EP1826393A1 - Filter system for liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid system, especially a fuel system for a combustion engine, comprises at least one tube (10), a liquid filter (12) and a clean lead (15) between the filter and a consumer (16). The clean lead is arranged with a lead filter (17) with a housing and filter unit that filters out impurities in the clean tube.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a fluid system according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

It is known that liquids, such as oil or fuel for internal combustion engines are cleaned by appropriately designed liquid filter. Through the liquid filter impurities such. As particles which are contained in the liquids are retained before they are supplied to a consumer, eg the internal combustion engine. These impurities can be added eg when refilling the liquids in a tank or get into the liquid during the treatment process of the liquid. The liquid filter is connected on the one hand with a pipe to the tank and on the other hand with a clean line to the consumer. The raw or pure line contains after production dirt particles, which may not reach the consumer. The dirt particles contained in the pipeline are retained by the liquid filter. Dirt particles, which are contained in the clean line, must be removed by a complex and expensive cleaning process from the clean line before it with the consumer z. B. the internal combustion engine is connected in a motor vehicle. The longer the clean line to be cleaned is, the more expensive the cleaning. Furthermore, the cleaned clean lines must be stored or transported prior to installation such that no dirt gets into the pipes. Since due to space problems or vehicle concepts of the liquid filter can be located far away from the consumer, the clean line can be very long, eg several meters long. Cleaning this line is extremely expensive.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a fluid system which avoids the disadvantages mentioned above. This object is solved by features of claim 1.

Disclosure of the invention

The fluid system according to the invention, in particular a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, which is the cleaning of liquids such. As fuel or oil, is used, which are preferably used in vehicles. The fluid system has at least one pipeline, a liquid filter, a clean line and a line filter. The clean line is connected on the one hand with the liquid filter and on the other hand with a consumer corresponding. Here, the consumer z. B. be the internal combustion engine in which fuel is burned. In the clean line of the line filter is arranged, which has a housing and a filter cartridge. The housing may in particular embodiments by the pure line itself or by a be formed separate component. Preferably, the housing is formed by a thermoplastic material, and complex geometries are easy to produce. The filter insert may for example consist of a mesh, which particles of z. B. retains 100 - 400 microns. In another embodiment, the filter fineness of the filter insert corresponds to at least the filter fineness of the liquid filter or the purity requirements of a subsequent injection system. Through the line filter impurities that are present in the clean line filtered out and thus can not penetrate to the consumer. Such impurities can z. B. chips from the production of the clean line or subsequently z. B. during transport into the clean line penetrated particles. In this case, an arrangement of the line filter just before the consumer is particularly advantageous because the existing in the long piece of clean line impurities are held in the filter element.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least the filter insert after removing the impurities from the flow cross-section of the clean line can be removed. The point in time when the filter insert is removed from the flow cross-section depends on the length of the clean line and the volume flow through which the clean line flows. After the clean line has been sufficiently flushed with the liquid purified by the liquid filter and the impurities were flushed into the line filter, the filter cartridge is removed from the flow cross-section. This is advantageous, since thus the filter insert does not form an additional flow resistance in the clean line and simultaneously removes the contaminants from the flow-through cross section. To remove the line filter can, for. B. the clean line or the housing opened and closed again after removing the filter cartridge. The time for removing the filter cartridge can, for. B. before the delivery of a motor vehicle, since at this time the internal combustion engine has already been taken several times in operation and the fuel required for this purpose has sufficiently flushed the clean line. The process of removing the filter insert can then be made by the respective specialist workshop. The subsequent user of the internal combustion engine or the vehicle then receives the full power, since the additional flow resistance is already removed.

In a further development of the invention, the filter insert is axially or radially movable, whereby the filter element can be removed from the flow-through cross section of the clean line, without the pure line must be opened. In this case, the filter insert can be arranged pivotably about an axis, whereby the filter insert is pivoted by a rotational movement about the axis, which is arranged for example parallel or perpendicular to the flow direction, from the flow-through cross-section becomes. In another embodiment, the filter element can be removed by a translational movement of the flow-through cross-section. Here, the filter element can be held in guide rails and are pushed transversely to the flow direction from the flow-through cross-section. The filter insert is pivoted into an area in the housing or the clean line, which is not flowed through. Since it is not necessary to open the clean line or the housing, it prevents liquid from escaping or dirt from entering. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous for lines and housings which must withstand a high pressure and for safety reasons opening of the line or the housing is not acceptable.

