DE102009029775B4 - Spacer for filter pots - Google Patents

Abstract

Spacer element (4) for holding a filter element (3) in a filter cup (2), wherein the spacer element (4) has a first portion (12) and a second portion (13), which are shaped such that at least the first portion ( 12) and a second section (13) of a further identically formed spacer element (5) are connectable to each other by a terminal closure, characterized in that the spacer element (4, 5) is cylindrical and the clamping connection is radially pronounced.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a spacer element which is suitable for holding a filter element in a filter cup. The invention also relates to a filter device, such. B. Equipment filter for motor vehicles or cabin air filters.

In the automotive sector filters are often used in which a folded filter medium is introduced into a filter holder or a filter cup. The filter medium thereby separates areas of fluid to be filtered, such as oil or fuel, from the clean fluid area in the filter bowl. In oil filters, for example, a cup-shaped filter holder is common, wherein a first folded Filtervließmaterial is cylindrically shaped, is provided with an upper and lower termination and is pressed and held by a clip filter pot bottom side in the direction of a filter pot lid. Fluid to be filtered then enters the space between the cylindrical filter element and the outer wall of the filter cup, flows through the filter medium and exits, for example, along the filter axis through a suitable central opening in the filter cover purely.

Since the height of the respective filter pot depends on the installation conditions in the motor vehicle and the height of the respective cylindrical filter element can vary, it is desirable to provide suitable spacers between the filter pot bottom and the filter element.

State of the art

In the past, for example, different sized filter pots for different sized filter elements were made, but this is technically very complex. It has also been proposed to insert adapted spacers, such as plastic cylinders, between the filter pot bottom and the filter element. Although this allows for a uniform filter pot size, the spacers must be provided appropriately adjusted to the size of the filter element. From the US 4,738,776 A an oil filter is known in which a plurality of layered disc-shaped elements are arranged between an oil filter element and a spring-loaded end plate, which are pressed together axially due to the spring loading and form another filter element.

Against this background, the present invention has the object to provide an improved way to fix the filter element in a filter and at the same time to simplify the filter production.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by a spacer element according to claim 1 and a filter device according to claim 10.

Accordingly, a spacer element for holding a filter element in a filter pot is proposed. The spacer element has a first section and a second section, wherein the two sections are shaped such that at least the first section and a second section of a further identically formed spacer element can be connected to one another by a clamping connection.

By connecting a plurality of spacer elements z. B. in a modular manner any height of the resulting spacer can be achieved. By virtue of the fact that the sections can be inserted into one another, for example, according to a key-lock principle and have a terminal connection by suitable dimensioning or shaping, for example, stacks of a plurality of spacer elements are simply formed. As a result, it is sufficient to produce corresponding spacer elements once, these then being able to be joined together to bridge the respective distance between the filter element and the filter pot bottom. It does not have to be produced as usually different sized spacers. Due to the clamping closure, which according to the invention is pronounced radially in the cylindrical spacer element, it is easily possible in the filter production to assemble a plurality of spacer elements into a spacer and insert it into the filter cup. Due to the clamping, therefore, the production of the entire filter element or filter is much easier.

The respective first and / or second portion may be shaped such that a plurality of interconnected spacer elements form a substantially tubular spacer. For example, the sections may have a circular cross-section.

The clamping closure also has the advantage that no radial play between the spacer elements is possible. This reduces friction and abrasion during operation of the filter. The composite spacer elements can also be referred to as intermediate bottoms in the respective filter, such as a fuel filter or an oil filter.

In addition, the respective spacer element can be equipped on at least one of the sections of a latching device for latching a respective first section with a respective second section of another similarly formed spacer element. By locking, for example via a spring-like engagement or engaging in a recess bolt prevents the interconnected spacer elements beyond the terminal closure can not be taken apart again without special effort or deformation. The latching means of a latching device or a hook fixes the two or more spacer elements at least such that during operation z. B. by vibrations with high frequencies or pressure pulsation, the two spacer elements continue to stick together. As an alternative to a latching of the spacer elements, they can also be jammed or connected to one another via a screw or bayonet connection.

