Filter element and filter system

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter element (10) for filtering a fluid, in particular air, said filter element comprising: at least one filter medium body (12) having a medium (13) through which flow can pass and which is arranged transversely to a flow direction (134) of the fluid; an unfiltered-side inlet surface (50); and a filtered-side outlet surface (52), wherein at least one region (80, 81) between the inlet surface (50) and the outlet surface (52) is filled with an adsorbent (82), in particular with particulate or powdered activated carbon (84), and is arranged in intermediate spaces (21) of the medium (13) through which flow can pass. The region (80, 81) is sealed at a peripheral edge (86) of the inlet surface (50) and / or the outlet surface (52) with a fluid-permeable sealing medium (90), in particular a spunbond nonwoven. The invention also relates to a filter system (100) comprising such a filter element (10) and to a method for producing a filter element (10).

Description

[0001] Filter element and filter system

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air, as well as a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular air, with a filter element and a method for producing a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Adsorption filters are used in motor vehicles, for example, to adsorb fuel vapors from the fuel tank. They are installed, for example, in tank vent lines to prevent unwanted emissions of hydrocarbons through the vent line into the environment. Activated carbon, for example, can be used as an adsorbent, which adsorbs and thus fixes the hydrocarbons. The activated carbon in such an adsorption filter is usually in the form of granules, honeycomb structures, pellets, or compressed granules.

[0006] Previously known activated carbon elements for air filtering have a flat or round shape. The elements are manufactured from semi-finished products, such as nonwovens coated with activated carbon. Coiled layers, circular layers, flat, or even folded activated carbon media are used as the basis for such elements.

[0007] DE 10 2010 019 046 A1 discloses providing a filter layer with a flat and a connected corrugated filter sheet with an additional corrugated filter sheet, wherein the two corrugated filter sheets have different corrugations, in particular amplitudes and / or wavelengths. Activated carbon is preferably filled into each corrugation of the additional corrugated filter layer. Granular activated carbon is used, and particularly preferably finely granulated or dust-like activated carbon. Such dust-like activated carbon may, under certain circumstances, be generated as a waste product in other applications. Compared to granular activated carbon or activated carbon in pellet form, activated carbon dust has a significantly larger surface area, which can increase the adsorption capacity.Furthermore, the corrugations of the first corrugated filter web located between the corrugations filled with dust-like activated carbon as adsorbent are closed either at one or the other longitudinal end.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air, which can be produced in a favorable design.

[0010] A further task is to create a filter system with a filter element that can be manufactured in an inexpensive design.

[0011] A further object is to provide a method for producing such a filter element.

[0012] The above object is achieved according to one aspect of the invention by a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air, with at least one filter medium body with a flow-through medium arranged transversely to a flow direction of the fluid, with a raw-side inlet surface and a clean-side outlet surface, wherein at least one region between the inlet surface and the outlet surface is filled with an adsorbent, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon, and arranged in intermediate spaces of the flow-through medium, wherein the region is closed off at a peripheral edge of the inlet surface and / or the outlet surface with a fluid-permeable sealing medium, in particular a spunbonded nonwoven.

[0013] The further object is achieved according to a further aspect of the invention by a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular air, with a filter housing which has at least one inlet for the inflow of the fluid flow and at least one outlet for the outflow of the purified fluid flow, and with a filter element arranged in the filter housing between a raw side and a clean side so as to be exchangeable for filtering the fluid, with at least one filter medium body with a flowable medium arranged transversely to a flow direction of the fluid, with a raw-side inlet surface and a clean-side outlet surface, wherein at least one area between the inlet surface and the outlet surface is filled with an adsorbent, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon and arranged in spaces between the flowable medium,wherein the area is closed off at a peripheral edge of the inlet surface and / or the outlet surface with a fluid-permeable sealing medium, in particular a spunbonded fabric.

[0014] The further object is achieved according to a further aspect of the invention by a method for producing a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air, with at least one filter medium body with a flow-through medium arranged transversely to a flow direction of the fluid, with a raw-side inlet surface and a clean-side outlet surface, at least comprising: filling at least one region of intermediate spaces of the flow-through medium between the inlet surface and the outlet surface with an adsorbent, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon; closing off the region at a peripheral edge of the inlet surface and / or the outlet surface with a fluid-permeable sealing medium, in particular a spunbonded nonwoven.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air, is proposed, comprising at least one filter medium body with a flowable medium arranged transversely to a flow direction of the fluid, with a raw-side inlet surface and a clean-side outlet surface, wherein at least one region between the inlet surface and the outlet surface is filled with an adsorbent, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon, and arranged in the interstices of the flowable medium. The region is closed off at a peripheral edge of the inlet surface and / or the outlet surface with a fluid-permeable sealing medium, in particular a spunbonded nonwoven fabric.

