A filter element and a filter comprising at least two filter elements.
Curved main ribs and stiffening ribs in filter elements address wire breakage issues by reducing orthogonal traversals and enhancing durability and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- アルファ·ラヴァル·モアッティ
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing filter elements experience premature wire breakage due to shear loads from alternating flow directions, particularly at intersections where radial ribs traverse the filtering mesh orthogonally, leading to reduced lifespan and durability.
The filter element incorporates curved main ribs that extend radially between concentric edges, reducing the number of wires traversed orthogonally and distributing load across longitudinal wires, combined with stiffening ribs to enhance mechanical strength and flow efficiency.
The curved rib configuration minimizes wire breakage, enhances durability, and maintains filtering efficiency by reducing pressure loss and material requirements, while allowing for larger filtering mesh surface area.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0003]
[0001] The present invention relates to a filter element having a filtering mesh extending between two concentric edges, to a set of such filter elements arranged relative to one another, and to a filter comprising a plurality of such filter elements stacked along an axis. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improvement of the filter element.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a filter structure using annular flat filter elements each having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a filtering mesh. FIG. 1 of the present application depicts such a filter element. The filtering mesh is annular and extends between two concentric edges, an inner edge and an outer edge respectively. Radial ribs regularly distributed in the circumferential direction and extending axially corresponding to both sides of the filtering mesh between the concentric edges serve to form sectors on the inner surface and the outer surface. Such filter elements are designed to be assembled relative to one another such that the opposing inner surfaces thereof form a space circumferentially divided by the radial ribs in contact with the inner surface. For each sector, passages are arranged at the inner and outer edges. By stacking a selected number of pairs of filter elements, a desired filter area is obtained for the intended application. Usually, the fluid to be filtered passes through the stack through the passage located at the inner edge, passes through the filtering mesh, is purified, and then exits through the passage formed at the outer edge.
[0003] In addition, such filters generally include a reverse flow system configured to selectively reverse the flow in some sectors of the filter element to remove clogging of the filtering mesh within the sector. However, alternating between normal flow and reverse flow imposes shear loads on the wires of the filtering mesh that are traversed by the radial ribs, in which case these wires may break from fatigue after a certain number of cycles. In particular, this shear load is greatest at each location where the wires of the filtering mesh are intersected substantially orthogonally by the ribs of the filter element.
[0004] Furthermore, in such known filter elements, as clearly shown in Figure 1, several radial ribs invariably extend substantially perpendicular to the principal direction of the filtering mesh, which in Figure 1 are 45°, 135°, 225°, and 315°. As a result, such radial ribs substantially orthogonally traverse a number of continuous wires along the ribs from the inner edge to the outer edge.
[0005] As a result, such a configuration may lead to an increasing number of consecutive wire breaks over time. While such breaks do not substantially impair the filtering function of the filter element, they can ultimately reduce the lifespan of the filter element.
[0006] This phenomenon is particularly relevant in more recent filter elements that include stiffening ribs in addition to the usual radial ribs. In fact, in such filter elements, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, for example, each sector is reinforced with additional ribs extending radially and / or in the oblique direction. As a result, due to the increased number of ribs and the increased number of directions resulting from these ribs, there is an even greater possibility that some of these ribs extend substantially perpendicular to the wires of the filtering mesh. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0007] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 1091791 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 3199219 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a new type of filter with improved durability. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] The present disclosure relates to a filter element, the filter element having an inner surface, an outer surface, a filtering mesh, two concentric edges between which the filtering mesh extends, which are an inner edge and an outer edge, respectively, and a main rib provided on at least the inner surface, the main rib extending substantially radially between the edges and distributed circumferentially to generate sectors on the inner surface, the filter element being configured to be assembled with a corresponding filter element so that the inner surface faces the inner surface of the corresponding filter element, the main rib defining the operating range of the sectors such that a compartment is formed circumferentially in the space between the inner surface and the corresponding filter element, the inner edge having an inner passage communicating with a corresponding sector, and at least one of the ribs extending between the edges is a curved rib that is bent along its entire length.
[0010] The edges of the concentric circles are generally circular with respect to the central axis and are hereafter referred to as forming the axial direction. The main ribs are optionally regularly distributed circumferentially to form sectors on the inner surface. The radial direction is perpendicular to the central axis and intersects the central axis. The axial plane is the plane containing the central axis. The radial plane is the plane perpendicular to the central axis. The circumference is a circle contained in the radial plane and centered on its central axis. The tangential or circumferential direction is the direction tangential to the circumference, which is perpendicular to the central axis but does not intersect the central axis. As referred to herein, the corresponding filter element may be substantially similar to or identical to the filter element, or it may be a filter element that is not similar but has a complementary shape, in particular having a filtering mesh extending between the concentric inner and outer edges. Such corresponding filter elements likely have main ribs intended to contact the main ribs on the inner surface of the filter element in order to form a compartment when the filter element and the corresponding filter element are assembled.
