Patent Abstract:
A filter housing ( 12 ) includes a first passage ( 20 ) allowing liquid to enter and a second passage ( 22 ) allowing liquid to exit. A filter element ( 26 ) separates the at least first passage ( 20 ) from the at least second passage ( 22 ) and is disposed in the filter housing ( 12 ). A filter medium ( 28 ) encloses the circumference of an element interior space ( 30 ) and has at an end face an element passage ( 38 ) which is connected with the passage ( 22 ). The filter medium ( 28 ) is surrounded by an element exterior space ( 42 ) which is connected with the other passage ( 20 ). An additive container ( 48 ) is disposed in the element interior space ( 30 ) and includes at least one flow through opening ( 56, 58 ) connecting a container interior space ( 68 ) with at least one section ( 64 ) of the element interior space ( 30 ) outside of the additive container ( 48 ).

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119 of foreign application DE 10 2011 119 986.5 filed in Germany on Dec. 2, 2011, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a liquid filter, in particular for oil, fuel or water, in particular of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, with a filter housing that features at least a first passage for the inlet of liquid and at least a second passage for the outlet of the liquid and in which a filter element is disposed, that separates the at least first passage from the at least second passage and that features a filter medium which surrounds closely the circumference of an element interior space of the filter element relative to an imagined filter element axis which is connected with the at least one passage, and which is surrounded by an element exterior space that is connected with the other at least one passage, and that can be flowed through for filtering liquid relative to the filter element axis radially outside, from the element exterior space towards radially inside to the element interior space, or reversely, and with an additive container for the liquid which is disposed in the element interior space and which features at least one flow through opening for liquid which connects a container interior space of the additive container with at least one area of the element interior space outside of the additive container. 
         [0003]    Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter element of a liquid filter, in particular for oil, fuel or water, in particular of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle that can be disposed in a filter housing that features at least a first passage for the inlet of the liquid and at least a second passage for the outlet of the liquid, in such a way that it separates the at least first passage from the at least second passage and that features a filter medium which surrounds closely the circumference of an element interior space of the filter element relative to an imagined filter element axis which can be connected with the at least one passage, and that can be flowed through for filtering liquid relative to the filter element axis radially outside towards radially inside to the element interior space, or reversely, and that features an additive container for an additive for the liquid which is disposed in the element interior space and which features at least one flow through opening for liquid which connects a container interior space of the additive container with at least one area of the element interior space outside of the additive container. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    An oil treatment filter for being used in an internal combustion engine is known from U.S. Pat. No. 7,018,531 B2. The oil treatment filter features a mechanical filter element and a central additive container for a gradual discharge of an oil additive. The additive container contains an oil treatment material. The additive can be provided as massive block in a storage chamber of the additive container. The additive can also be provided in the form of tablets. The central arrangement of the additive container allows a filtration of the liquid through the mechanical filter element before the additive is added. This reduces the probability of additive being filtered too early after its initial addition. The additive container has an opening which allows a fluid connection between a storage chamber in the additive container and the exterior side of the additive container. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    An object of the present invention is to realize a liquid filter and a filter element of a liquid filter of the above-mentioned type in which the additive container mechanically supports and stabilizes the filter element, in particular the filter medium, additionally. 
         [0006]    The object is solved according to the invention by the fact that at a radially outer circumferential side of the additive container relative to the filter element axis is disposed at least one spacer which, on the one hand, is supported by the radially outer circumferential side of the additive container and, on the other hand, is supported directly or indirectly with its side facing away from the radially outer circumferential side of the additive container at the radially internal circumferential side of the filter medium facing the element interior space relative to the filter element axis. 
