Filter element for a filter device, filter device and associated manufacturing process

Abstract

Filter element (1) for a filter device (21), - with a ring-shaped filter body (2) made of a filter material (3) for filtering a fluid, which has a filter interior (6), - with a centrally open first end disk (7) made of sealing material (11), which is fixedly arranged on a first axial end face (8) of the filter body (2), - with a second end disk (9) which is arranged on a second axial end face (10) of the filter body (2), - wherein the second end disk (9) has a sealing profile (16) made of a sealing material (18) and a functional carrier (17) that is rigid compared to the sealing profile (16) and is at least partially embedded in the sealing profile (16), - wherein the functional carrier (17) has at least one carrier fastening element (30) of a fastening device (22) which cooperates with a complementary housing fastening element (31) of the fastening device (22) provided on the housing part (24) for the detachable fastening of the filter element (1) to a housing part (24) of the filter device (21), characterized in that - that the functional carrier (17) has an annular base (33) and an axially projecting ring collar (34) from the base (33), - that the functional carrier (17) has at least two such carrier fastening elements (30) spaced apart in the circumferential direction and projecting radially from the ring collar (24), - that the sealing profile (16) radially surrounds the support fastening elements (30) on both sides, such that a sealing section (39) of the sealing profile (16) protrudes radially from the respective support fastening element (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter element with an annular filter body, according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a filter device with such a filter element. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a filter element.

[0002] Filter devices are typically used to filter or purify a fluid, such as a gas, especially air, or a liquid. For this purpose, a filter element is usually provided within the filter device, which filters out unwanted components from the fluid during operation. Filtering these components leads to contamination of the filter element and a reduction in its effectiveness and / or efficiency, and consequently, in the efficiency of the filter device. For this reason, such filter elements are often designed to be replaceable within the filter device, so that they can be replaced with a new or different filter element as needed.

[0003] Such a filter device is known from DE 10 2011 012 633 A1. This filter device comprises a filter element with an annular filter body made of a filter material for filtering a fluid, which is provided at axially spaced ends with end plates that serve, in particular, to seal the filter body against a housing of the filter element. The filter element is fixed in the filter device by attaching it to a cover of the housing. For this purpose, the filter element is first arranged in a housing pot, and the cover is then attached to the housing pot.A connecting piece is then inserted into a central opening in the lid. This connecting piece has fastening elements that interact with a central tube or inner frame of the filter body in a bayonet-like manner, thus securing the connecting piece to the filter body and consequently fixing the filter element to the lid. A disadvantage of this known filter element and associated filter assembly is the particularly complex design of the detachable fastening of the filter element to the housing of the filter assembly. This leads, on the one hand, to increased assembly effort when installing and replacing the filter element, and on the other hand, to an increased risk of incorrect installation of the filter element within the filter assembly, which can result in reduced filtration efficiency and / or operational malfunctions.

[0004] A filter element of this type is known from DE 101 52 552 A1. It comprises an annular filter body made of a filter material for filtering a fluid, which has a filter interior, a centrally open first end disk which has a sealing material and is fixedly arranged on a first axial end face of the filter body, and a second end disk which is arranged on a second axial end face of the filter body and has a sealing profile made of a sealing material and a functional carrier that is rigid compared to the sealing profile and is at least partially embedded in the sealing profile. The functional carrier has at least one carrier fastening element of a fastening device which interacts with a complementary housing fastening element of the fastening device provided on the housing part to detachably fasten the filter element to a housing part of the filter device.

[0005] Another filter element is known from DE 100 40 262 A1.

[0006] The present invention therefore addresses the problem of providing improved or at least other embodiments for a filter element of the type mentioned at the outset, as well as for a filter device with such a filter element and a method for manufacturing such a filter element, which are characterized in particular by simplified handling of the filter element and / or increased operational reliability of the filter device and / or reduced assembly effort and / or cost-effective manufacturing.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] The present invention is based on the general concept of detachably fastening a filter element in an associated filter assembly via an end plate of the filter element. This end plate is composed of a sealing material and a functional carrier integrated within the sealing material. The functional carrier is rigid compared to the sealing material and enables the filter element to be detachably fastened to a housing part of the filter assembly. The end plate thus consists of the rigid functional carrier and the softer, in particular elastic, sealing material. This facilitates simplified sealing, simplified assembly in the associated filter assembly, and simplified replacement of the filter element. Furthermore, this design allows for simplified and cost-effective manufacturing of the filter element.Furthermore, the reduced assembly effort leads to an increase in the operational reliability of the filter element and the filter system, especially since incorrect assembly of the filter element in the filter system is avoided or at least reduced.

