Fluid filters for automobiles, as well as filter cartridges and cover elements for such fluid filters.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid filter (10) for an automobile, having a filter cartridge (12), wherein the filter cartridge (12) is fixed to a filter housing (14) of the fluid filter (10). The filter cartridge (12) has a filter body (16) in which a filter material (18) is placed, and is connected to the filter housing (14) by rotating the filter cartridge (12) around its longitudinal axis (32). At least one web (26, 28) is positioned on an end plate (20) of the filter cartridge (12) and protrudes from the wall (24) of the end plate (20). The helical shape is reproduced at least through multiple points on the narrow side (30) of the at least one web (26, 28) as seen in a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis (32). At least one web (26, 28) has a slope along a rotational direction (34) that allows the filter cartridge (12) to be rotated around a longitudinal axis (32) to secure the filter cartridge (12) to the filter housing (14). The slope along the rotational direction (34) increases the distance between at least one web (26, 28) and the front side (40) of the end plate (20) of the filter cartridge (12). In the assembled position of the filter cartridge (12), at least one web (26, 28) of the filter cartridge (12) engages with the back side of the corresponding retaining web of a helical contact (42), the helical contact (42) is positioned on the filter housing (14) and is seen in a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis (32). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a filter cartridge (12) for such a fluid filter (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid filter for an automobile having a filter cartridge, the filter cartridge being fixed to a filter housing of the fluid filter. The filter cartridge has a filter body in which a filter material is disposed. The filter cartridge is connected to the filter housing by rotating the filter cartridge about the longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge. Further, the present invention relates to a filter cartridge and a cover element for such a fluid filter.

Background Art

[0002] EP0221675B1 describes a method of screwing a filter cartridge having a sealing ring on one end plate onto a connecting part of a filter holder. The connecting part has a thread. A passage opening having a corresponding thread is provided in the end plate of the filter cartridge.

[0003] The disadvantage of attaching the filter cartridge to the filter holder in this way is that the filter cartridge needs to be rotated several times to press the sealing ring against the filter holder. Loosening the screws of the filter cartridge and removing it from the filter holder also takes a correspondingly long time during disassembly.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a fluid filter of the type described above, in which the filter cartridge is fixed to the filter housing in a particularly simple and reliable manner, and to provide a filter cartridge that can be fitted accordingly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This objective is achieved by a fluid filter having the features of claim 1, a filter cartridge having the features of claim 5, and a cover element as described in claim 11. Advantageous embodiments having useful further developments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0007] A fluid filter for an automobile according to the present invention comprises a filter cartridge fixed to a filter housing of the fluid filter. The filter cartridge has a filter body in which filter material is placed. The filter cartridge is connected to the filter housing by rotating the filter cartridge around its longitudinal axis. At least one web is positioned on an end plate of the filter cartridge and protrudes from the wall of the end plate. Here, the helical shape is reproduced at least through a plurality of points on the narrow side of the at least one web as seen in a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The at least one web has a gradient along the direction of rotation that allows the filter cartridge to be rotated around the longitudinal axis to fix the filter cartridge to the filter housing. The gradient along the direction of rotation increases the distance between the at least one web and the front side of the end plate of the filter cartridge. In the assembled position of the filter cartridge, at least one web of the filter cartridge engages with the back side of the corresponding retaining web of a helical contact body, which is positioned on the filter housing and seen in a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0008] The engagement of the contact body with the back side ensures that when the filter cartridge is rotated to its assembly position, that is, when the filter cartridge is fixed to the filter housing by rotating it around its longitudinal axis in the direction of rotation, strain is exerted on the filter cartridge in the direction of its longitudinal axis. This results in particularly secure fastening of the filter cartridge to the filter housing.

[0009] Furthermore, the filter cartridge of the fluid filter is secured to the filter housing in a particularly simple manner. This is because at least several points on the narrow side, particularly at least three points on the narrow side, interact with the corresponding retaining web of the contact body designed on the filter housing, which is helical in the top view and reproduces a helical shape within when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0010] Due to the helical shape of the retaining web and at least several points on the narrow side of the web of the filter cartridge, the filter cartridge can now be secured to the filter housing of the fluid filter by rotating the filter cartridge with a fairly small rotational movement in the rotational direction. As a result, it is not necessary to perform multiple full rotations around the longitudinal axis on the filter housing side, as is the case when screwing the filter cartridge onto the relative object. In fact, even a small or slight rotational movement in the rotational direction is sufficient to securely fasten the filter cartridge to the filter housing of the fluid filter. Thus, the filter cartridge of the fluid filter is attached to the filter housing in a particularly simple manner.

[0011] Furthermore, the filter cartridge can be disassembled from the filter housing fairly quickly and with little effort. Nevertheless, retaining forces can be transmitted along the entire length of each helical shape. These retaining forces ensure that the filter cartridge is securely fixed in the filter housing in its assembled position.