It is also possible to provide the spacer element with a latching device, which prevents, for example, that two cylindrical spacer elements can be rotated against each other. A corresponding anti-rotation also reduces the abrasion of the spacer elements together, for example, by vibration or other influences during operation of the motor vehicle.

The first or second portion of the spacer element may also have openings so that a fluid to be filtered can also pass through the spacer.

Preferably, the spacer element is made of plastic material. It comes z. B. PA6 GF 30 in question.

In one embodiment of the spacer element, the first section has a plurality of resilient clamping sections for forming the clamping connection with the second section of the further spacer element. Corresponding clamping sections can, for. B. be made by sawing or forming a crown-shaped ring along a section.

Furthermore, a filter device with a filter pot, with a filter element, at least one above-described spacer element and a clamping device for holding the filter element in the filter cup is proposed. In this case, the spacer element between the filter element and the clamping device is provided.

It is possible that the filter element or the clamping device is designed such that a clamping connection with the first or the second spacer element is formed. For example, it is possible to form a part of the filter element or the clamping device, such as a clasp, geometrically such that they form a clamping connection with the installed spacer element like a further spacer element.

In the filter device, a plurality of interconnected spacer elements are preferably provided between the filter element and the clamping device. As a result, depending on the size of the filter element, a suitable spacer of a plurality of spacer elements can always be used.

In one embodiment of the filter device, the filter cup and the filter element have a cylindrical geometry and are arranged concentrically with one another. According to the invention, the spacer elements have a clamping connection, which acts in each case radially to one another.

The filter device may in particular be an operating medium filter for a motor vehicle, a fuel filter, an oil filter, an air filter or a cabin filter.

In a particular embodiment, the filter device has a water collecting space, which is formed by the spacer element or a plurality of spacer elements between the filter pot bottom and the filter element.

Further advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the embodiments described below.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be further explained below with reference to several embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. It shows:

1 a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of a filter device;

2 a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of composite spacer elements;

3 a detail view of a second embodiment of composite spacer elements;

4 a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a spacer element;

5 a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of composite spacer elements;

6 a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of a filter device; and

7 : A perspective view of the fourth embodiment of a spacer element.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements, unless otherwise indicated, have been given the same reference numerals.

Embodiment (s) of the invention

1 shows a longitudinal sectional view through a first embodiment of a filter device 1 ,

The filter device 1 For example, an oil filter is an outer filter pot 2 , z. B. of metal. Frequently, appropriate filter devices 1 or the filter pots 2 cylindrically shaped. The filter pot 2 has a filter pot bottom 11 on which a clamping device 6 how a clip or spring is inserted. Concentric with the filter head AX is a filter element 3 , For example, from zigzag-folded Filtervließmaterial, which is a tubular filter element 3 is shaped to insert. In the presentation of the 1 has the filter element 3 an upper degree 26 , the one opening 28 has and a lower degree 10 which is fluid tight.

Between the clasp 6 and the lower degree 10 of the filter element 3 is a spacer made of two modular spacer elements 4 . 5 intended. Through the spacer elements 4 . 5 The spring pressure along the axis AX in the direction of the filter pot lid 27 transfers and holds the filter element 3 in the filter pot 2 ,

In operation, fluid to be filtered, such as fuel or oil through openings 7 in the filter pot lid 27 in the gap 8th enter, through the Filtervließmaterial of the filter element 3 be filtered and as pure fluid from the interior 9 through the central opening 28 be removed. So also filter elements 3 different size or in particular height with respect to the height of the filter cup 2 can be used, different height spacers are necessary. In the in 1 Example 1 shown are two spacer elements 4 . 5 , which exert a terminal closure each other and thus form a uniform spacer used.

