FR2721530A1 - Filter assembly. - Google Patents

Abstract

The filter assembly comprises a base element (10), a filter element (11) mounted on the base element (10) and a housing (12) connected to the base element (10) so as to enclose the filter element (11). Means are provided for connecting the filter element (11) to the housing (12) so that the filter element (11) is retained with the housing (12) when the housing (12) is removed from the basic element (10) during disassembly. The connection means are such that a quick and simple removal of the filter element (11) from the housing (12) can be obtained by pulling the filter element (11) from the housing (12).

Description

The invention relates to filter assemblies. An overall form of

  filter comprises a base element, a filter element mounted on the base element and a housing connected to the base element so as to enclose the filter. The housing can for example be generally tubular with one open end and one closed end, the open end receiving the filter element and being connected to the base element. The filter element can, for example, be formed by a generally tubular pleated filter with a fluid to be filtered which is brought inside the housing, filtered through the filter and which exits through the center of the material.

  filter and an output in the base element.

  The filter element is changed from time to time to prevent it from being completely clogged with particles removed from the fluid being filtered. In order to achieve this, the housing is disconnected from the base element and the filter element is removed and cleaned or else

replaced.

  Several known filter assemblies of this type use connection means which connect the filter element to the housing so that when the housing is removed from the base element during disassembly, the filter element is retained with The box. This avoids the potential problem of contamination of the base element with particles retained by the filter, which can occur if the housing is removed leaving the filter element on the base element and if the element

is then removed from the base.

  GB 843 235 discloses a filter assembly in which the filter element is retained in the housing by a split ring which engages a groove in the housing at the open end. Removing the element from the housing during disassembly requires removing the retaining ring, which probably involves the use of a tool. Document GB 2 222 534 discloses a filter assembly in which the element is retained in the housing by a bayonet fitting at the open end of the housing. Removing the filter element in this case requires proper alignment of the bayonet mechanism. Document GB 843 990 discloses a filter assembly in which the filter element is retained in the case by a separate retaining ring provided with spring loaded balls intended to be positioned in holes at the open end of the housing . Before the element is removed from the housing, the retaining ring must

first be removed from the housing.

  For some applications, the use of connection means at the open end of the case can be disadvantageous because the passage of fluid flow from the base element, between the filter element and the housing up to 'to the filtering means is partially blocked by the means of

connection.

  Documents EP 0 385 113 and GB 841 603 each disclose a filter assembly in which the element is connected to the housing by a screw which passes through the closed end of the case and is received in a thread in the filter element . Removing the filter element from the case requires unscrewing the retaining screw. For many filter assembly applications, it is desirable to be able to load the filter element as quickly as possible when the filter element is clogged, and from this point of view, the number and complexity of operations required to disconnecting the element from the housing are preferably minimized. Additionally, filter assemblies are commonly used to filter oils or other fluids that can leave a slippery deposit on assembly components. In this case, it is particularly advantageous for any connection means connecting the filter element to the housing to be able to be changed easily without requiring precise handling. Furthermore, in many cases, the greater the degree of manipulation required to release the filter element from the housing, the more likely it is that the housing will be contaminated with particles.

of the filter element.

  According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a filter assembly comprising a base element, a filter element mounted on the base element and a housing having an open end and a closed end and which is connected to the base element at the open end so as to enclose the filter element, means being provided for connecting the filter element to the housing at or near the closed end so as to retain the element filter with the housing when the housing is removed from the base member upon disassembly, said retaining means permitting removal of the filter member from the housing by pulling the member from the housing. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a filter assembly comprising a base element, a filter element mounted on the base element and a housing connected to the base element so as to enclose the element. filter element, the filter element and the housing being provided with respective connection means for engagement with each other so as to retain the filter element with the housing when the housing is removed from the base element during disassembly, said connection means allowing the disengagement of said connection means and the removal of the filter element from the housing

  pulling the filter element out of the housing.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a filter element intended to be mounted on a base element which can be connected to a housing so that the housing encloses the filter element, the filter element being provided with connection means intended to connect the element to the housing so as to retain the filter element with the housing when the housing is removed from the basic element, said connection means being able to be engaged with means which cooperate on the housing, the filter element can be removed from the

  housing by pulling the filter element from the housing.

