Filter housing with corrugated mesh

Abstract

Filter housing (1) for mounting a filter element (2) of a filter fan assembly in an opening of a housing, for example a control cabinet, with - a frame (11), preferably rectangular, which can be mounted in the opening of the housing, wherein the frame (11) comprises a protective grille (13) which defines a rear side of the filter housing (1) configured to face the interior of the housing when the filter housing (1) is mounted in the opening of the housing, and, preferably four, side elements (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) which extend from the edges of the protective grille (13) to define an installation space for receiving a filter element (2) in front of the protective grille (13); - a cover (12) which can be attached to the frame (11) such that the cover (12) forms a front of the filter housing (1) which is configured to face the outside of the housing when the filter housing is installed in the opening of the housing; wherein the filter element (2) can be enclosed between the protective grid (13) and the cover (12); wherein the protective grid (13) comprises a plurality of vertical grid struts (15) with a plurality of projections (15a) extending towards the cover (12) and configured to support the filter element (2) such that the filter element (2) is not in full contact with the vertical grid struts (15).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter housing for receiving a filter element of a filter fan assembly according to the subject matter of claim 1 and to a filter fan assembly according to the subject matter of claim 13.

[0002] Filter housings of the type proposed in the present disclosure are known in principle in the prior art, e.g. from EP 1 909 548 B1. Such housings are used to mount a filter element in an opening of an enclosure, such as a control cabinet. Enclosures such as control cabinets, which are equipped with electrical or electronic devices, require means for cooling the interior in which the devices are housed. For this purpose, the enclosure has an opening near which a fan is installed. The fan draws air from the external environment of the enclosure into the interior. To suppress the ingress of dust as much as possible, it is desirable to install a filter element, such as a non-woven mat, at the opening of the enclosure in front of the fan by placing a filter housing in the opening of the enclosure in which the filter element can be accommodated.

[0003] One problem associated with filter housings of the type described above is that while the ingress of dust can be effectively prevented by selecting a suitable filter element, the ingress of water is not satisfactorily suppressed. This problem arises particularly when the filter housing is used in a humid environment. The ingress of water and air leads to the saturation of the filter element, which eventually releases water into the interior of the housing.

[0004] Against this background, an objective of the present invention is to (further) reduce the ingress of water into a housing such as a control cabinet when air is introduced into the housing.

[0005] The object of the invention is achieved by a filter housing according to the subject matter of claim 1 and by a filter fan assembly according to the subject matter of claim 13.

[0006] In particular, the problem is solved by a filter housing for mounting a filter element of a filter fan assembly in an opening of a housing, such as a control cabinet, which comprises a, preferably rectangular, frame that can be mounted in the opening of the housing, preferably in such a way that the frame can be arranged in front of a fan arranged in the housing, wherein the frame comprises a protective grille that defines a rear of the filter housing which is configured to face the inside of the housing when the filter housing is mounted in the opening of the housing, and preferably four side elements that project from the edges of the protective grille to define an installation space for receiving a filter element in front of the protective grille;a cover that can be attached to the frame such that the cover forms a front face of the filter housing, configured to face the outside of the housing when the filter housing is fitted in the opening of the housing; wherein the filter element can be enclosed between the protective grille and the cover; and wherein the protective grille comprises a plurality of vertical grille struts with a plurality of projections extending towards the cover and configured to support the filter element such that the filter element is not in full contact with the vertical grille struts, preferably along their entire vertical extent.

[0007] The present invention is based on the finding that the ingress of water into a housing can be significantly reduced if a filter housing for mounting a filter element is provided with water-repellent features designed to direct water drawn by the fan towards the housing and passing through the filter element to the outside of the housing. The filter housing according to the present invention is specifically designed to minimize contact between the filter element and the protective grille forming the housing element facing the interior of the housing when the filter housing is mounted in the housing opening. By minimizing contact between the filter element and the protective grille, the amount of water conveyed from the filter element to the grille can also be minimized when the fan draws water and air through the filter housing and the filter element located therein.To achieve this, the protective grid is not designed as a flat grid that comes into full contact with the filter element mounted in the filter housing. Instead, the protective grid includes vertical grid bars that are not designed as straight, vertical bars. Instead, the vertical grid bars are provided with projections that extend toward the cover of the filter housing. When the filter element is inserted into the filter housing, the contact between the protective grid and the filter element is limited to the projections of the vertical grid bars. In other words, the protective grid, and in particular its vertical grid bars, is designed so that the filter element is held only by the projections on the vertical grid bars. This ensures that the filter element is not in full contact with the vertical grid bars when installed in the filter housing.Therefore, water flow from the filter element to the protective grille is minimized. Water droplets that form on the back of the filter when water and air are drawn into the housing from the outside can only be transferred to the protective grille at the location of the protrusions where the filter element is in physical contact with the grille. This results in a significant reduction of liquid transfer to the part of the filter housing facing the interior of the housing, from where water droplets can be drawn into the housing by the fan.

