Filter element for an air filter device for a motor vehicle and air filter device

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter element (10) for an air filter device of a motor vehicle, the filter element having a frame which surrounds a filter material (18) of the filter element (10) at least in some regions. The frame comprises a front wall (20) which extends perpendicular to an insertion direction (22) in which the filter element (10) can be inserted into a receiving space (14) of a housing (12) of the air filter device. At least one fastening element (26) is arranged on a front side (24) of the front wall (20), to which at least one fastening element a cover of the air filter device can be fastened, which is designed to close the receiving space (14). A plate-like basic body of the front wall (20) has a narrow side, beyond which a retention tab (76) of the filter element (10) protrudes, which is formed separately from the at least one fastening element (26). The introduction of the retention tab (76) into a retention recess (80) provided in the housing (12) of the air filter device allows the filter element (10) to be secured against movement in the insertion direction (22) or in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The invention also relates to an air filter device having such a filter element (10).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a filter element for an air filtration device for a motor vehicle, having a frame that at least partially surrounds a filter material of the filter element. The frame includes a front wall extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction. The filter element is insertable in the insertion direction into a receiving space of a housing of the air filtration device. At least one fastening element is arranged on the front side of the front wall. A cover of the air filtration device, designed to close the receiving space, is capable of being fitted to the fastening element. The invention also relates to an air filtration device having such a filter element.

[0002] DE 198 04 452 A1 illustrates an air filter for an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. The air filter has a filter housing with an insertion opening for a filter insert, wherein the opening can be closed by means of a cover securely attached to the filter insert. On its outer side, which contacts the housing, the cover protrudes beyond the insertion opening. The inward-pointing side of the cover (in the insertion direction) corresponds in its extension to the width of the insertion opening and has a rigid locking lug on one side, which engages behind the corresponding edge of the filter housing in the closed state. Proper positioning of the cover in the closed insertion opening is ensured by a resiliently deformable seal that extends substantially centrally around the outer and inner sides of the cover.

[0003] DE 20 2005 005 067 U1 illustrates a filter element for use in a filter container, wherein an inlet opening configured for inserting the filter element into the filter container can be closed via a separate closing element. For this purpose, hook-shaped fastening elements aligned with each other protrude from the closing element and are provided with corresponding recesses on the filter container. To form a seal between the closing element and the filter container, the filter element has a flat sealing element facing the closing element on its end face, the flat sealing element protruding beyond the edge of the end face on all sides, wherein an engagement opening for inserting the fastening element is formed in the protrusion.

[0004] DE 10 2015 003 297 A1 describes an air filtration device for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing in which a filter element is received, and a cover. The filter element has at least one latching device in the form of two opposing retaining tabs or orifices movable in opposite directions. After the filter element is inserted into the housing and the cover is placed thereon, the at least one latching device can latch onto corresponding retaining tabs on the housing and the cover, thereby sealing the three interacting parts together.

[0005] DE 10 2017 007 497 A1 discloses an air filter for a motor vehicle, wherein a filter element is inserted into a housing of the air filter through an insertion opening, and the insertion opening can be closed in a sealing manner by a cover element. The filter element has at least one retaining element with a fastening element, wherein when the filter element is inserted into the housing, the retaining element is latched rearward, wherein the fastening element connected to the retaining element is then in a position that allows a locking post assigned to the cover element to pass through a passage opening in the fastening element and rotate, thereby sealingly connecting the cover to the housing.

[0006] DE 10 2007 018 215 A1 describes an air filter for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle, wherein a frame extends around a folded filter medium. Two containers protrude from one wall of the frame, and a latching device can be inserted into the containers. The latching device is arranged on a cover that can close a housing, in which the frame with the folded filter medium is received. In this respect, a sealing element abutting the edge of the housing when the housing is closed by means of the cover is integrally formed with a connecting plate of the cover.

[0007] With such air filters, it has been shown that it is difficult to handle the cover so that the latching device can be latched in the container. One reason for this is the lack of a specified mounting position for the frame within the housing.

[0008] In addition, the two latching devices arranged on the lid must be precisely aligned so that they can be inserted into the container. This is particularly difficult when the container is not easily visible to those involved in assembling the lid.

[0009] Furthermore, DE 10 2015 004 645 A1 describes a filter element for filtering combustion air supplied to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The filter element has a filter media body supported and held on an internal carrier in the form of a support structure. An end plate is located on the axial end face of the carrier. Two tab-shaped components with corresponding latching elements are connected to one of the end plates via corresponding connecting parts. The component with the corresponding latching element is formed as one piece with the end plate via the connecting parts. Furthermore, the component protrudes laterally from the filter element. In the installed position of the filter element, the latching element latches with a reverse latching element arranged on the filter housing. The latching element is secured in the latched position by means of a cover placed on the filter housing.

[0010] The disadvantage here is that the laterally protruding component with latching element occupies a considerable amount of installation space inside the filter housing, making the filter housing unusable or unsuitable for filtering the air to be filtered.

[0011] Furthermore, with this air filtration device, the cover can be attached to the filter housing even when there is no filter element inside. This is also a disadvantage.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to create a filter element of the type mentioned at the beginning (which simplifies the closure of the receiving space by means of a cover), and relates to an air filtration device having such a filter element.