[0009] According to the invention, the filter element comprises an annular filter body with a filter interior. The filter body is made of a filter material for filtering the fluid. The filter element also has a first end plate made of sealing material, which is centrally open and fixedly arranged on a first axial end face of the filter body. The filter element also has a second end plate, which is fixedly arranged on a second axial end face of the filter body. The second end plate is the aforementioned end plate made of a sealing material and the functional carrier integrated therein. The second end plate has a sealing profile made of the sealing material and the functional carrier, which is rigid compared to the sealing profile and is at least partially embedded and thus integrated into the sealing profile.The functional carrier has at least one support mounting element of a fastening device which, in the mounted state of the filter element in the filter device, interacts with a housing mounting element of the fastening device, which is provided on a housing part of a housing of the filter device, to detachably fasten the filter element to the housing of the filter device. The support mounting element and the associated housing mounting element are expediently designed to be complementary, so that fastening the filter element to the housing part as well as detaching the filter element from the housing part can be simplified.

[0010] Preferably, the end discs of the filter element are permanently attached to the filter body. Accordingly, the filter element, together with the filter body and the end discs, forms a cohesive unit that is easier to handle.

[0011] Embedding or integrating the functional carrier within the sealing profile of the second end plate results in the functional carrier and sealing profile moving together. Specifically, the functional carrier and sealing profile are rotationally fixed to each other and form a single unit.

[0012] The second end plate is preferably open in the center, so that the functional carrier and the sealing profile are also open in the center. In particular, the sealing profile is annular. This simplifies the handling of the filter element and / or facilitates the flow of the fluid to be filtered through the filter element.

[0013] The sealing profile, and thus the sealing material of the sealing profile, is preferably elastic and / or compressible. This simplifies sealing using the second end plate or the sealing profile. In contrast, the functional carrier, as mentioned above, is rigid, particularly hard, compared to the sealing profile or the sealing material. The functional carrier can be made of plastic. This results in cost-effective manufacturing of the functional carrier. The functional carrier stiffens the second end plate in the area of ​​the sealing profile.

[0014] Preferably, the functional element is embedded in the sealing profile and the sealing profile surrounds the functional element in such a way that the sealing profile is arranged axially between the second end face of the filter body and the functional element. Consequently, the second end plate facilitates a simplified sealing of the functional element, particularly the second end face.

[0015] It is advantageous if the functional carrier and the sealing profile are each formed in one piece, i.e., from a single material or monolithically. It is also preferred if the housing part to which the functional carrier is detachably attached is formed in one piece, i.e., from a single material or monolithically.

[0016] Naturally, the functional carrier can also have two or more such carrier mounting elements, which interact with at least one such associated housing mounting element to detachably fasten the functional carrier and thus the filter element to the housing part. It is particularly conceivable to arrange the mounting elements spaced apart circumferentially, especially equidistantly.

[0017] In a first filter element according to the invention, the functional carrier has an annular base and an annular collar projecting axially from the base, the collar having at least one such carrier fastening element. It is also advantageous if the at least one carrier fastening element provided on the collar projects radially from the collar, particularly inwards. The collar has two or more such carrier fastening elements spaced apart circumferentially, particularly equidistantly. The embedding of the functional carrier in the sealing profile is designed such that the sealing profile or the sealing material radially surrounds the carrier fastening elements of the collar on both sides. This means that a sealing section of the sealing profile projects radially from each respective carrier fastening element.Consequently, the rigid support mounting element is radially surrounded by the softer sealing profile, with such a softer sealing section projecting radially from the support mounting element. The interaction of the support mounting element with the housing mounting element results in the sealing section also interacting with the housing mounting element. This simplifies the detachable fastening of the filter element to the housing part. Furthermore, the sealing section, in particular, also provides a seal in the area of ​​the housing part or the corresponding, or at least one, housing mounting element.

[0018] The sealing profile can in principle be made from any sealing material, provided that it is suitable for sealing, especially the second end face, and is softer than the functional carrier.

[0019] In preferred embodiments, the sealing profile is made of a foam. This means that the sealing material of the sealing profile is a foam. This simplifies the embedding of the functional element within the sealing profile. Furthermore, the sealing profile enables effective and simple sealing of the filter body and / or the housing component. In particular, the sealing profile can be made of polyurethane foam, i.e., the sealing material of the sealing profile is polyurethane foam. This simplifies and reduces the cost of manufacturing the sealing profile.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the embedding of the functional element in the sealing profile is achieved by the functional element being encased in the sealing profile or the sealing material. In other words, the sealing profile is foamed onto the functional element.

[0021] This can be achieved, in particular, by placing the functional element in a mold and introducing a foamable compound into the mold. Alternatively, the compound can first be introduced into the mold, followed by the placement of the functional element. Once the functional element is in the mold, the compound is foamed, so that the functional element is encased to form the sealing profile. Thus, the sealing profile is created by foaming the compound, thereby encasing the functional element within the sealing profile. As mentioned above, the compound can be polyurethane.

[0022] It is particularly advantageous if the filter body is also positioned in the mold before the composition is foamed, in such a way that the second end face of the filter body is at least partially axially spaced from the functional carrier, such that an axial gap is formed between the filter body and the functional carrier. During the subsequent foaming of the composition, the sealing profile can thus additionally cover the second end face. Furthermore, the sealing profile can partially penetrate the filter body via the second end face. This results in a fixed arrangement of the sealing profile and consequently of the second end plate on the functional carrier. Moreover, this provides a particularly effective seal of the second end face.