[0008] The vertical grid struts are called vertical grid struts because they are oriented vertically when the filter housing is mounted in the housing opening. When the filter housing is mounted, one of the frame's side elements is in its highest vertical position and can be called the upper side element, while the other side element is in its lowest vertical position and can be called the lower side element. The vertical grid struts extend between the upper and lower side elements, thus radiating vertically when the filter element is mounted in the housing opening.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the vertical grid struts have a wave-like or corrugated shape such that, along their vertical extent, they project alternately toward and away from the cover, with the portions projecting toward the cover forming the projections. This design of the vertical grid struts is easy to manufacture, requires a small amount of material, and simultaneously provides the desired projections to minimize contact between the filter element and the protective grid. The sections of the vertical grid struts that form the projections can be referred to as the crests of the wave-like shape of the vertical grid struts.

[0010] Preferably, the wave shape of the vertical grid struts is a periodic wave shape, with the projections arranged at substantially equal intervals along the vertical extension of the grid struts. According to a preferred embodiment, the vertical grid struts have a substantially sinusoidal shape when viewed from the side, i.e., from the direction of one of the vertical side elements of the frame. A wave shape of the vertical grid struts has the advantage that the portions of the wave shape forming the projections for supporting the filter element constitute a very small area in contact with the filter element, thereby minimizing the contact between the filter element and the protective grid.At the same time, the wave-like shape ensures a smooth surface on the side of the grid struts facing the filter element, allowing droplets that form on the vertical grid struts to flow down them. Preferably, the period of the wave shape of the vertical grid struts is selected such that each vertical grid strut has at most 6, preferably at most 5, more preferably at most 4, and more preferably at most 3 contact points with the filter element mounted in the filter housing.

[0011] It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the vertical grid struts are not limited to a wave-like or substantially sinusoidal shape. For example, the vertical grid struts can have a shape in which straight, substantially vertical sections alternate with curved sections that form the projections. It is only necessary that the vertical grid struts are designed such that they form the projections for supporting the filter element on a limited area, thereby minimizing contact between the protective grid and the filter element. It is also preferred that the front face of the vertical grid struts with the projections has a smooth shape along the vertical extent of the vertical grid strut, so that droplets forming on the vertical grid struts can run off them.

[0012] It is further preferred that the angle of inclination of a front face of the vertical grid struts, i.e., the angle of inclination of a surface of the vertical grid struts facing the installation space of the filter housing, along the vertical extent of the vertical grid struts, is no more than 45°, preferably less than 30°, more preferably less than 20°, and even more preferably less than 15°, wherein the angle of inclination is measured relative to the vertical direction. This ensures that the droplets can be effectively guided along the vertical grid struts to the bottom of the frame.

[0013] The filter element is not particularly limited within the scope of the present invention. The filter element is designed to filter dust from the air that is drawn into the housing. For this purpose, the filter element is made of an air-permeable material. The filter element can consist of a filter mat, preferably made of nonwoven fabric, the shape of which is adapted to the installation space of the filter housing frame. The filter element can consist of a fiber filter, for example a fiber filter of type G2, G3 or G4, or a pleated filter, for example of type G4. The filter element can include a water barrier.

[0014] Preferably, the vertical grid struts are ribbed, preferably double-ribbed, or have vertically extending droplet guide grooves that ensure the droplets are guided downwards along the vertical grid struts. Preferably, the ribs and / or droplet guide grooves are formed on a front face of the vertical grid struts that faces the cover of the filter housing. This further improves the liquid-repellent properties of the filter housing. Droplets that can be transferred from the rear of the filter element to the protective grid form in the guide grooves and are guided downwards along the guide grooves by the influence of gravity. Preferably, at least some of the vertical grid struts, preferably all grid struts, have at least one guide groove to direct the droplets to the bottom of the filter frame.It is particularly preferred that some or all of the vertical grid struts have two guide grooves on the side of the vertical grid struts facing the filter element. In this way, droplets forming on the vertical grid struts are guided on the side of the protective grid facing away from the inside of the housing to the bottom of the filter housing, thus minimizing the risk of the droplets being drawn into the housing by the fan.

