DE102014006000A1 - Fluid filter and method of making the fluid filter - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid filter (10), in particular for fuel (12) or oil, comprising a filter housing (14) with a base part (16) and with a cover part (18) along a joint (30) of its side walls (26, 26). 28) are permanently connected to each other. The base part (16) is provided with a connection for supplying or removing the fluid. In the filter housing (14), a filter element (36) is used, which has a filter medium (42) arranged between a connection near first and a remote terminal second end plate (38, 40). The filter medium can be flowed through by the fluid to be filtered in a direction radial to the longitudinal axis (20) of the fluid filter (10). The second end plate (40) of the filter element (36) according to the invention with its free edge portion (62) in the region of the joint (30) of the base part and the lid part with the filter housing (14) circumferentially glued or welded.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a fluid filter for filtering a fluid, in particular fuel or oil, and to a method for producing the fluid filter.

State of the art

Fluid filters that are used for filtering fuel or oil can be distinguished with respect to their filter housing structure according to those whose housing can be opened, for example, to allow replacement of the filter element arranged therein, and those that are changed in service together with the filter housing. In particular, the so-called line installation filters are to be counted for the latter filter category. The filter housings of these fluid filters generally have a base part with fluid connections and a cover part permanently and non-detachably connected to the base part. In the filter housing, a filter element is arranged, which has a design held between two end plates filter medium. During operation, the filter element is flowed through in a direction radial to the longitudinal axis of the fluid filter. The liquid side of the filter medium which is fluidically connected upstream of the filter element is sealed by the fluid clean side located downstream of the filter element in order to guide the fluid to be filtered completely through the filter medium and at the same time prevent contamination of the fluid clean side. For this purpose, a radial sealing element is generally used, which is arranged on the connection remote end plate of the filter element and which bears against the end plate and the inner wall of the filter housing biased in the radial direction sealing. Such radial sealing elements represent a significant cost factor in the production of the filter elements and the fluid filter and can become brittle over time and thus lose their sealing ability. In addition, the radial sealing element must usually be mounted in an additional assembly step on the end plate.

Disclosure of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a fluid filter mentioned above for filtering a fluid, in particular fuel or oil, which is inexpensive to manufacture in a structurally simple design and in which in the range remote terminal end plate a permanently reliable seal between the Fluidrohseite and the fluid clean side of the Filter element is guaranteed. In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a method by which the fluid filter is produced in a simple manner and cost-effective manner.

The object relating to the fluid filter is achieved by a fluid filter having the features specified in patent claim 1. The inventive method for producing the fluid filter has the features specified in claim 9.

Further developments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

The fluid filter according to the invention is distinguished by a simplified structural design on account of the second remote end disk, which is peripherally welded or glued to the filter housing, of the filter element inserted in the filter housing. A separate radial sealing element for sealing the clean side of the raw side in the region of the second end plate of the filter element is completely unnecessary. This offers manufacturing advantages as well as cost advantages. In addition, the adhesive or welded connection between the terminal remote end plate and the base and / or cover part of the filter housing is subject to no or substantially no aging, so that the risk of leakage of this sealing point can be reduced overall. When installing the fluid filter according to the invention can be installed in principle on the market pre-assembled filter elements, if the terminal remote end of these filter elements can be glued or welded to the filter housing. As a result, the fluid filter can be produced particularly cost-effectively.

In addition, during operation, the end disk can absorb pressure as well as tensile forces in a direction radial to the longitudinal axis of the filter housing and thus additionally stiffen the filter housing relative to the pressure forces occurring during operation. The filter housing can be realized either with a higher bursting pressure or - with a constant bursting pressure - with a smaller wall thickness, thus with a lower material usage.

For the purpose of a simplified assembly of the fluid filter, it has proven to be advantageous if the free edge portion of the remote connection second end plate of the filter element is arranged in the axial direction at least partially between the side walls of the base part and the lid part. As a result, the filter element can be arranged in a simplified manner in an intended position and alignment with the base part or the cover part of the filter housing during assembly of the fluid filter. In addition, an enlarged contact and thus connecting surface of the free edge portion of the end plate can be provided with the cover part or the base part, via which the second end plate is welded or glued to the base or cover part.

A mechanically particularly durable welding or adhesive connection of the terminal remote end plate of the filter element with the side wall of the filter housing can be realized according to the invention that the base part and / or the cover part forms / forms a receiving groove, in which the peripheral edge portion of the terminal remote end plate of the filter element, preferably positive fit, engages. As a result, moreover, the assembly of the filter element in the filter housing can be further simplified. In addition, manufacturing tolerances of the parts to be joined together can be compensated by said receiving groove.

