Air filter assembly

Abstract

An air filter assembly for a vehicle comprises: a box comprising a wall; a filter element comprising at least two tubular filter media and a plate group, wherein the at least two tubular filter media are operatively connected to the plate group. The plate group extends relative to an imaginary extension plane and comprises a first face and a second face, the first face comprising at least one sealing profile and the second face comprising at least two contact profiles. The filter element is insertable into the box along an insertion direction. The box comprises a receiving area between the wall and the at least two contact elements, the plate group is received in the receiving area, the at least one sealing profile is sealingly engaged with the wall and the contact profile is engaged with the contact element. At least one sealing profile or contact profile is shaped relative to the imaginary extension plane or positioned relative to each other and has a varying vertical distance from the imaginary extension plane, and at least one sealing profile or contact profile is shaped relative to the imaginary extension plane or positioned relative to each other and presents a varying longitudinal distance from the imaginary extension plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air filter assembly for a vehicle. In addition, the present invention also relates to an engine air intake system for a vehicle, the engine air intake system of the vehicle comprising the air filter assembly for the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The background of the invention lies in air filter assemblies in the automotive field and, in particular, in air filter assemblies adapted to filter air drawn from the environment into the combustion chambers of internal combustion engines.

[0003] In particular, the purpose of these components is to filter the air in order to remove suspended particles from the air, which, if introduced into the combustion chamber, could damage the engine (or parts of the engine) or lead to incomplete combustion.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to perform air filtration efficiently and effectively, avoiding the possibility of leakage and, therefore, the possibility of dirt reaching the combustion chamber.

[0005] Known air filter assemblies comprise a specific box and a specific filter element housed in the box, the filter element typically being a plate element.

[0006] A major problem with known air filter assemblies is the failure of the filter element to function properly, usually due to incorrect positioning within the cassette.

[0007] In particular, in practice, problems related to incorrect positioning of the filter element (the filter element and the cassette are joined in an ineffective sealing manner, resulting in partial air leakage and low filtration efficiency) are common problems in known technical solutions of the prior art. In addition, incorrect insertion of the filter element into the cassette can potentially damage the filter element and / or the sealing profile of the filter element, which in turn can lead to ineffective air filtration.

[0008] In order to overcome this problem, many embodiments of air filter assemblies have been implemented in the prior art, in which the filter element and / or a specific filter element receiving component (such as a drawer element) and / or the filter element receiving box need to undergo specific movements in order to perform the correct relative positioning of the parts.

[0009] However, it has been observed that these technical solutions do not completely solve the technical drawbacks mentioned above. In fact, these known technical solutions do not provide for a simple maintenance operation and therefore do not provide a simple method for inserting a new filter cartridge into the corresponding box, thus showing a high probability of error, resulting in the possibility that the filter cartridge may be incorrectly housed in its box. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide an air filter assembly having a box and a filter element that can be accommodated in the box, wherein the filter element has high-efficiency filtering performance and can be inserted into the box in a simple and intuitive manner and more importantly in a correct manner, thereby avoiding possible incorrect positioning thereof and thus avoiding any undesirable leakage or breakage.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an air filter assembly in which the aforementioned needs are met and which also responds efficiently and effectively to the requirements of a specific range of applications.

[0012] This object is achieved by an air filter assembly according to claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved by an engine air intake system for a vehicle according to claim 17, comprising the air filter assembly.

[0013] The claims dependent upon these claims reveal preferred embodiments relating to further advantageous aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention will in any case become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1a and 1b Two perspective views showing the parts of an air filter assembly in separated form according to a first preferred embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2a and 2b Shown included in Figure 1a and 1b Two perspective views of the box, and in particular the container, in the air filtration assembly shown in ;

[0017] Figure 3a and 3b Indicates that according to a preferred embodiment, Figure 1a and 1b Two perspective views of a filter element in an air filter assembly shown in ;

[0018] Figure 3a' According to another preferred embodiment, the Figure 1a and 1b A perspective view of a filter element in an air filter assembly shown in FIG.

[0019] Figure 4a 、 4b and 4c show the inclusion of Figure 3a and 3b Perspective, top, and side views of the plate pack in the filter element;

[0020] Figure 5a 、 5b , 5c, 5d, 5e and 5f are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the air filter assembly at different assembly stages;

[0021] Figure 6a and 6b Two perspective views showing the parts of an air filter assembly in separated form according to a second preferred embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7a and 7b Shown included in Figure 6a and 6b Two perspective views of the box, and in particular the container, in the air filtration assembly shown in ;

[0023] Figure 8a and 8b Indicates that according to a preferred embodiment, Figure 6a and 6b Two perspective views of a filter element in an air filter assembly shown in ;

[0024] Figure 9a 、 9b and 9c show the inclusion of Figure 8a and 8b Perspective, top, and side views of the plate pack in the filter element;

[0025] Figure 10a 、 10b , 10c, 10d, 10e and 10f are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the air filter assembly at different assembly stages;

[0026] Figure 11a and 11b Two perspective views showing the parts of an air filter assembly in separated form according to a third preferred embodiment;

[0027] Figure 12a and 12b Shown included in Figure 11a and 11b Two perspective views of the box, and in particular the container, in the air filtration assembly shown in ;