[0023] In a second filter element according to the invention, at least one such support mounting element has at least one opening through which the sealing profile passes. This ensures stable embedding of the functional carrier within the sealing profile. Furthermore, the sealing section that radially surrounds or projects radially from the support mounting element can thus be manufactured more easily. In particular, the process of foaming the functional carrier to produce the sealing profile and embedding the functional carrier within the sealing profile is simplified.

[0024] Design features in which the functional element is attached to the filter body are considered advantageous. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing profile can be attached to the filter body. Attaching the functional element and / or the sealing profile to the filter body ensures a secure position of the second end plate on the second end face and / or results in a stable connection between the second end plate and the filter body.

[0025] Preferably, an inner frame is attached to the filter body inside the filter, with the functional element being fastened to the inner frame. The fastening of the functional element to the inner frame is preferably achieved by a positive fit. The inner frame can be part of the filter body, in particular permanently attached to the filter material. Alternatively, the inner frame can be a separate component from the filter body, detachably connected to the filter material.

[0026] The positive-locking connection between the functional carrier and the filter body, in particular the inner frame, is preferably achieved by connecting elements of the functional carrier that engage into the filter interior and project radially. These connecting elements can be designed as snap-fit ​​elements and / or clip-on elements, which create a snap-fit ​​connection or a clip-on connection between the functional carrier and the filter body, in particular the inner frame. Such clip-on elements can be implemented as hooks.

[0027] In advantageous embodiments, the ring collar of the functional carrier comprises a fastening section containing the carrier fastening elements and a gripping section adjoining the fastening section on the side facing away from the base of the carrier. This gripping section is located inside the filter and is attached to the filter body, particularly to the inner frame. Like the ring collar, the fastening section and the gripping section are preferably circumferentially closed and thus completely enclosed. The gripping section preferably projects axially beyond the sealing profile, thus facilitating its engagement with the filter interior. It is also conceivable that the fastening section is located outside the filter interior, and in particular, does not penetrate the filter interior.

[0028] An advantageous further development is achieved by transitioning the mounting section into the gripping section via a radial step. The gripping section can be offset radially inwards relative to the mounting section. This simplifies the attachment of the functional carrier, and thus the second end disk, to the filter body. The radial step is preferably closed in the circumferential direction. If at least one such radially projecting carrier mounting element is provided, it is preferred that this element is arranged radially inwards relative to the gripping section and / or projects radially inwards from the mounting section. The mounting section can be arranged radially outwards relative to the gripping section, whereas the carrier mounting elements can be arranged radially inwards relative to the gripping section.

[0029] The radial step can also serve the purpose, particularly when foaming the functional carrier, of forming an axial boundary for the sealing profile and / or for the filter body. Accordingly, the sealing profile is preferably axially limited in the area of ​​the radial step on the side facing the filter body, wherein the sealing profile, particularly if it is produced by foaming, may have axially different heights and may be corrugated.

[0030] In a third filter element according to the invention, the functional carrier is embedded in the sealing profile in such a way that the sealing profile surrounds the functional carrier, in particular the base of the carrier, also on the side facing away axially from the filter body. Consequently, when installed in the filter device, the sealing profile also rests against the axially adjacent housing part, so that the sealing profile also seals against this housing part. It is particularly preferred if the base of the functional carrier is completely surrounded by the sealing profile on both sides and in the circumferential direction.

[0031] It is advantageous if the functional carrier is embedded in the sealing profile in such a way that the functional body is exposed only in the area of ​​the ring collar, preferably only the handle section, and radially on the inside outside the carrier fastening elements.

[0032] In a fourth filter element according to the invention, the sealing profile has an outer contour that abuts axially on the second end face and, when attached to the housing part, on the side facing away from the filter body, axially on the housing part and radially on the inner side with at least one sealing section. The sealing profile thus seals against the filter body or the second end face on one side and against the housing part on the other.

[0033] It is understood that, in addition to the filter element and the method for manufacturing the filter element, a filter device in which such a filter element is arranged in an interchangeable manner is also included in the scope of this invention.

[0034] The filter device comprises a housing with a first housing part and a second housing part detachably connected to the first housing part, wherein the housing parts define an interior space in which, in a first filter device according to the invention, the filter element according to the invention is arranged. The detachable fastening of the filter element in the filter device is effected via the second housing part. Accordingly, the second housing part has at least one such housing fastening element which is designed to be complementary to at least one such support fastening element and which cooperates with the support fastening element to detachably fasten the filter element to the second housing part.

[0035] Preferably, the second housing part, when assembled, presses the sealing profile axially against the filter body or against the second end face, thus achieving improved sealing of the second end face. Furthermore, this results in improved sealing against the second housing part, particularly if the sealing profile also rests against it.

[0036] The fastening device, which comprises at least one support fastening element and at least one housing fastening element, can in principle be designed in any way. Preferably, the detachable fastening of the filter element to the second housing part is designed to be positively interlocking by means of the fastening device.

[0037] It is conceivable that at least one carrier mounting element and at least one housing mounting element interact in the manner of a bayonet fitting. That is to say, the mounting device is a bayonet fitting.