  A more detailed description of the forms of

  embodiment of the invention will follow, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a filter assembly comprising a base element, a housing and a filter element ;

  Figure 2 is a section along the line Z-

  Z of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view of an alternative filter assembly comprising a base member, a housing and a filter element; and Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a

  part of the filter element shown in Figure 3.

  The filter assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a base 10, a filter element 11 carried by the base element 10 and a housing 12 connected to

  the base element 10 and enclosing the filter element 11.

  The base 10 comprises a body 13 provided with a generally circular mounting plate 14 surrounded by an annular wall 15 having an internal thread 16. A mounting tube 17 protrudes from the center of the mounting plate 14 coaxially with the common axis of plate 14 and

of the wall 15.

  The mounting tube 17 leads to an outlet orifice 18 passing through a pressure release valve 19 of a known type. The body also has a

inlet 20.

  The filter element 11 is generally tubular and comprises a filter 21 made of a pleated filter material in the form of a tube. The filter 21 can be provided with a mandrel 22 of a conventional construction. One end of the filter 21 is closed by a first end plug 23 having a central opening 24 provided with an O-ring 25. The opening 24 and the O-ring 25 engage the mounting tube 17 so as to mount the element filter 11 on the base 10 and connect the material of the filter element 11 to the orifice of

exit 18.

  A second end plug 26 is connected to the other end of the filter 21 and has a continuous end wall 27 which closes the interior of the filter 21. An annular flange 38 extends from the exterior side of the wall d end 27 and is coaxial with the filter 21 and the mandrel 22. The flange 38 is provided with a

  pair of diametrically opposed holes 39.

  As seen in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the end plug 26 also carries a U-shaped member 28 of spring steel, which extends into the flange 38 and which is connected to the wall end 27 at the base of the U, so that the branches 29 extend on opposite sides of the axis 30 of the filter element

11 and flange 38.

  Each branch 29 carries a finger 31 which protrudes radially towards the outside of the axis 30. Each finger 31 has a hemispherical outer end 32. In the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each finger 31 extends through a holes 39 so that the associated outer end 32 extends outside

flange 38.

  The function of the flange 38, of the element in

  U shape 28 and fingers 31 will be described below.

  The housing 12 is generally cylindrical with an open end 33 and a wall 34 which closes the other end. The outer surface of the housing 12 adjacent to the open end 33 is provided with a thread which is in screw engagement with the thread 16 on the wall of

mounting plate 15.

  The housing end wall 34 is provided with an annular bore 35 coaxial with the axis 30, which is also the axis of the housing 12 in the position of the housing shown in the drawings. The bore 35 has at its inner end a frustoconical surface narrowing inwards 36 which leads to an annular groove 37. As an alternative to the groove 37, a pair

  diametrically opposite openings can be provided.

  In use, as shown in FIG. 1, the arrangement is such that the outer ends 32 of the fingers 31 engage in the annular groove 37, and the flange 38 is housed intimately in the bore 35. In the variant where a pair of openings is provided, the fingers 31 engage in respective openings. The engagement of the fingers 31 in the groove 37 (or the openings) connects the filter element 11 to the housing 12 and thus, when the housing 12 is disconnected from the base 10, by unscrewing the housing 12, the filter element is removed with the housing. This prevents any possibility that the filter element 11 remains on the housing and causes contamination. The intimate adjustment of the flange 38 in the bore 35 prevents movement

  radial of the filter element 11 in the housing 12.

  After removal of the housing 12 and the filter element 11, the filter element 11 can be removed from the housing 12 by being pulled out of the open end 33 of the housing 12 in a direction along the axis 30 A sufficient force in this direction causes the fingers 31 to move radially inwards, in the holes 39, against the spring action of the branches 29 when the fingers 31 come out of the annular groove 37 (or openings). The used filter element can then be

cleaned or discarded.

  A new filter element 11 can then be inserted into the housing 12 once the housing has been cleaned. The filter element 11 is inserted in a way

  such that the flange 38 is pushed into the bore 35.

