Air filter assembly and ventilation system for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention is an air filter assembly (1) for a vehicle ventilation system. The air filter assembly (1) includes: i) a connecting device (2) extending in length along an intake axis (X-X) between an inlet region (21) and an outlet region (22); ii) at least two filter elements (4), wherein each filter element (4) extends along a respective filter axis (Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2) between a first end (41) fluidly connected to the connecting device (2) and a closed second end (42). Each filter element (4) includes a tubular filter medium (40) extending around the respective filter axis (Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2), the tubular filter medium including an internal cavity (400) through which air can pass from the outside to the inside, wherein the filter medium (40) includes a particulate filter layer (401) and an absorbent filter layer (402).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air filter assembly for a vehicle. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a vehicle ventilation system including the air filter assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The background of this invention is air filtration assemblies in the automotive field. Specifically, this invention relates to air filtration assemblies suitable for filtering air drawn in from the environment and introduced into the passenger compartment of a vehicle (and typically into living areas).

[0003] Specifically, the purpose of this component is to filter air to remove suspended particles and / or bacteria and / or harmful gases and / or odors from the air.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary for such a filter assembly to allow a large amount of air to pass through, and especially to perform the filtration of such a large amount of air in an effective and efficient manner.

[0005] Therefore, known air filtration assemblies include a specific housing and a specific filter element (usually a panel element) housed in the housing.

[0006] The main problem with known air filter components is their overall size.

[0007] In fact, to ensure a large amount of air can pass through, known air filtration components have been developed with large dimensions to ensure the inclusion and use of panels with large filtration areas.

[0008] The larger the size of the air filter assembly, the larger its overall size, and therefore the larger the space it occupies in the vehicle, thus hindering or making it difficult to position other components.

[0009] Furthermore, the larger the size of the air filter assembly, the less flexibility there is in positioning the air filter assembly itself inside the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, there is a strong need to provide an air filter assembly that is suitable for effectively filtering large volumes of air, while being versatile and flexible when located inside a vehicle.

[0011] Specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide an air filtration assembly in which the aforementioned needs are addressed, and which also meets the needs of a particular application area in an effective and efficient manner.

[0012] This objective is achieved by the air filter assembly according to claim 1. Furthermore, this objective is also achieved by the ventilation system of a vehicle including the filter assembly according to claim 16.

[0013] The dependent claims show preferred construction variations that imply other advantageous aspects. Attached Figure Description

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

[0015] - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an air filter assembly according to a preferred embodiment;

[0016] - Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 Front view of the air filter component in the middle;

[0017] - Figure 2' : Showing along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of plane VV in the middle;

[0018] - Figure 3 It is based on Figure 1 A perspective view of individual components of the air filter assembly;

[0019] - Figure 4 It is based on Figure 3 A top view of the air filter assembly in the middle;

[0020] - Figure 4' : Showing along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of plane VI-VI in the middle;

[0021] - Figure 4' ': Shows along Figure 4' Cross-sectional view of plane VII-VII in the middle;

[0022] - Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a single component of an air filter assembly according to another preferred embodiment;

[0023] - Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a single component of an air filter assembly according to yet another preferred embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates an air filter assembly according to the present invention.

[0025] According to the invention, the air filter assembly 1 is adapted to be part of a vehicle. Specifically, the air filter assembly 1 is adapted to be part of the vehicle's ventilation system. Preferably, the air filter assembly 1 is thus connectable to an intake assembly included in said system. Preferably, the air filter assembly 1 is fluidly connectable to the vehicle's passenger compartment (and generally fluidly connectable to the living area). Preferably, the vehicle's ventilation system is also connected to an air conditioning system for cooling the passenger compartment.

[0026] Preferably, ambient air can pass through the air filter assembly 1 under suction. Inside the air filter assembly 1, the ambient air is then separated from unwanted components suspended therein, and odors, bacteria, volatile organic compounds, and harmful chemicals are also removed.

[0027] As described above, the present invention also relates to a ventilation system for a vehicle including an air filter assembly 1. Specifically, the ventilation system further includes an intake assembly adapted to draw in ambient air through the air filter assembly 1.

[0028] According to the present invention, the air filter assembly 1 includes a connection device 2 that can be fluidly connected to the intake assembly.

