Casting shell for a casting device, and method for manufacturing a filter element

Abstract

The invention relates to a casting shell (40) for manufacturing a filter element (10) for filtering a fluid with a filter body (12), said casting shell comprising: a receiving shell (42) for receiving a casting material in a groove (50) having a deposit surface (56) for the filter body (12); and a cover (60) having at least two cover parts (62, 64) which are positioned so as to movable separately from one another with respect to the receiving shell (42) and which, in a first position (90), uncover the groove (50) and, in a second position (92), substantially cover the groove (50) when the filter body (12) is inserted as intended. The invention also relates to: a casting device (100) comprising a casting shell (40); and a method for manufacturing a filter element (10), for filtering a fluid with a filter body (12), using a casting shell (40).

Description

[0001] Casting shell for a casting device and method for producing a filter element Technical field

[0002] The invention relates to a casting shell for producing a filter element for filtering a fluid with a filter body, a casting device with a casting shell and a method for producing a filter element for filtering a fluid with a filter body with a casting shell.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Typically, casting shells for attaching an end cap and / or seal to a filter element consist of two separate halves or parts, a lower shell and an upper shell, which are positioned one on top of the other. Both shells are sprayed or moistened with a release agent to ensure easy demolding of the cast or foamed end cap and / or seal, for example, made of polyurethane (PUR), after casting, without leaving any PUR residue.

[0005] JP2017177369A discloses an apparatus for manufacturing a filter element, comprising: a mold having a plurality of split molds that form a cavity by clamping them so that a resin material is foamed in the cavity to integrally form a sealing part on an outer peripheral edge of a filter material. The mold is arranged between the cavity and a gap between the plurality of split mold mating surfaces during foaming of the resin material, allowing the passage of air from the cavity to the gap. The apparatus further comprises a regulating element for regulating the passage of a resin material during foaming.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 691 00 895 T2 discloses a device for producing an air filter, which comprises a lower casting shell and an upper casting shell that are pivotally connected to one another. The upper casting shell comprises a frame that, when the device is closed, encloses a filter body placed on the lower casting shell. The frame has four side walls that surround the filter body on all sides, and the entire frame is displaceable relative to a base body of the upper casting shell by a drive device.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] An object of the invention is to provide an improved casting shell for producing a filter element for filtering a fluid with a filter body with a cast-on seal and / or end plate.

[0009] A further object is to provide a casting device with such an improved casting bowl.

[0010] A further object is to provide a method for producing a filter element for filtering a fluid, comprising a filter body and a cast-on seal and / or end plate, with such an improved casting shell. According to one aspect of the invention, the aforementioned object is achieved by a casting shell having the features of claim 1.

[0011] The further object is achieved by a casting device having the features of claim 10.

[0012] The further object is achieved by a method for producing a filter element for filtering a fluid having the features of claim 14.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a casting shell is proposed for producing a filter element for filtering a fluid, comprising a filter body and a seal and / or end plate at least partially surrounding the filter body. The casting shell comprises a receiving shell for receiving a casting material in a groove with a support surface for the filter body, and a cover with at least two cover parts arranged separately from one another for movement relative to the receiving shell, which cover parts expose the groove in a first position and, in a second position, essentially cover the groove with the filter body inserted as intended.

[0015] An underside of the at least two cover parts, which in the second position faces a cavity formed by the groove, is designed to form a sealing surface or functional surface of the seal or end plate, so that an upper sealing surface or functional surface on the end plate and / or seal can be advantageously realized within the casting shell.

[0016] Using the casting shell, an end plate and / or a seal can be cast, in particular foamed, onto the filter body. The filter body is preferably formed as a bellows made of a zigzag-folded filter medium.

[0017] By "movable separately from one another," we mean in particular that the cover parts can each independently perform a movement with different degrees of freedom, such as a different translational and / or rotational movement. However, this does not preclude the possibility of a kinematic coupling between the movements of the individual cover parts, for example, through a common drive.

