comprising a sealing

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a filter arrangement comprising a filter unit provided with filter media configured to filter a flow of fluid. The present invention further relates to a filter unit, a transmission comprising a filter unit, an engine comprising a filter unit, and a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Various filter arrangements are used in vehicles for filtering flow of fluids. Some filter arrangements are arranged to filter fluids in liquid state, such as transmission oil filters, engine oil filters, and fuel filters. Other filter arrangements are used for filtering fluids in gaseous state, such as engine inlet air filters and a cabin air filters. These filter arrangements have in common that they have filter units which must be replaced after a certain time of usage. This since the function of the filter units is that the fluid is led through a filter media of the filter units to filter out particles unwanted in the fluid. After a certain time of usage, the filter media starts to become clogged by filtered particles and needs to be replaced. The time for replacement is usually given in a maintenance schedule of the vehicle and is usually based on mileage and/or operation time.

Many of these filter units are positioned within a housing having an inner volume in which the pressure differs from the atmospheric pressure outside of the housing. In order to avoid leakages of fluid between separate parts of the housing, an interface between such parts usually comprises a gasket. When disassembling such parts, for example during a repair procedure, such a gasket in the interface between housing parts is preferably replaced to ensure a leak tight interface between the parts. The replacement of the gasket is usually burdensome and time consuming and requires acquisition of a replacement gasket.

Leakages of fluids is a problem, especially between housing parts. A leakage of transmission oil or engine oil may for example drain the oil quantity of the transmission or engine, which may have serious consequences for the transmission or engine, if the oil is not refilled.

Further, leakage of oil may be harmful for the environment and may damage other components of a vehicle. In view of the above, there is a need for improvements. SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a filter arrangement comprising a filter unit and a housing, wherein the housing comprises inner walls forming an inner volume configured to accommodate the filter unit. The filter unit comprises a filter media configured to filter a flow of fluid in the inner volume of the housing. The housing comprises a first housing portion comprising a first section of the inner walls and a second housing portion comprising a second section of the inner walls. The second housing portion is removably arranged to the first housing portion along a separation line. The filter unit comprises a sealing with a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion. The sealing is arranged to seal an area of the inner walls comprising the separation line from the inner volume by abutment of the first sealing portion against the first section of the inner walls, and abutment of the second sealing portion against the second section of the inner walls.

Since the filter unit comprises a sealing arranged to seal the area of the inner walls comprising the separation line from the inner volume, the sealing that seals the area comprising the separation line will be replaced each time the filter unit is replaced. Further, the sealing that seals the area between the first and second housing portions can be replaced without having to dissemble the first and second housing portions, for example by removing a cap of the second housing portion. Since the sealing will be replaced each time the filter unit is replaced, a leak tight seal of the separation line between the first and second housing portions can be ensured.

Further, since the sealing is arranged to seal the area between the first and second housing portions by abutment against sections of the inner walls, the first and second sealing portions of the sealing will be pressed against the sections of the inner walls upon a pressure increase in the inner volume of the housing. Thereby, a leak tight seal of the separation line between the first and second housing portions can be further ensured.

In addition, since a leak tight seal of the area comprising the separation line can be ensured by the sealing of the filter unit, a gasket positioned in an interface between the first and second housing portions can be made simpler and less expensive. Accordingly, as shown above, a device is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the first and second sealing portions are flexible at least in directions to and from the sections of the inner walls, wherein each of the first and second sealing portions comprises a first surface arranged to abut against a section of the inner wall, and a second surface, being opposite to the first surface, wherein the second surface faces the inner volume of the housing. Thereby, pressing of the first and second sealing portions of the sealing against the sections of the inner walls is further ensured upon a pressure increase in the inner volume of the housing.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a filter unit for a filter arrangement wherein the filter arrangement comprises the filter unit and a housing, wherein the housing comprises inner walls forming an inner volume for accommodating the filter unit. The filter unit comprises a filter media configured to filter a flow of fluid. The filter unit comprises a sealing with a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion. The sealing is arranged to seal an area of the inner walls from the inner volume by abutment of the first sealing portion against a first section of the inner walls, and abutment of the second sealing portion against a second section of the inner walls.