[0029] The connecting device 2 extends along the intake axis XX between the inlet region 21 and the outlet region 22.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the intake axis XX has a straight extension.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the intake axis XX has segmented extensions.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the intake axis XX has a curved extension.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet region 21 is configured to allow filtered air from the filter element to enter the connection device 2, while the outlet region 22 is configured to allow filtered air to leave the connection device 2 toward the intake assembly.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting device 2 extends to facilitate the flow of air therein.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting device 2 is generally in the shape of a pipe.

[0036] According to the present invention, the air filter assembly 1 includes at least two filter elements 4.

[0037] Each filter element 4 included in the air filter assembly 1 extends along the respective filter axes Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2 between a first end 41 fluidly connected to the connecting device 2 and a closed second end 42.

[0038] Specifically, each filter element 4 included in the air filter assembly 1 extends along the respective filter axes Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2 between a first end 41 fluidly connected to the inlet region 21 and a closed second end 42.

[0039] In addition, each filter element 4 includes a tubular filter medium 40 extending around the corresponding filter axis Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2, through which air can (preferably in the radial direction) pass from the outside to the inside.

[0040] Specifically, the tubular filter medium 40 includes an internal cavity 400, which is open at a first end 41 and closed at a second end 42.

[0041] Preferably, the second end 42 is closed by a cap element 6 that is sealingly engaged with the tubular filter medium 40.

[0042] According to the present invention, the tubular filter medium 40 includes a particulate filter layer 401 and an absorbent filter layer 402.

[0043] Preferably, the absorbent filter layer 402 is positioned radially further away from the corresponding filter axes Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2 relative to the particulate filter layer 401.

[0044] In other words, the air first encounters the absorbent filter layer 402, and then the particulate filter layer 401. Preferably, the absorbent filter layer 402 is fluidly arranged upstream of the particulate filter layer 401 relative to the circulation direction of the filtered air.

[0045] Preferably, the absorbent filter layer 402 comprises one or more activated carbon substrates.

[0046] Preferably, the particulate filter layer 401 has high filtration efficiency and is HEPA type.

[0047] Preferably, the tubular filter medium 40 includes two filter layers 401 and 402 arranged in series. According to a preferred embodiment, the absorbent filter layer 402 is arranged upstream of the particulate filter layer 401 relative to the air circulation direction, wherein the absorbent filter layer 402 has a tubular geometry, while the particulate filter layer 401 has a star-shaped geometry.

[0048] Preferably, the tubular filter medium 40 includes two concentric star-shaped filter layers 401 and 402 arranged in series.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the absorbent filter layer 402 includes one or more activated carbon layers and two breathable covering layers, wherein the particulate filter layer 401 is one of the multiple activated carbon covering layers.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the absorbent filter layer 402 includes two activated carbon permeable covering layers, and the particulate filter layer 401 forms a support layer located downstream relative to the fluid circulation direction and is of the HEPA type.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the particulate filter layer 401 is a nonwoven fabric made of different types of synthetic fibers (preferably polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene), and the absorbent filter layer 402 is located upstream relative to the air circulation direction. The two layers are arranged in a star shape and have substantially overlapping main axes.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the particulate filter layer 401 is a nonwoven fabric made of different types of synthetic fibers (preferably polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene), and the absorbent filter layer 402 is located downstream relative to the air circulation direction. The two layers are arranged in a star shape and have substantially overlapping main axes.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, each filter element 4 includes a hydrophobic layer having a tubular geometry, which is fluidly located upstream of the two filter layers 401, 402.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic layer is in the form of a hydrophobic mesh or a functionalized nonwoven fabric.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the corresponding filter axes Y1-Y1 and Y2-Y2 of the two filter elements 4 extend parallel to each other.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, at least two filter elements 4 extend in two directions opposite to the two sides of the connecting device 2.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the air filtration assembly 1 includes at least one filter element 3, which includes at least one filter element 4.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the air filtration assembly 1 includes a filter element 3, which includes at least two filter elements 4 described above.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the air filtration assembly 1 includes a plurality of filter elements 3, wherein the filter elements 4 described above belong to different and distinct filter elements 3.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 includes a plate unit 5 that can be removably engaged with the connecting device 2.

[0061] Preferably, the first end 41 of the filter element 4 is engaged with the plate unit 5.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the plate unit 5 includes a nozzle 50 for fluidly connecting the internal cavity 400 to the connecting device 2 (specifically, to the inlet region 21).

