Filter arrangement for use in a filtration device

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter arrangement (10) for use in a filtration device (100), comprising a first filter insert (12a) which has a filter medium (20a) and at least one electrically conductive polarization electrode (16a, 18a) for polarizing the filter medium (20a), and a second filter insert (12b) which has a filter medium (20b) and at least one electrically conductive polarization electrode (16b, 18b) for polarizing the filter medium (20b).

Description

[0001] Münster, September 17, 2025

[0002] Our reference: HE1207-02WO

[0003] Official file number: New registration

[0004] Applicant: Stallion SE

[0005] Nienkamp 55-85 48147 Münster

[0006] Filter assembly for use in a filtration system

[0007] The invention relates to a filter arrangement for use in a filtration device, comprising a first filter insert which has a filter medium and at least one electrically conductive polarizing electrode for polarizing the filter medium, and a second filter insert which has a filter medium and at least one electrically conductive polarizing electrode for polarizing the filter medium.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention relates to a filtration device with a filter arrangement comprising two filter inserts and an insert holder for receiving the two filter inserts of the filter arrangement.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for preparing a filtration device for operation, comprising the steps of: inserting a first filter insert of a filter arrangement, comprising a filter medium and at least one electrically conductive polarizing electrode for polarizing the filter medium, into an insert receptacle of the filtration device, and inserting a second filter insert of the filter arrangement, comprising a filter medium and at least one electrically conductive polarizing electrode for polarizing the filter medium, into the insert receptacle of the filtration device.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for testing a filtration device with a filter arrangement comprising two electrically contacted filter inserts, comprising the step of evaluating a current flow at a measuring point of an electrically conductive conductor path of the filtration device by means of an evaluation device.

[0011] In many applications, filter assemblies consist of several filter elements forming a filter system. Filter assemblies with multiple filter elements are used, for example, when the available installation space is limited but a comparatively high filtration performance is still required.

[0012] The available installation space for implementing the filter function is becoming smaller in many application areas due to the increasing prioritization of other assemblies, or it is being divided into several installation space areas. Since filter elements typically need to be replaced after their service life, the available openings for inserting and removing the filter elements may also necessitate the use of a multi-part filter assembly.

[0013] In electrified filter elements, such as those with a polarization function, the multiple filter elements of the filter assembly must be electrically connected. The electrical contacting of such filter elements has so far been a complex and costly process.

[0014] The object underlying the invention is therefore to reduce the effort required for the electrical contacting of a filter arrangement with multiple filter inserts.

[0015] The problem is solved by a filter arrangement of the type mentioned above, wherein the filter arrangement according to the invention has at least one contacting element via which the polarizing electrode of the first filter insert and the polarizing electrode of the second filter insert are electrically connected to each other.

[0016] Because the polarization electrodes of the first and second filter elements are electrically connected via the contactor, only one of the filter elements needs to be connected to the electrical supply of the filtration unit. This results in internal contact between the polarization electrodes of both filter elements within the filter assembly. The effort required for the electrical connection of the filter assembly is thus significantly reduced.

[0017] The filter medium is preferably a dielectric filter medium. The contacting element can be one-piece or multi-piece. The filter arrangement can also comprise more than two filter elements, wherein the polarizing electrodes of the filter elements are electrically connected to one or more contacting elements. The filter arrangement can, for example, also comprise three, four, five, or more than five filter elements.

[0018] The filter arrangement according to the invention is advantageously further developed in that the first filter element has a first and a second electrically conductive polarizing electrode for polarizing the filter medium. Furthermore, the second filter element has a first and a second electrically conductive polarizing electrode for polarizing the filter medium. The first polarizing electrode of the first filter element and the first polarizing electrode of the second filter element are electrically connected to each other via the at least one contact element. Alternatively or additionally, the second polarizing electrode of the first filter element and the second polarizing electrode of the second filter element are electrically connected to each other via the at least one contact element.

[0019] The first polarizing electrode of the first filter element and the first polarizing electrode of the second filter element can be electrically connected to each other via a first contact element, and the second polarizing electrode of the first filter element and the second polarizing electrode of the second filter element can be electrically connected to each other via a second contact element. The first polarizing electrode of the first filter element and the first polarizing electrode of the second filter element can be electrically connected to each other via a first contact path of a common contact element, and the second polarizing electrode of the first filter element and the second polarizing electrode of the second filter element can be electrically connected to each other via a second contact path of the common contact element.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the filter arrangement according to the invention, the at least one contacting element is configured to transfer a potential difference between the first and second polarizing electrodes of the first filter element to the first and second polarizing electrodes of the second filter element. Alternatively, the at least one contacting element can be configured to transfer a potential difference between the first and second polarizing electrodes of the second filter element to the first and second polarizing electrodes of the first filter element. Thus, the same potential difference can be set at the polarizing electrodes of both filter elements without requiring separate electrical contact between the two filter elements.

