Filter element comprising at least two filter media bodies

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter element (10), in particular an air filter element, for filtering a fluid. The filter element (10) comprises two filter media bodies (12, 32), each filter media body (12, 32) being in the form of a hollow cylinder and a fluid being able to flow sequentially in a radial direction through each of the filter media bodies (12, 32). An outer diameter (18) of one of the filter medium bodies (12, 32) is smaller than an inner diameter (38) of the other of the filter medium bodies (12, 32), at least a partial region of one of the filter medium bodies (12, 32) being arranged radially within the other filter medium body (12, 32) in the axial direction (80) and projecting therefrom with respect to the axial direction (80). A housing (53 ') covering at least part of the circumference is arranged on an outer housing surface of a section of one filter medium body (12, 32) protruding from the other filter medium body (12, 32), said housing being designed to close the outer housing surface at least periodically in a fluid-impermeable manner. One of the filter media bodies (12, 32) is in the form of a particulate filter and the other of the filter media bodies (12, 32) is in the form of an adsorption filter. The invention also relates to a filtration system (100).

Description

[0001] This patent application claims priority from German patent application 102 023 102 883.9 filed on February 7, 2023 in the German Patent and Trademark Office, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a filter element, in particular an air filter element, for filtering a fluid, in particular for filtering air, for a filter system, in particular an air filter system for a fuel cell system or a cabin air filter system for a motor vehicle, comprising at least two filter medium bodies and a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular for filtering air, the fluid being in particular a fluid of a fuel cell system or a cabin air filter system of a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0003] Fuel cell systems typically require particle filters and adsorption filters to filter particles and harmful gases from the incoming air. The filter media bodies of each filter stage typically have different sizes.

[0004] CN212454663U discloses a fuel filter element structure with three-stage filtration, comprising a large filter element for performing first and second-stage filtration and a small filter element for performing third-stage filtration. The small filter element is mounted inside the large filter element. A water droplet settling space and a water outlet are arranged between the large and small filter elements, and the water outlet communicates with the small filter element. The water outlet is formed at one end of the water droplet settling space, and an oil outlet is formed at the center of one end of the large and small filter elements, and the oil outlet communicates with the interior of the small filter element. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a service-friendly and cost-effective filter element having at least two filter medium bodies for filtering fluids, in particular for filtering air.

[0006] A further object is to provide a filter system for said filter element which is service-friendly and cost-effective.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a filter element having the features of claim 1 .

[0008] A further object is achieved by a filter system having the features of claim 20 .

[0009] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular an air filter element, is provided for use in a filter system, in particular an air filter system for a fuel cell system or a cabin air filter system for a motor vehicle. The filter element comprises at least two filter media bodies, each of which is embodied as a hollow cylinder extending in an axial direction and through which a fluid can flow in a radial direction and sequentially. The outer diameter of one of the at least two filter media bodies is smaller than the inner diameter of the other of the at least two filter media bodies, wherein one of the at least two filter media bodies is at least partially arranged radially inwardly of the other of the at least two filter media bodies in the axial direction and protrudes axially away from the other of the at least two filter media bodies. A housing extending at least partially circumferentially is arranged at the outer wall surface of a section of one of the at least two filter media bodies that protrudes away from the other of the at least two filter media bodies, the housing being configured to at least temporarily seal the outer wall surface in a fluid-impermeable manner. One of the at least two filter media bodies is configured as a particle filter, and the other of the filter media bodies is configured as an adsorption filter.

[0011] In embodiments, one of the filter media bodies that protrudes away from the other of the filter media bodies may be referred to as an inner filter media body, and the other as an outer filter media body.

[0012] The housing at least temporarily, but in some embodiments also permanently, encloses the outer wall surface of a section of the inner filter medium body that protrudes away from the outer filter medium body and, therefore, renders it impermeable to the fluid. This ensures that the fluid flows sequentially through both filter medium bodies, preventing the outer filter medium body from being bypassed, or only when desired. In other words, the housing prevents unintended bypassing of the outer filter medium body. Here, "allowing the fluid to flow sequentially through" is understood to mean that the fluid flows through the filter medium bodies sequentially.

[0013] In the proposed filter element, for example, both filter medium bodies for the two filter stages can be arranged in a circular filter element. However, an elliptical filter element is also conceivable. Advantageously, the two filter medium bodies can be arranged concentrically in the axial direction.

