

[0078] The counter-connecting means 41 of the reading and / or writing device 40 essentially forms a connecting ring which is adapted to cooperate in a form-fitting manner with the undercuts 35 of the connecting means 14.

[0079] In order to connect the reading and / or writing device 40 to the connecting means 14 of the filter housing 11, the counter-connecting means 41 is pushed over the connecting means 14 and then rotated relative to the connecting means 14 so that it is in positive engagement with the undercuts 35.

[0080] Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the connection between a further filter device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention and the reading and / or writing device 40.

[0081] The filter device 10 of Fig. 6 differs from the filter device 10 of Figs. 1 to 5 in that a support section 21 extends through a passage opening 13 in a filter cover 12, rather than in a filter housing 11. The support section 21, which is analogous to the filter device 10 of Fig.

[0082] I to 5 a data memory 22a, 22b with identification data of a filter housing

[0083] II arranged filter element 20, extends from an end face 23 of the filter element 20 facing the filter cover 12 through the passage opening 13 in the filter cover 12 in an outward direction. The reading and / or writing device 40 can be connected to the filter cover 12 on the outside of the passage opening 13.

[0084] Secondly, the filter cover 12 is connected to a filter head 36, and not to the filter housing 11. The filter head 36 has a substantially tubular geometry, with the filter cover 12 closing the tubular filter head 36 on one side. On a side opposite the filter cover 36, the filter head 36 is connected to the open side of the cup-shaped filter housing 11 by means of a flange. The filter housing 11, the filter head 36 and the filter cover 12 thus form a filter interior for the fluid, with an inlet 16 for the fluid to be filtered and an outlet 17 for the filtered fluid being provided in the filter head 36. The functionality of identifying the filter element 20 using the filter device 10 and the reading and / or writing device 40 is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments from Fig. 1 to Fig. 6.

[0085] In use, the reading and / or writing device 40 is arranged on the outside of the passage opening 13 and wirelessly reads the identification data from the data storage device 22a, 22b, which is arranged on or in the carrier section 21. Since the carrier section 21 protrudes from the fluid region in the filter interior and extends through the passage opening 13 toward the reading and / or writing device 40, fluid between the data storage device 22a, 22b and the reading device 40 is avoided, and the distance of the data storage device 22a, 22b from the reading device 40 is reduced, so that the reading of the identification data is particularly stable.

[0086] As soon as the identification data has been read from the data memory 22a, 22b, the filter element 20 is identified by the reading and / or writing device 40. This can involve decrypting the encrypted identification data, i.e., converting a ciphertext into plaintext. For this purpose, the reading and / or writing device 40 can include the key required for decryption. Alternatively or additionally, the reading and / or writing device 40 can verify a digital signature of the identification data. To verify the integrity of the identification data, the reading and / or writing device 40 can calculate a checksum. The decrypted identification data specifies the filter element 20 such that the reading and / or writing device 40 can ultimately identify the filter element 20.

[0087] By means of the identification, it can be checked whether a filter element 20 is present or installed in the filter housing 11 and / or whether the filter element 20 is suitable for the specific requirement. It can also be checked whether the installed filter element 20 is an original manufacturer filter element 20 or an original spare part. The check can be carried out, for example, by the read and / or write device 40. For this purpose, the read and / or write device 40 can be connected to a database in order to compare the identification data, for example. The read and / or write device 40 can provide proof of originality even offline using a cryptographic method. The check can also be carried out by a separate control unit that can be connected to the read and / or write device 40 for data transmission. The check can also be carried out indirectly by a person, for example using a smartphone with NFC technology.

[0088] The filter element 20 can be identified both when installed in the filter housing 11 and when removed from the filter housing 11. Thus, the filter element 20 can be identified during production, for example, to store it in a database before it is installed in the filter housing 11. The filter element 20 can also be identified before or during operation, as well as during maintenance of a mobile hydraulic system or a similar application in which the filter device 10 with the filter element 20 is installed.

[0089] List of reference symbols

[0090] 10 Filter device

[0091] 11 filter housing

[0092] 12 filter covers

[0093] 13 Passage opening

[0094] 14 connecting devices

[0095] 15 tethers

[0096] 16 Entrance

[0097] 17 Outlet

[0098] 18 Case back

[0099] 20 filter element

[0100] 21 Carrier section 22a, 22b Data storage

[0101] 23 Front side

[0102] 24 Frontal area

[0103] 25 End cap 26 Extension

[0104] 28 Filter material

[0105] 29 Support tube

[0106] 30 sealants

[0107] 31 Recess 32 Floor

[0108] 33 Side wall

[0109] 34 undercut

[0110] 35 undercuts

[0111] 36 Filter head 37 Coil

[0112] 40 Reading and / or writing device

[0113] 41 Counterconnecting devices

Claims

Claims 1. Filter device (10) for filtering fluids, in particular for filtering hydraulic oil, comprising a filter housing (11), at least one filter cover (12) and at least one filter element (20) which is interchangeably arranged in the filter housing (11), and which has a support section (21) with at least one data storage device (22a, 22b), wherein identification data for in particular the identification of the filter element (20) are stored in the data storage device (22a, 22b), which can be read wirelessly from the data storage device (22a, 22b) by means of a read and / or write device (40), characterized by the fact that the support section (21) extends at least partially through a through-opening (13) in the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12), wherein the data storage device (22a, 22b) is arranged on or in the support section (21).

