DE102011112513A1 - Filter for use in motor vehicle for filtering diesel fuel, has end disk sealingly connected with filtering medium, where water collection chamber is integrated into end disk for collecting clean-side water that is separated from fuel - Google Patents

Abstract

The filter (1) has an end disk (3) sealingly connected with a filtering medium (2) i.e. annular bellows, at a contact surface (4). A water collection chamber (14) is integrated into the end disk for collecting clean-side water that is separated from fuel. The end disk extends from the contact surface in a direction turned away from the filtering medium for formation of the chamber. The end disk comprises a flat base surface (9) spaced from the contact surface. The disk has a circumferential wall (7) between the base and contact surfaces for radial confinement of the chamber.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a fuel filter for filtering fuel, in particular diesel fuel, comprising: a filter medium, in particular an annular bellows, an end plate connected to the filter medium, and a water collecting space for collecting water separated from the fuel on the clean side.

State of the art

From the DE 101 23 190 A1 a fuel filter is known in particular for diesel fuel, which is formed at least two stages with a downstream filter stage last of hydrophobic and an upstream directly or a short distance in front lying step of hydrophilic, each permeable filter medium. The fuel containing the penultimate filter stage and containing water fractions strikes the material of the last filter stage without deflection. For the water separated off at the last filter stage, an outflow area for gravity-induced water drainage is provided between the two filter stages.

In order to form the drainage area or a water collecting space in a bottom area of the filter housing is in the DE 101 23 190 A1 the first filter stage spaced from the bottom of the filter housing and lies with its lower end on a formed on the filter housing paragraph. In order to separate the raw side of the first filter stage of the clean-side water collection chamber, a radial seal (O-ring or elastomeric disc) between the first filter stage and the inner wall of the filter housing is necessary.

However, this leads to increased manufacturing costs, since in the design of the sealing element, the roughness of the housing inner wall must be considered. This usually leads to the fact that the sealing element must be installed pressed.

Also, in the choice of the sealing element, the low roundness accuracy of the housing or the housing pot must be taken into account. To compensate for tolerances, "thick" and thus costly sealing elements are usually selected.

In addition, the sealing element must be provided either as a separate component, which causes additional storage and manufacturing costs, or produced as a portion of a two-component end plate, which also causes an increase in cost.

The previously known fuel filter thus has a complex and expensive construction.

The invention has for its object to provide a structurally simple and inexpensive fuel filter.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by a fuel filter of the type mentioned, in which the water collection chamber is integrated into the end plate. By integrating the water collecting space in the end plate of the fuel filter or the end plate can be arranged at the bottom of the housing or housing pot. Thus, it can be dispensed with the provision of a step on the inner wall of the housing pot as well as on a sealing element mounted there, resulting in a simple assembly. In particular, in this way, if necessary, completely dispensing with the provision of an axial or radial seal to the housing pot and it can be used an integrally formed end plate.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the end disk is sealingly connected to the filter medium at a contact surface, and that the end disk extends from the contact surface in a direction facing away from the filter medium to form the water collecting space. The filter medium may for example be glued to the end plate or embedded in the end plate. The installation position of the filter element is in this case selected such that the end plate is arranged with the water collecting space at the bottom of the filter medium. This ensures that the separated by the filter medium water flows under gravity into the water collection chamber. At the opposite upper end, the filter medium typically has a further, conventional end disk, the filter medium together with the end disks forming a (replaceable) filter element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the end plate on a spaced from the contact surface, in particular flat base surface. The base surface forms the bottom of the water collection chamber and is arranged on a side facing away from the filter medium side of the end plate. The geometry of the base is in this case adapted to the geometry of the bottom portion of the housing pot, in which the filter element is introduced. If the bottom of the housing pot z. B. plan formed, the base is usually a plane surface.

A development of the embodiment just described is characterized in that the end plate between the base and the contact surface has a circumferential wall for radially limiting the water collecting space. The radially encircling wall preferably has a cylindrical course. However, there are also other geometric configurations, such as a conical shape of the circumferential wall conceivable. The base and the peripheral wall surround the water collection chamber, which has an opening towards the filter medium, through which the separated water can enter the water collection chamber.

Also preferred is an embodiment in which the end plate has a section inclined towards the water collecting space. The inclined portion improves the drainage of the separated water in the direction of the water collecting space.