[0038] It is also conceivable to use embodiments in which the releasable fastening is designed in the form of a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0039] Advantageous variants provide that at least one such housing fastening element has a guide section and a stop section. The guide section extends circumferentially. The stop section preferably projects radially and / or is axially spaced from the guide section. At least one such support fastening element is guided within the guide section, with the support fastening element abutting the stop section in a closed end position of the fastening device. Thus, the sealing profile with the sealing section can also be guided within the guide section and / or abut the stop section. The guide section and the stop section result in simplified attachment and removal of the filter element from the second housing part.

[0040] The stop at the stop section is advantageously made both circumferentially and axially, so that the filter element is fixed circumferentially and axially in the closing end position of the fastening device with respect to the second housing part.

[0041] The stop preferably extends circumferentially only over a partial section, such that the support fastening elements can be axially inserted into and guided out of the at least one guide section between the stop sections. The support fastening elements and / or the stop sections can be axially curved, thus facilitating improved insertion and removal into the guide sections and / or from the closed end position of the fastening device. The housing connecting elements advantageously have a tongue projecting axially towards the guide section, which simplifies the stop against the stop section and / or causes the fastening element to engage in the stop section in the closed end position of the fastening device.

[0042] Preferred embodiments include fasteners for the detachable attachment of the first housing part to the second housing part, with the fasteners being separate from the fastening device. Consequently, opening and closing the housing for mounting the filter element or for replacing the filter element can be performed independently of the attachment of the filter element to the second housing part. Accordingly, a housing fastening movement for attaching and detaching the housing parts is preferably different from a filter fastening movement for attaching the filter element to the second housing part and / or detaching the filter element from the second housing part.

[0043] In a second filter device according to the invention, a filter element of the generic type or of the invention is arranged in the interior of the housing, and the second housing part has a housing base from which an annular shoulder, in particular radially on the inside, projects axially, and which has at least one such housing fastening element. It is preferred if the functional carrier in this case has such an annular collar, which has at least one such carrier fastening element that interacts with the housing fastening element. This makes the detachable fastening of the filter element to the second housing part particularly easy to implement. It is advantageous if the annular shoulder of the second housing part penetrates into a central opening of the second end disk in order to fasten the filter element to the second housing part.

[0044] The housing part may have an outer collar, projecting radially and axially from the base of the housing, for closing the first housing part and / or for surrounding the first housing part in the circumferential direction.

[0045] In the second filter device according to the invention, the second housing part is closed and has a recess projecting towards the filter element, which is radially bounded by the annular shoulder or which extends over the annular shoulder into the base of the housing. This means that the annular shoulder forms a side wall of the recess, particularly on the radial outer side.

[0046] It is preferred if one of the housing parts is a housing pot and the other housing part is a lid closing the housing pot. It is even more preferred if the housing part having at least one housing fastening element, and thus in particular the second housing part, is such a lid. This simplifies the assembly and replacement of the filter element in the filter unit.

[0047] The filter assembly and filter element can be used in any application to filter any fluid. For example, they are used in motor vehicles, particularly for filtering air. Accordingly, the filter assembly can be designed as an air filter and the filter element as an air filter element, especially for a motor vehicle. It is also conceivable to use the filter assembly and filter element for filtering fuel. Accordingly, the filter assembly can be designed as a fuel filter and the filter element as a fuel filter element, especially for a motor vehicle.

[0048] In the method presented here, the functional carrier is arranged in a mold, a foamable composition is introduced into the mold before or after the functional carrier is arranged in the mold, and the composition is foamed after the functional carrier is arranged in the mold, such that the functional carrier is foamed around to form the sealing profile. A first method according to the invention is characterized in that it is used to manufacture the filter element according to the invention.

[0049] A second method according to the invention is characterized in that the filter body is arranged in the mold before the foaming of the composition, such that an axial gap is formed between the second end face and the functional carrier, wherein the composition is foamed in such a way that the sealing profile additionally covers the second end face.

[0050] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0051] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0053] They show, each schematically Fig. 1 an exploded view of a filter element in isometric view, Fig. 2 an isometric view of the filter element, Fig. 3 an isometric view of the filter element and a housing part of a filter device in a separated state, Fig. 4 A section through the filter assembly in the area of ​​the housing part with the filter element attached to the housing part, in isometric view, Fig. 5 an isometric view of a functional carrier of the filter element, Fig. 6 an isometric view of a sealing profile of the filter element, Fig. 7 an isometric view of the filter element with the housing part with the housing part partially cut away, Fig. 8 an isometric view of the in Fig. 7 area designated VIII, Fig. 9 a section through a filter device in another embodiment, Fig. 10 a section through a shape with a functional carrier and filter body arranged in it.

[0054] A filter element 1, as it is in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the filter body 2 has an annular shape made of a filter material 3, for example, paper 4, particularly in the form of a pleated star 5. The filter body 2 has a filter chamber 6 and a first end plate 7 on a first axial end face 8, as well as a second end plate 9 on a second axial end face 10 of the filter body 2. The first end plate 7 is made of a sealing material 11, for example, plastic 12, and has a central opening 13 that communicates with the filter chamber 6. The first end plate 7 is fixedly attached to the first end face 8. An inner frame 14 is fixedly connected to the filter body 2 within the filter chamber 6 and rests against the filter body 2.

