Filter element, separating element and separating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter element (100) for a separating element (200) for separating at least one liquid from an in particular gaseous fluid, the filter element having a hollow cylindrical filter medium body (102) which, on a first end face (104), has an end disc (120) having a fluid inlet opening (108), wherein the separating element (200) has at least one adapter (10) for receiving the filter element (100). The end disc (120) has one part of a sealing device (16) that can be brought together in an axial direction (50), said part corresponding to another part of the sealing device (16) on the at least one adapter (10). The end disc (120) also has at least one part of a bayonet connection device (30), said part corresponding to another part of the bayonet connection device (30) on the at least one adapter (10). The invention also relates to a separating element (200) for a separating device (300), and to a separating device (300).

Description

[0001] Filter element, separation element and separation device

[0002] This patent application claims priority from German patent application No. DE102023132841 .7, filed on 24.11.2023 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a filter element for a separation element for separating at least one liquid, wherein the liquid can be, for example, oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, or coolant, from a particularly gaseous fluid, in particular from air, of a connecting device, in particular a compressor, a compressed air system, or a vacuum pump. The invention further relates to a separation element for a separation device for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid, and to a separation device.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Due to the increasing demand for large filter systems, the need for modular filter systems is also growing. A common approach to creating such systems is to use individual, usually elongated, tubular filters in a common housing. One of the technical challenges here is the replacement of the individual filters after their service life has been reached, combined with the reliable function of the seal. Threads or bayonet connections are predominantly used to attach the individual filters.

[0007] DE 10 2015 215 168 B4 describes a filter with a generally cylindrical filter body, which is arranged for use in a housing having a base plate for one or more filters. In this case, one inflow and relief occurs radially and another inflow and relief occurs axially with the flow through the base plate. The filter has a fixing means for fastening to the housing and a sealing means with a sealing area closer to the radial passage side and a sealing area further from the radial passage side, wherein the fixing means is arranged between the sealing areas. The sealing area closer to the radial passage side surrounds the fixing means. Relative to the sealing area closer to the radial passage side, the sealing area further from the radial passage side is offset axially downwards and radially inwards.

[0008] DE 10 2015 005 567 A1 discloses a filter system with at least one filter element for filtering a fluid, comprising a housing, and a closure device arranged on the housing. A first connection area for connecting the filter system to a second connection area of ​​a counter element, as well as a sealing area between the filter element and the counter element, are provided on the closure device. The two connection areas preferably comprise a snap-in closure. Disclosure of the Invention

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a filter element for a separation element for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid, which filter element can be mounted quickly and safely in the separation device.

[0010] A further object is to provide a separation element for a separation device for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid, which enables a quick and safe assembly of a filter element in the separation element.

[0011] A further object is to provide a separation device for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid, which enables a quick and safe assembly of a filter element.

[0012] The above object is achieved according to one aspect of the invention by a filter element for a separation element for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid, with a hollow cylindrical filter medium body which has an end plate with a fluid inlet opening on a first end face, wherein the separation element has at least one adapter for receiving the filter element, wherein the end plate has a part of a sealing device which can be brought together in an axial direction and which is designed to correspond to another part of the sealing device on the at least one adapter, and wherein the end plate has at least a part of a bayonet connection device which is designed to correspond to another part of the bayonet connection device on the at least one adapter.

[0013] The further object is achieved according to a further aspect of the invention by a separation element for a separation device for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid, comprising a housing and at least one filter element arranged therein, wherein a first end face of the housing has a housing base with at least one fluid passage opening with an adapter, and which is in fluid communication with a fluid inlet opening of the filter element, wherein the adapter comprises a sleeve-shaped body which surrounds an axis along an axial direction and which has a part of a sealing device which can be brought together in the axial direction and which is designed to correspond to another part of the sealing device on the filter element, and which has at least a part of a bayonet connection device which is accessible from an end face of the sleeve-shaped body,which is designed to correspond to another part of the bayonet connection device on the filter element, wherein the bayonet connection device is arranged surrounding the fluid passage opening on a radial outer side.,

[0014] The further object is achieved according to a further aspect of the invention by a separation device for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid, with a container which has at least one fluid inlet and one fluid outlet, comprising at least one separation element, with a housing with at least one filter element arranged therein, wherein the separation element is arranged in the interior of the container and separates a raw side of the container from a clean side.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, a filter element for a separation element for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid is proposed, comprising a hollow cylindrical filter medium body which has an end plate with a fluid inlet opening on a first end face. The separation element has at least one adapter for receiving the filter element. The end plate has a part of a sealing device which can be brought together in an axial direction and which is designed to correspond to another part of the sealing device on the at least one adapter. The end plate has at least a part of a bayonet connection device which is designed to correspond to another part of the bayonet connection device on the at least one adapter.