A further development of the embodiment just described is characterized in that the section inclined towards the water collecting space comprises the contact surface. If the contact surface between end disk and filter medium is inclined towards the water collecting space, the filter medium or filter material must typically be cut off at an angle. Separated water can flow through the inclined contact surface very easy from the filter medium in the direction of the water collection chamber.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the end plate is made in one piece. The end plate is preferably made of plastic, such as glass fiber reinforced polyamide, z. As polyamide 6 (PA6GF). Additionally required seals and interfaces to other components are avoided by the one-piece design.

An embodiment is preferred in which an opening for the discharge of cleaned fuel is formed in the end disk. By such an outlet, the purified fuel can flow to the bottom of the housing pot out. It will be appreciated that fuel entry into the exit aperture must be spaced sufficiently far from the base of the endplate to prevent segregated water from draining through the aperture in addition to the cleaned fuel.

Alternatively or in addition to a fuel outlet opening, the end plate enclosing the water collecting space is provided with a water outlet opening, through which separated water can be discharged from the water collecting space. Preferably, the water outlet opening is provided on a part of the end disk, which forms the bottom of the water collecting space. Specifically, the water outlet opening is provided at the base of the end plate. The water outlet is z. B. provided with a water drain valve, which can be operated manually or automatically. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, a water sensor passage opening can be provided on the end disk, through which connection means for a water sensor, which is optionally arranged in the water collecting space, are guided. The water sensor passage opening may be provided in addition to the fuel outlet opening and / or the water outlet opening. In a preferred embodiment, the water sensor passage opening is formed by the water outlet opening, i. H. the water outlet and the connection of a water sensor are made by means of a common breakthrough at the end plate.

In a further development of the embodiment just described, an outlet pipe for discharging the cleaned fuel is introduced into the opening. In this case, the outlet opening at the end disk can also be formed in the area of the base area or in the region of the water collecting space, since the outlet of the purified fuel is carried out via the outlet pipe and thus the function of the water collecting space can be maintained, while the cleaned fuel to the bottom of the housing pot can flow out. For example, the outlet pipe can be arranged centrally in the water collecting space, which is enclosed by the flat base surface and by the peripheral wall, wherein the outlet pipe projects upwards over the water collecting space. For sealing between the outlet tube and the end plate, a seal may be provided which prevents leakage of water from the collecting space.

In one embodiment, the filter medium has both a filtration effect for particles and a coalescing effect, i. H. small water droplets are connected as they pass through the filter medium to larger water droplets.

In one embodiment, the filter medium is formed in one layer.

In another embodiment, the filter medium is formed in multiple layers, wherein at least one filtration layer and at least one coalescing layer are provided.

A preferred embodiment is characterized by a filter pot into which the filter medium connected to the end disk is introduced. The filter element with the end plate and the filter medium is inserted during assembly into the filter pot until the end plate rests against the bottom of the filter cup. It is understood that after the Inserting the filter element, a housing cover can be screwed onto the filter pot.

In a further development of the embodiment just described, the end plate is arranged on a side facing away from a fuel outlet side of the filter cup. The end plate is in a preferred installation position with its base on the lower housing wall (bottom) of the filter housing. While the separated water in the preferred installed position flows down into the water collecting space, the purified fuel flows upward toward a drain, e.g. B. to an outlet opening formed in an upper end plate of the filter element or a housing cover.

A further development is characterized in that a preferably centrally disposed on the filter pot outlet opening is provided for the discharge of purified fuel. In rotationally symmetrical designed water collection space, the outlet opening z. B. be arranged centrally in the water collection room. Typically, the outlet opening is provided on the underside of the filter cup, so that the outlet tube described above can open into the outlet opening of the filter cup. The opening in the end plate and the outlet opening on the filter cup or the outlet tube are designed in this case concentric and substantially congruent. It is understood that the outlet opening can alternatively also be formed on a survey at the bottom of the filter pot, which projects beyond the region of the water collecting space when the filter element is inserted.

Particularly preferred is a development in which the geometry of the end plate is adapted to the geometry of the filter cup, that the end plate extends in the radial direction up to a peripheral wall of the filter cup. When designing the end plate, the roundness tolerances of the filter bowl are taken into account so that a smooth installation of the end plate into the filter bowl is ensured. The radial dimensions of the end plate are to be chosen such that radial movements of the end plate or the filter element in the filter cup, which can lead to "rattling noises" are excluded if possible.