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the plate unit 5 includes a nozzle 50 for fluidly connecting the first end 41 to the connecting device 2 (specifically, to the inlet region 21).

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 includes at least two filter elements 4, which extend parallel to each other along respective filter axes Y1-Y1 and Y2-Y2, and are engaged with the plate unit 5 at the respective air nozzle 50 by means of a respective first end 41.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, each filter element 3 is cantilevered and connected to the connecting device 2.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the plate unit 5 extends relative to the imaginary extension plane S, and the plate unit includes a first surface 51 and a second surface 52 on opposite sides of the imaginary extension plane S. The first surface includes at least one sealing profile 510 adapted to engage the connecting device 2, and the second surface includes at least two adjacent profiles 520.

[0067] Preferably, the connecting device 2 includes a receiving space 25 at the entrance region 21, the receiving space including at least two adjacent elements 220.

[0068] Preferably, the two adjacent elements 220 are axially spaced apart from each other, that is, the two adjacent elements 220 are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of one or more filter elements. Preferably, the two adjacent elements 220 are longitudinally spaced apart, that is, the two adjacent elements 220 are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the extension direction of one or more filter elements.

[0069] Preferably, the plate unit 5 is accommodated in the accommodating space 25, wherein at least one sealing profile 510 is sealingly engaged with the connecting device 2, specifically sealingly engaged with the inlet region 21 (e.g., a wall or edge is closed in the inlet region 21), and the adjacent profile 520 is engaged with the corresponding adjacent element 220.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 can engage with the connecting device 2 along an insertion direction Z that is substantially parallel to the imaginary extension plane S.

[0071] In other words, the filter element 3 can be accommodated in the accommodating space 25 by means of a sliding motion.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one sealing profile 510 or adjacent profile 520 is shaped relative to or positioned relative to the imaginary extension plane S such that it has a variable vertical distance from the imaginary extension plane along the insertion direction Z, the vertical distance being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

[0073] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, at least one sealing profile 510 or adjacent profile 520 is shaped relative to or positioned relative to the imaginary extension plane S with a variable longitudinal distance from the imaginary extension plane, the longitudinal distance being measured in a direction parallel to the filter axes Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2.

[0074] According to an alternative embodiment, the abutment profile 520 and the abutment element 220 include corresponding abutment and thrust surfaces 520', 220' that can slidably engage with each other during the insertion of the filter element 3, wherein the abutment and thrust surfaces 520', 220' are shaped (preferably, inclined) such that the filter element 3 is pushed toward the connecting device 2 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the extension direction of one or more filter elements) and kept in place.

[0075] Preferably, the plate unit 5 includes a locking member 59 adapted to engage with the connecting device 2.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking member 59 includes a button 591, which (preferably in a direction transverse to the insertion direction Z) is operable to be configured in an unlocked position.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking member 59 extends from the first surface 51 of the plate unit 5, and the locking member includes a rod 590 that is flexible in a direction transverse to the insertion direction Z.

[0078] Preferably, the locking member 59 extends from the first surface of the plate unit 5, and the locking member includes a rod 590 oriented transversely (preferably orthogonally) to the main axis of one or more filter elements 4 that engage with the plate unit 5.

[0079] Preferably, the locking member 59 is located in the middle position between the two filter elements 4.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking member 59 includes a side engagement profile 592, preferably including two side engagement profiles 592.

[0081] Preferably, the side engagement profile 592 extends in a direction transverse to (preferably orthogonal to) the insertion direction Z.

[0082] Preferably, each side engagement profile 592 extends in a direction transverse to (preferably orthogonal to) the insertion direction Z.

[0083] Preferably, the side engagement profile 592 includes an engagement surface that is inclined relative to the extension axis of the rod 590.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting device 2 is configured to cooperate with the locking member 59. Preferably, the connecting device 2 is shaped to receive the locking member 59 and can engage with one or more engagement contours 592.

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment, the plate unit 5 includes a handle for gripping the filter element 3.

[0086] Preferably, the handle 58 includes a recess that is adapted to accommodate bending of the rod 590 of the locking member 59 during engagement and disengagement of the filter element 3.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, the handle 58 is located between two filter elements 4 belonging to the same filter cartridge 3.

