CN110559714A

CN110559714A - Filter element, filter shell, filter part and assembling method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN110559714A
Application number: CN201810576024.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔基奥·基隆迪
Original assignee: Shanghai Ou Fei Cleaner Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shanghai Ou Fei Cleaner Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-06
Filing date: 2018-06-06
Publication date: 2019-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-06
Also published as: CN110559714B

Abstract

A filter cartridge of a fluid filter assembly receivable in a filter housing of the filter assembly, the filter cartridge extending along a primary axis X-X, comprising: i) at least one endplate at an axial end of the filter element; ii) a filter medium extending axially from said end plate about said main axis X-X, wherein the filter medium comprises at least one electrically powered heating layer in order to be able to regulate its temperature; iii) an electric power supply device, connected to the heating layer, comprising a contact layer element, an electric power supply element, wherein said electric power supply element comprises at least one metal device comprising a circular arc shaped portion, which extends around the main axis X-X and is electrically contactable in a certain angular position range with respect to the main axis X-X in which the filter element is located. The invention aims to provide a filter element and a filter shell suitable for accommodating the filter element, a filter assembly comprising the filter element and the filter shell and an assembling method thereof.

Description

Filter element, filter shell, filter part and assembling method thereof

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a filter cartridge for a fluid filter assembly, and a filter housing of a fluid filter assembly adapted to receive the filter cartridge. In addition, the present invention relates to a fluid filter assembly including both a filter housing and a filter cartridge. Finally, the invention also relates to a method for assembling said filter assembly.

Background

The invention belongs to the specific application in the field of automobiles. In particular, the context of the present application is that the viscosity of the fluid being filtered in the fluid filter assembly is affected by the operating temperature. For example, it is preferred that known filter assemblies are suitable for performing fuel (preferably of the diesel type) filtration in order to separate the fuel not only from the suspended particles, but also from the aqueous particles. Or also in the automotive field, filter assemblies are known, such as for filtering blow-by gas, oil, urea or air.

A major problem in fluid filtration, in particular diesel filtration, is the more or less sudden accumulation of impurities on the first layer of the filter housing traversed by the fluid. Obviously, said accumulation of impurities causes clogging of the filtering shell, affecting its function.

this is particularly true when the fluid is at low temperatures (e.g., when the engine is just turned on, or under extreme cold weather conditions) and thus contains a large amount of crystals: for example, paraffin crystals are present in diesel fuel; in aqueous fluids, such as urea, ice crystals are present; in gaseous fluids, such as blow-by gas or ambient air, there are condensation crystals and/or droplets.

To overcome this problem, the known prior art is heating the fuel or, more generally, the working fluid, in order to reduce or avoid paraffin crystallization or, in general, ice or condensate accumulation. In the filter assembly solution actually provided the filter medium comprises a heating layer, preferably an electrical heating layer, the temperature of which is raised electrically when necessary in order to dissolve paraffin crystals, ice or condensate and to avoid the above-mentioned clogging.

The main problem which puzzles the filter element proposal is that the power supply can not be effectively provided for the heating layer so as to achieve effective heating.

Generally, this requirement involves the design and production of filter cartridges having a particularly complex structure.

for example, in known filter cartridges, there are special heating cages or heating jackets surrounding the filter medium, including a wire mesh.

Alternatively, filter cartridges are also known, wherein at least one filter cartridge end plate has electrical contacts suitable to be contacted by a suitable power supply device: in other words, the filter cartridge and the filter housing of the filter assembly are interconnected with a receptacle connector that is dedicated to function with a single relative position of the filter cartridge and the filter housing.

an example of an embodiment of a filter assembly having these drawbacks is described in the application EP 2811147. Another example of an embodiment of a filter assembly having these drawbacks is described in the application document WO2017/11525 in the name of the same applicant.

Disclosure of Invention

on this basis, it is highly desirable to provide a filter cartridge having an electrical power supply for its heating layer with a simple structure, but above all to achieve a simplified electrical connection.

The object of the present invention is to provide a filter cartridge and a filter housing suitable for accommodating said filter cartridge, and a filter assembly which meets the above requirements, as well as an assembly method for assembling said filter assembly.