[0017] A filter element with a part of a locking system is proposed for easily and securely mounting the filter element in the separation element using an adapter. The adapter is simple to manufacture and ensures easy assembly and disassembly of the filter element. The locking system essentially comprises a bayonet connection device and a matching sealing device. The bayonet connection device and the sealing device each comprise two coordinated parts, one of which is arranged on the filter element and the other on the adapter. The adapter is arranged on the housing of the separation element.

[0018] As part of the bayonet connection device, a locking and guiding element, preferably designed as a simple cam, can be arranged on the filter element. The counterpart on the adapter can be designed, for example, in the form of a wave-shaped ramp, a guide slot, and an end position.

[0019] The sealing device can, for example, consist of a sealing seat and a seal, of which the seal can be arranged on the filter element and the sealing seat on the adapter.

[0020] The bayonet connection device and the sealing device can preferably be axially spaced from one another. The part of the sealing device on the sleeve-shaped body of the adapter can be arranged, for example, on its radial inner side if guide surfaces are arranged on the sleeve-shaped body and cams on the filter element. Conversely, if cams are arranged on the sleeve-shaped body and guide surfaces on the filter element, the part of the sealing device on the sleeve-shaped body of the adapter can be arranged, for example, on its radial outer side. Alternatively, a sealing device acting in the axial direction can be provided. In the locking system via the adapter, the two parts of the bayonet connection device fit together according to the key / lock principle.It is also possible to provide a separate coding for the interaction of the two parts, so that only appropriately coded filter elements can be mounted in the adapter of the separation element.

[0021] This allows the filter element to be easily installed and removed for replacement while maintaining a secure seal. The filter element can be installed and removed even in confined spaces. The sealing forces required can be advantageously reduced compared to the state of the art.

[0022] Safe initial positioning of the filter element is possible. Incorrect positioning of the filter element in the separation element can be avoided.

[0023] According to a favorable embodiment of the filter element, one part of the bayonet connection device can have at least one locking and guiding element, for example a cam or pin, projecting perpendicular to an axial direction, which is designed for operative connection with the other part of the bayonet connection device on the at least one adapter. Alternatively, one part of the bayonet connection device can have circumferential segments which, at their axially free ends, have guide surfaces running along the circumferential direction. Starting from a maximum, the guide surfaces slope down along the circumferential direction with a first section to one side and with a second section to the other side of the maximum, and each end in an end position, of which the first section is arranged in the same circumferential segment and the second section is arranged in the adjacent circumferential segment.This allows for simple and easy installation of the filter element on the adapter located on the separation element. Incorrect installation of a filter element can be avoided.

[0024] Advantageously, the first and second sections can have different gradients, with the first section descending steeply. In particular, starting from the maximum, the first section can at least round off to a steep decline, in particular essentially parallel to the axial direction. The first section can transition into the end position of an adjacent circumferential segment via an undercut. In particular, the undercut can have a linear gradient. The second section can transition into the end position on the adjacent circumferential segment with a slow downward slope. The filter element can thus be reliably guided into a mounted position on the separation element and lock into the end position.

[0025] Advantageously, the first section of one circumferential segment at the end of the undercut before the end position and the second section of the adjacent circumferential segment can enclose a constriction. The filter element can thus be reliably guided into a mounted position on the separation element and lock into the end position. According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the part of the sealing device can have a sealing ring, in particular an O-ring, running around an outer side of the end plate. Alternatively, the part of the sealing device can have a sealing surface on an inner side of the end plate corresponding to a sealing ring on the separation element. In this way, a reliable seal of the filter element can be achieved during assembly in the adapter of the separation element. The raw side can thus be reliably separated from the clean side via the filter element.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, a sealing device acting in the axial direction can be provided, for example, a sealing ring on the axial end face of the end plate of the filter element and a corresponding sealing surface on the separation element, in particular on the housing base of the separation element. In a favorable embodiment of a sealing device acting in the axial direction, the separation element, in particular the housing base of the separation element, can have a seal, in particular in the form of a sealing ring, and the end plate of the filter element can have a corresponding sealing surface.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, a separation element for a separation device for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid is proposed, comprising a housing and at least one filter element arranged therein. A first end face of the housing has a housing base with at least one fluid passage opening having an adapter, which is in fluid communication with a fluid inlet opening of the filter element. The adapter comprises a sleeve-shaped body that surrounds an axis along an axial direction and has a part of a sealing device that can be brought together in the axial direction and is designed to correspond to another part of the sealing device on the filter element.The sleeve-shaped body has at least part of a bayonet connection device accessible from one end face of the sleeve-shaped body, which is configured to correspond to another part of the bayonet connection device on the filter element. The bayonet connection device is arranged surrounding the fluid passage opening on a radial outer side.

[0028] By means of the adapter arranged on the housing of the separation element around the at least one fluid passage opening, the at least one filter element can be securely mounted in the separation element.