In a further development of the invention, a filter frame is arranged in the housing, in which the filter element is fixed. Here, the filter insert z. B. glued to the filter frame or welded to the filter frame, creating a non-releasable tight connection between the filter cartridge and the filter frame is generated. The use of the filter frame gives the filter insert a higher mechanical stability, which is advantageous for transmitting the pivoting movement to the filter element. According to the design of the filter frame, the filter insert can be pulled axially out of the flow-through cross-section or pivoted into a receptacle provided for this purpose.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing has a detent, in which the filter frame is pivoted and held. The lock can e.g. be formed by a pin which engages in a recess in the filter frame. In this case, an unintentional pivoting back of the filter frame with the filter insert is prevented in the flow-through cross-section.

In a further development of the invention, the lock has a ramp with a slope and a heel. Through the ramp, the filter frame is guided in its pivoting movement until it snaps behind the run-up slope at the paragraph and remains in this position for the remaining life of the clean line.

It is advantageous that the housing consists of at least two sealingly connected housing halves. The housing halves can eg be glued sealingly or welded together. Alternatively, the housing halves can also be inserted into one another using a seal. Due to the multi-part design of the housing, the filter element or the filter frame can be easily inserted into the housing. The two housing halves can be seen from a thermoplastic material, wherein the housing halves are welded together. Here, the housing halves can be connected in a simple manner sealingly.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the housing has a switch with which the filter insert from the flow cross-section of the clean line can be removed. By pressing this switch, the filter insert can be swung out of the flow cross-section. This is particularly advantageous because no separate tool is required for the removal of the filter cartridge and the removal of the filter cartridge can be done within a very short time.

In an advantageous embodiment, the switch is formed by an elastic region in the housing, wherein the filter frame is pivotable by a pressure on the switch from the flow cross-section. Due to the elastic configuration of the switch, a liquid-tight connection between the switch and the housing is possible. Here, the switch can be molded in 2-component injection molding to the housing, which is simple and inexpensive to produce.

It is advantageous that the filter frame has a sealing lip which seals the filter frame relative to the housing. Thus, it is prevented on the one hand that the liquid flows around in the pivoted-in initial state, the filter insert and so get contaminants to the consumer. On the other hand, it is ensured that the filtered impurities remain in the swung-out state on the filter insert and are not flushed into the clean line.

Brief description of the drawings

Figur 1

ein schematisch dargestelltes Flüssigkeitssystem,

Figur 2

einen Leitungsfilter in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Figur 3

einen Leitungsfilter gemäß Figur 2 in vormontiertem Zustand,

Figur 4

eine Baugruppe des Leitungsfilters gemäß Figur 3,

Figur 5

Teile der Baugruppe gemäß Figur 4 in Explosionsdarstellung,

Figur 6

eine Leitungsfilter mit durchströmten Filtereinsatz im Schnitt,

Figur 7

den Leitungsfilter gemäß Figur 6 mit ausgeschwenktem Filtereinsatz im Schnitt und

Figur 8

eine alternative Ausgestaltung des Leitungsfilters gemäß Figur 7.

Further details of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. Hereby shows:

FIG. 1

a schematically illustrated fluid system,

FIG. 2

a line filter in perspective,

FIG. 3

a line filter according to Figure 2 in preassembled state,

FIG. 4

an assembly of the line filter according to Figure 3,

FIG. 5

Parts of the assembly of Figure 4 in exploded view,

FIG. 6

a line filter with a flow-through filter insert in section,

FIG. 7

the line filter according to Figure 6 with swung-filter insert in section and

FIG. 8

an alternative embodiment of the line filter according to FIG. 7

Embodiment (s) of the invention

In Figure 1, a liquid system is shown schematically. The fluid system has a pipeline 10, which is connected on the one hand to a liquid reservoir 11 and on the other hand to a liquid filter 12. Furthermore, a liquid pump 13 is provided within the pipe 10, which transports the liquid from the liquid reservoir 11 to the liquid filter 12. The liquid filter 12 has a filter medium 14, with which impurities are separated from the liquid. On the liquid filter 12 includes a clean line 15 to clean, which with a consumer, in particular an internal combustion engine 16, is connected. The consumer removes at least a portion of the supplied liquid. The unused liquid is supplied to the liquid reservoir 11 via a return line 18. In other embodiments of the fluid system, the unneeded fluid course other elements such. B. the liquid filter 12 are supplied. In the flow direction shortly before the internal combustion engine 16, a line filter 17 is arranged in the clean line 15, which filters out impurities contained in the clean line 15. This line filter 17 is arranged only during the first minutes of operation of the internal combustion engine 16 in the flow-through cross section of the clean line 15. After these first minutes of operation of the line filter 17 is removed from the flow cross-section of the clean line 15 for the remaining period of operation of the internal combustion engine 16, which may also consist of interrupted operating times. Thus, the internal combustion engine 16 is connected via the clean line 15 directly to the liquid filter 12.

In Figure 2, the line filter 17 is shown in a perspective view. The line filter 17 has a two-part housing 19, which is formed from two welded housing parts 20. Each housing part 20 has a Christmas tree connection 21 with which the housing parts 20 can be fastened to the clean line 15 according to FIG. The fir-tree structure facilitates assembly, because the sloping surfaces facilitate a sliding of the line. Furthermore, a release of the line is prevented because the line digs on the Christmas tree structure. One of the housing parts 20 has a switch 22, which consists of an elastic material. The switch 22 is formed in the 2-component injection molding process to the housing part 20, wherein this compound is liquid-tight. By a pressure on the switch 22, a filter frame arranged within the housing 19 with its filter insert (see FIG. 5) can be displaced from the flow-through cross-section into a non-flow-through cross section. The direction of flow of the line filter 17 takes place in the direction of the arrow.

In Figure 3, the line filter according to Figure 2 in preassembled state, before the two housing parts 20 are welded together, shown. 2 corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals. On the right-side housing part 20 of the switch 22 is arranged. Furthermore, this housing part 20 has a receptacle 23 in which a filter frame 24 engages. The filter frame 24 is pivotally fixed to the left-side housing part 20, wherein the filter frame 24 has an actuating web 25. The actuating bar 25 is designed such that it protrudes in the assembled state to below the switch 22. By a finger pressure on the switch 22, the actuating bar 25 can be touched and pressed into another position.

FIG. 4 shows the left-hand subassembly of the line filter 17 according to FIG. 3 in the assembled state and in FIG. 5 in an exploded view. 3 corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals. The housing part 20 has a flow-through cross section 26, which is covered by the filter frame 24 in the pivoted state. Furthermore, the housing part 20 has a pin 27 on which the filter frame 24 is attached, and a ramp ramp 28, with which the filter frame 24 can be held in a swung-out position. Within the filter frame 24, a filter insert 29 is arranged, which is welded to the filter frame 24. The filter frame 24 forms a circumferential dirt edge 30, in which the impurities are held when the filter frame 24 is pivoted out of the flow-through cross-section 26. The direction in which the filter frame 24 is pivoted out of the flow-through cross-section 26 is indicated by the dotted arrow 31. The filter frame 24 has on both sides via sealing lips 32, which effect a seal in the pivoted state, so that the liquid is passed directly from one housing part 20 in the other housing part 20. In the swung-out state, the sealing lips 32 cause the impurities deposited on the filter insert 29 to not be flushed out, but remain in the filter insert 29 for the remaining time.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the line filter 17 'in section. In this illustration, the filter insert 29 in the pivoted position, in which the filter insert 29 is flowed through, shown. Figures 2 to 5 corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals. The line filter 17 'has an alternatively configured switch 22' for pivoting the filter element 29. The switch 22 'has a pressure pin 33 which is connected to the filter frame 24. The pressure pin 33 has a plate 41 and a shaft 42, wherein the shaft 42 is connected to the filter frame 24. The connection is made by a rivet head 34. This can for example be molded or molded onto the filter frame 24. Here, the rivet head 34 can be formed elastically to allow a compensation. However, other connecting means, such as snap hooks, cords or wires may be used. The pressure pin 33 rests on an elastomer sleeve 35 or a plastic clip, the elastomer sleeve 35 or the plastic clip having an upper bearing surface 36, a lower bearing surface 37 and an elastic region 38. The lower bearing surface 37 is supported on a crown 39, which is formed from a plurality of circumferentially spaced snap hook 40. The lower support surface 37 is formed so that it rests securely on the crown 39, but by pressure in the interior of the crown 39 slides. Spaced without the application of pressure on the pressure pin 33 the elastomeric sleeve 35 the pressure pin 33 of the crown 39, so that the filter insert 29 is fixed in the flow-through cross-section 26. The shaft 42 is guided in a sealing sleeve 43, wherein the sealing sleeve 43 is knotted into the housing part 20. The sealing sleeve 43 is made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer. Through the sealing sleeve 43, a liquid-tight connection is generated between the housing part 20 and the pressure pin 33, wherein the pressure pin 33 is axially movable.