[0015] According to another (preferred) embodiment, the side element at the bottom of the frame includes a drainage area with a surface inclined towards the front of the filter housing, so that droplets entering the drainage area from the vertical grid struts are directed towards the front of the filter housing. As already explained, the housing frame includes side elements that enclose the protective grid. The vertical grid struts are designed so that droplets can form on the side facing the filter element. As the droplets move downwards along the vertical grid struts under the influence of gravity, the water collects at the lower end of the vertical grid struts, which are in contact with the lower side element of the frame.The inclined drainage area ensures that the liquid accumulating at the bottom of the vertical grid struts flows along the sloping surface towards the front of the filter housing, which faces the outside of the housing. This further reduces the ingress of liquid into the housing.

[0016] Preferably, the drainage area includes filter support projections, which are preferably rib-shaped and configured to provide support for the filter element, allowing droplets from the filter housing below the filter element to flow away between the filter support projections. This ensures that liquid collecting at the bottom of the vertical grid struts in the drainage area can flow freely to the outside without being absorbed by the filter element.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the frame includes a flange extending from the side elements for attaching the filter housing to the housing. This allows for easy installation of the filter housing in the housing opening. Furthermore, the flange extending from the frame's side elements provides a sealing area around the housing opening, which helps to further reduce the ingress of dust and liquid.

[0018] Preferably, the flange includes a gasket that seals the filter housing against the housing. This further reduces the ingress of liquid into the housing, as liquid can only enter the housing through the filter housing and the filter element mounted therein. The design of the filter housing ensures that the liquid passing through the filter element is collected at the front of the protective grid and directed to the bottom of the frame by dripping down the vertical grid struts and preferably flowing along the frame's drainage area to the outside of the housing.

[0019] According to another (preferred) embodiment, the cover comprises a plurality of (essentially horizontal) lamellae angled downwards towards the front of the filter housing. The downward angle of the lamellae promotes the outward flow of droplets that settle on the lamellae.

[0020] It is further preferred that the filter housing includes a labeling clip designed to be attached to one of the lamellae. This allows for easy identification of technical information or an indication of the filter housing's brand without affecting its functionality.

[0021] It is further preferable that the upper surface of the lamellae has steps, preferably three steps, designed to form a barrier against water penetrating the cover and entering the filter housing. Preferably, the steps extend over (essentially) the entire width of the lamellae. The steps act as a barrier against droplets that settle on the lamellae. The steps prevent the droplets from being drawn into the filter housing.

[0022] Preferably, the cover is pivotally connected to the frame. This allows for easy opening of the filter housing when the filter needs to be replaced. A pivoting connection between the cover and the frame ensures that the cover does not need to be removed when replacing the filter element. This simplifies the operation and maintenance of the filter housing.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the cover includes locking elements designed to engage with corresponding engagement elements on the frame, thereby releasably locking the cover to the frame. This enables simple and secure fixing of the cover to the frame.

[0024] It is further preferable that the locking elements comprise deformable clips with recesses and that the engagement elements have projections that are complementary to the recesses of the locking elements, such that the recesses of the clips are configured to engage in the complementary projections and lock the cover to the frame. The deformable clips may include actuating elements that can be operated by a user to unlock the clips and allow the filter housing to be opened for maintenance or replacement of the filter element.

[0025] The object of the invention is further solved by a filter fan assembly comprising a filter housing according to the embodiments described above and a fan that can be coupled to the rear of the filter housing.

[0026] The advantages that can be achieved with the filter housing described above are also achieved with the filter fan assembly according to the present invention. All functions and features described above in connection with the filter housing according to the invention are also applicable to the filter fan assembly, and vice versa.

[0027] It is preferred that the filter fan assembly includes a fan adapter that allows the fan to be attached to the filter housing. This simplifies the assembly of the filter fan, as the filter housing can be mounted in the housing opening, with the fan adapter enabling easy mounting of the fan directly behind the filter housing.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the filter fan assembly consists only of the filter housing as described above and the fan adapter, which can be coupled to the filter housing.