[0013] This objective is achieved by a filter element having the features described herein and an air filtration device having the features described herein. Advantageous constructions with the convenience of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims and in the following description.

[0014] The filter element of the air filtration device for a motor vehicle according to the invention has a frame that at least partially surrounds filter material around the filter element. The frame includes a front wall. The front wall extends substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction, allowing the filter element to be inserted into a receiving space of the housing of the air filtration device in the insertion direction. The housing of the air filtration device is hereinafter also referred to as an "air filter housing" or simply as a "housing". At least one fastening element is arranged on the front side of the front wall. A cover of the air filtration device, designed to close the receiving space, can be fitted to at least one fastening element. The plate-like base of the front wall has a narrow side. Retention tabs of the filter element, each formed with the at least one fastening element, protrude beyond this narrow side. By introducing the retention tabs into retention recesses provided on one side of the housing of the air filtration device, the filter element can be secured to prevent movement in the insertion direction.

[0015] In other words, when the retaining tab is introduced into the retaining recess of the housing, the filter element can no longer be further inserted into the housing or pulled out of the housing in the opposite direction of insertion. Therefore, the entire filter element is aligned in the correct position by introducing the retaining tab into the retaining recess. In this installed position of the filter element in the housing, at least one fastening element is then also aligned in the correct position, allowing the cover of the air filter to be reliably assembled or fastened to at least one fastening element. Thus, the receiving space is simplified by the filter element through the closing of the cover.

[0016] When the retaining tab engages in the retaining recess on one side of the housing of the air filter, it not only achieves pre-assembly of the filter element relative to the cover of the air filter housing, but also prevents any slippage of the filter element within the receiving space of the housing, even if the insertion direction is not horizontal, but rather the filter element is inserted or pushed into the receiving space at an angle relative to horizontal. In such cases, the retaining tab also prevents any slippage out of the receiving space or further slippage into the receiving space once the retaining tab has been introduced into the retaining recess.

[0017] This applies specifically to situations where the retaining tabs at the installation location of the filter element protrude substantially in the direction of gravity beyond the narrow side of the plate-like substrate on the front wall, which is the lower narrow side of the substrate.

[0018] Because at least one fastening element is formed separately from the retaining tab (specifically spaced apart from the retaining tab), the fastening element is also very easily accessible to the corresponding closing element formed on the cover. Specifically, this configuration allows the closing element arranged on the cover to surround or enclose the fastening element. This facilitates a particularly robust, flexible, and highly reliable mounting of the cover to the filter element.

[0019] A further advantage of the filter element, with at least one fastening element arranged on the front side of the front wall, is that the air filter of the motor vehicle can only be operated when the filter element is installed or introduced into the receiving space. This is because at least one fastening element, as part of the filter element, is required to securely close the receiving space by means of the cover of the air filter. In other words, if the filter element is not introduced into or installed in the receiving space of the air filter housing, it is impossible to position the cover against the air filter housing in a fixed or tightly fitted manner. This prevents improper operation of the air filter (i.e., without the filter element). Therefore, the filter element enables particularly reliable operation of the air filter.

[0020] Specifically, the retaining tab is introduced into the retaining recess provided on one side of the housing of the air filter to ensure that at least one fastening element is aligned in the correct position and thus can be used to securely assemble the cover into the air filter housing in the proper position.

[0021] Additionally, when replacing the filter element, at least one fastening element is exchanged along with it. This is advantageous considering that, for example, when the cover of the air filter is fitted to the fastening element to close the receiving space formed in the air filter housing, the clamping geometry and / or retention geometry of the fastening element undergoes wear. When the filter element is replaced, at least one worn fastening element is also updated or replaced.

[0022] Since at least one fastening element is arranged on the front side of the front wall (opposite to the rear side of the front wall facing the filter material), at least one fastening element is also very easily accessible. This facilitates the interaction between the fastening element and the closing element of the cover, so that the cover fits tightly against the housing due to this interaction.

[0023] Introducing the retaining tab into the retaining recess located on one side of the housing also means that when removing the filter element (i.e., when removing the filter element from the receiving space in the opposite direction of insertion), the front wall and therefore the entire filter element must initially be slightly raised. This prevents the filter element, and specifically the filter material of the filter element, from becoming stuck in the area of ​​the air filter housing and potentially being damaged.

[0024] This is particularly useful when you only need to temporarily remove the filter element, for example, by shaking or tapping off the dust or solids and then reinstalling the filter element in the housing.

[0025] This approach to the filter element is particularly advantageous when a motor vehicle equipped with an air filter is designed to be used in environments with high dust loads, such as trucks (e.g., on construction sites).

[0026] The retention tabs are preferably formed as a single piece with the matrix of the front wall. This allows the retention tabs to be provided particularly easily and effortlessly during frame manufacturing.

[0027] Furthermore, the retaining tabs can have a thickness in the insertion direction corresponding to the thickness of the narrow side of the plate-like matrix. Therefore, the retaining tabs are designed to be particularly robust and resilient.

