PACKAGING FOR A FLUID FILTER ELEMENT, PACKAGING ARRANGEMENT

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a packaging for a fluid filter element, preferably of the type employed in filtering oil or fuel for an automotive or motorcycle engine, comprising at least a first packaging part and a second packaging part, wherein the first packaging part and the second packaging part can cooperate to define a receiving chamber for receiving therein a fluid filter element. The invention further relates to a packaging arrangement comprising such a packaging.

[0002] Fluid filter elements are subject to wear and generally need to be replaced at certain maintenance intervals. New and unused fluid filter elements used for replacement are usually provided in so-called blister packs and/or cardboard boxes. A particular problem during replacement of a fluid filter element arises from the fact that the used fluid filter element that is to be replaced usually contains residual fluid, e.g. residual oil or fuel. Often, the said residual fluid is decanted into the replacement fluid filter element during replacement of the filter element. This, however, often leads to an unwanted spilling of the fluid and contamination of the surrounding. Further, the used fluid filter element as well as the residual fluid contained therein should be disposed properly to reduce environmental risks associated therewith.

Background

[0003] A packaging for the transport and storage of a fluid filter element is disclosed, for instance, in WO 92/18397. The known packaging is of a liquid-tight design. It can be reclosed after opening, so that a used, respectively old, fluid filter element with residual fluid still contained therein can be repacked into the liquid-tight packaging and sent back to a manufacturer or an appropriate disposer.

[0004] A further packaging for a fluid filter element is known from US 3,710,930. The packaging provides a support shell. The support shell can be employed as a hand-tool in removing a spent fluid filter element from a heated engine.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an improved packaging and packaging arrangement for a fluid filter element. A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method for replacing a, preferably used, fluid filter element by an unused fluid filter element provided in an aforementioned packaging. The object of the invention concerning the packaging is solved by a packaging according to claim 1. A packaging arrangement according to the invention is given in claim 10. The method for replacement of a fluid filter element is given in claim 13. Preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] According to the invention, the packaging for a fluid filter element, preferably of the type employed in filtering oil or fuel, in particular of an automotive or motorcycle engine, comprises at least a first packaging part and a second packaging part. The first packaging part and the second packaging part can be adapted to cooperate to define a receiving chamber for receiving therein the fluid filter element. The packaging, preferably the first packaging part, comprises a funnel for filling the fluid filter element with fluid. The funnel preferably has a first orifice serving as funnel inlet and one or more second orifices serving as funnel outlets. When replacing a used filter element, it is possible to connect the funnel to an inlet of the new (unused) fluid filter element for decanting residual fluid, in particular oil or fuel (e.g. gasoline/diesel), contained in the used fluid filter element into the new fluid filter element. The funnel further has a connecting pipe section on which the second orifice serving as a funnel outlet is present. The connecting pipe section is adapted to be sealingly connected with an inlet of said filter element, so that none of the fluid that is being fed through the funnel is spilled. This can be done in a clean and easy fashion without spilling of fluid or the need for a specific tooling equipment. Even if the residual fluid transferred from the used filter element contains contaminants such as particulate matter, the absolute quantity of residual fluid usually is sufficiently small such that no significant adverse effects to the new fluid filter element or other parts to be supplied with filtered fluid, e.g. a combustion engine, are to be expected. This is, in particular, the case when the residual fluid is introduced into the dirty side of the filter element, that is the side of the unfiltered fluid upstream a respective filter medium of the fluid filter element. The packaging according to the invention thus serves both as a protective cover for the new fluid filter element during transport or storage and as a, preferably single-use, maintenance tool for replacing the used fluid filter element with the new fluid filter element. Moreover, the packaging according to the invention helps protect the environment as residual fluid is not dispensed into the environment but can be kept safely within the new fluid filter element until the new fluid filter element is put to use.

[0007] If the first packaging part forms the funnel the manufacturing of the funnel does not require any additional, costly manufacturing steps in addition to the manufacturing, e.g. injection-molding, of the first packaging part.

[0008] According to a further embodiment of the invention the packaging, preferably the second packaging part, comprises or forms a stand for positioning and holding the fluid filter element in an upright position or an essentially upright position. An "upright position" is understood to mean a position of the fluid filter element in which fluid can be poured into the fluid filter element through an inlet of the fluid filter element. "Bottom" and "bottom side" refer to the lower part, respectively, the bottom side of the fluid filter element being positioned in its upright position. Analogously, "top" and "top side" refer to the upper part, respectively, the top side of the fluid filter element being positioned in its upright position. Most off-the-shelf fluid filter elements cannot remain in an upright position when placed on a surface, e.g. a table top or the ground. This is because their bottom is usually not flat, but e.g. rounded and/or has projections at the bottom thereof. The stand allows to reliably position and hold the filter element in an upright position as needed for filling (the residual) fluid into the filter element.