[0029] For coupling the fan adapter to the housing, it is advantageous that the filter housing has protrusions on its rear side and that the fan adapter has appropriately arranged and dimensioned mounting holes. The fan adapter is attached to the filter housing by guiding the protrusions through the mounting holes. Preferably, the protrusions have a hook-like structure, so that the fan adapter can be locked onto the filter housing by guiding the protrusions through the mounting holes and moving the fan adapter downwards, so that the hook-like structure of the protrusions engages in the mounting holes and secures the fan adapter to the filter housing.

[0030] The adapter more preferably includes fastening means for mounting an electrical connector, which can preferably be connected to the fan to supply power to the fan, and / or wherein the adapter includes at least one cable guide configured to hold a cable, preferably a cable that can be connected to the electrical connector and / or the fan. This further facilitates the installation of the fan in the filter fan assembly. By attaching the electrical connections and cables required to supply power to the fan to the fan adapter, preferably on a side of the fan adapter facing away from the filter housing, the fan's electrical connections can be arranged separately from the filter housing, thereby reducing the risk of the electrical connections becoming wetted by water drawn in through the filter housing.

[0031] The above and further features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1a is a perspective front view of a filter housing with attached fan according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1b is a perspective rear view of the filter housing with attached fan according to Fig. 1a; Fig. 2a is a perspective front view of a filter housing with attached fan according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the cover removed; Fig. 2b is a perspective front view of a frame of a filter housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3a is a perspective rear view of the frame made of Fig. 2b; Fig. 3b is a sectional view of a filter housing with an inserted filter element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4a is a close-up of an upper corner of a frame of a filter housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4b shows three sectional views of vertical lattice struts according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 5 is a detailed view of a lower corner of a frame of a filter housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a drainage area; Fig. Figure 6 is a sectional view of a cover of a filter housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a filter housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the cover open, which is mounted in an opening of a housing; Fig. Figures 8a and 8b are detailed views of a frame and a cover of a filter housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a hinge connection between the frame and the cover; Fig. Figures 9a and 9b are detailed views of a frame and a cover of a filter housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a locking mechanism between the frame and the cover; Fig. Figure 10 is an exploded view of a filter fan assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1a shows a perspective front view of a filter housing 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The filter housing 1 is configured so that it can be mounted in a suitably shaped opening of a housing, e.g., a control cabinet. The filter housing 1 serves to contain a filter element (in Fig. 1a (not visible) is to be mounted so that it can be positioned in front of a fan 3 located behind the filter element 1. The fan 3 is configured to draw air into the interior of the housing, which flows through the filter housing 1 and is filtered by the filter element mounted in the filter housing.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1a shows the front of the filter housing 1, facing the outside of the housing when the filter housing 1 is mounted. The front of the filter housing 1 is formed by a cover 12, which includes horizontal louvers 18. A labeling clip 12a is attached to one of the louvers 18. The labeling clip 12a is designed to carry information such as a brand name or type designation for the filter fan assembly.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1b shows a perspective rear view of the filter housing 1 with the attached fan 3. Fig. 1a. The fan 3 is attached to the filter housing 1 by means of a fan adapter 31, which is described further below with reference to Fig. 10 is described in more detail. The rear of the filter housing 1 is bounded by a frame 11. In the Fig. 1a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in 1b, the frame 11 has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2a shows a perspective front view of the filter housing 1 with the attached fan 3 and the cover 12 removed. It can be seen that the frame 11 partially encloses a mounting space in which a filter element 2 is placed. The cover 12 can be attached or mounted to the frame 11 so that the filter element 2 is mounted between the frame 11 and the cover 12 when the filter housing 1 is assembled. The filter element 2 can comprise any filter medium suitable for air filtration, such as nonwovens, fiber mats, or similar materials.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2b is a perspective front view of the frame 11 without the filter element 2. It can be seen that the frame includes a protective grille 13, which is surrounded by four side elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d that project from the edges of the protective grille 13 towards a front face of the filter housing 1. The protective grille 13 and the side elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d define the installation space for the filter element 2. Fig. Figure 1 shows an orientation of the frame 11 corresponding to the mounted state of the filter element. The side element 14b is located at the top of the frame 11, and the side element 14d is located at the bottom of the frame 11. A flange 17 extends from the leading edges of the side elements 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d in a direction substantially parallel to the plane in which the protective grille 13 extends. The flange 17 facilitates the installation of the filter housing 1 in an opening of the housing.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3a is a perspective rear view of the frame 11. The flange 17 has a seal 17a on its rear side, which provides a seal between the filter housing 1 and the edges of the housing opening when the filter housing 1 is mounted.