[0029] The adapter is advantageously part of a closure system with which the at least one filter element can be easily and securely mounted in the separation element. The adapter is easy to manufacture and ensures simple assembly and disassembly of the filter element. The closure system essentially comprises a bayonet connection device and a matching sealing device. The bayonet connection device and the sealing device each comprise two coordinated parts, one part of which is arranged on the filter element and the other part on the adapter. The adapter is arranged on the housing of the separation element and is flowed through by the fluid filtered by the filter element. The filter element is preferably cylindrical and can have a filter medium body wrapped or folded around a hollow interior.

[0030] As part of the bayonet connection, a locking and guiding element, which can preferably be designed as a simple cam or pin, can be arranged on the filter element. The counterpart on the adapter can be designed, for example, in the form of a wave-shaped ramp, a slotted guide, and an end position. Alternatively, the wave-shaped ramp, slotted guide, and end position can be formed on the filter element, and the locking and guiding element can be formed on the adapter. The parts of the bayonet connection engage when the filter element and adapter are brought together in the axial direction.

[0031] The sealing device can, for example, consist of a sealing seat and a seal, of which the seal can be located on the filter element and the sealing seat on the adapter. Alternatively, the sealing seat can be located on the filter element and the seal on the adapter. The parts of the sealing device come into a sealing position when the filter element and adapter are brought together in the axial direction.

[0032] The bayonet connection device and the sealing device can preferably be axially spaced from one another. The part of the sealing device on the sleeve-shaped body of the adapter can be arranged, for example, on its radial inner side if guide surfaces are arranged on the sleeve-shaped body and cams are arranged on the filter element. Conversely, if cams are arranged on the sleeve-shaped body and guide surfaces are arranged on the filter element, the part of the sealing device on the sleeve-shaped body of the adapter can be arranged, for example, on its radial outer side.

[0033] With the proposed locking system via the adapter, the two parts of the bayonet connection device interact according to the key / lock principle. This also makes it possible to provide a separate coding for the interaction of the two parts, ensuring that only appropriately coded filter elements can be installed in the adapter of the separation element. This allows filter elements for specific applications and / or performance to be installed without risk of confusion.

[0034] Advantageously, the proposed adapter allows filter elements to be easily installed and removed during replacement while maintaining a secure seal. Filter elements can be installed and removed even in confined spaces. The sealing forces required can be advantageously reduced compared to the state of the art.

[0035] The adapter enables secure initial positioning of the filter elements, even with filter elements that have a large axial length and a relatively small diameter. Incorrect positioning of filter elements in the separation element can be avoided. Advantageously, the part of the sealing device can have a sealing surface on an inner side of the sleeve-shaped body corresponding to a sealing ring on the filter element. Alternatively, the part of the sealing device can have a sealing ring, in particular an O-ring, that runs around an outer side of the sleeve-shaped body. Advantageously, the sealing device can consist, for example, of a sealing seat and a seal, of which the seal can be arranged on the filter element and the sealing seat on the adapter, or vice versa.

[0036] Advantageously, one part of the bayonet connection device can have circumferential segments of the sleeve-shaped body, which at their axially free ends have guide surfaces running along the circumferential direction. Starting from a maximum, the guide surfaces slope downwards along the circumferential direction with a first section to one side and a second section to the other side of the maximum, and each end in an end position, of which the first section is arranged in the same circumferential segment and the second section is arranged in the adjacent circumferential segment. Alternatively, one part of the bayonet connection device can have at least one locking and guide element projecting perpendicular to the axial direction, for example a cam or pin, which is designed for operative connection with the other part of the bayonet connection device on the filter element.This allows for simple and easy installation of the filter element on the adapter located on the separation element. Incorrect installation of a filter element can be avoided.

[0037] Advantageously, the first and second sections can have different gradients, with the first section descending steeply. In particular, starting from the maximum, the first section can at least round off to a steep drop. The first section can transition into the end position of an adjacent circumferential segment via an undercut. In particular, the undercut can have a linear gradient. The second section can transition into the end position on the adjacent circumferential segment with a slow downward slope. The filter element can thus be reliably guided into a mounted position on the separation element and lock into the end position. The steeply sloping section can descend almost parallel to the axial direction.

[0038] Advantageously, the first section of one circumferential segment at the end of the undercut before the end position and the second section of the adjacent circumferential segment can enclose a constriction. The filter element can thus be reliably guided into a mounted position on the separation element and latched in the end position. The constriction can advantageously prevent the locking and guiding element from becoming dislodged from the end position during operation of the filter element due to vibrations or the like. Advantageously, a bulge in the axial direction can be provided in the end position, in which the locking and guiding element can wedge itself during operation.

[0039] Advantageously, the sleeve-shaped body can have a plurality of circumferential segments, in particular an odd number of circumferential segments, preferably three circumferential segments. This ensures that the filter element can be mounted in the adapter without tilting against the adapter and reliably locks into the final position. This is particularly advantageous for long filter elements with a relatively small diameter. The circumferential segments can also be arranged asymmetrically to provide coding for the assignment between the adapter and the filter element.

