Filter element for arrangement in a filter housing of a filter device, filter housing and filter device

Abstract

A filter element (16) for arrangement in a filter housing (26) of a filter device (10), a filter housing (26) and a filter device (10) are described. The filter element (16) has at least one filter medium body (48) which has an inflow side (64) and an outflow side (66) on axially opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis (22), and a seal (54) which surrounds the longitudinal center axis (22) and is arranged on the filter medium body (48). The filter element (16) has at least two protruding regions (44) which are part of the at least one protruding element (72) and which are arranged radially outside the filter element (16) and axially between the seal (54) and the outflow side (66) of the filter element (16). The protruding regions (44) are axially spaced apart. At least one of the protruding regions (44) is closer to the surrounding seal (54) than the other protruding region (44), the at least one protruding region (44) being arranged at a greater radial distance from the longitudinal central axis (22) than the other protruding region (44). In the intended connected state of the filter element (16) in the filter housing (26), the protruding region (44) can bear against at least one corresponding mating structure (42) of the filter housing (26) in order to form an axial stop of the filter element (16) in the filter housing (26) with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22).

Description

[0001] This patent application claims priority to German patent application 102023124737.9, filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office on September 13, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a filter element (particularly an air filter element) for arrangement in a filter housing of a filter device (particularly an air filter device), having at least one filter media body having an inflow side and an outflow side on axially opposite sides about a longitudinal central axis, and a seal surrounding the longitudinal central axis, the seal being arranged on the at least one filter media body. The filter element has at least two protruding regions, which are portions of at least one protruding element, and these protruding regions are arranged radially outward of the filter element and axially located between the surrounding seal and the outflow side of the filter element. Wherein, the at least two protruding regions are axially spaced apart. Wherein, at least one of the at least two protruding regions is closer to the surrounding seal than at least another of the at least two protruding regions, and the at least one protruding region is arranged at a greater radial distance from the longitudinal central axis than the at least another protruding region.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a filter housing (particularly an air filter housing) in which at least one filter element (particularly at least one air filter element) may be arranged.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a filtration device (particularly an air filtration device) having at least one filter housing and at least one filter element arranged in the at least one filter housing. Background Technology

[0005] A filtration system is known from US20180169555A1. The filtration system includes a filter housing, shown as a cover and a housing body. The filtration system includes a filter element fluid-technically arranged between the cover and the housing body. The filtration system is used to filter contaminated fluid, which enters through an inlet and exits as clean fluid through an outlet. The filter element is replaceably and removably mounted in the filter housing so that it can be maintained or replaced with a new, clean filter element when depleted. A sealing device works with one or more housing components to prevent contaminated fluid from bypassing the filter element, particularly its filter media. The sealing device is rectangular and includes a preformed element in the form of a preformed frame element (also called an edge frame) and a housing sealing element. The housing sealing element is mounted on the frame element and defines a housing sealing surface, which in this embodiment is an axial sealing surface. The housing sealing surface is axially pressed into a portion of the housing body to form a seal in the installed state. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to design a filter element, filter housing, and filter device of the type described at the beginning, wherein the filter element can be designed to save more space overall.

[0007] According to the present invention, for a filter element, the above-mentioned task is solved by the following manner: in the intended connected state of the filter element in the filter housing, the at least two protruding regions can abut against at least one corresponding mating structure of the filter housing to form an axial stop of the filter element about the longitudinal central axis in the filter housing.

[0008] According to the invention, at least two protruding regions are provided, arranged at different radial and axial distances from the longitudinal central axis. In this way, the protruding regions support the filter element against mating support surfaces inclined about the longitudinal central axis, which are part of the mating structure of the filter housing. This stepped arrangement of the protruding regions (which form inclined support surfaces), viewed radially relative to the longitudinal central axis, requires less space than arranging these protruding regions in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis. The structural space obtained by the stepped arrangement of the protruding regions according to the invention can be used for the filter media body. Thus, a larger filtration area can be achieved within the same structural space.

[0009] By axially arranging the at least two protruding regions between the surrounding seal and the outflow side of the filter element, the sealing and retaining regions of the filter element within the filter housing can be decoupled. The filter element is axially retained within the filter housing via the at least two protruding regions. In this way, a seal with at least partial radial sealing effect can be used.

[0010] The at least two protruding regions are axially spaced apart. This means that, when viewed in a projection perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis, the at least two protruding regions are axially spaced apart about the longitudinal central axis.

[0011] Advantageously, the filter element has an external cross-section that is approximately circular, elliptical, or elliptical in the direction transverse to the longitudinal central axis. This filter element can be referred to as a so-called "circular filter element." This filter element can be used in circular air filters and / or compact air filters. This filter element can be used in compact air filters with single-stage or two-stage designs. This filter element can be combined with at least one cyclone separator. Using a cyclone separator, particles, especially dust particles, can be separated from gas (particularly air). This at least one cyclone separator can be used as a pre-separator.