[0012] In this case, a replacement part in the form of a filter cartridge can achieve a predetermined fairly accurate alignment with respect to the filter housing at the assembly position, in order that at least one web and the corresponding retaining web are aligned. Thus, an operator mounting the filter cartridge onto the filter housing can easily determine by visual inspection whether the filter cartridge is in the desired or predetermined assembly position or end position.

[0013] Furthermore, the end plate wall from which at least one web protrudes radially does not need to be designed in a helical shape in this case. Rather, it is sufficient if the helical shape is reproduced by the narrow side of at least one web when the filter cartridge is viewed in a top view along the longitudinal axis—or at least by individual parts or points on the narrow side of at least one web.

[0014] As a result, the filter cartridge can be mounted to the filter housing of the fluid filter in a particularly easy manner. This is especially true when the end plate walls have a circular cylindrical shape. Therefore, the helical shape does not need to be reproduced by the end plate walls. Rather, at least one web is designed so that the helical shape is reproduced by at least some points on the narrow side of at least one web, particularly at least three points on the narrow side.

[0015] As a result, fixing the filter cartridge with axial tension, i.e., tension acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis, can be achieved in a particularly easy manner, even in the case of a filter cartridge whose end plates, at least the walls, have a circular cylindrical outer shape. This makes it easier to attach the filter cartridge to the filter housing of the fluid filter.

[0016] Furthermore, the cost of the equipment used to manufacture the end plates of the filter cartridge can be advantageously minimized. In addition, at least one web that acts as a clamping or retaining part is replaced together with the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge is replaced. This is advantageous in particular when the web of the filter cartridge is subjected to wear during the installation and / or operation of the filter cartridge.

[0017] Depending on the intended use and embodiment of the fluid filter, various fluids can be filtered by the filter material placed within the filter body of the filter cartridge. For example, a fluid filter may be designed as an air filter for an automotive air conditioning or ventilation system, which filters ambient air before it enters the passenger compartment of the vehicle. However, a fluid filter may also be designed as an air filter for an automotive combustion engine or as a filter for filtering fuel. Furthermore, a fluid filter can be designed as an oil filter or water separator to separate water from lubricants and / or fuel. Moreover, a fluid filter can be designed as an air dryer, which can reduce moisture in automotive systems, particularly compressed air such as compressed air in the brake system. As an addition or alternative, a fluid filter may be designed to remove or exchange ions in the working fluid of an automotive vehicle. In particular, the filter cartridge may be designed in the form of an ion exchanger. Despite these intended uses, it is also an advantage that the filter cartridge can be simply and securely mounted to the filter housing and that it can be easily replaced.

[0018] If at least one web is designed to be continuous along the direction of rotation, the helical shape is reproduced throughout the entire narrow side of at least one web when viewed in a top view along the longitudinal axis. However, it is also possible to form at least one web in a way that interrupts it. Therefore, a web that reproduces or follows a helical shape does not need to be designed as a continuous helix. Rather, individual parts of the web or individual points on the narrow side of a part of the web can reproduce the helical shape when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Such interrupted or segmented webs, where only each point on the narrow side of the web reproduces the helical shape, are advantageous in terms of the filter cartridge being low weight.

[0019] The retaining web of the helical contact body is preferably designed as a boundary wall of the groove, and the boundary wall is closer to the front side of the plate. Here, at least one web of the filter cartridge is inserted into the groove when the filter cartridge is fixed to the filter housing of the fluid filter. Here, the boundary wall of the groove has a slope corresponding to the slope of at least one web.

[0020] By providing grooves within the helical contact body of the filter housing, it is possible to achieve fairly precise guidance of at least one web when rotating the filter cartridge in the rotational direction, that is, when bringing the filter cartridge to the assembly position. This also makes the removal of the filter cartridge considerably easier.

[0021] The groove may comprise a first groove portion and a second groove portion, which are designed to extend substantially equally around the receiving space of the filter housing. This ensures that the filter body of the filter cartridge is received in at least several areas within the receiving space of the filter housing. Providing two groove portions particularly facilitates the installation of the filter cartridge into the filter housing, i.e., bringing the filter cartridge into the assembly position. This is because it is fairly clear how the web of the filter cartridge corresponding to each groove portion should be inserted into each groove portion in order to achieve web engagement within the groove. As a result, securing the filter cartridge to the filter housing is particularly user-friendly.

[0022] Preferably, one end of the groove is adjacent to the other beginning of the groove in the rotational direction. In this way, the two grooves can be used to create a helical contact body that completely encloses the receiving space. As a result, the length of the groove in which the web engages and transmits assembly and retaining forces is particularly large. This facilitates secure fastening of the filter cartridge to the filter housing.