[0055] The second end disk 9 is open at its center, with a central opening 15 of the second end disk 9 communicating with the filter interior 6. The second end disk 9 comprises a sealing profile 16 and a functional carrier 17, each of which is open at its center and thus forms the opening 15 of the second end disk 9. The sealing profile 16 is ring-shaped and made of a sealing material 18, preferably foam 19, in particular polyurethane foam 20. The functional carrier 17 is rigid or hard compared to the sealing profile 16 and thus to the sealing material 18. Accordingly, the second end disk 9 consists of the rigid functional body 7 and the soft, in particular elastic and / or compressible, sealing profile 16. The functional carrier 17 is integrated into the sealing profile 16. This integration is achieved by at least partially embedding the functional carrier 17 in the sealing profile 16.

[0056] For securing the filter element 1 in an associated filter assembly 21, which is located in the Fig. 3, Fig. As shown in Figures 4 and 7 to 9, a fastening device 22 is used, which in this example is designed as a bayonet fitting 23. The fastening device 22 allows the filter element 1 to be detachably attached to a housing part 24 of a housing 25 of the filter device 21, in which the filter element 1 is arranged in an interchangeable manner. In the examples shown, the housing part 24 is a cover 26 of the housing 25.

[0057] The filter device 21 and the filter element 1 can be used for filtering air or fuel, in particular in a motor vehicle (not shown otherwise).

[0058] Accordingly Fig. 3. The filter element 1 is detachably fastened to the housing part 24 by a relative axial movement of the filter element 1 in the direction of the housing part 24, as indicated by an axial arrow 27, and a subsequent relative rotation of the filter element 1 about an axially extending axis of rotation 29, as indicated by a rotation arrow 28. To detach the filter element 1 from the housing part 24, a rotational movement is first made in the opposite direction of the rotation arrow 28, followed by an axial movement in the opposite direction of the axial arrow 27. The fastening device 22 has filter-side fastening elements 30, which are provided on the functional carrier 17 and are accordingly referred to below as carrier fastening elements 30. The carrier fastening elements 30 interact with complementary fastening elements 31 of the fastening device 22 provided on the housing part 24, which are subsequently referred to as housing fastening elements 31.

[0059] In the Fig. 4, Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows a closing end position 32 of the fastening device 22, in which the filter element 1 is attached to the housing part 24, wherein in Fig. 4 For better understanding, only the housing part 24, the sealing profile 16 and the functional carrier 17 of the second end disk 9 are shown. Fig. Figure 5 shows the functionary 17, while Fig. Figure 6 shows the sealing profile 16.

[0060] Especially in the Fig. Figures 4 to 8 show that the functional carrier 17 has an annular base 33 that extends radially and is closed in the circumferential direction. Radially on the inside of the base 33, an annular collar 34 projects axially towards the filter body 2, and the annular collar 34 is closed all around. The annular collar 34 has a fastening section 35 adjoining the base 33 and a gripping section 37 adjoining the fastening section 35 via a radial step 36. The fastening section 35, the radial step 36, and the gripping section 37 are each closed all around. The fastening section 35 has the carrier fastening elements 30, which project radially inwards from the fastening section 35.The respective support fastening element 30 has at least one opening 38, wherein in the example shown the respective support fastening element 30 has three such openings 38 which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0061] The sealing profile 16 completely surrounds the base of the support 33, i.e., axially and radially on both sides. The mounting section 35 is radially surrounded and thus enclosed by the sealing profile 16 on both sides, with the support mounting elements 30 projecting axially from the sealing profile 16 on the side facing away from the base of the support 33. The sealing profile 16 penetrates radially through the openings 38 of the support mounting elements 30, such that a sealing section 39 of the sealing profile 16 projects radially inward from each support mounting element 30. In the example shown, each sealing section 39 has an axially stepped shape with an upper section part 60 facing or near the filter body 2 and a lower section part 61 facing away from or further away from the filter body 2, with the upper section part 60 transitioning into the lower section part 61 via an upper conical sealing surface 62.On the side of the lower section 61 facing away from the upper section 60, a lower conical sealing surface 63 adjoins it, via which the lower section 61 transitions into an axial sealing surface 64 located in the area of ​​the base of the support 33. The respective section 60, 61 and the sealing surfaces 62, 63, 64 extend circumferentially, with the conical sealing surfaces 62, 63 having a radial and an axial component. While the sealing sections 39, and thus the section parts 60, 61, and the upper conical sealing surfaces 62, extend circumferentially only over the corresponding partial area, the lower conical sealing surface 63 and the axial sealing surface 64 are continuous circumferentially. The lower conical sealing surface 63 is widened inwards in the area of ​​the sealing sections 39, as shown in particular in [reference missing]. Fig. 8 can be seen. In the example shown, the respective sealing section 39 also has a radially inwardly tapering shape.