[0017] In the proposed filter element, interstices of a permeable medium, for example, a filter medium such as a fleece, paper, or the like, are filled with an adsorbent such as activated carbon. These interstices can, for example, represent the area between the permeable medium and the inlet surface or the outlet surface. However, it is also possible for the medium itself to have interstices, such as a sponge-like medium, filled with the adsorbent. The adsorbent is retained in the filter medium body because the area is sealed with a fluid-permeable sealing medium, for example, a spunbond, which retains the adsorbent.

[0018] The filter media body can be designed as a filter bellows with a pleated filter media body, in which the spaces between the pleats are filled or coated with adsorbent. Advantageously, both required filtration functions of dust removal and pollutant removal can be implemented in a compact installation space within a single filter element.

[0019] Alternatively, the filter medium body can comprise a corrugated or corrugated flow-through medium, for example, filter paper, combined with a smooth filter medium, for example, filter paper. This creates channels in the corrugated or corrugated flow-through medium. For example, a layer of corrugated or corrugated medium can be covered and wound with a layer of smooth medium, forming channels that can be alternately closed on the inflow or outflow side and can accordingly alternately be empty or contain adsorbent. Alternatively, all channels can contain adsorbent.

[0020] The filter element produced in this way can be used advantageously not only for dust filtration, but also for the adsorption of pollutants. The filter element can be advantageously used as an activated carbon filter element. The filter element can be manufactured in any desired shape. For example, cube-shaped filter elements, as well as filter elements with an inclined or trapezoidal design, or other suitable designs are possible. Particularly in the version with a wound, flow-through medium, a round or oval design is possible. Designs similar to wheel arch filters, for example, can also be used.

[0021] The filter element's filter medium body thus advantageously serves as a support structure for the adsorbent. The prefabricated filter medium body can be conveniently filled with the adsorbent after production.

[0022] As an adsorbent, activated carbon, for example, in the form of particles or dust, can be filled into the spaces between the flowing medium. Activated carbon is usually available as chipped carbon or spherical carbon.

[0023] The proposed filter element can be advantageously used in motor vehicles for the adsorption of hydrocarbons in internal combustion engines or as a cabin filter. It is also conceivable for general use in an air purifier or in an extractor hood, for example, in a range hood.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the flow-through medium can be folded in a zigzag pattern transverse to the flow direction, wherein on an upstream and / or downstream side of the filter medium body, the area between a pleat base of the pleats of the filter medium body and a pleat tip is filled with the adsorbent. The sealing medium can be arranged at the pleat tips. This advantageously allows the spaces between the folded medium and the upstream and / or downstream side to be filled with the adsorbent. The sealing medium can be bonded to the pleat tips, thus preventing the adsorbent from escaping from the filled area to the outside.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, adhesive tracks can be arranged on the upstream and / or downstream sides of the pleats of the filter medium body along a roll of the pleats of the flow-through medium. The sealing medium can be bonded to the pleat tips along the adhesive tracks. Advantageously, adhesive tracks, which are applied anyway, for example, to fix the pleats in the filter medium body of the filter element, can be used to connect the sealing medium to the pleat tips. In this way, the sealing medium can be easily bonded to the pleat tips along the adhesive tracks and thus permanently bonded.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, adhesive sections which extend over the pleat tip can be arranged on the upstream and / or downstream sides. Alternatively or additionally, adhesive interruptions which extend over the pleat base can be arranged on the downstream or upstream sides. The sealing medium can be glued to the adhesive sections. The adhesive traces can thus be interrupted along the unwinding of the pleats. This makes it possible to save adhesive by only applying the adhesive sections where they are needed to fix the pleats, namely at the pleat tips. The sealing medium can thus also advantageously be glued to the flow-through medium at the pleat tips, thus securely and permanently sealing off the area in which the adsorbent is filled.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the filter medium body can comprise a corrugated or corrugated flow-through medium, for example, filter paper, combined with a smooth filter medium, for example, filter paper. This creates channels in the corrugated or corrugated flow-through medium. For example, a layer of corrugated or corrugated medium can be covered and wound with a layer of smooth medium, forming channels that can be alternately closed on the inflow or outflow side and can accordingly alternately be empty or contain adsorbent. Alternatively, all channels can contain adsorbent.