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a filter cartridge for a fluid filter assembly receivable in a filter housing of the filter assembly, the filter cartridge extending along a primary axis, comprising:

i) at least one endplate at an axial end of the filter element;

ii) a filter medium extending axially from said end plate around said main axis X-X, the filter medium being cylindrically cylindrical and being radially fluid permeable, wherein the filter medium comprises at least one electrically powered heating layer in order to enable adjustment of the fluid temperature;

iii) an electrical power supply connected to the heating layer, comprising:

-a contact layer element connected to the heating layer, the contact layer element comprising a first component and a second component, the first component being connected to the heating layer and the second component being connected to the heating layer;

-an electrical power supply element, located on said end plate, connected to the contact layer element, suitable for being electrically contacted by an electrical power supply contact present on the filter housing;

Wherein the power supply element comprises at least one metal device extending around the main axis X-X comprising a circular arc shaped portion extending around the main axis X-X and electrically contactable in a range of angular positions with respect to the main axis X-X in which the filter cartridge is located.

Another aspect of the invention provides a filter housing of a fluid filter assembly adapted to receive a filter cartridge including a power supply element, the filter housing including electrical contacts adapted to contact and electrically power the power supply element of the filter cartridge.

another aspect of the present invention provides a filter assembly comprising:

-a filter cartridge receivable in a filter housing of the filter assembly, the filter cartridge extending along a main axis, comprising:

i) At least one endplate at an axial end of the filter element;

iii) an electrical power supply connected to the heating layer, comprising:

Wherein the power supply element comprises at least one metal device extending around the main axis X-X comprising a circular arc shaped portion extending around the main axis X-X and electrically contactable in a range of angular positions relative to the main axis X-X in which the filter cartridge is located; and

-a filter housing adapted to house a filter cartridge according to claim 1, said filter housing comprising electrical contacts adapted to contact and electrically power a power supply element of the filter cartridge.

the invention provides an assembling method of the filter assembly, which comprises the following steps:

-inserting a filter cartridge into a closure portion in order to fix the filter cartridge to the closure portion;

-fixing the closing portion housing the filter cartridge to the support portion by means of a threaded connection.

drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be demonstrated by way of non-limiting example from the preferred embodiments given below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a filter assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 1a shows a longitudinal cross-section of the filter assembly of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 1 a' and 1a "show two enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional views of the filter assembly of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2a shows a longitudinal cross-section of the filter assembly of FIG. 1 during an assembly/disassembly operation;

FIG. 2 a' shows an enlarged longitudinal cross-section of the filter assembly of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section of an individual portion of the filter assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a filter cartridge according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a separate portion of the cartridge shown in FIG. 4;

Fig. 5a and 5b show two vertical side and top views of the cartridge of fig. 4 in an assembled configuration;

Fig. 6a and 6 a' show two longitudinal cross-sectional views of the filter insert of fig. 4.

1, a filter element; X-X major axis; 2, end plates; 20 through openings; 21 a first end plate; 210 lower pad; 22 a second end plate; 200 a receiving structure; 250 an axial wall; 251 a first axial wall; 252 a second axial wall; 3 a filter medium; 30 heating layers; 300 a central lumen; 5, supplying power; 50 a contact layer element; 51 a first component; 510 a first contact ring; 5100 a first jaw; 515 a first elongate member; 52 a second component; 520 a second contact ring; 5200 second clip tooth; 525 a second elongate member; 529 an electrically insulating element; 55 a power supply element; 550 a metal device comprising a circular arc shaped portion; 551 a first portion; 552 a second portion; 900 a filter element; 950 a filter housing; 950' a cartridge housing; 951 a closure portion; 952 a support part; 9520 heating group; 955 an electrical contact; 9551 a first fixed needle; 9552 a second fixed needle; 970 a main connector.

Detailed Description

In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates in its entirety a filter cartridge according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Similarly, in the drawings, reference numeral 900 designates a fluid filter assembly, preferably fuel oil, or preferably diesel fuel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Also in accordance with the present invention, reference numeral 950 designates a filter housing of the filter assembly 900 according to a preferred embodiment.

The present invention relates to a filter cartridge 1 of a fluid filter assembly 900 which can be received by a filter housing 950 of said filter assembly 900.

the filter cartridge 1 extends along a main axis X-X and comprises a filter medium 3 and at least one end plate 2 located at an axial end of the filter medium 3. Preferably, the filter cartridge comprises two end plates located at opposite ends of the filter medium 3: a first end plate 21 (preferably a bottom end plate) and a second end plate 22 (preferably a top end plate).