[0088] According to an embodiment that includes more than two filter elements 4, the filter element 3 includes a plurality of handles 58.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the air filter assembly 1 includes a plurality of filter elements 3. Preferably, the air filter assembly 1 includes two filter elements 3 located on both sides of the connecting device 2.

[0090] According to a preferred embodiment, each filter element 3 includes a cover element 6 adapted to seal the end of the tubular filter medium 40.

[0091] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover element 6 is adapted to engage and close a plurality of tubular filter media 40.

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover element 6 includes a support rib 61 that extends on the side opposite to the filter element 4 and is configured to help support the corresponding filter cartridge 3.

[0093] Preferably, the support rib 61 can be engaged with or adapted to engage with other components of the vehicle (e.g., structural components) to rest on them, thereby limiting the effects of any vibration.

[0094] According to a preferred embodiment, the air filter assembly 1 further includes a protective device 9 configured to protect at least two filter elements 4 from water and dirt.

[0095] Preferably, the protective device 9 can be engaged with the connecting device 2.

[0096] For example, the protective device 9 is adapted to include a mesh section that allows air to pass through.

[0097] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device 9 is generally box-shaped to completely surround the filter element.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device 9 includes a non-porous upper wall 90 and at least one side wall 96 oriented to allow drainage toward a specific discharge point.

[0099] Preferably, the protective device 9 further includes at least one opening 91, preferably multiple openings 91, for allowing the air to be filtered to enter toward the filter element 4.

[0100] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device 9 includes a peripheral edge 95 to protect the opening from incoming water. Preferably, the peripheral edge is adapted to surround the opening on at least three sides.

[0101] Innovatively, the air filter assembly described above, and the ventilation system of the vehicle including the air filter assembly, largely fulfill the objectives of the present invention and overcome the typical problems of the prior art.

[0102] Advantageously, the air filtration assembly is suitable for effectively filtering solid particles, bacteria, harmful gases and / or odors from ambient air.

[0103] Advantageously, the air filter assembly has a large filter surface.

[0104] Advantageously, the air filtration assembly makes efficient use of available space and includes at least two tubular filter elements adapted to operate in parallel under filtration action.

[0105] Advantageously, the position of the tubular filter element can be adjusted according to the space inside the vehicle.

[0106] Advantageously, filter elements can have different lengths depending on the available space.

[0107] Advantageously, the filter element is adapted to engage with the connecting device and maintain the engagement over time.

[0108] Advantageously, even when the filter element has multiple tubular separators and thus has a large size and weight, the adjacent elements and adjacent profiles interact with each other to ensure the engagement between the filter element and the connecting device.

[0109] Advantageously, the air filter assembly ensures simple and intuitive assembly and disassembly. Advantageously, both the assembly and disassembly of the air filter assembly are guided and error-proof.

[0110] Advantageously, the tubular shape of the filter elements allows any water droplets that reach them to slide off.

[0111] Obviously, those skilled in the art can modify the air filter assembly to meet possible needs, and all such modifications are included within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

[0112] Reference number list:

[0113] 1. Air Filter Components

[0114] 2. Connecting device

[0115] 21 Entrance Area

[0116] 22 Export Areas

[0117] 25 Accommodation space

[0118] 220 Adjacent elements

[0119] 220' Adjacent and thrust surfaces

[0120] 3 Filter Cartridges

[0121] 4. Filter element

[0122] 40 Tubular filter media

[0123] 400 Internal cavity

[0124] 401 particulate filter layer

[0125] 402 absorbent filter layer

[0126] 41 First End

[0127] 42 Second End

[0128] 5-board unit

[0129] 50 air valve

[0130] 51 First surface, sealing surface

[0131] 510 Sealing Profile

[0132] 52 Second surface, contact surface

[0133] 520 Adjacent Profiles

[0134] 520' Adjacent and thrust surfaces

[0135] 58 Handle

[0136] 59 Locking components

[0137] 590 strokes

[0138] 591 Button

[0139] 592 Joint Profile

[0140] 6. Cover element

[0141] 61 Supporting ribs

[0142] 9. Protective devices

[0143] 90. Non-porous upper wall

[0144] 91 Opening

[0145] 95 Peripheral Edge

[0146] 96 sidewalls

[0147] XX Inhalation axis

[0148] Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2 filter axes

[0149] Z Insertion direction

[0150] S is an imaginary extended plane.