[0028] Figure 13a and 13b Indicates that according to a preferred embodiment, Figure 11a and 11b Two perspective views of a filter element in an air filter assembly shown in ;

[0029] Figure 14a 、 14b and 14c show the inclusion of Figure 13a and13b Perspective, top, and side views of the plate pack in the filter element;

[0030] Figure 15a 、 15b , 15c, 15d, 15e and 15f are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the air filter assembly at different assembly stages;

[0031] Figure 16a and 16b Two perspective views showing the parts of an air filter assembly in separated form according to a fourth preferred embodiment;

[0032] Figure 17a and 17b Shown included in Figure 16a and 16b Two perspective views of the box, and in particular the container, in the air filtration assembly shown in ;

[0033] Figure 18a and 18b Indicates that according to a preferred embodiment, Figure 16a and 16b Two perspective views of a filter element in an air filter assembly shown in ;

[0034] Figure 19a 、 19b and 19c show the inclusion of Figure 18a and 18b Perspective, top, and side views of the plate pack in the filter element;

[0035] Figure 20a 、 20b , 20c, 20d, 20e and 20f are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the air filter assembly at different assembly stages;

[0036] Figure 21a and 21b Two perspective views showing the parts of an air filter assembly in separated form according to a fifth preferred embodiment;

[0037] Figure 22a and 22b Shown included in Figure 21a and 21b Two perspective views of the box, and in particular the container, in the air filtration assembly shown in ;

[0038] Figure 23a and 23b Indicates that according to a preferred embodiment, Figure 21a and 21b Two perspective views of a filter element in an air filter assembly shown in ;

[0039] Figure 24a 、24b and 24c show the inclusion of Figure 23a and 23b Perspective, top, and side views of the plate pack in the filter element;

[0040] Figure 25a 、 25b , 25c, 25d, 25e and 25f are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the air filter assembly at different assembly stages;

[0041] Figure 25' 、 25” and 25"' in perspective form, including Figure 21a and 21b Some assembly steps of the filter element in the box of the air filter assembly shown, especially the plate pack;

[0042] Figure 26a and 26b Two perspective views showing the parts of an air filter assembly in separated form according to a sixth preferred embodiment;

[0043] Figure 27a and 27b Shown included in Figure 26a and 26b Two perspective views of the box, and in particular the container, in the air filtration assembly shown in ;

[0044] Figure 28a and 28b Indicates that according to a preferred embodiment, Figure 26a and 26b Two perspective views of a filter element in an air filter assembly shown in ;

[0045] Figure 29a 、 29b and 29c show the inclusion of Figure 28a and 28b Perspective, top, and side views of the plate pack in the filter element;

[0046] Figure 30a 、 30b , 30c, 30d, 30e and 30f are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the air filter assembly at different assembly stages;

[0047] Figure 30' 、 30” and 30"' in perspective form, including Figure 26a and 26b Some assembly steps of the filter element in the box of the air filter assembly shown, especially the plate pack.

[0048] Description of reference numerals:

[0049] 1 air filter assembly; 2 box; 20 container; 21 wall; 200 cover; 250 contact protrusion; 250 "auxiliary contact and thrust surface; 22 contact element; 22' contact and thrust surface; 25 receiving area; 26 support element; 28 inlet; 29 outlet; 3 filter element; 4 tubular filter membrane; 40 inner cavity; 5 plate group; 50 assembly; 51 first side, sealing surface; 510 sealing contour; 52 second side, contact surface; 520 contact contour; 520' contact and thrust surface; 5 20" auxiliary contact and thrust surface; 59 outflow opening; 6 auxiliary plate group; XX longitudinal axis; VV first axis, vertical axis; YY second axis, transverse axis; Z insertion direction; S imaginary extension plane; T1, T2, T3, T4 imaginary sealing planes; R1, R2, R3, R4 imaginary contact planes; dx1, dx1', dx2, dx2', dx2", dx2"' varying longitudinal distances; dz1, dz1', dz2, dz2' varying vertical distances. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes an air filter assembly according to the present invention.

[0051] According to the present invention, the air filter assembly 1 is adapted to be part of a vehicle. In particular, the air filter assembly 1 is adapted to be part of an engine intake system of the vehicle. Preferably, the air filter assembly 1 is thus adapted to be connected to the vehicle's intake manifold. Preferably, the air filter assembly 1 is fluidically connected to the combustion chamber of the vehicle's internal combustion engine via the intake manifold.

[0052] Preferably, air in the intake air from the environment can pass through the air filter assembly 1. Thus, within the air filter assembly 1, the atmospheric air is separated from unwanted components suspended therein.

[0053] As mentioned above, the present invention also relates to an engine air intake system of a vehicle including the air filter assembly 1 .

[0054] According to the present invention, an air filter assembly 1 for a vehicle includes a box 2 and a filter element 3 accommodated in the box 2 .

[0055] Preferably, the box 2 is fluidly connected to the external environment on one side and to the vehicle intake manifold on the other side.

[0056] Air filtration occurs inside box 2.

[0057] According to the present invention, the box 2 comprises a wall 21. Preferably, the wall 21 comprises at least one outflow opening 29 through which air can pass. Preferably, filtered air exits the box 2 from the outflow opening 29. Preferably, the outflow opening 29 is adapted to be fluidically connected to an intake manifold.