As mentioned above, the filter cartridge 1 comprises at least one end plate 2 at an axial end of the filter cartridge 1, which end plate 2 may have a through opening 20 for the passage of fluid. As shown in the figures, the end plate 2 having the through opening 20 is preferably a second end plate 22. Preferably, through this second end plate 22, the filter cartridge 1 cooperates directly with the filter housing 950 (preferably with its support portion 952) by means of the through openings 20, so that said filter medium 3 is in fluid communication with the liquid (i.e. fuel) circulation system, thus filtering the fluid of said circulation system. According to the preferred embodiment, the first endplate 21 is adapted to engage the filter housing 950 (with its closure portion 951).

in the case of a fuel filter, for example, the first end plate 21 houses a lower gasket 210, said lower gasket 210 being adapted to make said first end plate 21 sealingly engage the wall of the filter housing 950 to define a water collection chamber in the filter assembly 900, below the filter cartridge 1.

The filter medium 3 extends axially around a main axis X-X between said first 21 and second 22 end plates and has a cylindrical barrel shape, defining a central cavity 300. In fact, the fluid may penetrate the filter medium 3 in the radial direction. Preferably, the filter medium 3 is in an operating state, and fluid penetrates through the filter medium 3 from outside to inside in a radial direction.

In the case of a fuel filter, for example, the filter medium 3 is provided radially with layers having different physical properties, for example a first layer suitable for filtering out suspended solids, while the other layers are suitable for separating out water-containing particles.

In particular, the filter medium 3 comprises at least one electrically powered heating layer 30, so as to be able to regulate the temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the heating layer 30 is the first layer that intercepts the liquid to be filtered. According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid to be filtered passes through the filter medium 3 radially from the outside inwards, while the heating layer 30 is placed and/or produced on the outer surface of the filter medium 3. In practice, the heating layer 30 faces the inlet chamber of the fluid to be filtered. Wherein the inlet chamber is a region between the outside of the filter cartridge 1 and the filter housing 950. In general, the filter housing 950 defines a filter cavity separating an inlet cavity on the upstream side of the filter media 3 and an outlet cavity on the downstream side of the filter media. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the outlet chamber is the central chamber 300, and the inlet chamber is a region between the outside of the filter cartridge 1 and the filter housing 950.

In particular, in practice the filter cartridge 1 of the invention also comprises an electric power supply means 5 connected to the heating layer 30.

According to a preferred embodiment, the heating layer 30 is a non-woven fabric with conductive fibers. For example, the heating layer 30 is made of a polymer fiber material containing conductive fibers. Preferably, the conductive fibers are silver plated fibers.

the electrical power supply means 5 comprise a contact layer element 50 connected to the heating layer 30.

In particular, the contact layer element 50 comprises a first part 51 and a second part 52, said first part 51 and second part 52 being electrically connectable to different electrodes, respectively, of a power source for powering said fluid filter assembly, for example to a positive pole and a negative pole, respectively, of the power source. The first member 51 includes a first contact ring 510 and a first elongated element 515, the first contact ring 510 being disposed on the heating layer 30, the first elongated element 515 extending from the power supply element 55 to the first contact ring 510. The second member 52 comprises a second contact ring 520 and a second elongated element 525, the second contact ring 520 being arranged on the heating layer 30, the second elongated element 525 extending from the power supply element 55 to the second contact ring 520, wherein the first contact ring 510 is axially spaced from said second contact ring 520, respectively arranged near both ends of the heating layer 30. The first contact ring 510 and the second contact ring 520 connected to different electrodes allow the formation of a current loop in the heating layer 30 and the generation of heat according to the joule effect. The heat thus generated is used to dissolve the paraffin crystals or ice carried by the working fluid and/or accumulated on the surface of the filter medium or in its volume.

In practice, the power supply means 5 further comprise an electric power supply element 55 located on the endplate 2, connected to the contact layer element 50 and adapted to be contacted and supplied with electric power by electric contacts 955 present on the filter housing 950.

the cartridge 1 comprises at least one metal device 550 comprising a circular arc shaped portion extending around the main axis X-X. Said circular arc-shaped portions extend around a main axis X-X and are electrically contactable in a range of angular positions with respect to the main axis X-X in which the filter element is located.

in one embodiment, the range of angular positions may be greater than or equal to 30 °, such as 60 °, 90 °, 120 °, 150 °, 180 °, 210 °, 240 °, 270 °, or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the angular position range is 360 °. In this case, the circular arc-shaped portion is a circular ring, so that the electrical contacts 955 can electrically contact the metal means 550 comprising the circular arc-shaped portion at any angular position with respect to the main axis X-X of the cartridge 1. In other words, the electrical power supply connected to the metal means 550 comprising the circular arc shaped portion and therefore to the contact layer element 50 is guaranteed, whatever the angular position of the filter cartridge 1, within the filter housing 950.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first component 51 comprises a first contact ring 510 located on the heating layer 30 and a first elongated element 515 extending from the power supply element 55 to the first contact ring 510.

