Filtering apparatus and filter element

Abstract

A filtering apparatus includes a pot-type filter housing ( 10 ), a filter element ( 28 ) accommodated in the housing, a holding mechanism ( 38 ) disposed in the filter housing ( 10 ) to removably fix the filter element along its longitudinal axis, and a sealing device ( 60 ) that seals between a lid ( 20 ) of the filter housing ( 10 ) and the filter element ( 28 ). The holding mechanism ( 38 ) is provided with cooperating holding elements embodied on the interior face of the filter housing ( 10 ) as well as on the filter element ( 28 ). The filtering apparatus dispenses with the need for O-seals that are known in prior art and extend in a radial direction between the filter element and the filter head as a housing lid because the sealing device ( 60 ) encompasses at least one sealing edge ( 62 ) or sealing surface placed parallel to the longitudinal axis in a radial direction and seals under the effect of the pressure applied it by the holding mechanism ( 38 ). The invention further relates to a filter element that is to be used in such filtering apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A filtering apparatus, comprising:
 a cup-shaped filter housing with a housing cover; 
 a filter element received inside said filter housing and having an end cap on a longitudinal end thereof adjacent said housing cover; 
 a holder located in said filter housing detachable detachably securing said filter element to said housing cover along a longitudinal axis thereof and having holder elements interacting with one another and formed on an inside of said housing cover and on said filter element; and 
 a seal providing a sealing effect between said housing cover and said filter element, said seal having at least one sealing surface facing in an axial direction parallel to said longitudinal axis, said seal sealing under influence of pressure applied thereto by said holder, and said seal and said holder elements formed on said filter element all being integral with and formed of a same material of with said end cap as one piece. 
 
     
     
       2. A filtering apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein
 said holder comprises outer and inner threads on said filter element and said housing cover, with said holding holder elements being turns of said outer and inner threads. 
 
     
     
       3. A filtering apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein
 said seal is located on said end cap concentrically to said outer thread thereon; and 
 said inner thread is in said housing cover. 
 
     
     
       4. A filtering apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein
 said outer thread encompasses a fluid passage in said filter element. 
 
     
     
       5. A filtering apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein
 said filter housing comprises several parts; and 
 said inner thread encompasses a fluid passage in said housing cover. 
 
     
     
       6. A filtering apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein
 said seal encompasses said holder at a transition point to said filter element. 
 
     
     
       7. A filtering apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein
 said threads are rounded threads. 
 
     
     
       8. A filtering apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein
 said filter element comprises filter material extending along said longitudinal axis, said end cap being directly coupled on one longitudinal end of said filter material, said seal being on a side of said end cap remote from said filter material. 
 
     
     
       9. A filter element for a filtering apparatus, comprising:
 filter material extending along a longitudinal axis; 
 an end cap mounted on one longitudinal end of said filter material having a first axial side facing said filter material and an opposite second axial side facing away from said filter material; and 
 a seal on said second axial side being in a shape of a closed ring with a sealing surface facing in an axial direction parallel to said longitudinal axis, and being integral with and formed of a same material of with said end cap; and 
 a connecting branch extending in said axial direction on said second axial side and integral with and formed of a same material with said end cap, 
 said seal, said connecting branch and said end cap being formed as one piece. 
 
     
     
       10. A filter element according to claim  8  9 wherein
 said end cap comprises an outer thread on said second side extending along a connecting branch encompassing and said connecting branch encompasses a fluid passage in said end cap. 
 
     
     
       11. A filter element according to claim  9  10 wherein
 said seal encompasses said connecting branch. 
 
     
     
       12. A filter element according to claim  8  9 wherein
 said end cap is directly coupled on said filter material. 
 
     
     
       13. A filtering apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising
 a catch groove formed in said filter housing and a catch overlap formed in said housing cover.    
     
     
       14. A filtering apparatus according to claim 1 wherein
 said sealing surface engages a planar surface of said housing cover.    
     
     
       15. A filtering apparatus according to claim 3 wherein
 said seal extends in said axial direction toward said housing cover, above and to encompass at least a portion of said outer thread.    
     
     
       16. A filtering apparatus according to claim 4 wherein
 said fluid passage comprises a funnel-shaped curvature.    
     
     
       17. A filter element according to claim 9 wherein
 said connecting branch has an outer thread and said seal extends in said axial direction toward said outer thread, above and to encompass at least a portion of said outer thread.    
     
     
       18. A filter element according to claim 9 wherein
 said connecting branch comprises a fluid passage having a funnel-shaped curvature.    
     
     
       19. A filter element according to claim 9 wherein
 said seal omits rubber.