[0038] In Fig. 3a further shows that the protective grille 13 comprises a plurality of vertical grille struts 15. The vertical grille struts 15 extend in a substantially vertical direction from the upper side element 14b to the lower side element 14d. How Fig. As shown in Figure 3a, the vertical lattice struts 15 are not perfectly straight but have a wave-like shape. The parts of the wave shape that extend towards a front face of the frame 11 (i.e., towards the side of the frame 11 to which the cover 12 is attached) form projections 15a of the vertical lattice struts. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in 3a, the waveform of the vertical grid struts 15 is essentially periodic, with each vertical grid strut forming 4 or 5 wave crests as projections 15a that extend towards the front of the filter housing 1.

[0039] The projections 15a of the vertical grid struts 15 serve to support the filter element 2 in the filter housing 1 in such a way that the contact between the filter element 2 and the protective grid 13 is minimized. This is most clearly evident in Fig. The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the filter housing 1 with the filter element 2 mounted. It can be seen that the only physical contact between the protective grille 13 and the mounted filter element 2 is via the projections 15a of the vertical grille struts 15. The remaining part of the protective grille 13 has no physical contact with the filter element 2. This reduces the risk of water droplets that may form on the back of the filter element 2 getting onto the protective grille 13 and being drawn into the housing by the fan.

[0040] Due to the wave shape, the vertical grid struts 15 are inclined over a large part of their vertical extent with respect to the vertical direction, which in Fig. is indicated by a dashed line. The dashed line in Fig. The figure indicates the maximum inclination of the vertical grid struts 15. To ensure rapid drainage of the liquid at the front of the vertical grid struts 15, it is preferred that the inclination angle of the vertical grid struts 15, i.e., the inclination angle of the front of the vertical grid struts 15 with respect to the vertical direction, is less than 45°, more preferably less than 30°, more preferably less than 20°, and more preferably less than 15°.

[0041] As in Fig. As can be best seen in 3a, it can be advantageous for one phase of the essentially periodic waveform of two adjacent vertical grid struts 15 to be shifted by 180°, so that the horizontal positions of the projections 15a of one vertical grid strut 15 are shifted relative to those of the adjacent vertical grid struts 15. This results in a more uniform distribution of the support points for the filter element 2 on the protective grid 13.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows a detailed front view of the frame 11, illustrating the geometry of the vertical grid struts 15 in greater detail. The undulating shape of the vertical grid struts 15, with their crests serving as projections 15a for supporting the filter element 2 with limited physical contact to the protective grille 13, is clearly visible. It is also evident that the front surface of the vertical grid struts 15 facing the filter element 2 is not flat. Instead, the vertical grid struts 15 are ribbed, so that the front surface of each strut 15 has two droplet-guiding grooves 15b extending vertically along its length. The guide grooves 15b direct droplets running down the vertical grid struts 15 to the underside of the frame 11 at the front of the protective grille 13. This reduces the risk of droplets being drawn from the protective grille 13 into the fan.

[0043] The shape of the droplet guidance grooves 15b is not particularly limited. Fig. shows three cross-sections of vertical grid struts 15 with different shapes of the droplet guide grooves: (essentially) rectangular as in Fig. -shaped and curved. Preferably, the front of the vertical grid struts 15 is double-ribbed, i.e., it has two droplet-guiding grooves. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide only one droplet-guiding groove 15b on the front of the vertical grid struts 15.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame 11 includes further means for guiding liquid which runs down the vertical grid struts 15 to the front of the filter housing 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a detailed view of the underside of the frame 11. The lower side element 14d includes a drainage area 16 formed by a sloping surface. The drainage area 16 is inclined downwards towards the front of the filter housing 1. Droplets running down the vertical grid struts 15, preferably along the droplet guide grooves 15b on the front of the vertical grid struts 16, are guided along the drainage area to the front of the filter housing 1 and thus to the outside of the housing.