[0014] The two filter medium bodies can be configured as folded corrugated parts, wound bodies, loose fillers (mainly for adsorbing harmful gases), coated honeycombs (mainly for adsorbing harmful gases) or a combination thereof. The height of the filter medium body or the width of the corrugated part can be designed differently. The filter stages can be aligned at one end relative to the cover or bottom of the filter element, but can also be offset at both ends. The taller or wider filter medium body can be arranged radially inward as well as radially outward. The flow through the filter element can be achieved from the inside to the outside and in reverse, wherein the particle filter is always flowed through first. The seal can be arranged radially inward, as well as positioned outward. In this way, excellent variability is provided for arranging the two filter medium bodies relative to each other or arranging the two filter medium bodies in the filter element.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the filter medium body that flows through first in the direction of flow can be designed as a particle filter. Alternatively or additionally, the filter medium body downstream in the direction of flow can be designed as an adsorption filter, in particular an activated carbon filter and / or an ion exchanger. In this way, dust and dirt particles can first be filtered out of the fluid to be filtered, and then harmful gases can be advantageously adsorbed in the downstream filter medium body.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least two filter media bodies can be at least partially arranged on a frame element, wherein at least one region of the frame element extending between the at least two filter media bodies is at least partially permeable to allow a fluid to flow through. The fluid-permeable region of the frame element can in particular be part of a central tube which radially surrounds the inner filter media body and is arranged in the cavity provided by the outer filter media body.

[0017] The frame element supports the two filter media bodies relative to each other and absorbs the forces caused by pressure loss during flow. Because the frame element between the two filter media bodies is at least partially permeable to the flow of fluid, it facilitates sequential flow through the two filter media bodies, thereby passing through the first filter stage and subsequently the second filter stage. This allows for better utilization of the available installation space. This results in advantages with respect to the filter elements' adsorption capacity, dust holding capacity, separation efficiency, and pressure loss.

[0018] In an embodiment, the housing can be formed by the fluid-impermeable region of the frame element. In particular, in this context, the fluid-impermeable region of the frame element can be adjacent to the fluid-permeable region in the axial direction. The fluid-permeable region of the frame element and the fluid-impermeable region of the frame element can in particular be one piece and produced, for example, by injection molding of a plastic material. In an embodiment, it can be provided that the fluid-permeable region of the frame element and the fluid-impermeable region of the frame element are formed in a common central tube, which radially surrounds the inner filter medium body to the outside and is arranged in a cavity provided by the outer filter medium body. In the area not surrounded by the outer filter medium body, i.e. in the area in which the inner filter medium body protrudes axially away from the outer filter medium body, the frame element is fluid-impermeable and forms the housing, while in the area in which the outer filter medium body surrounds the inner filter medium body, the frame element is fluid-permeable.

[0019] However, in other embodiments, the housing may also be configured separately from the fluid-permeable region of the frame element, for example in the form of a circumferential sleeve or cap covering a section of the inner filter medium body protruding away from the outer filter medium body.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the at least two filter media bodies can have different axial extensions. Alternatively or additionally, the at least two filter media bodies can have different thicknesses. Thus, the filter media bodies can be designed with different dimensions relative to their desired filtering effect.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, one of the at least two filter medium bodies having a greater axial extension than the other of the at least two filter medium bodies can be arranged radially inside or outside the other of the at least two filter medium bodies. In this way, the arrangement of the two filter medium bodies relative to each other can be flexibly designed, depending on the desired flow guidance effect in the filter housing.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, one of the at least two filter medium bodies having a greater thickness than the other of the at least two filter medium bodies can be arranged radially inside or outside the other of the at least two filter medium bodies. In this way, the filter medium bodies can be designed differently depending on the desired filtering effect and installation space, and can also be arranged differently depending on the desired flow guidance effect in the filter housing.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the at least two filter media bodies can be arranged aligned relative to at least one of their two end faces. Alternatively, the at least two filter media bodies can be arranged offset relative to their two end faces. In this way, the axial position of the two filter media bodies relative to each other can be variably designed depending on the available installation space.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the flow direction of the fluid can be oriented radially outward or inward. In this way, the configuration of the filter system can be designed appropriately, in particular with respect to the flow guidance of the fluid to be filtered.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the housing, in particular formed by the fluid-impermeable region of the frame element, can be connected to an end disk at least at the first and / or second end face of the at least two filter medium bodies, in particular can be embedded in the end disk. As an integral component of the filter element, the housing, in particular formed by the fluid-impermeable region of the frame element, can thus cover the filter element at one of the end faces in a tightly sealing manner using the at least one end disk.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the frame element can include an outer sleeve, which surrounds the outer wall surface of one of the radially outer sides of the at least two filter media bodies, wherein in particular, the outer sleeve of the frame element is configured to be impermeable to fluid and is connected to one of the end discs. In this context, the outer sleeve can be embedded in the material of the end disc in particular. The outer sleeve of the frame element can be implemented separately from the housing. In other embodiments, the housing and the outer sleeve can also be one piece and produced together by injection molding of plastic material. The outer sleeve can be configured in particular so that it is circumferentially closed and / or can completely circumferentially surround the outer filter media body. The connection of the outer sleeve to the end disc can be a fluid-tight connection in particular, so that, in other words, the sleeve can be called a sealing sleeve.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the frame element can include at least one sealing element configured to seal axially and / or radially between the raw side and the clean side when the filter element is installed as intended in a filter housing of a filter system. In particular, in this context, the sealing element can be arranged radially outside the at least two filter media bodies and configured to seal between a first housing part and a second housing part of the filter housing of the filter system. In this way, the sealing effect of the filter element and both housing parts can be achieved by a single sealing element.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sealing element can be arranged on the outer sleeve of the frame element and, in particular, can be spaced axially from the end disc. In particular, the seal can be located at the free circumferential edge of the outer sleeve, which is spaced apart from the end disc. This allows the location of the sealing action to be axially spaced apart from the end disc, which is advantageous for certain installation space shapes and / or sizes. Furthermore, this allows sealing pre-tensions that could lead to undesirable deformations to be kept away from the end disc and / or the filter medium body.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the filter element, at least one of the end discs can include an integrated sealing element, which is configured to seal in the axial and / or radial direction between the raw side and the clean side when the filter element is installed as intended in the filter housing. In this way, a sealing effect can advantageously be achieved after the filter element has been inserted into the housing part and the filter housing has been closed by placing the second housing part thereon.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the sealing element can be arranged at the radially inner edge or the radially outer edge of the end disc. In this way, the sealing effect of the filter element can be adapted to different installation spaces and / or housing geometries and configurations.