[0058] According to the invention, the box 2 extends along a first, preferably vertical, axis VV and a second, preferably transverse, axis YY. According to a preferred embodiment, the first axis VV is orthogonal to the second axis YY.

[0059] Preferably, the wall 21 extends along a first axis VV and a second axis YY.

[0060] According to the invention, the box 2 also extends along a longitudinal axis XX. The longitudinal axis XX intersects the first axis VV and the second axis YY. In other words, the longitudinal axis XX extends from the wall 21. Preferably, the longitudinal axis XX extends orthogonally to the first axis VV and to the second axis YY, and therefore preferably, the longitudinal axis XX is orthogonal to the wall 21.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the box 2 has a generally parallelepiped shape.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 comprises a plate pack 5 and a plurality of tubular filter media 4 , which are integrally connected to the plate pack 5 .

[0063] According to the invention, the filter element 3 comprises at least two tubular filter media 4, which can be passed through during filtration, preferably radially. Preferably, during filtration, the tubular filter media 4 can be passed through radially from the outside to the inside, so that the dirty side of the filter element 3 is determined on the outside of the tubular filter media 4, while the clean side of the filter element 3 is determined on the inside of the tubular filter media 4 (preferably in the inner cavity 40).

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 comprises at least two tubular filter media 4 positioned aligned with each other along the first axis VV or the second axis YY.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 comprises at least two parallel rows, wherein each row comprises at least two tubular filter media 4 .

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 includes three tubular filter media 4 per row.

[0067] As mentioned above, according to the present invention, the filter element 3 further comprises a plate group 5 to which the tubular filter medium 4 is operatively connected. In particular, the plate group 5 is adapted to support the tubular filter medium 4.

[0068] The plate package 5 comprises at least one outflow opening 59 adapted to place the tubular filter medium 4 , in particular the inner cavity 40 of the tubular filter medium 4 , in fluid communication with the at least one outflow opening 59 .

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the plate pack 5 comprises at least one outflow opening 59 for each tubular filter membrane 4. Preferably, the wall 21 also comprises an outflow opening 29 at each outflow opening 59.

[0070] In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the outflow openings 59 are ducts extending longitudinally between the second face 52 and the first face 51. Preferably, the plate pack 5 comprises a number of ducts equal to the number of tubular filter media 4.

[0071] According to a variant embodiment, at least one outflow opening 59 is formed to extend longitudinally between the second face 52 and the first face 51 to fluidically connect the tubular filter medium 4 to the at least one outflow outlet 29. In other words, in this embodiment, the outflow opening 59 is an internal fluid manifold adapted to connect the tubular filter medium 4 to the at least one outflow outlet 29. Thus, preferably, the outflow opening 59 has a number of fluid channels on the second face 52 equal to the number of tubular filter media 4, and a plurality of fluid channels on the first face 51, for example, a number of fluid channels on the first face 51 equal to the number of outflow outlets 29 present in the wall 21.

[0072] According to the invention, the plate package 5 extends relative to an imaginary plane of extension S.

[0073] Preferably, the imaginary extension plane S is positioned at the center line of the thickness of the plate package 5 .

[0074] Preferably, the plate set 5 comprises a plate body 50. According to a preferred embodiment, the plate set 5 is obtained by a plastic molding operation, such as injection molding.

[0075] According to the invention, the plate assembly 5 comprises a first face 51 and a second face 52 on opposite sides of an imaginary extension plane S. The first face 51 is also called a sealing face, and the second face 52 is also called a contact or thrust face.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, at least two tubular filter media are operatively connected to the plate body 50 of the plate package 5 .

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment, at least two tubular filter media 4 are integrally connected to the plate package 5 .

[0078] Preferably, according to a preferred embodiment, at least two tubular filter media 4 are integrally connected to the second face 52 .

[0079] According to the invention, the first face 51 comprises at least one sealing contour 510 .

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package 5 comprises a single sealing contour 510 which extends around the outflow opening 59 or outflow openings in the plate package 5 and thereby defines, together with the wall 21 , a single sealing area.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment, for each outflow opening 59, the plate pack 5 comprises a respective sealing contour 510 extending around the respective outflow opening 59. In other words, for example, in an embodiment of the filter insert 3 in which the plate pack 5 comprises three outflow openings 59, the filter insert 3 comprises three sealing contours 510 defining three sealing areas.

[0082] In some embodiment variants, the plate set 5 comprises a sealing contour 510 extending around a plurality of outflow openings 59. For example, the sealing contour 510 extends around a plurality of outflow openings 59, which are preferably aligned with one another.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, each sealing profile 510 is an elastically yielding element.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 510 is a removable element, for example adapted to be housed in a seat of specific shape included in the plate 50. Preferably, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the sealing profile 510 is a gasket element.

[0085] According to other embodiments, the sealing contour 510 is integrated in the plate body 50. In particular, the sealing contour 510 is a collar or a sealing lip made integrally with the plate body 50, for example of the same material as the plate body 50.

[0086] According to a further preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 510 is integrated into the plate body by means of overmolding.

[0087] Preferably, the sealing contour 510 acts in an axial direction (parallel to the longitudinal direction XX).

[0088] Preferably, in the case of a plurality of sealing contours 510 , each sealing contour 510 acts in an axial direction (parallel to the longitudinal direction XX).