[0011] Therefore, the main rib is a rib that extends substantially radially. In particular, in this disclosure, the direction of extension of any curved rib, or more generally, any curved portion, is defined as the direction of the chord of the curved rib, or more generally, the chord of the curved portion. Furthermore, since the outer edge is generally circular with respect to the central axis, the plane on which the outer edge extends is the radial plane.
[0012] Thanks to this filter configuration, which includes at least one curved rib, it becomes possible to prevent, or at least reduce, the tearing phenomenon described above. In fact, because the rib is curved, the number of continuous wires that are perpendicularly traversed by the rib is inevitably reduced, and as a result, the area that may be affected by wire breakage is limited. In addition, in either case, because the rib is curved, the longitudinal wires are combined with the transverse wires that emerge regularly from the rib and are exposed to the risk of shearing, so these longitudinal wires can bear some of the load on these transverse wires, which prevents the tear from spreading widely.
[0013] Therefore, thanks to this filter configuration, it is possible to prevent or delay wire breakage in the filtering mesh, or at least limit these breakages to a very limited area so that the filtering function of the filter elements is not substantially hindered.
[0014] In this disclosure, the curved rib is formed by a single curved portion or by several curved portions connected by an angular point or singular point. In particular, this means that such a curved rib has no straight portions.
[0015] In some embodiments, each curved portion of such a curved rib locally has a radius of curvature that is at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, larger than the pitch between two consecutive wires of the filtering mesh, and less than 100 times larger than this pitch.
[0016] In some embodiments, at least some of the main ribs, preferably most of the main ribs, or even all of the main ribs, are curved ribs. Naturally, the more curved ribs there are and therefore the fewer straight ribs there are, the better the tearing phenomenon can be prevented.
[0017] In some embodiments, the main rib includes a first type of main rib that directly connects the inner and outer edges, and a second type of main rib that connects the inner and outer edges via eyelets that form assembly holes. It should be understood that, consequently, the first type of main rib lacks eyelets. Such assembly holes allow several filter elements to be stacked by inserting an assembly rod into the assembly holes of each filter element. Therefore, the eyelet contour forms a curved portion relative to the second type of main rib, and so on. In this regard, the contour of such an eyelet is preferably circular.
[0018] In some embodiments, at least some of the first type of main ribs, preferably most of the first type of main ribs, or even all of the first type of main ribs, are curved ribs.
[0019] In some embodiments, each of the first type of curved main ribs comprises one or two curved portions. Preferably, the first type of curved main rib comprises a single curved portion. A simple profile is preferred because it actually ensures proper watertightness between sectors.
[0020] In some embodiments, at least two consecutive main ribs of the first type are curved ribs, and the recess of the first of the two consecutive main ribs of the first type is oriented toward the recess of the second of the two consecutive main ribs of the first type.
[0021] In some embodiments, at least some of the second type of main ribs, preferably most of the second type of main ribs, or even all of the second type of main ribs, are curved ribs.
[0022] In some embodiments, each of the second type of curved main ribs comprises an inner link connecting their eyelets to an inner edge, the inner link comprising a single curved portion.
[0023] In some embodiments, the inner link is substantially in contact with the contour of the eyelet. When the filter element is created by injection, such a configuration facilitates the spread of the injection material towards the eyelet.
[0024] In some embodiments, the two consecutive main ribs of the second type are curved ribs, and the depression of the inner link of the first of the two consecutive main ribs of the second type is directed towards the depression of the inner link of the second of the two consecutive main ribs of the second type.
[0025] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the curved main rib and the inner edge is included between 60° and 85°, preferably between 75° and 85°. Such an angle range is a good compromise between the advantage of having a sufficiently low angle to obtain a significant curvature and the advantage of having a sufficiently high angle to facilitate the flow of the injection material towards the rib during the manufacturing process.
[0026] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the curved main rib of the first type and the outer edge is included between 60° and 85°, preferably between 75° and 85°.
[0027] In some embodiments, at least some of the sectors, preferably most of the sectors, or even all of the sectors, each comprises at least one stiffening rib connecting at least the main ribs to the edge. Thanks to these stiffening ribs, the size of the filter element can be increased, the stiffening ribs can be smaller in size than the main ribs, and less material is required, so the filtering mesh surface available for filtration is increased compared to devices of the prior art. Due to the increased available filtering mesh surface, pressure loss is reduced. Furthermore, this configuration allows for the design of filter elements that, although made from materials with inherently low mechanical strength, have similar mechanical strength to filter elements without stiffening ribs. In particular, the filtering mesh, which has low resistance on its own, can achieve the expected mechanical strength due to the stiffening ribs. Preferably, the surface of the stiffening ribs is recessed relative to the surface of the main ribs, and as a result, the influence of the stiffening ribs on the flow being filtered is reduced during the function of the filter.