  During this process, the frustoconical surface 36 engages the ends 32 of the fingers 31 and forces the fingers 31 inwardly against the spring action provided by the associated branches 29. This position is maintained until the fingers 31 enter the annular groove 37 (or the openings when these are provided) in order to connect the filter element 11 to the housing 12 with a latching action. If openings are provided, the filter element 11 and the housing 12 can be rotated relative to each other in order to align the fingers 31 and the openings. The housing 12 can then be screwed onto the wall of the mounting plate 15 with the mounting tube 17 which enters the central opening 24 in the plug.

end 23.

  The filter element 11 can be cleaned or

  replaced as many times as necessary.

  It should be noted that several variants are possible. You don't necessarily need two fingers. There can be only one finger. In addition, the finger (s) must be resiliently mounted on the housing and the groove (or opening (s)) provided on the element.

filter.

  The connection between the filter element 11 and the housing 12 does not need to be made using fingers and a groove (or openings). Any suitable locking mechanism that can be disengaged can be used. A variant of the filter assembly is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The parts common to FIGS. 1 and 2 and to FIGS. 3 and 4 have the same references and

  are not described in detail below.

  The variant filter assembly comprises a base element 10 which is identical to the base element 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a filter element 40 mounted on the base element 10, and a boltier 41 connected to the base element 10 and enclosing

the filter element 40.

  The filter element 40 is generally cylindrical and comprises a tubular filter 21 provided with a mandrel 22 identical to the filter 21 and to the mandrel 22 of the filter element 11. First and second ends 42, 43 of the filter 21 are provided first and second end caps 44, 45 respectively. The first end plug 44 has a central opening 46 provided with an O-ring 47. The opening 46 and the O-ring 47 are in engagement with the mounting tube 17 so as to mount the filter element 40 on the base 10. The first end plug 44 also has an annular zone 48 which is recessed inside the filter element 40 and which extends around the opening 46, between the opening 46 and the periphery outside of the end plug 44. The function of the annular zone is described below. The second end plug 45 is generally flat and

  closes the second end 43 of the filter 21.

  The filter 21 is provided with a first flange 49 having the shape of a frustoconical wall provided at the narrow end of a flange extending radially outwards 50. The narrow end is located adjacent at the first end 42 of the filter 21 and is welded at 51 both to the filter 21 and to the outer periphery of the

first end cap 44.

  The filter 21 is also provided with a second flange 52 having a first end 53 at the level of which the flange 52 is welded both on the second end 43 of the filter and on the periphery

  outside of the second end plug 45.

  As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 4, the second flange 52 has an outer annular surface 54 comprising a bevelled part 55 which goes from the first end 53 to a first part extending axially 56 which in turn leads to a first radial portion 57 extending inwardly to a second portion extending axially 58. The second portion extending axially 58 leads to a second portion extending radially 59 which is more

  as wide as the first part extending radially 57.

  The first and second radial parts 57, 59 with the second part extending axially 58 thus define a trapezoidal groove 60. The second part extending radially 59 is connected to a third part extending radially 61 by a third part s' extending axially 62 such that the second and third radial portions 59, 61 with the third axial portion 62 define a flange 63 immediately adjacent to the groove 60. The third portion extending radially 61 is connected to a fourth axial portion 64 which extends to a second end 65 of the second flange 52. The axially extending fourth portion 64 extends at the same radial distance from the common axis 66 of the two flanges 49, 52, of the two plugs end 44, 45 and filter 21 as the first part

axial 56.

  The second flange 52 is also provided with a second groove 67, shown in longitudinal section in FIGS. 3 and 4. The second groove 67 extends axially, cutting the first part of the axial surface 56, the trapezoidal groove 60 and the flange 63, and also extends radially in the collar 52

  up to a curved groove surface 68.

  The housing 41 has an annular wall 69 which is closed at one end by an end wall 70 and open at the other end (where the housing 41 is connected to the base element 10). A thread 71 is provided on the outer surface 72 of the annular wall 69 towards the open end. The thread 71 is in screwed engagement with the internal thread 16 on the wall of the mounting plate 15. An annular groove 73 extends around the annular wall 69 which opens at the level of the external surface 72 close to the thread 71. The groove 73 carries an O-ring 74 which seals between the annular wall of the housing 69 and the wall of the mounting plate 15. The annular wall 69 has an internal annular surface 75 comprising a first cylindrical part 76 which extends from the open end of the housing 41 to an inclined part 77 which leads radially inwards to a second cylindrical part 78. The second cylindrical part 78 leads to a concave curved part 79 which defines a shallow annular groove 80 and which leads to a third

  cylindrical part 81 adjacent to the end wall 70.