[0023] The groove floor, which joins the boundary wall of the groove near the front side of the end plate in the longitudinal axis direction, preferably protrudes radially beyond the receiving space of the filter housing and further away from the groove end region at the groove entrance. This allows the filter cartridge to be received in at least some area of ​​the receiving space of the filter housing, and the groove end region is spaced apart from the groove entrance along the rotational direction. The smaller radial protrusion of the groove across the receiving space of the filter housing within the groove end region results in particularly low installation space requirements for the helical contact body. This is advantageous.

[0024] The filter cartridge of a fluid filter for a motor vehicle according to the present invention can be fixed to the filter housing of the fluid filter. The filter cartridge has a filter body in which the filter material is arranged. The filter cartridge can be connected to the filter housing by rotating the filter cartridge about the longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge. At least one web is arranged on the end plate of the filter cartridge and protrudes from the wall of the end plate. Thereby, the spiral shape is reproduced at least through a plurality of points on the narrow side of at least one web as seen in the top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis. At least one web has a gradient along the rotation direction by which the filter cartridge can be rotated about the longitudinal axis to fix the filter cartridge to the filter housing. Due to the gradient along the rotation direction, the distance between at least one web and the front side of the end plate of the filter cartridge increases. Further, in the assembled position of the filter cartridge, at least one web of the filter cartridge is designed to engage with the back side of the corresponding retaining web of the spiral-shaped abutment, and the spiral-shaped abutment is arranged on the filter housing and is seen in the top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0025] It is immediately apparent from the shape of the web that at least one web is suitable for engaging with the back side of the corresponding retaining web of the spiral-shaped abutment in the direction of the longitudinal axis in the top view of the filter housing in the assembled position. This is because the spiral shape is reproduced at least through some points on the narrow side of at least one web, for example, through at least three points on the narrow side of the web or through the entire narrow side of the web. Also, due to this shape of the web, the web can engage with the back side of the corresponding retaining web when the retaining web is designed in a spiral shape.

[0026] The filter cartridge can be fixed to the filter housing of a fluid filter in a particularly easy and reliable way. This is because the gradient of at least one web along the direction of rotation enables the filter cartridge to perform an axial movement towards the filter housing, particularly towards a slight path into the receiving space of the filter housing, when the filter cartridge rotates along the longitudinal axis in the direction of rotation. This ensures that the filter cartridge is securely fixed to the filter housing.

[0027] However, it is not necessary to perform a complex rotation of the filter cartridge in the direction of rotation that requires multiple full rotations to bring the filter cartridge to the assembly position. Instead, a slight movement of the filter cartridge in the direction of rotation is sufficient to achieve a secure, particularly tightly fitting, fixation of the filter cartridge to the filter housing.

[0028] The first web and the second web are preferably arranged on the end plate of the filter cartridge, and the webs are designed to extend substantially equally around the circumference of the wall of the end plate. By providing two webs, it becomes particularly easy for the user or operator involved in mounting the filter cartridge onto or into the filter housing to bring the filter cartridge to the first position where the webs can engage with the back side of the corresponding retaining webs of the filter housing. Therefore, providing two webs on the wall of the end plate of the filter cartridge is advantageous in terms of simplifying the assembly.

[0029] The wall of the end plate preferably has a circular cylindrical outer shape. This is because the shaping of the wall during manufacturing is particularly easy. The circular cylindrical outer shape of the wall of the end plate is particularly advantageous when arranging and inserting a sealing element onto the wall of the end plate to achieve a tightly fitting layout with the filter housing. Furthermore, the filter body can be particularly well connected to the end plate when both the wall of the end plate and the filter body have a circular cylindrical outer shape.

[0030] Preferably, one end of the two grooves is adjacent to the other beginning of the two grooves in the rotational direction. In this case, the entire circumferential portion of the end plate wall can be utilized by the two webs to provide a retaining or clamping shape for securing the filter cartridge to the filter housing. This facilitates secure fastening of the filter cartridge to the filter housing.

[0031] For example, even if two webs are designed to be not continuous but have multiple openings or interruptions, the last part of the interrupting web along the slope in the direction of rotation is considered the end of the web. In contrast, the part or portion of the interrupting web that is least far from the front side of the end plate along the slope is considered the beginning of the web.

[0032] The filter cartridge can preferably be brought into the assembly position by a rotation less than one full rotation around its longitudinal axis. As a result, the assembly of the filter cartridge is quite easy, and little effort is required when fitting the filter cartridge into the filter housing.

[0033] It has been shown that there is an even greater advantage when at least one web is designed to be integral with the end plate wall. In particular, when the end plate of the filter cartridge is manufactured from plastic, for example by injection molding, the integral formation of at least one web with the end plate wall can be achieved fairly easily and with little effort. Furthermore, this allows at least one web to be held fairly stably in place by the wall. This is advantageous for adequately transmitting large axial forces, i.e., forces acting in the longitudinal axis direction of the filter cartridge.