[0028] In some embodiments, at least some of the stiffening ribs, preferably most of the stiffening ribs, or even all of the stiffening ribs, are curved ribs.
[0029] In some embodiments, the stiffening ribs include a first type of stiffening rib that is not connected to any of the second type of main ribs, and a second type of stiffening rib that is connected to at least one main rib section of the second type.
[0030] In some embodiments, at least one second-type stiffening rib is connected to the eyelet of the second-type main rib. This is preferred in most, or even all, cases of the second-type stiffening ribs. When the filter element is created by injection, such a configuration facilitates the spreading of the injected material toward the eyelet.
[0031] In some embodiments, both sides of each eyelet are connected by a second type of distinctive stiffening rib. Preferably, at least one of these stiffening ribs converges from the inside toward the eyelet. In practice, injection of such filter elements is usually carried out from the inside toward the outside of the filter element. Preferably, at least one of these stiffening ribs is in contact with the contour of the eyelet. This can also facilitate the flow of the injected material during injection.
[0032] In some embodiments, at least one stiffening rib comprises several branches connected to both edges and to at least three, preferably four, elements of both adjacent main ribs. Thanks to such a configuration, the filter element is further reinforced, and the flow of the injection material is made even easier during injection.
[0033] In some embodiments, the branches of at least one stiffening rib of the first type converge toward the branch connected to the outer edge. Such orientation reduces the influence of the stiffening rib on the flow of the filtered fluid during the function of the filter.
[0034] In some embodiments, the branches of at least one of the second type of stiffening ribs converge toward a link connected to the inner edge. Such orientation facilitates the flow of injection material toward the outside of the filter element, and in particular toward the eyelets during injection.
[0035] In some embodiments, at least some of the stiffening ribs have a psi (Ψ) shape, including a central link connecting the inner and outer edges, and two converging links, each extending from a separate main rib and converging outward or inward to connect to the central link at preferably offset connection points. However, these connection points can also be common. The converging links are preferably converging outward. Such a shape helps to facilitate the outward flow of the injected material during injection, while reducing the influence of the stiffening ribs on the flow of the fluid being filtered during the function of the filter.
[0036] In some embodiments, at least some of the reinforcing ribs include a central link connecting the inner and outer edges, branch links branching outward from the central link to connect the first main ribs, and convergent links converging outward from the second main ribs to connect to the central link, Aleph(
number
[0037] In some embodiments, the stiffening ribs divide the filtering mesh surface of the sector into areas of substantially similar size. In this disclosure, substantially equal areas are areas that differ from each other by no more than 50%. In these embodiments, stresses in the filtering mesh are therefore balanced across all areas.
[0038] In some embodiments, the ratio of the filtering mesh surface available for filtering to the total filtering mesh surface is at least 70%, preferably at least 75%. Special configurations of the stiffening ribs can increase the ratio of the filtering mesh surface available for filtering to the total filtering mesh surface in order to improve the efficiency of the filter element.
[0039] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the curved stiffening rib and the inner edge is between 60° and 85°, preferably between 75° and 85°.
[0040] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the curved stiffening rib and the outer edge is between 60° and 85°, preferably between 75° and 85°.
[0041] In some embodiments, at least some of the main ribs, preferably most of the main ribs, or even all of the main ribs, are connected to the inner edge between two consecutive inner passages.
[0042] In some embodiments, at least some of the stiffening ribs, preferably most of the stiffening ribs, or even all of the stiffening ribs, are connected to the inner edge in the inner passage.
[0043] In some embodiments, the outer edge is provided with an outer passage on the outer surface. Such a passage allows the filtered fluid to exit the filter element.
[0044] In some embodiments, at least some of the main ribs, preferably most of the main ribs, or even all of the main ribs, are connected to their outer edges between two consecutive outer passages. This facilitates the flow of filtered fluid toward the outlet passage and thus reduces pressure loss during the function of the filter.
[0045] In some embodiments, at least some of the stiffening ribs, preferably most of the stiffening ribs, or even all of the stiffening ribs, are connected to the outer edge between two consecutive outer passages. This facilitates the flow of filtered fluid toward the outlet passage and thus reduces pressure loss during the function of the filter.