[0009] The stand may be at least partially formed ring-shaped, in particular cylindrically or conically. The cross-sectional shape of the stand can be circular for instance. By this, the filter element may be simply inserted into the central opening of the stand to position the filter element in the upright or essentially upright position.

[0010] Fluid filter elements available on the market often have their raw side fluid inlet surrounding their centrally located clean side fluid outlet. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the packaging, in particular the funnel, may, therefore, comprise a plug for sealing off a clean side outlet of the fluid filter element during filling thereof. The plug preferably is present on or at the connecting pipe section of the funnel; in particular it can be formed as a closed axial end or wall of the same. The plug is preferably directly molded onto or formed by the funnel, e.g. an outlet spigot thereof. Thereby, the plug can be automatically inserted/plugged into the clean side outlet of the fluid filter which needs to be filled, as soon as the funnel is placed onto the fluid filter element's inlet. The funnel, in particular an outlet spigot of the funnel, in this case, preferably has lateral openings and a blind end. Thereby, the residual fluid may be introduced into the raw side of the filter element while the fluid filter element's clean side is protected from potentially contaminated residual fluid of the filter element which needs to be replaced.

[0011] The second packaging part may have a bowl-shaped or an essentially bowl-shaped form. Thus, the fluid filter element can be inserted into the second packaging part for transport and/or storage. The bowl-shaped second packaging part, according to the invention, can be designed as a self-supporting structure which can stand in an upright position by itself.

[0012] According to the invention, the second packaging part may be designed and adapted to support the fluid filter element in an upright position for decanting residual fluid from another filter element therein. The second packaging part, in other words, may be designed as a support or stand for the fluid filter element. For this, the second packaging part may have a plane end for positioning the second packaging part on a suitable surface, e.g. a table top or the ground. In this case, the second packaging part also has a double function. Thereby, unnecessary additional manufacturing steps or costs incurred when providing a separate stand for the fluid filter element are avoided.

[0013] According to the invention, the first and the second packaging part preferably form a blister packaging for the filter element. For this, the first and second packaging parts each may have a ring shoulder or flange which project in a radial direction, preferably outwards, from the respective packaging part and which abut against each other when the blister packaging is closed.

[0014] The first packaging part and/or the second packaging part may have at least one fastening means by which the first packaging part and the second packaging part may be detachably fastened to one another. When a filter element is positioned inside the blister packaging, it may thereby be protected against coarse contaminants. Preferably, there is provided a click-on connection or a tongue-and-groove joint formed by the first and second packaging part, in particular in the region of the aforementioned flanges.

[0015] For a higher degree of protection of the filter element against smaller contaminants or leaking fluids, the packaging may have additional sealing means by which the receiving chamber may be sealed off against the outside. Thus, a fluid filter element placed inside the receiving chamber may be protected hermetically against contamination. Moreover, if the fluid filter element is filled with a fluid, e. g. a residual fluid, the fluid cannot leak out of the receiving chamber. The sealing means may comprise a sealing ring of rubber or elastomeric material which is arranged, in particular molded onto, one of the flanges of the first or second packaging part.

[0016] The first packaging part and/or the second packaging part may be made of a plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic such as, for instance, polypropylene, polyethylene or polymethylpentene. Moreover, the first and/or the second packaging part may be stiff and/or bending-resistant and may have a thickness between 0.2 and 2 mm.

[0017] In another embodiment the first packaging part and/or the second packaging part can be made of paper and/or cardboard or a combination thereof. The paper and/or cardboard can also be impregnated in order to achieve a greater resistance to the fluid to be filled into the filter element, e.g. fuel, in particular diesel fuel. Furthermore, other materials that have a similar resistance to said fluids can be used to form the first packaging part and/or the second packaging part, e.g. metals. In this case, there is preferably provided an additional stand for positioning and holding the fluid filter element in its upright position as needed for filling a fluid therein.