[0012] In this way, the medium to be cleaned (especially air) can be pre-cleaned before flowing through the filter element. Two-stage separation is achieved in this manner. The at least one cyclone separator can be fastened to the filter housing with the filter element using a snap-lock mechanism. Thus, the at least one cyclone separator can be pressed against the filter housing in the axial direction. In this way, the filter element can be axially held in place within the filter housing about its longitudinal central axis by the cyclone separator. A surrounding seal can be used to seal the area between the filter element, the filter housing, and the cyclone separator. Force flow can be transmitted through the cyclone separator to the frame element of the filter element and from there to the filter housing. Here, force can be introduced into the filter housing through lateral ribs on the frame element of the filter element.

[0013] Advantageously, the filter element can be axially arranged in the filter housing about the longitudinal central axis. The filter element can be axially clamped in the filter housing. In this way, the at least two protruding regions can abut against at least one corresponding mating structure of the filter housing in the axial direction. Thus, the filter element can be supported on the at least one mating structure.

[0014] By using seals, particles or water can be prevented from entering the clean side between at least one filter element and the filter housing. Furthermore, particles or water can also be prevented from entering the area between at least one filter element and the second housing component (particularly the immersion tube sheet and / or cyclone block).

[0015] Advantageously, the at least one filter media body may have at least one filter bellows, particularly at least one single bellows and / or at least one double bellows.

[0016] Advantageously, the filter media body may have a filter medium suitable for filtering gaseous media (especially air), particularly filter paper, filter nonwoven fabric, filter foam or the like.

[0017] Advantageously, the filter media of the at least one filter media body can be pleated or rolled up. In this way, the effective filtration area can be increased. The filter element can be designed accordingly as a pleated filter element or a rolled-up element.

[0018] Advantageously, the at least one filter element may be a compact filter element, a hollow filter element, a flat filter element, or the like.

[0019] Advantageously, the filter media body can be a filter media with deep zigzag folds. For a generally cuboid or prismatic filter media body, it is particularly called a deep fold when the fold height is approximately equal to the elongation along the fold edge direction and / or transverse to the fold edge direction.

[0020] A hollow filter element is characterized in that it has at least one internal space surrounded by a filter medium.

[0021] Advantageously, the hollow filter element can be a so-called circular filter element with a circular cross-section, an elliptical circular filter element with an elliptical cross-section, a flat elliptical circular filter element with a flattened elliptical cross-section, a conical circular filter element (whose circular cross-section tapers gradually toward the main axis in the axial direction), a conical elliptical circular filter element (whose elliptical cross-section tapers gradually in the axial direction or at least in the transverse axial direction), a conical flattened elliptical circular filter element (whose flattened elliptical cross-section tapers gradually in the axial direction or at least in the transverse axial direction), or a hollow filter element having other types of cross-sections (especially polygonal) and / or other types of axial cross-section orientations along the element's axial direction.

[0022] Filtering devices and filter elements can be used in vehicles, especially motor vehicles, construction and / or agricultural machinery, compressors, in conjunction with internal combustion engines, and cathode filters, especially in conjunction with fuel cells.

[0023] The medium to be cleaned can be air. In this case, the filter device can also be called an air filter device. Using this filter device, solid or liquid particles, especially dust, can be removed from the gaseous medium.

[0024] The longitudinal central axis extends along the longitudinal direction of the filter unit. The longitudinal direction of the filter unit is the direction in which the various components of the filter unit are assembled. The longitudinal central axis extends approximately through the center of the filter unit.

[0025] The longitudinal center axis may coincide with the housing axis of the filter housing, the installation / removal axis of the first housing component (especially the housing tank) for inserting / removing the filter element, the connection axis between the first housing component and the second housing component (especially the cyclone housing), and / or the element axis of the filter element. When the terms "radial," "coaxial," "axial," "tangential," "circumferential," "concentric," "eccentric," or similar terms are used in the description, they refer to the longitudinal center axis unless otherwise stated. "Circumferential" refers to an imaginary outer surface surrounding the longitudinal center axis.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, at least two of the protruding regions can be arranged on the same protruding element, and in particular, the at least two of the protruding regions can transition to each other without gaps on the same protruding element. In this way, greater mechanical stability can be achieved.

[0027] Advantageously, at least two of the protruding regions can transition seamlessly into each other. In this way, the protruding elements can be manufactured using simpler tools.

[0028] Advantageously, a single protruding element can have multiple protruding areas. These protruding areas can be arbitrarily small. This reduces the contact area between the protruding areas and the mating structure of the filter housing. Advantageously, any number of arbitrarily small protruding areas can be implemented on a single protruding element. This allows for more uniform support.

[0029] Advantageously, a single protruding element can have an infinite number of protruding regions, each of which is relatively small. In this way, a practically continuous support surface can be achieved. A support surface can be formed by multiple protruding elements that transition seamlessly to each other.

[0030] In the terms protruding elements and protruding regions, the prefix "protruding" means that the corresponding element or region is protruding (hervorspringt) relative to the adjacent region, that is, it is raised (hervorsteht).