Due to the above-described embodiment of the end plate, the peripheral wall of the filter cup can be designed structurally simple, since the required for the storage of the sealing element between the filter element and filter cup paragraph is no longer required. It will be understood that typically the end plate has a portion which projects outwardly beyond the radial extent of the filter medium, so that an annular gap for supplying the untreated fuel can be formed between the filter medium and the circumferential inner wall of the housing pot.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawing, which show details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be realized individually for themselves or for several in any combination in a variant of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments are illustrated in the schematic drawing and will be explained in the following description. Show it:

1 a sectional view of a first embodiment of a fuel filter according to the invention with in an end plate with integrated water collecting space and fuel outlet down,

2 a sectional view of a second embodiment of a fuel filter according to the invention with fuel outlet to the top,

3 a sectional view of a detail of another embodiment of a fuel filter according to the invention,

4 a sectional view of a detail of another embodiment of a fuel filter according to the invention,

5a , b are sectional views of details of modifications of the embodiments of 3 . 4 with an obliquely cut filter medium.

In the different embodiments, identical components are provided with the same reference numerals.

Embodiment (s) of the invention

1 shows a first embodiment of a rotationally symmetrical fuel filter 1 with a bellows 2 trained filter medium and an end plate 3 , which together with a (not shown) upper end plate form a filter element. The bellows 2 is with the end disc 3 at a contact surface 4 sealingly connected. The bellows is preferred 2 here with the end plate 3 welded or glued.

The filter element, ie the end plate 3 with the bellows 2 , is in a cylindrical filter pot 5 arranged with a flat bottom.

The end disc 3 has an encircling survey 6 on, at the top of the contact surface 4 is arranged. survey 6 includes an inner circumferential wall 7 and an outer circumferential wall 8th , where the inner circumferential wall 7 the assessment 6 with a flat surface 9 the end plate connects. Between contact surface 4 and the inner circumferential wall 7 is one as a slant 10 trained section provided.

The end disc 3 is made in one piece and lies in the in 1 shown position with the plan base 9 and radial paragraphs 11 extending from the outer circumferential wall 8th extend to the outside, on the lower inside (bottom) of the filter pot 5 at. The end disc 3 extends in the radial direction up to the circumferential inner wall of the filter cup 5 In which a game can be provided to allow easy insertion of the bellows 2 together with the end disc 3 in the filter pot 5 to ensure. If a game provided, it is advantageous if the filter element z. B. is suitably centered at the upper end to radial movements of the end plate 3 or the filter element in the filter cup 5 which can lead to "rattling noises" to counteract.

Concentric to the inner circumferential wall 7 is an opening 12 for the discharge of purified fuel in the end plate 3 provided in an outlet opening in the filter pot 5 opens and formed with this congruent. In opening 12 the end plate 3 is an outlet pipe 13 arranged through which the purified fuel from the filter pot 5 can escape.

The end disc 3 of the fuel filter 1 has a water collection room 14 on the inside of the wall 7 and the planned footprint 9 is enclosed. The water collection room 14 will be in the direction of a central axis 15 of the filter pot 5 through the outlet pipe 13 limited. A sealing element 16 is between end disc 3 , Opening 12 and outlet pipe 13 arranged to the water collection room 14 seal.

The fuel filter 1 has an inner cover 17 on, on a radially inside clean side 19 the bellows 2 runs and over the water collection room 14 and the outlet pipe 13 is arranged. The cover 17 can hereby z. B. at the upper end of the filter element or the bellows 2 be attached and serves as a Umlenkkontur for the pure-side fuel, ie the fuel is at the cover 17 deflected, which promotes the gravitational separation of the water contained in the fuel.

In the area of the water collection room 14 If necessary, means for draining the water in the collection room 14 collected water, z. B. be provided in the form of an overflow valve (not shown). This is beneficial to prevent that in the water collection room 14 separated water reaches a level which rises to the level of the fuel outlet so that separated water can escape through it.