[0018] The packaging arrangement, according to the invention, comprises a packaging according to the invention and a fluid filter element wherein the fluid filter element is received in the receiving chamber of the packaging. The funnel is installed on the fluid filter element, preferably partially inserted into, e.g. an inlet, of the fluid filter element. In particular, in such a packaging arrangement the funnel may be pre-installed, for example by a manufacturer of the packaging arrangement, on the fluid filter element. The inlet may preferably be the raw side inlet of the fluid filter element. Thus, without unpacking or at least without fully unpacking the fluid filter element from the packaging, it is possible to pour e.g. residual fluid through the funnel into the fluid filter element. A further improvement is achieved by also installing, preferably pre-installing, the stand, preferably on the bottom of the packed fluid filter element. The fluid filter element may, in particular, be a fuel or oil filter element.

[0019] The aforementioned funnel may comprise or form at least one air exit allowing air to exit the fluid filter element while fluid is poured thereinto. The air exit may comprise one or more grooves formed on the funnel.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the funnel may be connected to a raw side inlet of the fluid filter element. The funnel's outlet may open in a direction perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fluid filter element. In this case, the funnel is provided with one or more radial or lateral orifices to thereby allow a fluid flow directly to the raw side inlet of a filter element.

[0021] The method for replacing a first, preferably used, fluid filter element by a second, preferably unused, fluid filter element provided in a packaging according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• connecting the funnel to, preferably partially inserting said funnel into, a raw side fluid inlet of said unused fluid filter element for filling said unused fluid filter element with residual fluid contained in the used fluid filter element; and
• decanting the residual fluid of the used fluid filter element through said funnel into said unused fluid filter element.

[0022] The residual fluid contained in the filter element which needs to be replaced can thus be introduced into the unused fluid filter element without any additional tool, e.g. a separate funnel, which needs to be provided and cleaned after use. The first fluid filter element may be emptied and the residual fluid may be disposed in a very easy, clean, and eco-friendly way. The funnel is preferably pre-installed, particularly by a manufacturer of the fluid filter element and/or the packaging, on the second fluid filter element. Thus, in order to empty the first fluid filter element, the second fluid filter element does not need to be unpacked from the packaging. Alternatively, the fluid filter element can be unpacked from the packaging before connecting the funnel to the inlet of the second fluid filter element.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of using the second packaging part of the packaging or another packaging part as a stand for positioning and holding the unused fluid filter element in an upright position. Moreover, the stand for holding the second fluid filter element in an upright position, may be pre-installed at the bottom of the second fluid filter element. In this way, the second fluid filter element may already be safely positioned within e.g. a cardboard box or carton, in particular for transportation purposes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:

Fig. 1

shows a cross-sectional view of a packaging arrangement with a packaging comprising a first packaging part which forms a funnel, a second packaging part which serves as a stand and a fluid filter element positioned inside the packaging for transport and storage thereof;

Fig. 2

shows use of the packaging arrangement according to Fig. 1 for positioning the fluid filter element in an upright position by use of the stand and with the funnel coupled to and partially inserted into the fluid filter element;

Fig. 3

shows a detailed section of the packaging arrangement according to Fig. 2 with the fluid filter element and the funnel connected thereto when pouring residual fluid from a used further filter element into the new/unused fluid filter element;

Figs. 4 to 6

show perspective views of a first packaging part and a second packaging part of the packaging arrangement according to Fig. 1 in assembled (Fig. 4) and disassembled conditions (Fig. 5 and 6);

Fig. 7

shows a further embodiment of a packaging arrangement wherein the first packaging part is formed as a funnel which is preinstalled on the fluid filter element for filling fluid therein and wherein the second packaging part is formed as a carton, the fluid filter element engaging in a separate stand provided in the carton, in a sectional view;

Fig. 8

shows a partial view of the packaging arrangement according to Fig. 7 when pouring residual fluid from a used fluid filter element into the first filter element provided inside the carton and positioned in an upright position;

Fig. 9

shows the stand of the packaging arrangement according to Fig. 7 in a perspective view;

Figs. 10 and 11

show the funnel of the packaging arrangement according to Fig. 7 in different views;

Fig. 12

shows a block diagram with different steps of a method for replacing a used fluid filter element with a new fluid filter element provided in a packaging according to Figs 1 or 7.

Description of the Disclosure

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a packaging arrangement 10 comprising a packaging 12 and a first fluid filter element 14 contained therein. The packaging 12 serves as protective cover of the first fluid filter element 14 during transport and storage. The packaging 10 has a two-part design and comprises a first packaging part 16 and a second packaging part 18. The first and the second packaging parts 16, 18 cooperate to provide a receiving chamber 20 for the fluid filter element 14. The first and second packaging parts both may have a, preferably ring-shaped, flange 22 which projects in a radial direction from the respective packaging part 16, 18 with respect to a longitudinal axis 24 of the package arrangement 10 or packaging 12, respectively. The flanges 22 abut against each other and serve for an attachment of the two packaging parts 16, 18 to one another.