[0028] The channels can be filled or coated with adsorbent on one side, preferably the clean air side, or even on both sides, the clean air side and the unclean air side. This advantageously allows both required filtration functions of dust removal and pollutant removal to be implemented in a compact installation space within a single filter element. Optionally, the adsorbent can be held in the channels by an applied nonwoven layer, a grid, or the like. Alternatively, this can also be achieved using adhesive, which forms a seal to close the respective channel.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the filter medium body can be arranged in a reinforcing frame, with at least one seal which is arranged circumferentially at least partially connected at least in sections on an outer circumferential side of the flow-through medium on the inlet surface or on the outlet surface of the filter medium body. In particular, the seal can be connected to the reinforcing frame by foaming or injection molding. In this case, the sealing medium can be connected to the seal. In particular, the sealing medium can be tightly connected to the seal. In this way, the sealing medium, for example a spunbonded fabric, can be connected to the filter element on the inlet surface and / or the outlet surface in a simple and cost-effective manner. This also ensures that the sealing medium tightly seals the area filled with the adsorbent.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the sealing medium can be connected to the reinforcing frame by foaming or injection-molding the seal. In this way, the sealing medium, for example, a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, can be bonded to the filter element on the inlet and / or outlet surfaces in a simple and cost-effective manner. This also ensures that the sealing medium tightly seals the area filled with the adsorbent.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter element, the filter medium body can have a grid structure on the upstream and / or downstream sides. The sealing medium can be connected to the grid structure. The grid structure, for example, a perforated sheet, can advantageously support the pleated edges of the flow-through medium against the flow pressure and, on the other hand, protect them from mechanical damage. The sealing medium can be conveniently attached, for example, glued, to this grid structure, thus preventing the adsorbent from escaping.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular air, is proposed, comprising a filter housing which has at least one inlet for the inflow of the fluid flow and at least one outlet for the outflow of the purified fluid flow, and comprising a filter element for filtering the fluid, which is arranged interchangeably between a raw side and a clean side in the filter housing, and comprising at least one filter medium body with a flow-through medium arranged transversely to a flow direction of the fluid, with a raw-side inlet surface and a clean-side outlet surface. At least one region between the inlet surface and the outlet surface is filled with an adsorbent, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon, and arranged in interstices of the flow-through medium.The area is sealed at a peripheral edge of the inlet surface and / or the outlet surface with a fluid-permeable sealing medium, in particular a spunbonded nonwoven fabric. In the filter element of the proposed filter system, interstices of a permeable medium, for example a filter medium, are filled with an adsorbent such as activated carbon. These interstices can, for example, represent the area between the permeable medium and the inlet surface or the outlet surface. However, it is also possible for the medium itself to have interstices, such as a sponge-like medium, filled with the adsorbent. The adsorbent is held in the filter medium body because the area is sealed with a fluid-permeable sealing medium, for example a spunbonded nonwoven fabric.

[0033] The filter system can thus advantageously serve not only for the filtration of dust, but also for the adsorption of pollutants. The filter element can be used advantageously for activated carbon filtration. The filter element can be manufactured in any desired shape. For example, cube-shaped filter elements, but also filter elements with an inclined or trapezoidal design, or other suitable designs, are possible. Designs similar to wheel arch filters, for example, can also be used.

[0034] The filter element's filter medium body thus advantageously serves as a support structure for the adsorbent. The prefabricated filter medium body can be conveniently filled with the adsorbent after production.

[0035] As an adsorbent, activated carbon, for example, in the form of particles or dust, can be filled into the spaces between the flowing medium. Activated carbon is usually available as chipped carbon or spherical carbon.

[0036] The proposed filter system can be advantageously used in motor vehicles for the adsorption of hydrocarbons in internal combustion engines or as an interior filter. It is also conceivable for general use in an air purifier or in an extractor hood, for example, in a range hood.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter system, a pre-separator stage, in particular a cyclone pre-separator, can be arranged in the filter housing upstream of the filter element. Alternatively or additionally, a safety element can be arranged downstream of the filter element. A pre-separator stage can thus be connected upstream of the filter medium body. Paper bellows, nonwoven bellows, bellows made of separator foams, single- or multi-layered, or even cyclone pre-separators can be used as pre-separators. Conventional secondary filter elements can be used as safety elements. Combinations of pre-separator stages and safety elements can be advantageously used with the filter element filled with adsorbent.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the filter system, the filter element can be designed as a plug-in filter element that is inserted or can be inserted into the filter housing transversely to the main flow axis of the fluid. Such a design is advantageous for replacing the filter element when loaded. According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for producing a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air, comprising at least one filter medium body with a flowable medium arranged transversely to a flow direction of the fluid, with an inlet surface on the raw side and an outlet surface on the clean side.The method comprises at least: filling at least one region of the interstices of the flowable medium between the inlet surface and the outlet surface with an adsorbent, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon; and sealing the region at a peripheral edge of the inlet surface and / or the outlet surface with a fluid-permeable sealing medium, in particular a spunbonded nonwoven.

[0039] According to the proposed method, the interstices of a permeable medium in a filter element, for example, a filter medium, are filled with an adsorbent such as activated carbon. These interstices can, for example, represent the area between the permeable medium and the inlet or outlet surface. However, it is also possible for the medium itself to have interstices, such as a sponge-like medium, filled with the adsorbent. The adsorbent is retained in the filter medium body because the area is sealed with a fluid-permeable sealing medium, for example, a spunbonded nonwoven.