[0018] It is important for the invention that the at least two cover parts are arranged so as to be movable separately from one another with respect to the receiving shell, as this significantly facilitates the casting process for very tall filter bodies, in particular for folded filter bodies with large pleat heights. With casting devices known from the prior art, which have an upper shell pivotally attached to a lower shell, this is no longer possible above a certain limit height of the filter body, as the upper shell would collide with the filter body when pivoted. The casting shell of the present invention, on the other hand, allows seals and / or end plates to be formed on filter bodies with any desired height dimensions and is characterized by a very compact design. A single casting shell is proposed, which has one or more pivotable or otherwise displaceable components.These pivoting or otherwise movable components form a kind of "upper shell" when folded. Advantageously, the components can be pivoted by up to 180°, thus enabling optimal application of the release agent. Locking of the pivoting or otherwise movable parts during the casting process can be achieved, for example, by a mechanical latch or by means of a magnetic device to ensure foam counterpressure during the casting process. In this way, an upper sealing surface or functional surface on the PUR end plate and / or seal can be advantageously created within the casting shell.

[0019] Some designs also include an arrangement with movable components. However, in such a design, applying the release agent is somewhat more complex.

[0020] When the filter body is properly placed on the receiving shell, the receiving shell and the at least two cover parts enclose a cavity formed by the groove, which serves for attaching an at least partially circumferential seal to an outer edge of a front side of the filter body. The seal can be produced, for example, by casting, foaming, or foaming a plastic, in particular PUR. The seal is preferably designed to be fully circumferential.

[0021] One advantage of the proposed casting shell is that a separate upper casting shell is not required, simplifying handling and / or logistics within a production line. Furthermore, only a single process for applying the release agent to the casting shell is required, accelerating production. Advantageously, additional functional and / or sealing surfaces can be implemented on existing systems that are not designed for casting shells with a separate upper shell. This simplifies the manufacturing process and makes it more cost-effective.

[0022] According to a favorable embodiment of the casting tray according to the invention, the at least two cover parts can each be mounted on the receiving tray so that they can move separately from one another. In particular, each of the cover parts has its own degree of freedom of movement relative to the receiving tray, which is different from the other cover parts.

[0023] According to a favorable design of the casting shell, the groove can have a groove wall on its inner side that is lower than a groove wall on its outer side, and which has the support surface for the filter body on the inner groove wall. In particular, the support surface for the filter body can be designed horizontally. This allows the filter body to be securely placed on the receiving shell for the casting process.

[0024] The groove can advantageously be formed circumferentially around the receiving tray. The filter body placed on the support surface seals the groove to the interior, so that the casting material remains in the cavity formed by the groove and the filter body. The casting tray can be ring-shaped or rectangular, for example. The casting tray can be pot-shaped with a bottom, for example.

[0025] According to a favorable design of the casting tray, the at least two cover parts can each be pivotably mounted on the receiving tray about their own axis arranged parallel to the support surface for the filter body. In particular, the at least two cover parts can each be pivotable by 180°. In the unfolded state, the cover parts can advantageously be sprayed or moistened with a release agent in order to safely demold the filter element with the foamed seal. The pivot axes of the two cover parts can run parallel in some designs, but in this case are spaced apart from each other. Under no circumstances, however, do the pivot axes of the two cover parts coincide.

[0026] According to a favorable design of the casting tray, the at least two cover parts can be arranged on the receiving tray, parallel to the support surface for the filter body, each displaceable in different directions. Alternatively, an arrangement with sliding components can also be provided. Such a design is particularly advantageous if the shape of the filter element does not provide the space for foldable cover parts. The directions in which the two cover parts can be displaced parallel to the support surface can be parallel in some designs but point in different directions.

[0027] A combination of pivoting and sliding cover parts is also advantageous.

[0028] According to a favorable embodiment of the casting shell, a fastening device can be provided with which the at least two cover parts can be fixed in the second position. In particular, the fastening device can be a mechanical fastening device and / or a magnetic fastening device. Locking of the foldable parts during the casting process can be achieved, for example, by a mechanical latch or by means of a magnetic device to ensure foam counterpressure during the casting process. In this way, an upper sealing surface or functional surface on the PUR end plate and / or seal can be advantageously realized within the casting shell.