According to a preferred embodiment, said first contact ring 510 is fixed in an annular manner on the filter medium 3. Preferably, the first contact ring 510 acts as a "clamp/crimp band" to clamp the heater layer 30. According to a preferred embodiment, said first contact ring 510 is fixable on the heating layer 30 in an annular manner.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first contact ring 510 is formed from a metal plate of an electrically conductive material. Preferably, first elongate member 515 is also comprised of a metal plate of electrically conductive material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the contact ring 510 has a first pincher tooth 5100 having a radial extension to grip the heating layer 30. Preferably, the pinching teeth 5100 are radially extending to pierce the heater layer 30, ensure electrical contact and maintain the axial position of the first contact ring 510.

according to a preferred embodiment, the second component 52 comprises a second contact ring 520 located on the heating layer 30 and a second elongated element 525 extending from the power supply element 55 to the second contact ring 520.

The second part 52 also provides said second contact ring 520, as described with reference to the first part 51, which second contact ring 520 is fixable to the filter medium 3 in an annular manner. Preferably, the second contact ring 520 also has a similar function as a "clamp/crimp band" to clamp the heater layer 30. According to a preferred embodiment, the second contact ring 520 may be fixed on the heating layer 30 in a ring-shaped manner.

according to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the second contact ring 520 is formed of a metal plate of an electrically conductive material. In a preferred embodiment, second elongate member 525 is also formed from a metal plate of electrically conductive material.

However, first elongate member 515 and second elongate member 525 can each be a cable or a conventional conductive pathway suitable for electrically connecting power supply element 55 to the aforementioned contact rings 510, 520.

In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, the second contact ring 520 has a second pincher tooth 5200, the second pincher tooth 5200 having a radial extension to grip the heating layer 30. Preferably, the pincher teeth 5200 extend radially so as to pierce the heating layer 30, ensure electrical contact and maintain the axial position of the second contact ring 520 thereon.

according to a preferred embodiment, the first contact ring 510 is axially spaced from the second contact ring 520. Preferably, the first contact ring 510 and the second contact ring 520 are respectively adjacent to both axial ends of the heating layer 30. Preferably, the first and second contact rings 510, 520 are proximate the first and second end plates 21, 22.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second component 52 comprises an electrically insulating element 529, adapted to electrically isolate possible contact between the heating layer 30 and the second elongated element 525. Preferably, it is foreseen that the first component 51 also comprises similar insulating elements.

Various embodiments of the power supply element 55 are provided according to the present invention.

Specifically, metal device 550, which includes a circular arc shaped portion, included in power supply element 55, includes first and second portions 551, 552 that may respectively contact the anode and cathode of a power source that powers fluid filter assembly 900. The first portion 551 is connected to the first member 51 and the second portion 552 is connected to the second member 52.

According to a preferred embodiment, first portion 551 is annular and second portion 552 is also annular, wherein first portion 551 and second portion 552 extend concentrically to main axis X-X, radially spaced from each other.

In other words, the metal ring device 55 comprises two concentric rings engageable by the special electrical contacts 955, for example respectively engaging two rings provided on the filter housing arranged in sequence at different radial distances. This embodiment is in fact clearly shown in the attached drawings.

according to a preferred embodiment, the first portion 551 and the second portion 552 of the metal ring device 550 are two concentric rings 551, 552 made in the form of conductive lamellae oriented so that the electrical contacts on the filter housing 950 are able to contact the majority of the area of the respective ring-shaped lamellae within a certain angular position range with respect to the main axis (X-X) of the filter cartridge. According to some embodiments, the range of angular positions may be greater than or equal to 30 °. Preferably, the angular position range may be equal to 360 ° so that the electrical contacts 955 may contact all areas of the respective annular sheet.

However, a variation of one embodiment provides the first portion 551 having a circular arc shape and the second portion 552 having a circular arc shape. Preferably, first portion 551 and second portion 552 extend at an angle on the same circumference with respect to main axis X-X.

In other words, the metal fitting 550, including the circular arc shaped portion, is a single concentric ring having a first portion 551 and a second portion 552 that engage with respective electrical contacts 955, as described below, to engage with two portions of the electrical contacts 955 that are disposed on the filter housing at the same radial distance but angularly spaced apart, respectively.