[0040] The filter element produced in this way can be used not only for dust filtration, but also for the adsorption of pollutants. The filter element can be used advantageously for activated carbon filtration. The filter element can be manufactured in any desired shape. For example, cube-shaped filter elements, as well as filter elements with an inclined or trapezoidal design, or other suitable shapes are possible. Designs similar to wheel arch filters, for example, can also be used.

[0041] The filter element's filter medium body thus advantageously serves as a support structure for the adsorbent. The prefabricated filter medium body can be conveniently filled with the adsorbent after production.

[0042] As an adsorbent, activated carbon, for example, in the form of particles or dust, can be filled into the spaces between the flowing medium. Activated carbon is usually available as chipped carbon or spherical carbon.

[0043] The proposed filter element can be advantageously used in motor vehicles for the adsorption of hydrocarbons in internal combustion engines or as a cabin filter. It is also conceivable for general use in an air purifier or in an extractor hood, for example, in a range hood.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, the method can comprise at least the following steps: inserting the filter medium body with an inlet surface or outlet surface accessible for filling into a receptacle and feeding the receptacle into a filling station; filling the area of ​​the filter medium body via the accessible inlet surface or outlet surface with the adsorbent; closing off the area at the inlet surface or outlet surface with the sealing medium.

[0045] According to the proposed method, prefabricated bellows can be inserted into a holder and fed to a filling station. Below the filling station, the adsorbent, such as activated carbon, can trickle into the interstices of the medium. A high-frequency vibrating plate can be advantageously used to compact the adsorbent. The adsorbent can then be transported to the next station, where a sealing medium, such as a spunbond, is woven, glued, or welded over the filled area of ​​the filter medium body. This can be achieved, for example, with adhesive traces on the pleat edges of the filter medium body.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, at least the following additional steps can be performed for filling the filter medium body from both sides: rotating the filter medium body in the holder so that the unfilled area is accessible for filling, and feeding the holder into the filling station; filling the area of ​​the filter medium body with the adsorbent; sealing the area at the inlet or outlet surface with the sealing medium. When filling the filter medium body with the adsorbent on both sides, the described process can be repeated with the inverted filter medium body.

[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, adhesive tracks can be arranged on the upstream and / or downstream sides of the pleats of the filter medium body along a roll of the pleats of the permeable medium, whereby the sealing medium is bonded to the pleat tips along the adhesive tracks. Advantageously, the sealing medium can thus be bonded directly to the filter medium body, so that the filled area is tightly sealed.

[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the filter medium body can be arranged in a reinforcement frame, with at least one seal, which is arranged circumferentially at least partially connected at least in sections on an outer circumferential side of the flowable medium on the inlet surface or on the outlet surface of the filter medium body, in particular by foaming or injection molding, to the reinforcement frame. The sealing medium can be connected to the seal. In particular, the sealing medium can be foamed or injected into the seal. Further processing of the filter medium body can thus advantageously be carried out with or without a reinforcement frame, depending on the seal type.The filled area can be sealed by the sealing medium tightly connected to the seal, so that the filled adsorbent remains in the spaces between the flowable medium of the filter medium body.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, a grid structure can be arranged on the filter medium body on the upstream and / or downstream side. The sealing medium can be connected to the grid structure. In this alternative embodiment, the sealing medium can advantageously be applied directly to the grid structure, for example, a perforated sheet, and tightly connected to it.

[0050] Short description of the drawings

[0051] 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 to form further meaningful combinations. The figures show, by way of example: Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a filter medium body of a filter element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which an area between the inlet surface and the outlet surface is filled with an adsorbent, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon, and arranged in interstices of the flow-through medium;

[0052] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged section of the filter medium body according to Fig. 1, in which an area between a flowable medium and the outlet surface is filled with the adsorbent;

[0053] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged section of the filter medium body according to Figure 1, in which the area between the flowable medium and the outlet surface as well as an area between the flowable medium and the inlet surface is filled with the adsorbent;

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a filter medium body of a filter element with a pre-separator stage arranged upstream of the fluid flow according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0055] Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section through a filter medium body of a filter element with a pre-separator stage arranged upstream of the fluid flow and a safety element arranged downstream of the fluid flow according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0056] Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section through a filter element according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0057] Fig. 7 shows an enlarged section of the filter element according to Figure 6 with focus on the reinforcement frame and seal;

[0058] Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention with a view of the exit surface;

[0059] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0060] Fig. 10 is a longitudinal section of a filter system with a filter element according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0061] Fig. 1 1 is a schematic representation of the method for producing a filter element according to an embodiment of the invention

[0062] Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view of a front edge of channels of a filter element according to another embodiment of the invention, in which corrugated or corrugated media is combined with smooth media; Fig. 13 is a view of channels of a filter element according to Fig. 12 partially filled with adsorbent;

[0063] Fig. 14 shows a longitudinal section through a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention, in which an area between the inlet surface and the outlet surface is filled with an adsorbent and arranged in spaces of the medium through which the flow can pass;

[0064] Fig. 15 shows a longitudinal section through a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention, in which an area between the inlet surface and the outlet surface is filled with an adsorbent and arranged in spaces of the medium through which the flow can pass;

[0065] Fig. 16 is an isometric view of a filter element with a wound filter medium body according to Fig. 12;

[0066] Fig. 17 shows a longitudinal section of a filter system with a filter element with a wound filter medium body according to Figure 16.