[0029] According to a favorable embodiment of the casting shell, the at least two cover parts can provide a free space in the casting shell in the second position that is larger than the cross-section of the filter body when properly inserted into the casting shell. This allows the properly inserted filter body to be spaced apart from the closed cover parts by a gap. In this way, the casting material can advantageously be foamed onto the filter body and form a certain overhang between the actual sealing surface and the filter body.

[0030] According to a favorable embodiment of the casting shell, the side surfaces of the at least two cover parts, which in the second position adjoin an outer side of the filter body, can be designed to complement the shape of the outer side of the filter body. In this way, when the filter body is inserted, the at least two cover parts can advantageously seal the cavity formed by the groove against the filter body during the casting process.

[0031] According to a favorable design of the casting shell, adjacent end faces of the at least two movable cover parts can be tightly connected to one another in the second position. This allows the cavity formed by the groove to be reliably sealed against the filter body all the way around during the casting process when the filter body is inserted.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, a casting device with a casting bowl is proposed, wherein the casting bowl comprises a receiving bowl for receiving a casting material in a groove with a storage surface for the filter body and a cover with at least two cover parts arranged so as to be movable separately from one another with respect to the receiving bowl, which cover parts expose the groove in a first position and essentially cover the groove with the filter body inserted as intended in a second position, and wherein an underside of the at least two cover parts, which in the second position faces the cavity, is designed to form a sealing surface or functional surface of the seal. The casting device further comprises a dosing device with which casting material can be filled into the groove of the receiving bowl of the casting bowl.

[0033] The proposed casting device with a casting bowl allows for the cost-effective realization of an upper sealing surface or functional surface on the PUR end plate and / or seal within the casting bowl. The at least two movably arranged cover parts are designed to be pivotable or displaceable separately from one another.

[0034] When the filter body is properly placed on the receiving shell, the receiving shell and the at least two cover parts enclose a cavity formed by the groove, which serves for attaching an at least partially circumferential seal to an outer edge of a front side of the filter body. The seal can be produced, for example, by casting, foaming, or foaming a plastic, in particular PUR.

[0035] One advantage of the proposed casting device is that a separate upper casting shell is not required, simplifying handling and / or logistics within a production line. Furthermore, only a single process for applying the release agent to the casting shell is required, accelerating production. Advantageously, additional functional and / or sealing surfaces can be implemented on existing systems that are not designed for casting shells with a separate upper shell. This simplifies the manufacturing process and makes it more cost-effective.

[0036] According to a favorable embodiment of the casting device, the at least two cover parts can be designed to tightly adjoin the filter body inserted into the casting shell as intended. In particular, the at least two cover parts can be designed to tightly adjoin at least in some areas. In this way, when the filter body is inserted, the at least two cover parts can advantageously seal the cavity formed by the groove against the filter body during the casting process.

[0037] According to a favorable embodiment of the casting device, the at least two cover parts can be designed with a gap spaced apart from the filter body, which is inserted into the casting shell as intended. In particular, the at least two cover parts can be designed with a gap spaced apart from the filter body, at least in some areas. In this way, the casting material can advantageously be foamed onto the filter body and form a certain overhang between the actual sealing surface and the filter body.

[0038] According to a favorable embodiment, the casting device can include a hold-down device for securing the filter body in the casting shell during the casting process. This prevents the filter body from floating due to the foamed casting material during the casting process, thus preventing excessive tolerances from occurring during the casting process.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for producing a filter element for filtering a fluid, comprising a filter body with a casting shell, wherein the casting shell has a receiving shell for receiving a casting material in a groove with a storage surface for the filter body and a cover with at least two cover parts which are movable separately from one another with respect to the receiving shell, which cover parts expose the groove in a first position and essentially cover the groove with the filter body inserted as intended in a second position, and wherein an underside of the at least two cover parts, which in the second position faces the cavity, is designed to form a sealing surface or functional surface of the seal.In a first position of the cover parts, the filter body is placed with one end face onto the receiving tray as intended, so that the filter body protrudes at least partially into a groove in the casting tray with an outer edge. The at least two cover parts are moved separately from one another into the second position, and in the second position, the receiving tray and the at least two cover parts enclose a cavity formed by the groove.