         [0007]    According to the invention, the filter medium is thus supported by the at least one spacer against the circumferential side of the additive container. In this way, the additive container stabilizes the filter medium additionally. Furthermore, the additive container is positioned through the at least one spacer in the element interior space. The manufacture and assembly of the filter element can be simplified by the at least one spacer. The radially outer circumferential side of the additive container is kept at a distance to the radially inner circumferential side of the filter medium by the at least one spacer. In this way, a flow chamber for the liquid is realized between the additive container and the filter medium. This flow chamber is connected fluidically via the flow through opening with the container interior space of the additive container and with the radially inner circumferential side which, depending on the flow direction of the liquid through the filter medium, designates either the raw side or the clean side of the filter medium. The at least one spacer can be supported directly at the radially inner circumferential side of the filter medium so that the additive container itself can ensure the function of a support tube and that a separate support tube is not required. When using a support tube for supporting the filter medium, the at least one spacer can also be supported indirectly via the support tube on the inner circumferential side of the filter medium. The filter medium can advantageously be closed circumferentially in a zigzag-folded manner. Thanks to the zigzag folds, a relatively large and active filtration surface can be obtained in comparison with the outside dimensions of the filter element, The at least first passage can be at least an inlet for the liquid to be filtered and to be treated with the additive. The at least second passage can be at least an outlet for the filtered and with additive treated liquid. The imaginary filter element axis can coincide with a corresponding symmetry axis, a central axis and/or a gravity axis of the filter element, the filter housing and/or the filter medium. It can additionally or alternatively coincide with an axis of the filter housing, in particular a screw-in axis of a screwed connection between the filter housing and the filter head. Advantageously, the filter medium can clamp with its inner circumferential side a cylinder jacket or an envelope of cone, the height axis of which can define the imaginary filter element axis. As an additive container in the meaning of the invention a kind of tank is preferably understood, the wall areas of which and the bottom area are closed to a great extent. Openings in the wall areas and the bottom area are so small that the additive contained in the additive container cannot pass through them to the exterior. The additive container is therefore also suited, in particular in contrast to a grid-like or frame-like additive carrier, to accept gel-like or granular additives. 
         [0008]    In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one spacer can feature at least one sup-porting rib that can extend with respect to the filter element axis at least circumferentially along at least one part of the radially outer circumferential side of the additive container. The at least one supporting rib can simply be disposed on the exterior side of the additive container, in particular it can be integrally molded, glued or welded. It can be connected as one piece with the peripheral wall of the additive container. The circumferential extension of the supporting rib makes it possible that the supporting forces, which have an effect between the peripheral wall of the additive container and the inner circumferential side of the filter medium, can have an even impact along the peripheral wall of the additive container. Furthermore, the positioning of the additive container can thus be simplified in the element interior space. Furthermore, the support function acting on the filter medium can be enhanced In this way. Advantageously, the at least one supporting rib can extend in addition also to the circumferential extension in axial direction with respect to the filter element axis. In this way, the active surface of the peripheral wall of the additive container serving as support can be enlarged. Advantageously, the at least one supporting rib can also extend substantially in circumferential direction. 
         [0009]    Advantageously, the at least one supporting rib can extend along an imaginary helical line on the radially outer circumferential side of the additive container. In this way, the surface of the peripheral wall of the additive container, which serves as support, can be enlarged easily. An even support can be realized between the additive container and the filter medium. A supporting rib extending along the helical line can be realized easily. The screw-shaped arrangement of the at least one supporting rib can further-more enhance a flow of the liquid in the flow chamber between the circumferential side of the additive container and the inner circumferential side of the filter medium. Thus, the filter function and the treatment with the additive can be enhanced. Advantageously, several screw-shaped supporting ribs can run parallel to each other. Two adjacent supporting ribs each can define a screw-shaped flow chamber. 
         [0010]    In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one spacer can feature at least one supporting rib that can extend in parallel or diagonally with respect to the filter element axis. Straight supporting ribs can be realized easily. Supporting ribs running parallel to the filter element axis can simplify the installation of the additive container in the element interior space. 
         [0011]    Advantageously, the at least one supporting rib can feature at least one discontinuity. A gap between two supporting ribs in alignment to each other can also be considered as discontinuity. Conversely, two supporting ribs in alignment to each other in their extension direction can be considered as one supporting rib with one discontinuity. The liquid can flow through the at least one discontinuity so that a distribution and a flow of the liquid in the flow chamber between the additive container and the filter medium can be enhanced. Thus, an even liquid distribution along the circumferential side of the additive container can be realized. Thus, an even contact with the additive and an even treatment of the liquid with additive can be made possible via the at least one flow through opening. 