According to this embodiment variant, said metal means 550 comprising a circular arc shaped portion comprises a first portion 551 and a second portion 552 aligned along the same circumference and constituted by conductive sheets oriented so as to direct a substantial part of the respective sheets towards the electrical contacts 955 provided on the filter housing 950.

According to this embodiment, the first portion 551 and the second portion 552 may each be 180 ° circular arc shaped, whereby the first portion 551 and the second portion 552 are substantially two semi-circular arc shaped and may be aligned and spliced into one complete circular ring.

In yet another embodiment variation, the electrical contact 955 of the filter housing 950 comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, and the power supply element 55 comprises a metal device 550 comprising a circular arc shaped portion contactable with the first electrode of the electrical contact 955 and an electrode pin contactable with the second electrode of the electrical contact 955. The metal means 550 including the circular arc-shaped portion may be a ring-shaped metal means. That is, the annular metal device is connected to the first part 51 and the electrode needle is connected to the second part 52 or vice versa.

In other words, in this way the power supply element 55 is in contact with the electrical contacts 955 provided on the filter housing 950, for example the electrical contacts 955 comprise a fixed annular means and a fixed needle, the fixed annular means being in contact with the aforesaid electrode needle, while the fixed needle is adapted to be in contact with the metal means 550 comprising a circular arc shaped portion, for example an annular metal means.

According to the preferred embodiment described above, the endplate 2 has a receiving structure 200, the receiving structure 200 being provided on the side opposite to the side connected to the filter medium 3 and adapted to receive a metal device 550 comprising a circular arc shaped portion.

In particular, the containment structure 200 extends circumferentially with respect to the main axis X-X and in the height direction, preferably at right angles, from the end plate 2 to form an axial wall 250.

Preferably, the axial wall is adapted to support the metal device 550 including the circular arc-shaped portion in the height direction.

According to different embodiments of said power supply element 55, the axial wall 250 is provided with a first axial wall 251 and a second axial wall 252, respectively, suitable for axially and circumferentially supporting a first portion 551 and a second portion 552 of a metal means 550 comprising a circular arc shaped portion. For example, first axial wall 251 and second axial wall 252 are disposed circumferentially concentric about axis X-X at different radii. Alternatively, the first axial wall 251 and the second axial wall 252 are disposed on the same radius from the axis X-X.

as shown in the figures, the containment structure 200, in particular the axial wall, is not circumferentially seamless, but is defined by a plurality of ribs extending at right angles from the end plate 2, which ribs support in a multipoint manner a metal device 550 comprising a circular arc-shaped portion.

Preferably, in light of the above, it is noted that the metal means 550 including the circular arc-shaped portion is composed of one or more conductive metal plates. According to a preferred embodiment, said metal plate is housed in said housing structure 200 and forms an elastic force, in a radial direction, against said wall 250 defining the housing structure 200.

The invention also relates to a filter housing 950 of a fluid filter assembly, the filter housing 950 being suitable for accommodating a filter cartridge 1 having the above-mentioned features.

Preferably, as described above, the filter housing 950 comprises electrical contacts 955, adapted to contact the power supply element 55.

in particular, the filter housing 950 has a heating group 9520 providing electrical contacts 955, the electrical contacts 955 being adapted to contact the filter cartridge 1 to supply power to the heating layer 30 according to the operating requirements of the filter assembly 900, or according to the requirements of the vehicle in which the filter assembly 900 is incorporated.

the heating group 9520 is electrically connected to a main connector 970 and connects the filter assembly 900 to a control unit or to a general driver mounted on the vehicle via the main connector 970, thereby providing a potential difference between the electrical contacts 955.

according to a preferred embodiment, the electrical contacts 955 comprise a first fixed needle 9551 and a second fixed needle 9552, the power supply element 55 comprises two metal devices 550 comprising a portion in the shape of a circular arc, the first fixed needle 9551 being located in a predetermined angular position with respect to the main axis X-X of the filtering case 950, the second fixed needle 9552 being located in another predetermined angular position with respect to the main axis X-X of the filtering case 950, both being connected to different poles of the power supply and intended to contact respectively the corresponding metal devices 550 comprising a portion in the shape of a circular arc.

According to different embodiments of the metal means 550 comprising circular arc shaped portions, i.e. in embodiments in which the first portion 551 and the second portion 552 are two concentric metal rings, said fixed needles are located on the filter housing 950, respectively radially spaced from the main axis X-X on different radii. In embodiments where first portion 551 and second portion 552 are each portions of different arcs of the same circumference, the fixed needles are located at the same radial distance from major axis X-X.