[0062] The gripping section 37 has gripping elements 40 at its axial end, which project radially outwards. The gripping section 37 is arranged outside the sealing profile 16 and is therefore exposed. The gripping section 37 engages in the filter interior 6, with the gripping elements 40 interlocking positively with the inner frame 14 and thus securing the second end disc 9 to the filter body 2.

[0063] The housing part 24 has a housing base 41 that extends radially and is closed all around. A closed annular shoulder 42 projects axially radially inwards from the housing base 41, and this shoulder incorporates the housing fastening elements 31 (see also Fig. 3) In the example shown, the housing fastening elements 31 each have a guide section 43 and a stop section 44, wherein the respective support fastening element 30 is guided in such a guide section 43 for fastening the filter element 1 to the housing part 24 and for releasing the filter element 1 from the housing part 24. In the end position 32 of the fastening device 22, the respective support fastening element 30 abuts axially and circumferentially against such a stop section 44. Since the respective sealing section 39 projects radially inwards from the associated support fastening element 30, the respective sealing section 39 is also guided in the associated guide section 43 (see in particular Fig. 4) In addition, the sealing section 39 can abut axially and / or circumferentially on the associated stop section 44.

[0064] Especially the Fig. Figures 4 to 8 show that the sealing profile 16 is arranged axially between the functional carrier 17 and the second end face 10, as well as axially between the functional carrier 17 and the housing part 24, in particular the housing base 41. Accordingly, an outer contour 56 of the sealing profile 16 abuts the second end face 10 and the housing base 41. Thus, the sealing profile 16 seals against the second end face 10 and the housing part 24, in particular the housing base 41.

[0065] The Fig. 3, Fig. Figures 4 and 7 to 9 show that the housing part 24 is closed and has a recess 45 directed axially towards the filter element 1, which is bounded radially on the outside by the annular shoulder 42 of the housing part 24, thus forming a circumferential side wall 46 of the recess 45. It can also be seen that the housing part 24 has a circumferential outer collar 47 projecting radially on its outer side in the direction of the filter element 1. The outer collar 47 serves, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the housing 25 is closed, which, in addition to the housing part 24 designed as a lid 26, has a further housing part 48 designed as a housing pot 49, wherein the housing parts 24 and 48 define a housing interior 50 in which the filter element 1 is arranged in a replaceable manner. Hereinafter, the housing part 48 is referred to as the first housing part 48, whereas the housing part 24 is referred to as the second housing part 24.

[0066] The ring shoulder 42 has, on its radially outer side, an axially projecting contact surface 65 extending from the housing base 41, a lower conical contact surface 66 adjoining the axially projecting contact surface 65, and an upper conical contact surface 67 adjoining the lower conical contact surface 66. The contact sections 44 are arranged, and in particular formed, in an upper axial contact surface 68 adjoining the upper conical contact surface 67. The lower axial contact surface 65 and the upper conical contact surface 67 are continuous in the circumferential direction, whereas the lower conical contact surface 66 is interrupted in the circumferential direction in the area of ​​the contact sections 44. In the final position 32, the axial sealing surface 64 is in sealing contact with the axial contact surface 65, the lower conical sealing surface 63 is in sealing contact with the lower conical contact surface 66 and the upper conical sealing surface 62 is in sealing contact with the upper conical contact surface 67.This results in a ring-shaped closed conical contact of the sealing profile 16 on the ring shoulder 42, which is axially and radially or conically offset in the area of ​​the support fastening elements 30 and thus the interruptions in the lower conical contact surface 66, wherein the course of this contact in . Fig. 3 is indicated by a dashed line 69.

[0067] In Fig. Figure 9 further shows that the housing parts 24, 48 are detachably fastened to one another by means of fasteners 51. In the example shown, the respective fastener 51 is a clamp 52, which is attached to the outside of the housing 25. Thus, the detachable fastening of the housing parts 24, 28 to one another and the detachable fastening of the filter element 1 to the second housing part 24 can be carried out independently of each other. In particular, detaching the second housing part 24 from the first housing part 48 does not result in the fastening of the filter element 1 to the second housing part 24. The filter assembly 21 has two fluidic connections 53, 54 through which a fluid to be filtered, for example air, flows through the filter assembly 21 and is filtered by means of the filter body 2. The connections 53, 54 are advantageously provided on the housing 25, wherein in the example shown they are provided on the first housing part 48 designed as a housing pot 49.One of the ports 53 is arranged radially on the outside of the housing pot 49 and communicates with a radial gap 55 formed radially between the filter body 2 and the housing pot 48. The other port 54 is arranged on the side of the housing pot 49 facing away from the cover 26 and projects axially outwards. This port 54 communicates with the filter interior 6, and in the example shown, it also projects axially inwards and penetrates the filter interior 6. This port 54 rests radially against the first end plate 7, so that the filter interior 6 is sealed against the radial gap 55. Thus, as the fluid to be filtered flows through the filter assembly 21, it is guided through the filter body 2 and filtered.