From manufacturing aspects, it has been found to be advantageous if the free edge portion of the second end plate is connected via a first adhesive or weld with the filter housing, and the base part are connected to the lid part along the joint via a second adhesive or weld. The first and the second adhesive or weld seam are aligned in a direction radial to the longitudinal axis of the fluid filter. In the aforementioned case, the first and the second adhesive or welded seam preferably merge into one another without steps.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the adhesive or weld between the free edge portion of the terminal remote end plate and the base part and the cover part and the joining of the two housing parts may be arranged according to the invention also offset from each other in the axial direction.

A hot welding process is usually associated with the formation of smoke and the formation of hot spatters. To prevent the filter medium from being damaged during welding of the connection-distant end disk and the cover part or the base part, the free edge portion of the terminal-end disk is welded, preferably exclusively, in the area of its side facing away from the filter medium to the cover portion. For the same reasons, the joining of the filter housing can advantageously be covered on the inside by the terminal remote end disk of the filter element in the radial direction.

The second end disk of the filter element can furthermore have a holding section which extends away from the first end disk in the direction of the first end disk and engages over or over the outside of the filter medium. By such a holding section, the filter medium can be better protected against damage during the welding or adhesive processes.

The filter housing, d. H. The base part and the lid part, as well as the end plates of the filter element, according to the invention are advantageously injection molded parts. The injection-molded parts can be produced inexpensively and can in particular consist of a plastic. It is understood that the plastic may, if necessary, have one or more additives in order to modify a mechanical strength or a thermal / chemical resistance of said parts.

• a) Bereitstellen des Sockelteils, Deckelteils und des Filterelements;
• b) Einsetzen des Filterelements in das Sockelteil;
• c) Aufsetzen des Deckelteils auf das Sockelteil;
• d) Verschweißen oder Verkleben der zweiten Endscheibe des Filterelements mit dem Sockelteil und/oder dem Deckelteil; und
• e) Verschweißen oder Verkleben des Sockelteils mit dem Deckelteil entlang des Fügestoßes unter Erzeugung des Fluidfilters.

The method according to the invention for producing a fluid filter according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• a) providing the base part, cover part and the filter element;
• b) inserting the filter element in the base part;
• c) placing the cover part on the base part;
• d) welding or gluing the second end plate of the filter element to the base part and / or the cover part; and
• e) welding or gluing the base part with the lid part along the joint to form the fluid filter.

The above-mentioned process steps d) and e) can at the same time for production reasons, d. H. in the same step. This offers cost advantages.

Furthermore, the method steps c) and d) can also be carried out in the reverse order. The process according to the invention is then carried out in the order a), b), d), c), e). The process according to the invention is thus preferably carried out either in the sequence a), b), c), d) e) or in the sequence a), b), d), c), e).

When the second end disk of the filter element is welded to the filter housing, an optimum welding result can be achieved if the end disk has a profile extension at its circumferential free edge portion which extends away from the end disk in an axial direction to the longitudinal axis of the filter element. The profile extension is used during the welding process as sacrificial material for forming the weld between said end plate and the filter housing. According to the invention, at least one of the free end portions of the side walls of the base part or of the cover part can also be provided with such a profile extension.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be explained with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. In the drawing show:

1 a fluid filter with a filter housing constructed in two parts and a filter element arranged in the filter housing, wherein the filter housing has a base part and a cover part which are welded together, wherein the filter element is welded to the filter housing with its lower end disk in operation, in a longitudinal section ;

2 the fluid filter off 1 at a time when the two housing parts and the filter element are not yet connected to each other inseparably; and

3 a block diagram with individual process steps of a method for producing the in 1 shown fluid filter.

Embodiments of the invention

1 shows a fluid filter 10 for filtering fuel 12 , in particular for motor vehicles with an internal combustion engine. The fluid filter 10 can also be used to filter another fluid, such as a lubricant (oil).

The fluid filter 10 has a two-part filter housing 14 on. The filter housing 14 includes a base part 16 and a lid part 18 that is axial to the longitudinal axis 20 of the filter housing 14 are arranged one behind the other. The base part 16 serves to connect the fluid filter 10 to fluid lines (not shown) and has for this purpose designed as a fluid inlet first port 22 and a second port formed as a fluid outlet 24 on.