Claims

1. An air filter assembly (1) for a ventilation system comprising an air intake assembly, wherein, The air filter assembly (1) includes: i) A connecting device (2) is fluidly connected to the intake assembly, the connecting device extending in length along the intake axis (XX) between the inlet region (21) and the outlet region (22); ii) At least two filter elements (4), wherein each filter element (4) extends along a respective filter axis (Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2) between a first end (41) fluidly connected to the connecting device (2) and a closed second end (42), wherein each filter element (4) includes a tubular filter medium (40) extending around the respective filter axis (Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2), the tubular filter medium including an internal cavity (400) through which air can pass from the outside to the inside, wherein the tubular filter medium (40) includes a particulate filter layer (401) and an absorbent filter layer (402).

2. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The absorbent filter layer (402) in each filter element (4) is positioned radially further away from the corresponding filter axis (Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2) relative to the particulate filter layer (401) of that filter element (4).

3. The air filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The respective filter axes (Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2) of at least two filter elements (4) extend parallel to each other.

4. The air filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least two filter elements (4) extend in two directions opposite to the two sides of the connecting device (2).

5. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one filter cartridge (3), wherein, The at least two filter elements (4) are included in the same filter element (3) or in two different filter elements (3).

6. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one filter element (3) includes a plate unit (5) that can be fixedly engaged with the connecting device (2), wherein the first end (41) of the filter element (4) is engaged with the plate unit (5), wherein the plate unit (5) includes a nozzle (50) for fluidly connecting the internal cavity (400) of the filter element (4) to the connecting device (2).

7. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The filter element (3) includes at least two filter elements (4) that extend parallel to each other along respective filter axes (Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2), and the at least two filter elements are engaged with the plate unit (5) at respective air nozzles (50) by means of their respective first ends (41).

8. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein, The plate unit (5) extends relative to the imaginary extension plane (S) and includes a first surface (51) and a second surface (52) on opposite sides of the imaginary extension plane (S). The first surface includes at least one sealing profile (510) adapted to engage the connecting device (2), and the second surface includes at least two adjacent profiles (520). The connecting device (2) includes a receiving space (25) at the entrance region (21), the receiving space including at least two adjacent elements (220) spaced axially apart from each other, wherein the plate unit (5) is received in the receiving space (25), the at least one sealing profile (510) is sealedly engaged with the connecting device (2), and the adjacent profile (520) is engaged with the corresponding adjacent element (220).

9. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The filter element (3) can engage with the connecting device (2) along an insertion direction (Z) that is substantially parallel to the imaginary extension plane (S).

10. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein, The at least one sealing profile (510) or the adjacent profile (520) is shaped relative to the imaginary extension plane (S) or positioned relative to each other to have a variable vertical distance from the imaginary extension plane along the insertion direction (Z), the vertical distance being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction (Z). and The at least one sealing profile (510) or the adjacent profile (520) is shaped or positioned relative to the imaginary extension plane (S) with a variable longitudinal distance from the imaginary extension plane, the longitudinal distance being measured in a direction parallel to the filter axis (Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2).

11. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The adjacent profile (520) and the adjacent element (220) include corresponding adjacent and thrust surfaces (520', 220') that can slidably engage with each other during the insertion of the filter element (3), wherein the adjacent and thrust surfaces (520', 220') are shaped, preferably inclined, such that the filter element (3) is pushed toward the connecting device (2) in the longitudinal direction and held in place.

12. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein, The plate unit (5) includes a locking member (59) adapted to engage with the connecting device (2), wherein the locking member (59) includes a button (591) operable to be configured in an unlocked position, preferably operable to be configured in an unlocked position in a direction transverse to the insertion direction (Z).

13. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the air filter assembly comprises a plurality of filter elements (3), preferably comprising two filter elements (3) located on both sides of the connecting device (2), wherein, Each filter cartridge (3) includes multiple filter elements (4).

14. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein, The filter element (3) includes a cover element (6) that is sealed to the second end (42) of each filter element (4), wherein the cover element (6) includes a support rib (61) that extends on the side opposite to the filter element (4) and is configured to help support the respective filter element (3).

15. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the air filter assembly further comprising a protective device (9) configured to protect the at least two filter elements (4) from water and dirt.

16. A ventilation system for a vehicle, comprising an air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connecting device (2) is fluidly connected to the air intake assembly, and air is drawn in from the external environment through the air filter assembly (1).

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