[0034] The end plates of the filter cartridge are preferably designed as cover elements, which can close the receiving space of the filter housing provided for the filter body of the filter cartridge. When inserting the filter body into the receiving space of the filter housing, there is no need to provide a separate cover to close the filter housing. This makes it easier to install the filter cartridge by inserting the filter body of the filter cartridge into the receiving space. Furthermore, the receiving space of the filter housing is already closed when the filter cartridge is moved to the assembly position. This is advantageous for performing quick replacement of the filter cartridge.

[0035] It has become clear that designing the end plates of a filter cartridge as cover elements that connect non-destructively and irremovably to the filter body of the filter cartridge is even more advantageous. This is because when the filter body of the filter cartridge containing the filter material is replaced, it is ensured that the retaining parts provided on the end plates of the filter cartridge, which are designed as cover elements, are also replaced. As a result, when the filter cartridge is replaced, the retaining parts are also new, which is advantageous in terms of the possibility of wear on the retaining parts.

[0036] The filter cartridge preferably has a sealing element that can be pressed inward into a receiving space in the filter housing, which is provided to receive the filter body of the filter cartridge, by securing the filter cartridge to the filter housing. Such a sealing element acting radially can fairly easily and reliably seal the receiving space in the filter housing that is intended for the filter body of the filter cartridge. This fairly ensures that the fluid to be filtered flows through the filter material of the filter body during the operation of the filter cartridge.

[0037] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cover element, which already possesses all the features described above before it is connected to the filter body and fixed to the filter housing by rotational motion. This cover element is manufactured as a separate component and designed to be connected to the filter body before being installed in the filter housing. The filter body and the cover element are then assembled to form a filter cartridge. As a result, the complete filter cartridge can be replaced individually, or only the cover element or only the filter body can be replaced individually.

[0038] The cover element preferably includes a sealing element. As a result, the receiving space of the filter housing can be sealed fairly easily and reliably, as described above.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, the cover element has a clip so that it can be removably connected to the filter body. As a result, connection in a specific rotational direction may be possible.

[0040] Alternatively, a non-removable connection between the cover element and the filter body can be achieved, for example, by welding or adhesive fastening. This allows for a high level of robustness in the assembly.

[0041] The advantageous and preferred embodiments described with respect to the fluid filter according to the present invention also apply to the filter cartridge and cover element according to the present invention, and vice versa.

[0042] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings (may be multiple) of preferred embodiments. The features and combinations of features described above in the description, and the features and combinations of features described below in the description of the drawings and / or shown individually in the drawings, may be used not only in the combinations shown in each case, but also in other combinations or by themselves without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This is a schematic exploded view of a fluid filter for an automobile, in which a filter cartridge with two helical webs can be fixed to the filter housing of the fluid filter. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the filter housing of a fluid filter. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the filter cartridge of a fluid filter. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the insertion of the two webs of the filter cartridge into the groove portion of the helical contact body of the filter housing, and the filter cartridge is rotated in the direction of rotation around its longitudinal axis. [Figure 5] This diagram shows how two webs progressively engage with the two grooved portions of a helical contact body. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a fluid filter in which the filter cartridge is fixed to or brought into the assembly position in the filter housing, the web of the filter cartridge engages with the back side of the corresponding retaining web of a helical contact, and the helical contact is positioned or designed on the filter housing. [Figure 7] This is a detailed diagram of the filter body and the cover element before assembly. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of the connection between the cover element and the filter body. [Figure 9] This is a diagram of a second embodiment of the connection between the cover element and the filter body. [Figure 10] This is a diagram of a third embodiment of the connection between the cover element and the filter body. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] Elements that are identical or have the same function are indicated by the same reference numeral in the drawings.

[0045] An exploded view of the fluid filter 10 for an automobile is shown in Figure 1, where the filter cartridge 12 of the fluid filter 10 is not yet fixed into the filter housing 14 of the fluid filter 10. In contrast, Figure 6 shows the assembled state of the fluid filter 10, where the filter cartridge 12 of the fluid filter 10 is in the assembled position.

[0046] The fluid filter 10 can be designed to separate contaminants from oil, i.e., as an oil filter, or, for example, as an air filter for an air conditioning system or an internal combustion engine of an automobile. Furthermore, the fluid filter 10 can be designed as an air dryer capable of filtering moisture from air, such as compressed air, in a brake system of an automobile. Furthermore, the fluid filter 10 can be designed as a water separator for separating water from lubricants and / or fuels for an automobile, or for filtering (or exchanging) ions from the working fluid of an automobile.

[0047] Therefore, the filter material 18 is placed within the filter body 16 of the filter cartridge 12 and, although not explicitly shown in Figure 1 and only schematically shown, can be designed as an ion exchange material in the form of granules, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the filter material 18 of the filter cartridge 12 can be provided by a pleated filter or the like. Therefore, the type and / or properties of the filter material 18 are appropriately and preferably designed to suit the intended use of the fluid filter 10.