[0031] According to advantageous embodiments of the filter element, the first and / or second filter medium bodies can be designed as pleated filter bellows and / or wound bodies and / or loose fill and / or coated honeycomb bodies. Depending on the boundary conditions of the fluid to be filtered, different filter medium bodies can be appropriately selected.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, at least one of the two filter media bodies can be configured as a pleated filter bellows. The first and / or second filter media body can be designed without end discs. In this context, the end face edges of the folds of at least one of the two filter media bodies can be sealed between the folds at its first and / or second end faces by a sealing material. This advantageously increases the available filter surface area. In other words, the cross-sectional surface area available for inflow and / or outflow can be increased, resulting in reduced flow resistance.

[0033] According to advantageous embodiments of the filter element, the housing, particularly the housing formed by the fluid-impermeable region of the frame element, may at least partially include an at least temporary open area for fluid to flow through, which can be sealed by a switchable cover. The switchable cover advantageously extends the service life of one of the two filter media bodies. In this way, the at least partially open cover (e.g., the activated carbon corrugated portion) of one of the two filter media bodies can be at least partially bypassed, thereby extending its service life. For example, the switchable cover can be controlled based on ambient air quality data. Thus, the switchable cover allows optimal utilization of the filter stages (particle filtration and harmful gas adsorption) depending on the ambient air quality data. For example, in operating conditions with minimal particle load but high harmful gas load (e.g., driving through a city), the particle filter stage can be bypassed by opening the switchable cover. This reduces flow resistance and, therefore, energy consumption. In embodiments, this can be similarly achieved under opposite environmental conditions (high particle load, low harmful gas load).

[0034] According to advantageous embodiments of the filter element, the cover can be configured as a switch sleeve that can rotate relative to the axial direction and / or as a switch sleeve that can slide in the axial direction and / or as a folded corrugated portion that can move in the axial direction and / or as a roller shutter. Different embodiments of the switchable cover can be appropriately selected depending on the configuration of the filter medium body and controlled by a suitable actuator (e.g., an electric motor). The actuator can advantageously be arranged directly at the filter element or at the filter housing. It is also conceivable to control the cover by vacuum rather than by an electric motor.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular for filtering air, is proposed, wherein the fluid is in particular a fluid of a fuel cell system or a cabin air filter system of a motor vehicle, wherein the filter system comprises a filter housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and at least one filter element according to the invention arranged between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet in the filter housing.

[0036] The proposed filter system can advantageously be used to filter the incoming air of a fuel cell system. In this context, the filter element can include at least two filter media bodies through which a flow flows sequentially. For example, the filter media body that flows first in the flow direction can be configured as a particle filter. Alternatively or additionally, the downstream filter media body in the flow direction can be configured as an adsorption filter, in particular an activated carbon filter and / or an ion exchanger. In this way, dust and dirt particles can first be filtered out of the fluid to be filtered, and then harmful gases can be advantageously adsorbed in the downstream filter media body. Advantageously, the two filter media bodies can be arranged concentrically with respect to the axial direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Further advantages are derived from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain many combined features. A person skilled in the art will readily consider the features individually and combine them to facilitate further combinations. These are shown by way of example:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a filter system for filtering fluids, in particular for filtering air, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in particular a fuel cell system, comprising a filter element having two filter medium bodies;

[0039] Figure 2 Show the basis Figure 1 Isometric exploded view of the filter element;

[0040] Figure 3 Show the basis Figure 1 Isometric exploded view of the filtration system;

[0041] Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through a filter system according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 5 Show the basis Figure 4 Isometric drawing of the filter element of the filtration system;

[0043] Figure 6 Show the basis Figure 5 a cross-sectional plan view of a filter element;

[0044] Figure 7 shows a longitudinal section through a filter system according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0045] Figure 8 Show the basis Figure 7 Isometric exploded view of the filter element;

