Abstract
A cylindrical or tubular filter insert (10) of a filter material (2) for liquid media (7) is disclosed. A filtration arrangement (30) serves to receive the cylindrical or tubular filter insert (10). The filtration arrangement (30) comprises a filter housing (31) with an inlet (32) for the medium (7) to be filtered and an outlet (34) for the filtered medium (7).
Claims
1. A filter insert (10) for a filtration arrangement (30) for filtering liquid media (7), wherein a cuboid filter material (2) of the filter insert (10) is composed of a composite nonwoven layer of a plurality of individual nonwoven layers (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N) of a plurality of endless fibers (6), which are interconnected, wherein the plurality of endless fibers (6) of each nonwoven layer (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N) are interconnected to a defined degree with other endless fibers (6), and wherein the endless fibers (6) of a nonwoven layer (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N) engage in adjacent nonwoven layers (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N) and are likewise connected in accordance with the defined degree with the endless fibers (6) of the adjacent individual nonwoven layers (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N), wherein the filter insert (10) comprises at least one elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N), wherein the at least one elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) is formed from the cuboid filter material (2), and wherein the at least one elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) has an outer diameter (DA) which is larger than a diameter (31D) of a filter housing (31), so that the at least one elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) rests against an inner wall (45) of the filter housing (31), the inner wall (45) defining an inner space (35).
2. The filter insert (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) is cylindrical.
3. The filter insert (10) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one cylindrical single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) is cut from the elastically deformable filter material (2) along a cutting line (36), and the individual nonwoven layers (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N) are aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N).
4. The filter insert (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) is tubular and has an outer surface (10A) and an inner surface (10B).
5. The filter insert (10) according to claim 4, wherein in the at least one elastically deformable tubular single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N), the nonwoven layers (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N) extend parallel to each other and radially to a longitudinal axis (L) of the tubular single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N).
6. The filter insert (10) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one tubular and elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) is formed from at least one layer of the cuboid filter material (2).
7. The filter insert (10) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one tubular and elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) is formed from at least one layer of the cuboid filter material (2).
8. The filter insert (10) according to claim 4, wherein the tubular and elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) is cut from the cuboid filter material (2), wherein the nonwoven layers (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N) are substantially perpendicular to a cutting line (36).
9. The filter insert (10) according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of tubular and elastically deformable single elements (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) are stacked along a longitudinal axis (L) and form the operational filter insert (10).
10. A filtration arrangement (30) for liquid media (7), comprising: a filter housing (31) with an inlet (32) for the medium (7) to be filtered and an outlet (34) for the filtered medium (7), a filter insert (10) for the filter housing (31), the filter insert (10) having substantially a height (H31) of the filter housing (31) and comprising at least one elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N), which is formed of a substantially cuboid filter material (2), wherein the filter material (2) is composed of a plurality of individual nonwoven layers (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N) of a plurality of endless fibers (6), which are interconnected, wherein the at least one elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) has an outer diameter (DA) which is greater than a diameter (31D) of the filter housing (31), so that the at least one elastically deformable single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) rests at least against an inner wall (45) of the filter housing (31), the inner wall (45) defining an inner space (35).
11. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 10, wherein the filter insert (10) for the medium (7) to be filtered is positioned between the inlet (32) and the outlet (34).
12. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 10 wherein the filter insert (10) comprises at least one cylindrical single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N).
13. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 11 wherein the filter insert (10) comprises at least one cylindrical single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N).
14. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one cylindrical single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) is surrounded by a bag (60) having the shape of the cylindrical single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N), being made of a net-like material (62) that is permeable to the medium (7) to be filtered, and being formed closeable.
15. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one cylindrical single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N) is surrounded by a bag (60) having the shape of the cylindrical single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N), being made of a net-like material (62) that is permeable to the medium (7) to be filtered, and being formed closeable.
16. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 12, wherein the filter insert (10) comprises a bag (60) made of a net-like material (62) permeable to the medium (7) to be filtered, wherein the bag (60) is fillable with a plurality of geometric filter bodies (20) cut from the filter material (2), and wherein the bag (60) is closeable after filling.
17. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 13, wherein the filter insert (10) comprises a bag (60) made of a net-like material (62) permeable to the medium (7) to be filtered, wherein the bag (60) is fillable with a plurality of geometric filter bodies (20) cut from the filter material (2), and wherein the bag (60) is closeable after filling.
18. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 16, wherein the filled bag (60) has such a volume and is shapeable to abut the inner wall (45) of the filter housing (31), the inner wall (45) defining the inner space (35).
19. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 17, wherein the filled bag (60) has such a volume and is shapeable to abut the inner wall (45) of the filter housing (31), the inner wall (45) defining the inner space (35).
20. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 10, wherein the filter insert (10) comprises at least one tubular single element (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N).
21. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 20, wherein a receptacle (15) for the filter insert (10) is provided in the filtration arrangement (30), the receptacle (15) having an outer cylindrical wall (16), which is permeable to the medium (7) to be filtered, and an inner cylindrical wall (17), and the receptacle (15) being positioned between the outer cylindrical wall (16) and the inner cylindrical wall (17) of the tubular filter insert (10).
22. The filtration arrangement (30) according to claim 20, wherein the filter insert (10) is directly inserted into the filter housing (31) of the filtration arrangement (30) and shaped such that the filter insert (10) rests against an inner wall (45) of the filter housing (31) and the filter insert (10) for the medium (7) to be filtered is positioned between the inlet (32) and the outlet (34), wherein the inner wall (45) defines an inner space (35).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] The nature and mode of the operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view through a composite nonwoven layer used according to the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the filter material with the schematic representation of the inclusion of dirt particles;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a cuboid filter fleece, from which the tubular filter insert can be made;
[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a geometrically shaped body which has been produced from the filter material (composite nonwoven layer);
[0049] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the upper surface of the filter material, wherein a cutting line for the cylindrical filter insert or a cylindrical single element for the cylindrical filter insert is indicated;
[0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cut-out cylindrical filter insert or the cylindrical single element for the cylindrical filter insert;
[0051] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical single elements for the cylindrical filter insert;
[0052] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a filtration arrangement for filtering liquid media;
[0053] FIG. 9 is a sectional view through the filtration arrangement of FIG. 8 with a cylindrical filter insert inserted;
[0054] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the upper surface of the filter material, wherein a cutting line for the tubular filter insert or a tubular single element for the tubular filter insert is indicated;
[0055] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cut-out tubular filter insert or tubular single element for the tubular filter insert;
[0056] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the arrangement of a plurality of tubular single elements for the tubular filter insert;
[0057] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tubular filter insert or a tubular single element which is seated in a receptacle according to an embodiment;
[0058] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a tubular filter insert or a tubular single element, in which the individual nonwoven layers are arranged concentrically;
[0059] FIGS. 15A and 15B are different views of a releasable connection for producing the tubular filter insert;
[0060] FIGS. 16A and 16B are different views of the permanent connection for producing the tubular filter insert;
[0061] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a receptacle for the tubular filter insert;
[0062] FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view of a filtration arrangement using the tubular filter insert of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a further possible embodiment of a configuration of the filter insert;
[0064] FIG. 20 is a sectional view of an additional possible embodiment of a configuration of the filter insert;
[0065] FIG. 21 is a view of a partial section of a possible embodiment of a configuration of the filter insert; and,
[0066] FIG. 22 is a view of a partial section of a further possible embodiment of a configuration of the filter insert.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0067] For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the filtration arrangement and the tubular filter body presented in the description are not intended to be limiting of the invention. The size ratios in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, as some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for ease of illustration.
[0068] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a filter material 2. In the representation shown herein, a filter material 2 comprises three individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2 and 4.sub.3. It should be appreciated that the representation chosen herein and the structure of filter material 2 chosen herein should not be construed as limiting the invention. Filter material 2 can be configured with any number of nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N depending on the requirements of the filter properties or the mechanical properties. Individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N have a plurality of endless fibers 6, which also extend over adjacent nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N. The endless fibers 6 in the individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N and the endless fibers 6 which engage adjacent nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N are connected with each other in a material-locking manner to a certain extent (number of connections (crosslinks) of the endless fibers per unit volume).