[0089] According to the invention, the second face 52 comprises at least two contact contours 520 .

[0090] Preferably, the contact profiles 520 are elements protruding orthogonally relative to the imaginary extension plane S, which are positioned axially spaced apart from one another. This means that the contact profiles 520 extend in height orthogonally to the insertion direction, i.e. in the longitudinal direction XX, and are axially spaced apart from one another relative to the first axis VV or relative to the second axis YY, preferably relative to the second axis YY, i.e. relative to an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0091] According to the invention, the contact contours 520 are spaced apart from one another relative to the first axis VV or relative to the second axis YY such that at least one tubular filter membrane 4 is positioned between two consecutive contact contours 520 (along the first axis or along the second axis).

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment, the contact profiles 520 are sufficient in number to include an axially distal end contact profile 520 and at least one intermediate contact profile positioned between the two end contact profiles.

[0093] Preferably, a contact contour 520 is provided between two consecutive tubular filter media 4 .

[0094] In an embodiment where preferably each row includes three tubular filter media 4, there are two end contact profiles 520 and two intermediate contact profiles 520, such that one intermediate contact profile 520 is positioned between the first tubular filter medium 4 and the second tubular filter medium 4, and the other intermediate contact profile 520 is positioned between the second tubular filter medium 4 and the third tubular filter medium 4.

[0095] According to the invention, the filter element 3 can be inserted into the cassette 2 along an insertion direction Z that is substantially parallel to the first axis VV or the second axis YY.

[0096] In other words, the filter element 3 can be inserted into the box in a one-way insertion operation.

[0097] According to a preferred embodiment, the tubular filter medium 4 and the rows of tubular filter medium 4 extend in particular along an axis intersecting the insertion direction Z; preferably, the tubular filter medium 4 and the rows of tubular filter medium 4 extend orthogonally to the insertion direction Z.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment, the insertion direction Z corresponds substantially to the first axis VV in the vertical direction, so that the insertion operation also benefits from the effect of gravity.

[0099] According to other embodiment variants (not shown in the figures), several rows of tubular filter media 4 extend parallel to the insertion direction Z.

[0100] According to the invention, the box 2 comprises a housing area 25 between the wall 21 and at least two contact elements 22 , which are longitudinally spaced apart from the wall 21 and axially spaced apart from each other.

[0101] The plate package 5 is accommodated in the accommodation area 25 , at least one sealing contour 510 sealingly engages the wall 21 , and the contact contour 520 engages the corresponding contact element 22 .

[0102] Preferably, the contact elements 22 included in the cassette 2 are related in number and position to the contact profiles 520 included in the plate set 5 .

[0103] In other words, in the accommodation area 25, the plate pack 5 can be inserted axially along the insertion direction Z so that the plate pack 5 engages with the wall 21 with the first face 51 and so that it is engaged on the second face 52 by the contact element 22. Preferably, the contact on the second face 52 involves an axial thrust in the longitudinal direction in order to push the first face 51 and hold it on the wall 21.

[0104] As described in detail below, the plate pack 5 (particularly some components of the plate pack 5 ) and the receiving area 25 are shaped complementary to each other, particularly in the longitudinal direction and in a direction parallel to the insertion direction. This connection therefore particularly allows a unique mutual positioning.

[0105] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention (not shown in the drawings), at least one sealing profile 510 is shaped relative to an imaginary plane of extension S to present, along the insertion direction Z, a varying vertical distance dz1 , dz1 ′ measured orthogonally thereto.

[0106] That is, the sealing profile 510 is shaped to have certain portions at a first perpendicular distance dz1 from the imaginary plane of extension S and other portions at a different perpendicular distance dz1 ′ from the imaginary plane of extension S.

[0107] Alternatively, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention (as shown in the accompanying drawings, for example, Figure 19c 、 24c , 29c ), the sealing profiles 510 are positioned relative to the imaginary extension plane S along the insertion direction Z at varying vertical distances dz1 , dz1 ′ measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

[0108] That is, by comprising a plurality of sealing profiles 510, each sealing profile 510 is positioned at a specific vertical distance from the imaginary plane of extension S. Thus, preferably, two consecutive sealing profiles 510 are located at two different distances from the imaginary plane of extension S in a direction parallel to the insertion direction Z. Preferably, during the insertion operation, the lower sealing profile 510 or the lower part of the sealing profile 510 that first enters the box 2 is located preferably closer to the imaginary plane of extension S than the upper sealing profile 510 or the upper part of the sealing profile 510.

[0109] The wall 21 is particularly shaped in a complementary manner according to the above description regarding the shape and position of the sealing contour 510 .

[0110] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention (as shown in the accompanying drawings, for example Figure 4c 、 9c, 14c, 19c, 24c, 29c), the contact profile 520 is formed relative to the imaginary extension plane S, and presents a changing vertical distance dz2, dz2 measured in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction Z along the insertion direction Z.

[0111] That is, the contact profile 520 is shaped to have certain portions at a first perpendicular distance dz2 from the imaginary plane of extension S and other portions at different perpendicular distances dz2 ′, dz2 ″ from the imaginary plane of extension S.

[0112] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention (not shown in the drawings), the contact profiles 520 are positioned relative to one another with respect to the imaginary plane of extension S so as to present, along the insertion direction Z, varying vertical distances dz2, dz2' measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z. In other words, the contact profiles have a "serrated profile".

