Filterelement

Abstract

A filter element comprises a first filter medium body and a second filter medium body, which are stacked one above the other and arranged one behind the other in the direction of flow. A distribution frame is arranged between the first and second filter medium bodies, and adhesive is applied to this frame, with the adhesive located between the distribution frame and the two filter medium bodies.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a filter element, for example for an air filter, comprising a first filter medium body and a second filter medium body, which are arranged one above the other and in the direction of flow. State of the art

[0002] From US 2007 175 193 A1, an air filter with two superimposed filter bodies is known, through which the air to be filtered flows one after the other. Each filter body is designed as a pleated filter with a plurality of filter pleats. The two filter bodies are positioned such that their filter pleats are perpendicular to each other.

[0003] An air filter known from CN 208943718 U1 also has two superimposed filter bodies through which the airflow passes one after the other, each designed as a pleated filter. The filter pleats of the two filter bodies are parallel to each other.

[0004] WO 2000 8213 A1 describes a gas filtration system comprising two pleated filter elements, one above the other and flowing through one after the other, within a filter housing. Between the pleated filters, which serve for particle filtration, is another filter layer coated with activated carbon. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a stable filter element with a first filter medium body and a second filter medium body using simple design measures and ensuring high filtration performance.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. The dependent claims specify advantageous further developments.

[0007] The filter element according to the invention is preferably used for gas filtration, for example, in an air filter used to filter the air supplied to a vehicle interior. The filter element comprises a first filter medium body and a second filter medium body, which are arranged one above the other and one behind the other in the direction of flow. Accordingly, the fluid to be filtered flows through the two filter medium bodies sequentially. In a preferred embodiment, the two filter medium bodies are in direct contact with each other. In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible that there is no direct contact between the two filter medium bodies, but rather that the two filter medium bodies are spaced apart from each other.In any case, it can be advantageous for the two filter medium bodies to have the same basic cross-sectional area and to be arranged relative to each other in such a way that they share a common outer contour. This facilitates the insertion of both filter medium bodies into a receiving filter housing. Advantageously, both filter medium bodies each have a cuboid basic geometry.

[0008] In the filter element according to the invention, a distribution frame is arranged between the first and second filter medium bodies. This frame serves to contain the adhesive used to bond the filter medium bodies together, keeping it concentrated in the edge region and preventing uncontrolled spread into the respective filter medium bodies and into the central region, which is located at a greater distance from the edge region and is, for example, the space between the two filter medium bodies. The adhesive is located, on the one hand, between the distribution frame and the first filter medium body, and on the other hand, between the distribution frame and the second filter medium body. Optionally, the adhesive can also extend directly between the first and second filter medium bodies, but laterally adjacent to the distribution frame.

[0009] This design has the advantage that, during the manufacturing process in which the filter media bodies are brought together and bonded, the uncured adhesive mass is prevented from spreading unhindered into the filter media bodies or into the space between them. Consequently, a large portion of the space between the two filter media bodies remains free of adhesive mass and can be filtered without restriction. The distribution frame ensures that, during manufacturing, the applied adhesive mass, which is still in its uncured, flowable state, adheres to the distribution frame without detaching from it. Therefore, the spread of the adhesive is limited to the immediate vicinity of the distribution frame.

[0010] The distribution frame is advantageously also frame-shaped and preferably extends exclusively in the edge region or adjacent to the edge region of the first and second filter medium bodies. The central, middle area between the first and second filter medium bodies, however, is not covered by the distribution frame. This ensures that the fluid can pass through the central, middle area without any flow restriction.

[0011] Alternatively, the distribution frame can form an intermediate layer between the first and second filter media bodies, covering at least a large part, or possibly all, of the intervening area. In this case as well, the outer section of the sub-frame extends within or adjacent to the edge area of ​​the first and second filter media bodies, onto which adhesive is applied during the manufacturing process. This adhesive spreads only slightly from the distribution frame into the first and second filter media bodies.

[0012] It can be advantageous for the distribution frame to have a permeable mesh structure, allowing the uncured adhesive to penetrate the frame from one side and spread to the opposite side. The adhesive is applied to the distribution frame from above while still uncured and penetrates the mesh structure down to the underlying filter medium.