[0046] In some embodiments, a stiffening rib extending from either side of one of the main ribs is connected to the one main rib at different radial positions. The stress in the main rib is therefore distributed across the different positions. In addition, when the two filter elements are assembled relative to each other, the stiffening ribs of each filter element are at least partially shifted relative to each other, providing further room for fluid flow and reducing the pressure loss of the filter elements.
[0047] In some embodiments, the inner and / or outer edges are circular. However, in other embodiments, the inner and / or outer edges are generally circular but have a wavy contour. In fact, when the diameter of the edge is very large, the curvature of a circular edge becomes negligible at the mesh scale, and therefore such a wavy contour increases the curvature of the edge at the local scale without altering the overall structure of the filter element at the global scale.
[0048] In some embodiments, the outer edge is provided with a recess at least in the contact region where the main rib contacts the outer edge. Such recesses can be provided on the inner and / or outer surfaces. Such recesses can limit the accumulation of injected material during injection in portions of the filter element that would otherwise be particularly thick. Indeed, when too much injected material accumulates in a small area during injection, a hot spot appears, slowing the cooling of this mass of injected material, and then, although the surrounding area has already solidified, when these portions finally cool, a shrinkage phenomenon occurs, which alters the intended dimensions of the final portion. Thus, such recesses can prevent, or at least reduce, this shrinkage phenomenon.
[0049] In some embodiments, the outer edge is provided with notches in at least the first type contact region where the first type main rib contacts the outer edge. Preferably, the notches are provided on the extension of the first type main rib. Preferably, the width of the notches is equal to or less than the width of the first type main rib.
[0050] In some embodiments, at least one of the second type of main ribs, preferably most of the second type of main ribs, or each eyelet of the second type of main ribs, is in contact with the outer edge.
[0051] In some embodiments, the outer edge is provided with an axial recess in at least a second type of contact region where the eyelet contacts the outer edge. Preferably, with respect to a given eyelet, the axial recess is provided on both the inner and outer surfaces. Preferably, the width of the axial recess is between 50% and 100% of the inner diameter of the assembly hole.
[0052] In some embodiments, the inner edge comprises at least one relief provided on the outer surface at the rear of at least one inner passage. The relief can be a projection or a recess. Such a relief forms an obstruction that slows down the flow of the injection material during injection. This helps to balance the spreading rate of the injection material on both sides of the filtering mesh. In fact, if the injection cavity fills more rapidly on one side of the filtering mesh, pressure will arise and push the filtering mesh in the opposite direction, which can alter the correct position of the filtering mesh in the final portion.
[0053] In some embodiments, the inner edge is provided with two reliefs at the rear of each inner passage. Preferably, one of them is a projection and the other is a recess, the shape of which is complementary to the shape of the projection. Thanks to this configuration, the projection of one filter element is received by the recess of the subsequent filter element, thus forming a labyrinth that improves the airtightness of their interface.
[0054] In some embodiments, the filtering mesh has a conical shape. This reduces pressure loss near the inner passage and strengthens the connection between the edge and the filtering mesh. Thus, more flow can be filtered through the filter.
[0055] In some embodiments, the main ribs also protrude from the outer surface to form a sector on the outer surface.
[0056] In some embodiments, the outer edge diameter can be between 100 mm and 600 mm.
[0057] In some embodiments, the main ribs and / or stiffening ribs can be made from polymers. However, it is also possible, of course, to use further conventional materials for creating ribs on the filter element, such as metals, and aluminum in particular.
[0058] In some embodiments, the filtering mesh does not include a support mesh.
[0059] The disclosure also relates to a set of filter elements according to any of the above embodiments, arranged relative to one another, such that each of their inner surfaces faces the other, and the main ribs in contact with each of the inner surfaces divide the space between the inner surfaces.
[0060] The disclosure also relates to a filter comprising a plurality of filter elements according to any of the embodiments described above, wherein the filter elements are stacked along an axis.
[0061] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as others, will become clear from the following detailed descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the filter elements and filters shown. These detailed descriptions refer to the accompanying drawings.
[0062] The present invention and its advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention shown as non-limiting examples. This description is accompanied by reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0063] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the filter elements of conventional technology. [Figure 2] This is an example perspective view of the inside of a filter element. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a front view of the inner surface of the filter element. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the outer surface of the filter element. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a front view of the outer surface of the filter element. [Figure 6] This is a partial perspective view of a filter with two overlapping filter elements. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view of frame VII in Figure 3. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged view of frame VIII in Figure 3. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged view of frame IX in Figure 4. [Figure 10] This is a decomposed perspective view of the filter element stack. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of a filter that has multiple filter elements. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0064] An embodiment of the filter 100, which includes the filter element 10, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.