In contrast, however, in embodiments where the cartridge 1 comprises an annular metal arrangement and an electrode pin, the filter housing 950 comprises said electrical contact 955 also having a fixed pin and a fixed metal annular arrangement.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, in particular, the engagement between the fixed needle of the filtering housing 950 and the annular metal means of the filter cartridge 1 is in a radial direction with respect to the main axis X-X. In practice, the engagement between the filter cartridge 1 and the filter housing 950 takes place in a substantially axial direction, but the electrical contact is made in a radial direction. That is, the fixed needle is adapted to perform a radial thrust action on the metal device 550, comprising a circular arc shaped portion, resting on the axial wall 220 of the containment structure 200.

preferably, the fixed needle is configured as an elastically yielding element. Preferably, the fixed needle is configured as a yielding element in the radial direction. Preferably, the fixed needle is configured so as to yield elastically radially with respect to the axis X-X of the cartridge 1.

According to a preferred embodiment of the filter housing 950, it comprises a closing portion 951 and a supporting portion 952, which can be fixed to each other, for example by screwing, to define a cartridge housing 950' in which the cartridge 1 can be inserted. The aforementioned electrical contacts 955 are preferably received in the support portion 952.

Specifically, a first end plate 21 is configured to engage the closure portion 951 and a second end plate 22 is configured to engage the support portion 952. According to a preferred embodiment, the first end plate 21 is provided with special clamping means adapted to be integrally engaged with the closing portion 951, thereby preventing unwanted relative movement between the two components.

The present invention is also directed to a filter assembly 900 including a filter cartridge having the features described above and a filter housing 950 having corresponding features described above.

The filter assembly 900 of the present invention can generally extend to assemblies comprising a closure portion removably secured to a support portion to define an interior volume in which a filter cartridge having the above-described features is installed.

advantageously, this solution is also applicable to filter assemblies having a longitudinal axis X-X oriented vertically or slightly obliquely, with the closing portion pointing downwards, to filter assemblies having a longitudinal axis X-X oriented vertically or slightly obliquely, with the closing portion pointing upwards, and to filter assemblies having a horizontal axis X-X.

Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method of assembling the filter assembly 900 according to the above; the method comprises the following steps:

inserting the filter cartridge 1 in the closing portion 951 so as to lock the filter cartridge to the closing portion 951;

the closing portion 951 housing the cartridge 1 is fixed to the support portion 952, preferably by screwing.

according to the different embodiments described above, the power supply means 5 on the filter cartridge are adapted to be engaged by the corresponding electrical contacts 955 on the filter housing 950, when the closing portion 951 housing the filter cartridge 1 is connected to the support portion 952. Preferably, in the case of the screw connection, the vertical height of the metal fixture 550 including the circular arc-shaped portion to the surface of the end plate 2 is a multiple of the screw pitch. Preferably, the metal means 550 including the circular arc shaped portion extends in the height direction by 2 or 3 times of the pitch. Preferably, the electrical contact radially between the needle and the metal device 550 comprising the circular arc shaped portion is ensured even if the closing part 951 and the support part 952 are not completely screwed to each other.

innovatively, the filter cartridge, filter housing and filter assembly described above fully achieve the objects of the present invention and overcome the typical drawbacks of the prior art.

Advantageously, the filter cartridge is supplied with electrical power in a practically straightforward manner. In particular, it is in fact ensured that the electrical power supply means of the filter cartridge are in electrical contact with the electrical contacts of the filter housing over a certain angular position range with respect to the filter housing, thanks to the guarantee of an up-and-down correspondence of the electrical power supply means comprised on the filter cartridge and of the electrical contacts comprised in the filter housing.

another advantage is that the radial bonding between the components involved is used to create an electrical contact, overcoming the drawbacks and geometrical variations in the axial direction.

Advantageously, the engagement in the radial direction ensures a stable electrical contact capable of resisting any pressure shocks and/or vibrations due to the normal operation of the filter.

advantageously, the combination of the axial insertion between the filter cartridge and the filter housing and the radial engagement between the electrical contacts makes it possible to obtain a self-centering, electrical coupling, further improved by using an accessory surface integrated on the housing structure.

Advantageously, the heating layer is electrically powered simply and safely.

advantageously, the use of a contact layer element configured as a ring shape of a "clip/crimp band" improves the stability and reliability of the electrical contact while simplifying the production process of the filter cartridge.