Additionally or alternatively to the opening 12 can the end disc 3 z. B. provided with a (not shown) water outlet, through which separated water from the water collection chamber 14 can be drained. Preferably, the water outlet opening is at the bottom of the end disk 3 So at the base 9 the end plate 3 intended. The water outlet opening may be provided with a water drainage valve (not shown). Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, a (not shown) water sensor passage opening at the end plate 3 be provided by which connection means for a (not shown) water sensor, which may be in the water collection room 14 is arranged, are guided.

The following is the flow through the fuel filter 1 be explained in more detail: The fuel to be filtered occurs in the area of 1 shown top of the fuel filter 1 enter and flow from the raw side 18 the bellows 2 on a clean side 19 (Directional arrow 19a ). By bellows 2 which acts as a coalescing filter ("coalescer"), in addition to the separation of particles, water is coalesced in the fuel, ie small water droplets pass through the filter medium 2 converted to larger water droplets. The water drops formed in this case are separated from the purified fuel by gravity separation.

To favor this, is at the end disc 3 the slope 10 formed in the direction of the water collection room 14 is inclined. The slope 10 supports the drainage of the water to the water collection room 14 , The filtered fuel, however, flows on the clean side 19 the bellows 2 along the cover 17 , which causes a flow deflection, and leaves the fuel filter 1 above the water collection room 14 through the outlet pipe 13 ,

2 shows a second embodiment of a fuel filter 1a with a bellows 2 and an end plate 3a at a contact surface 4a sealed together. Unlike the first embodiment according to 1 is the fuel outlet of the purified fuel at the in 2 shown fuel filter 1a formed upwards. For the purpose have an upper end plate (not shown) and a housing cover (not represented) on a passage opening for the purified fuel.

The plane base 9a the end plate 3a that inside the inner circumferential wall 7a is formed, in this case, no opening and limited together with the peripheral wall 7a a water collection room 14a , Means for draining the in the water collection room 14a located water, z. As an overflow valve, in the area of the water collection chamber 14a be provided (in 2 not shown).

The end disc 3a extends in the radial direction up to the inner walls of the filter cup 5 , being an insertion of the bellows 2 together with the end disc 3a in the filter pot 5 (Almost) without the provision of a radial clearance takes place to a noise or wear of the end plate 3a in a radial movement during operation of the fuel filter 1 to avoid in a car.

3 shows a further embodiment of a fuel filter 1b with an end plate 3b , The end disc 3b has a disc-shaped, annular portion 20 on, at the one contact surface 4b is provided. At the contact surface 4b is the end disk 3b with the bellows 2 connected. A water collection room 14b is due to a flat base 9b and an inner circumferential wall 7b educated. Compared to the previously described end plates 3 . 3a has the end plate 3b from 3 no outer circumferential wall 8th on.

Is the end disc 3b in the filter pot 5 (see. 1 ), it is located at the in 1 shown position with the plan base 9b at the bottom of the filter pot 5 at. This exploits that the disc-shaped section 20 in the radial direction over the filter medium 2 extends out, so that a centering of the end plate 3b in the filter pot 5 is possible. By the radial reset of the filter medium 2 opposite the outer edge of the end plate 3b can be between the filter medium 2 and the inner wall of the filter pot 5 an annular gap, ie a radial distance for receiving the raw-side fuel are formed.

Advantageous to the embodiments according to the 1 to 3 is that the end disc 3 . 3a . 3b is formed such that they have no undercuts and are therefore characterized by a simple production by injection molding.

In 4 is a fuel filter 1c with an end plate 3c shown, which also has a flat base 9c having. With the plan area 9c is in the direction of the bellows 2 an outer circumferential wall 8c connected in a (circular) annular section 20c with a contact surface 4c empties. The annular section 20c extends from the circumferential outer wall 8c in the direction of the central axis 15 where a centric opening 21 at the disc-shaped section 20 is formed, which serves for the passage of the separated water.

At the contact surface 4c are bellows 2 and end disc 3c interconnected, z. B. welded or glued together. A water collection room 14c is through the outer circumferential wall 8c , the plane footprint 9c and the annular portion 20c educated.

The base area 9c extends in the radial direction to the inner walls of the filter cup 5 ( 1 ), with the outer circumferential wall 8c the same radial external dimensions as the flat base 9c and over the filter medium 2 protrudes radially outward, to effect a centering and a sufficient distance for receiving the raw-side fuel (see above).