[0028] At least one fastening element can preferably be inserted into the sleeve-shaped retention area of ​​the closing element arranged on the cover. In this respect, by rotating the closing element of the cover about the axis of rotation, at least one fastening element surrounded by the retention area can be clamped by the closing element. In this way, the cover can be attached or fitted to the filter element in a very robust yet flexible manner.

[0029] Alternatively, at least one fastening element may advantageously have a sleeve-shaped retention region into which a closing element disposed on the cover can be inserted, wherein at least one fastening element surrounded by the retention region can be clamped by the closing element of the cover by rotating the closing element about a rotation axis. This achieves an inverted geometry, which provides an equally advantageous solution.

[0030] At least one fastening element is preferably spaced apart from the lower, narrower side of the plate-like base in the vertical direction of the front wall. On the other hand, this is advantageous in terms of good accessibility of the fastening element to the closing element of the cover.

[0031] Furthermore, when the filter element is introduced or pushed into the receiving space, gravity ensures that the front wall is lowered when viewed in the insertion direction, and the retaining tab is thus introduced into the retaining recess. The filter element is then particularly well secured in the receiving space to prevent accidental slippage. This is because in order to be removed from the receiving space, the filter element must first be raised in the area of ​​the front wall.

[0032] At least one fastening element preferably has at least one retaining portion spaced apart from the front side of the front wall. In this respect, for the purpose of closing the receiving space by means of the cover, at least one retaining portion can be engaged from the rear by a corresponding retaining portion of the closing element. With such a formation of the fastening element, the cover can be made to fit particularly tightly against the air filter housing. Furthermore, the cover is then also well secured in its closed position.

[0033] At least one retaining portion is preferably designed as a wing projecting transversely from the axis of the fastening element in the insertion direction. Such a wing can be engaged from the rear in a particularly simple manner by a corresponding retaining portion of the closing element arranged on the cover. In addition, such a wing occupies very little installation space.

[0034] If the geometry is reversed, that is, if the closing element arranged on the cover can be inserted into the sleeve-shaped retention area on the fastening element, then the above statement regarding the geometry of the retention area on the closing element applies similarly to the design of the retention area on the fastening element.

[0035] However, the cover can be fixedly fitted in the area of ​​the receiving opening, which can be located in the air filter housing for introducing the filter element into the receiving space. The cover is fitted in a particularly secure manner because the closing element of the cover interacts with the fastening element and the corresponding retaining portion of the closing element engages behind the wing.

[0036] It is also advantageous if at least one retaining portion has a first end region and a second end region, wherein at least one retaining portion has a shape extending from the first end region to the second end region in a ramp-like manner. When the cover is fixed in its closed position on the housing, the corresponding retaining portion of the closing element can move along such a ramp when the cover is assembled onto the filter element.

[0037] The sloping shape of the retaining portion simplifies the assembly of the cover onto the fastening element. Additionally, it allows the cover to fit very tightly against the air filter housing. Due to its sloping shape, when the cover is fixed in its closed position (where it rests against the housing), it can move towards the housing that supports the seal.

[0038] In addition, tolerances (specifically, manufacturing tolerances) can be compensated to such a great extent that when the cover is assembled to at least one fastening element of the filter element, the cover still abuts against the housing in a tight fit.

[0039] The filter element frame preferably includes two sidewalls extending from the front wall in the insertion direction. In this respect, the filter element has at least one support web spaced apart from the front wall and supporting the filter material. The at least one support web connects the sidewalls to each other. By providing such a support web, the frame and the filter material are well stabilized, and the frame of the filter element extends at least partially (and preferably completely) around the filter material. This allows solids to be removed from the filter material, for example, by shaking or tapping off solids in the form of dust or other solids that have become fixed on the original air side of the filter material after the filter element has been removed from the receiving space, without permanently affecting the shape of the filter material.

[0040] If the filter material has multiple folds, the support web can have protrusions designed in a toothed or pin-like manner, which protrude from, for example, the strip-shaped back of the support web and engage in the folds of the filter material. Therefore, the shape of the folds of the filter material can be retained particularly well even during and after the removal of solids from the folded filter material by tapping or shaking.

[0041] An air filtration device for motor vehicles according to the invention has a filter element according to the invention, wherein the filter element is introduced into a receiving space formed in the housing of the air filtration device.

[0042] The air filter can be specifically designed as an air filter for the air conditioning or ventilation system of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the air filter can be installed in the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, i.e., as a filter for air drawn in by the internal combustion engine or supplied by other devices.

[0043] Preferably, when the retaining tabs of the filter element engage in the retaining recesses provided on one side of the housing of the air filter, the receiving space can be closed by means of the cover of the air filter. For this purpose, the cover can be fitted to at least one fastening element of the filter element. In this way, it can be ensured that if the filter element is correctly installed in the air filter housing, the receiving space can be securely closed by means of the cover alone.

[0044] Additionally, engaging the retaining tabs of the filter element with the retaining recesses of the housing ensures that at least one fastening element of the filter element is aligned in the correct position or in a position where the fastening element can interact with at least one closing element formed on the cover. In this way, the housing can be securely closed by means of the cover.