[0065] The filter element 10 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5 has an inner surface 20, an outer surface 21, a filtering mesh 22, and two concentric circular edges, an inner edge 24 and an outer edge 26, between which the filtering mesh 22 extends. The concentric circular edges 24 and 26 are circular with respect to a central axis X, which will hereafter be referred to as defining the axial direction. The inner edge 24 extends mainly in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction X, i.e., the radial plane. The outer edge 26 extends mainly in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction X, i.e., the radial plane.
[0066] In this embodiment, the diameter of the outer edge 26 is approximately 260 mm. Naturally, other diameters are also possible, including, for example, diameters ranging from approximately 100 mm to approximately 600 mm.
[0067] The filter element 10 includes main ribs 28 provided on at least its inner surface 20. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the main ribs 28 are also provided on the outer surface 21. Therefore, when three similar filter elements 10 are stacked, both sides of the filter element in the center of the stacked surface, the inner surfaces of the two other filter elements, and the main ribs provided on each of these surfaces interact with each other to form a partition.
[0068] The main ribs 28 extend radially between the inner edge 24 and the outer edge 26. The main ribs 28 are regularly distributed circumferentially to form sectors on the inner surface 20, as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the main ribs 28 also form sectors on the outer surface 21, as shown in Figure 2.
[0069] The inner edge portion 24 has inner passages 30 that communicate with corresponding sectors. The inner passages 30 are provided as notches or cutouts in the inner edge portion 24. The inner passages 30 are provided between continuous main ribs 28. The inner passages 30 are provided on the inner surface 20. Abutment portions 31 are left on the inner edge portion 24 between each inner passage 30.
[0070] As shown in Figure 2, the outer edge 26 has outer passages 32 that communicate with corresponding sectors. The outer passages 32 are provided in the outer edge 26 as notches or cutouts. At least one, preferably two in this example, outer passages 32 are provided between the continuous main ribs 28. The passages 32 are provided on the outer surface 21. Abutment portions 33 are left in the outer edge 26 between each outer passage 32.
[0071] Some main ribs 28 connect their inner edge 24 directly to their outer edge 26, and these are called first-type main ribs 28a. Other main ribs 28 connect their inner edge 24 to their outer edge 26 via eyelets 34, and these are called second-type main ribs 28b.
[0072] These eyelets 34 are circular and form holes 36 for the assembly rod to pass through. These eyelets 34 are also configured to form male and female bushings for positioning (indexing) two filter elements 10 relative to each other.
[0073] In the non-limiting example shown, all main ribs 28 are curved along their entire length, i.e., from the inner edge 24 to the outer edge 26.
[0074] In this particular example, as clearly shown in Figure 7, each main rib 28a of the first type includes a single curved portion 51 extending from the inner edge 24 to the outer edge 26. Thus, the curved portion 51 deviates from its chord 52.
[0075] However, naturally, other configurations are also possible. For example, such a rib can have an S-shape, that is, it can have two curved sections connected by a bending point.
[0076] In this example, the first type of main ribs 28a are configured in pairs, and a given pair of ribs are symmetrical with respect to each other.
[0077] The region in which the first type of main rib 28a contacts the outer edge 26 is called the first type of contact region 29a. Each first type of contact region 29a is provided with notches 71 formed in the outer edge 26 at the connection between its outer surface and its outer surface. These notches 71 are provided on the extension of the rib 28a and have a width substantially equal to the width of the rib 28a.
[0078] As described above, each main rib 28b of the second type includes an eyelet 34. More specifically, in each main rib 28b of the second type, the eyelet 34 contacts the outer edge 26 and thus forms a contact region 29b of the second type. Furthermore, each main rib 28b of the second type includes an inner link 38 that connects the inner edge 24 to the eyelet 34.
[0079] This inner link 38 includes a single curved portion 53 extending from the inner edge 24 to the eyelet 34. Thus, the curved portion 53 deviates from its chord 54.
[0080] This contour of the eyelet 34 thus forms a second curved portion 55 that connects the first curved portion 53 to the outer edge portion 26, and thus the second type of main rib 28b is also a curved rib in the sense of the present disclosure.
[0081] In this example, the second type of main rib 28b is organized in pairs, and a given pair of ribs is symmetrical with respect to one another.
[0082] In addition, each contact area 29b of the second type is provided with two axial recesses 72, 73 corresponding to the inner surface 20 and the outer surface 21. In particular, the axial recess 73 on the outer surface 21 is provided in the contact portion 33 of the outer edge 26. The width of these axial recesses 72, 73 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the hole 36.