[0048] The end plate 20 of the filter cartridge 12 is preferably designed as a cover element, which can close the receiving space 22 of the filter housing 14 provided for the filter body 16 of the filter cartridge 12. The direction 62 in which the filter body 16 of the filter cartridge 12 can be inserted into or pushed into the receiving space 22 of the filter housing 14 before the receiving space 22 is closed by the end plate 20 of the filter cartridge 12, which in this case is designed as a cover element for the filter housing 14, is shown in Figure 1 by a straight arrow.

[0049] To achieve a tight fit and secure fastening of the filter cartridge 12 to the filter housing 14, the filter cartridge 12, also known as the replaceable filter element of the fluid filter 10, has a helical element with axial tension. A preferred embodiment of this helical element, designed to exert axial tension on the filter cartridge 12 when the filter housing 14 is closed by a cover element, is described below. The axial direction of the filter cartridge 12 corresponds to the longitudinal axis 32 of the filter cartridge 12. The filter cartridge 12 can be rotated about this longitudinal axis 32 in order to secure the filter cartridge 12 to the filter housing 14.

[0050] The end plate 20 of the filter cartridge 12 has a wall 24 having a circular cylindrical outer shape in the illustrated modified fluid filter 10. At least one web 26, 28 of this cylindrical wall 24 of the filter cartridge 12 protrudes radially. In the modified filter cartridge 12 and fluid filter 10 shown in Figure 1, the first web 26 and the second web 28 are located on the end plate 20 of the filter cartridge 12 and protrude radially from the wall 24.

[0051] The helical shape is reproduced by the respective narrow sides 30 of each web 26, 28 as seen in a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis 32 of the filter cartridge 12. In other words, the helix is ​​formed by the respective narrow sides 30 of the two webs 26, 28, that is, by curved portions at various points on the narrow side 30 in each case that are at different distances from the longitudinal axis 32.

[0052] In Figure 1, the rotational direction 34 is indicated by a curved arrow that allows the filter cartridge 12 to be rotated around the longitudinal axis 32 in order to secure it to the filter housing 14. Due to the helical shape of the webs 26, 28, the distance 30 of the narrow side of each web 26, 28 from the longitudinal axis 32 decreases along this rotational direction 34. Thus, along the rotational direction 34, the narrow side 30 gradually approaches the longitudinal axis 32 and the wall 24, starting from the beginning end 36 of each web 26, 28 and moving towards the end end 38 of each web. Only the beginning end 36 of the first web 26 is visible in Figure 1. In contrast, both the beginning end 36 and the end end 38 of the second web 28 are visible in Figure 1.

[0053] If the respective webs 26 and 28 are not continuous but are designed to have openings or similar spaces (not shown) between the web portions of each web 26 and 28, then at least some points on the narrow side 30 of each web portion will replicate the helical shape as seen in a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis 32.

[0054] Figure 1 also shows that each web 26, 28 has a slope along the rotational direction 34. The slope along the rotational direction 34 increases the distance between each web 26, 28 and the front side 40 of the filter cartridge end plate 20. Therefore, the distance 36 of the starting end 36 of each web 26, 28 from the front side 40 of the end plate 20 is less than the distance 38 of the ending end 38 of each web 26, 28 from the front side 40 of the end plate 20.

[0055] The retaining webs of the contact body 42 of the filter housing 14, which correspond to the webs 26 and 28 and are positioned or designed on the filter housing 14, can be seen in the perspective view of the filter housing 14 in Figure 1. The contact body 42 provided on the side of the filter housing 14 is also designed to have a helical shape when viewed in a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis 32.

[0056] In this case, the retaining web of the helical contact body is designed as a boundary wall 44 of the groove, and in the modified form of the fluid filter 10 shown in Figure 1, the boundary wall 44 comprises a first groove portion 46 and a second groove portion 48. In Figure 1, the second groove portion 48 is hidden by the boundary wall 44 and is designed to encircle the longitudinal axis 32 at an angle of approximately 180 degrees in the circumferential direction. In Figure 1, the portion of this boundary wall 44 covering the second groove portion 48 is not covered by the filter body 16 of the filter cartridge 12. In contrast, the portion of the boundary wall 44 associated with the first groove portion 46 is covered by the filter body 16.

[0057] To secure the filter cartridge 12 to the filter housing 14, the two webs 26 and 28 are inserted into corresponding groove portions 46 and 48 of the grooves of the helical contact body 42. The retaining web, with which the webs 26 and 28 engage on the back side, is thus designed as a boundary wall 44 of the groove or groove portion 46 and 48 near the front side 40 of the end plate 20. As can be seen from Figure 1 and Figure 2, this boundary wall 44 of the groove or each groove portion 46 and 48 has a slope corresponding to the slope of the webs 26 and 28.