[0046] Figure 9shows a longitudinal section through a filter system according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0047] Figure 10 Show the basis Figure 9 Isometric exploded view of the filter element;

[0048] Figure 11 shows a longitudinal section through a filter system according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0049] Figure 12 Show the basis Figure 11 Isometric exploded view of the filter element;

[0050] Figure 13 An isometric view shows a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention, comprising a rotatable switching sleeve as a cover;

[0051] Figure 14 Show the basis Figure 13 A filter element having a partially enclosed cover;

[0052] Figure 15 Shown through the Figure 13 A longitudinal cross section of the filter element;

[0053] Figure 16 An isometric view showing a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention, comprising an axially slidable switching sleeve as a cover;

[0054] Figure 17 Show the basis Figure 16 A filter element having a partially enclosed cover;

[0055] Figure 18 Show the basis Figure 16 A longitudinal cross section of the filter element;

[0056] Figure 19 An isometric view showing a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention, comprising folded bellows as a cover;

[0057] Figure 20 Show the basis Figure 19 A filter element having a partially enclosed cover; and

[0058] Figure 21 Shown through the Figure 19 Longitudinal cross section of the filter element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In the drawings, the same or similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The drawings are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0060] Directional terms used hereinafter, such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "hereafter," and the like, are only used to facilitate a better understanding of the drawings and are not intended to be limiting in any way. The illustrated components and elements, their configuration, and use may vary within the context of consideration of those skilled in the art and may be adapted to the respective application.

[0061] Figure 1 A longitudinal section through a filter system 100 for filtering fluids, in particular for filtering air, in particular a fuel cell system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a filter element 10 with two filter medium bodies 12 , 32 .

[0062] Figure 2 Show the basis Figure 1 An isometric exploded view of the filter element 10, while Figure 3 The diagram is based on Figure 1 An exploded isometric view of the filtration system 100 .

[0063] The filter system 100 includes a filter housing 110 having a fluid inlet 102 and a fluid outlet 104 , wherein at least one filter element 10 is arranged between the fluid inlet 102 and the fluid outlet 104 .

[0064] The filter element 10 comprises two concentric filter media bodies 12 , 32 , which are embodied as hollow cylinders extending in an axial direction 80 and, when used as intended, are arranged to be flowed through radially and sequentially or in series by a fluid.

[0065] The outer diameter 18 of one of the two filter media bodies 12, 32 is smaller than the inner diameter 38 of the other of the two filter media bodies 12, 32. One of the two filter media bodies 12, 32 is at least partially arranged radially inward of the other of the two filter media bodies 12, 32 in the axial direction 80. The radially inner one of the filter media bodies 12 protrudes axially away from the radially outer one of the filter media bodies 32.

[0066] Frame element 50 is at least partially arranged at filter media bodies 12, 32. Frame element 50 or support tube serves to position the two filter media bodies 12, 32 and also supports the filter media of filter media bodies 12, 32 relative to each other and against the pressure of the flowing fluid.

[0067] In this context, at least a region 52 of the frame element 50 extending between at least two filter media bodies 12 , 32 is at least partially permeable to fluid flow therethrough, so that the fluid to be filtered can flow first through one filter media body 32 and then through the other filter media body 12 .

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid to be filtered flows through the fluid inlet 102 into the raw side 60 of the filter housing 110. From there, it can flow through the filter element 10 in the radial direction 90, as indicated by the arrows. Thus, it first flows through the radially outwardly arranged filter medium body 32. From there, the fluid can flow through the second filter medium body 12 via the partially permeable region 52 of the frame element 50 and thus reach the clean region 62. From there, the fluid can exit the filter housing 110 via the fluid outlet 104.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the fluid can also flow through the filter element 10 from the radial inside to the radial outside.

[0070] In the air filter system of a fuel cell system, the filter medium body 32 flowing through first in flow direction 90 can advantageously be designed as a particle filter. The downstream filter medium body 12 in flow direction 90 can then be configured as an adsorption filter, in particular an activated carbon filter and / or an ion exchanger.

[0071] The filter media bodies 12, 32 can be configured as, for example, pleated filter corrugations and / or wound bodies. The filter media bodies 12, 32 for adsorbing harmful gases can be implemented as loose fill and / or coated honeycombs.

[0072] The two filter media bodies 12, 32 may have different axial extensions 20, 40. One of the two filter media bodies 12 having a greater axial extension 20 than the axial extension 40 of the other of the filter media bodies 32 is arranged radially inward of the other of the filter media bodies 12, 32. The thickness 42 of the outer filter media body 32 is slightly greater than the thickness 22 of the inner filter media body 12.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, the filter medium body 32 having the greater thickness 42 is arranged radially outside the other of the two filter medium bodies 12, 32. However, as an alternative, the filter medium body 12, 32 having the greater thickness 22, 42 may also be arranged radially inside the other of the two filter medium bodies 12.