In the 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of such composite spacer elements 4 . 5 shown in more detail. The spacer elements 4 . 5 For example, they are formed with a round cross section forming a tubular portion along the axis AX. Each spacer element 4 . 5 has at least a first section 12 and a second section 13 , The first paragraph 12 is geometrically shaped to fit with a second section 13 another similarly formed spacer element 5 forms a terminal closure. This is in the 2 indicated by the arrows P. Thus, a plurality of spacer elements 5 , which can also be referred to as shelves, are inserted into each other. These serve as spacers in the filter device, as for example in the 1 is shown. In the in 2 As shown, the clamping forces act radially to the axis AX.

In the 3 is a detail view of a second embodiment of composite spacer elements 4 . 5 shown in more detail. In this case, additional locking devices are provided so that the two spacer elements 4 . 5 can not be taken apart. The profile of the 3 shown spacers 4 . 5 each have a catch 14 that engage in an engagement or a recess 15 the other spacer element 4 . 5 can engage and lock together. In the 3 has, for example, the first section 12 of the spacer element 4 a catch 14 in a recess 15 of the second spacer element 5 intervenes. Here is the recess 15 in the second section 13 of the second spacer element 5 intended.

By locking the latching device, which is out of the latching hook 14 and the recess 15 is a removal of the two spacer elements 4 . 5 practically impossible along the longitudinal axis. As a result, beyond the terminal connection, a better connection of a plurality of spacer elements 4 . 5 allows.

In the 4 schematically a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of a spacer element is shown. The axis AX protrudes out of the display plane. The spacer element 4 also has a torsion protection by recesses 16 along the top or bottom or the first or second section 12 . 13 as it is z. B. from the 2 . 3 is apparent, is realized. Appropriate noses can from the second in the 4 not shown spacer element engage in the recesses, whereby a rotation about the axis AX is impossible as a rotation axis. As a result, a potential abrasion during operation of the respective filter element is further reduced.

The 5 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of mated spacer elements. The corresponding spacer 21 has three spacer elements 4 . 5 . 17 , which are modularly arranged. In principle, the mode of operation of the fourth exemplary embodiment is similar to that of FIG 2 shown two-piece spacer. Here is an upper section 12 provided in a lower section 13 another spacer element 5 can enter each other in terminal connection. In the example in 5 are springy elements to it 18 provided that form radial, ie outward, restoring forces and on the inner ring 13 Press the mating opening. The ring 13 is beveled for easier insertion. The resilient elements can also be used as clamping sections 18 be designated. It thus becomes a crown-shaped geometry of the upper section 12 generated.

In the 5 is shown in profile, as the spring sections 18 against the ring sections 13 Press and thus cohesion of the various spacer elements 4 . 5 . 17 is achieved. The spacer elements 4 . 5 and 17 also each have a support ring 20 , which rests on a bearing surface of the respective second spacer element. So that a fluid exchange can also take place between an inner and outer space of the tubular spacer, are windows or openings 19 intended.

In the 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of a filter device shown. The filter device 1 again has a filter pot 2 in which concentric a filter element 3 is used. From the filter pot bottom 11 pushes a clamping device 6 or a clasp, which may be formed of metal or suitable plastic material, via a spacer consisting of two spacer elements 4 . 5 is formed, the filter element 3 towards the filter pot lid 27 , On the filter pot lid 27 is an axial seal 21 intended.

The area 25 that is between the lower degree 10 of the filter element 3 and the filter bottom 11 is formed, for example, serves as a water or fluid collection room. It is possible that during operation liquid such as water in the lower area 25 of the filter pot 2 accumulates and must be drained if necessary. This is how in the 6 is shown, a ring nut 22 in the filter bottom 11 intended. The drain plug 24 is with a seal 23 provided on the ring nut 22 suppressed. The drainage of the water takes place with dissolved water outlet screw 24 through one in the drain plug 24 introduced longitudinal groove 29 , about the open seal 23 and then through a drain opening 24a which is in the water outlet screw 24 radially outside the seal 23 is provided. The entire filter 1 can be made of plastic material. However, it is also conceivable, the filter pot 2 Made of metal, the spacer element 4 . 5 made of a plastic and the filter element 3 from a Filtervließmaterial.