[0045] The housing of the air filter preferably has at least one retaining element arranged upstream of the retaining recess in the insertion direction. Such a retaining element, to a particularly large extent, prevents the filter element from unintentionally moving out of the receiving space after the retaining tab is positioned in the retaining recess. Specifically, when the retaining tab is introduced into the retaining recess and the cover is fitted onto the filter element, the retaining tab can abut against at least one retaining element.

[0046] At least one retaining element can be specifically designed as a ramp-like retaining tooth that is obliquely inclined upward when viewed in the insertion direction. Several such ramp-like retaining teeth can be arranged upstream of the retaining recess in the longitudinal direction of insertion. The underside of the retaining tab can then be easily pushed past these ramp-like retaining teeth until the retaining tab then descends (preferably due to gravity) into the retaining recess, which is arranged downstream of the retaining teeth in the insertion direction. Thus, after the retaining tab engages in the retaining recess, the retaining tab can specifically be undercut by the ramp-like retaining teeth.

[0047] The housing preferably has at least one ramp arranged adjacent to the retaining recess in the longitudinal extension direction of the retaining recess. In this respect, the at least one ramp is designed to slope downward from the retaining recess when viewed in the insertion direction. Such a ramp can very easily and reliably prevent the filter element from getting stuck and / or the filter material from being damaged when the filter element is removed or pulled out of the receiving space.

[0048] If the filter element has at least one supporting web connecting the sidewalls of the frame to each other, then at least one ramp also prevents the filter element with such a supporting web from getting stuck on a component of the housing or the supporting web itself from getting stuck on such a component.

[0049] Preferably, at least one ramp has a vertex region, wherein the height of the at least one ramp in the vertex region is greater than the maximum height of the at least one retaining element. Therefore, it is very easy to ensure that the frame of the filter element does not get stuck on the at least one retaining element when the filter element is pulled out of the receiving space.

[0050] Alternatively, at least one ramp can be designed to slope upwards towards the apex region when viewed in the insertion direction. This facilitates the insertion of the filter element into the receiving space formed in the housing of the air filter device.

[0051] The cover preferably has at least one closure element that is rotatable relative to the base of the cover. In this respect, in the closed position of the closure element, at least one retaining portion of the closure element engages behind a corresponding retaining portion of at least one fastening element. Due to this interaction between the closure element and the fastening element, when the cover closes the receiving space of the housing, the cover can be particularly fixed and tightly fitted to the housing in its proper position. The closure element can be specifically designed as a rotary closure.

[0052] Specifically, the cover can be pivotally held on the air filter housing. Then, by folding the cover downwards, at least one closing element of the cover (which corresponds to the fastening element of the filter element) can interact with the fastening element. Furthermore, the receiving space can be completed very intuitively by means of such closure of the cover.

[0053] The advantages and preferred embodiments described in the filter element according to the invention also apply to the air filtration device according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0054] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention can be found in the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and in the accompanying drawings. Features and combinations of features referenced in the foregoing description, and features and combinations of features referenced in and / or shown individually in the drawings below, are applicable not only in the indicated corresponding combinations but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0055] The attached diagram shows:

[0056] Figure 1 The schematic perspective view shows the filter element of an air filtration device for a motor vehicle;

[0057] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 A magnified detailed view of the filter element, in which the fastening elements arranged on the front side of the front wall of the filter element frame can be seen more clearly;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the air filtration device, which is designed to receive according to Figure 1 Filter elements;

[0059] Figure 4 This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the area of ​​the receiving opening in the housing, according to... Figure 1 The filter element can be pushed into the housing through the receiving opening;

[0060] Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 The filter element is introduced into the filter according to Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional side view of the shell;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional side view of the filter element introduced into the receiving space of the housing, with the filter element already at its end position in the insertion direction;

[0062] Figure 7 It is an enlarged detail view of the front part of the filter element and the housing, wherein the front wall of the filter element is located at a height of a retaining recess formed on one side of the housing;

[0063] Figure 8 This illustrates how gravity causes the front wall to lower, resulting in the retaining tabs of the filter element, which are integral with the front wall, engaging in the retaining recess.

[0064] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view taken from the front of the cover of the housing for an air filtration device, wherein the cover has a closing element designed as a rotary closure, which, together with... Figure 2 The fastening elements of the filter element shown interact to assemble the cover.

[0065] Figure 10 It is a rear cross-sectional view of the area covered by the rotating closure;

[0066] Figure 11 The first step is shown, in which the filter element is removed or disassembled at this time, wherein the filter element is lifted in the region of the front wall and the retaining tab is thus removed from the retaining recess;

[0067] Figure 12 The partial cross-sectional view shows that when the filter element is pulled out of the receiving space, the support web of the frame slides along the ramps arranged on both sides of the retention recess.

[0068] Figure 13 It is a filter material without filter elements, according to Figure 1 A perspective view of a frame containing a filter element with two supporting webs;

[0069] Figure 14 This is an alternative embodiment of the fastening element shown in the detailed view; and

[0070] Figure 15 This is an alternative embodiment of the retaining portion on the cover shown in the detailed view.