[0021] The filter arrangement according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the first filter element has a connection contact area which is electrically conductively connected to the contact element. Alternatively or additionally, the second filter element has a connection contact area which is electrically conductively connected to the contact element. The connection contact area of ​​the first filter element is preferably located on a lateral strip of material, for example, the side facing, of the first filter element. The connection contact area of ​​the first filter element preferably has a first and a second connection contact point. The first connection contact point of the connection contact area of ​​the first filter element is electrically conductively connected to the first polarizing electrode of the first filter element.The second contact point of the contact area of ​​the first filter element is electrically connected to the second polarizing electrode of the first filter element. The contact area of ​​the second filter element is preferably located on a lateral strip of material, for example, the side facing, of the second filter element. The contact area of ​​the second filter element preferably has a first and a second contact point. The first contact point of the contact area of ​​the second filter element is electrically connected to the first polarizing electrode of the second filter element. The second contact point of the contact area of ​​the second filter element is electrically connected to the second polarizing electrode of the second filter element.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the filter arrangement according to the invention, the first filter element has a connection contact area via which the first filter element can be electrically connected to an electrical supply device. The connection contact area is preferably located on a lateral strip of material, for example, the side facing, of the filter element. The connection contact area preferably has a first and a second connection contact point.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the filter arrangement according to the invention, the connection contact area and the connection contact area of ​​the first filter element are arranged on different sides of the first filter element. The connection contact area and the connection contact area of ​​the first filter element are preferably located on spaced-apart outer surfaces of the first filter element, in particular on a side facing of the first filter element. The connection contact area and the connection contact area of ​​the first filter element are preferably located on opposite sides of the first filter element.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter arrangement according to the invention, the connection contact area is supported by a connecting element, the connecting element preferably being designed as a connecting foil. The connecting element can have a carrier layer on which one or more electrically conductive conductor tracks are located. The carrier layer can be a carrier foil. The one or more electrically conductive conductor tracks can be printed onto the carrier layer. The connecting element can be metallurgically bonded to the first filter element. The connecting element can be glued onto the first filter element. The conductor tracks of the first connecting element can form a voltage divider.

[0025] Furthermore, a filter arrangement according to the invention is advantageous in which the contacting element is formed as a component of the first filter element or as a component of the second filter element. Because the contacting element is formed as a component of the first filter element or as a component of the second filter element, the electrical contact between the two filter elements can be achieved without additional separate contact parts, thereby reducing the required number of parts and thus the system complexity. The contacting element formed as a component of the first filter element or the second filter element can be connected to a filter element base body of the first filter element or the second filter element by a material bond, a force bond, and / or a form-fit connection.

[0026] Furthermore, a filter arrangement according to the invention is advantageous in which the contacting element is designed as a contact foil. Because the contacting element is designed as a contact foil, a filter insert body comprising the filter medium and at least one electrically conductive polarizing electrode can initially be manufactured separately from the contact foil during the production of the filter insert. The contact foil can then be fixed to the filter insert body. Thus, modifications to the filter insert body and the contact foil can be implemented with significantly reduced production effort.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter arrangement according to the invention, the contact element has a carrier layer on which one or more electrically conductive conductor tracks are located. The carrier layer can, for example, be a carrier film. The one or more electrically conductive conductor tracks can be printed onto the carrier layer.

[0028] Furthermore, a filter arrangement according to the invention is advantageous in which the contacting element is bonded to the first filter element and / or to the second filter element. The contacting element can be glued to the first filter element and / or to the second filter element. For example, the contacting element is glued to a lateral strip of material, such as the side facing, of the first filter element and / or the second filter element.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter arrangement according to the invention, the contacting element has a first contacting section extending along the first filter element. The contacting element preferably has a second contacting section extending along the second filter element. Preferably, the first contacting section projects beyond the second filter element. Alternatively or additionally, the second contacting section projects beyond the first filter element. Due to the projection of the contacting section, the contacting section of one filter element can be brought into contact with the other filter element with minimal effort by appropriately positioning the two filter elements relative to each other, thus implementing contact-based electrical contacting.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter arrangement according to the invention, the first and second filter elements are arranged side by side or one above the other. The first and second filter elements can be in contact with each other. When the first and second filter elements are arranged side by side, for example, their lateral outer surfaces touch. When the first and second filter elements are arranged one above the other, for example, a top surface and a bottom surface of the first and second filter elements touch. The first and second filter elements can also be spaced apart from each other. In the operating position of the filter arrangement, the first and second filter elements can be spaced apart from each other, for example, vertically and / or horizontally.