[0040] Advantageously, when the filter body is placed on the receiving tray as intended, the cavity serves to attach an at least partially circumferential seal to the outer edge of the front side of the filter body.

[0041] When the filter body is properly placed on the receiving shell, the receiving shell and the at least two cover parts enclose a cavity formed by the groove, which serves to attach an at least partially circumferential seal to an outer edge of an end face of the filter body. The seal can be produced, for example, by casting, foaming, or foaming a plastic, in particular PUR. One advantage of the proposed method using the casting shell is that no separate upper casting shell is required, which simplifies handling and / or logistics in a production line. Furthermore, only a one-time process for applying the release agent to the casting shell is necessary, which speeds up production. Furthermore, functional surfaces and / or sealing surfaces can advantageously be realized on existing systems that are not designed for casting shells with a separate upper shell.This simplifies the manufacturing process and makes it more cost-effective. Furthermore, removing the covers laterally makes it possible to attach seals to sloped end faces or inclined filter bellows.

[0042] According to a favorable embodiment, the method can comprise: filling the groove with a particularly foamable casting material, in particular polyurethane; moving the at least two cover parts from the first position to the second position; inserting the filter body; forming the seal on the outer edge of the end face of the filter body; moving the at least two cover parts back to the first position; removing the filter body from the storage surface of the receiving tray. The formation of the seal takes place automatically by foaming the casting material in the groove. In this way, the seal of the filter element can be produced very efficiently and cost-effectively, since in particular the handling of the casting tray with movable cover parts is considerably easier and sealing surfaces or functional surfaces can also be realized very reliably.

[0043] According to a favorable embodiment of the method, the inner surfaces of the groove and the undersides of the at least two cover parts can be coated with a release agent before the filter body is placed on the receiving shell. This allows the seal of the filter element to be produced very efficiently, since the movable cover parts facilitate the application of the release agent before the actual casting process.

[0044] According to a favorable embodiment of the method, after the filter body has been placed on the receiving tray, it can be secured with a retainer, which is then removed again before the filter body is removed from the receiving tray. This prevents the filter body from floating due to the foamed casting material during the casting process, which could result in excessive tolerances.

[0045] Short description of the drawings

[0046] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations. The following are examples: Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a casting device with a casting bowl according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0047] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a casting device with a casting bowl according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through the casting device according to Fig. 2 with a filter element attached and a partially foamed seal;

[0048] Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through the casting device according to Figure 2 with a filter element of a different design and a foamed seal attached;

[0049] Fig. 5 is a plan view of a casting device with a casting bowl according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0050] Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section through the casting device according to Figure 5 with the filter element attached; and

[0051] Fig. 7 shows a longitudinal section through the casting device according to Figure 5 with the filter element and foamed seal attached.

[0052] Embodiments of the invention

[0053] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals. The figures show only examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0054] The directional terminology used below, including terms such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "before," "behind," "after," and the like, is intended solely to enhance understanding of the figures and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. The components and elements depicted, as well as their design and use, may vary according to the considerations of a person skilled in the art and may be adapted to specific applications.

[0055] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a casting device 100 with a casting bowl 40 according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a plan view of a casting device 100 with a casting bowl 40 according to another embodiment of the invention, while Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through the casting device 100 according to Figure 2 with the filter element 10 and the partially foamed seal 20 attached.

[0056] The casting device 100 is used to produce a filter element 10 for filtering a fluid with a filter body 12 and, for this purpose, has a casting shell 40. The casting shell 40 comprises a receiving shell 42 for receiving a casting material in a groove 50 with a support surface 56 for the filter body 12. The casting shell 40 further comprises a cover 60 with at least two separately movably arranged cover parts 62, 64, which, in a first position 90, expose the groove 50 and, in a second position 92, essentially cover the groove 50 with the filter body 12 inserted as intended.