[0013] In an alternative design, the distribution frame has a compact structure. In this case, there is no mesh structure through which the adhesive could penetrate. Rather, the compact structure of the distribution frame prevents the applied adhesive from penetrating. However, it can spread around the edges of the distribution frame to the filter media body below and also to the one above it. Thus, even with a compact distribution frame structure, it is ensured that the adhesive reaches both the first, upper, and the second, lower filter media body.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the distribution frame extends to the side edge of at least one filter medium body. Particularly in the embodiment with a permeable mesh structure, this has the advantage that the distribution frame can be precisely positioned on the lower filter medium body, which is preferably enclosed by a side band. The adhesive applied to the distribution frame either spreads downwards along the inner side of the distribution frame or, in the case of a mesh structure, passes through the mesh openings.

[0015] Alternatively, the distribution frame can be smaller than the filter medium body on which it rests, leaving a gap between the side edge of at least one filter medium body and the distribution frame. In this case, even with a compact distribution frame, the applied adhesive can spread over the outer edge of the frame towards the underlying filter medium body.

[0016] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, at least one filter medium body is enclosed by a side band. The side band can optionally be designed as a side wall consisting of a rigid structure. Alternatively, a relatively soft, flexible material can also be used as the side band. Advantageously, the side band is connected to the adjacent side of the filter medium body, in particular by bonding. The side band advantageously extends beyond the top surface of the filter medium body and thus projects upwards at the side. Alternatively, it is also possible for the side band to be flush with the top surface of the filter medium body. An overhang of the side band has the advantage that the distribution frame is bounded by the side band when placed on the filter medium body.

[0017] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the two filter medium bodies are each designed as a pleated filter with a plurality of filter pleats. Advantageously, the pleat tips lie atop one another, particularly such that the pleats of the two filter medium bodies run parallel to each other. In principle, an arrangement is also possible in which the filter medium bodies are rotated 90° relative to each other with respect to their pleat orientation.

[0018] The filter media bodies can differ from one another in other characteristics. For example, in a pleated filter design, the number of pleats per unit length may differ between the two filter media bodies. Furthermore, the intended use of each filter media body can be tailored to filter specific substances. For instance, one filter media body can be made with activated carbon, while the other is made without activated carbon and is used exclusively for particle filtration.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention relates to a filter device comprising a filter housing and a previously described filter element which can be inserted into the filter housing.

[0020] Further advantages and practical designs can be found in the additional requirements, the figure description, and the drawings. These show: Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1. A perspective view of a gas filtration system with a two-part filter housing, Fig. 2 a section through the filter device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 an exploded view of the filter assembly with a multi-part filter element housed in the filter casing, Fig. 4 the filter element in exploded view, Fig. 5 a perspective view of a first filter medium body, which forms a particle filter and is placed on a pre-filter mat, with a distribution frame placed on the filter medium body, Fig. 6 a perspective view of a second filter medium body shown in reverse, forming an activated carbon filter and enclosed by a lateral, circumferential side band, including an attached distribution frame, Fig. Figure 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a circumferential sealing element on the filter element, which is clamped to the filter housing. Fig. 8 a sectional view from the side area between the first and second filter medium bodies with adhesive by which the two filter medium bodies are fixed.

[0021] In the figures, identical components are labelled with the same reference symbols. embodiment(s) of the invention

[0022] In Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a filter device 1, preferably used for gas filtration, for example as an air filter for filtering the air supplied to a vehicle interior. The filter device 1 comprises a filter housing 2, which consists of a housing base 3 and a housing cover 4 that can be placed on top of it and is detachably connected to the housing base 3. A lateral inlet 5 for the supply of unfiltered air is located on the housing base 3. Diametrically opposite the inlet 5 is an outlet 6 for the discharge of the filtered air.

[0023] The filter assembly 1 further comprises a filter element 7, which is block- or cuboid-shaped and consists, from bottom to top, of a pre-filter mat 8, a first filter medium body 9, and a second filter medium body 10. The fluid to be cleaned flows through the individual elements of the filter element 7 in the following sequence: pre-filter mat 8, first filter medium body 9, and second filter medium body 10. A circumferential sealing element 11 is located on the upper side of the second filter medium body 10. When installed, this sealing element 11 is inserted into a sealing receptacle between the housing base 3 and the housing cover 4 and clamped in place. The sealing element 11 is also a component of the filter element 7.

