DE10333168A1 - Modular fuel filter - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel filter with a filter housing and at least one arranged therein, in particular interchangeable filter element and connections for the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet. In order to simplify the mountability and maintainability of such a fuel filter, a modular design having at least one filter module including the filter element and a manifold module detachably connected to the filter module via at least one module port for fuel and filtered fuel to be filtered is proposed.

Description

The The invention relates to a fuel filter with at least one, in particular replaceable filter element and connections for the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet.

Such a fuel filter is from the DE 198 11 689 A1 known. The housing of the fuel filter is made of solid plastic and has a cup-shaped lower part and a lid-like upper part, which is releasably secured by means of quick release on the cup-shaped lower part. The cup-like lower housing part receives a star filter insert. Below the filter insert, there is provided a pedestal section with a sump for water, which is deposited during the filtration of the fuel. The sump can be emptied via a water drain by opening a drain plug. Outside the base region, a fuel inlet is arranged, which opens into an inflow channel for a heating device welded under the base section. Also, a discharge channel is provided in the base portion through which the fuel passes from the heater to the dirty side of the star filter insert. The star filter insert is flowed through radially from outside to inside. Its clean side is connected to a drain port, through which the cleaned fuel can be discharged via a first channel in the direction of the engine. In addition, a second channel is provided in the outlet pipe, which can be closed via an overflow valve and via which a fuel return into a fuel tank is possible.

adversely with such fuel filters, their maintenance is expensive, because either a variety of their connections separate from the fuel system or even completely need to be expanded, before the star filter insert, which regularly arrives during maintenance, can be replaced.

The In contrast, the object of the present invention is to create a fuel filter that is easier to maintain and easier to assemble.

These Task is in a fuel filter of the type mentioned solved by a modular construction with at least one the filter element including a filter module and a distribution module, with the Filter module detachable via at least a module connection for connected to filtered fuel and filtered fuel.

Under Distributor module will here and in the following every one-piece or multi-part module understood that connects the filter module with a fuel system and thus the function of a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet exercises.

One essential core idea of the invention is the functions filtering fuel and connecting to the fuel system to separate and for this separate housing parts provided. This results in a variety of advantages.

So can the module connection connecting the filter module and the distributor module a standardized connection, for example a plug-in coupling so that different filter modules with different distribution modules can be connected as long as the combined modules both use the same module connection standard correspond. Thus, the use of a filter module becomes independent of the local Conditions of a fuel system.

Furthermore allows a modular fuel filter a much easier installation and maintenance, there first installed the distributor module in the fuel system and to the necessary Lines can be connected without the filter module Mounting obstructed, and only then the filter module to the distribution module must be attached. As in the structural design of Module connection due to the fuel system requirements essentially disregarded can be left The module connection can easily be designed so that a preferably easy connection of the filter module to the distributor module is possible. Accordingly it is also possible make the module connection so that the filter module from the distributor module easily removed and, for example, for maintenance purposes can be replaced with a new filter module.

It are a variety of mechanical connections of filter module and distributor module possible. Depending on the spatial Conditions within an engine compartment may be cooperative fasteners be arranged such that the filter module on the distributor module in the direction of movement towards the distributor module or parallel along pushed or plugged the distributor module.

In order to ensure the simplest possible connection between the filter module and distributor module, in a preferred embodiment, fastening elements are provided on the opposite sides of the filter module and distributor module, which are behind each other in the working position to grab. Such fastening elements may be, for example, a tongue-and-groove system in which the springs and grooves are aligned in such a way that the filter module-side module connection is pushed in or pushed onto the distributor module-side module connection by sliding the filter module onto the distributor module so that these interact in the working position.

In complement or alternatively, in a further embodiment according to the invention a Clip closure for connecting the filter module to the manifold module be provided. Such a clip closure can, for example a system of detent springs on one module and co-operating eyelets on the other Module exist. In particular in connection with rail-like or spring-groove-like fasteners results in a simple possibility a solid and easily detachable Connection.