[0057] The casting bowl 40 can, in principle, be annular or rectangular. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the casting bowl 40 is rectangular.

[0058] The embodiment in Figure 1 has two separately movable cover parts 62, 64, which are U-shaped. The cover parts 62, 64 can be pivoted about the axes 70, 72, preferably by 180°, so that they can be fully opened. The axes 70, 72 are parallel to one another, but spaced apart from one another. Figure 1 shows the second position 92, in which the cover parts 62, 64 lie in the folded state on the receiving tray 42. In the second position 92, the two cover parts 62, 64 abut each other with end faces 82 and 85, or 83 and 84, and close tightly, resulting in a tight cover 60 on the receiving tray 42.

[0059] The embodiment in Figure 2 has four movably arranged cover parts 62, 64, 66, 68, which are trapezoidal in shape. The cover parts 62, 64, 66, 68 can be pivoted about the axes 70, 71, 72, 73, preferably by 180°, so that they can be fully opened. In this case, a pair of axes, namely the axis 70 and the axis 71, and the axis 71 and the axis 73, can be pivoted parallel to one another, although the parallel axes are spaced apart from one another. Each of the cover parts 62, 64, 66, 68 can be pivoted about its own axis 70, 71, 72, 73. Figure 2 shows the second position 92, in which the cover parts 62, 64, 66, 68 lie in the folded state on the receiving tray 42. In the second position 92, the cover parts 62, 64, 66, 68 abut with end faces 82 and 89, 83 and 86, 84 and 87, 85, and 88 and close tightly, resulting in a tight cover 60 on the receiving tray 42.

[0060] Figure 3 shows the pouring device 100 with the filter body 12 placed on the support surface 56 of the receiving tray 42, which can be formed, for example, from a folded filter medium 14. The longitudinal section shows details of the mechanism of the movable cover elements 62, 64 interacting with the groove 50 of the receiving tray 42.

[0061] On the left side of Figure 3, the cover part 62 is shown in the first position 90, i.e., in the opened state, while on the right side of Figure 3, the cover part 64 is shown in the second position 92, i.e., in the closed state. The groove 50 is already filled with the foamed seal 20.

[0062] The groove 50 has a groove wall 52 on its inner side, which is lower than a groove wall 54 on its outer side. The support surface 56 for the filter body 12 is formed on the inner groove wall 52. The support surface 56 for the filter body 12 is preferably horizontal.

[0063] The groove 50 can be formed circumferentially around the receiving tray 42. The filter element 10 placed on the support surface 56 seals the groove 50 inwardly, since the filter element 10 projects into the groove 50 with its outer edge 18.

[0064] The pouring bowl 42 can advantageously be pot-shaped with a bottom.

[0065] The two cover parts 62, 64 are each pivotable separately from one another about their own axis 70, 72 on the receiving tray 42, arranged parallel to the support surface 56 for the filter body 12, in particular pivotable by 180°. The axes 70, 72 are spaced apart from one another.

[0066] Advantageously, a fastening device (not shown) can be provided with which the at least two cover parts 62, 64 can be fixed in the second position 92. Such a fastening device can be designed, for example, as a mechanical fastening device, in particular as a latch or as a magnetic fastening device. This allows the cover parts 62, 64 to be fixed in the folded state.

[0067] Side surfaces 74, 76 of the two cover parts 62, 64, which in the second position 92 border an outer side 26 of the filter body 12, are designed to complement the shape of the outer side 26 of the filter body 12. Thus, the two cover parts 62, 64 can tightly adjoin the filter body 12. In particular, they can tightly adjoin the filter body 12 at least in some areas. As a result, the casting material remains in the cavity 46 formed by the groove 50 and the filter body 12.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, the two cover parts 62, 64 in the second position 92 can provide a free space in the casting shell 40 that is larger than a cross-section of the filter body 12 when inserted into the casting shell 40 as intended. As a result, the filter body 12 inserted as intended can be arranged with a gap 48 spaced, in particular spaced in regions, from the cover parts 62, 64.