[0031] Furthermore, a filter arrangement according to the invention is advantageous in which the first electrically conductive polarizing electrode and the second electrically conductive polarizing electrode of the first filter element are electrically connected to each other via an electrical diagnostic resistor. Alternatively or additionally, the first electrically conductive polarizing electrode and the second electrically conductive polarizing electrode of the second filter element are electrically connected to each other via an electrical diagnostic resistor. The polarizing electrodes and the filter medium of the filter elements arranged between the polarizing electrodes form a capacitor, which prevents current flow between the polarizing electrodes.The electrical diagnostic resistor allows current to flow between the polarization electrodes of the respective filter elements, enabling diagnostic functions via current flow detection. Based on current flow analysis, the electrically conductive connection between the polarization electrodes allows it to be determined whether a short circuit exists in one of the filter elements and / or whether the two filter elements of the filter assembly are inserted and electrically connected. The absence of current flow indicates that the two filter elements are not continuously connected.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter arrangement according to the invention, the diagnostic resistor is formed as a component of the first filter element. Alternatively, the diagnostic resistor is formed as a component of the second filter element. Alternatively, the diagnostic resistor is formed separately from the first and second filter elements. If the diagnostic resistor is formed on the first or the second filter element, replacing the filter elements also results in the replacement of the diagnostic resistor. Regular replacement of the diagnostic resistor ensures a continuous diagnostic function. If the diagnostic resistor is formed separately from the first or the second filter element, the manufacture of the filter elements is simplified, thus reducing production costs.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment of the filter arrangement according to the invention, the first polarizing electrode and the second polarizing electrode are each configured as a polarizing layer, and the polarizing electrodes configured as polarizing layers are separated from each other by the filter medium configured as a filter layer. The two polarizing electrodes configured as polarizing layers and the filter medium configured as a filter layer preferably form a capacitor, wherein the filter medium configured as a filter layer can be arranged sandwich-like between the polarizing electrodes configured as polarizing layers. The filter layer and the two electrically conductive polarizing layers preferably form a pleated, i.e., multiply folded, layered composite.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter arrangement according to the invention, the first filter element and / or the second filter element comprises a conductor arrangement including a voltage divider. The voltage divider allows a high electrical supply voltage to be reduced before it is applied to the polarization layers, so that a polarization voltage differing from the supply voltage can be applied to the filter elements via the voltage divider.

[0035] The filter arrangement according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the first filter element and / or the second filter element comprises three connection contact points via which the first filter element and / or the second filter element can be electrically connected to mating contact points of the filter element holder of the filtration device. When the first filter element and / or the second filter element is inserted into the filter element holder or when the filter element holder is closed with a housing cover, contact is preferably made between the three connection contact points on the filter element side and the mating contact points on the filter element holder side.The contact connection of the filter insert-side connection contact points and the counter-contact points on the insert holder side is preferably terminated when the first filter insert and / or the second filter insert is removed from the insert holder or when the housing cover is removed to open the insert holder.

[0036] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a filtration device of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the filter arrangement of the filtration device according to the invention is designed according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the filtration device according to the invention, reference is therefore first made to the advantages and modifications of the filter arrangement according to the invention.

[0037] The filter housing can have one receiving area for multiple filter elements. The housing can also have multiple receiving areas, each for a single filter element. The filter elements can be configured to allow an airflow through them, with a first partial airflow passing through the first filter element and a second partial airflow passing through the second filter element.

[0038] The filter element's mounting bracket can itself be designed as a separate mounting frame, which can be inserted into the filter element. Preferably, the mounting frame can have several mounting areas. These preferably multiple mounting areas can, in particular, be arranged in a zigzag pattern, resulting in several adjacent V-shaped filter areas within the mounting frame, through which the water flows in parallel.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the filtration device according to the invention, the insert receptacle is formed by a housing, wherein the contacting element of the filter assembly is fixed to the housing. The contacting element can be positively locked, force-locked, and / or materially bonded to the housing. For example, the housing has a contacting element receptacle into which the contacting element is inserted. The contacting element can also be bonded to a housing wall.