[0068] The in Fig. The filter element 1 shown in 9 differs from the one in the Fig. The filter element 1 shown in Figures 1 to 8 is distinguished by the fact that the sealing profile 16 does not axially surround the functional carrier 17 on the side facing away from the filter body 2. In this example, the base 33 of the functional carrier 17 is therefore free on the side facing away from the filter body 2 and, when attached to the second housing part 24, is thus axially in contact with the base 41 of the housing and therefore with the second housing part 24.

[0069] During the Fig. In the example of filter element 1 shown in Figures 1 to 8, the sealing profile 16 has an outer contour 56 that abuts axially on the side facing the filter body 2, axially on the side facing away from the filter body 2, and radially on the inner side, particularly with the sealing sections 39, radially on the second housing part 24, especially on the guide sections 43. This differs from the one shown in Fig. The filter element shown in Figure 9 is characterized by the fact that the outer contour 56 of the sealing profile 16 does not axially abut the second housing part 24 on the side facing away from the filter body 2. Support lugs (not shown) may be provided on the side of the second end disk 9, in particular the sealing profile 16, facing the housing part 24 or the cover 26, which support the filter element 1 on the housing part 24 or the cover 26.

[0070] The first end disc 7 is preferably made of polyurethane foam as a sealing material 11, which is foamed onto the first end face 8. During the foaming process, the PUR foam encloses the first end face 8 of the filter body 2. In particular, the first end disc 7 thus forms a firm mechanical connection with the inner frame 14. The sealing geometry for the connection 54 can also be directly molded in this way. Alternatively, the first end disc 7 can be made of a thermoplastic material, e.g., polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, or similar, as a sealing material 11. In these cases, the filter body 2 is bonded to the first end disc 7, or the first end disc is plasticized onto the first end face 8 of the filter body 2.The sealing geometry for the connection 54 can be integrally formed with the first end disk 7 or be formed by a mounted or metered, separate sealing element (not shown), in particular a sealing ring or a sealing bead.

[0071] Fig. Figure 10 shows a section illustrating a preferred manufacturing process for the filter element 1, wherein in the Fig. The example shown in section 10 is a filter element 1, as it appears in the Fig. The functional carrier 17 and the filter body 2 are arranged in a mold 57, as shown in Figures 1 to 8. The functional carrier 17 can be attached to the filter body 2, in particular via the gripping section 37 and the inner frame 14. It can be seen that the second end face 10 of the filter body 2 is axially spaced from the base of the carrier 33 and, in particular, rests against the radial step 36. Thus, an axial gap 70 is formed between the second end face 10 of the filter body 2 and the functional carrier 17 or the base of the carrier 33. To produce the sealing profile 16, a mold 57 is used. Fig.10. The composition 58, in particular polyurethane 59, is introduced into the mold 57 and foamed up such that the functional carrier 17 is encased and embedded in the sealing profile 16 thus produced. The sealing profile 16 covers the second end face 10. In particular, the foaming composition 58 penetrates through the openings 38 of the carrier fastening elements 30. In addition, the composition 58 preferably foams axially through the second end face 10 into the filter body 2. The foaming of the composition 58 into the filter body 2 leads, for example, to an improved seal against the second end face 10 of the filter body 2.