[0069] In the second position 92, when the cover parts 62, 64 rest on the receiving tray 42 in the folded state and the filter body 12 is inserted, the groove 50 with the cover parts 62, 64 each forms an enclosed cavity 46 into which the casting material can be filled and foamed.

[0070] A bottom side 78, 80 of the two cover parts 62, 64, which in the second position 92 face the cavity 46, is designed to form a sealing surface 22 when attaching a seal 20. In this way, an upper sealing surface or functional surface on the PUR end plate and / or seal 20 can be advantageously realized within the casting shell.

[0071] According to the proposed method, the filter body 12 is placed in a first position 90 of the cover parts 62, 64 with an end face 16 as intended on the receiving tray 42, so that the filter body 12, with the outer edge 18, protrudes at least partially into the groove 50 of the casting tray 40. The two cover parts 62, 64 are then moved into the second position 92. As a result, the receiving tray 42 and the two cover parts 62, 64 enclose the cavity 46 formed by the groove 50 in the second position 92.

[0072] The groove is then filled with the casting material, in particular polyurethane. The casting material foams up and thus forms the circumferential seal 20 on the outer edge 18 of the end face 16 of the filter body 12. The casting material can be filled, in particular, using a dosing device, so that the exact amount of casting material is always poured into the groove.

[0073] After completion of the casting process, the two cover parts 62, 64 are moved to the first position 90 and the filter body 12 is removed from the storage surface 56 of the receiving tray 42.

[0074] Advantageously, before placing the filter body 12 onto the receiving shell 42, the inner surfaces 58, 59 of the groove 50 and the undersides 78, 80 of the at least two cover parts 62, 64 can be provided with a release agent to facilitate subsequent demolding of the filter element 10 with the finished seal 20. The spraying or wetting of the release agent is performed with the cover parts 62, 64 open in the first position 90. A release agent spraying device 32 is shown schematically in Figure 3.

[0075] Through the gap 48 formed between the cover parts 62, 64 and the outer side 26 of the filter body 12, the casting material can rise up on the outer side 26 during foaming and form a projection 24.

[0076] At an upper corner of the filter body 12, a protective edge 28 can be seen, which can be attached in the usual way. For example, the protective edge 28 can be made of a plastic and can be injection-molded, glued, or foamed on. The protective edge 28 can be strip-shaped or comprise several knobs. Because the cover 60 of the casting shell 40 can be moved away to the side and does not have to be removed upwards as with conventional casting shells, there are no restrictions whatsoever on the shape and dimensions, in particular the extension in the radial direction, of the protective edge 28. For example, it is possible for the protective edge 28 to be projected onto the seal 20 as far as the sealing surface 22 or beyond.

[0077] Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through the casting device 100 according to Figure 1 with a mounted filter element 10 of a different design and foamed seal 20.

[0078] In the illustration in Figure 4, the seal 20 is already foamed all around.

[0079] The filter element 10 has a filter body 12 that is inclined relative to the end face 16. The casting shell 40 is functionally designed as in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3. However, the cover parts 62, 64 are adapted to the outer side 26 of the inclined filter body 12, so that the side surfaces 74, 76 are parallel to the outer side 26. This allows a uniform gap 48 to be maintained between the side surfaces 74, 76 and the outer side 26.

[0080] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a casting device 100 with a casting bowl 40 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0081] The two cover parts 62, 64 are each arranged on the receiving tray 42 so as to be movable in different directions parallel to the support surface 56 for the filter body 12. The cover parts 62, 64 are shown in the first position 90 and can be moved in the direction of the arrow into the second position 92. The end faces 82 and 85, or 83 and 84, of the two cover parts 62, 64 then closely adjoin one another.