[0040] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method for preparing a filtration device for operation of the type mentioned above, wherein the method comprises electrically connecting the polarizing electrode of the first filter element and the polarizing electrode of the second filter element to each other via at least one contact element. Preferably, the method is used to prepare a filtration device according to one of the embodiments described above for operation. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the method according to the invention for preparing a filtration device for operation, reference is therefore first made to the advantages and modifications of the filtration device according to the invention.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a first polarization electrode of the first filter element and a first polarization electrode of the second filter element are electrically connected to each other via the at least one contact element. Furthermore, a second polarization electrode of the first filter element and a second polarization electrode of the second filter element are electrically connected to each other via the at least one contact element. By electrically connecting the first polarization electrodes of the first and second filter elements to each other and the second polarization electrodes of the first and second filter elements to each other, a potential difference between the first and second polarization electrodes of the first filter element is transferred to the first and second polarization electrodes of the second filter element.

[0042] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method for testing a filtration device of the type mentioned above, wherein the evaluation device determines, based on the current flow evaluation, whether a short circuit exists in one of the filter elements and whether the two filter elements are inserted and electrically connected. If a short circuit exists in one of the filter elements, a current of, for example, 20 pA can flow at the measuring point. If the two filter elements are inserted, a current of, for example, 0.002 to 0.2 pA can flow at the measuring point.

[0043] The method is further advantageously enhanced by the fact that, in the absence of current flow at the measuring point, the evaluation unit detects that the two filter elements are not continuously contacted. Thus, a contact-related functional impairment or failure can also be detected via current flow analysis.

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a filter arrangement according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a filtration device according to the invention during the insertion of a filter element of a filter arrangement in a first assembly state;

[0047] Fig. 3 shows the filtration device depicted in Fig. 2 during the insertion of the filter element in a second assembly state;

[0048] Fig. 4 shows the filtration device depicted in Fig. 2 during the

[0049] Inserting the filter element in a third assembly state;

[0050] Fig. 5 shows the filtration device depicted in Fig. 2 during the

[0051] Inserting another filter element into the filter assembly in a fourth assembly state;

[0052] Fig. 6 shows the filtration device depicted in Fig. 2 after the insertion of the further filter element;

[0053] Fig. 7 shows the contact elements of the filter arrangement in the state of the filtration device shown in Fig. 6;

[0054] Fig. 8 shows the contact elements and a diagnostic resistor of a further filter arrangement according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0055] Fig. 9 shows the conduction path of a further filter arrangement according to the invention in a schematic representation; Fig. 10 shows two filter inserts of a filter arrangement according to the invention during electrical contacting in a perspective view;

[0056] Fig. 11 shows the filter inserts depicted in Fig. 10 after completion of the electrical contacting in a perspective view;

[0057] Fig. 12 shows a filtration device according to the invention during the insertion of filter inserts in a perspective view;

[0058] Fig. 13 shows the contact elements of the filtration device shown in Fig. 12 in a perspective view;

[0059] Fig. 14 shows the filter inserts shown in Fig. 12 together with the contact elements shown in Fig. 13 in a perspective view;

[0060] Fig. 15 shows a circuit diagram of a filtration device according to the invention with voltage divider, filter insert internal diagnostic resistor and filter insert own contact elements;

[0061] Fig. 16 shows a circuit diagram of a filtration device according to the invention with voltage divider, internal diagnostic resistor for the filter insert and external contact elements for the filter insert;

[0062] Fig. 17 shows a circuit diagram of a filtration device according to the invention with voltage divider, filter insert external diagnostic resistor and filter insert external contact elements;

[0063] Fig. 18 shows a circuit diagram of a filtration device according to the invention without a voltage divider and with an internal diagnostic resistor in the filter insert as well as contact elements in the filter insert itself;

[0064] Fig. 19 shows a circuit diagram of a filtration device according to the invention without a voltage divider and with an internal diagnostic resistor in the filter element and external contact elements in the filter element; Fig. 20 shows a circuit diagram of a filtration device according to the invention without a voltage divider and with an external diagnostic resistor in the filter element and external contact elements in the filter element;

[0065] Fig. 21 shows a circuit diagram of a filtration device according to the invention with voltage divider, internal diagnostic resistor for the filter insert, contact elements for the filter insert itself and three connection contact points;

[0066] Fig. 22 shows a circuit diagram of a filtration device according to the invention with voltage divider, internal diagnostic resistor for the filter element, external contact elements for the filter element and three connection contact points; and

[0067] Fig. 23 shows a circuit diagram of a filtration device according to the invention with voltage divider, filter insert external diagnostic resistor, filter insert external contacting elements and three connection contact points.

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a filter arrangement 10 for use in a filtration device 100.

[0069] The filter arrangement 10 has two filter inserts 12a, 12b arranged side by side. The filter inserts 12a, 12b each have a multi-layered composite 14a, 14b, wherein a first partial flow of the airflow to be filtered flows through the composite 14a of the filter insert 12a and a second partial flow of the airflow to be filtered flows through the composite 14b of the filter insert 12b.