[0113] The contact element 22 is particularly shaped in a complementary manner according to the above description regarding the shape and position of the contact contour 520 .

[0114] According to a preferred embodiment, the contact contour 520 and the contact element 22 comprise respective contact and thrust surfaces 520 ′, 22 ′ which engage one another in a scovering manner during the insertion operation of the filter insert 3 into the cassette 2 .

[0115] Preferably, the contact and thrust surfaces 520 ′, 22 ′ are shaped such that the filter element 3 is pushed in the longitudinal direction and held in position against the wall 21 .

[0116] In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5 cut perpendicularly to the extension plane S presents elements or parts of elements close to the extension plane S and elements or parts of elements remote from the extension plane S. In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5 cut perpendicularly to the extension plane S presents elements or parts of elements close to the imaginary extension plane S and elements or parts of elements remote from the imaginary extension plane S on the first side 51 and / or on the second side 52.

[0117] According to the invention, the plate pack 5 is shaped so that during the insertion operation its first area, which enters the accommodation area 25, is conical. According to a preferred embodiment, the plate pack is conical at its bottom.

[0118] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention (not shown in the accompanying drawings), at least one sealing profile 510 is formed relative to an imaginary extension plane S, and presents a varying longitudinal distance dx1, dx1' measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis XX along a first axis VV or a second axis YY, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

[0119] That is, the sealing profile 510 is formed to have certain portions at a first longitudinal distance dx1 from the imaginary plane of extension S and other portions at a different longitudinal distance dx1 ′ from the imaginary plane of extension S.

[0120] Alternatively, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention (e.g. Figure 9b 、 14b , 19b, 24b), the sealing profiles 510 are positioned relative to each other relative to the imaginary extension plane S, and along the first axis VV or the second axis YY, preferably along the axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z, present a varying longitudinal distance dx1, dx1' measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis XX.

[0121] That is, by comprising a plurality of sealing profiles 510 , each sealing profile 510 is positioned at a specific longitudinal distance from the imaginary extension plane S. Thus, preferably, two mutually consecutive sealing profiles 510 are located at two different longitudinal distances.

[0122] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention (not shown in the accompanying drawings), the contact profile 520 is formed relative to an imaginary extension plane S and presents a varying longitudinal distance dx2, dx2' measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis XX along a first axis VV or a second axis YY, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

[0123] That is, the contact profile 520 is shaped to have certain portions at a first longitudinal distance from the imaginary plane S of extension and other portions at different longitudinal distances from the imaginary plane S of extension.

[0124] Alternatively, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention (e.g. Figure 4b 、 14b , 19b, 24b, 29b as examples), the contact profiles 520 are positioned relative to each other relative to the imaginary extension plane S, and along the first axis VV or the second axis YY, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z, present a varying longitudinal distance dx2, dx2', dx2", dx2'" measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis XX.

[0125] That is, by comprising a plurality of contact contours 520 , each contact contour 520 is positioned at a specific longitudinal distance from the imaginary extension plane S. Therefore, preferably, two contact contours 520 successive to each other along the insertion direction Z are located at two different longitudinal distances.

[0126] In other words, according to the invention, the plate pack 5, sectioned along the extension plane S, exhibits elements or parts of elements longitudinally close to this plane and elements or parts of elements longitudinally away from this plane. In other words, according to the invention, the plate pack 5, sectioned orthogonally to the extension plane S and orthogonally to the insertion direction, exhibits on the first face 51 and / or on the second face 52 elements or parts of elements longitudinally close to this imaginary extension plane S and elements or parts of elements longitudinally away from this imaginary extension plane S.

[0127] According to the invention, the shape of the plate pack 5 presents a variable cross section, preferably with a taper in a preferred axial direction. Alternatively, also according to the invention, the shape of the plate pack 5 presents a cross section that itself varies, presenting a concave or convex center.

[0128] As mentioned above, the cassette 2 (its receiving area 25 ), in particular the wall 21 and the contact element 22 , are specially designed for use with the sealing contour 510 and the contact contour 520 .

[0129] For example, in an embodiment having a filter element 3 comprising various sealing profiles 510 , the wall 21 is specifically shaped to include a sealing plane 210 adapted to be engaged by the sealing profiles 510 .

[0130] For example, according to a preferred embodiment, the wall 21 includes a plurality of sealing planes 210, and the plurality of sealing planes 210 are positioned on different imaginary sealing planes T1, T2, T3, and T4, and the different imaginary sealing planes T1, T2, T3, and T4 are at varying longitudinal distances and varying vertical distances (or are different from each other) relative to the imaginary extension plane S in a direction parallel to the insertion direction Z when the filter element 3 is accommodated.

[0131] Or for example, according to a preferred embodiment, multiple contact elements 22 are located on different imaginary contact planes R1, R2, R3, R4, and the different imaginary contact planes R1, R2, R3, R4 are at varying longitudinal distances and varying vertical distances relative to the imaginary extension plane S when the filter element 3 is accommodated in the box 2 and the plate group 5 is accommodated in the accommodating area 25.

[0132] In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5 has a varying shape along the vertical axis when viewed from the side, and the plate package 5 has a varying shape along the longitudinal axis when viewed from above.