[0082] Due to the separation of the two cover parts 62, 64 formed in the diagonal of the rectangular casting shell 40, only a small travel distance is necessary to move the two cover parts 62, 64 between the first position 90 and the second position 92. A mechanism for locking or latching the two cover parts 62, 64 can be provided, as in the first embodiments in Figures 1 and 2. The movement of the two cover parts 62, 64 between the first and second positions 90, 92 can be done manually, for example. Alternatively, however, a drive unit can also be provided.

[0083] In an alternative embodiment not shown, a combination of the two variants of pivoting and sliding cover parts is also possible.

[0084] Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section through the casting device 100 according to Figure 5 with the filter element 10 attached.

[0085] As in the exemplary embodiment in Figure 4, the filter element 10 has a filter body 12 inclined toward the end face 16. After the filter body 12 has been placed on the receiving shell 42, the filter body 12 is fixed with a hold-down device 30 so that the filter body 12 can be prevented from floating during the casting process with the casting material.

[0086] The casting bowl 40 is shown with the cover parts 62, 64 in the first position 90. The grooves 50 are open. It can be seen that the side surfaces 74, 76 of the cover parts 62, 64 are adapted in shape to the inclined outer side 26 of the filter body 12 and are parallel thereto.

[0087] Figure 7 shows a longitudinal section through the casting device 100 according to Figure 5 with the filter element 10 and foamed seal 20 attached.

[0088] The foaming process of the casting material has already taken place, and the seal 20 is formed. On both sides of the filter body 12, a projection 24 of the casting material has formed in the gaps 48 between the side surfaces 74, 76 of the cover parts 62, 64 and the outer side 26 of the filter body 12, which projection extends upwards along the outer side 26.

[0089] Before removing the filter body 12 from the receiving tray 42, the hold-down device 30 can be conveniently removed again.

[0090] According to the illustrated embodiments with a seal surrounding one end face of a filter body, an end plate for closing the open end faces of a filter body can also be manufactured in the form of a hollow body. The filter body is, for example, a bellows whose end folds are connected to one another to form a hollow body. This hollow body can be cylindrical, for example, circular-cylindrical, or conical. The end plates can be open or closed and can simultaneously be designed to form a seal against a housing component. Reference numerals