[0040] Advantageously, the sleeve-shaped body can have a plurality of radially projecting pins as part of the bayonet connection device. Even with such an alternative arrangement of the bayonet connection device, the filter element can be reliably guided into a mounted position on the separation element and locked in the final position.

[0041] With the adapter-based locking system, the two parts of the bayonet connection fit together like a key and lock. This also makes it possible to provide separate coding for the interaction of the two parts, ensuring that only appropriately coded filter elements can be installed in the adapter of the separation element.

[0042] A reliable seal between the raw side and the clean side is provided via the filter element.

[0043] This allows the filter element to be easily installed and removed for replacement while maintaining a secure seal. The filter element can be installed and removed even in confined spaces. The sealing forces required can be advantageously reduced compared to the state of the art.

[0044] Safe initial positioning of the filter element is possible. Incorrect positioning of the filter element in the separation element can be avoided.

[0045] According to a favorable design of the separation element, a plurality of fluid passages, each with an adapter for accommodating filter elements, can be arranged on the housing base. This advantageously ensures a high throughput of gaseous fluid through the separation element.

[0046] In particular, the plurality of fluid passages can be arranged with adapters, at least in some areas, on a circular arc. In this way, a large number of filter elements can be arranged in the housing of the separation element.

[0047] In particular, the plurality of fluid passages with adapters can be spaced at different distances from their adjacent fluid passages with adapters. This allows for a flexible arrangement of filter elements in the housing of the separation element.

[0048] According to a favorable design of the separation element, a second end face of the housing can be open. In particular, the housing can be pot-shaped. This design allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the filter elements in the housing of the separation element.

[0049] According to a favorable embodiment of the separation element, the adapter can be welded, screwed, or caulked into the housing base at the at least one fluid passage opening, or it can be formed integrally with the housing base. Reliable assembly with a secure seal between the adapter and the housing base can be achieved using various joining methods. Advantageously, the housing base can be suitably formed to form the adapter integrally with the housing base.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, a separation device for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid is proposed, comprising a container having at least one fluid inlet and one fluid outlet, comprising at least one separation element with a housing having at least one filter element arranged therein. The separation element is arranged inside the container and separates a dirty side of the container from a clean side.

[0051] The proposed separation device advantageously has a modular design, as different separation elements with a different number of filter elements can be used in the single container of the separation device. This allows for cost-effective design of separation devices with different requirements, as identical parts can be combined with a modular construction. Easy assembly and disassembly of the filter elements in the separation device can be ensured. Incorrect positioning of filter elements as well as damage to the separation device can be reliably avoided.

[0052] Advantageously, the fluid inlet can be designed for tangential inflow of the gaseous fluid to an inner wall surface of the container or for non-tangential inflow of the fluid. A tangential inflow of the gaseous fluid enables pre-separation of liquid at the container wall, which can significantly increase the separation efficiency of the separation device. Alternatively, other favorable inflow angles in the container can also be implemented.

[0053] According to a favorable embodiment of the separation device, the container can have a container opening into which the housing of the separation element is inserted. A second open end of the housing of the separation element is tightly closed with a container lid. The fluid outlet is located in the container lid. In this way, the container lid can serve as a common cover for both the housing of the separation element and the container. The purified fluid can thus be efficiently discharged via the container lid.

[0054] According to a favorable design of the separation device, a housing wall of the separation element housing can be formed integrally with a wall of the container. The housing base separates the dirty side of the container from the clean side. This eliminates the need for an additional housing for the separation element, as the filter elements can be mounted directly onto the housing base, which is fixed within the container and separates the dirty side from the clean side inside the container. The housing base can also advantageously serve to stiffen the container.

[0055] Short description of the drawings

[0056] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0057] Examples include:

[0058] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a separating device for separating at least one

[0059] Liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0060] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the separating device according to Fig. 1;

[0061] Fig. 3 shows a section of the longitudinal section according to Figure 2 with a separating element for

[0062] Separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0063] Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a separation element according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0064] Fig. 5 is a half-sectioned isometric view of the separation element according to Figure 4;

[0065] Fig. 6 is a half-sectioned isometric view of the housing of the separating element according to Figure 4;

[0066] Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a filter element for separating at least one

[0067] Liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0068] Fig. 8 is an isometric view of an adapter for mounting a filter element in a

[0069] Separation element according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0070] Fig. 9 shows a section of a longitudinal section through the filter element according to Figure 7;

[0071] Fig. 10 is a side view of a filter element being inserted into an adapter;

[0072] Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section through the filter element when inserted into the adapter according to Figure 10;

[0073] Fig. 12 is a side view at the beginning of the assembly process of the filter element inserted into the adapter;

[0074] Fig. 13 a longitudinal section through the filter element inserted into the adapter according to Figure 12;

[0075] Fig. 14 a side view of the filter element inserted into the adapter in a further

[0076] Assembly condition;

[0077] Fig. 15 is a longitudinal section through the filter element according to Figure 14 inserted into the adapter;

[0078] Fig. 16 is a side view of the filter element mounted in the adapter;

[0079] Fig. 17 shows a longitudinal section through the filter element mounted in the adapter according to Fig. 16; Fig. 18 shows a longitudinal section through a separating device according to a further embodiment of the invention; and

[0080] Fig. 19 shows a section of the longitudinal section according to Figure 18 with the separation element formed in the container of the separation device.