[0067] Embodiments of the invention

[0068] In the figures, identical or similar components are designated by identical reference numerals. The figures are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0069] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a filter medium body 12 of a filter element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, in which a downstream region 80 between the inlet surface 50 and the outlet surface 52 is filled with an adsorbent 82, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon 84, and arranged in spaces 21 of the flow-through medium 13. Figure 2 shows an enlarged section of the filter medium body 12 according to Figure 1.

[0070] The filter medium body 12 is intended to be flowed through by the fluid to be filtered, for example, air, from the raw-side inlet surface 50 to the clean-side outlet surface 52. The flow direction 134 is indicated by arrows. The filter medium body 12 shown in the exemplary embodiment has a zigzag-folded flowable medium 13 through which the fluid flows transversely to the flow direction 134 of the fluid.

[0071] At least one area 80 between the inlet surface 50 and the outlet surface 52 is filled with the adsorbent 82, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon 84, and in spaces

[0072] 21 of the flowable medium 13. The region 80 is closed at a peripheral edge 86 of the outlet surface 52 with a fluid-permeable sealing medium 90, in particular a spunbonded fabric.

[0073] The flowable medium 13 is folded in a zigzag shape transversely to the flow direction 134. On the downstream side 72 of the filter medium body 12, the area 80 between a fold base 25 of folds

[0074] 22 of the filter medium body 12 and a pleat tip 24 of the pleats 22 are filled with the adsorbent 82. The sealing medium 90 is arranged at the pleat tips 24.

[0075] Figure 2 depicts the fluid flow 134 inside the filter medium body 12. It can be observed that the fluid first flows on the upstream side 70 of the pleats 22 of the filter medium body 12 and is filtered before passing through the permeable medium 13 and continuing to flow in the region 80 filled with the adsorbent 82.

[0076] Figure 3 shows an enlarged section of the filter medium body 12 according to Figure 1, in which the area 80 between the flow-through medium 13 and the outlet surface 52 as well as an inflow-side area 81 between the flow-through medium 13 and the inlet surface 50 is filled with the adsorbent 82.

[0077] In this exemplary embodiment, spaces 21 of the flow-through medium 12 are filled with the adsorbent 82 from both the inflow side 70 and the outflow side 72, so that the filter medium body 12 advantageously has a maximum loading with the adsorbent 82 for the greatest possible adsorption performance.

[0078] On the upstream side 70 and downstream side 72 of the pleats 22 of the filter medium body 12, adhesive tracks 26, 27 can expediently be arranged along a roll of the pleats 22 of the flow-through medium 13, so that the sealing medium 90 can be bonded to the pleat tips 24 of the pleats 22 along the adhesive tracks 26, 27. Thus, both areas 80, 81, into which the adsorbent 82 is filled, are sealed from the environment, and the adsorbent 82 remains in the filter medium body 12.

[0079] Adhesive sections 28, 29 can be arranged on the upstream side 70 and the downstream side 72, respectively, extending over the pleat tip 24. Alternatively or additionally, adhesive interruptions 30, 31 can be arranged on the downstream side 72 and / or the upstream side 70, respectively, extending over the pleat base 25. Thus, the sealing medium 90 can expediently be bonded to the adhesive sections 28, 29 at the locations where the adhesive sections 28, 29 are applied.

[0080] Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through a filter medium body 12 of a filter element 10 with a pre-separator stage 15 arranged upstream of the fluid flow according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0081] A pre-separator stage 15, in particular a cyclone pre-separator 14, can be arranged upstream of the filter element 10. A pre-separator stage can thus be connected upstream of the filter medium body 12. Paper bellows, nonwoven bellows, bellows made of separator foams, single- or multi-layered, or even cyclone pre-separators, can be used as pre-separator stages 15. Thus, a filter medium body 12, which has a region 80, 81 with adsorbent 82, can advantageously be combined with a pre-separator stage 15 in a filter element 10.

[0082] Figure 5 shows a longitudinal section through a filter medium body 12 of a filter element 10 with a pre-separator stage 15 arranged upstream of the fluid flow and a safety element 16 arranged downstream of the fluid flow, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Alternatively or additionally, a safety element 16 can be arranged downstream of the filter element 10. Conventional secondary filter elements can be used as safety elements 16. Combinations of pre-separator stages 15 and safety elements 16 can be advantageously combined with the filter element 10 filled with adsorbent 82.