[0026] The first packaging part 16 forms a funnel 26. The funnel 26 has a first (inlet) orifice 28, several second lateral (outlet) orifices 30 and a plug 32 as shall be explained in further detail below. The second orifices 30 are present on a connecting pipe section of the funnel 26 that is axially extending and formed in one piece with the funnel 26. The connecting pipe section 300 is dimensioned so as to fit properly sealingly into on inlet 40 of the filter element 14. Alternatively the connecting pipe section 300 can be adapted to be sealingly connected to an outlet of the filter element 14; this actually depends on the internal structure of the filter element 14. The connecting pipe section 300 can of course have less openings 30, e.g. only one and is embodied as a fluidic socket or fitting.

[0027] The second packaging part 18 is generally bowl-shaped. It comprises a cylindrical end section which forms a stand 34. The stand 34 may have a flat face 36 which is perpendicularly arranged in relation to the longitudinal axis 24 of the package arrangement 10.

[0028] The fluid filter element 14 has a top end 38 with a raw side fluid inlet 40 and a central clean side fluid outlet 42. The clean side fluid outlet 42 is embraced by the raw side fluid inlet. The raw side fluid inlet 40 may comprise several inlet holes which are arranged circular around the longitudinal axis 24 of the fluid filter element 14. On a bottom end 44 of the filter element 14 there is a water outlet or water drainage W provided. The fluid filter element 14 is shown in its upright position A. The packaging arrangement 10 may comprise a further packaging element 46 in the form of a carton, in particular a folding carton in which the packaging 12 and the filter element 14 are contained.

[0029] The first and second packaging parts 16, 18 may each consist of a resin such as, for instance, polyethylene or polypropylene. Each packaging part serves a further purpose as will now be explained with further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. When a used fluid filter element 48, which is preferably identical in design to the first fluid filter element 14, needs to be replaced, the residual fluid 50 which is usually contained therein, may be used for prefilling of the first fluid filter element 14. For this, the first fluid filter element 14 is removed from the packaging 12. The second packaging part 18 is arranged on a surface 52 such as the ground, a table top or the like with its stand 34 facing down. The first fluid filter element 14 which is to be prefilled with fluid is introduced into the second packaging 18 with its bottom end 44 facing down. The first fluid filter element 14 is thus held in an upright position by the second packaging part 18 which serves as a standing aid for the filter element 18. The first packaging part 16, with its funnel, is arranged at the top end 38 of the first fluid filter element 14. The plug 32 of the funnel 26 sealingly engages in the clean side fluid outlet 42 of the first fluid filter element 14. The outlet 42 and thus the clean side of the first fluid filter element 14 is thus protected against an ingress of fluid via the funnel 26. The residual fluid 50 can be poured via the funnel and the second orifices 30 thereof into the first fluid filter element 14 without the need for holding on to it.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the first packaging part 16 when coupled to the first filter element 14 for prefilling. The funnel 26 is partially introduced into the top end 38 of the first fluid filter element 14. Arrows 54 depict the flow path of the residual fluid 50 from the second fluid filter element. Plug 32 fully plugs the clean side outlet 52 thus deflecting the flow path 70 of the fluid 50 towards the second orifices 30 of the filter element 14. The second orifices 30 open in a radial direction to further direct the flow of the fluid 50 right to the raw side fluid inlet 40 of the fluid filter element 14.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows the packaging 12 in a perspective view. The flanges 22 of the first and second packaging part 16, 18 abut against each other. The packaging parts are detachably connected to one another by a click-on connection 56. To this end, the flange 30 of one of the packaging part is provided with impressions or holes 58. There are tongues or pins 60 provided on the flange 30 of the respective other packaging part 16, 18 which correspond to the impressions or holes and which, in the closed state of the click-on connection 56, engage therein. For an improved sealing of the two packaging parts 16, 18, there might also be provided a ring shoulder not further shown in the figures and which engages in a circular groove of the respective other packaging part 16, 18. Also, there may be provided a rubber or elastomeric sealing ring (not shown) positioned in between the flanges of the first and second machine part for a yet further improved sealing capacity of the packaging 12.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown a perspective view of the funnel 26 of the first packaging part 16, wherein Fig. 6 is a detailed view of Fig. 5 showing the area around the plug 32 in greater detail. The lateral second orifices 30 of the funnel 26 are each provided with a flap 62. The flaps 62 primarily serve to slow down the fluid exiting via the second orifices to thus prevent spilling of the fluid 50.