[0133] Preferably, at least one of the first face 51 and the second face 52 has a varying profile along the vertical axis, and at least one of the first face 51 and the second face 52 has a varying profile along the longitudinal axis.

[0134] According to a preferred embodiment, the box 2 comprises a container 20 in which at least a portion of the filter element 3 can be accommodated, and a cover 200 adapted to close the container 20 .

[0135] Preferably, the cover 200 may be mounted on the container 20 parallel to the insertion direction Z. According to a preferred embodiment, the cover 200 may be fixed to the container 20 by means of bolts or clips.

[0136] According to a preferred embodiment, the cap 200 is suitable for engaging the filter element 3 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction Z.

[0137] Preferably, the cover 200 is adapted to engage the plate pack 5 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

[0138] In other words, preferably, the cover 200 is adapted to serve as an axial contact in the insertion direction.

[0139] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover 200 comprises one or more protrusions 250 adapted to engage the second face 52 of the plate pack 5 to hold the filter element 3 in its longitudinal position or to hold the filter element 3 (in particular one or more sealing profiles 510 ) pushed against the wall 21 in the longitudinal direction.

[0140] According to a preferred embodiment, one or more protrusions 250 engage the contact profile 520 .

[0141] According to a preferred embodiment, the protrusion 250 has the same purpose as the contact element 22. Preferably, the contact profile 520 is shaped and / or positioned so as to interact with the contact element 22 in its lower part and with the protrusion 250 in its upper part.

[0142] Preferably, the contact contour 520 and the contact projection 250 have auxiliary contact and thrust surfaces 520 ″, 250 ″.

[0143] Preferably, one or more contact projections 250 are positioned at the intermediate contact profile 520. In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate contact profile 520 has a wedge shape comprising both contact and thrust surfaces adapted to engage the contact element 22 and auxiliary contact and thrust surfaces adapted to engage the contact projections 250.

[0144] According to a preferred embodiment, the cassette 2 comprises at least one inlet 28. Preferably, the at least one inlet 28 is spaced apart from the at least one outlet 29 in the longitudinal direction.

[0145] According to a preferred embodiment, the container 20 and / or the cover 200 include a directional flange adapted to direct the external air flow toward the tubular filter medium 4. In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the container 20 and / or the cover 200 include a directional flange on the interior thereof adapted to direct the incoming air flow toward the outer wall of the tubular filter medium 4.

[0146] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 further comprises an auxiliary plate group 6. Preferably, the auxiliary plate group 6 is longitudinally opposite to the plate group 5. Preferably, the tubular filter medium 4 is integrally connected to the auxiliary plate group 6.

[0147] According to a preferred embodiment, the box 2 further comprises a supporting element 26 to support the auxiliary plate 6 .

[0148] According to a preferred embodiment, the plate pack 5 comprises resiliently yielding teeth adapted to engage external contact elements, preferably in a special snap-in housing. Preferably, a snap-in engagement occurs when the filter cartridge 3 is inserted into the cassette 2 in the insertion direction. The filter cartridge is preferably removed from the cassette 2 by a tensile force that exceeds the elastic action of the resiliently yielding teeth.

[0149] Preferably, the elastically yielding teeth act in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction XX.

[0150] As described above, other embodiments are also possible according to the present invention. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the plate pack 5 is composed of a plurality of different parts assembled to one another. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the plate pack comprises a first part, to which the tubular filter medium is operatively connected, and a second part, to which the tubular filter medium is operatively connected, the first part comprising at least one sealing profile, and a second part which can be assembled to the first part, the second part comprising a contact profile.

[0151] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the end contact profile is longitudinally further away from the imaginary extension plane S (e.g. Figure 24b shown).

[0152] Alternatively, according to a preferred embodiment, the end contact profiles are respectively at different longitudinal distances from the imaginary plane of extension S.

[0153] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the end contact profiles are at different longitudinal distances from each other, but at the same time at different longitudinal distances from at least one intermediate contact profile, e.g. Figure 14b and 19b shown.

[0154] In the accompanying drawings, some preferred embodiment variants are shown as examples. In particular, reference is made to the drawings showing a top view and a side view of a plate pack 5, namely Figure 4b 、 Figure 4c 、 Figure 9b 、 Figure 9c 、 Figure 14b 、 Figure 14c 、 Figure 19b 、 Figure 19c 、 Figure 24b 、 Figure 24c 、 Figure 29b 、 Figure 29c , but as described in detail, the receiving area 25 has a complementary shape, as shown in the specific figures showing the box 2.

[0155] These variants show certain preferred embodiments, with certain shapes and / or positioning of the sealing profile and the contact profile.

[0156] In such an embodiment variant shown, it can be seen in a top view how the sealing profile and / or the contact profile are at a varying distance from the imaginary extension plane S. In other words, even if the plate package 5 is sectioned orthogonally to the imaginary extension plane S and parallel to the longitudinal axis XX, the shape and / or positioning of the sealing profile and the contact profile vary with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0157] In some of these embodiments, the sealing profile 510 extends in an imaginary plane and is parallel to the imaginary extension plane S, while the at least two contact elements 520 are positioned at different longitudinal distances from each other from the imaginary extension plane (e.g. Figure 4b shown).