         [0012]    In another advantageous embodiment, the radially outer circumferential side of the additive container can be cylindrical or conical, and coaxial with respect to the filter element axis. Advantageously, the radially inner circumferential side of the filter medium can be accordingly cylindrical or conical. A cylindrical or conical additive container can be adapted optimally to a cylindrical or conical shape of the element interior space. In this way, a radial extension of the flow chamber between the additive container and the inner circumferential side of the filter medium can be uniform in axial direction and in circumferential direction. Thus, the fluid flow can be enhanced in this flow chamber. This can have a positive impact on the pressure ratio between a clean side and a raw side of the filter medium. The filtration effect can thus be enhanced. Furthermore, the service life of the filter element and of the liquid filter, respectively, can be extended. 
         [0013]    Advantageously, the filter medium can be zigzag-folded circumferentially and the at least one spacer can extend circumferentially over at least two, preferably three, fold edges that form the radially inner circumferential side of the filter medium. The circumferential extension of the spacer over at least two, preferably three, fold edges can pre-vent the at least one spacer in embodiments of the filter element, in which the at least one spacer is adjacent directly to the inner circumferential side of the filter medium, which means the fold edges there, from being inserted between two adjacent fold edges. Thus, it can be avoided that a spacer inserted between two adjacent fold edges pushes apart the adjacent fold edges, which could impair the filtration effect of the filter medium. A uniform support on the radially inner fold edges of the filter medium can be realized. 
         [0014]    In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one spacer can be supported at a radially inner circumferential side of a support tube of the filter element which can be disposed in the element interior space and on the radially outer circumferential side of which the radially inner circumferential side of the filter element can be supported indirectly or directly. The support tube can support the filter medium to stabilize its shape. The filter element with the filter medium and the support tube can also be prefabricated and the additive container can be installed easily in the element interior space during a later assembly step. The additive container can be supported by the at least one spacer in a stable manner on the inner circumferential side of the support tube, which means indirectly on the inner circumferential side of the filter medium. Thus, the additive container can be positioned easily in the interior area of the support tube. Advantageously, the additive container can be disposed coaxially in relation to the support tube. Thus, the additive container can be easily inserted into the element interior space without the need of additional positioning elements. 
         [0015]    In another advantageous embodiment, the additive container can be connected, in particular glued or welded, at least on one front face with an end body, in particular an end plate, of the filter element which in turn is connected, in particular glued or welded, with a front face of the filter medium. In this way, the stability of the connection between the additive container and the filter medium can be further enhanced. This can have a positive effect on the stability of the entire filter element. A glued connection or a welded connection can be realized easily. A glued connection or a welded connection can furthermore also realize a sealing function. The end body, in particular the end plate, can stabilize the filter medium additionally on its front face. Furthermore, the end body can tightly seal the filter medium at its front face so that no liquid can enter or leave the element interior space. 
         [0016]    The technical object is further solved by the filter element according to the invention by the fact that at a radially outer circumferential side of the additive container relative to the filter element axis is disposed at least one spacer which, on the one hand, is sup-ported by the radially outer circumferential side of the additive container and, on the other hand, directly or indirectly with its side facing away from the radially outer circumferential side of the additive container at the radially internal circumferential side of the filter medium facing the element interior space relative to the filter element axis. The advantages and features shown above in conjunction with the liquid filter according to the invention are valid for the filter element according to the invention and its advantageous embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The accompanying Figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0018]    Features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth in the drawings and more particularly in the appended claims. The invention, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may be best understood with reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings show a form of the invention that is presently preferred; however, the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown in the drawings. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  schematically depicts a half section of a spin-on filter for engine oil of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle with a filter element in the element interior space of which is disposed an additive container according to a first example of an embodiment which is supported with screw-shaped supporting ribs on an inner circumferential side of a support tube of the filter element; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  schematically depicts an isometric representation of the additive container of the spin-on filter from  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  schematically depicts an isometric representation of an additive container according to a second example of an embodiment which is similar to the additive container in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and which can be used with the spin-on filter in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
       [0022]    Identical components in the figures have the same reference numerals. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components related to a liquid filter and a filter element with an additive container. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 
         [0024]    In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a spin-on filter  10  for engine oil in a lengthwise half section. The spin-on filter  10  is screwed to a filter head of a filtering device, not shown in figure  1 , of an engine oil line of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle which is of no interest here. 