In order to remove the filter element 29 from the flow-through cross-section, an axially acting pressure in the direction of arrow 44 is applied to the pressure pin 33, whereby it is moved downward and presses on the filter frame 24. By this pressure, the filter frame 24 slides in the direction of arrow 31, whereby the filter element 29 is removed from the flow-through cross-section.

This depressed state is shown in FIG. The figure 6 corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals. By the pressure on the plate 41 of the pressure pin 33, the elastomeric sleeve 35 is pressed into the crown 39. Here, the snap hooks 40 are slightly widened, so that the upper and lower bearing surface 36, 37 can snap into the crown 39. After the bearing surfaces 36, 37 have entered the crown 39, the snap hooks 40 spring back again and thus form a lock for the upper support surface 36. Thus, the elastomeric sleeve 35 is fixed in this position. When pushing in the pressure pin 33 in the crown 39 in addition to the elastic deformation of the crown 39 and the elastic portion 38 of the elastomeric sleeve 35 is deformed, which is then fixed under tension in the crown 39.

In the position shown, the filter insert 29 is no longer in the flow-through cross section 26, whereby the deposited in the filter element 29 particles are permanently removed from the fluid flow.

In a modified embodiment, the plate 41 is also pressed into the crown 39 and latched to the snap hook 40. Here, the diameter of the plate 41 is designed such that the snap hooks 40 fix the plate 41 in the axial direction during spring back. Thus, an uncontrolled pivoting back of the filter insert 29 is prevented in the flow-through cross-section 26.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the line filter according to FIG. The Figure 7 corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals. In contrast to FIG. 7, the line filter 17 'has a plastic clip instead of the elastomer sleeve 35, which is pulled off before the pressure pin 33 is pushed in. The pressure pin 33 is fixed with its plate 41 in the snap hook 40 of the crown 39, without the plastic clip or the elastomeric sleeve 35 are pressed into the crown 39. The plastic clip corresponds in geometric dimensions of the non-compressed elastomeric sleeve 35, wherein an axially continuous slot is provided, which is a removal of the plastic clip of the Push pin 33 allows. The plastic clip consists of a substantially rigid material, in particular a thermoplastic, such as. As PP, PA or PE.

Claims (10)

Liquid system, in particular fuel system of an internal combustion engine, comprising at least one pipe (10), a liquid filter (12) and a clean line (15), wherein the clean line (15) connected on the one hand with the liquid filter (12) and on the other hand with a consumer (16) characterized in that the clean line (15) has a line filter (17) with a housing (19) and a filter insert (29) which filters out the impurities contained in the clean line (15) from the liquid. Liquid system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the filter insert (29) after removal of the impurities from the flow cross-section of the clean line (15) is removable. Liquid system according to claim 2, characterized in that the filter insert (29) is designed to be pivotable. Liquid system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the housing (19) a filter frame (24) is arranged, wherein the filter insert (29) in the filter frame (24) is fixed. Liquid system according to claim 4, characterized in that the filter frame (24) is pivotally arranged in the housing (19), wherein the housing (19) has a lock in which the filter frame (24) is fixable. A fluid system according to claim 5, characterized in that the lock has a ramp (28) with a slope and a heel. Liquid system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (19) consists of at least two sealingly interconnected housing halves (20). Liquid system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (19) via a switch (22), with which the filter insert (29) from the flow cross-section of the clean line (15) is removable. A fluid system according to claim 8, characterized in that the switch (22) is formed by an elastic region in the housing (19), wherein the filter frame (24) by a pressure on the switch (22) from the flow cross-section is pivotable. Liquid system according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the filter frame (24) has a sealing lip (32) which seals the filter frame (24) relative to the housing (19).

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