The base part 16 and the lid part 18 of the filter housing 14 each have a side wall 26 . 28 on, which surrounds the longitudinal axis of the fluid filter annular. The two side walls 26 . 28 of the base part 16 and the lid part 18 are along a circumferential, ie annularly closed, joint 30 their free end sections 32 . 34 welded together and thus insoluble, fluid-tight and pressure-tight connected to each other. An insoluble compound is to be understood as meaning a compound which can not be dissolved in a nondestructive manner. The side walls 26 . 28 of the base part 16 and the lid part 18 may according to an alternative embodiment of the invention also along its joint 30 be glued together.

In the filter housing 14 of the fluid filter 10 is a filter element 36 arranged. The filter element 36 has a connection-near first end plate 38 and a remote terminal second end plate 40 on. Between the two end discs 38 . 40 is a filter medium 42 kept arranged. The filter medium 42 may be folded in a star shape and consist for example of a nonwoven or another textile.

The filter medium 42 is of the fuel to be filtered 12 in one to the longitudinal axis 20 of the fluid filter 10 Radial direction from outside to inside, as with the arrows 44 is clarified. The filter medium 42 lies on the inside on a coalescer layer 46 and is with this on a support or center tube 48 supported on the inside. One to the filter medium 42 upstream (fluid) raw side of the fluid filter 10 or the filter element 36 is with 50 and one the filter medium 42 fluidically downstream (fluid) clean side of the fluid filter 10 or the filter element 36 is with 52 designated.

The filter element 36 has a tubular sieve filter 54 on, as the final separator for out of the fuel 12 separated water droplets serves. The sieve filter 54 is the filter medium 42 of the filter element 36 downstream fluidically, ie arranged on the clean side. Between the coalescer layer 46 and the sieve filter 54 is a water separation gap 56 educated. The water separation gap 56 is designed to be open at the bottom. The water separation gap 56 stands over one of the second end disc 40 associated water outlet 58 with a water collection room 60 fluidically in communication. The water collection room 60 is axially below the water outlet 58 arranged so that the water separated from the fluid, following the gravity down to the water collection room 60 can settle. The water collection room 60 is in the lid part 18 of the filter housing 14 educated.

How out 1 shows, is the second end plate 40 of the filter element 36 with its free edge section 62 in an annular receiving groove 64 of the filter housing 14 arranged. The annular receiving groove 64 is the through the facing free end portions 32 . 34 the two side walls 26 . 28 of the base part 16 and the lid part 18 educated.

The receiving groove 64 has an in 1 upper first receiving groove flank 66 and a recording groove 68 on, each through the base part 16 are formed. One of the first receiving groove flank 66 assigning second receiving groove flank 70 the receiving groove 64 is through the lid part 18 educated.

The free edge section 62 the second end plate 40 of the filter element 36 is completely about a single first weld 72 welded to the lid part alone. The weld 72 is in the embodiment shown here on the second receiving groove flank 70 assigning side of the second end plate 40 and the second receiving groove flank 70 of the free end section 34 of the lid part 18 arranged.

The free end sections 32 . 34 of the base part 16 and the lid part 18 are along the circumferential joint 30 over a second weld 74 welded together all around. In the embodiment shown, the first and second welds are aligned 72 . 74 together in the radial direction and go steplessly into each other.

How out 1 shows, is the second end plate 40 of the filter element 36 the filter medium 42 and the first and second welds 72 . 74 interposed in the axial direction. The filter medium 42 is thereby when creating the welds 72 . 74 Protected against spatter and other undesirable external influences.

The fact that the remote terminal second end plate 40 of the filter element 36 with a side wall portion of the filter housing 14 Permanently welded, is unnecessary between the second end plate 40 and the filter housing 14 arranged sealing element (not shown) for sealing the clean side 52 and the raw side 50 of the fluid filter 10 ,

In 2 is the fluid filter 10 out 1 in a partially exploded view of its parts and before welding the second end plate 40 with the filter housing 14 and the welding of the two filter housing parts shown. In this illustration, it is easy to see that at the free end section 32 of the base part 16 a first axial profile projection 76 is formed circumferentially. At the free edge section 62 the second end plate 40 of the filter element 36 is a second profile advantage 78 formed, which is formed annularly closed in a manner corresponding to the first profile projection.

The two profile projections 76 . 78 serve when welding the second end plate 40 or the base part 16 with the lid part 18 each as sacrificial material for the formation of the first and the second weld 72 . 74 ,

It is understood that the first weld 72 between the second end disc 40 and the filter housing 14 also on the outside of the second end plate 40 and / or on the first end disc 38 assigning side of the second end plate 40 can be trained. In addition, the annular receiving groove of the filter housing 14 for the second end plate 40 also have a different (axial) division. For example, the recording groove bottom 68 the receiving groove 64 half of the base part 16 and half of the lid part 18 be educated.