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment, at least two of the protruding regions can be tangentially spaced apart when viewed circumferentially about the longitudinal central axis. In this way, the protruding regions can be arranged circumferentially. This allows for better force transmission between the protruding regions and the mating structure of the filter housing. In particular, at least two of the protruding regions can be tangentially spaced apart when viewed in a projection toward the longitudinal central axis.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment, the filter element may have at least two protruding elements, wherein at least one of the at least two protruding regions is arranged on each of the at least two protruding elements. In this way, the protruding elements and protruding regions can be more individually adapted to the corresponding mating structure of the filter housing.

[0033] In another advantageous embodiment, at least two of the at least two protruding regions can be stretched into at least one support surface (particularly at least one flat support surface) that extends obliquely relative to the longitudinal central axis. In this way, the protruding regions can be uniformly supported against the corresponding mating surfaces of the mating structures of the filter housing. The mating surfaces of the mating structures can correspondingly extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal central axis.

[0034] Advantageously, the support surface can be flat. In this way, more uniform support can be achieved.

[0035] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one support surface may be inclined at an acute angle relative to the axial direction of the at least one longitudinal central axis. In this way, the at least one support surface can additionally serve as an inlet aid when the filter element is installed into the filter housing.

[0036] Advantageously, the acute angle can be located on the side facing the inflow side. In this way, the filter element can be more easily pushed into the filter housing with the outflow side facing forward in the axial direction about the longitudinal central axis.

[0037] In another advantageous embodiment, the support surface can be at least partially continuous and / or at least partially interrupted. A continuous support surface allows for better transmission of mechanical forces. An interrupted support surface can be achieved with less material consumption.

[0038] Advantageously, the support surface can be at least partially virtual. In this case, the actual support is achieved only through protruding areas. The arrangement of these protruding areas along at least part of the virtual support surface enables uniform support and prevents the filter element from tilting or twisting relative to the filter housing.

[0039] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one protruding element can generally have higher mechanical stiffness than the surrounding seal. In this way, the transmission of mechanical retaining forces between the filter element and the filter housing can be better decoupled from the surrounding seal.

[0040] Advantageously, at least one protruding element can be at least partially flexible. This allows for better tolerance compensation when installing the filter element into the filter housing. Advantageously, at least one protruding element can be at least partially made of the same material as the surrounding seal. This simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0041] Advantageously, the at least two protruding regions can be distributed on the outer circumference of the filter element. In this way, the protruding regions can support the filter element on the mating structure of the filter housing on the circumferential side.

[0042] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one (and in particular all) of the protruding regions, viewed in axial projection, can be arranged between the longitudinal central axis and the radially outer side of the surrounding seal, wherein the surrounding seal can extend radially beyond the at least one protruding region in axial projection. In this way, the protruding regions can be arranged in a space-saving section that tapers relative to the filter housing sealing area.

[0043] In another advantageous embodiment, the filter element may have at least three circumferentially interrupted support surfaces distributed on the outer circumference of the filter element and facing the outflow side, wherein each support surface may be formed by at least two of the at least two protruding regions. In this way, the filter element can be uniformly supported on the mating structure of the filter housing.

[0044] Advantageously, in the intended connected state, the at least three circumferentially interrupted support surfaces can abut against the corresponding mating structures of the filter housing to form axial stops for the filter element.

[0045] Advantageously, the at least three circumferentially interrupted support surfaces can be inclined at an acute angle relative to the axial direction of the longitudinal central axis. In this way, the support surfaces can additionally serve as an introduction aid when introducing the filter element into the filter housing.

[0046] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can extend radially beyond the at least three circumferentially interrupted support surfaces. In this way, the support surfaces can be arranged in a region of the filter housing that tapers relative to the sealing region (where the circumferential seal of the filter element abuts).

[0047] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one protruding element can be implemented on the frame element of the filter element. In this way, the retaining force can be directly transferred from the at least one protruding element to the frame element. This protects the at least one filter media body and / or the at least one surrounding seal from the influence of the retaining force.

[0048] Advantageously, the at least one protruding element can be integrated with the frame element of the filter element. This simplifies manufacturing.

[0049] In another advantageous embodiment, the surrounding seal can be fastened directly or indirectly to the at least one filter media body. Direct fastening eliminates the need for additional components. Indirect fastening allows for a more flexible design of the at least one filter media body and / or the surrounding seal.

[0050] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be fastened to at least one frame element of the filter element. In this way, the circumferential seal can be stably held on the filter element.

[0051] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be fastened to a section of at least one frame element of the filter element, which extends at an angle (particularly an acute angle) relative to the longitudinal central axis. This angled extension simplifies the introduction of the circumferential seal into the sealing area of ​​the filter housing.

[0052] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be radially and externally fastened to a section of at least one frame element of the filter element about the longitudinal central axis. In this way, the circumferential seal can be radially and inwardly supported by the at least one frame element.

[0053] Advantageously, the surrounding seal can be realized as a multi-component component (especially a two-component component) with at least one frame element. This simplifies manufacturing. Advantageously, the surrounding seal can be realized with at least one frame element using an injection molding process. In this way, at least one frame element and the surrounding seal can be designed separately.