[0069] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of filter material 2, in which the individual endless fibers 6 are arranged confused in the filter element or in the individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N. The liquid medium 7 to be filtered passes between the endless fibers 6 through the filter material 2 of the individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N. In this case, the dirt particles 12 are released and adhere to the endless fibers 6. By this effect, a cleaning of the liquid medium 7 to be filtered is achieved. Especially due to the confused arrangement of the endless fibers 6 in the filter material 2, the medium 7 to be filtered must take a three-dimensional path through the filter material 2 or the tubular filter insert 10. The path of the medium 7 to be filtered through the filter material 2 or the filter insert 10 (tubular or cylindrical) (see FIG. 6 or 11) thus becomes long, so that effective filtering is achieved despite the low volume density of filter material 2. In addition, filter insert 10 opposes a small flow resistance to medium 7 to be filtered, which leads to cost savings in the circulating pump.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, the filter material 2 is substantially cuboid in shape and has an upper surface 21, a lower surface 22, a first end surface 23 and a second end surface 24. The plurality of nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N (see FIG. 4) are arranged between the upper surface 21 and the lower surface 22 and extend substantially parallel to the upper surface 21 and the lower surface 22 of the cuboid filter material 2. The filter insert 10 is formed in that the first end surface 23 and the second end surface 24 abut each other. As a result, the individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, 4.sub.3 and 4.sub.4 run parallel to one another and are likewise arranged concentrically to a longitudinal axis L (see FIG. 14) of the filter insert 10. The filter insert 10 thus defines an outer surface 10A extending in the direction of longitudinal axis L and also an inner surface 10B extending in the direction of longitudinal axis L (see FIGS. 15A and 16A). Although four nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, 4.sub.3 and 4.sub.4 have been described in the description of FIGS. 4 and 5, this should not be construed as limiting the invention. It should be appreciated that any number of nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N can be used for the formation of filter insert 10 or filter material 2.
[0071] FIG. 4 shows a geometric filter body 20 for the filtration of liquid media 7, in particular water. The geometric filter body 20 is cut from the filter material 2 (see FIG. 3) so that single, individual filter bodies 20 are obtained. Corresponding to the configuration of filter material 2 with the individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N, the geometric filter body 20 also has the corresponding number of nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N. Similarly, the geometric filter body 20 has the upper surface 21 and the lower surface 22 of the filter material 2, from which the geometric filter body 20 has been made or cut out. The particular advantage of the filter material 2 according to the invention and the filter body 20 cut out of it is the dimensional stability of filter body 20. It should also be mentioned herein that the illustrated geometric shape of filter body 20 should not be construed as limiting the invention. Filter bodies 20 of any shape and size can be cut from filter material 2. The only condition is that the cut-out filter bodies 20 must also have the upper side 21 and the lower side 22 of the filter material 2.
[0072] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the upper surface 21 of the filter material 2. With a cutting means, not shown, a cutting line 36 for the cylindrical filter insert 10 or a cylindrical single element 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N (see FIG. 7) for the cylindrical filter insert 10 is formed in the filter material 2. The cut-out cylindrical filter insert 10 or a cut-out cylindrical single element 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N for the cylindrical filter insert 10 is shown in FIG. 6 in a perspective view. The cylindrical filter insert 10 comprises at least one nonwoven layer 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N. The nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N are substantially perpendicular to a cutting line 36. The cylindrical filter insert 10 has an outer diameter DA.
[0073] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical single elements 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N for the cylindrical filter insert 10. In the illustrated embodiment, four cylindrical single elements 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, 10.sub.3 and 10.sub.4 are stacked along the longitudinal axis L of filter insert 10. It should be understood that the number of stacked cylindrical single elements 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N should not be construed as limiting the invention. The number of cylindrical single elements 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N required depends on the height H31 of the filter housing 31 (see FIG. 9) for the filter insert 10.
[0074] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a possible embodiment of a filtration arrangement 30 for filtering liquid media 7, in which the embodiment of the cylindrical filter insert according to the invention (not shown here) is used. The liquid medium 7 to be filtered is supplied to the filtration arrangement 30 via an inlet 32. The filtration arrangement 30 includes a filter housing 31 that can be closed with a lid 39. The inlet 32 ends in the lid 39. The filtration arrangement 30 is closed by a bottom 37. Starting from the bottom 37, the filtered medium 7 is discharged via an outlet 34. The filtered medium 7 may be transferred, for example, into a storage device, a swimming pool, an aquarium or the like.