[0033] A further packaging arrangement 10 is shown in FIG. 7. The packaging 12 comprises first packaging part 16 formed as a funnel 26, a second packaging part 18 in form of a carton and a third packaging part 46 which forms a stand for the fluid filter element 14. The first and the second packaging parts 16, 18 cooperate to form the receiving chamber 40 for the fluid filter element 14. The packaging 12 is preferably adapted to size of the fluid filter element 14 such that this is snugly seated in the second packaging part 18 for transport and storage. The first packaging part 16 serves to stabilize the filter element 14 inside the second packaging part 18 and further provides an impact protection for the fluid filter element 14. The first packaging part 16 preferably is made of plastics, whereas the second packaging part 18 can be made of e.g. cardboard, plastics or the like. The funnel 26 formed by the first packaging part 16 is pre-installed on the fluid filter element 14 ready for use. The fluid filter element 14, with its bottom end 44, engages in the stand which has a cylindrical design as shown in detail in FIG. 9. For prefilling of the fluid filter element 14, it is not necessary to fully unpack or remove the fluid filter element 14 from the packaging 12. Simple opening or tearing off of a top flap 64 of the second packaging part 18 suffices. As the funnel 26 is already inserted into the clean side outlet 42 of the filter element 14 filling of the filter element 14 with e.g. residual fluid 50 from a second filter element 48 which is to be replaced by the first filter element 14 can commence right away, as is shown in FIG. 8. The funnel 26 of the first packaging part 16 forms a plug 32 plugged into the clean side fluid outlet and thus protecting the clean side of the fluid filter element 14 against contamination with dirt, fluid and the like. The funnel 26 may have air ducts 66 which may be designed as radial grooves on the outer surface of the funnel 26 and which are shown in detail in FIGS. 10 and 11. The air ducts 66 allow air to exit the fluid filter element 14 during prefilling thereof.

[0034] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a method 100 for replacing a used fluid filter element 48 by a new (unused) first fluid filter element 14 (Fig. 3) provided in a packaging 12 (Fig. 1) according to the invention. If the packaging 12 is designed as shown in Fig. 1, the fluid filter element 14 is at least partially unpacked in a first step 102. In step 104, the fluid filter element 14 is positioned on the stand 34 in its upright position A. In step 106, the funnel 26 is connected to the raw side fluid inlet (of the fluid filter element 14 for filling the fluid filter element 14 with residual fluid contained in the second fluid filter element 48 which is to be replaced by the first filter element 14. For this, the funnel 26 is, preferably, partially inserted into the clean side fluid outlet 42 of the fluid filter element with its plug. In step 108, residual fluid 50 from the second fluid filter 48 element is introduced, that is decanted, into the first fluid filter element 14 for prefilling thereof via the funnel 26. If the filter elements 14, 48 are of identical design and size, the amount of residual fluid 50 cannot exceed the filling capacity of the first filter element 14. Spilling of residual fluid 50 can thereby be safely prevented. As soon as the second fluid filter element 48 is emptied, the said second fluid filter element 50 can be taken from the stand 34 and fitted in its dedicated mounting position, e.g. to a combustion engine of a car, a utility vehicle or a motor cycle. Subsequently, in optional step 110 the first and the second packaging part 16, 18 are put together, enclosing the used (and now virtually emptied) fluid filter element 48 and cooperating together to form the receiving chamber 40 now receiving the used fluid filter element 48 for further transport and/or disposal thereof. In case that the packaging/packaging arrangement 12, 10 is designed as shown in Fig. 7, the funnel is 26 connected prior to the at least partial unpacking step 102.

[0035] Overall, the packaging 12 helps to avoid spilling of e.g. residual fuel and other ecological damage in two ways: Firstly, most of the residual fluid such as fuel or oil stemming from the second fluid filter element 48 can be easily transferred into the replacement fluid filter element 14 for reuse. Secondly, an unwanted contamination of the workplace and/or of a maintenance by the residual fuel can be avoided, thus making the filter element replacement cleaner and more comfortable. Thirdly, the packaging 12 can counteract a leakage of residual fluid 50 still remaining in the used second filter element which needs to be disposed during transport thereof.