[0081] Embodiments of the invention

[0082] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals. The figures show only examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0083] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a separation device 300 for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid according to an embodiment of the invention, while Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through the separation device 300.

[0084] The separation device 300 comprises a container 302 having a fluid inlet 304 and a fluid outlet 306. The container 302 is closed with a container lid 312.

[0085] In this embodiment, the fluid inlet 304 is designed, for example, for the tangential inflow of the gaseous fluid onto an inner wall surface 303 of the container 302 in order to achieve a pre-separation of the liquid, for example, oil, on the wall surface 303. The separated liquid can be discharged through a fluid outlet 320 at the bottom of the container 302.

[0086] The separation device 300 comprises a separation element 200 with a housing 202 with a plurality of filter elements 100 arranged therein. The separation element 200 is arranged in the interior 326 of the container 302 and separates a raw side 308 of the container 302 from a clean side 310.

[0087] The container 302 has a container opening 324 on one end face 322, into which the housing 202 of the separation element 200 is inserted. A second open end face 206 of the housing 202 of the separation element 200 is tightly closed by a container lid 312. The fluid outlet 306 of the separation device 300 is arranged in the container lid 312.

[0088] In addition, the container 302 has various passages 318 on its outside, for example for sensors, as well as a sight glass 316 through which the interior 326 of the container 302 can be inspected from the outside, at least in part.

[0089] Furthermore, a suction device 314 is arranged in the container lid 312, by means of which liquid separated in the interior of the housing 202 of the separation element 200, which collects on the housing bottom 203, can be sucked off.

[0090] Figure 3 shows a section of the longitudinal section according to Figure 2 with the separation element 200. One of the filter elements 100 is shown in section. Arrows indicate the fluid flow 210 as an example. The fluid to be filtered enters from below through the fluid inlet opening 108 into the interior of the filter element 100, more precisely into the interior of the filter medium body 102. The filter medium body 102 is closed with a cover 110 on the side opposite the fluid inlet opening 108. The fluid exits radially outwards through the filter medium body 102. In the process, liquid is separated from the fluid and runs downwards inside the housing 202 of the separation element 200 on the outside of the filter medium body 102, where it collects on the housing base 203. From there, it can be sucked away via the suction device 314.

[0091] In an alternative embodiment, it is possible for the fluid to be filtered to flow through the filter medium body 102 from the radial outer side into the interior of the filter element 100. In this case, the arrows of the fluid flow 210 would each point in opposite directions.

[0092] Figure 4 shows an isometric representation of a separation element 200 according to an embodiment of the invention, while Figure 5 shows a half-sectioned isometric representation of the separation element 200 according to Figure 4. Figure 6 shows a half-sectioned isometric representation of the housing 202 of the separation element 200 according to Figure 4. Figure 7 shows an isometric representation of a filter element 100 for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0093] The separation element 200 of the separation device 300 serves to separate at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid, for example, for separating oil from air. The separation element 200 has a, for example, pot-shaped housing 202 and a plurality of cylindrical filter elements 100 arranged therein, which are completely immersed in the housing 202. Such cylindrical filter elements 100 with a large axial length and a relatively small diameter are also known as filter candles.

[0094] A first end face 204 of the housing 202 has a housing base 203 with a plurality of fluid passage openings 208, each of which has an adapter 10 for receiving the filter elements 100, as can be seen particularly in Figures 5 and 6. The fluid passage openings 208 with adapters 10 are arranged on a circular arc to achieve a dense packing of filter elements 100 in the housing 202. The adapters 10 can be welded, screwed, or caulked to the fluid passage openings 208 in the housing base 203, for example. The fluid flows through the adapters 10.

[0095] The housing 202 is pot-shaped, wherein the second end face 206 of the housing 202 is open and, in the assembled state in the container 302 of the separation device 300, is closed with the container lid 312.

[0096] The fluid passage openings 208 are in fluid communication with the fluid inlet openings 108 of the filter elements 100 mounted in the housing 202. As can be seen particularly in Figure 6, the adapters 10 arranged at the fluid passage openings 208 have at least part of a bayonet connection device 30, which is configured to correspond to another part of the bayonet connection device 30 on the filter element 100. The bayonet connection device 30 surrounds the fluid passage opening 208 on a radial outer side.