[0054] Advantageously, the surrounding seal can be manufactured as a separate part and then attached to at least one frame element after manufacturing, particularly by snap-fit, bonding, welding, or similar methods. In this way, at least one frame element and the surrounding seal can be manufactured separately from each other.

[0055] Advantageously, the at least one filter media body can be connected to at least one frame element via a castable material (particularly a castable material having or being formed of polyurethane (PUR)), particularly a castable connection. In this way, the at least one filter media body can be sealed to at least one frame element.

[0056] Advantageously, the filter element may have at least one frame element with a support grid, which supports the at least one filter media body. In this way, the mechanical stability of the filter element can be further improved.

[0057] Advantageously, the frame element can be designed to be less flexible than the surrounding seal. In this way, the frame element provides support, while the seal offers better deformability. This better deformability allows for improved sealing performance. Different levels of flexibility can be achieved through different materials and / or different shapes.

[0058] Advantageously, the frame element can be formed of a material with a higher mechanical stiffness than the surrounding seal. In this way, the frame element can be less flexible than the seal. The material can be a single material or a mixture of materials, particularly a composite material.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the frame element can be made at least sectionally of the same material (especially the sealing material) as the seal. This improves the connection between the frame element and the seal. Different mechanical stability can then be achieved through appropriate shapes and / or dimensions and / or densities of the seal and frame element.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, frame elements and seals can be implemented as multi-component components (especially two-component components). This simplifies manufacturing.

[0061] Advantageously, seals and frame elements can be manufactured according to multi-component injection molding processes (especially two-component injection molding processes).

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the seal may advantageously be made of or formed of an elastic material. In this way, the seal can elastically deform. This can further improve the sealing effect. Elastic seals can be easily manufactured from elastomers (especially foamed elastomers).

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the frame element can be made of or formed from plastic. In this way, stable and lightweight frame elements can be achieved. Rigid and robust frame elements can be easily achieved through injection molding from injection-moldable rigid plastic materials. Complex shapes can also be achieved for the frame element through injection molding.

[0064] In another advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal can be designed to provide at least a partial radial seal under the intended use condition (i.e., when the filter element is arranged in the filter housing). In this way, the sealing effect can depend less on the axial position of the filter element within the filter housing. Combined with the axial support of the protruding area relative to the mating structure of the filter housing, the retention function can be decoupled from the sealing function. Thus, the circumferential seal has no effect on the axial support of the filter element within the filter housing, and vice versa.

[0065] In another advantageous embodiment, the surrounding seal may have at least one sealing lip, and in particular, the surrounding seal may be a laminated seal. In this way, the installation force required to install the filter element into the filter housing can be reduced. At least one sealing lip (in particular at least one lamellar) can elastically yield when the filter element is installed axially about the longitudinal central axis. Through a relatively fine structure (in particular through at least one sealing lip or at least one lamellar) and the geometry of the surrounding seal, the sealing gap can be bridged without compressing the base material of the seal. Advantageously, the surrounding seal can substantially withstand bending stress, particularly the bending stress caused by the bending of at least one sealing lip (in particular the at least one). In this way, compression of the seal can be reduced.

[0066] Advantageously, the surrounding seal (in particular at least one sealing lip or at least one sheet) can seal relative to the housing wall of the filter housing. In this way, a radial sealing effect about the longitudinal central axis can be achieved.

[0067] In another advantageous embodiment, the surrounding seal can extend axially beyond the inflow side of the at least one filter media body. In this way, a sealing effect relative to the interior of the housing can also be achieved outside the inflow side.

[0068] In another advantageous embodiment, the surrounding seal can be supported by a seal retaining wall on its radially inner circumferential side. In this way, radial support force can be provided for the seal on its back side.

[0069] Advantageously, the sealing retaining wall can be force-transmittedly connected to at least one of the at least two protruding elements. In this way, the mechanical stability of the filter element on both the sealing retaining wall and the protruding element side can be improved.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the above-mentioned task is solved for the filter housing by means of at least one filter element according to the present invention being arranged in the filter housing.

[0071] Advantageously, the filter housing may have at least one mating structure on which at least one protruding region of the filter element can be supported in the intended connected state. Advantageously, the at least one mating structure may have at least one mating support surface that extends obliquely relative to the longitudinal central axis. In this way, the oblique support surface, achieved by the protruding region of the filter element, can uniformly support and abut against the at least one mating structure. Viewed radially relative to the longitudinal central axis, the oblique mating support surface requires less space than a surface perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis.

[0072] Advantageously, the at least one mating support surface may be inclined at an acute angle relative to the axial direction of the at least one longitudinal central axis. In this way, the at least one mating support surface can additionally serve as an inlet aid when the filter element is installed into the filter housing.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the above-mentioned task is solved for a filtration device by having at least one filtration element according to the present invention.

[0074] In general, the construction of the filtration device according to the invention enables the simple installation of at least one filter element into the filter housing without the application of force. Clamping around the seal can be achieved by axially clamping the first housing component (particularly the housing canister) to the second housing component (particularly the cyclone housing), or it can be achieved mechanically. For this purpose, the leverage of a suitable locking element can be utilized.