Claims

1. A packaging (12) for a fluid filter element (14), preferably of the type employed in filtering oil or fuel, in particular for an automotive engine, comprising at least a first packaging part (16) and a second packaging part (18), wherein said first packaging part (16) and said second packaging part (18) are adapted to cooperate to define a receiving chamber (20) for receiving therein said fluid filter element (14), characterised in that the packaging (12), preferably the first packaging part (16), forms a funnel (26) for filling said fluid filter element (14) with fluid; the funnel (26) having a first orifice serving as a funnel inlet and at least one second orifice serving as a funnel outlet, wherein the second orifice is present at a connecting pipe section (300) of the funnel (26), that is adapted to be sealingly connected with an inlet (40) of said filter element (14).

2. The packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that said packaging (12), preferably said second packaging part (18), comprises or forms a stand (34) for positioning and holding said fluid filter element (14) in an upright position or an essentially upright position, preferably by supporting the bottom end (44) of said fluid filter element (14).

3. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stand (34) is at least partially formed ring-shaped, in particular at least partly cylindrically or conically and/or has a circular cross-sectional shape.

4. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said packaging (12), in particular said funnel (26), comprises a plug (32) for sealing a clean side outlet (42) of said fluid filter element (14).

5. The packaging according to claim 4, characterized in that said plug (32) is present at the connecting pipe section (300) of said funnel (26).

6. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first packaging part (16) and/or said second packaging part (18) have at least one flange (22) for, in particular sealingly, connecting said first packaging part (16) and said second packaging part (18) to each other.

7. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second packaging part (18) has a bowl-shaped or an essentially bowl-shaped form.

8. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first packaging part (16) and said second packaging part (18) form a blister-packaging.

9. The packaging according to any one the preceding claims, characterized in that the first packaging part (16) and/or the second packaging part (18) are made of plastics, in particular polypropylene and/or polyethylene and/or polymethylpentene, or paper and/or cardboard, preferably impregnated paper and/or cardboard.

10. A packaging arrangement (10) comprising a packaging (12) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 and a fluid filter element (14) wherein said fluid filter element (14) is received in the receiving chamber (20) of the packaging (12), characterized in that said funnel (26) is installed on said fluid filter element (14), preferably partially inserted into an inlet (40) of the fluid filter element (14).

11. The packaging arrangement (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that said funnel (26) is fluidly connected to a raw side fluid inlet (40) of said fluid filter element (14).

12. The packaging arrangement according claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said funnel (26) comprises or forms at least one air exit (66) allowing air to exit said fluid filter element (14) while fluid is poured therein.

13. A method for replacing a used fluid filter element (48) by an unused fluid filter element (14) provided in a packaging (12) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 comprising the following steps:

- connecting (106) the funnel (26) to, preferably partially inserting said funnel (26) into, a raw side fluid inlet (40) of said unused fluid filter element (14) for filling said unused fluid filter element (14) with residual fluid contained in the used fluid filter element (48); and

- decanting (108) the residual fluid of the used fluid filter element (48) through said funnel (26) into said unused fluid filter element (14).

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of at least partially unpacking (102) said unused fluid filter element (14) from said packaging (12) before connecting said funnel (26) to said fluid inlet (26) of said unused fluid filter element (14).

15. The method according to any one of the claims 13 or 14, further comprising the step of using (104) the second packaging part (18) of said packaging (12) as a stand (34) for positioning and holding said unused fluid filter element (14) in an upright position.

Ansprüche

1. Verpackung (12) für ein Fluidfilterelement (14), vorzugsweise von der Art, die zum Filtern von Öl oder Kraftstoff, insbesondere für einen Kraftfahrzeugmotor, verwendet wird, umfassend mindestens ein erstes Verpackungsteil (16) und ein zweites Verpackungsteil (18), wobei das erste Verpackungsteil (16) und das zweite Verpackungsteil (18) zusammenwirken können, um eine Aufnahmekammer (20) zur Aufnahme des Fluidfilterelements (14) darin zu definieren, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verpackung (12), vorzugsweise das erste Verpackungsteil (16), einen Trichter (26) zum Befüllen des Fluidfilterelements (14) mit Fluid bildet; der Trichter (26) aufweisend eine erste Öffnung, die als Trichtereinlass dient, und mindestens eine zweite Öffnung, die als Trichterauslass dient, wobei die zweite Öffnung an einem Verbindungsrohrabschnitt (300) des Trichters (26) vorhanden ist, der mit einem Einlass (40) des Filterelements (14) dichtend verbunden sein kann.