[0083] Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section through a filter element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0084] In this exemplary embodiment, the filter medium body 12 is arranged in an element frame 36 and has a circumferential reinforcing frame 18 on the outflow surface 52, with a seal 20 which is arranged at least partially circumferentially connected at least in sections on an outer circumferential side of the flow-through medium 13 on the outlet surface 52 of the filter medium body 12. In particular, the seal 20 can be connected to the reinforcing frame 18 by foaming or injection molding. In this case, the closing medium 90 can expediently be connected to the seal 20, in particular can be tightly connected to the seal 20. The closing medium 90 can thus be particularly advantageously connected to the reinforcing frame 18 by foaming or injection molding the seal 20.

[0085] An edge protector 74 is attached to a peripheral edge of the inlet surface 50 to protect the filter medium body 12 from damage, for example, during installation in a filter housing. The edge protector 74 can also be made of molded-on plastic.

[0086] Figure 7 shows an enlarged section of the filter element 10 according to Figure 6 with a focus on the reinforcement frame 16 and the seal 20. It can be seen how the sealing medium 90 is integrated into the seal 20 at the circumferential edge 86, for example, in the case of a polyurethane seal 20, it is foamed in or injection-molded on.

[0087] Figure 8 shows an isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention with a view of the exit surface 52.

[0088] The filter element 10 has a filter medium body 12 which is laterally surrounded by an element frame 36 at a circumferential edge 86 and has a circumferential reinforcement frame 16 at the outlet surface 52 which is closed by a circumferential seal 20.

[0089] The filter medium body 12 has a grid structure 88 in the form of a perforated plate on the downstream side 72 to stabilize the pleats 22 against the flow pressure. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing medium 90, which is arranged between the filter medium body 12 and the grid structure 88, can expediently be connected to the grid structure 88. For example, the sealing medium 90 can be glued to the pleat tips 24 by means of adhesive traces 26, which are applied to the non-visible pleat tips 24 and pressed against the grid structure 88. Figure 9 shows an exploded view of a filter element 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The individual components of the filter element 10, filter medium body 12, element frame 36, edge protection 74, sealing medium 90, grid structure 88, reinforcement frame 18, and seal 20, can be seen.The closing medium 90 is arranged between the filter medium body 12, which is at least partially filled with the adsorbent 82, and the grid structure 88.

[0090] Figure 10 shows a longitudinal section of a filter system 100 with a filter element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0091] The filter system 100 for filtering a fluid, in particular air, comprises a filter housing 110, which has at least one inlet 102 for the inflow of the fluid stream 120 and at least one outlet 104 for the outflow of the purified fluid stream 122. The raw fluid flow 120 and the clean fluid flow 122 are marked with arrows, along with the flow direction 134, in the filter medium body 12.

[0092] The filter housing 110 comprises two housing parts 112 and 114, which are connected to each other.

[0093] In the filter housing 110, between a raw side 40 and a clean side 42, a replaceable filter element 10 for filtering the fluid is arranged, comprising at least one filter medium body 12 with a flowable medium 13 arranged transversely to a flow direction 134 of the fluid, with a raw-side inlet surface 50 and a clean-side outlet surface 52.

[0094] At least one region 80 between the inlet surface 50 and the outlet surface 52 is filled with an adsorbent 82, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon 84, and is arranged in the interspaces 21 of the flowable medium 13. The region 80 is closed off at a peripheral edge 86 of the outlet surface 52 with a fluid-permeable sealing medium 90, in particular a spunbonded nonwoven.

[0095] In the filter housing 110, a pre-separator stage 15, in particular a cyclone pre-separator 14, is arranged further upstream of the filter element 10. A safety element 16 is arranged downstream of the filter element 10. Furthermore, the filter housing 110 has a dirt outlet 106 for discharging dust and dirt separated in the pre-separator stage 15.

[0096] The filter element 10 can expediently be designed as a plug-in filter element that is inserted or can be inserted into the filter housing 110 transversely to the main flow axis 128 of the fluid. The installation direction 66 for the plug-in filter element is marked in the illustration. The filter element 10 can be replaced via a removable housing cover 116.

[0097] Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of the method for producing a filter element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. According to the proposed method, at least one region 80, 81 of the intermediate spaces 21 of the flowable medium 13 between the inlet surface 50 and the outlet surface 52 is filled with an adsorbent 82, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon 84. The region 80, 81 is then sealed at a peripheral edge 86 of the inlet surface 50 and / or the outlet surface 52 with a fluid-permeable sealing medium 90, in particular a spunbonded nonwoven.