[0074] The filter medium bodies 12, 32 are closed at their end faces 14, 16; 34, 36 by end disks 24, 26; 44, 46, for example, made of polyurethane (PUR). The two filter medium bodies 12, 32 are arranged aligned with the end disks 24, 44 relative to the first end faces 14, 34. The frame element 50 is thus surrounded by the end disks 24, 44 at the first end faces 14, 34 of the two filter medium bodies 12, 32, in particular by a form fit.

[0075] The frame element 50 includes an outer sleeve 51 that at least partially surrounds the radially outer filter medium body 32 at its radially outer side and is configured to be fluid-impermeable. A sealing element 54 is arranged at the outer sleeve 51 and is configured to seal in the axial and / or radial directions 80, 82 between the raw side 60 and the clean side 62 when the filter element 10 is installed as intended in the filter housing 110 of the filter system 100. In particular, the sealing element 54 is arranged radially outward of the two filter medium bodies 12, 32, thereby sealing between the first housing portion 112 and the second housing portion 114 of the filter housing 110 of the filter system 100. The outer sleeve 51 is particularly closed in the circumferential direction and completely surrounds the outer filter medium body 32 in the circumferential direction. Since the ends of the outer sleeve 51 face the end disks 24, 44, the outer sleeve 51 is particularly fluid-tightly connected to the end disks 24, 44. On the other hand, the sealing element 54 is arranged at the end of the outer sleeve 51 facing away from the end disc 24 , 44 or at the free circumferential edge of the outer sleeve 51 and is therefore axially spaced apart from the end disc 24 , 44 .

[0076] The section of the inner filter medium body 12 not surrounded by the outer filter medium body 32 is covered by a housing 53'. The housing 53' is arranged on the outer wall surface of the section of the inner filter medium body 12 that protrudes away from the outer filter medium body 32 and is configured to be fluid-impermeable. In this way, the fluid is forced to flow through the outer filter medium body 32 of the filter element 10 before being able to flow through the inner filter medium body 12. This ensures that particles are first filtered out of the fluid by the outer filter medium body 32 before harmful gases are absorbed into the inner filter medium body 12.

[0077] Housing 53' is formed by fluid-impermeable region 53 of frame element 50, wherein fluid-impermeable region 53 of frame element 50 abuts fluid-permeable region 52 in axial direction 80. Fluid-permeable region 52 and fluid-impermeable region 53 of frame element 50 can be one-piece and, in particular, be part of a common central tube, which can, in particular, be an injection-molded plastic part. The common central tube radially outwardly surrounds radially inner filter media body 12 and is arranged in a cavity provided by radially outer filter media body 32. In the region not surrounded by radially outer filter media body 32 (i.e., in the region where radially inner filter media body 12 protrudes axially away from radially outer filter media body 32), frame element 50 is fluid-impermeable and forms housing 53', while being fluid-permeable in the region where outer filter media body 32 surrounds inner filter media body 12.

[0078] exist Figure 2 , the various components of filter element 10 are shown. The two filter medium bodies 12, 32 can be seen with their end discs 24, 26; 44, 46. In this context, the two end discs 24, 44 of the first end face 14, 34 are formed as a common end disc 24, 44. Furthermore, the structure of frame element 50, into which the two filter medium bodies 12, 32 are inserted, can be seen. Furthermore, the fluid-permeable region 52 and the fluid-impermeable region 53 of frame element 50, as well as the outer sleeve 51, can be seen.

[0079] Figure 3 The two housing parts 112, 114 of the filter housing 110 and the assembled filter element 10 are shown with the radially outwardly arranged seal receptacle 55. The sealing element 54 cannot be seen in this illustration because it is arranged in the seal receptacle 55.

[0080] Figures 4 to 6 Further embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0081] Figure 4 Shown is a longitudinal section through a filter system 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0082] Filter system 100 and filter element 10 and Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments shown in FIG. 1 are basically very similar. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Significant differences can be seen in Figure 5 An isometric view of the filter element 10 is shown, Figure 6 A cross-sectional plan view of filter element 10 is shown.

[0083] The second end face 36 of the outer filter media body 32 and the first end face 14 of the inner filter media body 12 are configured without end discs.

[0084] Two concentric filter media bodies 12 and 32 are each formed as a pleated filter bellows. In this context, the end face edges 58 of the folds 56 of the filter media bodies 12 and 32 are sealed with sealing material 30 at the first and second end faces 14 and 36 between the folds 56, respectively, for example, by gluing with glue beads. In this manner, the alternating open end faces 14 and 36 of the filter media bodies 12 and 32 can be appropriately sealed by gluing and / or sealing the fold ends and / or end face edges 58 with the aid of glue beads between the folds 56. This advantageously increases the free space between the folds 56 for fluid flow.

[0085] exist Figure 7 A longitudinal section through a filter system according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. Figure 8 Shown in this context according to Figure 7 An isometric exploded view of the filter element 10 .

[0086] In this embodiment, the fluid inlet 102 is arranged at the first housing part 112 for tangential inflow from a radially outer position at the filter element 10. As in the previous embodiments, the fluid outlet 104 is centrally located at the first housing part 112.