[0083] In the non-limiting example shown, each filter element 10 has four eyelets 34 with bushings regularly spaced circumferentially and divided into 12 sectors. Such a filter element 10 thus has eight main ribs 28a of a first type and four main ribs 28b of a second type. In particular, depending on its diameter, the filter element can have fewer or more sectors. For example, a filter element with an outer diameter of 100 to 150 mm can have 8 to 12 sectors, a filter element with an outer diameter of about 300 mm can have 16 sectors, and a filter element with an outer diameter of 500 to 600 mm can have 20 to 24 sectors.
[0084] The filter elements 10 can be manufactured by molding around a filtering mesh 22. In other words, they can be manufactured by injection molding or similar, with the filtering mesh 22 forming the insert in the molding process. The molded parts can be made from metal (e.g., aluminum alloy) or plastic material, particularly polymers. The main ribs 28, inner edge 24, and outer edge 26 can be coated with elastomer to prevent leakage between the filter elements 10.
[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the outer surface 21 of the inner edge portion 24 is provided with reliefs 74 at the rear of the inner passage 30, each extending along the circumferential direction of the inner edge portion 24. In this example, two identical reliefs, which are recesses 74, are provided at the rear of each inner passage 30. However, in another example, the first relief may be a recess, while the second relief may be a projection having a shape complementary to that of the recess.
[0086] During the filter's function, the fluid to be filtered, such as oil or water, enters the filter 100 through the inner passage 30 of the inner edge 24 of the filter element 10, crosses the filtering mesh 22, and passes from the inner surface 20 to the outer surface 21. The liquid is then filtered and flows out of the filter element 10 through the outer passage 32 of the outer edge 26. The opposite flow direction is also possible.
[0087] In addition, each sector comprises at least one reinforcing rib 40 connecting at least one main rib 28 to at least one circular edge 24, 26. In this example, each reinforcing rib 40 comprises several branches to connect to both adjacent main ribs 28 and both circular edges 24, 26. Each reinforcing rib 40 is substantially connected to the inner edge 24 in the center of the inner passage 30 and to the outer edge 26 between two consecutive outer passages 32.
[0088] The stiffening ribs 40 are provided on both sides of the filtering mesh 22, corresponding to both the inner surface 20 and the outer surface 21. Their axial thickness is less than that of the main rib 28, and therefore both sides of the stiffening rib 40 are recessed relative to the surface of the main rib 28.
[0089] Some of the stiffening ribs 40 are connected to at least the second type of main ribs 28b, and these are called the second type of stiffening ribs 40b, 40b'. Other stiffening ribs 40 that are not connected to the second type of main ribs 28b are called the first type of stiffening ribs 40a.
[0090] These stiffening ribs 40 may have different shapes, but are preferably curved along their entire length, meaning that all branches of these stiffening ribs are curved. The branches can be connected to one another by angular points or singular points, preferably by bending points.
[0091] In this example, all of the first type of stiffening ribs 40a share the same configuration, having a shape resembling the letter psi Ψ. Specifically, such ribs comprise a central link 41 connecting the inner edge 24 and the outer edge 26, and two convergent links 42, 43 that converge outward, each extending in an inclined direction from another adjacent main rib 28a and connecting to the central link 41 with their outer halves. Preferably, the connection point 42a of the first convergent link 42 is offset slightly outward relative to the connection point 43a of the second convergent link 43.
[0092] Here, the central link 41 comprises two curved sections connected by a bending point. Similarly, each converging link 42, 43 comprises two curved sections connected by a bending point.
[0093] In this example, the second type of stiffening ribs 40b, 40b' can have two different configurations. Half of them identified by reference 40b have a psi Ψ configuration similar to that described above for the first type of stiffening rib 40a, and therefore they each include a central link 41 and two focusing links 42, 43. In such a case, the first focusing link 42, which is preferably a link connected to the second type of main rib 28b, is connected to the eyelet 34 of the main rib 28b, preferably in contact with the contour of the eyelet 34.
[0094] The other half of the stiffening rib identified by reference 40b', or the second type, is Aleph (
number
[0095] Here, the central link 44 comprises two curved sections connected by a bending point. With respect to the branching and converging links 45, 46, they may comprise one or two curved sections.
[0096] In this example, each main rib 28b of the second type has a psi Ψ-shaped stiffening rib 40b on one side and an aleph on the other side.
number
[0097] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the stiffening ribs 40 divide the filtering mesh surface of the sector into substantially equal areas.
[0098] As shown in Figure 6, the filter elements 10 are configured such that each of their inner surfaces 20 faces each other to form a space between them. The space is circumferentially defined by main ribs 28 that are in contact with the inner surfaces. On the other hand, the main ribs 28 on the outer surfaces 21 do not need to be in contact with each other. Defining the sector on the side of the filtering mesh 22 through which the unfiltered liquid is guided allows for the removal of blockages in the filtering mesh 22 by backflow, as is known in the art.