[0024] The following describes filter element 7. Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 in conjunction with Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. Reference is made to the filter element 7. In addition to the cuboid elements pre-filter mat 8, first filter medium body 9, and second filter medium body 10, as well as the sealing element 11, the filter element 7 also comprises a distribution frame 12, which is arranged between the first filter medium body 9 and the second filter medium body 10 and extends over the entire side surface of the filter medium bodies 9 and 10. The distribution frame 12 is made of plastic and comprises a rectangular outer and circumferential strip as well as a plurality of diagonally and crosswise extending struts between opposite sections of the outer strip, with openings formed between the struts through which the fluid to be filtered can pass.The distribution frame 12 serves to contain a viscous, flowable adhesive used to bond the two filter medium bodies 9 and 10 together in the edge region and to prevent uncontrolled spreading of the adhesive. The applied adhesive can be applied at the level of the outer rib or, to a lesser extent, also in the area of ​​the struts extending inwards from the outer rib, and spreads only minimally into the material of the first filter medium body 9 and the second filter medium body 10.

[0025] Both filter media bodies 9 and 10 are designed as pleated filters with pleats running parallel to each other. The first filter media body 9, which functions as a particle filter, has a higher pleat density than the second filter media body 10, which has an activated carbon coating and forms an activated carbon filter. The particle filter 9 has end-face gluing along its longitudinal side, whereas the activated carbon filter 10 is enclosed by a circumferential side band 13. In the fully assembled state, the circumferential sealing element 11 rests against the side band 13.

[0026] To create the bond, the second filter medium body 10 is placed in the Fig. The filter medium body 10 – the activated carbon filter – is positioned as shown in Figure 6, with the underside facing upwards. The circumferential side band 13 projects slightly axially and forms a recess into which the distribution frame 12 can be inserted, ensuring a secure fit. The adhesive, in its flowable state, is then applied along the edge of the distribution frame 12. Next, the first filter medium body 9 – the particle filter – is placed onto the distribution frame 12, allowing the adhesive to spread through the distribution frame 12 towards the second filter medium body 10 below and to come into contact with the side of the first filter medium body 9 facing it. In this way, the two filter medium bodies 9 and 10 are bonded together.Additionally, the adhesive can also spread towards the surrounding side band 13, thereby achieving additional bonding between the distribution frame 12 and the side band 13. When the first filter medium body 9 is placed on the distribution frame 12 within the surrounding side band 13, the side surface facing the first filter medium body 9 is also axially slightly enclosed by the side band 13. This is particularly important. Fig. 8, in which the dotted adhesive 14 reaches the fold tips of the first filter medium body 9 as well as of the second filter medium body 10 and also the side band 13. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2007 175 193 A1

[0002] CN 208943718 U1

[0003] WO 2000 8213 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Filter element, in particular for gas filtration, for example for an air filter, comprising a first filter medium body (9) and a second filter medium body (10) which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of flow, characterized by , that a distribution frame (12) is arranged between the first and the second filter medium body (9, 10) and that the first and the second filter medium body (9, 10) are connected in the edge region by means of adhesive (14) which is applied to the distribution frame (12), wherein the adhesive (14) is located on the one hand between the distribution frame (12) and the first filter medium body (9) and on the other hand between the distribution frame (12) and the second filter medium body (10). [2] Filter element according to claim 1, wherein the distribution frame (12) covers exclusively the edge area of ​​the first and second filter medium body (9, 10) and leaves the central middle area between the first and second filter medium body (9, 10) free. [3] Filter element according to claim 1, wherein the distribution frame (12) covers the entire area between the first and second filter medium body (9, 10). [4] Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distribution frame (12) has a permeable mesh structure. [5] Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distribution frame (12) has a compact structure. [6] Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distribution frame (12) extends to the side edge of at least one filter medium body (6). [7] Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an edge gap is located between the distribution frame (12) and the side edge of at least one filter medium body (10). [8] Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one filter medium body (9, 10) is enclosed by a side band (13). [9] Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the two filter medium bodies (9, 10) are each designed as pleated filters. [10] Filter element according to claim 9, wherein the two filter medium bodies (9, 10) lie with their pleat tips against each other. [11] Filter element according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the two filter medium bodies (9, 10) are aligned to each other such that the folds of both filter medium bodies (9, 10) run parallel. [12] Filter device comprising a filter element according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a filter housing (2) for receiving the filter element (7).

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