In the 5a and 5b are two other embodiments of a fuel filter 1d . 1e with a respective, too 4 respectively. 3 alternative design of the end plate 3d . 3e shown. Compared to the in 4 shown end plate 3c has the in 5a shown end plate 3d an annular section 20d with a contact surface 4d on, to the water collection room or to the flat base area 9c ( 4 ), ie downwards, is inclined. The end disc 3e from 5b also includes a sloped, annular portion 20e with a contact surface 4e , The end disc 3e can be designed such that a forced removal process is possible in an injection-molded process. In particular, the annular portion 20e due to its inclination and due to a corresponding elastic formation of the wall 7c when removing an injection-molded tool elastic in 5b dodge to the right, leaving the injection-molded tool in spite of passing through the annular section 20e formed undercut can be driven apart.

A respective bellows 2d . 2e is according to the inclination of the contact surface 4d . 4e cut obliquely, so that separated water already in the area of the bellows 2d . 2e to the water collection room 14c . 14b directed.

The end disc 3d . 3e each has an outer or inner circumferential wall 8d . 7c (dashed lines) on, which together with a flat base 9c . 9b a water collection room 14c . 14b encloses, cf. 4 and 3 ,

It is understood that the filter pot 5 typically rotationally symmetric to the central axis 15 is trained. The end discs 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e are also to the central axis 15 formed rotationally symmetrical and designed as a one-piece component.

Incidentally, it is understood that all the embodiments of end plates described above 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e can be provided with a, in particular bottom-side, water outlet opening and / or a, in particular bottom side, water sensor passage opening.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10123190 A1 [0002, 0003]

Claims (13)

Fuel filter ( 1 . 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d . 1e ) for filtering fuel, in particular diesel fuel, comprising: a filter medium ( 2 ), in particular an annular bellows, one with the filter medium ( 2 ) connected end plate ( 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ), as well as a water collection room ( 14 . 14a . 14b . 14c ) for collecting pure water separated from the fuel, characterized in that the water collecting space ( 14 . 14a . 14b . 14c ) in the end disc ( 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ) is integrated. Fuel filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the end plate ( 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ) at a contact surface ( 4 . 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d . 4e ) sealing with the filter medium ( 2 . 2d . 2e ) and that the end plate ( 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ) for the formation of the water collection room ( 14 . 14a . 14b . 14c ) from the contact surface ( 4 . 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d . 4e ) into a filter medium ( 2 . 2d . 28 ) facing away from the direction. Fuel filter according to claim 2, characterized in that the end disc ( 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ) one of the contact surface ( 4 . 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d . 4e ) spaced, in particular flat base ( 9 . 9a . 9b . 9c ) having. Fuel filter according to claim 3, characterized in that the end plate ( 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ) between the base area ( 9 . 9a . 9b . 9c ) and the contact surface ( 4 . 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d . 4e ) a circumferential wall ( 7 . 7a . 7b . 8c . 8d . 8th ) for the radial limitation of the water collecting space ( 14 . 14a . 14b . 14c ) having. Fuel filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end plate ( 3 . 3d ) to the water collection room ( 14 ) inclined portion ( 10 . 10d ) having. Fuel filter according to claim 5, characterized in that the water collecting space ( 14 ) inclined section ( 10 . 10d ) the contact surface ( 4 . 4d . 4e ). Fuel filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end plate ( 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ) is made in one piece. Fuel filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the end plate ( 3 ) an opening ( 12 ) is formed to the outlet of purified fuel. Fuel filter according to claim 8, characterized in that in the opening ( 12 ) an outlet pipe ( 13 ) is introduced to the outlet of the purified fuel. Fuel filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a filter pot ( 5 ), in which the with the Endscheibe ( 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ) connected filter medium ( 2 . 2d . 2e ) is introduced. Fuel filter according to claim 10, characterized in that the end disc ( 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ) on a side facing away from the fuel outlet side of the filter cup ( 5 ) is arranged. Fuel filter according to claim 10, characterized by a preferably centric on the filter pot ( 5 ) attached outlet opening for the discharge of purified fuel. Fuel filter according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the geometry of the end plate ( 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ) so to the geometry of the filter pot ( 5 ) is adjusted so that the end plate ( 3 . 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d . 3e ) in the radial direction up to a circumferential wall of the filter pot ( 5 ).

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