[0058] As can be seen from Figure 2, the grooves 46 and 48 are designed to extend circumferentially at the same distance around the receiving space 22 of the filter housing 14 into which the filter body 16 of the filter cartridge 12 is received when the filter cartridge 12 is fixed to the filter housing 14 (Figure 6). As a result, one end 50 of each groove 46 and 48 is adjacent to the starting end 52 of the other groove 46 and 48 in the rotational direction 34.

[0059] In Figure 2, only the starting end 52 of the first groove portion 46 is clearly visible. However, it can be seen from Figure 2 that the end portion 50 of the first groove portion 46 extends in the circumferential direction of the filter housing 14 to the starting end 52 of the second groove portion 48.

[0060] According to Figure 2, the grooves or the base 54 of each groove portion 46, 48 protrude radially beyond the receiving space 22 of the filter housing 14 that receives the filter cartridge 12 in some areas at the entrance of each groove portion 46, 48, and further away from the end regions of each groove portion 46, 48. In the rotational direction 34 (compared to Figure 1), the end regions of each groove portion 46, 48 are spaced apart from the entrance of each groove portion 46, 48. This is because the entrance of each groove portion 46, 48 is located in the region of the starting end 52 of each groove portion 46, 48. Also, the end regions of each groove portion 46, 48 coincide with the end portion 50 of each groove portion 46, 48.

[0061] Figure 2 further shows that the receiving space 22 of the filter housing 14, which is provided to receive the filter body 16 of the filter cartridge 12, has an inner surface 56. The sealing element 58 of the filter cartridge 12 is pressed against this inner surface 56 when the filter cartridge 12 is fixed to the filter housing 14. The sealing element 58, which is designed as a radial seal in this case, is shown schematically only in Figure 3. Furthermore, the configuration of the sealing element 58 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 32 of the filter cartridge 12 is not practically shown in Figure 3.

[0062] The sealing element 58 is positioned, for example, on the outside of the end plate wall 24 and may be designed in this case as an O-ring having a circular cylindrical outer shape. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing element 58 may be positioned on the outside of the filter body 16, as schematically and illustratively shown in Figure 3.

[0063] Figure 3 further illustrates that the two webs 26 and 28 on the narrow side 30, which reproduce a helical shape, are preferably designed integrally with the wall 24 of the end plate 20. In particular, the entire end plate 20 of the filter cartridge 12 can be designed integrally.

[0064] The filter body 16 is preferably connected to the end plate 20 of the filter cartridge 12 in a non-destructive, non-removable manner. In other words, the filter body 16 is preferably not removable from the end plate 20 unless it is permissible to damage the filter body 16 and / or the end plate 20. Therefore, the entire filter cartridge 12 must be replaced when the filter material 18 is replaced. As a result, the clamping or retaining shapes in the form of the two webs 26, 28, which may be subject to wear, are also replaced in an advantageous manner.

[0065] Figure 4 shows the step of securing the filter cartridge 12 to the filter housing 14. This causes only a portion of each web 26, 28 to engage with the respective groove portions 46, 48 of the helical contact body 42. Thus, the narrow sides 30 of each web 26, 28 remain at a certain distance from the floor 54 of the respective groove portions 46, 48.

[0066] In contrast, Figure 5 shows the state of the fluid filter 10 with the filter cartridge 12 further rotated around the longitudinal axis 32 in the rotational direction 34. Thus, the narrow sides 30 of the two webs 26, 28 are now moved closer to the groove floor 54 of their respective groove portions 46, 48. As a result, the webs 26, 28 engage with the back side of the retaining web of the helical contact body 42 with a larger surface area than during the assembly steps shown in Figure 4. The retaining web of the helical contact body 42 is now designed as the boundary walls 44 of the respective groove portions 46, 48, and these boundary walls 44 are closer to the front side 40 of the end plate 20.

[0067] Therefore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when screwing the filter cartridge 12 into the filter housing 14 to secure it to the filter housing 14, the helical webs 26 and 28 of the filter cartridge 12 engage with the back side of the helical retaining webs of the grooved portions 46 and 48 of the filter housing 14.

[0068] When assembling the filter cartridge 12, it can be pre-positioned on the filter housing 14 such that the lower parts of the webs 26 and 28 are placed on top of the retaining web, which is present in the form of a boundary wall 44. Then, when the filter cartridge 12 is rotated in the rotational direction 34, the webs 26 and 28 automatically engage with the groove portions 46 and 48 of the grooves of the helical contact body 42. Thus, assembling the filter cartridge 12 is carried out in a particularly easy manner in this case, as a result of fixing the filter cartridge 12 to the filter housing 14.

[0069] In Figure 6, the fluid filter 10 is shown with the filter cartridge 12 moved to the assembly or termination position. Here, the narrow sides 30 of the two webs 26, 28 are rested against the floor 54 of the respective groove portions 46, 48 at least at specific points. Furthermore, at least one sealing element 58 (see Figure 3) is pressed against the inside 56 (see Figure 2) of the receiving space 22 of the filter housing 14 provided for the filter body 16 of the filter cartridge 12.