Advantageously, the arrangement and/or positioning of the heating layer on the outer surface of the medium makes it possible to increase the heating surface and to increase the heating efficiency of the heating system. Advantageously, the use of a contact layer element electrically connected to the heating layer and an electric power supply element located at the same end plate makes it possible to adapt the power supply system described to filter assemblies of different sizes and/or having different mounting orientations.

Advantageously, the use of a contact layer element connected to the power supply element by means of an elongated element arranged outside the filter medium simplifies the contact between the heating layer and the electrical contacts provided on the filter unit housing.

Advantageously, in the embodiment in which the heating layer is a non-woven fabric, its electrical contact is ensured and spread out in the circumferential direction.

Another advantage is the simple structure of the filter cartridge, which completely responds to the needs of the sector in a simple and compact manner. In particular, the filter cartridge has no external electrical cage or sheath. As described above, the electrical power source is provided directly to the heating layer contained within the filter media.

Advantageously, the method of assembly of the cartridge assembly does not require particular operations, but rather only simple operations of fixing the cartridge to the closure part are carried out, thus obtaining a guarantee of assembly without any other concern. Advantageously, therefore, the maintenance operations of the filter assembly with respect to the replacement of the filter cartridge are very simple and difficult to make mistakes.

Furthermore, advantageously, in the controlled rotary movement around the main axis X-X, the latter maintains the electrical contact in the radial direction stably, while the filter cartridge is still usable in the filter assembly in which it is housed.

It is clear that a person skilled in the art can make modifications to the cartridge, the filter casing and the filter assembly described above, all included within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims, to meet specific requirements.

Claims

1. A filter cartridge (1) of a fluid filter assembly (900) receivable in a filter housing (950) of the filter assembly (900), the filter cartridge (1) extending along a main axis (X-X) and comprising:

i) At least one end plate (2) located at an axial end of the filter cartridge (1);

ii) a filter medium (3) extending axially from the end plate (2) around the main axis (X-X), the filter medium (3) being cylindrically shaped and being permeable to fluid in radial direction, wherein the filter medium (3) comprises at least one electrically powered heating layer (30) in order to be able to regulate the fluid temperature;

iii) an electric power supply (5) connected to the heating layer, comprising:

-a contact layer element (50) connected to the heating layer (30), the contact layer element (50) comprising a first component (51) and a second component (52), the first component (51) being connected to the heating layer (30) and the second component (52) being connected to the heating layer (30);

-an electric power supply element (55), located on the end plate (2), connected to the contact layer element (50), suitable for being electrically contacted by an electric power supply contact present on the filter housing (950);

Wherein the power supply element (55) comprises at least one metal device (550) extending around the main axis (X-X) comprising a circular arc shaped portion extending around the main axis (X-X) and electrically contactable in a range of angular positions with respect to the main axis (X-X) in which the filter cartridge (1) is located.

2. Filter cartridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the end plate (2) has a through opening (20) for the passage of a fluid.

3. Filter cartridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flow direction of the filtered fluid of the filter medium (3) is radially penetrated from the outside to the inside, the heating layer (30) extending around the main axis (X-X) and being located on the outside of the filter medium (3) to be the first layer penetrated by the fluid.

4. The filter cartridge (1) of claim 1, wherein the first member (51) comprises a first contact ring (510) and a first elongated element (515), the first contact ring (510) being disposed on a heating layer (30), the first elongated element (515) extending from the power supply element (55) to the first contact ring (510), the second member (52) comprising a second contact ring (520) and a second elongated element (525), the second contact ring (520) being disposed on the heating layer (30), the second elongated element (525) extending from the power supply element (55) to the second contact ring (520), wherein the first contact ring (510) is axially spaced from the second contact ring (520).

5. Filter cartridge (1) according to claim 4, wherein the heating layer (30) is a non-woven layer with conductive fibres, the first contact ring (510) and the second contact ring (520) having respective first and second pinches (5100, 5200), the first and second pinches (5100, 5200) having radial extensions to grip the heating layer (30).

6. Cartridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one metal means (550) of the power supply element (55) comprising a circular arc shaped portion comprises a first portion (551) and a second portion (552), wherein the first portion (551) is connected to the first part (51) and the second portion (552) is connected to the second part (52).

7. Cartridge (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first portion (551) is annular and the second portion (552) is annular, wherein the first portion (551) and the second portion (552) are mutually radially spaced concentrically to the main axis X-X.