[0087] The two filter media bodies 12, 32 are arranged on the frame element 50, which includes the housing 53', in the same manner as in the two previous embodiments. At the second end face, on the end plate 26 of the inner filter media body 12, the filter element 10 includes a support element 31, which supports the filter element 10 on the second housing part 114 when the filter housing 110 is closed. In this context, the filter element 10 is also arranged on the centering element 122 of the second housing part 114. However, the sealing effect of the filter element 10 relative to the filter housing 110 differs from the two previous embodiments because it does not include an outer sleeve 51.

[0088] The common end disc 24, 44 of the filter media bodies 12, 32 at the first end faces 14, 34 includes an integrated sealing element 28 configured to seal in the axial and / or radial directions 80, 82 between the raw side 60 and the clean side 62 when the filter element 10 is installed as intended in the filter housing 110. Figure 8 In FIG. 2 , the sealing element 28 can clearly be seen as a protruding bead.

[0089] In this context, the sealing element 28 is arranged at a radially inner edge 48 of the end disk 24 .

[0090] Between the two filter media bodies 12 , 32 , the frame element 50 includes an area 52 that is at least partially permeable to fluid, while the area of ​​the inner filter media body 12 not surrounded by the outer filter media body 12 is covered by a fluid-impermeable area 53 of the frame element 50 forming a housing 53 ′.

[0091] Figure 9 A longitudinal section through a filter system 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown, with Figure 10 The diagram is based on Figure 9 An isometric exploded view of the filter element 10 .

[0092] The filter housing 110 comprises a radial fluid inlet 102 and a central fluid outlet 104 in a first housing part 112. Furthermore, a dirt outlet 120 is arranged at the second housing part 114, by means of which coarse dirt particles collected in the filter housing 110 can be discharged. As in the previous embodiment, the flow direction 90 is oriented in the radial direction 82 from the outside to the inside.

[0093] The two filter medium bodies 12, 32 are aligned relative to the second end faces 16, 36 at a common end disk 26, 46. The frame element 50 is surrounded by the end disk 26, 46 at the first end faces 16, 36 of the two filter medium bodies 12, 32, in particular by a form fit.

[0094] The common end disc 26 , 46 comprises a support element 31 for support at the second housing part 114 when the filter housing 110 is closed.

[0095] The end disk 24 of the inner filter medium body 12 comprises, at its radial inner edge 48 , a sealing element 28 oriented in the axial direction 80 for sealing between the raw side 60 and the clean side 62 of the filter system 100 .

[0096] Between the two filter media bodies 12 , 32 , the frame element 50 comprises an at least partially fluid-permeable area 52 for fluid, while the area of ​​the inner filter media body 12 not surrounded by the outer filter media body 12 is covered by a fluid-impermeable area 53 of the frame element 50 and forms a housing 53 ′.

[0097] Figure 11 A longitudinal section through a filter system 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown, with Figure 12 The diagram is based on Figure 11 An isometric exploded view of the filter element 10 .

[0098] In this embodiment, the fluid inlet 102 and the fluid outlet 104 are different from those in the embodiment. Figure 9Similar to the embodiment illustrated in , the two filter media bodies 12 , 32 are offset at both ends relative to the two end faces 14 , 16 ; 34 , 36 .

[0099] Fluid flow between the raw side 60 and the clean side 62 and the sealing Figure 9 The end discs 24, 26; 44, 46 of the two filter medium bodies 12, 32 are each configured separately.

[0100] Figure 13 An isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the housing 53' at least partially comprises an at least temporarily open area 70 for the at least temporary flow of a fluid, said area being closable by a switchable cover 72. The cover 72 is configured as a switch sleeve 74 rotatable about an axial direction 80.

[0101] Because the axial extensions 20, 40 of the two filter media bodies 12, 32 are different, the switchable cover 72 can be arranged within the stepped configuration of the two filter media bodies 12, 31. This is intended to extend the service life of the high-performance filter media bodies, such as the activated carbon corrugated portion. When the cover 72 is opened, the activated carbon corrugated portion can be at least partially bypassed.

[0102] In this embodiment, the substantially fluid-impermeable region 53 of the frame element 50 at least partially comprises an at least partially open region 70 for at least temporarily flowing the fluid therethrough, said region being closable by a switchable cover 72. Due to the open region 70, when the fluid is directed in the radial direction 82 (see Figure 15 ) when flowing from the outside to the inside, may bypass the outer filter media body 32 in a bypass and thus flow directly through the area of ​​the inner filter media body 12.

[0103] In this way, the service life of the high-performance filter medium body 12 (e.g. the activated carbon corrugated portion) can be extended since the opening area 70 can be released by the rotatable switching sleeve 74 for a minimal harmful gas load in the environment, while the opening area 40 can be closed by the switching sleeve 74 at a high harmful gas load in the environment.

[0104] In principle, due to the switchable cover 72 , which can be opened and closed as a function of ambient air quality data, the filter stages (particle filtration and harmful gas adsorption) can be optimally utilized.