[0070] The layer assembly 14a of the filter insert 12a has two electrically conductive polarizing electrodes 16a, 18a designed as polarizing layers. Furthermore, the layer assembly 14a of the filter insert 12a has a filter medium 20a designed as a filter layer and arranged between the polarizing electrodes 16a, 18a. The polarizing electrodes 16a, 18a serve to polarize the filter medium 20a. The layer assembly 14b of the filter insert 12b has two electrically conductive polarizing electrodes 16b, 18b designed as polarizing layers. Furthermore, the layer assembly 14b of the filter insert 12b has a filter medium 20b designed as a filter layer and arranged between the polarizing electrodes 16b, 18b. The polarizing electrodes 16b, 18b serve to polarize the filter medium 20b.

[0071] The filter arrangement 10 further comprises a contact element 22, via which the polarizing electrodes 16a, 18a of the first filter element 12a and the polarizing electrodes 16b, 18b of the second filter element 12b are electrically connected to one another. The polarizing electrode 16a of filter element 12a and the polarizing electrode 16b of filter element 12b are electrically connected to one another via a first contact path of the contact element 22. The polarizing electrode 18a of filter element 12a and the polarizing electrode 18b of filter element 12b are electrically connected to one another via a second contact path of the contact element 22. The contacting element 22 is therefore designed to transfer a potential difference between the polarizing electrodes 16a, 18a of the filter insert 12a to the polarizing electrodes 16b, 18b of the filter insert 12b.

[0072] The filter element 12a has a connection contact area 24, through which the filter element 12a can be electrically connected to an electrical supply unit 108 of the filtration unit 100. The connection contact area 24 is located on a lateral strip of material, namely the side facing of the filter element 12a. The connection contact area 24 and the contact element 22 are arranged on opposite sides of the filter element 12a.

[0073] Figures 2 to 7 show an assembly process in which a filter assembly 10 comprising two filter elements 12a, 12b is inserted into an insert holder 102 of a filtration device 100. The insert holder 102 is formed by a housing and has two adjacent receiving areas 104a, 104b. The filter elements 12a, 12b of the filter assembly 10 can be inserted into the receiving areas 104a, 104b through an opening 106 of the insert holder 102.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 2, the filter insert 12b is first inserted through the opening 106 along the insertion direction ER1 into the insert receptacle 102. As the filter insert 12b is inserted, the contact elements 22a, 22b of the filter insert 12b are bent away from the housing wall of the insert receptacle 102.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 3, the filter element 12b is inserted into the insert holder 102 until a rear strip of material from the filter element 12b abuts an inner wall of the insert holder 102. In the state shown in Fig. 3, the filter element 12b is located in the receiving area 104a of the insert holder 102.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 4, the filter insert 12b is moved along the insertion direction ER2 in the insert receptacle 102 to bring the filter insert 12b into the receiving area 104b of the insert receptacle 102. By moving the filter insert 12b along the insertion direction ER2, the contact elements 22a, 22b of the filter insert 12b align themselves and, after the filter insert 12b is positioned in the receiving area 104b, protrude into the receiving area 104a.

[0077] Fig. 5 shows that the filter element 12a of the filter assembly 10 is then inserted through the opening 106 of the insert receptacle 102 into the insert receptacle 102 along the insertion direction ER1. The filter element 12a has a connection contact area 24 for contacting the filter element 12a with an electrical supply device 108.

[0078] In the state shown in Fig. 6, the filter element 12a is located in the receiving area 104a and the filter element 12b is located in the receiving area 104b. The connection contact area 24 of the filter element 12a is accessible via the opening 106, so that contact with an electrical supply device 108 can be made via the opening 106. Fig. 7 shows that the contact elements 22a, 22b connected to the polarizing electrodes 16b, 18b of the filter element 12b are electrically connected to the connection contact points 28a, 28b in the connection contact area 26a of the filter element 12a.Since the connecting contact points 28a, 28b are connected to the polarizing electrodes 16a, 18a of the filter insert 12a, a potential difference between the polarizing electrodes 16a, 18a of the filter insert 12a can be transferred to the polarizing electrodes 16b, 18b of the filter insert 12b via the contact elements 22a, 22b.