[0097] Furthermore, the fluid passage openings 208 have a part, namely a sealing surface 18, of a sealing device 16 which can be brought together in an axial direction 50 as part of the adapter 10 and which is designed to correspond to another part of the sealing device 16 on the filter element 100.

[0098] The filter element 100 shown in Figure 7 has a hollow cylindrical filter medium body 102, which has an end plate 120 with a fluid inlet opening 108 on a first end face 104. The second end face 106 is closed in a fluid-tight manner with a cover 110.

[0099] The end plate 120 has a part, namely a sealing ring 118, of a sealing device 16 that can be brought together in an axial direction 50 and is designed to correspond to the other part of the sealing device 16, namely the sealing surface 18, on the adapter 10. The end plate 120 further has a part of a bayonet connection device 30, namely locking and guide elements 116 in the form of, for example, cams or pins, which is designed to correspond to another part of the bayonet connection device 30 on the at least one adapter 10.

[0100] Figure 8 shows an isometric view of the adapter 10 for mounting the filter element 100 in the separation element 200, while Figure 9 shows a section of the longitudinal section through the filter element 100 according to Figure 7.

[0101] The adapter 10 comprises a sleeve-shaped body 12 that surrounds an axis along an axial direction 50. The sleeve-shaped body 12 has a part of the sealing device 16 that can be brought together in the axial direction 50 and is designed to correspond to the other part of the sealing device 16 on the filter element 100.

[0102] The sleeve-shaped body 12 further comprises a part of the bayonet connection device 30 accessible from the end face 19 of the sleeve-shaped body 12, which is designed to correspond to the other part of the bayonet connection device 30 on the filter element 100.

[0103] Bayonet connection device 30 and sealing device 16 are axially spaced from each other.

[0104] The part of the sealing device 16 on the sleeve-shaped body 12 is arranged on its inner side 40 arranged in the radial direction and has a sealing surface 18 corresponding to a sealing ring 118 on the filter element 100. The outer side 42 arranged in the radial direction does not form a sealing surface or sealing seat in this embodiment. The part of the bayonet connection device 30 on the adapter 10 has circumferential segments 14 of the sleeve-shaped body 12, which have guide surfaces 20 running along the circumferential direction 52 at their axial free ends. Starting from a maximum 23 present in the axial direction 50, the guide surfaces 20 slope down along the circumferential direction 52 with a first section 25 to one side and with a second section 27 to the other side of the maximum 23, each terminating in an end position 22.The end position of the first section 25 is arranged in the same circumferential segment 14 and that of the second section 27 is arranged in the adjacent circumferential segment 14.

[0105] The first and second sections 25, 27 have different gradients. The first section 25 drops steeply, almost parallel to the axial direction 50. In particular, starting from the maximum 23, the first section 25 descends at least roundedly to a steep drop. The first section 25 transitions via an undercut 26 into the end position 22 of an adjacent circumferential segment 14. The undercut 26 has a linear gradient. The second section 27, in contrast, transitions slowly downwards into the end position 22 on the adjacent circumferential segment 14.

[0106] Furthermore, the first section 25 of one circumferential segment 14 at the end of the undercut 26 in front of the end position 22 and the second section 27 of the adjacent circumferential segment 14 enclose a constriction 24. Behind the constriction 22, the end position 22 has a bulge 28 in the axial direction 50, so that a

[0107] Advantageously, the sleeve-shaped body 12 can have a plurality of circumferential segments 14, in particular an odd number of circumferential segments 14, preferably three circumferential segments 14. This ensures simple and tilt-proof assembly of the filter elements 100.

[0108] In the filter element 100 shown in Figure 9, one part of the bayonet connection device 30 has locking and guide elements 116 projecting perpendicular to an axial direction 50, which are designed for operative connection with the other part of the bayonet connection device 30 on the adapter 10.

[0109] The part of the sealing device 16 has a sealing ring 118, in particular an O-ring, running around the outer side 114 of the end plate 120.

[0110] During assembly of the filter element 100 in the adapter 10 of the separation element 200, the locking and guiding element 116 of the filter element 100 slides along the guiding surface 20 of the circumferential segment 14, either in the first section 25 or in the second section 27, and thus safely reaches the entrance of the undercut 26 acting as a gate.

[0111] By turning the filter element clockwise, the locking and guiding element 1 16 now follows the undercut 26 and thus enables the operator to safely reach the sealing surface 18 with the radial sealing ring 1 18 with little effort. In the case of axial sealing, the application of the required axial sealing force can thus be ensured.

[0112] When the end position 22 is reached after overcoming the narrow point 24 with the locking and guide element 1 16, a locking takes place, which can be accompanied, for example, by a clear click as acoustic feedback for safe assembly.

[0113] The end position 22 is designed in such a way that during operation the filter element 100 is pressed into the end position 22 and thus opening under pressure is not possible.