[0099] Filter 100 is made by assembling at least two filter elements 10 together, as shown in Figure 6. To obtain a filter with the desired filtering capability, it is sufficient to stack and assemble the desired number of individual filters 100 together, similar to the filter shown in Figure 6.
[0100] A stiffening rib 40 extending from either side of one of the main ribs 28 connects to the main rib 28 at a different radial position. Thanks to this feature, when two filter elements 10 are assembled together such that their respective inner surfaces 20 face each other, the stiffening ribs 40 of each filter element 10 do not face each other completely axially. That is, when two filter elements 10 are assembled together such that their respective inner surfaces 20 face each other, the stiffening ribs 40 of opposing sectors of each filter element 10 are shifted relative to each other in the radial plane. Thus, the stiffening ribs of adjacent filter elements can have at least portions that do not overlap axially, which facilitates fluid flow.
[0101] Figure 10 shows a stack 102 comprising multiple filter elements 10 stacked along axis X. Each filter element 10 is assembled in pairs with each identical, similar, or complementary filter element 10, as previously described. In each pair, the filter elements 10 are positioned relative to each other, and thus their respective inner surfaces 20 face each other, with the contacting main ribs 28 of each inner surface 20 dividing the space between the inner surfaces 20.
[0102] The assembly rod 104 is inserted into the hole 36 of the filter element 10, thereby ensuring the alignment and axial alignment of the filter element 10.
[0103] A filter 100 is shown in a perspective view in Figure 11. The filter 100 comprises a housing 110, and a stack 102 of filter elements is arranged within the housing 110. Thus, the filter 100 comprises a plurality of filter elements 10, which are stacked along axis X.
[0104] The filter 100 comprises two inlet portions 112 and two outlet portions 114. The filter 100 may have one or more inlet portions 112 and / or one or more outlet portions 114. In this embodiment, the inlet portions 112 are fluidically connected to passages 30 in the inner edge portion 24 of the filter element 10, while the outlet portions 114 are fluidically connected to passages 32 in the outer edge portion 26. However, the flow direction within the housing 110 and stack 102 can also be reversed.
[0105] The stack 102 of filter elements is fixed to the housing 110 in a conventional manner.
[0106] While the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the overall scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments shown / described can be combined in further embodiments. Therefore, this description and drawings should be considered descriptive, not limiting. [Explanation of symbols]
[0107] 10 filter elements 20 Inner self 21 Exterior 22 filtering mesh 24 Inner edge 26 Outer edge 28 Main Ribs 28a Main rib of the first type 28b Second type of main rib 29a First type of contact area 29b Second type of contact area 30 Inner passage 31 Contact part 32 Outside passage 33 Contact part 34 eyelets 36 holes 38 Inner Link 40 Reinforcement Ribs 40a First type of stiffening rib 40b Second type of stiffening rib 40b' Second type of stiffening rib 41 Central Link 42 First Focusing Link 42a Connection point 43. Second Focusing Link 43a Connection point 44 Central Link 45 Branching Links 46 Focused Link 51 Curved section 52 strings 53 First curved section 54 strings 55 Second curved section 72 Axial recess 73 Axial recess 74 Reliefs 71 notches 100 filters 102 stacks 104 Assembly Rod 110 Housing 112 Entrance Section 114 Export Section X-axis
Claims
1. A filter element (10) having an inner surface (20), an outer surface (21), a filtering mesh (22), concentrically arranged inner edge portion (24) and outer edge portion (26), wherein the filtering mesh (22) extends between the inner edge portion (24) and the outer edge portion (26), and a main rib (28) provided on at least the inner surface (20), The main rib (28) extends substantially radially between the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26), and is configured to be distributed circumferentially in order to form a sector on the inner surface (20). The filter element (10) is configured to be assembled with respect to the corresponding filter element such that its inner surface (20) faces the inner surface of the corresponding filter element. The main rib (28) forming the sector operates to form a partition in the circumferential direction in the space between the inner surface and the corresponding filter element. The inner edge portion (24) has an inner passage (30) that communicates with each corresponding sector among the sectors, At least one rib (28, 40) extending between the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26) is a curved rib that is curved along its entire length. The main rib (28) includes a first type of main rib (28a) that directly connects the inner edge and the outer edge, and a second type of main rib (28b) that connects the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26) via eyelets (34) that form assembly holes (36). At least some of the first type of main ribs (28a) are curved ribs, A filter element (10) in which each of the first type of curved main ribs (28a) has a single curved portion.