[0075] Furthermore, the features and advantages exhibited by combining the filter element according to the invention, the filter housing according to the invention, and the filter device according to the invention, and their respective advantageous designs, are applicable to each other accordingly, and vice versa. The various features and advantages can, of course, be combined with each other, thereby potentially producing other advantageous effects beyond the sum of their individual effects. Attached Figure Description

[0076] Other advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appropriately consider individually the features disclosed in the drawings, description, and claims, and combine them into other meaningful combinations. Illustratively: Figure 1 A side view of a filtration device for gaseous media is shown, with a main filter element and a cyclone block. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The rear view of the filter device, with the viewing direction towards the outlet inlet; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A longitudinal section view of the filter device in the first cutting plane; Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A longitudinal sectional view of the filter device, showing a detailed view of the sealing area of ​​the main filter element; Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the filter device in a second cutting plane, the second cutting plane being perpendicular to... Figure 3 The first cutting plane; Figure 6 It shows Figure 5A longitudinal sectional view of the filter device, showing a detailed view of the sealing area of ​​the main filter element; Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A view of the inflow side of the main filter element of the filtration device; Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the main filter element of the filtration device; Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the main filter element of the filtration device; Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the main filter element of the filtration device; Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A longitudinal section view of the main filter element with a detailed view of the sealing area.

[0077] In each figure, the same parts are labeled with the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0078] exist Figures 1 to 11 The image shows a filter device 10 and its components for a gaseous medium, illustrated in different views. The filter device 10 can remove solid particles (e.g., dust) from a gaseous medium (e.g., air).

[0079] The filter device 10 can be used in vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles), construction and / or agricultural machinery, compressors combined with internal combustion engines, cathode filters (e.g., combined with fuel cells) or similar applications.

[0080] The filter device 10 includes, for example, Figure 3 As shown, the filter assembly 10 includes a housing tank 12, a main filter element 16, an immersion tube sheet 18, and a cyclone housing 20. Additionally, the filter assembly 10 includes a post-filter element not shown. The filter assembly 10 is constructed axially about a longitudinal central axis 22. The longitudinal central axis 22 extends along the longitudinal direction of the filter assembly 10. The longitudinal direction of the filter assembly 10 is the direction in which the components of the filter assembly 10 are assembled. The longitudinal central axis 22 extends approximately centrally through the filter assembly 10.

[0081] The components of the filter device 10 and their arrangement thereto will now be described with reference to the longitudinal central axis 22. The longitudinal central axis 22 may coincide with the housing axis of the housing tank 12, the installation / removal axis of the main filter element 16 for insertion / removal from the housing tank 12, the connection axis between the immersion tube sheet 18 and the housing tank 12, the connection axis between the cyclone housing 20 and the immersion tube sheet 18, the connection axis between the cyclone housing 20 and the housing tank 12, the element axis of the main filter element 16, the housing axis of the housing tank 12, the plate axis of the immersion tube sheet 18, and the housing axis of the cyclone housing 20. When the terms “radial,” “coaxial,” “axial,” “tangential,” “circumferential,” “concentric,” “eccentric,” or similar terms are used in the description, unless otherwise stated, they refer to the longitudinal central axis 22. “Circumferential” here refers to the extension around the corresponding imaginary outer surface of the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0082] In the connected state, the immersion tube sheet 18 and the cyclone housing 20 form a cyclone block 24. On the other hand, the housing tank 12, as the first housing component, and the immersion tube sheet 18, as the second housing component, form a filter housing 26 in the connected state. In the assembled filter device 10, the immersion tube sheet 18 is connected to the cyclone housing 20 by screws.

[0083] The shell container 12 is integrally formed. The shell container 12 is made of, for example, plastic (e.g., hard plastic).

[0084] The shell tank 12 has a shell wall 28 that continuously surrounds the longitudinal central axis 22. On one axial end side of the shell tank 12, the shell bottom 30 is connected to the shell wall 28. On the side axially opposite to the shell bottom 30, the shell wall 28 surrounds the maintenance port 32.

[0085] The shell wall 28 and the shell bottom 30 define the main filter element receiving space 34 of the shell tank 12. In the assembled filter device 10, the main filter element 16 is arranged in the main filter element receiving space 34. The main filter element 16 can be inserted into or removed from the main filter element receiving space 34 through the maintenance port 32.

[0086] An outlet pipe 36 is integrated in the bottom 30 of the shell.

[0087] Perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 22, the shell wall 28 has an elongated elliptical cross section.

[0088] On the axial side with the maintenance opening 32, the housing wall 28 has a flange wall 38. The flange wall 38 continuously surrounds the longitudinal central axis 22. Viewed in the axial direction, the flange wall 38 has an elongated elliptical cross-section. The flange wall 38 is radially outward relative to the housing wall 28.

[0089] A collar 40 extends between the housing wall 28 and the flange wall 38. On the radially inner circumferential side, the collar 40 has a mating surface 42. The mating surface 42 forms a mating structure for the protruding area 44 on the main filter element 16, which will be described later.

[0090] The contact surface 42 extends circumferentially. When viewed from the maintenance port 32, the contact surface 42 is inclined at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal central axis 22 in the axial direction.