2. Verpackung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verpackung (12), vorzugsweise das zweite Verpackungsteil (18), einen Ständer (34) zum Positionieren und Halten des Fluidfilterelements (14) in einer aufrechten oder im Wesentlichen aufrechten Position umfasst oder bildet, vorzugsweise durch Abstützen des unteren Endes (44) des Fluidfilterelements (14).

3. Verpackung nach einem der obigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Ständer (34) mindestens teilweise ringförmig, insbesondere mindestens teilweise zylindrisch oder konisch ausgebildet ist und/oder eine kreisförmige Querschnittsform aufweist.

4. Verpackung nach einem der obigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verpackung (12), insbesondere der Trichter (26), einen Verschlussstopfen (32) zum Abdichten eines reinseitigen Auslasses (42) des Fluidfilterelements (14) umfasst.

5. Verpackung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Verschlussstopfen (32) am Verbindungsrohrabschnitt (300) des Trichters (26) vorhanden ist.

6. Verpackung nach einem der obigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Verpackungsteil (16) und/oder das zweite Verpackungsteil (18) mindestens einen Flansch (22) zum insbesondere dichten Verbinden des ersten Verpackungsteils (16) mit dem zweiten Verpackungsteil (18) aufweisen.

7. Verpackung nach einem der obigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das zweite Verpackungsteil (18) eine schalenförmige oder im Wesentlichen schalenförmige Form aufweist.

8. Verpackung nach einem der obigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Verpackungsteil (16) und das zweite Verpackungsteil (18) eine Blisterverpackung bilden.

9. Verpackung nach einem der obigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Verpackungsteil (16) und/oder das zweite Verpackungsteil (18) aus Kunststoffen, insbesondere Polypropylen und/oder Polyethylen und/oder Polymethylpenten, oder Papier und/oder Karton, vorzugsweise imprägniertes Papier und/oder Karton, hergestellt sind.

10. Verpackungsanordnung (10), umfassend eine Verpackung (12) nach einem der obigen Ansprüche 1 bis 9 und ein Fluidfilterelement (14) wobei das Fluidfilterelement (14) in der Aufnahmekammer (20) der Verpackung (12) aufgenommen wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Trichter (26) auf dem Fluidfilterelement (14) installiert ist, vorzugsweise teilweise in einen Einlass (40) des Fluidfilterelements (14) eingesetzt ist.

11. Verpackungsanordnung (10) nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Trichter (26) mit einem rohseitigen Fluideinlass (40) des Fluidfilterelements (14) fluidisch verbunden ist.

12. Verpackungsanordnung nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Trichter (26) mindestens einen Luftauslass (66) umfasst oder bildet, der es der Luft ermöglicht, aus dem Fluidfilterelement (14) auszutreten, während das Fluid da hinein gegossen wird.

13. Verfahren zum Austausch eines gebrauchten Fluidfilterelements (48) durch ein unbenutztes Fluidfilterelement (14), das in einer Verpackung (12) nach einem der obigen Ansprüche 1 bis 9 vorgesehen ist, umfassend die folgenden Schritte:

- Verbinden (106) des Trichters (26) mit, vorzugsweise teilweise Einführen des Trichters (26) in einen rohseitigen Fluideinlass (40) des unbenutzten Fluidfilterelements (14) zum Füllen des unbenutzten Fluidfilterelements (14) mit Restfluid, das in dem benutzten Fluidfilterelement (48) enthalten ist; und

- Abgießen (108) des Restfluids des benutzten Fluidfilterelements (48) durch den Trichter (26) in das unbenutzte Fluidfilterelement (14).

14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, ferner umfassend den Schritt des mindestens teilweisen Auspackens (102) des unbenutzten Fluidfilterelements (14) aus der Verpackung (12), bevor der Trichter (26) mit dem Fluideinlass (26) des unbenutzten Fluidfilterelements (14) verbunden wird.

15. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 13 oder 14, ferner umfassend den Schritt der Verwendung (104) des zweiten Verpackungsteils (18) der Verpackung (12) als Ständer (34) zum Positionieren und Halten des unbenutzten Fluidfilterelements (14) in einer aufrechten Position.