Since the filter unit comprises a sealing arranged to seal an area of the inner walls, a filter unit is provided with an integrated seal capable of sealing an area of the inner walls of the housing. Thus, a filter unit is provided which when replaced provides a replacement of the sealing that seals the area of the inner walls of the housing. Further, conditions are provided for a replacement of the sealing that seals an area comprising a separation line between two housing portions without having to dissemble the two housing portions.

Further, since the sealing is arranged to seal the area by abutment against sections of the inner walls, the first and second sealing portions of the sealing will be pressed against the sections of the inner walls upon a pressure increase in the inner volume of the housing. Thereby, a leak tight seal of the area can be further ensured.

In addition, since the filter unit comprises a sealing arranged to seal an area of the inner walls, conditions are provided for making a gasket arranged to seal the area from the environment outside of the housing simpler and less expensive. Accordingly, as shown above, a device is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved. Optionally, the first and second sealing portions are flexible at least in directions to and from the filter unit, wherein each of first and second sealing portions comprises a first surface arranged to abut against a section of the inner wall, and a second surface, being opposite to the first surface, wherein the second surface faces the filter media of the filter unit. Since the first and second sealing portions are flexible at least in directions to and from the filter unit, removal and insertion of a filter unit into a housing is facilitated. The filter media will be positioned within the inner volume of the housing when the filter unit is positioned within the inner volume of the housing. Thus, the second surfaces of the first and second sealing portions will face the inner volume of a housing when the filter unit is positioned within the inner volume of the housing. Thereby, pressing of the first and second sealing portions against the sections of the inner walls can be further ensured upon a pressure increase in the inner volume of the housing. As a result, a filter unit is provided which may further ensure a leak tight seal between portions of a housing.

Optionally, the second surface is larger than the first surface. Thereby, the pressing of the first and second sealing portions of the sealing against the sections of the inner walls may be further ensured upon a pressure increase in the inner volume of the housing. As a result, a filter unit is provided which may further ensure a leak tight seal between portions of a housing arranged to accommodate the filter unit. Optionally, the first sealing portion comprises a first sealing lip and the second sealing portion comprises a second sealing lip. Thereby, the leak tight seal is provided in a simple and effective manner.

Optionally, the sealing is composed of one coherent piece of elastic material. Thereby, the sealing is simple to manufacture while it ensures a leak tight seal.

Optionally, the sealing is arranged around a circumference of the filter media. Thereby, a filter unit is provided capable of sealing a separation line between two housing portions in an efficient manner simply by abutting against sections of the inner walls of the housing.

Optionally, the filter unit comprises a bracket at an end portion thereof, wherein the bracket comprises one or more arms arranged to hold the sealing to the filter unit. Thereby, a large portion of the filter media is utilized for filtering the fluid, since fluid may flow through areas between the arms arranged to hold the sealing to the filter unit. The use of a large portion of the filter media for filtering the fluid ensures a low pressure drop over the filter unit and prolongs the service life of the filter unit.

Optionally, the filter media is pleated. Thereby, a large surface area of the filter is provided, which ensures a low pressure drop over the filter unit and prolongs the service life of the filter unit. In addition, since the filter media is pleated, flow paths for fluid are formed between the sealing and pleated portions of the filter media. Thereby, flow of fluid is allowed past the sealing in these flow paths. Thereby, the fluid is allowed to reach portions of the filter media situated past the sealing in an intended direction of flow within a housing. Thereby, a large portion of the filter media is utilized for filtering the fluid, which ensures a low pressure drop over the filter unit and prolongs the service life of the filter unit. According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a transmission comprising a filter unit according to some embodiments. The filter unit is configured to filter transmission oil of the transmission. Since the transmission comprises a filter unit

overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by an engine comprising a filter unit according to some embodiments. The filter unit is configured to filter engine oil of the engine. Since the engine comprises a filter unit overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a transmission according to some embodiments or an engine according to some embodiments. Since the transmission and the engine comprises a filter unit overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a cross section of a filter arrangement comprising a filter unit and a housing, Fig. 2 illustrates a cross section of a sealing of the filter unit illustrated in Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3 illustrates the filter unit illustrated in Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 4 illustrates a transmission comprising the filter unit illustrated in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 illustrates an engine comprising the filter unit illustrated in Fig. 3, and