[0079] In the contacted state shown, the contact elements 22a, 22b run parallel to the material strips 30a, 30b of the filter inserts 12a, 12b, the material strips 30a, 30b forming side facings of the filter inserts 12a, 12b.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 8, the filter assembly 10 can include a diagnostic resistor 32. The electrically conductive polarizing electrode 16b and the electrically conductive polarizing electrode 18b of the filter element 12b are connected to each other via the electrical diagnostic resistor 32. The diagnostic resistor 32 is formed as a component of the filter element 12b.

[0081] Due to the diagnostic resistor, a current flows through the filter elements 12a and 12b when the filtration unit 100 is in contact, and this current can be evaluated for status monitoring. Based on the current flow analysis, an evaluation unit can determine whether a short circuit exists in one of the filter elements 12a or 12b and whether both filter elements 12a and 12b are installed and electrically connected. If no current flow is detected, the evaluation unit also recognizes that the two filter elements 12a and 12b are not continuously connected.

[0082] Fig. 9 shows the conduction path 34 required for evaluating the current flow via the filter inserts 12a, 12b of the filter arrangement 10.

[0083] Path section 36a of the conduction path 34 is formed by the polarizing electrode 16a of the filter element 12a. Path section 36b of the conduction path 34 is formed by the contact element 22a and the polarizing electrode 16b. Path section 36c of the conduction path 34 is formed by the diagnostic resistor 32. Path section 36d of the conduction path 34 is formed by the polarizing electrode 18b and the contact element 22b. Path section 36e of the conduction path 34 is formed by the polarizing electrode 18a.

[0084] Figures 10 and 11 show a filter arrangement 10 in which the contact elements 22a, 22b for electrically connecting the polarizing electrodes 16a, 18a of the filter element 12a and the polarizing electrodes 16b, 18b of the filter element 12b are formed separately from the filter elements 12a, 12b. The contact elements 22a, 22b are electrically conductive contact clips that connect the connection contact points 28a, 28b in the connection contact area 26a of the filter element 12a to the connection contact points 38a, 38b in the connection contact area 26b of the filter element 12b.

[0085] In the filtration device 100 shown in Figures 12 to 14, the insert holder 102a, 102b is designed in multiple parts and comprises a receiving housing 102a, which can be closed by a cover 102b. The filter elements 12a, 12b can be positioned one above the other in the receiving housing 102a of the filtration device 100. The contact elements 22a, 22b are fixed to the cover 102b, so that when the cover 102b is placed on the receiving housing 102a, the filter elements 12a, 12b are connected via the contact elements 22a, 22b.

[0086] Figures 15 to 23 show circuit diagrams of different filtration devices 100.

[0087] In the filtration devices 100 shown in Figures 15 to 17, the filter element 12a has a voltage divider 40. The voltage divider 40 comprises the resistors 42a, 42b, by which a supply voltage provided by the electrical supply unit 108 can be reduced before being applied to the polarization electrodes 16a, 18a of the filter element 12a. The filter element 12a is connected to the electrical supply unit 108 via the connection terminals 44a, 44b.

[0088] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the contact elements 22a, 22b are components of the filter insert 12b. The filter insert 12b also includes the diagnostic resistor 32.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 16, the contact elements 22a, 22b are formed separately from the filter inserts 12a, 12b. The diagnostic resistor 32 remains part of the filter insert 12b.

[0090] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 17, both the contact elements 22a, 22b and the diagnostic resistor 32 are formed separately from the filter elements 12a, 12b. The diagnostic resistor 32 is contacted via the diagnostic contact points 46a, 46b.

[0091] The filtration devices 100 shown in Figures 18 to 20 also have two interconnected filter elements 12a, 12b, however, filter element 12a does not have a voltage divider. Thus, the supply voltage provided by the electrical supply device 108 is applied directly as a polarization voltage to the polarization electrodes 16a, 18a of filter element 12a, whereby the polarization voltage is transmitted to the polarization electrodes 16b, 18b of filter element 12b via the contact elements 22a, 22b.

[0092] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 18, the contact elements 22a, 22b are components of the filter insert 12b. The filter insert 12b also includes the diagnostic resistor 32.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 19, the contact elements 22a, 22b are formed separately from the filter inserts 12a, 12b. The diagnostic resistor 32 remains part of the filter insert 12b.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 20, both the

[0095] The contact elements 22a, 22b and the diagnostic resistor 32 are designed separately from the filter elements 12a, 12b. The diagnostic resistor 32 is contacted via the diagnostic contact points 46a, 46b.

[0096] In the filtration devices 100 shown in Figures 21 to 23, the filter element 12a has a voltage divider 40. The voltage divider 40 comprises the resistors 42a, 42b, by which a supply voltage provided by the electrical supply device 108 can be reduced before being applied to the polarization electrodes 16a, 18a of the filter element 12a.