         [0026]    The spin-on filter  10  has a filter housing  12  with a pot  14  and a cover  16 . In at least some embodiments, such as the illustrated exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the pot  14  is permanently and securely fixed to the cover  16  via a liquid-tight flare coupling such that the filter element  26  and filter housing  12  are one-piece unitary and replaced as a unit. A sealing  18  is disposed in a bead in the area of the flare coupling. 
         [0027]    Several inlet ports  20  through which the engine oil to be cleaned can flow into the spin-on filter  10  are disposed in the cover  16 . Furthermore, the cover  16  has a centrally disposed cover outlet  22  which features an internal thread for attaching the spin-on filter  10  on an outer thread of a cylindrical connecting branch of the filter head. The cover outlet  22  and the connecting branch are coaxial in relation to an imaginary axis  24  of the spin-on filter  10 . In the shown example of an embodiment, the axis  24  coincides with a screw-in axis of the spin-on filter  10  around which the filter housing  12  is screwed on the connecting branch of the filter head. If, in the following, it is referred to “axial”, “radial” or “circumferentially”, this refers to the axis  24 , unless otherwise mentioned. 
         [0028]    A filter element  26  is disposed in the inside of the housing  12 . The filter element  26  separates the inlet ports  20  tightly from the cover outlet  22 . For this purpose, the filter element  26  has a filter medium  28  which is closed circumferentially in a zigzag-folded and star-shaped manner. The filter medium  28  defines a radially inner element interior space  30  of the filter element  26  on a clean side of the filter element  26 . The radially inner circumferential side of the filter medium  28 , and therefore the element interior space  30 , are substantially cylindrical. In the example of an embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  a filter medium axis of the filter medium  28  and an axis of the filter element  26  coincide with the axis  24 . 
         [0029]    A bottom end plate  32  and a connection end plate  34  are attached at the front faces of the filter medium  28 . The bottom end plate  32  and the connection end plate  34  are preferably made of synthetic material. The bottom end plate  32  closes the element interior space  30  on the front face of the filter element  26  facing the bottom of the pot  14 , in  FIG. 1  below. Support members  36  support the bottom end plate  32  against the bottom of the pot  14 . 
         [0030]    The connection end plate  34  is substantially designed as annular plate, the inner section of which in the shape of a connecting piece is bent away from the element interior space  30 . A central opening of the connection end plate  34  forms a coaxial element outlet  38  in relation to the cover outlet  22 , through which leads the connecting branch of the filter head when the spin-on filter  10  is mounted. The element outlet  38  is tightly connected with the connecting branch. In this way, the clean-sided element interior space  30  of the filter element  26  is separated from a raw side  40  of the filter medium  28 . An annular space  42  that surrounds the filter medium  28  radially outside is disposed at the raw side  40 . 
         [0031]    A support tube  44  that is coaxial in relation to the axis  24  extends between the bottom end plate  32  and the connection end plate  34  in the element interior space  30 . The support tube  44  is preferably made of synthetic material. The support tube  44  is firmly connected, preferably glued or welded, with the bottom end plate  32  and with the connection end plate  34  as well. The radially inner circumferential side of the filter medium  28  is placed directly on the radially outer circumferential side of the support tube  44 . The support tube  44  has in its peripheral wall a plurality of inlet apertures  46  for the filtered engine oil. The internal diameter of the support tube  44  is larger than the outer diameter of the element outlet  38 . 
         [0032]    An additive container  48  shown in detail in  FIG. 2  is furthermore disposed in the element interior space  30 . The additive container  48  contains an additive for treating the engine oil. The additive is not shown in  FIG. 1  to ensure a better clarity. The additive can preferably be available as gel. However, it can also be available as granulate or in tablet form. When the spin-on filter  10  is in operation, the additive is gradually delivered to the engine oil that flows through the spin-on filter  10 . 