[0071] In the accompanying drawings, identical or functionally identical elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0072] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a filter element 10 is shown, which is intended to be installed in the housing 12 of an air filter in a motor vehicle (specifically designed as a truck). Figure 3 The receiving space 14 is formed within the air filter (reference). Figure 3 In the shell 12, Figure 1 The filter element 10 shown can be introduced or installed into the housing.

[0073] The filter element 10 includes a frame 16 that surrounds or encloses the filter material 18 of the filter element 10. If the filter element 10 is designed as a pleated filter, the filter material 18 may have multiple pleats, as schematically shown in this case. However, other configurations of the filter material 18 through which air can flow during operation of the filter element 10 are also possible.

[0074] The frame 16 (which in this case completely surrounds or encloses the filter material 18 on the circumferential side) includes a front wall 20. The front wall 20 extends perpendicular to the insertion direction 22, which is in... Figure 1 As indicated by the arrow. In the insertion direction 22, the filter element 10 can be inserted into the receiving space 14, which is formed in the housing 12 or the air filter housing (see reference). Figure 3 )middle.

[0075] Fastening element 26 is arranged on the front side 24 of the front wall 20 and in Figure 2 The image is enlarged in size. In this case, the frame 16 also includes two sidewalls 28, 30 that extend from the front wall 20 in the insertion direction 22.

[0076] The frame 16 is closed at its rear end by means of a rear wall 32, which is designed to be angled in this case. This is due to the shape of the housing 12, so that in variations of the filter element 10, a frame 16 with a different design can also be provided. Furthermore, the frame 16 does not necessarily circumferentially surround the filter material 18, as exemplarily shown in this case.

[0077] Figure 2 The fastening element 26 shown is used to assemble or secure the cover element or cover 34 to the housing 12. Cover 34 is in... Figure 9 The cross-sectional view is shown with its orientation towards the outer side 36 of the region surrounding the housing 12.

[0078] The closing element is held on the base 38 of the cover 34, and in this case, the closing element is designed as a rotary closure 40. The rotary closure 40 can be rotated relative to the base 38 of the cover 34 about a rotation axis 70 by means of a lever-like handle portion 58. Figure 10 Indicator. Fastening element 26 (reference) Figure 2 It interacts with the rotating closure 40 to secure the cover 34 in its closed position.

[0079] For this purpose, the fastening element 26 has a shaft 42, which in this case is designed as a cylinder with (optionally) slot-shaped recess 62. The shaft 42 protrudes from the front side 24 of the front wall 20 in the insertion direction 22. Two retaining portions in the form of a first wing 44 and a second wing 46 extend from the shaft 42 substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction 22 in this case.

[0080] From the respective first end region 48 toward the opposite second end region 50, the respective wings 44, 46 preferably have a ramp-like shape. Accordingly, the thickness of the respective wings 44, 46 increases in the direction of their height from the respective first end region 48 toward the opposite end region 50. The height of the respective wings 44, 46 thus corresponds to the thickness of the respective wings 44, 46 in the insertion direction 22. The ramps formed on the respective wings 44, 46 thus point toward the front wall 20 of the filter element 10.

[0081] Recessed portion 52 (reference Figure 10 Corresponding to wings 44 and 46, and formed on the inner side 54 of cover 34 in the region of rotating closure 40. Furthermore, according to... Figure 10 The rotating closure 40 has two retaining portions 56 on its inner side, which are designed to engage behind the wings 44, 46 of the fastening element 26 when the cover 34 is fixed in its closed position. In the closed position, the cover 34 is in the receiving opening 64 (reference). Figure 3 The receiving space 14 is closed in the area of ​​the receiving opening 64. The filter element 10 can be introduced into the receiving space 14 through the receiving opening 64.

[0082] Wings 44 and 46 provide clamping or retaining geometry on one side of the filter element 10, which interact with the retaining portion 56 of the rotary closure 40 to secure the cover 34 in its closed position. In this case, the rotary closure 40 attached to the cover 34 thus has a retaining portion 56 corresponding to the clamping or retaining geometry provided by wings 44 and 46.

[0083] The fastening element 26 (which is preferably securely connected to the frame 16 of the filter element 10 or formed as a single piece with the front wall 20) accordingly ensures that the cover 34 is fitted or secured in its closed position by a bayonet lock. Moreover, in the closed position, in the area of ​​the receiving opening 64, the cover 34 closes the receiving space 14 formed in the housing 12.

[0084] You can also from Figure 10As seen in the image, the rotary closure 40 has a sleeve-shaped retaining region 66 into which the fastening element 26 can be inserted to close the cover 34. For this purpose, the recess 52 of the rotary closure 40 must first be aligned so that the wings 44, 46 can enter the sleeve-shaped retaining region 66 within the region of the recess 52. The retaining region 66 then surrounds the fastening element 26. If then by actuating the handle portion 58 (see reference...) Figure 9 The rotating closure 40 is rotated or twisted about its rotation axis 70, and the retaining portion 56 of the rotating closure 40 engages behind the wings 44, 46. Due to the ramp-like shape of the wings 44, 46, the fastening element 26 is clamped by the rotating closure 40 of the cover 34, and the cover 34 is pulled against the housing 12 to form a tight fit.