[0075] FIG. 9 shows a sectional view through the filter housing 31 of the filtration arrangement 30. The filter insert 31 or the at least one single element 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N is inserted into the filter housing 31. The filter insert 10 is seated between the inlet 32 and the outlet 34. The filter insert 10 comprising the filter material 2 is configured such that it has an outer diameter DA (see FIG. 6) which is larger than a diameter 31D of the filter housing 31. The filter housing 31 of the filtration arrangement 30 has a height H31 that is greater than or equal to a height H10 of the filter insert 10. The cylindrical filter insert 10 or the plurality of cylindrical single elements 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N have a height H10 which is less than or equal to the height H31 of the filter housing 31 of filtration arrangement 30. The individual cylindrical filter inserts 10 may differ in terms of their weight per unit area (grammage) or the material density, so as to obtain an entire filter insert 10 having a gradation or gradient in the filtration properties.
[0076] By dimensioning the outer diameter DA of the filter insert 10, the interior space 35 of the filter housing 31 is filled. Since the filter insert 10 has a larger outer diameter 10A than the diameter 31D of the filter housing 31, the cylindrical filter insert 10, which is also elastically deformable, is in full contact over its entire surface with an inner wall 45 of filter housing 31, the inner wall 45 defining the inner space 35. This has the advantage that the medium 7 to be filtered on the way from the inlet 32 to the outlet 34 must pass exclusively the filter insert 10 and thus the filter material 2. This ensures that effective filtering of the medium 7 to be filtered is carried out. A path of the medium 7 to be filtered past the filter insert 10 is excluded.
[0077] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the upper surface 21 of the elastically deformable filter material 2. A cutting line 36 for the tubular filter insert 10 or a tubular single element 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N for the tubular filter insert 10 is formed in the filter material 2 with a cutting means, not shown. The cut-out tubular filter insert 10 or a cut-out tubular single element 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N for the tubular filter insert 10 is shown in FIG. 11 in a perspective view. The nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N are substantially perpendicular to the cutting line 36. As can be seen from FIG. 10, the cut-out tubular filter insert 10 or a cut tubular single element 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N for the tubular filter insert 10 has a Diameter DA and an inner diameter D1.
[0078] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the arrangement of a plurality of tubular single elements 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N for the tubular filter insert 10. In the illustrated embodiment, four tubular single elements 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, 10.sub.3 and 10.sub.4 are stacked along longitudinal axis L of filter insert 10. It should be understood that the number of stacked tubular single elements 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N should not be construed as limiting the invention. The number of tubular single elements 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N required depends on the height H15 of the receptacle 15 (see FIG. 17) for the filter insert 10.
[0079] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the tubular filter insert 10 which is seated, in the embodiment shown herein, between an outer cylindrical stabilization means 16S and an inner cylindrical stabilization means 17S. The receptacle 15 (see FIG. 17) is thus formed by the outer cylindrical stabilization means 16S and the inner cylindrical stabilization means 17S. The outer cylindrical stabilization means 16S comprises a plurality of passages 8, and the inner cylindrical stabilization means 17S comprises a plurality of passages 9. In the embodiment shown herein, the passages 8 and 9 are sized so that their total area is greater than the impermeable and flexible structure of the outer cylindrical stabilization means 16S and the inner cylindrical stabilization means 17S. In the embodiment shown herein, the outer cylindrical stabilization means 16S of the outer cylindrical wall 16 and the inner cylindrical stabilization means 17S of the inner cylindrical wall 1.7 correspond to a receptacle 15 (see FIG. 17).
[0080] FIG. 14 shows a plan view of a tubular filter insert 10, which is formed from at least one cuboid filter material 2. The cuboid filter material 2 of each tube 11 comprises three nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2 and 4.sub.3. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the number of nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N should not be construed as limiting the invention. The number of nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N can be adjusted with respect to the specific application. As already mentioned in the description of FIG. 2, the at least one tube for the tubular filter insert 10 can be produced from the cuboid filter material 2. Tube 11 is connected via the first end surface 23 and the second end surface 24 of the cuboid filter material 2 (the manner of the connection will be explained below).
[0081] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B show different views of how the tubular filter insert 10 is formed and maintained from the cuboid filter material 2. FIG. 15A is an enlarged view of the region indicated by B in FIG. 14. The cuboid filter material 2 is deformed in such a way that the first end surface 23 and the second end surface 24 come to rest against each other. In the embodiment shown herein, the first end surface 23 and the second end surface 24 are held together with a plurality of releasable connections 28 such that the tubular filter insert 10 retains its shape. The releasable connections 28 may be formed, for example, in the form of Velcro hook and loop fasteners, snap locks, etc.