[0091] Between the neck ring 40 and its free edge, the flange wall 38 has an inner surface 46 extending in the circumferential direction on the radially inner circumferential side.

[0092] The main filter element 16 includes a filter media body 48, a frame 50, an end body 52, and a seal 54.

[0093] The skeleton 50 is generally implemented as a single piece. Exemplarily, the skeleton 50 is manufactured as an injection molded part. The skeleton 50 is made of, for example, rigid plastic.

[0094] The skeleton 50 has a central element 56 and a frame element 58.

[0095] The central element 56 serves as a support element, on which the filter bellows 60 and 62, which will be described in detail later, are supported.

[0096] The frame element 58 extends continuously in a circumferential direction. The frame element 58 is located on the inflow side 64 of the filter media body 48. The frame element 58 is integrally connected to the central element 56.

[0097] The inflow side 64 is the side of the filter media body 48 into which the medium to be cleaned (e.g., air) flows. The inflow side 64 is fluidically connected to the outlet of the cyclone block 24. The outflow side 66 of the filter media body 48 is located on the side axially opposite to the inflow side 64. The outflow side 66 is the side of the filter media body 48 from which the cleaning medium (e.g., air) flows. The outflow side 66 is fluidly connected to the outlet connector 36 of the filter housing 26.

[0098] The frame element 58 has a sealing retaining wall 68 for the seal 54 and a support wall 70 for supporting the main filter element 16 in the housing tank 12. The sealing retaining wall 68 and the support wall 70 are integrally connected to each other.

[0099] The sealing retaining wall 68 extends continuously in the circumferential direction. The sealing retaining wall 68 has an elongated elliptical extension. Viewed in axial projection, the sealing retaining wall 68 is located radially outside the radially outer surface of the filter media body 48. The sealing retaining wall 68 surrounds the filter media body 48 on the inflow side 64 of the main filter element 16. The sealing retaining wall 68 is inclined relative to the longitudinal central axis 22. An acute angle is formed between the longitudinal central axis 22 and the sealing retaining wall 68 when viewed axially from the inflow side 64. The free edge of the sealing retaining wall 68 (which forms the free edge of the frame element 58) is located radially outward with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22 than the axial edge of the sealing retaining wall 68 connected to the support wall 70.

[0100] The seal 54 is annular and has an elongated elliptical extension when viewed in the axial direction. Viewed axially, the seal 54 is located between the inflow side 64 and the outflow side 66 of the filter media body 48. The seal 54 is integrally manufactured from an elastic material (e.g., an elastomer). The material of the seal 54 is softer than the material forming the skeleton 50 and the frame element 58.

[0101] The seal 54 is designed as a stacked seal. The radially inner circumferential surface of the seal 54 is fastened to the radially outer circumferential surface of the sealing retainer wall 68, for example, by bonding or casting. Alternatively, the sealing retainer wall 68 and the seal 54 can also be implemented as two-component parts. The seal 54 is supported by the sealing retainer wall 68 on its radially inner circumferential side. The seal 54 is indirectly fastened to the filter media body 48 by a frame element 58. The seal 54 is radially positioned completely outside the radially outer surface of the filter media body 48 about the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0102] On the radially outer peripheral side, the seal 54 exemplarily has three sealing lips 71 in the form of sheets. The sealing lips 71, when viewed from the inflow side 64 toward the longitudinal central axis 22, extend radially outward at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal central axis 22 and axially toward the inflow side 64. The sealing lips 71 extend circumferentially continuously.

[0103] In the axial direction, the seal 54 extends from the transition between the retaining wall 68 and the support wall 70 to slightly below the free edge of the retaining wall 68. The seal 54 extends axially beyond the inflow side 64 of the filter media body 48. In the region transitioning to the support wall 70, the seal 54 has its maximum radial extension. This refers to the radial extension up to the corresponding root region of the sealing lip 71. The radial extension of the seal 54 decreases towards the free edge of the retaining wall 68. This decrease in radial extension compensates for the inclination of the retaining wall 68 relative to the longitudinal central axis 22. The root region of the sealing lip 71 is located approximately at the same radial distance from the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0104] The support wall 70 extends continuously in the circumferential direction. The support wall 70 has an elongated elliptical extension. Viewed in axial projection, the support wall 70 is located radially outside the radial outer surface of the filter media body 48. The support wall 70 extends along an imaginary cylindrical surface coaxial with the longitudinal central axis 22. The support wall 70 is radially offset inward relative to the sealing retaining wall 68. The transition between the support wall 70 and the sealing retaining wall 68 is designed as a step.

[0105] A plurality of protruding elements 72 are arranged on the radially outer periphery of the support wall 70. The protruding elements 72 are arranged radially outside the main filter element 16 and axially located between the seal 54 and the outflow side 66 of the main filter element 16.

[0106] The protruding element 72 is implemented as a web. The protruding element 72 is generally divided into four groups. Two groups are located on the radially opposite long sides of the elongated elliptical support wall 70. The other two groups are located on the radially opposite short sides of the support wall 70.