Revendications

1. Emballage (12) pour un élément de filtre à fluides (14), de préférence du type employé dans le filtrage d'huile ou de carburant, notamment pour un moteur d'automobile, comprenant au moins une première partie d'emballage (16) et une seconde partie d'emballage (18), dans lequel ladite première partie d'emballage (16) et ladite seconde partie d'emballage (18) sont conçues pour coopérer pour définir une chambre de réception (20) pour recevoir en son sein ledit élément de filtre à fluides (14), caractérisé en ce que l'emballage (12), de préférence la première partie d'emballage (16), forme un entonnoir (26) pour le remplissage dudit élément de filtre à fluides (14) avec un fluide; l'entonnoir (26) ayant un premier orifice servant d'entrée d'entonnoir et au moins un second orifice servant de sortie d'entonnoir, dans lequel le second orifice est présent au niveau d'une section de tuyau de raccordement (300) de l'entonnoir (26), laquelle est conçue pour être raccordée de manière étanche à une entrée (40) dudit élément de filtre (14).

2. Emballage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit emballage (12), de préférence ladite seconde partie d'emballage (18), comprend ou forme un support (34) pour le positionnement et le maintien dudit élément de filtre à fluides (14) dans une position debout ou une position essentiellement debout, de préférence en supportant l'extrémité inférieure (44) dudit élément de filtre à fluides (14).

3. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit support (34) est au moins partiellement formé en forme d'anneau, notamment au moins partiellement de façon cylindrique ou de façon conique et/ou a une forme en coupe transversale circulaire.

4. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit emballage (12), notamment ledit entonnoir (26), comprend un bouchon (32) pour sceller une sortie du côté pur (42) dudit élément de filtre à fluides (14).

5. Emballage selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que ledit bouchon (32) est présent au niveau de la section de tuyau de raccordement (300) dudit entonnoir (26).

6. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite première partie d'emballage (16) et/ou ladite seconde partie d'emballage (18) ont au moins une bride (22) pour raccorder, notamment de manière étanche, ladite première partie d'emballage (16) et ladite seconde partie d'emballage (18) l'une à l'autre.

7. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la seconde partie d'emballage (18) est en forme de bol ou essentiellement en forme de bol.

8. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite première partie d'emballage (16) et ladite seconde partie d'emballage (18) forment un emballage blister.

9. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la première partie d'emballage (16) et/ou la seconde partie d'emballage (18) sont constituées de matières plastiques, notamment de polypropylène et/ou de polyéthylène et/ou de polyméthylpentène, ou de papier et/ou de carton, de préférence de papier et/ou carton imprégnés.

10. Agencement d'emballage (10) comprenant un emballage (12) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9 précédentes et un élément de filtre à fluides (14) dans lequel ledit élément de filtre à fluides (14) est reçu dans la chambre de réception (20) de l'emballage (12), caractérisé en ce que ledit entonnoir (26) est installé sur ledit élément de filtre à fluides (14), de préférence partiellement inséré dans une entrée (40) de l'élément de filtre à fluides (14).

11. Agencement d'emballage (10) selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que ledit entonnoir (26) est raccordé fluidiquement à une entrée de fluide du côté brut (40) dudit élément de filtre à fluides (14).

12. Agencement d'emballage selon la revendication 10 ou 11, caractérisé en ce que ledit entonnoir (26) comprend ou forme au moins une sortie d'air (66) permettant à de l'air de sortir dudit élément de filtre à fluides (14) alors qu'un fluide y est déversé.

13. Procédé de remplacement d'un élément de filtre à fluides usagé (48) par un élément de filtre à fluides neuf (14) fourni dans un emballage (12) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9 précédentes comprenant les étapes suivantes :

- raccordement (106) de l'entonnoir (26) à, de préférence insertion partielle dudit entonnoir (26) dans, une entrée de fluide du côté brut (40) dudit élément de filtre à fluides neuf (14) pour le remplissage dudit élément de filtre à fluides neuf (14) avec un fluide résiduel contenu dans l'élément de filtre à fluides usagé (48) ; et

- décantation (108) du fluide résiduel de l'élément de filtre à fluides usagé (48) à travers ledit entonnoir (26) dans ledit élément de filtre à fluides neuf (14).

14. Procédé selon la revendication 13, comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à déballer au moins partiellement (102) ledit élément de filtre à fluides neuf (14) dudit emballage (12) avant le raccordement dudit entonnoir (26) à ladite entrée de fluide (26) dudit élément de filtre à fluides neuf (14).

15. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 ou 14, comprenant en outre l'étape d'utilisation (104) de la seconde partie d'emballage (18) dudit emballage (12) en tant que support (34) pour le positionnement et le maintien dudit élément de filtre à fluides neuf (14) dans une position debout.

Drawing