2. A filter element (10) having an inner surface (20), an outer surface (21), a filtering mesh (22), concentrically arranged inner edge portion (24) and outer edge portion (26), wherein the filtering mesh (22) extends between the inner edge portion (24) and the outer edge portion (26), and a main rib (28) provided on at least the inner surface (20), The main rib (28) extends substantially radially between the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26), and is configured to be distributed circumferentially in order to form a sector on the inner surface (20). The filter element (10) is configured to be assembled with respect to the corresponding filter element such that its inner surface (20) faces the inner surface of the corresponding filter element. The main rib (28) forming the sector operates to form a partition in the circumferential direction in the space between the inner surface and the corresponding filter element. The inner edge portion (24) has an inner passage (30) that communicates with each corresponding sector among the sectors, At least one rib (28, 40) extending between the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26) is a curved rib that is curved along its entire length. Each of the sectors comprises at least one stiffening rib (40) connecting at least one main rib (28) to the inner edge (24) or the outer edge (26), At least some of the aforementioned stiffening ribs (40) are curved ribs, The stiffening rib (40) includes a first type stiffening rib (40a) that is not connected to any of the second type main ribs (28b), and a second type stiffening rib (40b, 40b') that is connected to at least one of the second type main ribs (28b). A filter element (10) having at least one of the second type of stiffening ribs (40b, 40b') connected to an eyelet (34) of the second type of main rib (28b).
3. A filter element (10) having an inner surface (20), an outer surface (21), a filtering mesh (22), concentrically arranged inner edge portion (24) and outer edge portion (26), wherein the filtering mesh (22) extends between the inner edge portion (24) and the outer edge portion (26), and a main rib (28) provided on at least the inner surface (20), The main rib (28) extends substantially radially between the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26), and is configured to be distributed circumferentially in order to form a sector on the inner surface (20). The filter element (10) is configured to be assembled with respect to the corresponding filter element such that its inner surface (20) faces the inner surface of the corresponding filter element. The main rib (28) forming the sector operates to form a partition in the circumferential direction in the space between the inner surface and the corresponding filter element. The inner edge portion (24) has an inner passage (30) that communicates with each corresponding sector among the sectors, At least one rib (28, 40) extending between the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26) is a curved rib that is curved along its entire length. The filter element (10) has recesses (71, 72, 73) in the contact region (29a, 29b) where the main rib (28) contacts the outer edge (26).
4. A filter element (10) having an inner surface (20), an outer surface (21), a filtering mesh (22), concentrically arranged inner edge portion (24) and outer edge portion (26), wherein the filtering mesh (22) extends between the inner edge portion (24) and the outer edge portion (26), and a main rib (28) provided on at least the inner surface (20), The main rib (28) extends substantially radially between the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26), and is configured to be distributed circumferentially in order to form a sector on the inner surface (20). The filter element (10) is configured to be assembled with respect to the corresponding filter element such that its inner surface (20) faces the inner surface of the corresponding filter element. The main rib (28) forming the sector operates to form a partition in the circumferential direction in the space between the inner surface and the corresponding filter element. The inner edge portion (24) has an inner passage (30) that communicates with each corresponding sector among the sectors, At least one rib (28, 40) extending between the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26) is a curved rib that is curved along its entire length. The inner edge portion (24) of the filter element (10) is provided with at least one relief (74) on the outer surface (21) at the rear of at least one inner passage (30).
5. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the main ribs (28) is a curved rib.
6. At least some of the second type of main ribs (28b) are curved ribs, Each of the second type of curved main rib (28b) is provided with an inner link (38) connecting the eyelet (34) of the main rib to the inner edge (24), wherein the inner link (38) has a single curved portion. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein the inner link (38) is substantially in contact with the contour of the eyelet (34).
7. The filter element according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the stiffening ribs (40a, 40b) include a central link (41) connecting the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26), and two converging links (42, 43) extending from another main rib (28) and converging outward or inward to connect to the central link (41).
8. The filter element according to claim 2, wherein at least several reinforcing ribs (40b') include a central link (44) connecting the inner edge (24) and the outer edge (26), branching links (45) branching outward from the central link (44) to connect to a first main rib (28), and converging links (46) converging outward from a second main rib (28) to connect to the central link (44).
9. The filter element according to claim 2, wherein the stiffening rib (40) divides the filtering mesh surface of the sector into areas of substantially the same size.
10. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main ribs (28) and / or stiffening ribs (40) are made of polymer.
11. A set of filter elements according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the filter elements are arranged relative to each other such that each of the inner surfaces of the filter elements faces each other, and the main ribs (28) that each of the inner surfaces (20) contacts divide the space between the inner surfaces (20).
12. A filter (100) comprising filter elements according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the filter elements (10) are stacked along an axis (X).