[0070] Designed in the form of radially projecting leaves, the webs 26 and 28, each exhibiting a slope, allow their respective end portions 38 to be adjacent to their respective start portions 36 in the rotational direction 34 (see Figure 1).

[0071] Due to the shape of the webs 26, 28 and the corresponding shapes of the grooves 46, 48, the respective end surfaces or end faces 60 of the two webs 26, 28 are flush with the entrances of the respective grooves 46, 48 when the filter cartridge 12 is brought to the assembly position or termination position shown in Figure 6.

[0072] If the webs 26 and 28 are longer in the rotational direction 34, their end faces 60 may protrude slightly from the entrances of the respective groove portions 46 and 48. Also, if the webs 26 and 28 are shorter in the rotational direction 34, the end faces 60 may move further into the entrances of the respective groove portions 46 and 48 than shown in Figure 6.

[0073] Figure 7 shows the cover element 20, which already exhibits all the features that enable assembly of the cover element 20 and the filter body 16 even before the cover element 20 is connected to the filter body 16. The cover element 20 and the filter body 16 together form a filter cartridge 12 after assembly and are connected to the filter housing 14. The cover element 20 has the webs 26 and 28 on the wall 24 of the cover element, and in the assembled position, the webs 26 and 28 engage with the back side of the retaining web of the helical contact body 42, which is positioned on the filter housing 14 and is seen in the top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis 32. First, the cover element 20 is connected to the filter body 16, either detachably or non-detachably, thus forming the end plate 20 of the filter cartridge 12. Next, the assembly of the cover element 20 and the filter body 16 is inserted into the filter housing 14 by rotating it as described above. A sealing element 58 for sealing the filter housing 14 is also already provided on the cover element 20. In this embodiment, the sealing element 58 is designed as a radial sealing ring.

[0074] Figure 8 shows an assembly of the cover element 20 and the filter body 16. Here, the cover element exhibits a clip 64. The cover element 20 is connected to the filter body 16 by engaging the clip 64 into a corresponding groove provided on the filter body 16. In this way, it is possible to orient both parts 20, 16 with a specified radial alignment relative to each other. As an alternative to the clip connection, another removable connection, such as a screw connection between the cover element 20 and the filter body 16, may also be provided.

[0075] Figures 9 and 10 show two non-removable connections between the cover element 20 and the filter body 16, with Figure 9 showing an adhesive or welded connection. In this case, the end face of the filter body 16 is attached to the cover element 20 with adhesive or welded, and thus permanently connected. Figure 10 also shows a non-removable connection in that the filter medium of the filter body 16 is cast together with the cover element 20. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 10 Fluid filters 12 filter cartridges 14 Filter Housing 16 Filter body 18 Filter materials 20 End plates, cover elements 22 Acceptance Space 24 Wall 26 Web 28 Web 30 Narrow side 32 Longitudinal axis 34. Direction of rotation 36 Starting point 38 Termination section 40 Front 42 Contact body 44 Boundary Wall 46 Groove section 48 Groove section 50 Termination 52 Starting point 54 beds 56 Inside 58 Sealing element 60 End face 62 directions 64 clips

Claims

1. A fluid filter (10) for an automobile having a filter cartridge (12), wherein the filter cartridge (12) is fixed to a filter housing (14) of the fluid filter (10), the filter cartridge (12) has a filter body (16) in which a filter material (18) is disposed, and the filter cartridge (12) is connected to the filter housing (14) by rotating the filter cartridge (12) around its longitudinal axis (32), At least one web (26, 28) is positioned on the end plate (20) of the filter cartridge (12) and protrudes from the wall (24) of the end plate (20), and the helical shape is reproduced at least through a number of points on the narrow side (30) of the at least one web (26, 28) as seen in a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis (32), and the at least one web (26, 28) has a gradient along a rotational direction (34) that allows the filter cartridge (12) to be rotated around the longitudinal axis (32) in order to fix the filter cartridge (12) to the filter housing (14). A fluid filter (10) characterized in that, due to the gradient along the rotational direction (34), the distance between the at least one web (26, 28) and the front side (40) of the end plate (20) of the filter cartridge (12) increases, and in the assembled position of the filter cartridge (12), the at least one web (26, 28) of the filter cartridge (12) engages with the back side of the corresponding retaining web of the helical contact body (42), the helical contact body (42) is positioned on the filter housing (14) and is visible in the top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis (32).

2. The fluid filter (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining web of the helical contact body (42) is designed as a boundary wall (44) of a groove near the front side (40) of the end plate (20), at least one web (26, 28) of the filter cartridge (12) is inserted into the groove, and the boundary wall (44) of the groove has a gradient corresponding to the gradient of the at least one web (26, 28).