  The second and third cylindrical parts 78, 81 have equal diameters and, with the concave curved part 79, define an interior zone 82 to

  inside the annular wall 69.

  In use, as shown in Figure 3, the second end plug 45 comes into contact with the end wall 70 and the third axial surface portion 62 extends adjacent to

the second cylindrical part 78.

  The trapezoidal groove 60 is provided with a tight fitting hollow O-ring 83 which projects outwardly beyond the third axial surface portion 62 and is received in the shallow annular groove 80. This arrangement of the O-ring 83 is used to connect 11 the filter element 40 to the housing 41 for a purpose which will

described below.

  The depth of the second groove 67 is such that the O-ring 83 does not come into contact with the curved groove surface 68. The second groove 67 therefore provides a passage between the O-ring 83 and the curved groove surface 68 thanks to which the fluid can pass between the interior area 82 and the interior area of the housing 41

adjacent to filter 21.

  A compressed helical spring 84 is mounted with the coils of the spring around the mounting tube 17. One end of the spring 84 presses against the mounting plate 14 and the other end of the spring 84 presses against the annular zone 48. The spring 84 pushes so the second

  end cap 45 against the end wall 70.

  During disassembly, the connection made by the O-ring 83 and the action of the spring 84 ensure that, when the housing 41 is unscrewed from the base element 10, the filter element 40 disengages from the base element 10 and is held in position, as has been

  described above, in the housing 41.

  The force of the connection by the O-ring may be sufficient to resist the force pushing the removal of the filter element 40 from the housing 41 and which results from the resistance to disengagement of the opening 46 and of the O-ring 47 of the tube. mounting 17. In this case, the spring 84 is optional. Alternatively, the O-ring connection may not be as strong, the resistance to disengagement of the opening 46 and the O-ring 47 from the mounting tube 17 being partially overcome by the compressed helical spring 84 which pushes the filter element 40 in the housing 41 when the

housing 41 is unscrewed.

  Once the housing 41 has been unscrewed from the base element 10, the housing 41 can be lifted, the filter element 40 being retained in the housing 41 by the O-ring connection. In this way, any possibility of contamination of the base element 10 caused by leaving the filter element 40 on the element

  base 10 after removal of the housing 41 is avoided.

  Removal of the filter element 40 from the housing 41 can now be carried out quickly and easily by grasping the flange 50 and pulling the element 40 from the housing 41 with sufficient force to overcome the O-ring connection. During this operation, the O-ring 83 deforms, being compressed in the trapezoidal groove 60 by the curved surface portion 79, when the shallow curved groove 80 moves out of alignment with the trapezoidal groove 60 and the O-ring 83 disengages from the shallow curved groove 80. The O-ring 83 remains compressed in the trapezoidal groove 60 as long as the O-ring 83 comes into contact with and passes along the second part of cylindrical surface 78 until the seal O-ring comes into contact with the inclined surface portion 77, an additional withdrawal bringing the O-ring 83 to

  resume a generally circular section.

  During removal of the filter element 40 from the housing 41, fluid can pass between the O-ring 83 and the curved groove surface 68 through the second groove 67. The second groove 67 therefore serves to prevent the generation of a difference pressure between the area

  interior 82 and the rest of the interior of the housing 41.

  The filter element 40 can be washed or discarded after removal from the housing 41. The housing 41 can now be washed if necessary and the assembly can then be removed.

  reassembled with a new filter element 40 as follows.

  First, the new filter element 40 is pushed into the housing 41 with the second flange 52 and the second end plug 45 which provide the guidance. If the filter element 40 is not centered in the housing 41 when the second flange 52 reaches the inclined surface part 77, the beveled part 55 comes into contact with the inclined surface part 77, which brings the second flange 52 to be guided, during an additional insertion, in the interior zone 82. When the second flange 52 moves in the interior zone 82, the hollow O-ring 83

  comes into contact with the inclined surface part 77.