8. cartridge (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first portion (551) has the shape of a circular arc and the second portion (552) has the shape of a circular arc, wherein the first portion (551) and the second portion (552) extend on the same circumference at an angle with respect to the main axis (X-X).

9. Cartridge (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first portion (551) and the second portion (552) are each in the shape of a circular arc of 180 °.

10. Filter cartridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one metal means (550) comprising a circular arc shaped portion is an annular metal means, the power supply element (55) further comprises an electrode needle, the metal means (550) comprising a circular arc shaped portion being contactable with a first electrode of an electrical contact on the filter housing (950) and the electrode needle being contactable with a second electrode of the electrical contact on the filter housing (950), wherein the metal means (550) comprising a circular arc shaped portion is connected to the first part (51), the electrode needle is connected to the second part (52) or the metal means (550) comprising a circular arc shaped portion is connected to the second part (52), the electrode needle being connected to the first part (51).

11. Filter cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the end plate (2) has a housing structure (200), said housing structure (200) being provided on the opposite side of the end plate (2) to which the filter cartridge medium (3) is connected, adapted to house the metal means (550) comprising the portion of circular arc shape, wherein the housing structure (200) extends circumferentially with respect to the main axis (X-X) and in height from the end plate (2) to define an axial wall (250), said axial wall (250) being adapted to support the metal means (550) comprising the portion of circular arc shape.

12. Cartridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein said range of angular positions is at least 30 °.

13. Cartridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein said angular position is equal to 360 °.

14. Cartridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the heating layer (30) is provided in the filter medium (3).

15. A filter housing (950) of a fluid filter assembly (900), adapted to accommodate a filter cartridge (1) according to claim 1, the filter cartridge (1) comprising a power supply element (55), characterized in that the filter housing (950) comprises electrical contacts (955), the electrical contacts (955) being adapted to contact and electrically power the power supply element (55) of the filter cartridge (1).

16. Filter housing (950) according to claim 15, wherein the electrical contact (955) comprises a first fixed pin (9551) and a second fixed pin (9552), the power supply element (55) comprising two metal devices (550) comprising a circular arc shape, the first fixed pin (9551) being located at a predetermined angular position with respect to the main axis (X-X) of the filter housing (950), the second fixed pin (9552) being located at another predetermined angular position with respect to the main axis (X-X) of the filter housing (950) and being particularly shaped to contact respectively the corresponding metal devices (550) comprising a circular arc shaped portion.

17. the filter housing (950) according to claim 15, wherein the electrical contact (955) comprises a fixed needle and a fixed annular metal arrangement, the power supply element (55) comprises an electrode needle and a metal arrangement (550) comprising a circular arc shaped portion, the metal arrangement (550) comprising a circular arc shaped portion being an annular metal arrangement, wherein the fixed needle is specifically shaped to contact the annular metal arrangement, and the fixed annular metal arrangement is adapted to contact the electrode needle.

18. a filter housing (950) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the engagement between the fixed needle of the filter housing (950) and the metal means (550) of the cartridge (1) comprising a circular arc shaped portion is made in a radial direction directed towards the main axis (X-X).

19. Filter housing (950) according to any of claims 15 to 17, comprising a closing portion (951) and a support portion (952), which are connected to each other to define a filter cartridge housing (950 '), the filter cartridge (1) being insertable into the filter cartridge housing (950'), wherein the support portion (952) accommodates the electrical contact (955).

20. A filter assembly (900) comprising:

-a filter cartridge (1) receivable in a filter housing (950) of the filter assembly (900), the filter cartridge (1) extending along a main axis (X-X) and comprising:

iii) an electric power supply (5) connected to the heating layer, comprising:

Wherein the power supply element (55) comprises at least one metal device (550) extending around the main axis (X-X) comprising a circular arc shaped portion extending around the main axis (X-X) and electrically contactable in a range of angular positions with respect to the main axis (X-X) in which the filter cartridge (1) is located; and

-a filter housing (950) adapted to be housed in said filter cartridge (1), said filter housing (950) comprising electrical contacts (955), the electrical contacts (955) being adapted to contact and electrically power a power supply element (55) of said filter cartridge (1).

21. A method of assembling a filter assembly (900) according to claim 17, comprising the steps of:

-inserting a filter cartridge (1) in a closure portion (951) in order to fix said cartridge to said closure portion (951);

-fixing the closing portion (951) housing the filter cartridge (1) to the support portion (952) by means of a threaded connection.