[0114] To disassemble, the filter element 100 is pressed downward and then rotated counterclockwise. This unlocks the filter element 100. The locking and guiding element 116 slides along the undercut 26, separates the sealing ring 118 from the sealing seat 18, and can then be pulled upward in the axial direction 50.

[0115] The assembly process is described using the example of a locking and guide element 116 designed as a pin. In the example shown in the figures, four such locking and guide elements 116 designed as pins follow the corresponding guide surfaces 20 of the circumferential segments 14.

[0116] In an alternative embodiment, the part of the bayonet connection device 30 on the filter element 100 can have correspondingly designed circumferential segments 14 with guide surfaces 20, while the other part of the bayonet connection device 30 on the sleeve-shaped body 12 of the adapter 10 has a plurality of locking and guide elements 116 projecting in the radial direction, for example pins or cams, as part of the bayonet connection device 30.

[0117] In a further alternative embodiment, the part of the sealing device 16 of the filter element 100 on the inner side 112 of the end plate 120 can have a sealing surface 18 corresponding to a sealing ring 118 on the separation element 200 as another part of the sealing device 16.

[0118] Figure 9 further shows an example of the structure of the filter medium body 102. The filter medium body 102 in the illustrated embodiment essentially comprises a main separator 130 and a secondary separator 132 surrounding it on a radial outer side. The main separator 130 and / or secondary separator 132 can be formed, for example, as a nonwoven fabric. On the radial outer side and the radial inner side, the filter medium body 102 has a cover 134, 136, for example, a wire mesh, as a grip protector and / or support.

[0119] Figure 10 shows a side view of a filter element 100 being inserted into an adapter 10, while Figure 11 shows a longitudinal section through the filter element 100 being inserted into the adapter 10. The locking and guiding elements 116, for example pins, of the bayonet connection device 30 on the end plate 120 of the filter element 100 are still above the guiding surfaces 20 of the circumferential segments 14 of the sleeve-shaped body 12 of the adapter 10. The two parts of the bayonet connection device 30 are not yet engaged, nor are the two parts of the sealing device 16.

[0120] Figure 12 shows a side view at the beginning of the assembly process of the filter element 100 inserted into the adapter 10, while Figure 13 shows a longitudinal section through the filter element 100 inserted into the adapter 10. The filter element 100 has been lowered onto the adapter 10 in the axial direction 50. The locking and guide elements 116, designed as pins, slide along the second section 27 of the guide surface 20. The parts of the sealing device 16 are not yet engaged.

[0121] Figure 14 shows a side view of the filter element 100 inserted into the adapter 10 in a further assembled state, while Figure 15 shows a longitudinal section through the filter element 100 inserted into the adapter 100 according to Figure 14. The filter element 100 was rotated further clockwise so that the locking and guiding elements 116, designed as pins, entered the slot of the undercut 26. The sealing ring 118 of the filter element 100 is located at the upper end of the sealing surface 18.

[0122] Figure 16 shows a side view of the filter element 100 mounted in the adapter 10, while Figure 17 shows a longitudinal section through the filter element 100 mounted in the adapter 10. The locking and guiding elements 16, designed as pins, have reached the end position 22 after overcoming the constriction 24 in the slot of the undercut 26. The sealing ring 118 of the filter element 100 fully engages the sealing surface 18, thus achieving a reliable seal between the raw side 308 and the clean side 310.

[0123] Figure 18 shows a longitudinal section through a separation device 300 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0124] The separation element 200 is formed directly in the container 302 of the separation device 300. An enlarged section of this section is shown in Figure 19.

[0125] In this embodiment, an additional housing 202 can be dispensed with, since the housing wall 201 of the housing 202 of the separation element 200 is formed integrally with the wall 303 of the container 302 of the separation device 300. The housing base 203 with the adapters 10 for mounting the filter elements 100 is arranged directly in the container 302 and separates the raw side 308 of the container 302 from the clean side 310. Reference numerals