Finally, in the 7 a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of a spacer element shown. 7 shows a single spacer element 4 as it is in the 5 with two more to a spacer is composed. Here are a first upper section 12 and a second lower section 13 intended. Further, a crown-shaped inner ring of the resilient clamping portions 18 formed and a lower wide bearing surface 20 resting on an upper support surface 25 a structurally identical spacer element 4 can rest. The cuts 19 create the possibility of fluid flow, such as condensation in the lower part of a filter cup.

The respective upper and lower ring or section 12 . 13 is designed with respect to the diameter so that they fit into each other.

Thus, modular spacer elements or shelves are created for filter devices that can be used flexibly. Due to the telescoping, to be connected with a terminal protection spacer element a modular production is possible even with different filter pot or filter element sizes. Due to the low relative movement between the various shelves or spacer elements creates virtually no abrasion. The invention thus provides a possibility of variable and simple realization of spacer elements, in particular for equipment filter in motor vehicles.

Claims (15)

Spacer element ( 4 ) for holding a filter element ( 3 ) in a filter pot ( 2 ), wherein the spacer element ( 4 ) a first section ( 12 ) and a second section ( 13 ), which are shaped such that at least the first section ( 12 ) and a second section ( 13 ) of a further identically formed spacer element ( 5 ) are connectable to each other by a terminal closure, characterized in that the spacer element ( 4 . 5 ) is cylindrical and the terminal connection is radially pronounced. Spacer element ( 4 ) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sections ( 12 . 13 ) are further shaped such that a plurality of interconnected spacer elements ( 4 . 5 . 17 ) a substantially tubular spacer ( 21 ) train. Spacer element ( 4 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second sections ( 12 . 13 ) have a circular cross-section. Spacer element ( 4 ) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein on at least one of the sections ( 12 . 13 ) a latching device ( 14 ) for latching a first section ( 12 ) with a second section ( 13 ) of a further identically formed spacer element ( 5 ) is arranged. Spacer element ( 4 ) according to claim 4, wherein the latching device ( 14 ) for fixing two interconnected sections ( 12 . 13 ) is configured. Spacer element ( 4 ) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the latching device ( 14 ) for preventing twisting of two interconnected sections ( 12 . 13 ) is configured. Spacer element ( 4 ) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first and / or the second section ( 12 . 13 ) Openings ( 19 ) having. Spacer element ( 4 ) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the spacer element ( 4 ) is made of a single plastic material. Spacer element ( 4 ) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first section ( 12 ) a plurality of resilient clamping sections ( 18 ) for forming the clamping closure with the second section ( 13 ) of the further spacer element ( 5 ) having. Filter device ( 1 ) with a filter pot ( 2 ), a filter element ( 3 ), at least one spacer element ( 4 ) according to any one of claims 1-5, and a clamping device ( 6 ) for holding the filter element ( 3 ) in the filter pot ( 2 ), between the filter element ( 3 ) and the clamping device ( 6 ) the spacer element ( 4 ) is provided. Filter device ( 1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the filter element ( 3 ) or the clamping device ( 6 ) is designed such that a clamping closure with the first or the second section ( 12 . 13 ) of the spacer element ( 4 ) arises. Filter device ( 1 ) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a plurality of interconnected spacer elements ( 4 . 5 ) between the filter element ( 3 ) and the clamping device ( 6 ) are provided. Filter device ( 1 ) according to claim 12, wherein the filter pot ( 2 ) and the filter element ( 3 ) are cylindrical and are arranged concentrically, wherein the spacer elements ( 4 . 5 ) connecting each other clamped radially acts. Filter device ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein the filter device ( 1 ) is an operating fluid filter for a motor vehicle, in particular a fuel filter, an oil filter, an air filter or an interior filter for a motor vehicle. Filter device ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 10-14, wherein the at least one spacer element ( 4 ) between a filter pot bottom ( 11 ) and the filter element ( 3 ) a water collection room ( 25 ) is provided.

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