[0097] The filter element 12a is connected to the electrical supply unit 108 via the three connection points 44a, 44b, 44c. Connection point 44a is electrically conductively connected to the polarization electrode 16a. The voltage divider 40, comprising resistors 42a, 42b, electrically connects connection points 44b, 44c and the polarization electrode 18a. An electrically conductive connection between connection point 44a and the voltage divider 40 runs via the diagnostic resistor 32. Connection points 44a, 44c are ground connections.

[0098] Connection point 44b is a supply contact point.

[0099] In the event of a short circuit between the polarization electrodes 16a, 18a of the filter element 12a or in the event of a short circuit between the polarization electrodes 16b, 18b of the filter element 12b, a short-circuit-specific current flows through the connection contact point 44a, whereby the short-circuit-specific current is not, or not exclusively, based on the electrically conductive connection via the diagnostic resistor 32. Thus, a short-circuit-specific current flow can be detected by measuring the current in a conductor path electrically connected to the connection contact point 44a, for example by means of a shunt resistor, and a short circuit can therefore be identified.

[0100] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 21, the contact elements 22a, 22b are components of the filter element 12b. The filter element 12b also includes the diagnostic resistor 32. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 22, the contact elements 22a, 22b are designed separately from the filter elements 12a, 12b. The diagnostic resistor 32 is also a component of the filter element 12b.

[0101] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 23, both the contact elements 22a, 22b and the diagnostic resistor 32 are separate from the

[0102] Filter inserts 12a, 12b are formed. The diagnostic resistor 32 is contacted via the diagnostic contact points 46a, 46b.

[0103] Reference sign

[0104] 10 Filter arrangement

[0105] 12a, 12b Filter inserts

[0106] 14a, 14b Layered composite

[0107] 16a, 16b Polarizing electrodes

[0108] 18a, 18b Polarizing electrodes

[0109] 20a, 20b Filter media

[0110] 22, 22a, 22b Contact links

[0111] 24 connection contact area

[0112] 26a, 26b Connection contact area

[0113] 28a, 28b Connection contact points

[0114] 30a, 30b Material strips

[0115] 32 Diagnostic resistor

[0116] 34 Conduit path

[0117] 36a-36e Path sections

[0118] 38a, 38b Connection contact points

[0119] 40 voltage dividers

[0120] 42a, 42b Resistors

[0121] 44a, 44b, 44c Connection points

[0122] 46a, 46b Diagnostic contact points

[0123] 100 Filtration unit

[0124] 102, 102a, 102b Deployment commencement

[0125] 104a, 104b Recording areas

[0126] 106 Opening

[0127] 108 Supply facility

[0128] ER1, ER2 insertion directions

Claims

- 23 - Claims 1. Filter arrangement (10) for use in a filtration device (100), comprising a first filter element (12a) which has a filter medium (20a) and at least one electrically conductive polarizing electrode (16a, 18a) for polarizing the filter medium (20a), and a second filter element (12b) which has a filter medium (20b) and at least one electrically conductive polarizing electrode (16b, 18b) for polarizing the filter medium (20b), characterized by at least one contacting element (22, 22a, 22b) via which the polarizing electrode (16a, 18a) of the first filter element (12a) and the polarizing electrode (16b, 18b) of the second filter element (12b) are electrically connected to each other.

2. Filter arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first filter element (12a) has a first and a second electrically conductive polarizing electrode (16a, 18a) for polarizing the filter medium (20a); and the second filter element (12b) has a first and a second electrically conductive polarizing electrode (16b, 18b) for polarizing the filter medium (20b), wherein the first polarizing electrode (16a) of the first filter element (12a) and the first polarizing electrode (16b) of the second filter element (12b) are electrically connected to each other via the at least one contacting element (22, 22a, 22b); and / or wherein the second polarizing electrode (18a) of the first filter insert (12a) and the second polarizing electrode (18b) of the second filter insert (12b) are electrically connected to each other via the at least one contacting element (22, 22a, 22b).

3. Filter arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one contacting element (22, 22a, 22b) is configured to transfer a potential difference between the first and second polarization electrodes (16a, 18a) of the first filter insert (12a) to the first and second polarization electrodes (16b, 18b) of the second filter insert (12b).

4. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first filter insert (12a) has a connection contact area (26a) which is electrically conductively connected to the contact element (22, 22a, 22b); and / or the second filter insert (12b) has a connection contact area (26b) which is electrically conductively connected to the contact element (22, 22a, 22b).

5. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first filter insert (12a) has a connection contact area (24) via which the first filter insert (12a) can be electrically connected to an electrical supply device (108).