[0045] To prevent liquid from accumulating at the bottom of the filter element 2, the drain area 16 also includes filter support projections 16b. The filter support projections 16b are rib-shaped. The filter support projections 16b are configured to support the filter element 2 in such a way that liquid directed into the drain area 16 can flow out of the filter housing 1 between the filter support projections 16b and thus below the filter element 2.

[0046] The cover 12 of the filter housing 1 also contains water-repellent properties. Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of the cover 12. As already mentioned, the cover 12 comprises a plurality of substantially horizontally extending lamellae 18. The lamellae 18 are inclined downwards towards the front of the cover 12. Water that settles on the lamellae is thus directed towards the front of the filter housing 1. The lamellae 18 also comprise a plurality of lamella steps 18a. In the embodiment of Fig. Each lamella comprises two lamella steps 18a, but more or fewer lamella steps 18a are also possible. The lamella steps 18a extend essentially across the entire width of the lamellae 18. Water droplets that may settle on the lamellae 18 are prevented from penetrating the filter housing 18 by the lamella steps 18a.

[0047] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the filter housing 1 in its assembled state. One side wall of the housing 4 is shown schematically. The filter housing 1 is mounted in an opening of the housing 4, the shape of which corresponds to that of the filter housing 1. The filter housing 1 is in an open position, allowing the replacement of the filter element 2 within the filter housing 1.

[0048] To attach the filter housing 1 to the housing, the filter housing 1, more precisely the flange 17 of the frame 11, has screw hole recesses 17b, which are shown in the detail view of the frame 11 in Fig. 8a are most clearly visible. If the filter housing 1 is to be attached to the housing with screws, the screws can be driven through the screw hole recesses 17b. The detailed view of Fig. Figure 8a also shows a hinge element 19d located on the lower part of the frame 11. The hinge element 19d is designed to engage with a correspondingly shaped hinge element 19d on the cover, which is located in Fig. Figure 8b shows that the articulated connection between the frame 11 and the cover 12 makes the filter housing 1 easy to operate: If the filter element 2 needs to be replaced, the cover 12 can be pivoted from a closed to an open position without having to completely remove the cover 12 from the filter housing 1.

[0049] To lock the cover 12 to the frame 11 when the filter housing 1 is closed, the upper side element 14b of the frame 11 and the top of the cover 12 preferably have a locking mechanism. One possible embodiment of such a locking mechanism is shown in Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b shown. The frame 12 includes locking elements 19a in the form of deformable tongues with a recess on its rear side at the top, as shown in Fig. 9a shown. The frame 11, in particular the inside of the upper side element 14b, has a correspondingly shaped and dimensioned locking element 19b. When the cover 12 is slid onto the frame 11, the locking elements 19a of the cover 12 engage in the locking element 19b of the frame 11, and the cover 12 is locked to the frame 11.

[0050] The filter housing 1 of the present invention can be made from a variety of materials. It is particularly preferred that the filter housing 1 be made from a synthetic material, which is preferably UV-resistant. Preferably, the elements of the filter housing 1 are manufactured by injection molding.

[0051] The filter housing 1 can be combined with a fan adapter 31 and / or with a fan 3 to form a filter fan assembly. Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the rear of a filter housing 1, together with a fan adapter 31 to which a fan 3 is attached. The fan adapter 31 includes mounting holes 33b, which are arranged and dimensioned to engage in corresponding projections 33a on the rear of the frame 11 of the filter housing 1. The projections 33a have a hook-like structure, so that the fan adapter 31 can be pressed downwards after the projections 33a have been guided through the mounting holes 33b to secure the fan adapter 31 to the filter housing 1.