  An additional insertion causes the O-ring 83 to deform when it is compressed in the trapezoidal groove 60 by the inclined surface part 77. The hollow O-ring 83 now remains when it comes into contact with and passes along the second cylindrical surface portion 78 until the O-ring 83 comes into alignment with the shallow annular groove where the O-ring 83 takes up a generally circular section which is received by the shallow curved groove 80. The filter element 40 is now in position in the housing 41 and connected to the housing 41 by the

  O-ring 83 as described above.

  The second groove 67 provides a fluid flow passage between the O-ring 83 and the curved groove surface 68 during insertion of the filter element 40 into the housing 41, thereby preventing the generation of a pressure difference between the area

  interior 82 and the rest of the interior of the housing 41.

  The coil spring 84 can now be placed around the mounting tube 17 before the housing 41 and the filter element 40 are connected to the base element 10 by screwing the threads 71 and 16. During this operation, the opening 46 and the O-ring 47 engage the mounting tube 17, the O-ring 74 seals against the annular wall 15 and the spring 84 presses against the annular zone 48 and is compressed when the first end plug 44 approaches of the plate

mounting 14.

  The filter assembly is now ready for

filter fluids.

  Alternatively, the assembly may be assembled by first putting the spring 84 around the mounting tube 17 and then mounting the new filter element on the base element 10 so that the opening 46 and the O-ring 47 engage the end of the mounting tube 17 and the spring 84 presses in the annular area 48. The housing 41 can then be screwed into the base element 10. During this operation, the second flange 52 enters the inner zone 82 and the hollow O-ring 83 engages. the shallow annular groove 80 as described above. Once this has happened, additional screwing pushes the first end cap 44 further onto the mounting tube 17

and compresses the spring 84.

  The filter assembly need not be as described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or Figures 3 and 4. Additionally, the filter assembly does not have to be oriented like this is described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4. It can be used with any suitable arrangement of base, filter element and housing. The filter element does not need to be as described above, it can be

  any suitable filter element.

Claims (23)