         [0033]    The additive container  48  features a lower cylinder-shaped storage section  50  which is disposed coaxially in relation to the axis  24 . With a lower front face shown in  FIG. 1 , the storage section  50  that is open there is supported tightly on the bottom end plate  32 . The storage section  50  forms in conjunction with the bottom end plate  32  a tank that is substantially closed towards the bottom and circumferentially. This tank is also able to receive a fluid or granular additive. At the side facing the connection end plate  34 , the storage section  50  merges into a one-piece cross bracing  52 . At the side facing the connection end plate  34 , the cross bracing  52  is supported at the interior side of the connection end plate  34  facing the element interior space  30  in axial direction. Thus, the additive container  48  is completely fixed between the connection end plate  34  and the bottom end plate  32  in axial direction. The cross bracing  52  consists of four crosswise arranged plates  54  that extend each radially and axially in relation to the axis  24 . The plates  54  meet in the axis  24  and are connected there with each other to form one piece. 
         [0034]    The storage section  50  features at its front face facing the cross bracing  52  an opening that is divided by the plates  54  into four similar opening segments  56 . The opening segments  56  are among others shown in  FIG. 2 . In the circumferential side of the storage section  50 , a plurality of inlet apertures  58  for engine oil is disposed in circumferential direction and in axial direction. The diameters of the inlet apertures  58  are small compared with the total area of the circumferential side of the storage section  50 . They are dimensioned in such a way that the additive cannot flow through them from the additive container  48  into the element interior space  30  surrounding the container. The diameters of the inlet apertures  58  and/or their total area can be predefined for setting a discharge quantity of additive per flow rate of engine oil. 
         [0035]    A plurality of supporting ribs  60  is disposed at the radially outer circumferential side of the storage section  50 . The supporting ribs  60  are connected each as one piece with a peripheral wall of the storage section  50 . The supporting ribs  60  are bent diagonally downwards towards the bottom end plate  32 . The supporting ribs  60  extend each in a screw-shaped manner around the axis  24 . The supporting ribs  60  run parallel to each other. They extend in axial direction over the complete storage section  50 . The supporting ribs  60  extend each in radial direction up to the radially inner circumferential side of the support tube  44 . The supporting ribs  60  are supported indirectly by the side facing away from the outer circumferential side of the storage section  50  of the additive container  48  via the support tube  44  at the radially inner circumferential side of the filter medium  28 . In this way, the additive container  48  supports the filter medium  28  via the supporting ribs  60  and the support tube  44  and stabilizes the filter element  26 . Furthermore, the supporting ribs  60  position the additive container  48  in the element interior space  30 . 
         [0036]    Each supporting rib  60  features a plurality of discontinuities  62 . The discontinuities  62  are disposed each in the area of one of the inlet apertures  58 . Due to the discontinuities  62 , screw-shaped flow chambers  64 , which extend each between two adjacent supporting ribs  60 , are connected with each other. 
         [0037]    The areas of each of the supporting ribs  60  between two discontinuities  62  extend each circumferentially over at least two, preferably at least three, radially inner fold edges of the zigzag-folded filter medium  28 . In this way, the additive container  48  is uniformly supported in relation to the support tube  44  and the filter medium  28 . 
         [0038]    When the spin-on filter  10  is operating, engine oil is delivered from the engine-oil circuit through the inlet ports  20  to the annular space  42 . The engine oil flows through the filter medium  28  from the annular space  42 , radially outside, to the element interior space  30 , radially inside, shown in  FIG. 1  by an arrow  66 . The filtered engine oil flows through the support tube  44  through the inlet aperture  46  and reaches the flow chambers  64  between the storage section  50  of the additive container  48  and the support tube  44 . From there, one part of the filtered engine oil reaches through the inlet apertures  58  a container interior space  68  of the additive container  58 . In the container interior space  68 , the engine oil comes into contact with the additive therein which is gradually delivered to the engine oil. The engine oil that is filtered and treated with additive passes the cross bracing  52  that homogenizes the flow. The engine oil flows through the element outlet  38  and the cover outlet  24 , shown in  FIG. 1  by an arrow  70 , from the spin-on filter  10  into the connecting branch of the filter head and from there back to the engine-oil circuit. 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 3  is shown a second example of an embodiment of an additive container  148  which is similar to the additive container  48  from the first example of an embodiment in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Those elements that are similar to those in the first example of an embodiment have the same reference numerals. The second example of an embodiment is different from the first example of an embodiment by the fact that instead of the screw-shaped supporting ribs  60  a plurality of supporting ribs  160  is provided that extend each in axial direction. The supporting ribs  160  are disposed in four each axially extending groups with five supporting ribs  160  each. The supporting ribs  160  of an axial group are aligned in axial direction. Between the adjacent supporting ribs  160  of an axial group there is one discontinuity  62  each. In other words, each axial group of supporting ribs  160  represents one axial supporting rib that is divided by the four discontinuities  64  into four supporting rib parts  160 . The four supporting rib groups are evenly distributed at the radially outer circumferential side of the storage section  50 . 