[0126] 10 adapters

[0127] 12 bodies

[0128] 14 Circumferential segment

[0129] 16 Sealing device

[0130] 18 Sealing surface

[0131] 19 Front side

[0132] 20 guide surface

[0133] 22 Final position

[0134] 23 Maximum

[0135] 24 bottleneck

[0136] 25 first section

[0137] 26 undercut

[0138] 27 second section

[0139] 28 bulge

[0140] 30 Bayonet connection device

[0141] 40 Inside

[0142] 42 Outside

[0143] 50 axial direction

[0144] 52 Circumferential direction

[0145] 100 filter elements

[0146] 102 filter medium body

[0147] 104 first front side

[0148] 106 second front side

[0149] 108 Fluid inlet opening

[0150] 110 lids

[0151] 112 Inside

[0152] 114 Outside

[0153] 116 locking and guiding element

[0154] 118 Sealing ring

[0155] 120 end plate

[0156] 130 main separators

[0157] 132 secondary separators

[0158] 134 Cover

[0159] 136 Cover

[0160] 200 separation element

[0161] 201 Housing wall

[0162] 202 housings

[0163] 203 Case back

[0164] 204 first end face 206 second end face

[0165] 208 Fluid passage opening

[0166] 210 Fluid flow

[0167] 300 Separator 302 Container

[0168] 303 wall

[0169] 304 gas inlet

[0170] 306 Gas outlet

[0171] 308 Raw side 310 Clean side

[0172] 312 container lid

[0173] 314 Extraction device

[0174] 316 sight glass

[0175] 318 Sensor feedthrough 320 Fluid outlet

[0176] 322 front side

[0177] 324 Container opening

[0178] 326 Interior

Claims

Claims 1 . Filter element (100) for a separation element (200) for separating at least one liquid from a fluid, in particular a gaseous fluid, with a hollow cylindrical filter medium body (102) which has an end plate (120) with a fluid inlet opening (108) on a first end face (104), wherein the separation element (200) has at least one adapter (10) for receiving the filter element (100), wherein the end plate (120) has a part of a sealing device (16) which can be brought together in an axial direction (50) and which is designed to correspond to another part of the sealing device (16) on the at least one adapter (10), and wherein the end plate (120) has at least a part of a bayonet connection device (30) which is designed to correspond to another part of the bayonet connection device (30) on the at least one adapter (10).

2. Filter element according to claim 1, wherein one part of the bayonet connection device (30) has at least one locking and guiding element (116) projecting perpendicular to an axial direction (50), which is designed for operative connection with the other part of the bayonet connection device (30) on the at least one adapter (10), or wherein one part of the bayonet connection device (30) has circumferential segments (14) which, at their axially free ends, have guide surfaces (20) running along the circumferential direction (52), which, starting from a maximum (23), slope down along the circumferential direction (52) with a first section (25) to one side and with a second section (27) to the other side of the maximum (23) and each run out into an end position (22), of which the first section (25) is in the same circumferential segment (14) and the second section (27) is in the adjacent circumferential segment (14) is arranged.

3. Filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the part of the sealing device (16) has a sealing ring (118), in particular an O-ring, running around an outer side (114) of the end plate (120), or wherein the part of the sealing device (16) has a sealing surface (18) on an inner side (112) of the end plate (120) corresponding to a sealing ring (118) on the separation element (200).

4. Separation element (200) for a separation device (300) for separating at least one liquid from a particularly gaseous fluid, with a housing (202) and at least one filter element (100) arranged therein according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first end face (204) of the housing (202) has a housing base (203) with at least one fluid passage opening (208) with an adapter (10), which is in fluid communication with a fluid inlet opening (108) of the filter element (100), wherein the adapter (10) comprises a sleeve-shaped body (12) which surrounds an axis along an axial direction (50) and which has a part of a sealing device (16) which can be brought together in the axial direction (50) and which is designed to correspond to another part of the sealing device (16) on the filter element (100), and which has at least a part of a bayonet connection device (30) which is accessible from an end face (19) of the sleeve-shaped body (12) and which is designed to correspond to another part of the bayonet connection device (30) on the filter element (100),wherein the bayonet connection device (30) is arranged surrounding the fluid passage opening (208) on a radial outer side., 5. Separation element according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of fluid passage openings (208), each with an adapter (10) for receiving filter elements (100), is arranged on the housing base (203), in particular wherein the plurality of fluid passage openings (208) with adapters (10) is arranged at least partially on a circular arc, in particular wherein the plurality of fluid passage openings (208) with adapters (10) have different distances to their next adjacent fluid passage openings (208) with adapters (10).

6. Separation element according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein a second end face (206) of the housing (202) is open, in particular wherein the housing (202) is pot-shaped.

7. Separation element according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the adapter (10) is welded or screwed or caulked to the at least one fluid passage opening (208) in the housing base (203) or is formed integrally with the housing base (203).

8. Separation device (300) for separating at least one liquid from a fluid, in particular a gaseous fluid, with a container (302) which has at least one fluid inlet (304) and one fluid outlet (306), comprising at least one separation element (200) according to one of claims 4 to 7, with a housing (202) with at least one filter element (100) arranged therein, wherein the separation element (200) is arranged in the interior (326) of the container (302) and separates a raw side (308) of the container (302) from a clean side (310).

9. Separation device according to claim 8, wherein the container (302) has a container opening (324) into which the housing (202) of the separation element (200) is inserted, wherein a second open end face (206) of the housing (202) of the separation element (200) is tightly closed with a container lid (312), wherein the fluid outlet (306) is arranged in the container lid (312).

10. Separation device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a housing wall (201) of the housing (202) of the separation element (200) is formed integrally with a wall (303) of the container (302), wherein the housing base (203) separates the raw side (308) of the container (302) from the clean side (310).

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