2. Filter device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the support section (21) is arranged on an end face (23) of the filter element (20).

3. Filter device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the support section (21) has a projection (26) which extends at least partially through the passage opening (13) in the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12).

4. Filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the support section (21) seals the passage opening (13) in the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12) itself and / or by means of a suitable sealing agent (30) in a fluid-tight manner.

5. Filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the support section (13) is made of a material, for example plastic, whose shielding effect is less than the shielding effect of the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12).

6. Filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the data storage device (22a, 22b) is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, in the passage opening (13).

7. Filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the data storage device (22a, 22b) is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, outside the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12).

8. Filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the data storage device (22a, 22b) is arranged on or in an end face (24) of the carrier section (21).

9. Filter device (10) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the carrier section (21) has an end cap (25) for receiving the data storage (22a, 22b), wherein the data storage (22a, 22b) is arranged between the end face (24) and the end cap (25).

10. Filter device (10) according to 9, which is characterized by the fact that the end cap (25) is made of a material, for example plastic, whose shielding effect is less than the shielding effect of the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12).

11. Filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the reading or writing device (40) can also be used outside the filter housing (11) The filter device (10) can be arranged without forming a fixed connection with the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12). A filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the filter housing (11) and / or the filter cover (12) can be connected to the reading and / or writing device (40). A filter device (10) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the filter housing (11) and / or the filter cover (12) has a connecting means (14) at the through-opening (13) for connection, in particular a positive-locking connection, in particular a bayonet connection, with the reading and / or writing device (40). Filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that further data, in particular operating data and / or manufacturing data, can be stored in a writable storage area of ​​the data storage device (22a, 22b).Filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the data storage device (22a, 22b) can be wirelessly written with data by means of the read and / or write device (40). Filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the data storage device (22a, 22b) comprises at least one wirelessly communicating data storage device (22a, 22b), in particular an RFID transponder. Filter element (20) for a filter device (10), in particular a filter device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (20) is adapted for arrangement in a filter housing (11) and has on an end face (23) a support section (21) with a projection (26) extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter housing. (11) is present, wherein a data storage device (22a, 22b) is arranged on or in the extension (26), in which identification data for the filter element (20) are stored, which can be read wirelessly from the data storage device (22a, 22b) by means of a read and / or write device (40), characterized in that the extension (26) of the carrier section (21) is arranged centrally to the filter element (20). Arrangement of a filter device (10), in particular a filter device (10) according to claims 1 to 16, and a read and / or write device (40), wherein the filter device (10) is a filter housing. (11), comprising at least one filter cover (12) and at least one filter element (20) which is interchangeably arranged in the filter housing (11), and which has a carrier section (21) with at least one data storage device (22a, 22b), and the carrier section (21) extending at least partially through a through-opening (13) in the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12), wherein the data storage device (22a, 22b) is arranged on or in the carrier section (21), and identification data for identifying the filter element (20) is stored in the data storage device (22a, 22b), which can be wirelessly read from the data storage device (22a, 22b) by means of the read and / or write device (40), and the read and / or write device (40) for identifying the filter element (20) at the through-opening (13) in the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12) is arranged, wherein the read and / or write device (40) is configured to read the identifier data from the data storage (22a, 22b) and to identify the filter element (20) based on the read identifier data. Method for identifying a filter element (20) using a filter device (10), in particular a filter device (10) according to claims 1 to 16, and a read and / or write device (40), wherein the filter device (10) comprises a filter housing (11), at least one filter cover (12) and at least one filter element (20) which is interchangeably arranged in the filter housing (11), and which has at least one carrier section (21) with at least one data storage (22a, 22b), and the carrier section (21) is at least partially defined by a through-opening (13) in the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12), wherein the data storage (22a, 22b) is arranged on or in the carrier section (21), and identification data for identifying the filter element (20) is stored in the data storage (22a, 22b), and the read and / or write device (40) is located at the through-opening (13) in the filter housing (11) and / or filter cover (12) is arranged, wherein the read and / or write device (40) reads the identifier data from the data storage (22a, 22b) and identifies the filter element (20) on the basis of the identifier data read.

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