[0085] Due to the geometry of the recess 52 corresponding to the shapes of the wings 44 and 46, a person closing the receiving space 14 of the housing 12 by means of the cover 34 can very easily visually identify the operating mode of the rotary closure 40. This is advantageous in terms of the ease of operation of the rotary closure 40.

[0086] The stop 92 can be formed on the cover 34 for use with the handle portion 58 (see reference). Figure 9 The stop element defines the end position of the rotary closure 40 when the cover 34 is assembled in place. At this end position, the rotary closure 40 (see reference...) Figure 10 The retaining portion 56 is engaged with the fastening element 26 (reference). Figure 2 (44, 46) behind the wings.

[0087] You can also from Figure 2 As seen in the image, the front wall 20 has an upper narrow side 74. In the vertical direction 68 of the filter element 10 (which is composed of...) Figure 2 As indicated by the arrow in the diagram, this upper narrow side 74 is located opposite to the lower narrow side 72 of the plate-like body 60 of the front wall 20. The vertical direction 68 is preferably opposite to the direction of gravity in the installation position of the filter element 10.

[0088] In this case, the filter element 10 has a retaining tab 76, which is formed separately from and spaced apart from the fastening element 26. The retaining tab 76 protrudes beyond the lower narrow side 72 of the plate-like base 60 of the front wall 20. In this case, the retaining tab 76 and the base 60 of the front wall 20 are formed as a single unit. The function of the retaining tab 76 is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] If possible Figure 3 As seen in the image, the receiving opening 64 is defined on the bottom side by wall 78. Figure 4 In the diagram, the wall 78 is shown in cross-section and in partial cross-sectional view.

[0090] Specifically, from Figure 4 As can be clearly seen, a retaining recess 80 is formed in the wall 78, which in this case, specifically with regard to its depth in the insertion direction 22 and its width perpendicular to the insertion direction 22, is identical in size to the retaining tab 76. Accordingly, the retaining tab 76 of the filter element 10 can be inserted into the retaining recess 80 provided on one side of the housing 12 of the air filter device. When the filter element 10 is in the housing 12 (refer to...), Figure 8 When the receiving space 14 is in its installation position, the retaining tab 76 engages accordingly in the retaining recess 80.

[0091] The retaining tab 76, or latching tab (formed on the lower edge of the frame 16), thus functions as an adjoining element of the filter element 10. Accordingly, the retaining tab 76 prevents the filter element 10 from sliding out of the receiving space 14. This is particularly advantageous when the insertion direction 22 extends at an angle rather than horizontally in a particular installation configuration of the filter element 10.

[0092] Furthermore, the retaining tab 76 is used to pre-assemble the filter element 10 with respect to the cover 34. Because when the retaining tab 76 is located in the retaining recess 80, the fastening element 26 or the retaining element is also aligned in the correct position, i.e., causing the rotating closure 40 (see reference) to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 It can interact with fastening element 26.

[0093] In this case, the fastening element 26 is arranged substantially centrally on the front side 24 of the front wall 20 in the width or transverse direction, as observed perpendicular to the insertion direction 22. This causes the cover 34 to be pressed against the housing 12 particularly evenly when the rotating closure 40 is actuated and rotates about the axis of rotation 70 during the process.

[0094] Furthermore, the fastening element 26 is formed on two large-area ramps in the region of wings 44, 46, ensuring that cover 34 is very securely mounted on filter element 10.

[0095] The actuation of the rotary closure 40 also ensures that the front side 24 of the retaining tab 76 or the adjacent filter element 10 abuts against the retaining element, which in this case is designed with retaining teeth 82 of an imaging ramp (see reference). Figure 4 Furthermore, the retaining element is arranged upstream of the retaining recess 80 in the insertion direction 22.

[0096] In this case, the retaining teeth 82 are obliquely upward in the insertion direction 22, as observed, such that when the filter element 10 is pushed into the receiving space 14 via the receiving opening 64, the retaining tab 76 initially moves in the vertical direction 68 as it slides along the retaining teeth 82. This insertion of the filter element 10 into the receiving space 14... Figure 5As indicated by arrow 84, its direction is the same as the insertion direction 22.

[0097] Figure 6 The filter element 10 is now shown in its horizontal end position within the receiving space 14. Accordingly, the rear wall 32 of the frame 16 is located near the wall 86 of the housing 12 that defines the rear portion of the receiving space 14. Specifically, in this respect, a seal 88 disposed on the rear wall 32 of the frame 16 can abut against the wall 86.

[0098] Figure 7 Another arrow 90 shows how to cross the retaining tooth 82 (reference). Figure 4 After reaching the retaining recess 80, the retaining tab 76 is lowered due to gravity. Therefore, due to gravity, the retaining tab 76 reaches the retaining recess 80, which is designed in a slot-like manner. This is because after the retaining tab 76 is at the height of the retaining recess 80 in the insertion direction 22, the frame 16 of the filter element 10 falls downward due to gravity.

[0099] This installation scenario is shown in Figure 8 In this configuration, the retaining tab 76 engages in the retaining recess 80. In the removal direction (i.e., opposite to the insertion direction 22), the retaining tab 76 is undercut by the housing 12. The fastening element 26 is then also in its correct position, where the rotating closure 40 can interact with the fastening element 26 after the cover 34 has been folded down or has been correspondingly pivoted about a pivot axis located on one side of the housing 12.