[0158] In some of these embodiments, it can be seen in the side view how the sealing profile and / or the contact profile are at a varying distance from the imaginary extension plane S. In other words, even if the plate pack 5 is sectioned orthogonally to the imaginary extension plane S, parallel to the longitudinal axis XX and parallel to the insertion direction Z, the shape and / or position of the sealing profile and the contact profile vary in the insertion direction.

[0159] In some embodiment variants, the sealing profile 510 extends on an imaginary plane and is parallel to the imaginary extension plane S, while the contact element 520 is formed with an inclined profile so as to determine different longitudinal distances from the imaginary extension plane (e.g. Figure 4c shown).

[0160] In other embodiment variants, the sealing contour 510 extends parallel to the insertion axis and on a different imaginary plane. Preferably, also in this variant, the contact element 520 is specially shaped.

[0161] According to some preferred embodiments shown, the laterally spaced contact elements 520 have the same shape, ie, have the same inclination (as shown in the drawings).

[0162] According to some preferred embodiment variations, the laterally spaced contact elements 520 have different shapes, ie different inclinations.

[0163] It should be noted that, relative to the embodiments shown in the drawings, mixed embodiments can also be envisaged, which are also consistent with the above-mentioned principles of the present invention, presenting an arrangement of sealing profiles of one technical solution and other contact profiles.

[0164] Innovatively, the above-mentioned air filter assembly and the engine air intake system of a vehicle including the air filter assembly fully solve the purpose of the present invention and overcome the common shortcomings of the prior art.

[0165] Advantageously, the air filter assembly ensures simple and intuitive assembly and disassembly. Advantageously, the assembly and disassembly of the air filter assembly is guided and error-proof.

[0166] Advantageously, the filter cartridge is only adapted to be inserted into the cassette in a single insertion orientation, making the maintenance process easier.

[0167] Advantageously, the filter element, in particular its plate pack, is adapted to be inserted in a guided manner into the cassette, in particular into the receiving area, so that damage or loss of the sealing contour is avoided, friction of the sealing contour with the wall and unnecessary wear are minimized.

[0168] Advantageously, maintenance operations are guided and prevent the possibility of accidental breakage during their execution.

[0169] Advantageously, the positioning of the filter element ensures a secure and precise positioning of the sealing contour, thereby ensuring a stable, reliable and shock- and vibration-resistant sealing connection.

[0170] Advantageously, the pushing action of the sealing profile against the wall is obtained by means of the longitudinal and transverse members, so that the pushing action is evenly distributed over the plate package.

[0171] Advantageously, the contact element and the contact profile interact in a manner that facilitates the engagement of the sealing profile. Advantageously, the contact element and the contact profile are specifically designed to exert a uniform thrust / compression force on the sealing profile. Advantageously, the contact element and the contact profile preferably exert an effective thrust even in the central region of the plate pack.

[0172] Advantageously, the filter element effectively utilizes the available space between adjacent tubular filter media and / or adjacent tubular media, particularly on the second side of the plate pack, to guide the filter element into the receiving area and simultaneously generate and maintain the thrust of the sealing profile against the wall. Advantageously, compared to known filter elements belonging to the prior art (e.g., including plate-type filter media or cylindrical filter media), the filter element of the present invention is able to achieve the function of utilizing space that is usually difficult to access and occupy by filter media.

[0173] Advantageously, the filter element exploits the layout flexibility offered by the tubular media to create an innovative guiding and positioning system.

[0174] Advantageously, the contact element and the contact contour interact with each other in such a way that sufficient clamping of the sealing contour over the entire extension of the plate pack is ensured even in the case of filter elements with a plurality of tubular media arranged in rows, which are therefore larger in size and weight than in the case of filter elements with two tubular filter media.

[0175] Advantageously, the filter element is adapted to be installed in the box by means of a guiding / positioning system, which can be implemented and manipulated in a very small space, for example by vertical or lateral insertion. This effect maximizes the use of the available space in the engine compartment and facilitates the installation of the air intake system on the vehicle.

[0176] Advantageously, the positioning guide system is very compact, allowing improved utilization of the space inside the cassette, increasing the available filtering surface and reducing the pressure drop exerted by the filtering system on the suction circuit.

[0177] Advantageously, the filter element optimizes the number of components required and therefore the production costs associated with the filter element by maintaining a tight seal of the connection utilizing the limited tolerance chains involved.

[0178] Advantageously, the filter element is automatically objectified due to the specific shape of the plate pack, which makes it easier to correctly insert the filter element into the cassette and provides an immediate visual identification system for the operator.

[0179] Advantageously, the air filter assembly requires a specially designed genuine filter element to work with the cassette in order to function effectively, thereby also solving the problem of non-genuine filter elements.

[0180] Advantageously, the rigid connection between the filter element and the cassette (particularly between the plate pack and the receiving area) allows a secure and airtight joint and a strong and airtight seal between the parts. Advantageously, the cassette can be positioned in any relative position within the vehicle without affecting the filtration pattern.