Fig. 6 illustrates a vehicle comprising the transmission illustrated in Fig. 4 and the engine illustrated in Fig. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a cross section of a filter arrangement 1 comprising a filter unit 3 and a housing 5.1 , 5.2. The housing 5.1 , 5.2 comprises inner walls 7.1 , 7.2 forming an inner volume 9. As illustrated, the filter unit 3 is configured to be accommodated in the inner volume 9 of the housing 5.1 , 5.2. The filter unit 3 comprises a filter media 1 1 configured to filter a flow of fluid in the inner volume 9 of the housing 5.1 , 5.2. The housing 5.1 , 5.2 comprises an inlet (not illustrated) fluidically connected to the inner volume 9 and an outlet 6 also being fluidically connected to the inner volume 9. During use of the filter arrangement 1 according to the illustrated embodiments, fluid will flow from the inlet, through the filter media 1 1 of the filter unit 3 to the outlet 6. The filter arrangement 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 is a transmission oil filter arrangement configured to filter transmission oil of a transmission of a vehicle. According to further embodiments, the filter arrangement may be an engine oil filter arrangement configured to filter engine oil an engine, such as a vehicle engine. According to still further embodiments, the filter arrangement may be a filter arrangement configured to filter a fluid in gaseous state, such as an air filter arrangement.

The housing 5.1 , 5.2 comprises a first housing portion 5.1 comprising a first section 12.1 of the inner walls 7.1 of the housing 5.1 , 5.2. The housing 5.1 , 5.2 further comprises a second housing portion 5.2 comprising a second section 12.2 of the inner walls 7.2 of the housing 5.1 , 5.2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the filter unit 3 and the first and second sections 12.1 , 12.2 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2 are cylindrically-shaped. Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the second housing portion 5.2 comprises a cap 10 removably arranged at the second housing portion 5.2. The cap 10 can be removed to replace the filter unit 3, for example during service of the transmission comprising the filter arrangement 1 . Since the second housing portion 5.2 comprises the cap 10, inner walls 10.1 of the cap 10 form part of the inner walls 7.2 of the second housing portion 5.2 and thus also of the housing 5.1 , 5.2. The second housing portion 5.2 is removably arranged to the first housing portion 5.1 along a separation line 13. The second housing portion 5.2 is removed from the first housing portion 5.1 for example during repair of the transmission comprising the filter arrangement 1 . The filter unit 3 comprises a sealing 15 with a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion.

Fig. 2 illustrates a cross section of the sealing 15 of the filter unit 3 illustrated in Fig. 1 .