The inventive method 100 for making the in 1 The fluid filter shown in FIG 3 explained. In a first step 102 becomes the base part 16 and the lid part 18 of the filter housing 14 provided. The two housing parts may be in particular plastic injection molded parts.

In a further step 104 becomes the filter element 36 in the base part 16 used. In a subsequent step 106 becomes the lid part 18 on the base part 16 placed. In a further step 108 becomes the remote terminal second end plate 40 of the filter element 36 with the base part 16 and / or the lid part 18 welded or glued.

In a further step 110 become the base part 16 and the lid part 18 along the joint 30 creating the fluid filter 10 welded or glued together. The steps 108 and 110 can in manufacturing technology preferably at the same time, ie in a single step, running.

Claims (11)

Fluid filter ( 10 ), in particular for fuel ( 12 ) or oil, comprising a filter housing ( 14 ) with a base part ( 16 ) and with a cover part ( 18 ) along a joint ( 30 ) of its side walls ( 26 . 28 ) are permanently connected to each other, wherein the base part ( 16 ) is provided with a connection for supplying or discharging the fluid; and one in the filter housing ( 14 ) inserted filter element ( 36 ) with a filter medium ( 42 ) between a first terminal close to the connection and a second terminal terminal remote from the connection ( 38 . 40 ), wherein the filter medium of the fluid to be filtered in a to the longitudinal axis ( 20 ) of the fluid filter ( 10 ) Radial direction is flowed through, and wherein the second end plate ( 40 ) of the filter element ( 36 ) with its free edge portion ( 62 ) in the region of the joint ( 30 ) of the base part and the cover part with the filter housing ( 14 ) is glued circumferentially or welded. Fluid filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the free edge portion ( 62 ) of the second end plate ( 40 ) of the filter element ( 36 ) in the axial direction at least in sections between side walls ( 26 . 28 ) of the base part ( 16 ) and the lid part ( 18 ) is arranged. Fluid filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the base part ( 16 ) and / or the cover part ( 18 ) a receiving groove ( 64 ) into which the second end plate ( 40 ) with its free edge portion ( 62 ), preferably form-fitting, engages. Fluid filter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the free edge section ( 62 ) of the second end disk via a first adhesive or weld seam ( 72 ) with the filter housing ( 14 ) and that the base part with the cover part along the joint ( 30 ) via a second adhesive or weld seam ( 74 ), wherein the first and the second adhesive or weld seam are aligned with each other in a direction radial to the longitudinal axis of the fluid filter. Fluid filter according to claim 4, characterized in that the first and the second adhesive or weld, preferably without steps, merge into each other. Fluid filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free edge section ( 62 ) of the second end plate ( 40 ), preferably exclusively, in the region of its from the filter medium ( 42 ) groundbreaking side with the lid portion ( 18 ) of the filter housing ( 14 ) is welded. Fluid filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base part, the cover part ( 18 ) and / or the two end discs ( 38 . 40 ) of the filter element ( 36 ) Each injection molded parts are made of a thermoplastic material. Fluid filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element ( 36 ) is arranged for water separation, wherein the cover part ( 18 ) of the fluid filter ( 18 ) a water collection room ( 60 ) or forms. Procedure ( 100 ) for producing a fluid filter ( 10 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: providing ( 102 ) of the base part ( 16 ), Cover part ( 18 ) and the filter element ( 36 ); Deploy ( 102 ) of the filter element ( 36 ) in the base part ( 16 ); Placing the cover part ( 18 ) on the base part ( 16 ); Welding ( 104 ) or gluing the second end plate ( 40 ) of the filter element ( 36 ) with the base part ( 16 ) and / or with the cover part ( 16 ); and welding ( 106 ) or gluing the base part ( 16 ) with the cover part ( 18 ) along the joint ( 30 ) to produce the fluid filter ( 10 ). Procedure ( 100 ) for producing a fluid filter ( 10 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: providing ( 102 ) of the base part ( 16 ), Cover part ( 18 ) and the filter element ( 36 ); Deploy ( 102 ) of the filter element ( 36 ) in the base part ( 16 ); Welding ( 104 ) or gluing the second end plate ( 40 ) of the filter element ( 36 ) with the base part ( 16 ) and / or with the cover part ( 16 ); Placing the cover part ( 18 ) on the base part ( 16 ); and welding ( 106 ) or gluing the base part ( 16 ) with the cover part ( 18 ) along the joint ( 30 ) to produce the fluid filter ( 10 ). A method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the method steps according to d) and e) are carried out simultaneously.

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