[0107] The protruding elements 72 are substantially identical in shape and size. Each protruding element 72 extends axially from the free axial edge of the support wall 70 to the transition between the support wall 70 and the sealing retaining wall 68. Each protruding element 72 is integrally connected to the support wall 70 on its radially inner side. It is integrally connected to the step facing the transition to the sealing retaining wall 68 and thus to the edge of the sealing retaining wall 68 there. The protruding elements 72 extend radially outward perpendicular to the radially outer side of the support wall 70. The protruding elements 72 are made of the same material as the remaining skeleton. The protruding elements 72 generally have higher mechanical stiffness than the seal 54.

[0108] On the radially outer surface, each protruding element 72 has a support surface 74. The support surface 74 is flat. The support surface 74 begins from the free edge on the side of the support wall 70 facing the outflow side 66 along the axial direction and extends toward the sealing retaining wall 68 to the transition surface 76. The support surface 74 is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0109] The support surface 74 is formed by multiple protruding regions 44. In the illustrated embodiment, numerous protruding regions 44 are provided. These protruding regions 44 transition into each other without gaps.

[0110] To make it clearer, Figure 11 Two protruding regions 44 are exemplarily indicated by reference numerals only. These two exemplary protruding regions 44, viewed in a projection perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 22, are axially spaced apart by a distance 78. One of the protruding regions 44 is closer to the seal 54 (i.e., has a smaller axial distance 80). a The protruding region 44 is arranged at a radial distance 82 greater from the longitudinal central axis 22 than the other protruding region 44.a At one point, another protruding region 44 has a smaller radial distance 82 from the longitudinal central axis 22. b This relationship applies to all protruding areas 44 of the protruding element 72 and other protruding elements 72.

[0111] The protruding elements 72 are arranged at a distance of 86 from each other in the circumferential direction, i.e., tangentially to the longitudinal central axis 22. The protruding regions 44 of the different protruding elements 72 are tangentially spaced when viewed in the projection about the longitudinal central axis 22 in the direction toward the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0112] Therefore, the protruding areas 44 of all protruding elements 72 form a total support surface 74 surrounding the longitudinal central axis 22. g Total support surface 74 g It is composed of various spaced-apart support surfaces 74. Therefore, the total support surface 74 g It is a circumferential interruption. Total support surface 74. g It is inclined at an acute angle relative to the axial direction of the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0113] Viewed in axial projection, the protruding region 44 of the protruding element 72 is arranged between the longitudinal central axis 22 and the radially outer surface of the seal 54. Viewed in axial projection, the seal 54 extends radially beyond the protruding region 44.

[0114] In the intended connection state of the main filter element 16 within the filter housing 26, the protruding area 44, for example... Figure 6 As shown, it abuts against the contact surface 42 of the housing 12. This forms an axial stop for the main filter element 16 within the housing 12 of the filter housing 26 about the longitudinal central axis 22. Each support surface 74 is at least partially abutting against the contact surface 42.

[0115] The transition surface 76 curves approximately circularly toward the longitudinal central axis 22. The transition surface 76 extends from the end of the support surface 74 to the step between the support wall 70 and the sealing retaining wall 68. Viewed in axial projection, the outermost radial region of the transition surface 76 is located at the free end of the sealing retaining wall 68. Figure 10 and Figure 11 (above) and between the transition point of the sealing retaining wall 68 and the step between the sealing retaining wall 68 and the support wall 70.

[0116] The filter media body 48 includes an outer filter bellows 60 and an inner filter bellows 62. The filter bellows 60 and 62 each have a folded filter media, such as a filter nonwoven fabric.

[0117] The external filter bellows 60 is a hollow truncated cone with an elongated elliptical base. The external filter bellows 60 is coaxial with the longitudinal central axis 22. The base of the external filter bellows 60 is located on one side of the frame element 58 with a skeleton 92 of the main filter element 16. The radial inner surface of the external filter bellows 60 is supported on the skeleton 50.

[0118] The internal filter bellows 62 is also hollow truncated cone-shaped with an elongated elliptical base. The internal filter bellows 62 is coaxial with the longitudinal central axis 22. The bottom surface of the internal filter bellows 62 is located on the side of the main filter element 16 opposite to the axial direction of the frame element 58. The radially outer surface of the internal filter bellows 62 is supported on the frame 50.

[0119] On the side axially away from the frame element 58, the bottom surface of the outer filter bellows 60 is connected to the bottom surface of the inner filter bellows 62 through connecting pleats extending circumferentially and radially.

[0120] End body 52 encloses the internal space of the element surrounded by internal filter bellows 62 on the axial end side facing the frame element 58. End body 52 is made of, for example, an elastic material (e.g., an elastomer).

[0121] The immersion tube sheet 18 is integrally formed. The immersion tube sheet 18 is made of plastic (e.g., an injection-moldable rigid plastic). For example, the immersion tube sheet 18 is manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0122] The immersion tube sheet 18 includes ribs 84. The ribs 84 extend circumferentially continuously and coaxially with the longitudinal central axis 22. The ribs 84 generally have a generally V-shaped profile.