[0082] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the first end surface 23 and the second end surface 24 of the cuboid filter material 2 are permanently connected to one another by permanent connections 29. FIG. 16A is an enlarged view of the region indicated by B in FIG. 14. The permanent connections 29 may be produced, for example, by laser welding, ultrasound, bonding, etc. It is also conceivable that a mixture of releasable connections 28 and permanent connections 29 may also be provided in order to stabilize the tubular filter insert 10 in its shape. In the embodiments shown herein, the releasable connections 28 and/or permanent connections 29 are mounted on the outer surface 10A of tubular filter insert 10, respectively. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that this is not intended to be a limitation of the invention as claimed. Of course, the releasable connections 28 as well as the permanent connections 29 may also be provided on the inner surface 10B of the tubular filter insert.
[0083] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a receptacle 15 for the tubular filter insert 10, which, for example, has no outer cylindrical stabilization means 16S and no inner cylindrical stabilization means 17S. The receptacle 15 has a height H15 and comprises an outer tube 18 and an inner tube 19. The tubular filter insert 10 is provided between the inner tube 19 and the outer tube 18. Outer cylindrical wall 16 of outer tube 18 has a plurality of passages 8, so that the medium 7 to be filtered (see FIG. 2) can reach tubular filter insert 10. Inner tube 19 has also formed a plurality of passages 9 (see FIG. 18), so that the filtered medium 7 passes from tubular filter insert 10 through inner cylindrical wall 17 of inner tube 19. The dashed line is intended to illustrate that the passages 8 extend over the entire outer cylindrical wall 16. The same applies to the passages 9 in the inner cylindrical wall 17. Between inner tube 19 and outer tube 18, an inner space 35 is formed, which serves in the embodiment described herein for receiving the tubular filter insert 10 and the at least one single element 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N . By means of the dimensioning of the outer diameter DA of filter insert 10, the interior space 35 of filter housing 31 is filled. Since filter insert 10 has a larger outer diameter DA than the diameter 31D of the filter housing 31, tubular filter insert 10, which is also elastically deformable, is in full contact over its entire surface on an inner wall 45 (see FIG. 9) of filter housing 31, the inner wall 45 defining the inner space 35.
[0084] FIG. 18 shows a schematic sectional view of a filtration arrangement 30 according to the present invention. The receptacle 15 (see FIG. 17) for the tubular filter insert 10 is seated in a filter housing 31. The filter housing 31 has an inlet 32 for the medium 7 to be filtered. The medium 7 to be filtered passes to the tubular filter insert 10 via the inlet and the passages 8 in the outer tube 18. The medium 7 to be filtered enters the interior space of the inner tube 19 via corresponding passages 9, which are formed in the inner cylindrical wall 17 of inner tube 19. From there, the filtered medium 7 can be drained via an outlet 34 formed by inner tube 19. The filtered medium 7 can thus be returned to the pool, whirlpool, or the like. Essentially, the medium 7 to be filtered flows through the tubular filter insert 10 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the receptacle 15 for the tubular filter insert 10.
[0085] The material for receptacle 15 of tubular filter insert 10 may be, for example, a thermoplastic or a metal. A preferred material for the receptacle 15 may be stainless steel. The passages 8 and 9 for the outer tube 18 and the inner tube 19, respectively, can be introduced by means of laser cutting or punching in the case of stainless steel. The receptacle 15 has a bottom 14 on which the inner tube 19 is seated and thus closed in the direction of the inlet 32. In the direction of the outlet 34, the inner tube 19 is open, so that the filtered medium 7 can be removed from the filtration arrangement 30. The receptacle 15 is closed in the region of the outlet 34 by an annular cover 13, so that the outlet 34 remains free out of the inner tube 19. Through the bottom 14 and the annular cover 13 of the receptacle 15 it is achieved that the medium 7 to be filtered in the filtration arrangement 30 flows through from the outer cylindrical wall 16 from annular filter insert 10 to the inner cylindrical wall 17 and thus provides effective filtering in the tubular filter insert 10.
[0086] FIG. 19 shows a sectional view of a further possible embodiment of the filter insert 10. The filter insert 10 comprises a bag 60. The bag 60 can be made of the filter material 2 with one nonwoven layer 4.sub.1 or of the filter material 2 with the plurality of adjacent individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N. In this case, the bag 60 is made such that it substantially corresponds to the shape of the filter housing 31. The bag 60 is filled with a plurality of geometric filter bodies 20. The geometric filter bodies 20 are cuboid in the embodiment described herein. The filter bodies 20 are cut from the filter material 2 with the several adjacent individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N. The number of geometric filter bodies 20 is selected such that they fill the bag 60 and the bag 60 assumes a stable shape, which can substantially fill the interior space of the filter housing 31.