         [0040]    Furthermore, the cross bracing  152  in the second example of an embodiment has four supporting lugs  172  which are disposed each radially outside at the free sides of the plates  54  facing away from the storage section  50  and extend in axial direction away from the storage section  50 . When the spin-on filter  10  is assembled, the supporting lugs  172  are supported at the connection end plate  34  of the filter element  26 . The sup-porting lugs  172  act as further spacers via which a flow chamber  174  is realized which connects the four volume sections between the plates  54 . 
         [0041]    In all above described examples of an embodiment of a spin-on filter  10  and a filter element  26 , the following modifications are among others possible: 
         [0042]    The invention is not limited to spin-on filters  10  for engine oil of internal combustion engines. Rather, it can also be used with different liquid filters, for example for fuel or water. The invention can also be used outside the automotive technology, for example with industrial engines. 
         [0043]    Instead of the spin-on filter  10 , it is also possible to use a filter with an openable filter housing in which the filter element  26  can be disposed replaceably. 
         [0044]    Instead of being disposed in the area of the inlet apertures  58 , the discontinuities  62  of the supporting ribs  60  can also be disposed in distant areas of the peripheral wall of the storage section  50 . 
         [0045]    At least in the first example of an embodiment in  FIGS. 1 and 2  the support tube  44  is not required. In this case, the supporting ribs  60  can be supported directly at the inner circumferential side of the filter medium  28 , which means the radially inner fold edges there. 
         [0046]    In the first example of an embodiment, only one screw-shaped extending supporting rib can be provided instead of the plurality of screw-shaped extending supporting ribs  60 . 
         [0047]    In the second example of an embodiment, the supporting ribs  160  can also extend diagonally in relation to the axis  24  instead of extending in axial direction. 
         [0048]    Instead of the screw-shaped supporting ribs  60  and the axial supporting ribs  160 , circumferentially extending supporting ribs can also be provided. 
         [0049]    The cross bracing  52  is also not needed. Another axial supporting device can also be provided instead. The storage section  50  can also extend in axial direction up to the connection end plate  34  where it can be supported. Advantageously, larger inlet apertures and/or a larger number of inlet apertures  58  can then be provided in the storage section  50  in the area of the connection end plate  34 . The storage section  50  can also only partially be filled with additive. 
         [0050]    The storage section  50  can also be firmly connected, for example by gluing or welding, with the bottom end plate  32 . 
         [0051]    The storage section  50  can also be open completely or only sectionwise towards the bottom end plate  32 . 
         [0052]    The corresponding axes of the filter element  26  and/or the filter medium  28  and/or the additive container  48 ;  148  and/or the screw-in axis and/or the axis  24  of the spin-on filter  10  must not all coincide. 
         [0053]    It is also possible to provide only one inlet port  20 . 
         [0054]    Instead of only one cover outlet  22 , several outlet ports for the engine oil can also be provided. 
         [0055]    The filter element  26  can also be designed in such a way that the filter medium  28  can be flowed through in reverse direction, which means from radially inside to outside, rather from radially outside to inside. In this case, the positions of the inlet ports  20  and of the cover outlet  22  can be changed accordingly. 
         [0056]    Instead of the screwed connection, the spin-on filter  10  can also be detachably connected by means of another connection, for example by means of a bayonet connection, with the filter head. 
         [0057]    Instead of synthetic material, the bottom end plate  32  and/or the connection end plate  34  and/or the support tube  44  can also be made of a different material, for example metal. 
         [0058]    Instead of the zigzag-folded filter medium  28 , another filter medium, for example a wound filter medium, that surrounds the element interior space  30  in a closed manner, can be provided. 
         [0059]    Instead of being cylindrically shaped, the filter medium  28  can also have a different shape, for example a conical shape. 
         [0060]    In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1