6. Filter arrangement (10) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the connection contact area (24) and the connection contact area (26a) of the first filter insert (12a) are arranged on different sides of the first filter insert (12a).

7. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection contact area (24) is supported by a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is preferably designed as a connecting foil.

8. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacting element (22, 22a, 22b) is designed as a component of the first filter insert (12a) or as a component of the second filter insert (12b).

9. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacting element (22, 22a, 22b) is designed as a contact foil.

10. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacting element (22, 22a, 22b) has a carrier layer on which one or more electrically conductive conductor tracks are located.

11. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacting element (22, 22a, 22b) is materially bonded to the first filter insert (12a) and / or to the second filter insert (12b).

12. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacting element (22, 22a, 22b) has a first contacting section which extends along the first filter insert (12a); and has a second contacting section which extends along the second filter insert (12b).

13. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second filter insert are arranged next to each other or one above the other.

14. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the first electrically conductive polarizing electrode (16a) and the second electrically conductive polarizing electrode (18a) of the first - 26 - filter insert (12a) are electrically connected to each other via an electrical diagnostic resistor (32); and / or the first electrically conductive polarizing electrode (16b) and the second electrically conductive polarizing electrode (18b) of the second filter insert (12b) are electrically connected to each other via an electrical diagnostic resistor (32).

15. Filter arrangement (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the diagnostic resistor (32) is formed as a component of the first filter insert (12a); or as a component of the second filter insert (12b); or is formed separately from the first and second filter inserts (12a, 12b).

16. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that the first polarization electrode (16a, 16b) and the second polarization electrode (18a, 18b) are each designed as a polarization layer and the polarization electrodes (16a, 16b, 18a, 18b) designed as polarization layers are separated from each other by the filter medium (20a, 20b) designed as a filter layer.

17. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first filter insert (12a) and / or the second filter insert (12b) comprises a conductor arrangement comprising a voltage divider (40).

18. Filter arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first filter element (12a) and / or the second filter element (12b) comprises three connection contact points (44a-44c) via which the first filter element (12a) and / or the second filter element (12b) can be electrically connected to mating contact points of the element receptacle (102) of the filtration device (100). - 27 - 19. Filtration device (100), comprising a filter arrangement (10) comprising two filter inserts (12a, 12b), and an insert receptacle (102, 102a, 102b) for receiving the two filter inserts (12a, 12b) of the filter arrangement (10); characterized in that the filter arrangement (10) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

20. Filtration device (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that the insert receptacle (102, 102a, 102b) is formed by a housing, wherein the contacting element (22, 22a, 22b) of the filter arrangement (10) is fixed to the housing.

21. Method for preparing a filtration device (100), in particular a filtration device (100) according to claim 19 or 20, for operation, comprising the steps: Inserting a first filter insert (12a) comprising a filter medium (20a) and at least one electrically conductive polarizing electrode (16a, 18a) for polarizing the filter medium (20a) of a filter arrangement (10) into an insert receptacle (102, 102a, 102b) of the filtration device (100); and Inserting a second filter insert (12b) of the filter arrangement (10) comprising a filter medium (20b) and at least one electrically conductive polarizing electrode (16b, 18b) for polarizing the filter medium (20b) into the insert receptacle (102, 102a, 102b) of the filtration device (100); characterized by the step: electrically connecting the polarizing electrode (16a, 18a) of the first filter insert (12a) and the polarizing electrode (16b, 18b) of the second filter insert (12b) to each other via at least one contact element (22, 22a, 22b).

22. Method according to claim 21 , - 28 - characterized by the steps: electrically conductively connecting a first polarizing electrode (16a) of the first filter element (12a) and a first polarizing electrode (16b) of the second filter element (12b) to each other via the at least one contacting element (22, 22a, 22b); and electrically conductively connecting a second polarizing electrode (18a) of the first filter element (12a) and a second polarizing electrode (18b) of the second filter element (12b) to each other via the at least one contacting element (22, 22a, 22b).

23. Method for testing a filtration device (100) with a filter arrangement (10) comprising two electrically contacted filter elements (12a, 12b), in particular a filtration device (100) according to one of claims 19 or 20, comprising the step: Evaluation of a current flow at a measuring point of an electrically conductive conductor path of the filtration device (100) by means of an evaluation device; characterized in that the evaluation device determines, on the basis of the current flow evaluation, whether a short circuit is present in one of the filter inserts (12a, 12b) and whether the two filter inserts (12a, 12b) are inserted and electrically contacted.

24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the evaluation device detects, in the absence of a current flow at the measuring point, that the two filter inserts (12a, 12b) are not continuously contacted.

Images