Claims

[1] Filter element (1) for a filter device (21), - with a ring-shaped filter body (2) made of a filter material (3) for filtering a fluid, which has a filter interior (6), - with a centrally open first end disk (7) made of sealing material (11), which is fixedly arranged on a first axial end face (8) of the filter body (2), - with a second end disk (9) which is arranged on a second axial end face (10) of the filter body (2), - wherein the second end disk (9) has a sealing profile (16) made of a sealing material (18) and a functional carrier (17) that is rigid compared to the sealing profile (16) and is at least partially embedded in the sealing profile (16), - wherein the functional carrier (17) has at least one carrier fastening element (30) of a fastening device (22) which cooperates with a complementary housing fastening element (31) of the fastening device (22) provided on the housing part (24) for the purpose of detachably fastening the filter element (1) to a housing part (24) of the filter device (21), characterized by , - that the functional carrier (17) has an annular base (33) and an axially projecting ring collar (34) from the base (33), - that the functional carrier (17) has at least two such carrier fastening elements (30) spaced apart in the circumferential direction and projecting radially from the ring collar (24), - that the sealing profile (16) radially surrounds the support fastening elements (30) on both sides, such that a sealing section (39) of the sealing profile (16) protrudes radially from the respective support fastening element (30). [2] Filter element according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sealing profile (16) is made of a foam (19), in particular polyurethane foam (20). [3] Filter element according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized by , that at least one such support fastening element (30) has at least one opening (38) which is penetrated by the sealing profile (16). [4] Filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that in the filter interior (6) an inner frame (14) is attached to the filter body (2), wherein the functional carrier (17) is attached to the inner frame (14). [5] Filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the ring assembly (34) has a fastening section (35) comprising the support fastening elements (30) and a gripping section (37) adjoining the side of the fastening section (35) facing away from the base of the support (33), which is arranged in the filter interior (6) and is attached to the filter body (2). [6] Filter element according to claim 5, characterized by , that the fastening section (35) transitions via a radial step (36) into the gripping section (37). [7] Filter element according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized by , that the sealing profile (16) surrounds the functional carrier (17) on the side facing away axially from the filter body (2). [8] Filter element according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized by, that the sealing profile (16) has such an outer contour (56) which, when attached to the housing part (24), rests axially on the housing part (24) on the side facing away from the filter body (2) and radially on the housing part (24) on the radially inner side. [9] Filter device (21) for filtering a fluid, in particular air, comprising a first housing part (48) and a second housing part (24) detachably connected to the first housing part (48), which define a housing interior (50), a. wherein a filter element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 is arranged interchangeably in the interior of the housing (5), b. wherein the second housing part (24) has at least one housing fastening element (31) of the fastening device (22) that is complementary to the at least one support fastening element (30) and that cooperates with the at least one support fastening element (30) for the detachable fastening of the filter element (1) to the second housing part (24). [10] Filter device according to claim 9, characterized by , that the at least one carrier fastening element (30) and the at least one housing fastening element (31) cooperate in the manner of a bayonet fitting (23). [11] Filter device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that at least one such housing fastening element (31) has a guide section (43) in which such a support fastening element (30) is guided and a stop section (44) against which the support fastening element (30) abuts in a closing end position (32) of the fastening device (22). [12] Filter device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by , that the filter device (21) has separate fastening means (51) from the fastening device (22) for detachably connecting the second housing part (24) to the first housing part (48). [13] Filter device (21) for filtering a fluid, in particular air, comprising a first housing part (48) and a second housing part (24) detachably connected to the first housing part (48), which define a housing interior (50), - wherein a filter element (1) is arranged interchangeably in the interior of the housing (5), - wherein the filter element (1) has an annular filter body (2) made of a filter material (3) for filtering a fluid, which has a filter interior (6), - wherein the filter element (1) has a centrally open first end disk (7) made of sealing material (11) which is fixedly arranged on a first axial end face (8) of the filter body (2), - wherein the filter element (1) has a second end disk (9) which is arranged on a second axial end face (10) of the filter body (2), - wherein the second end disk (9) has a sealing profile (16) made of a sealing material (18) and a functional carrier (17) that is rigid compared to the sealing profile (16) and is at least partially embedded in the sealing profile (16), - wherein the functional carrier (17) has at least one carrier fastening element (30) of a fastening device (22) which cooperates with a complementary housing fastening element (31) of the fastening device (22) provided on the housing part (24) for the purpose of detachably fastening the filter element (1) to a housing part (24) of the filter device (21), - wherein the second housing part (24) has at least one housing fastening element (31) of the fastening device (22) that is complementary to the at least one support fastening element (30) and that cooperates with the at least one support fastening element (30) for the detachable fastening of the filter element (1) to the second housing part (24), - wherein the second housing part (24) has a housing base (41) from which an annular shoulder (42) projects, which has at least one such housing fastening element (31), - wherein the second housing part (24) is designed to be closed and has a recess (45) projecting towards the filter element (1), which is radially limited by the ring shoulder (42). [14] Filter device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by , that the first housing part (48) is a housing pot (49) and the second housing part (24) is a lid (26) that can be releasably closed to the housing pot (49). [15] Method for manufacturing a filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, a. the functional carrier (17) is arranged in a form (57), b. a foamable composition (58) is introduced into the mold (57) before or after the arrangement of the functional carrier (17) in the mold (57), c. the composition (58) is foamed up after the functional carrier (17) is arranged in the form (57) such that the functional carrier (17) is foamed over to form the sealing profile (16). [16] Method for manufacturing a filter element (1), wherein the filter element (1) - has a ring-shaped filter body (2) made of a filter material (3) for filtering a fluid, which has a filter interior (6), - has a centrally open first end disk (7) made of sealing material (11) which is fixedly arranged on a first axial end face (8) of the filter body (2), - has a second end disk (9) which is arranged on a second axial end face (10) of the filter body (2), - wherein the second end disk (9) has a sealing profile (16) made of a sealing material (18) and a functional carrier (17) that is rigid compared to the sealing profile (16) and is at least partially embedded in the sealing profile (16), - wherein the functional carrier (17) has at least one carrier fastening element (30) of a fastening device (22) which cooperates with a complementary housing fastening element (31) of the fastening device (22) provided on the housing part (24) for the purpose of detachably fastening the filter element (1) to a housing part (24) of the filter device (21), wherein in the method a. the functional carrier (17) is arranged in a form (57), b. a foamable composition (58) is introduced into the mold (57) before or after the arrangement of the functional carrier (17) in the mold (57), c. the composition (58) is foamed up after the functional carrier (17) is arranged in the form (57) in such a way that the functional carrier (17) is foamed over to form the sealing profile (16), d. wherein the filter body (2) is arranged in the mold (57) before the foaming of the composition (58) such that an axial gap (60) is formed between the second end face (10) and the functional carrier (17), e. wherein the composition (58) is foamed up in such a way that the sealing profile (16) additionally covers the second end face (10).

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