3. The fluid filter (10) according to claim 2, wherein the groove comprises a first groove portion (46) and a second groove portion (48), the groove portions (46, 48) are designed to extend substantially equally on the circumferential side around the receiving space (22) of the filter housing (14), the filter body (16) of the filter cartridge (12) is received in the receiving space (22) in at least some area, and one end of the groove portions (46, 48) is adjacent to the other starting end of the groove portions (46, 48) in the rotational direction (34).

4. The fluid filter (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis (32), the groove floor (54) that joins to the boundary wall (44) near the front side (40) of the end plate (20) protrudes in at least some areas beyond the receiving space (22) of the filter housing (14) that receives the filter cartridge (12) at the radial groove entrance farther from the end region of the groove, and the end region of the groove is spaced apart from the entrance of the groove along the rotational direction (34).

5. A filter cartridge (12) for an automotive fluid filter (10), wherein the filter cartridge (12) is fixed to the filter housing (14) of the fluid filter (10), the fluid cartridge (12) has a filter body (16) in which a filter material (18) is disposed, and the filter cartridge (12) can be connected to the filter housing (14) by rotating the filter cartridge (12) around its longitudinal axis (32), At least one web (26, 28) is positioned on the end plate (20) of the filter cartridge (12) and protrudes from the wall (24) of the end plate (20), and the helical shape is reproduced at least through a number of points on the narrow side (30) of the at least one web (26, 28) as seen in a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis (32), and the at least one web (26, 28) has a slope along a rotational direction (34) that allows the filter cartridge (12) to be rotated around the longitudinal axis (32) in order to fix the filter cartridge (12) to the filter housing (14), The gradient along the rotational direction (34) increases the distance between the at least one web (26, 28) and the front side (40) of the end plate (20) of the filter cartridge (12), and in the assembled position of the filter cartridge (12), the at least one web (26, 28) of the filter cartridge (12) engages with the back side of the corresponding retaining web of the helical contact body (42), and the helical contact body (42) is positioned on the filter housing (14) and is visible in the top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis (32), characterized in that

6. The filter cartridge (12) according to claim 5, wherein the first web (26) and the second web (28) are arranged on the end plate (20) of the filter cartridge (12), and the webs (26, 28) are designed to extend substantially equally around the circumference of the wall (24) of the end plate (20), the wall having, in particular, a circular cylindrical shape.

7. The filter cartridge (12) according to claim 6, characterized in that one end portion (38) of the two webs (26, 28) is adjacent to the other start portion (36) of the two webs (26, 28) in the rotational direction (34).

8. The filter cartridge (12) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at least one web (26, 28) is designed to be integral with the wall (24) of the end plate (20), and / or the filter cartridge (12) can be brought to the assembly position by a rotation of less than one complete rotation around the longitudinal axis (32).

9. The filter cartridge (12) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the end plate (20) of the filter cartridge (12) is designed as a cover element, and the cover element can close a receiving space (22) of the filter housing (14) provided for the filter body (16) of the filter cartridge (12), and / or the receiving space (12) is connected to the filter body (16) of the filter cartridge (12) in a non-destructive and non-removable manner.

10. The filter cartridge (12) has a sealing element (58), and the sealing element (58) can be pressed against the inside (56) of a receiving space (22) of the filter housing (14) that is provided to receive the filter body (16) of the filter cartridge (12) by fixing the filter cartridge (12) to the filter housing (14), as described in any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. A cover element (20) for a filter cartridge for an automotive fluid filter (10), wherein the filter cartridge may be fixed to the filter housing (14) of the fluid filter (10), the cover element (20) may be connected to the filter body (16), and the cover element (20) may be connected to the filter housing (14) by rotating the cover element (20) around a longitudinal axis (32), At least one web (26, 28) is positioned on the cover element (20) and protrudes from the wall (24) of the cover element (20), and the helical shape is reproduced at least through a number of points on the narrow side (30) of the at least one web (26, 28) as seen in a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis (32), and the at least one web (26, 28) has a gradient along a rotational direction (34) that allows the cover element (20) to be rotated around the longitudinal axis (32) in order to secure the cover element (20) to the filter housing (14). A cover element (20) having such that the gradient along the rotational direction (34) increases the distance between the at least one web (26, 28) and the front side (40) of the cover element (20), and in the assembled position of the cover element (20), the at least one web (26, 28) of the cover element (20) engages with the back side of the corresponding retaining web of the helical contact body (42), and the helical contact body (42) is positioned on the filter housing (14) and is visible in the top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis (32).

12. The cover element (20) has a sealing element (58), and the sealing element (58) can be pressed into the inside (56) of a receiving space (22) of the filter housing (14) that is provided to receive the filter body (16) of the filter cartridge (12) by fixing the cover element (20) to the filter housing (14).

13. The cover element (20) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the cover element (20) has a clip (64) that connects to the filter body (16).

14. The cover element (20) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it has means for irremovably connecting to the filter body (16).

15. The cover element (20) according to claim 14, characterized in that the cover element (20) can be connected to the filter body (16) by adhesive or welding.

Images