[0100] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 Explaining the removal of filter element 10 from receiving space 14: First, the frame 16 of filter element 10 is raised in the region of front wall 20, so that retaining tab 76 is no longer located in retaining recess 80. This removal of retaining tab 76 from retaining recess 80... Figure 11 As indicated by arrow 104, the direction of the arrow is... Figure 7 The arrow 90 shown is reversed. Additionally, Figure 7 The orientation of the filter element 10 shown with respect to the housing 12 corresponds to Figure 11 The filter element 10 shown is oriented with respect to the housing 12.

[0101] Then, the filter element 10 is pulled out of the receiving space 14 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction 22. This movement is caused by... Figure 12 Arrow 94 is shown in the diagram. Furthermore, the supporting web 96 of frame 16 is... Figure 12 The image is shown in a partial cross-sectional view.

[0102] From Figure 13As seen in the image, the frame 16 of the filter element 10 has two such supporting webs 96 in this case. The supporting webs 96 connect the sidewalls 28, 30 to each other. This stabilizes the frame 16 of the filter element 10.

[0103] Additionally, the support web 96 has multiple extensions designed in the manner of comb teeth 98. These teeth 98 (which in this case protrude upward from the strip-shaped back surface of the corresponding support web 96 or in the vertical direction 68) engage from below with the filter material 18 (see reference). Figure 1 Within the fold of the frame 16, specifically, the teeth 98 of the supporting web 96 (which in this case gradually narrows towards the free end) support the filter material 18. The provision of the supporting web 96 and the teeth 98 ensures dimensional stability of the frame 16 and, specifically, the height of the filter material 18, even if the filter element 10 is designed to be quite long in the insertion direction 22. Specifically, this can be the case when the filter element 10 is used in an air filtration system for a truck.

[0104] The support web 96 specifically ensures that solids that have settled on the filter material 18 during the operation of the air filtration device can be easily tapped or shaken off the filter material 18 without adversely affecting the folds of the filter material 18.

[0105] from Figure 12 In (specifically, when with) Figure 4 When observed together, it can be clearly seen that the bottom side of the support web 96 is guided along the corresponding ramp 100 when the filter element 10 is pulled out of the receiving space 14 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction 22. The ramp 100 thus acts as a runway for the filter element 10 when it is pulled out of the receiving space 14.

[0106] In this case, two ramps 100 are formed on the wall 78. The ramps are arranged laterally adjacent to the retention recess 80 in the longitudinal extension direction of the retention recess 80 or in the direction of the length of the retention recess 80. The retention recess is a slot (refer to...) Figure 4 Designed in a way that...

[0107] Starting from the apex region 102 of the corresponding ramp 100 (which is approximately at the height of the front edge of the retaining recess 80), the ramp 100 is designed to slope downwards when viewed in the insertion direction 22. In the apex region 102, the ramp 100 in this case has a height greater than the maximum height of the retaining tooth 82. This specifically prevents the support web 96 from being positioned at the angle between the filter element 10 and the insertion direction 22 (see reference 22). Figure 12 When pulled out from the receiving space 14 in the opposite direction, it hooks onto the retaining tooth 82 or is stuck onto the retaining tooth 82.

[0108] Furthermore, the ramp 100 is designed to slope upwards towards the apex region 102 when viewed in the insertion direction 22, as in the retaining tooth 82 (reference). Figure 4 In that case, the ramp 100 also prevents the filter element 10 from getting stuck in the retaining teeth 82 when the filter element 10 is inserted into the receiving space 14.

[0109] The ramp 100 also prevents the rear wall 32 of the frame 16 from hooking onto the retaining teeth 82 when the filter element 10 is pulled out of the receiving space 14, and prevents the filter material 18 from being damaged when the filter element 10 is removed from the receiving space 14.

[0110] Figure 14 and Figure 15 An alternative embodiment is shown, comprising a fastening element 26 located on the filter element 10 and an associated closing element 40 arranged on the cover 34. Compared to Figure 2 and Figure 10 Here, the fastening element 26 is designed to have a sleeve-shaped retaining region 110. The retaining portion 112 of the closing element 40 arranged on the cover 34 is thus inserted into the retaining region 110.

[0111] Here, a retaining portion 114 is also provided on the fastening element 26 spaced apart from the front side 24, which engages behind the retaining portion 112. This is followed by rotating the closing element 40 about the rotation axis 70 as described above, which causes clamping. Thus, the assembly of the filter element 10 in the receiving space 14 and the secure assembly of the cover 34 are achieved by similar geometry.