[0091] 10 filter element

[0092] 12 filter bodies

[0093] 14 Filter medium

[0094] 16 Front side

[0095] 18 outer edge

[0096] 20 Seal

[0097] 22 Sealing surface

[0098] 24 Overhang

[0099] 26 Outside

[0100] 28 Protective edge

[0101] 30 hold-down clamps

[0102] 32 Release agent spray device

[0103] 40 pouring bowl

[0104] 42 Holder

[0105] 46 cavity

[0106] 48 gap

[0107] 50 grooves

[0108] 52 Groove wall inside

[0109] 54 Groove wall outside

[0110] 56 storage space

[0111] 58 inner surface

[0112] 59 inner surface

[0113] 60 Cover

[0114] 62 Cover part

[0115] 64 Cover part

[0116] 66 Cover part

[0117] 68 Cover part

[0118] 70 axle

[0119] 71 Axis

[0120] 72 Axis

[0121] 73 Axis

[0122] 74 side surface

[0123] 76 side surface

[0124] 78 bottom

[0125] 80 bottom

[0126] 82 frontal area

[0127] 83 frontal area

[0128] 84 frontal area

[0129] 85 frontal area

[0130] 86 frontal area

[0131] 87 frontal area

[0132] 88 frontal area

[0133] 89 frontal area

[0134] 90 first position

[0135] 92 second position

[0136] 100 Pouring device

Claims

Claims: Casting tray (40) for manufacturing a filter element (10) for filtering a fluid, comprising a filter body (12) and a seal and / or end plate at least partially surrounding the filter body (12), comprising a receiving tray (42) for receiving a casting material in a groove (50) with a support surface (56) for the filter body (12) and a cover (60) with at least two cover parts (62, 64) arranged separately and movably from one another relative to the receiving tray (42), which in a first position (90) expose the groove (50) and in a second position (92) substantially cover the groove (50) with the filter body (12) inserted as intended, wherein a bottom side (78, 80) of the at least two cover parts (62, 64), which in the second position (92) faces a cavity (46) formed by the groove (50), forms a sealing surface (22) or functional surface of the seal. (20) and / or end disc is formed.A casting mold according to claim 1, wherein the at least two cover parts (62, 64) are each movably mounted separately on the receiving tray (42). A casting mold according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the groove (50) has a groove wall (52) on its inner side, which is lower than a groove wall (54) on its outer side and which has a support surface (56) for the filter body (12) on the inner groove wall (52), in particular wherein the support surface (56) for the filter body (12) is horizontal. A casting mold according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least two cover parts (62, 64) are each pivotably arranged on the receiving tray (42) about their own axis (70, 72) arranged parallel to the support surface (56) for the filter body (12), in particular pivotable by 180°.A casting tray according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least two cover parts (62, 64) are each arranged in different directions parallel to the support surface (56) for the filter body (12) and slidably on the receiving tray (42). A casting tray according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fastening device with which the at least two cover parts (62, 64) can be fixed in the second position (92), in particular wherein the fastening device is a mechanical fastening device and / or a magnetic fastening device. A casting tray according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two cover parts (62, 64) in the second position (92) provide a free space in the casting tray (40) which is larger than the cross-section of the filter body (12) as intended to be inserted into the casting tray (40).

8. Casting tray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein side surfaces (74, 76) of the at least two cover parts (62, 64), which in the second position (92) adjoin an outer surface (26) of the filter body (12), are formed in a shape complementary to the outer surface (26) of the filter body (12).

9. Casting dish according to one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent end faces (82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89) of the at least two movable cover parts (62, 64) are tightly connected to each other in the second position (92).

10. Casting device (100) with a casting tray (40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a filter body (12) can be inserted into the casting tray (40) as intended, and with a metering device with which casting material can be filled into the groove (50) of the receiving tray (42) of the casting tray (40).

11. Casting device according to claim 10, wherein the at least two cover parts (62, 64) are formed to fit tightly against a filter body (12) inserted into the casting tray (40) as intended, in particular to fit tightly at least in certain areas.

12. Casting device according to claim 10, wherein the at least two cover parts (62, 64) are designed to be spaced apart by a gap (48) from a filter body (12) which is intended to be inserted into the casting tray (40), in particular being designed to be spaced apart by a gap (48) from the filter body (12) at least in certain areas.

13. Casting device according to one of claims 10 to 12, comprising a hold-down device (30) for fixing the filter body (12) in the casting tray (40) during the casting process.

14. Method for manufacturing a filter element (10) for filtering a fluid, comprising a filter body (12) and a seal (20) and / or end plate at least partially surrounding the filter body (12), using a casting tray (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a filter body (12) is placed in a first position (90) of the cover parts (62, 64) with an end face (16) onto the receiving tray (42) as intended, so that the filter body (12) projects at least partially into a groove (50) of the casting tray (40) with an outer edge (18), wherein casting material is poured into the groove (50), and wherein the at least two cover parts (62, 64) are moved separately of one another into the second position (92), and the receiving tray (42) and the at least two cover parts (62, 64) in the second position (92) form a cavity through the groove (50). (46) enclose such that a bottom side (78, 80) of the at least two cover parts (62, 64), which in the second position (92) is facing the cavity (46), designed to form a sealing surface (22) or functional surface of the seal (20) and / or end disc.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising - Forming the seal (20) at the outer edge (18) of the end face (16) of the filter body (12); - Returning at least two cover parts (62, 64) to the first position (90); - Removing the filter body (12) from the storage surface (56) of the receiving tray (42).

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, prior to placing the filter body (12) onto the receiving tray (42), the inner surfaces (58, 59) of the groove (50) and the undersides (78, 80) of the at least two cover parts (62, 64) are provided with a release agent.

17. Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein after placing the filter body (12) on the receiving tray (42) the filter body (12) is fixed with a retainer (30), which is removed again before removing the filter body (12) from the receiving tray (42).

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