[0123] The method for assembling the filter device 10 is described below.

[0124] The main filter element 16 is inserted axially into the filter element receiving space 34 of the housing 12 through the maintenance port 32 with its axially opposite side facing forward. For this purpose, it may be necessary to rotate the housing 12 and the main filter element 16 relative to each other about the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0125] When immersed in the flange wall 38, the sealing lip 71 of the seal 54 elastically bends toward the longitudinal central axis 22. Under a corresponding elastic preload, the sealing lip 71 seals against the inner surface 46 of the flange wall 38 in a radial direction about the longitudinal central axis 22. In the intended connection state (i.e., when the main filter element 16 is arranged in the filter housing 26), the seal 54 acts radially in a sealing manner.

[0126] In the completed connection state, the protruding area 44 of the protruding element 72 abuts against the contact surface 42, thereby forming an axial stop for the main filter element 16 in the filter housing 26.

[0127] Subsequently, the cyclone block 24 is inserted axially onto the flange wall 38 of the shell tank 12 with the tube sheet 18 immersed in front. During this process, it may be necessary to rotate the shell tank 12 and the cyclone block 24 about the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0128] like Figure 1 As shown, the free end of the tensioning clamp hooks into the rear of the corresponding engagement section. The tensioning clamp is then tensioned. As a result, the cyclone block 24 is firmly pressed against the flange wall 38 in the axial direction.

Claims

1. A filter element (16), particularly an air filter element, for arrangement in a filter housing (26) of a filter device (10), particularly an air filter device, the filter element having at least one filter media body (48) having an inflow side (64) and an outflow side (66) on axially opposite sides about a longitudinal central axis (22), and having a seal (54) surrounding the longitudinal central axis (22), the seal being arranged on the at least one filter media body (48). in, The filter element (16) has at least two protruding regions (44), each protruding region being part of at least one protruding element (72), and the protruding regions are arranged radially outward of the filter element (16) and axially located between the surrounding seal (54) and the outflow side (66) of the filter element (16). Wherein, the at least two protruding regions (44) are axially spaced apart, Wherein, at least one of the at least two protruding regions (44) is closer to the surrounding seal (54) than at least the other of the at least two protruding regions (44), and the at least one protruding region is arranged at a greater radial distance from the longitudinal central axis (22) than the at least the other protruding region (44). The filter element (16) is characterized in that, in the intended connection state in the filter housing (26), the at least two protruding regions (44) are able to abut against at least one corresponding mating structure (42) of the filter housing (26) to form an axial stop of the filter element (16) in the filter housing (26) about the longitudinal central axis (22).

2. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein, At least two of the protruding regions (44) are arranged on the same protruding element (72), and in particular, at least two of the protruding regions (44) transition to each other without gaps on the same protruding element (72).

3. The filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least two of the protruding regions (44) are spaced apart when viewed circumferentially about the longitudinal central axis (22).

4. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter element (16) has at least two protruding elements (72), wherein at least one of the at least two protruding regions (44) is arranged on each of the at least two protruding elements (72).

5. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least two of the at least two protruding regions (44) extend to form at least one support surface (74), particularly at least one flat support surface (74), which extends obliquely relative to the longitudinal central axis (22).

6. The filter element according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one support surface (74) is inclined at an acute angle relative to the axial direction of the at least one longitudinal central axis (22).

7. The filter element according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The support surface (74) is at least partially continuous and / or at least partially interrupted.

8. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one protruding element (72) has a higher mechanical stiffness than the surrounding seal (54) in general.

9. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the protruding regions (44), in particular all of the protruding regions (44), are arranged in axial projection between the longitudinal central axis (22) and the radially outer side of the surrounding seal (54), in particular wherein the surrounding seal (54) extends radially beyond the at least one protruding region (44) in axial projection.

10. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter element (16) has at least three circumferentially interrupted support surfaces (74) distributed on the outer circumference of the filter element (16) and facing the outflow side (66), wherein each of the support surfaces (74) is formed by at least two of the at least two protruding regions (44).

11. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one protruding element (72) is implemented on the frame element (58) of the filter element (16).

12. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The surrounding seal (54) is directly or indirectly fastened to the at least one filter media body (48).

13. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The surrounding seal (54) is configured such that, under the intended use condition in which the filter element (16) is arranged in the filter housing (26), it acts at least partially in a radially sealing manner.

14. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The surrounding seal (54) has at least one sealing lip, and in particular, the surrounding seal (54) is a stacked seal.

15. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The surrounding seal (54) extends in the axial direction beyond the inflow side (64) of the at least one filter media body (48).

16. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The surrounding seal (54) is supported by a seal retaining wall (68) on its radial inner circumference side.

17. A filter housing (26), particularly an air filter housing, wherein at least one filter element (16), particularly at least one air filter element, is arranged in the filter housing, wherein, At least one filter element (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 can be arranged in the filter housing (26).

18. A filtration device (10), particularly an air filtration device, having at least one filter housing (26) and at least one filter element (16), the filter element being arranged in the at least one filter housing (26), wherein, The filtration device (10) includes at least one filter element (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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