As illustrated, the sealing 15 is arranged to seal an area 17 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2 comprising the separation line 13 from the inner volume 9 by abutment of the first sealing portion 15.1 against the first section 12.1 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2 and abutment of the second sealing portion 15.2 against the second section 12.2 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2. Thereby, an effective seal of the area 17 is provided and a gasket positioned in an interface 16 between the first housing portion 5.1 and the second housing portion 5.2 is assisted in the sealing of the inner volume 9 from the environment outside of the housing 5.1 , 5.2. As a result, such a gasket can be made simpler and less expensive. In addition, a new sealing 15 will be provided each time the filter unit is replaced. Thereby, a leak tight seal of the area 17 comprising the separation line 13 between the first and second housing portions 5.1 , 5.2 can be further ensured. Still further, since the sealing 15 is arranged to seal the area 17 by abutment of the first sealing portion 15.1 against the first section 12.1 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2, and abutment of the second sealing portion 15.2 against the second section 12.2 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2, a pressure resistant seal is provided. Due to the abutment of the respective first and second sealing portion 15.1 , 15.2, the first and second sealing portion 15.1 , 15.2 will be pressed against a respective section 12.1 , 12.2 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2 upon a pressure increase in the inner volume 9, which further ensures a leak tight seal of the area 17 comprising the separation line 13 between the first and second housing portions 5.1 , 5.2.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the first and second sealing portions 15.1 , 15.2 are flexible at least in directions to and from the sections 12.1 , 12.2 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2. Each of the first and second sealing portions 15.1 , 15.2 comprises a first surface 21 .1 , 21 .2 arranged to abut against a section 12.1 , 12.2 of the inner wall 7.1 , 7.2 and a second surface 23.1 , 23.2, being opposite to the first surface 21 .1 , 21 .2. As seen in Fig. 2, as well as in Fig. 1 , the second surface 23.1 , 23.2 faces the filter media 1 1 of the filter unit 3. Thus, when the filter unit 3 is arranged within the inner volume 9 of the housing 5.1 , 5.2, as is illustrated in Fig. 2, as well as in Fig. 1 , the second surfaces 23.1 , 23.2 of the first and second sealing portions 15.1 , 15.2 face the inner volume 9 of the housing 5.1 , 5.2. Thereby, upon a pressure increase in the inner volume 9 of the housing 5.1 , 5.2, pressing of the first and second sealing portions 15.1 , 15.2 of the sealing 15 against the sections 12.1 , 12.2 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2 is further ensured. Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the second surface 23.1 , 23.2, facing the inner volume 9 of the housing 5.1 , 5.2, is larger than the first surface 21 .1 , 21 .2 being arranged to abut against a section 12.1 , 12.2 of the inner wall 7.1 , 7.2. Thereby, pressing of the first and second sealing portions 15.1 , 15.2 of the sealing 15 against the sections 12.1 , 12.2 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2 is further ensured upon a pressure increase in the inner volume 9 of the housing 5.1 , 5.2. In addition, since the second surfaces 23.1 , 23.2 are larger than the first surfaces 21 .1 , 21 .2, the abutting forces of the first surfaces 21 .1 , 21 .2 against the sections 12.1 , 12.2 of the inner wall 7.1 , 7.2, upon a pressure increase in the inner volume 9, are greater than would be the case otherwise. As a result, a leak tight seal of the area 17 comprising the separation line 13 between the first and second housing portions 5.1 , 5.2 can be even further ensured.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the first sealing portion 15.1 comprises a first sealing lip and the second sealing portion 15.2 comprises a second sealing lip. Thereby, the leak tight seal and the above described advantages are provided in a simple and effective manner. Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the sealing 15 is composed of one coherent piece of elastic material. Thereby, the sealing 15 is simple to manufacture while it ensures the leak tight seal. The elastic material of the sealing 15 may for example comprise a rubber based material and/or a silicone based material. Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the area 17 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2 comprising the separation line 13 is essentially levelled and smooth in a longitudinal direction Id of the cylindrically shaped housing 5.1 , 5.2. Thus, according to the illustrated