[0181] Obviously, a person skilled in the art may modify the air filter assembly to meet possible needs, all of which are included in the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air filter assembly (1) for a vehicle, characterized in that include: i) a box (2) comprising a wall (21) extending along a first axis (VV) and a second axis (YY) and comprising at least one outflow opening (29) through which air flows, wherein the box (2) further comprises a longitudinal axis (XX) intersecting the first axis (VV) and the second axis (YY); ii) a filter element (3), comprising: at least two tubular filter media (4) which can be radially penetrated during filtration; a plate pack (5) to which the at least two tubular filter media (4) are operatively connected, wherein the plate pack (5) extends relative to an imaginary extension plane (S) and comprises a first face (51) and a second face (52) on opposite sides of the imaginary extension plane (S), the first face (51) comprising at least one sealing contour (510) and the second face (52) comprising at least two contact contours (520), wherein the plate pack (5) comprises at least one outflow opening (59), the at least one outflow opening (59) being adapted to arrange the tubular filter medium (4) in fluid communication with the at least one outflow opening (29); wherein the filter element (3) is insertable into the box (2) in an insertion direction (Z), the insertion direction (Z) being substantially parallel to the first axis (VV) or the second axis (YY); wherein the box (2) comprises a receiving area (25), the receiving area (25) being comprised between the wall (21) and at least two contact elements (22), the at least two contact elements (22) being longitudinally spaced apart from the wall (21) and axially spaced apart from each other, wherein the plate pack (5) is received in the receiving area (25) such that the at least one sealing profile (510) is in sealing engagement with the wall (21) and the contact profile (520) is engaged on the corresponding contact element (22); wherein the at least one sealing profile (510) or the contact profile (520) is shaped or positioned relative to the imaginary extension plane (S) to have a varying vertical distance (dz1, dz1', dz2, dz2') from the imaginary extension plane (S) in the insertion direction (Z), the varying vertical distance (dz1, dz1', dz2, dz2') being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction (Z); and wherein the at least one sealing profile (510) or the contact profile (520) is formed or positioned relative to the imaginary extension plane (S) so as to have a varying longitudinal distance (dx1, dx1', dx2, dx2', dx2", dx2"') from the imaginary extension plane (S) along the first axis (VV) or the second axis (YY), the varying longitudinal distance (dx1, dx1', dx2, dx2', dx2", dx2"') being measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (XX).

2. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The filter element (3) comprises at least two tubular filter media (4), and the at least two tubular filter media (4) are positioned to be aligned in parallel along the first axis (VV) or the second axis (YY).

3. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The at least two tubular filter media (4) are positioned in parallel alignment along an axis intersecting the insertion direction (Z).

4. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The plate pack (5) comprises at least three contact profiles (520), including two end contact profiles and at least one intermediate contact profile located between the two end contact profiles and between two consecutive tubular filter media (4).

5. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that At least one of said end contact profiles has a longitudinal distance from said imaginary plane of extension (S) that is greater than a longitudinal distance from said at least one intermediate contact profile.

6. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that The filter element (3) comprises at least two rows of filter media, which are stacked along the first axis (VV) or along the second axis (YY), wherein each row comprises at least two tubular filter media (4).

7. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The contact profile (520) and the contact element (22) comprise corresponding contact and push surfaces (520', 22') which are capable of slidingly engaging with each other during the insertion of the filter element (3) into the box (3), wherein the contact and push surfaces (520', 22') are formed to be inclined so that the filter element (3) is pushed toward the wall (21) in the longitudinal direction and is held in the appropriate position.

8. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The contact profile (520) and the contact element (22) are positioned on different imaginary contact planes (R1, R2, R3, R4), which are longitudinally spaced apart from each other, i.e., each of the imaginary contact planes is at a corresponding longitudinal distance (dx2, dx2', dx2", dx2"') from the imaginary extension plane (S).

9. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The plate set (5) comprises a single sealing contour (510) extending around the at least one outflow opening (59), the single sealing contour (510) defining a single sealing area during engagement with the wall (21).

10. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The plate set (5) comprises a plurality of outflow openings (59) and comprises corresponding sealing contours (510), each of which extends around a respective outflow opening (59) and defines a respective sealing area during engagement with the wall (21).

11. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The sealing profile (510) and the corresponding sealing plane (210) included in the wall (21) are positioned on different imaginary sealing planes (T1, T2, T3, T4), and the imaginary sealing planes (T1, T2, T3, T4) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, that is, each of the imaginary sealing planes is at a corresponding longitudinal distance (dx1, dx1') from the imaginary extension plane (S).

12. The air filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein The at least one outflow opening (59) is shaped to extend longitudinally between the second face (52) and the first face (51) to fluidly connect the tubular filter medium (4) to the at least one outflow port (29).

13. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one sealing profile (510) is a yielding element elastically integrated in the plate pack or a removable element.

14. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The box (2) comprises a container (20) and a cover (200), the filter element (3) can be at least partially accommodated in the container (20), and the cover (200) is suitable for closing the container (20), wherein the cover (200) can be mounted on the container (20) parallel to the insertion direction (Z).

15. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The cap (200) is adapted to engage the filter element (3) in a direction parallel to the insertion direction (Z).

16. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The cover (200) comprises at least one protrusion (250) adapted to engage with the second face (52) of the plate pack (5) to hold the filter element (3) in its longitudinal position or to push the filter element (3) towards the wall (21) in the longitudinal direction.

17. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The container (20) and / or the lid (200) includes an orienting flange adapted to direct airflow outside the tubular filter medium (4).

18. An engine air supply device for a vehicle, comprising an air filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The box (2) is fluidly connected to the intake manifold and draws air from the external environment through the air filter assembly (1).

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