[0052] The fan adapter 31 also forms an additional barrier against liquid that could be drawn through the filter housing by the fan 3. To securely attach the electrical connections for the fan 3 to the filter fan assembly without the electrical components coming into contact with liquid, the rear of the fan adapter 31 includes fastening means 32a for electrical connections 32. Fig. Figure 10 shows an electrical connector attached to a corresponding mounting element 32a. The mounting elements 32a of the fan adapter 31 include two holes that can accommodate corresponding pins or screws for securing the electrical connector 32. The rear of the fan adapter 31 also includes a number of cable guides 33 for securing and guiding cables that can be connected to the electrical connector 32 and / or the fan 3. List of reference symbols 1 filter housing 11 frames 12 Cover 12a Labeling clip 13 protective grilles 14a-d Side panels 15 vertical lattice struts 15a advantage 15b Droplet guide groove 16 Drainage area 16b Filter support projection 17 flange 17a Seal 17b Screw hole recess 18 slats 18a Lamella steps 19a Locking element 19b Snap-in element 19c, d hinge elements 2 filter elements 3 fans 31 fan adapters 32 electrical connection 32a Fastening devices for electrical connectors 33 Cable routing 33a advantage 33b Mounting hole 4 cases 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] EP 1 909 548 B1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Filter housing (1) for mounting a filter element (2) of a filter fan assembly in an opening of a housing, for example a control cabinet, with - a frame (11), preferably rectangular, which can be mounted in the opening of the housing, wherein the frame (11) comprises a protective grille (13) which defines a rear side of the filter housing (1) configured to face the interior of the housing when the filter housing (1) is mounted in the opening of the housing, and, preferably four, side elements (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) which extend from the edges of the protective grille (13) to define an installation space for receiving a filter element (2) in front of the protective grille (13); - a cover (12) which can be attached to the frame (11) such that the cover (12) forms a front of the filter housing (1) which is configured to face the outside of the housing when the filter housing is installed in the opening of the housing; wherein the filter element (2) can be enclosed between the protective grid (13) and the cover (12); wherein the protective grid (13) comprises a plurality of vertical grid struts (15) with a plurality of projections (15a) extending towards the cover (12) and configured to support the filter element (2) such that the filter element (2) is not in full contact with the vertical grid struts (15). [2] Filter housing (2) according to claim 1, wherein the vertical grid struts (15) have a wave shape such that the vertical grid struts (15) project alternately towards and away from the cover (12) along their vertical extent, wherein the parts projecting towards the cover (12) form the projections (15a). [3] Filter housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vertical grid struts (15) are ribbed, preferably double-ribbed, or have vertically extending droplet guide grooves (15b) which are provided to guide droplets downwards along the vertical grid struts (15). [4] Filter housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a side element (14d) at the bottom of the frame (11) has a drain area (16) the surface of which is inclined towards the front of the filter housing (1) so that droplets which reach the drain area (16) from the vertical grid struts (15) are directed towards the front of the filter housing (1). [5] Filter housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 4, wherein the outflow area (16) comprises filter support projections (16b) which are preferably rib-shaped and are configured to provide support for the filter element (2) so that droplets below the filter element (2) can flow out of the filter housing (1) between the filter support projections (16b). [6] Filter housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (11) comprises a flange (17) extending from the side elements (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) for attaching the filter housing (1) to the casing, wherein the flange (17) preferably comprises a seal (17a) for sealing the filter housing (1) against the casing. [7] Filter housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (12) has a plurality of horizontal lamellae (18) which are angled downwards towards the front of the filter housing (1). [8] Filter housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the top of the lamellae (18) has steps (18a), preferably three steps (18a), configured to form a barrier against water entering the filter housing (1) through the cover (12). [9] Filter housing according to one of the preceding claims, including a labeling clip (12a) designed to be attached to one of the lamellae (18). [10] Filter housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (12) can be pivotably connected to the frame (11). [11] Filter housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (12) comprises locking elements (19a) configured to engage in corresponding snap-in elements (19b) on the frame (11) to detachably lock the cover (12) on the frame (11). [12] Filter housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking elements (19a) comprise deformable clips with recesses and wherein the snap-in elements (19b) comprise projections which are complementary to the recesses of the locking elements (19a) such that the recesses of the clips are configured to engage in the complementary projections to lock the cover (12) to the frame (11). [13] Filter fan assembly comprising a filter housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a fan (3) which can be coupled to the rear of the filter housing (1). [14] Filter fan assembly according to claim 13, comprising a fan adapter (31) configured to attach the fan (3) to the filter housing (1). [15] Filter fan assembly according to claim 14, wherein the adapter (31) comprises fastening means (32a) for fastening an electrical plug (32) which can preferably be connected to the fan (3) to supply power to the fan, and / or wherein the adapter (31) comprises at least one cable guide (33) configured to hold a cable, preferably a cable which can be connected to the electrical plug (32) and / or the fan (3).

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