[0087] FIG. 20 shows a sectional view of an additional possible embodiment of the design of filter insert 10. Again, the bag 60 may be made of the filter material 2 with one nonwoven layer 4.sub.1 or of the filter material 2 with the plurality of adjacent individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N. The bag 60 is filled with geometric filter bodies 20 which are cylindrical. The filter bodies 20 are also cut from the filter material 2 with the several adjacent individual nonwoven layers 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N. The number of geometric filter bodies 20 is selected to fill the bag 60. The individual cylindrical filter bodies 20 may differ in weight per unit area (grammage) or material density. Thus, for example, a fitter body 20 with low weight per unit area (grammage) or material density may be provided directly after the inlet 32 (see FIG. 17) for the medium 7 to be filtered. The weight per unit area of the filter bodies 20 may increase in the filter insert 10 from the inlet 32 towards the outlet 34. With the grading of the weight per unit area (grammage) or the material density, a gradation of the filtration properties of the filter insert 10 is thus achieved.
[0088] The bag 60 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 can be permanently closed after being filled with the geometric filter bodies 20. Likewise, the bag 60 can be configured such that it can be opened to replace the filter bodies 20. For bag 60, it is recommended according to the invention to use a filter material 2, which has a lower, or at least the same, weight per unit area (grammage) or material density than the geometric filter bodies 20 provided in the bag 60.
[0089] FIG. 21 shows, in a partial section, a view of a possible embodiment of the design of the filter insert 10. The bag 60 for accommodating the geometric filter bodies 20 is made of a net-like material 62 permeable to the medium 7 to be filtered. After filling with the geometric filter bodies 20, the bag 60 may be closed, for example, with a zipper 64. The closed bag 60 may be shaped to fit into the filter housing 31.
[0090] FIG. 22 shows in a partial section a view of a possible embodiment of the design of the filter insert 10. The bag 60 for accommodating the geometric filter body 20, which has the shape of a cylinder 27, is made of a net-like material 62 which is permeable to the medium 7 to be filtered. The bag 60 is also in the shape of a cylinder. After inserting the filter body 20 into the bag 60, the bag 60 may be closed, for example, with a zipper 64. The filter body 20 or the bag 60 may be dimensioned such that it fills the filter housing 31. Also, a plurality of bags 60 may be stacked with the cylinders 27 (analogous to FIG. 13) to fill appropriately sized filter housings 31.
[0091] The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0092] 2 Filter material [0093] 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, . . . , 4.sub.N Nonwoven layer [0094] 6 Endless fibers [0095] 7 Medium to be filtered, filtered medium [0096] 8 Passage (opening) [0097] 9 Passage (opening) [0098] 10 Filter insert [0099] 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N Single (individual) element [0100] 10A Outer surface [0101] 10B inner surface [0102] 11 Tube [0103] 12 Dirt particles [0104] 13 Annular cover (lid, cap) [0105] 14 Bottom [0106] 15 Receptacle [0107] 16 Outer cylindrical wall [0108] 16S Outer cylindrical stabilization means [0109] 17 Inner cylindrical wall [0110] 17S Inner cylindrical stabilization means [0111] 18 Outer tube [0112] 19 Inner tube [0113] 20 Geometric filter body [0114] 21 Upper surface [0115] 22 Lower surface [0116] 23 First end surface [0117] 24 Second end surface [0118] 27 Cylinder [0119] 28 Releasable connection [0120] 29 Permanent connection [0121] 30 Filtration arrangement [0122] 31 Filter housing [0123] 31D Diameter [0124] 32 Inlet [0125] 34 Outlet [0126] 35 Interior space, inner free space [0127] 36 Cutting line [0128] 37 Bottom [0129] 39 Lid (cover, cap) [0130] 45 Inner wall [0131] 60 Bag [0132] 62 Net-like material [0133] 64 Zipper [0134] A Distance [0135] B Region [0136] DA Outer diameter [0137] DI Inner diameter [0138] H10 Height of filter insert [0139] H15 Height of receptacle [0140] H31 Height of filter housing [0141] L Longitudinal axis [0142] U Circumference