  1. Filter assembly, characterized in that it comprises a base element (10), a filter element (11, 40) mounted on the base element (10) and a housing (12, 41) having a open end and one end closed and which is connected to the base element (10) at the open end so as to enclose the filter element (11, 40), means being provided for connecting the element filter (11, 40) to the housing (12, 41) at or near the closed end so as to retain the filter element (11, 40) with the housing (12, 41) when the case (12 , 41) is removed from the base element (10) during disassembly, said retaining means allowing the removal of the filter element (11, 40) from the shoemaker (12,   41) by pulling the element from the housing (12, 41).   2. Filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said retaining means comprise connection means provided on the filter element (11, 40) and connection means provided on the housing (12, 41) to the level from or towards the closed end, said filter connection means and said housing connection means being able to be engaged with each other in order to connect the filter element (11, 40) to the housing (12, 41) and can be disengaged during said removal of the filter element (11, 40) from the housing (12, 41). 3. Filter assembly, characterized in that it comprises a base element (10), a filter element (11, 40) mounted on the base element (10) and a housing (12, 41) connected to the base element (10) so as to enclose the filter element (11, 40), the filter element (11, 40) and the housing (12, 41) being provided with respective connection means for engagement with each other so as to retain the filter element (11, 40) with the housing (12, 41) when the housing (12, 41) is removed from the base element (10) when disassembly, said connection means allowing the disengagement of said connection means and the removal of the filter element (11, 40) from the housing (12, 41) by pulling the filter element (11, 40) from the housing (12, 41).   4. Filter assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing (12, 41) has an open end and a closed end, said connection between the housing (12, 41) and the base element (10) being at the open end, and said housing connection means being provided at or towards the closed end. 5. Filter assembly according to any one of   claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the means for   filter connection can be re-engaged with the housing connection means by pushing the filter element (11, 40) in the housing (12, 41).   6. Filter assembly according to any one of   claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the means for   filter element connection and the housing connection means can be engaged by an action latching.   7. Filter assembly according to any one of   Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the housing   (12) is cylindrical and the filter element (11) is generally tubular and extends coaxially to the housing (12), the first connection means comprising a finger (31) which protrudes in a radial direction relative to said coaxial axis , the other connection means comprising means intended to receive said finger (31), an axial movement of the filter element (11) in the housing (12) causing a relative radial movement between the finger (31) and the means receiving until   that the finger (31) engages in the receiving means.   8. Filter assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that said first connection means comprise two fingers (31) each of which can be engaged in the receiving means.   9. Filter assembly according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the finger (31) or each finger (31) is carried by the filter element (11) and the receiving means are formed on the housing (12). 10. Filter assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the finger (31) or each finger (31) is supported by a spring (28), the housing (12) comprising means intended to move the finger (31) or each finger (31) radially against the associated spring (28) when the filter element (11) is moved axially in the housing (12), the spring (28) or each spring (28) pushing the finger (31) associated in the receiving means when the finger (31) is aligned with said receiving means.   11. Filter assembly according to claim 10, when claim 9 is attached to claim 8, characterized in that the filter element (11) carries at one end a U-shaped spring (28) fixed on the filter element (11) at the base of said U with the branches (29) provided on diametrically opposite sides of the axis (30) of said filter element (11), each branch (29) carrying a finger (31 ) respective and providing said spring (28) for said finger (31). 12. Filter assembly according to claim 10, when claim 9 is attached to claim 8, or according to claim 11, characterized in that said housing (12) has, at said second closed end, a cylindrical bore ( 35) coaxial with the axis of the housing (12), the wall comprising a groove (37) providing said receiving means intended receiving the fingers (31).   13. Filter assembly according to claim 10, when claim 9 is attached to claim 8, or according to claim 11, characterized in that the housing (12) has, at the second closed end, a cylindrical bore ( 35) coaxial with the axis of the housing (12), the wall comprising two radially diametrically opposite openings providing said receiving means intended to receive respective fingers (31).   14. Filter assembly according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that said wall comprises a frustoconical part (36) engaged by said fingers (31) when the filter element (11) is inserted in the housing (12 ) to move said fingers (31) radially inwardly against said springs (28) until the fingers (31) are aligned with   the receiving means under the action of the springs (28).   15. Filter assembly according to any one of   claims 2 to 5, characterized in that one of   connection means comprises an O-ring (83) housed in and extending out of a first annular groove (60) and the other connection means comprises a second annular groove (80), the O-ring (83) s' extending into the second groove (80) so as to effect said engagement. 16. Filter assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that means are provided to allow the passage of fluid beyond the O-ring. (83).   17. Filter assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that said passage means comprise a third groove (67) extending axially which intersects the first groove (60) or the second groove (80) so as to provide a passage of fluid flow around the O-ring (83).   18. Filter assembly according to claim 16 or claim 17, characterized in that the first groove (60) is provided in an external surface of the filter element (40) and the second groove (80) is   provided in an internal surface of the housing (41).   19. Filter assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the internal surface of the boot (41) comprises a part adjacent to said second groove (80) which compresses the O-ring (83) in the first groove (60) during l insertion of the filter element (40) into the housing (41) before the O-ring (83) enters the second groove (80).   20. Filter assembly according to claim 18 or claim 19, characterized in that the filter element (40) comprises a generally cylindrical filter material, an annular flange (52) extending   around the filter material at one end of it   ci, said first groove (60) being provided in said flange (52).   21. Filter assembly according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that   further comprises a spring (84) which is located between the base element (10) and the filter element (40) and   pushes the filter element (40) into the housing (41).   22. Filter element, characterized in that it is intended to be mounted on a base element (10) which can be connected to a housing (12, 41) so that the housing (12, 41) encloses the filter element (11, 40), the filter element (11, 40) being provided with connection means intended to connect the element to the housing (12, 41) so as to retain the filter element (11, 40) with the housing (12, 41) when the housing (12, 41) is removed from the base element (10), said connection means being able to be engaged with means which cooperate on the housing (12, 41) , the filter element (11, 40) being removable from the housing (12, 41) by pulling the element   filter (11, 40) of the housing (12, 41).   23. Filter element according to claim 22, characterized in that the filter element (11, 40) can be connected to the housing (12, 41) by the connection means by pushing the filter element (11, 40 ) in the housing (12, 41).