[0098] Figure 11 illustrates the filling of the adsorbent 82, for example, for the area 80 from the exit surface 52 of the filter medium body 12. After filling the adsorbent 82, the area is sealed at the edge 86 with the sealing medium 90, for example by gluing the sealing medium 90 to the filter medium body 12.

[0099] Specifically, according to the proposed method, the filter medium body 12 is inserted into a receptacle with an inlet surface 50 or outlet surface 52 accessible for filling, and the receptacle is fed into a filling station. Subsequently, the area 80, 81 of the filter medium body 12 is filled with the adsorbent 82 via the accessible inlet surface 50 or outlet surface 52. Subsequently, the area 80, 81 is sealed at the inlet surface 50 or outlet surface 52 with the sealing medium 90.

[0100] To fill the filter medium body 12 from both sides, the filter medium body 12 is rotated in the holder so that the unfilled area 80, 81 is accessible for filling and the holder can be fed into the filling station. The previously unfilled area 80, 81 of the filter medium body 12 is then filled with the adsorbent 82. This area 80, 81 is then also sealed at the inlet surface 50 or outlet surface 52 with the sealing medium 90.

[0101] To seal the filter medium body 12 with the sealing medium 90, adhesive tracks 26, 27 can be arranged on the upstream side 70 and / or downstream side 72 of folds 22 of the filter medium body 12 along a roll of the folds 22 of the flow-through medium 13. In this way, the sealing medium 90 can expediently be bonded to the pleat tips 24 of the folds 22 along the adhesive tracks 26, 27.

[0102] Furthermore, the filter medium body 12 can be arranged in a reinforcing frame 18, with at least one seal 20, which is arranged circumferentially at least partially connected, at least in sections, on an outer circumferential side of the flow-through medium 13 on the inlet surface 50 or on the outlet surface 52 of the filter medium body 12. In particular, the seal 20, which can be made of polyurethane, for example, can be connected to the reinforcing frame 18 by foaming or injection molding. In such an arrangement, the sealing medium 90 can advantageously be connected to the seal 20, and in particular, can be foamed or injected into the seal 20.

[0103] In addition, a grid structure 88 can be arranged on the filter medium body 12 on the upstream side 70 and / or on the downstream side 72 to support the pleats 22 of the filter medium body 12 against the flow pressure. The sealing medium 90 can advantageously be connected to the grid structure 88.

[0104] Figures 12 to 17 show further embodiments of the invention. In the embodiments of the filter medium body 12, the filter element 10 comprises a layer 60 of corrugated or corrugated flow-through medium 13 and a layer 62 of smooth flow-through medium 13. The medium 13 can be, for example, filter paper.

[0105] The layers 60, 62 are placed on top of one another, with the gaps 21 between the flowable media 13 forming channels. This is illustrated schematically in Figure 12 in a plan view of a front edge of the channels. Figure 13 shows the arrangement according to Figure 12, in which some channels are filled with adsorbent 82 and other channels remain empty. Optionally, all channels can also be filled with adsorbent 82, for example, activated carbon or ion exchanger or the like. The openings of the channels can expediently be alternately closed with a closure, for example in the form of pasty adhesive beads, which are applied in the edge region.

[0106] The layers 60, 62 of the medium 13 arranged on top of one another can be wound up (Figure 16), or several such layers 60, 62 can be stacked on top of one another (Figures 14 and 15).

[0107] As can be seen in the side view of the arrangements in Figures 14 and 15, the openings of the channels are alternately closed with a closure 92, for example in the form of pasty adhesive beads, which are applied in the edge region of the channels alternately on the inlet side in one channel and on the outlet side in the adjacent channel.

[0108] The channels with a closure 92 at the inlet surface 50 of the fluid into the filter element 10 contain an adsorbent 82, in particular activated carbon 84, while the channels with a closure 92 at the outlet surface 52 of the fluid are free. From there, the fluid flows from the inlet surface 50 into the regions 80 containing the adsorbent 82, in particular activated carbon 84, and exits the outlet surface 52 at the bottom of the channel filled with adsorbent 82. A closure medium 90, for example a spunbond or the like, can be arranged at the outlet surface 52 to retain particles in the channel (region 80) filled with adsorbent 82.

[0109] Figure 14 shows a longitudinal section through a filter element 10, in which an area 80 between the inlet surface 50 and the outlet surface 52 of the fluid to be filtered is filled with an adsorbent 82, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon 84, and arranged in spaces 21 of the flow-through medium 13. The filter medium body 12 is arranged in an element frame 36 and is provided with a circumferential seal 20 on the downstream side at the outlet surface 52.