Claims

1. A filter element for an air filtration device in a motor vehicle, having a frame (16) that at least partially surrounds a filter material (18) of the filter element (10), wherein, The frame (16) includes a front wall (20) extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction (22), the filter element (10) being insertable into a receiving space (14) of the housing (12) of the air filter in the insertion direction, wherein at least one fastening element (26) is arranged on the front side (24) of the front wall (20), and a cover (34) of the air filter, designed to close the receiving space (14), is capable of being fitted to the at least one fastening element. The plate-shaped base (60) of the front wall (20) has a narrow side (72), and the retaining tabs (76) of the filter element (10) formed with at least one of the fastening elements (26) protrude beyond the narrow side. The filter element (10) is secured to prevent movement in the insertion direction (22) or in the opposite direction by introducing the retaining tabs (76) into a retaining recess (80) provided on one side of the housing (12) of the air filter. At least one of the fastening elements (26) can be inserted into the sleeve-shaped retention area of ​​the closing element (40) arranged on the cover (34), wherein, by rotating the closing element (40) about the rotation axis (70), at least one of the fastening elements (26) surrounded by the retention area can be clamped by the closing element (40) of the cover (34).

2. The filter element according to claim 1, Its features are, At least one of the fastening elements (26) has at least one retaining portion spaced apart from the front side (24) of the front wall (20), and the corresponding retaining portion of the closing element (40) can engage behind at least one of the retaining portions to close the receiving space (14) by means of the cover (34).

3. The filter element according to claim 2, Its features are, At least one of the retaining portions is designed as a wing protruding transversely from the axis (42) of the fastening element (26) in the insertion direction (22), and / or at least one of the retaining portions has a shape extending from a first end region (48) of the retaining portion to a second end region (50) of the retaining portion in a ramp-like manner.

4. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, The frame (16) of the filter element (10) includes two sidewalls (28, 30) that extend from the front wall (20) in the insertion direction (22), wherein the filter element (10) has at least one support web (96) spaced apart from the front wall (20) and supporting the filter material (18), the support web connecting the sidewalls (28, 30) to each other.

5. A filter element for an air filtration device in a motor vehicle, having a frame (16) that at least partially surrounds a filter material (18) of the filter element (10), wherein, The frame (16) includes a front wall (20) extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction (22), the filter element (10) being insertable into a receiving space (14) of the housing (12) of the air filter in the insertion direction, wherein at least one fastening element (26) is arranged on the front side (24) of the front wall (20), and a cover (34) of the air filter, designed to close the receiving space (14), is capable of being fitted to the at least one fastening element. The plate-shaped base (60) of the front wall (20) has a narrow side (72), and the retaining tabs (76) formed by the filter element (10) and at least one of the fastening elements (26) protrude beyond the narrow side. The filter element (10) can be fixed to prevent movement in the insertion direction (22) or in the opposite direction by introducing the retaining tabs (76) into the retaining recesses (80) provided on one side of the housing (12) of the air filter. Its features are, At least one of the fastening elements (26) has a sleeve-shaped retention area, into which a closing element (40) arranged on the cover (34) can be inserted, wherein at least one of the closing elements (40) of the cover (34) surrounded by the retention area can be clamped by the fastening element (26) by rotating the closing element (40) about the rotation axis (70).

6. The filter element according to claim 5, Its features are, The closing element (40) has at least one retaining portion spaced apart from the front side (24) of the front wall (20), and the corresponding retaining portion of the fastening element (26) can engage behind the retaining portion to close the receiving space (14) by means of the cover (34).

7. The filter element according to claim 5 or 6, Its features are, The frame (16) of the filter element (10) includes two sidewalls (28, 30) that extend from the front wall (20) in the insertion direction (22), wherein the filter element (10) has at least one support web (96) spaced apart from the front wall (20) and supporting the filter material (18), the support web connecting the sidewalls (28, 30) to each other.

8. An air filtration device for a motor vehicle, comprising a filter element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The filter element (10) is introduced into a receiving space (14) formed in the housing (12) of the air filter, wherein the receiving space (14) can be closed by means of a cover (34) of the air filter when the retaining tab (76) of the filter element (10) engages in a retaining recess (80) provided on one side of the housing (12) of the air filter. The cover can be fitted to at least one of the fastening elements (26) of the filter element (10).

9. The air filtration device according to claim 8, Its features are, The housing (12) of the air filter device has at least one retaining element (82), which is specifically designed as a ramp-shaped retaining tooth that is inclined upward when viewed in the insertion direction (22), and the retaining element is arranged upstream of the retaining recess (80) in the insertion direction (22).

10. The air filtration device according to claim 9, Its features are, The housing has at least one ramp (100) arranged adjacent to the retention recess (80) in the longitudinal direction of the retention recess (80), wherein at least one of the ramps (100) is designed to slope obliquely downward from the retention recess (80) when viewed in the insertion direction (22).

11. The air filtration device according to claim 10, Its features are, At least one of the ramps (100) has a vertex region (102), wherein the height of at least one of the ramps (100) in the vertex region (102) is greater than the maximum height of at least one of the retaining elements (82), and / or at least one of the ramps (100) is designed to slope obliquely upward toward the vertex region (102) when viewed in the insertion direction (22).

12. The air filtration device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, Its features are, Specifically, the cover (34), which is held on the housing (12) and is pivotable about a pivot axis, has at least one closure element (40) that is rotatable relative to the base (38) of the cover (34), wherein, in the closed position of the closure element (40), at least one retaining portion of the closure element (40) engages behind a corresponding retaining portion of at least one fastening element (26), or the retaining portion of the fastening element (26) engages behind a corresponding retaining portion of the closure element (40).

Images