Of Furthermore, it is advantageous if the module connection as a plug-in coupling is trained. Especially in conjunction with a clip closure and / or rail-like fasteners needs the filter module only be plugged by a linear movement of the distributor module.

constructive and in the assembly as extremely simple has a module connector with an inner channel and a thereto exposed substantially concentrically arranged outer channel at the one channel with the fuel inlet and the dirty side of the filter element and the other channel with the clean side of the filter element and the fuel outlet is in communication because an alignment the filter module to the distributor module during assembly of the fuel filter is particularly easy. Another possibility is the formation of concentric channels in that on both sides of the module connection the outer channel towering over the inner canal, the wall of the outer channel one connection side, the wall of the outer channel of the other connection side in composite position so far overlaps that the parts of the inner Channels of both connection sides are engaged with each other. As well Is it possible, that on both sides of the module connection, the inner and the outer channel each at the same level. In a completely different design can the channels for example, but also arranged side by side in the module connection be, or it is used per channel, a module connection.

at the concentric arrangement of the channels, it is in particular of Advantage, if on one side of the module connection, the inner channel across from the outer channel protrudes and this page with a correspondingly shaped counterpart on the cooperates with the other side of the module connection. This will aligning the filter module with respect to the manifold module simplified assembly.

In a further preferred embodiment a filter insert is provided with a flat filter element, wherein the clean side of the filter element through a wall of the filter cartridge encapsulated and over the module connection is connected to the fuel outlet. By the use of a flat filter element results on the one hand the significant advantage that the fuel filter as a whole is flat trained and thus opposite a conventional one Fuel filter with a star filter insert in many cases better can be integrated into an engine compartment. By encapsulating the Pure side of the flat filter element results in addition the advantage of being in the case the filter module no special precautions to seal the clean side across from the dirty side of the filter element must be provided. Finally is Such an arrangement also from an environmental point of view of particular advantage, since not the entire fuel filter in given maintenance intervals must be replaced, but the filter element can be easily exchanged and the remaining Parts of the filter module, in particular the filter housing on can be used.

The Removing and inserting the filter insert into the housing of the Filter module is particularly easy if on the filter cartridge arranged a connected to the clean side of the filter element line piece which simultaneously forms the inner channel of the module connection, so that the filter element can be easily inserted into the housing, without the clean side in addition to a channel for filtered fuel must be connected.

Furthermore it is advantageous if the distribution module is formed flat, so that the fuel filter in its entirety be made compact can.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, an inlet module which can be inserted into the distributor module is provided, which contains a connection for the fuel inlet and, if required, a heating element for heating the fuel entering the distributor module via the fuel inlet and, if required, a temperature sensor for controlling or regulating the heating element , It is likewise advantageous if an outlet module which can be inserted into the distributor module has a connection for the fuel outlet and, if required, a connection for an outlet which is controlled via a pressure relief valve for the return of the fuel, for example into one Tank is provided. By means of such a consistent modular design of the fuel filter, it is possible, as long as the base model remains the same, to decide with which additional equipment the distributor module is to be equipped. Also, other positions can be integrated into the modules such as a pressure limiter. It is also possible to provide individual modules for each function.

Prefers is at least one particular replaceable fastener arranged on the distributor module, with which the distributor module and thus the entire fuel filter can be mounted on site. Especially when the fastener is replaceable, the fuel filter to different structural conditions at its place of use be adjusted.

in the The following is the invention with reference to figures, in which the components a preferred embodiment of the fuel filter according to the invention are shown, closer explained.

It demonstrate

1 a filter module in perspective view,

2 the filter module housing off 1 lidless,

3 a filter cartridge in perspective view,

4 the filter insert off 3 in horizontal section from below,

5 the distributor module in perspective view.

6 a distributor module housing in perspective view,

7 the distributor module housing off 6 in cross section,

8th the distributor module housing off 6 in side view,

9 an inlet module in perspective view,

10 the inlet module off 9 in perspective,

11 the inlet module off 9 in cross-section and

12 an outlet module in cross section,

In 1 is a filter module 1 represented, whose housing by a cup-like lower part 2 and one the lower part 2 closing lid 3 is formed. The filter module 1 is flat, with its front wall 4 and his back wall 5 - As in particular in the representation of the cup-like lower part 2 in 2 can be seen - run substantially parallel to each other and opposite the end faces 6 . 7 of the filter module 1 are wide.

In the upper area of the front wall 4 and on the lid 3 is a connector 8th formed, which forms the wall of an outer, downwardly open fuel channel, via which the fuel inlet of the fuel filter is connected to the inner of the filter module housing. At the top of the fitting 8th is on the lid 3 a vent valve 9 arranged. As a vent valve 9 a simple bleed screw can be provided.

On the front side 4 are below the connector 8th two V-shaped L-profiles arranged to each other 11 . 12 arranged. The free legs of the L-profiles 11 . 12 are each directed to the outside.