[0105] In this context, Figure 14 Show the basis Figure 13The filter element has a partially closed cover 70. Here, the switching sleeve 74 is rotated so that the cover 72 partially covers the opening area 70. In this way, the size of the opening area 70 can be adapted to the level of harmful gas load or particle load.

[0106] exist Figure 15 In the figure, the diagram passes through Figure 13 A longitudinal section of a filter element is shown. In the section, a portion of the fluid-impermeable region 53 on the outer side of the inner filter medium body 12 can be seen, which, in the illustrated position, is covered by the cover 70 of the rotatable switching sleeve 74 seated thereon. On the opposite side of the filter medium body 12, the open region 70 can be seen.

[0107] Due to the different axial extensions 20, 40 of the two filter medium bodies 12, 32, the switchable cover 72 can be arranged in a stepped structure of the two filter medium bodies 12, 31, with the aim of extending the service life of the high-performance filter medium body 12, such as the service life of the activated carbon corrugated part.

[0108] Figure 16 An isometric illustration of a filter element 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, which has a switching sleeve 76 as a cover 72 , which is slidable in the axial direction 80 . Figure 17 The filter element 10 is shown with a partially closed cover 72, while Figure 18 , a longitudinal section through the filter element 10 with a partially closed cover 72 is shown.

[0109] In this embodiment, the cover 72 is configured as a switching sleeve 76 that is slidable in the axial direction 80. To fully release the opening area 70, the switching sleeve 76 can be pushed back between the two filter media bodies 12, 32. This allows the portion of the inner filter media body 12 that protrudes beyond the outer filter media body 32 in the axial direction 80 to be fully released for fluid flow therethrough. For example, depending on the harmful gas load, the axially slidable switching sleeve 76 can cover a greater or lesser portion of the opening area 70 and, in this manner, restrict fluid flow therethrough.

[0110] Figure 19 An isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising folded bellows 78 as cover 72 . Figure 20 The filter element 10 is shown with a partially closed cover 72, while Figure 21 A longitudinal section through the filter element 10 is shown in FIG.

[0111] In this embodiment, the cover 72 is configured as a folded bellows 78 that is movable in the axial direction 60 and can be pulled along the portion of the inner filter medium body 12 that protrudes beyond the outer filter medium body 32, thereby releasing a more or less large opening area 70 for fluid to flow through. When the opening area 70 is fully released, the folded bellows 78 rests on the end disc 44 at the first end face 34 of the outer filter medium body 32.

[0112] Reference numerals

[0113] 10 filter element

[0114] 12 Filter media body

[0115] 14 First end face

[0116] 16 Second end face

[0117] 18 outer diameter

[0118] 20 Axial extension

[0119] 22 thickness

[0120] 24 serving tray

[0121] 26. End Plate

[0122] 28 Sealing element

[0123] 29 Sealing element

[0124] 30 Sealing material

[0125] 31 Support elements

[0126] 32 Filter media body

[0127] 34 First end face

[0128] 36 Second end face

[0129] 38 inner diameter

[0130] 40 Axial extension

[0131] 42 thickness

[0132] 44 serving tray

[0133] 46 serving tray

[0134] 48 radial inner edge

[0135] 49 radial outer edge

[0136] 50 frame elements

[0137] 51 Outer sleeve

[0138] 52 Fluid Permeable Area

[0139] 53' hull

[0140] 53 Fluid Impermeable Area

[0141] 54 Sealing element

[0142] 55 seal receiving portion

[0143] 56 Folding Department

[0144] 58 End face edge

[0145] 60 Original Side

[0146] 62 Clean side

[0147] 70 Opening

[0148] 72 switchable cover

[0149] 74 Switch sleeve / rotatable sleeve

[0150] 76 Switch sleeve / slidable sleeve

[0151] 78 folded bellows

[0152] 80 axial direction

[0153] 82 radial direction

[0154] 90 Flow direction

[0155] 100 Filtration System

[0156] 102 Fluid inlet

[0157] 104 fluid outlet

[0158] 110 filter housing

[0159] 112 First housing part

[0160] 114 Second housing part

[0161] 116 Sealed Base

[0162] 118 flange

[0163] 120 Dirt Outlet

[0164] 122 Centering element

Claims

1. A filter element (10) for filtering a fluid, in particular an air filter element, for use in a filter system (100), in particular an air filter system for a fuel cell system or a cabin air filter system for a motor vehicle, comprising at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32), each filter medium body (12, 32) being embodied as a hollow cylinder extending in an axial direction (80) and each filter medium body (12, 32) being capable of being passed through by a fluid in a radial direction and sequentially, in, One of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32) has an outer diameter (18) that is smaller than an inner diameter (38) of the other of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32), wherein one of the at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32) is at least partially arranged radially inside the other of the at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32) along the axial direction (80) and protrudes away from the other of the at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32) relative to the axial direction (80), and wherein an at least partially circumferentially extending housing (53') is arranged at an outer wall surface of a section of one of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32) that projects away from the other of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32), the at least partially circumferentially extending housing (53') being configured to at least temporarily fluid-impermeably close the outer wall surface, And wherein, one of the at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32) is configured as a particle filter, and the other of the filter medium bodies (12, 32) is implemented as an adsorption filter.

2. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The filter medium body (12, 32) through which the filter can flow first in the intended flow direction (90) is configured as a particle filter and / or wherein the downstream filter medium body (12, 32) in the flow direction (90) is configured as an adsorption filter, in particular as an activated carbon filter and / or as an ion exchanger.

3. The filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A frame element (50) is at least partially arranged at the at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32), and wherein at least one region (52) of the frame element (50) extending between the at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32) is at least partially permeable for fluid flow therethrough.

4. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The housing (53') is formed by the fluid-impermeable region (53) of the frame element (50), in particular wherein the fluid-impermeable region (53) of the frame element (50) adjoins the fluid-permeable region (52) in the axial direction (80).

5. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The at least two filter media bodies (12, 32) include different axial extensions (20, 40) and / or wherein the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32) include different thicknesses (22, 42).

6. The filter element according to claim 5, wherein One of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32) includes an axial extension (20, 40) that is greater than an axial extension (20, 40) of the other of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32), and one of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32) is arranged radially inwardly or outwardly of the other of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32).

7. The filter element according to claim 5 or 6, wherein One of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32) includes a thickness (22, 42) greater than a thickness (22, 42) of the other of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32), and one of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32) is arranged radially inward or outward of the other of the at least two filter media bodies (12, 32).

8. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32) are aligned relative to at least one of their two end faces (14, 16; 34, 36), or The at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32) are arranged offset at both ends relative to the two end surfaces (14, 16; 34, 36).

9. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The flow direction (90) of the fluid in the radial direction (82) is oriented outward or inward.

10. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The housing (53'), in particular formed by the fluid-impermeable region (53) of the frame element (50), is connected to the end discs (24, 26; 44, 46), in particular embedded in the end plate (24, 26; 44, 46).

11. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The frame element (50) comprises an outer sleeve (51) surrounding the outer wall surface of the radially outer one (32) of the at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32), wherein in particular the outer sleeve (51) of the frame element (50) is configured to be fluid-impermeable and is connected to one of the end discs (34).

12. A filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The frame element (50) comprises at least one sealing element (28, 38, 54) configured to seal in an axial and / or radial direction (80, 82) between a raw side (60) and a clean side (62) when the filter element (10) is installed as intended in a filter housing (110) of a filter system (100), In particular, the sealing element (54) is arranged radially outside the at least two filter medium bodies (12, 32) and is configured to seal between a first housing part (112) and a second housing part (114) of a filter housing (110) of a filter system (100).

13. The filter element according to claim 12, wherein The sealing element (28, 38, 54) is arranged on an outer sleeve (51) of a frame element (50) and is spaced apart from the end disk (34), in particular in an axial direction (80).

14. The filter element according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein At least one of the end discs (24, 26; 44, 46) includes an integrated sealing element (28, 29) configured to seal in an axial and / or radial direction (80, 82) between a raw side (60) and a clean side (62) when the filter element (10) is installed as intended in a filter housing (110).

15. The filter element according to claim 14, wherein The sealing element (28, 29) is arranged at a radially inner edge (48) or a radially outer edge (49) of the end disk (24, 26; 44, 46).

16. A filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first and / or second filter medium body (12, 32) is formed as a pleated filter corrugation, as a wound body, as a loose fill or in particular as a coated honeycomb body.

17. A filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the two filter medium bodies (12, 32) is formed as a pleated filter corrugated portion, wherein the first and / or second filter medium body (12, 32) is configured without an end plate, The end face edges (58) of the folded parts (56) of at least one of the two filter medium bodies (12, 32) are sealed between the folded parts (56) by a sealing material (30) at the first and / or second end faces (14, 16; 34, 36) thereof.

18. A filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The housing (53'), in particular the housing (53') formed by the fluid-impermeable area (53) of the frame element (50), at least partially comprises at least a temporary opening area (70) for at least temporarily flowing a fluid therethrough, the at least temporary opening area (70) being closable by a switchable cover (72).

19. The filter element according to claim 18, wherein The cover (72) is configured as a switch sleeve (74) rotatable about an axial direction (80) and / or as a switch sleeve (76) slidable in the axial direction (80) and / or as a folded corrugated portion (78) movable in the axial direction (80) and / or as a roller blind.

20. A filter system (100) for filtering a fluid, in particular for filtering air, the fluid being in particular a fluid of a fuel cell system or a cabin air filter system of a motor vehicle, the filter system (100) comprising a filter housing (110) having a fluid inlet (102) and a fluid outlet (104), and comprising at least one filter element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, the filter element (10) being arranged between the fluid inlet (103) and the fluid outlet (104) in the filter housing (100).

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