embodiments, the sealing 15 of the filter unit is configured to seal an area 17 of the inner walls 7.1 , 7.2 being essentially levelled and smooth in a longitudinal direction Id of the housing 5.1 , 5.2. Fig. 3 illustrates the filter unit 3 illustrated in Fig. 1 . The filter unit 3 comprises a filter media 1 1 configured to filter a flow of fluid. The filter unit 3 comprises a sealing 15 with a first sealing portion 15.1 and a second sealing portion 15.2. The sealing 15 is arranged to seal an area by abutment of the first sealing portion 15.1 against a first section of inner walls of a housing and abutment of the second sealing portion 15.2 against a second section of the inner walls of the housing.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the first and second sealing portions 15.1 , 15.2 are flexible at least in directions to and from the filter unit 3. Thereby, insertion of the filter unit 3 into a housing may be facilitated and abutment of the first and second sealing portions 15.1 , 15.2 against sections of inner walls of the housing is ensured. Each of first and second sealing portions 15.1 , 15.2 comprises a first surface arranged to abut against a section of the inner wall and a second surface, being opposite to the first surface, wherein the second surface faces the filter media 1 1 of the filter unit 3. Thereby, when the filter unit 3 is arranged within an inner volume of a housing, for example as is illustrated in Fig. 1 , the second surfaces of the first and second sealing portions 15.1 , 15.2 face the inner volume 9 of the housing. Thereby, upon a pressure increase in the inner volume of the housing, pressing of the first and second sealing portions 15.1 , 15.2 of the sealing 15 against the sections of the inner walls is ensured.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the filter unit 3 is cylindrically-shaped and may thus be inserted into a housing having inner walls being cylindrically shaped, such as the housing 5.1 , 5.2 illustrated in Fig. 1 . According to the illustrated embodiments, the sealing 15 is arranged around a circumference 25 of the filter media 1 1 and is provided with an essentially circular shape. Thereby, the sealing 15 provided is capable of sealing an annular area comprising a separation line between portions of a housing. The filter unit 3 may be provided in another shape, such as a conical or oval shape, or a shape of a rectangular block. In such embodiments, the filter unit 3 may be adapted to be inserted into a housing having inner walls forming a corresponding shape.

Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the filter unit 3 comprises a bracket 27 at an end portion 29 of the filter unit 3. The bracket 27 comprises arms 31 arranged to hold the sealing 15 to the filter unit 3. Further, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, the filter media 1 1 is pleated. Since the filter unit 3 comprises bracket 27 at an end portion 29 thereof, and since the bracket 27 comprises arms 31 arranged to hold the sealing 15 to the filter unit 3, the sealing 15 is held to the filter unit 3 at a distance from the end portion 29, without significantly disturbing the flow of fluid in a housing through the filter media 1 1 of the filter unit 3. That is, due to these features, fluid may flow through areas 32 between the arms 31 , as well as between the filter media 1 1 and the sealing 15, since the filter media 15 is pleated and thereby forms fluid paths between the sealing 15 and the filter media 1 1 . By not significantly disturbing the flow of fluid within a housing, a large portion of the filter media 1 1 is utilized for filtering the fluid. Further, a low-pressure drop over the filter unit 3 is provided. The filter unit 3 according to the illustrated embodiments comprises four arms 31 . However, the filter unit 3 may comprise another number of arms 31 , such as one, two, three, five, six, etc. Fig. 4 illustrates a transmission 33 comprising the filter unit 3 illustrated in Fig. 3. The filter unit 3 is configured to filter transmission oil of the transmission 33. According to the illustrated embodiments, the transmission 33 is a vehicle transmission. According to further embodiments, the transmission may be another type of transmission comprising transmission oil filtered by a filter unit 3, such as a transmission of a stationary machine or the like.

Fig. 5 illustrates an engine 35 comprising the filter unit 3 illustrated in Fig. 3. The filter unit 3 is configured to filter engine oil of the engine 35. According to the illustrated embodiments, the engine 35 is an internal combustion engine. The engine 35 may be an engine for a vehicle such as a truck, a lorry, a bus, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a car, a ship, a boat, etc., or may be a stationary engine, for example an engine of an engine driven generator.

Fig. 6 illustrates a vehicle 37 comprising the transmission 33 illustrated in Fig. 4, and the engine 35 illustrated in Fig. 5. The vehicle 37 illustrated in Fig. 6 is a truck. However, the transmission 33 and/or the engine 35 may be comprised in another type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land or water based propulsion such as a lorry, a bus, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a car, a ship, a boat, etc.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. The filter unit 3 may for instance comprise two or more sealings 15 arranged at different positions along a longitudinal direction of the filter unit 3, wherein each of the two or more sealings 15 is arranged to seal an area by abutment of a first sealing portion against a first section of inner walls of a housing and abutment of a second sealing portion against a second section of the inner walls of a housing. As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.