Below the top of the front wall 4 and above the L-profiles 11 . 12 is on both sides of the connector 8th in each case an upwardly projecting detent spring 13 . 14 for connecting the filter module 1 arranged with a distribution module. Furthermore, on the inside of the back wall 5 a central and vertical rib 15 arranged below the top of the back wall 5 begins and ends in the bottom of the case. Thereby, the interior of the housing is divided into two areas for each one filter element, wherein at the bottom of each area a sump is arranged, in which water, which is deposited on the dirty side of the filter elements, collects. Both swamps can via a arranged at the bottom of the housing drain 16 be drained. The rib 15 serves to increase the pressure resistance of the filter housing. If the requirements for compressive strength are low, this rib can be omitted, so that the filter element can be made in one piece.

In the 3 and 4 is a flat filter cartridge 21 represented, which is inserted into the housing. The filter insert 21 has two juxtaposed, flat filter elements 22 . 23 on. The clean side 24 these flat filter elements 22 . 23 is encapsulated. For encapsulation is a side wall 25 provided, that of the pure side 24 associated side surfaces of the filter elements 22 . 23 each covered and overlaps at their side edges. The top and bottom surfaces of the filter elements 22 . 23 are by a common upper cap 26 and one lower cap each 27 . 28 covered, with both lower caps 27 . 28 both the filter elements 22 . 23 as well as their clean side 24 cover.

At the upper part of the side wall 25 is a connection 29 with a downwardly projecting piece of pipe 31 formed, wherein the pipe section 31 with the clean side 24 the filter elements 22 . 23 connected is. The pipe piece 31 forms the filter module-side inner channel of the module connection and is at the onset of the filter insert 21 in the lower part 2 of the filter module housing 1 through the connector 8th - as in 1 can be seen - inserted through it, so that the pipe section 31 as a connection for the inner channel down from the connecting piece forming the outer channel 8th protrudes.

In 5 is a distribution module with a housing 41 , An inlet module inserted laterally therein 42 and an outlet module inserted on the opposite side 43 shown.

That too in 6 illustrated distributor housing 41 indicates the front side surface in the perspective view 44 two V-shaped L-profiles 45 . 46 on, whose free legs are facing each other and those with the profiles 11 . 12 of the housing base 2 of the filter module 1 work together. Above the L-profiles 45 . 46 are at the top of the case 41 upstanding webs 47 . 48 provided with latching windows, which with the on the filter module 1 arranged locking springs 13 . 14 interact and the filter module together with the V-shaped profiles 11 . 12 . 45 . 46 firmly connect to the distributor module.

In the upper area of the distributor housing 41 is the counterpart 49 to the filter module side connector 8th the module connector is arranged so that it connects to the connector 8th interacts in assembled position.

The distributor housing 41 is open at both ends.

As in particular in 7 shown cross section is the interior of the distributor housing 41 through a vertical partition 51 in two chambers 52 . 53 divided, of which the first chamber 52 with the inner channel 54 the module connection and the second chamber 53 with the outer channel 55 the module connection is in communication. In addition, within the housing are two horizontal webs 56 . 57 provided, which are at least partially slotted and as support rails for the module inserts 43 . 44 Act.

As in particular in the front view of the distributor housing in 8th can be seen, the housing has a back mounting bracket 58 for securing the housing, for example in an engine compartment.

In the 9 and 10 are perspective views of the inlet module 42 shown. The inlet module 42 has a connection 61 for the fuel inlet, an electrical connection 62 for a heating unit and a connection for a temperature sensor 63 on. The connections are on top of each other on a plate 64 arranged, which is shaped so that in the installed state, the frontal opening in the distributor housing 41 covers. At the inner side of the plate when installed 64 are one with the connection for the temperature sensor 63 connected, in the installed state in the chamber 53 protruding temperature sensor 65 as well as one with the connection 62 connected, in the installed state as well in the chamber 53 protruding heating unit 66 arranged.

The heating elements 69 the heating unit 66 are between two slices 67 . 68 arranged, which are transverse to the plate 64 run. The top and bottom edges of these discs 67 . 68 point approximately in the middle between the plate 64 facing side and the plate 64 side facing away from a paragraph, so that the plate 64 facing areas of the discs 67 . 68 opposite to the plate 64 survive the remote areas. These protruding areas engage in the installation of the inlet module in the chamber 53 in slots of the horizontal bars 56 . 57 of the distributor housing.

12 shows a cross section of a fuel outlet module with a connection 71 for the fuel outlet and another connection 72 for a fuel return, for example, back to the tank, via an overflow valve 73 is closed. Both connections are on a plate 74 arranged, which is shaped so that they are the chamber 52 completely closes the associated opening of the distributor housing in the installed state.

To assemble the filter module 1 becomes the filter cartridge 21 only in the lower housing part 2 of the filter module 1 inserted and the lower housing part then with the lid 3 closed, with the filter cartridge 21 from the filter module 1 after reopening the lid 3 removed and replaced, for example, against a new filter cartridge.

The elements of the filter insert itself are glued together so that the filter elements 22 . 23 with the upper and lower caps 26 . 27 . 28 as well as the side wall 25 are firmly connected and an encapsulation of the clean side 24 is guaranteed.

Likewise, the plates are 64 . 74 the one in the chambers 52 . 53 of the distributor housing 41 modules to be used 42 . 43 with the distributor housing 41 welded, since they are in the Ver prime housing 41 usually no longer need to be replaced. But it is also possible, when using suitable seals, the modules 42 . 43 via a suitable closure releasably connected to the distributor housing 41 connect to.

The filter module 1 comes with its V-shaped L-profiles 11 . 12 easy in the correspondingly arranged L-profiles 45 . 46 inserted as far as the detent springs 13 . 14 in the detent bars 47 . 48 engage, leaving the filter module 1 firmly connected to the distributor module. To release the filter module 1 From the distributor module are the detent springs 13 . 14 simply from the Rassengen 47 . 48 pushed out and the filter module 1 deducted from the distribution module. The distributor module remains installed during a filter change.

All housing parts the fuel filter are preferably made of plastic, it can but other materials are used for the production.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of variations to this particular embodiment. Thus, instead of the described, V-shaped L-profiles arranged to each other 11 . 12 Other guide profiles may be arranged on the filter module. In another embodiment, the lid may be welded to the lower housing part of the filter module. In this case, the complete filter module is replaced and possibly disposed of to replace the filter elements. Also in the other, instead of a mounting bracket 58 Other fastening means for attachment of the fuel filter may be provided at its place of action or even completely omitted when, for example, a receptacle for the fuel filter is provided in the engine compartment into which the fuel filter can be inserted or inserted.

1

Filter module housing

2

Housing bottom

3

cover

4

front of the housing part

5

back of the housing part

6

front

7

front

8th

connector

9

vent valve

11

L-profile

12

L-profile

13

detent spring

14

detent spring

15

rib

16

water drain

21

filter cartridge

22

filter element

23

filter element

24

clean side

25

sidewall

26

upper cap

27

lower cap

28

lower cap

29

connection

31

pipe section

41

distributor housing

42

inlet module

43

outlet module

44

front side surface

45

L-profile

46

L-profile

47

latching web

48

latching web

49

Mating connector

51

partition

52

chamber

53

chamber

54

internal channel

55

outer channel

56

horizontal web

57

horizontal web

58

mounting bracket

61

connection for fuel inlet

62

connection for heating unit

63

connection for temperature sensor

64

plate

65

temperature sensor

66

heating unit

67

disc

68

disc

69

heating elements

71

connection for the fuel outlet

72

connection for the Fuel return

73

overflow

74

plate

Claims (12)

Fuel filter with a filter housing and at least a arranged therein, in particular replaceable filter element and connections for the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet, characterized by a modular Construction with at least one filter module containing the filter element and a manifold module detachable with the filter module via at least a module connection for connected to filtered fuel and filtered fuel. Fuel filter according to claim 1, characterized by engaging behind each other fasteners to each other opposite Pages of filter module and distributor module in working position mesh. Fuel filter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a clip closure for Ver bind the filter module with the distributor module. Fuel filter according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the module connection as a plug-in coupling is trained. Fuel filter according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the module connection at least one inner channel and a substantially concentric outer channel arranged for this purpose , wherein the one channel with the fuel inlet and the Dirt side of the filter element and the other with the clean side the filter element and the fuel outlet is in communication. Fuel filter according to claim 5, characterized in that that on one side of the module connection, the inner channel with respect to the outer channel protrudes and this page with a correspondingly shaped counterpart on the cooperates with the other side of the module connection. Fuel filter according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a filter cartridge with a flat filter element, wherein the clean side of the filter element through a wall of the filter cartridge encapsulated and over the module connection is connected to the fuel outlet. Fuel filter according to claim 7, characterized by a arranged on the filter insert and with the clean side of Filter element connected to the inner channel of the filter module side module connection forms. Fuel filter according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the distributor module formed flat is. Fuel filter according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by an inlet module which can be inserted into the distributor module, the one connection for the Fuel inlet and / or a heating element for heating the over Fuel inlet into the distribution module entering fuel and / or a temperature sensor for controlling the heating element contains. Fuel filter according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a usable in the distribution module Outlet module with a fuel outlet port and / or a Connection for one over a pressure relief valve controlled recirculation outlet. Fuel filter according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by at least one connected to the distributor module, in particular replaceable fastener.