[0110] Figure 15 shows a longitudinal section through a filter element 10, in which an area 80 between the inlet surface 50 and the outlet surface 52 is filled with an adsorbent, in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon, and arranged in spaces 21 of the flow-through medium 13. The filter medium body 12 is arranged in an element frame 36 and provided with a circumferential seal 20 on the upstream side at the inlet surface 50. At the outlet surface 52, the element frame 36 engages over an edge 86 of the filter medium body 12 so that the latter is securely held within the element frame 36. Figure 16 shows an isometric view of a filter element 10 with a wound filter medium body according to Figure 12 or 13. The filter medium body 12 is arranged within an element frame 36. A circumferential seal 20 is arranged on the inlet surface of the fluid.An optional emergency seal 19 is arranged near the outlet surface 52. Figure 17 shows a longitudinal section of a filter system 100 with the filter element 10 according to Figure 16. A raw fluid flow 120 enters the filter housing 110 through an inlet 102. The filter element 10 is arranged between the raw side 40 and the clean side 42. The circumferential seal 20 seals the clean side 42 from the raw side 40 and is clamped between the housing cover 116 and the housing pot 118. The clean fluid flow 122 exits the housing 110 through the outlet 104.

[0111] Reference symbol

[0112] 10 filter element

[0113] 12 filter medium bodies

[0114] 13 flowable medium

[0115] 14 cyclone pre-separators

[0116] 15 Pre-separator stage

[0117] 16 Security element

[0118] 18 reinforcement frames

[0119] 19 Emergency sealing ring

[0120] 20 Seal

[0121] 21 space

[0122] 22 folds

[0123] 24 pleated lace

[0124] 25 Fold base

[0125] 26 adhesive trace

[0126] 27 Glue trace

[0127] 28 Adhesive section

[0128] 29 Adhesive section

[0129] 30 Adhesive interruption

[0130] 31 Adhesive interruption

[0131] 36 element frames

[0132] 40 raw pages

[0133] 42 Clean side

[0134] 50 entrance area

[0135] 52 Exit area

[0136] 66 Installation direction

[0137] 70 Inflow side

[0138] 72 Downstream side

[0139] 74 Edge protection

[0140] 80 area

[0141] 81 Area

[0142] 82 Adsorbents

[0143] 84 Activated carbon

[0144] 86 Rand

[0145] 88 lattice structure

[0146] 90 final medium

[0147] 100 filter system

[0148] 102 Entrance

[0149] 104 Outlet

[0150] 106 Dirt outlet

[0151] 110 filter housings

[0152] 112 Upper housing part

[0153] 114 Lower housing part

[0154] 116 Housing cover

[0155] 118 Housing pot

[0156] 120 Raw fluid flow

[0157] 122 Clean fluid flow

[0158] 128 Main flow axis

[0159] 134 Flow direction

Claims

Claims 1. Filter element (10) for filtering a fluid, in particular air, with at least one filter medium body (12) with a flow-through medium (13) arranged transversely to a flow direction (134) of the fluid, with a raw-side inlet surface (50) and a clean-side outlet surface (52), wherein at least one region (80, 81) between the inlet surface (50) and the outlet surface (52) is filled with an adsorbent (82), in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon (84), and is arranged in intermediate spaces (21) of the flow-through medium (13), wherein the region (80, 81) is closed off at a peripheral edge (86) of the inlet surface (50) and / or the outlet surface (52) with a fluid-permeable sealing medium (90), in particular a spunbonded nonwoven.

2. Filter element according to claim 1, wherein the medium (13) through which the flow can pass is folded in a zigzag shape transversely to the flow direction (134), wherein on an inflow side (70) and / or outflow side (72) of the filter medium body (12) the region (80, 81) between a fold base (25) of folds (22) of the filter medium body (12) and a fold tip (24) of the folds (22) is filled with the adsorbent (82), wherein the closing medium (90) is arranged at the fold tips (24).

3. Filter element according to claim 2, wherein on the inflow side (70) and / or on the outflow side (72) of the folds (22) of the filter medium body (12) adhesive traces (26, 27) are arranged along a roll-up of the folds (22) of the flow-through medium (13), wherein the closing medium (90) is glued to the fold tips (24) of the folds (22) along the adhesive traces (26, 27).

4. Filter element according to claim 2 or 3, wherein adhesive sections (28, 29) are arranged on the inflow side (70) or the outflow side (72) in each case, which extend over the pleat tip (24) and / or wherein adhesive interruptions (30, 31) are arranged on the outflow side (72) or the inflow side (70) in each case, which extend over the pleat base (25), wherein the sealing medium (90) is adhesively bonded to the adhesive sections (28, 29).

5. Filter element according to claim 1, wherein the filter medium body (12) comprises a combination of corrugated or corrugated flow-through medium and a smooth medium, in particular wherein a combination is wound as a coil.

6. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter medium body (12) is arranged in a reinforcing frame (18), with at least one seal (20) which is arranged circumferentially at least partially connected at least in sections on an outer circumferential side of the flowable medium (13) on the inlet surface (50) or on the outlet surface (52) of the filter medium body (12), in particular by foaming or injection molding with the reinforcing frame (18), wherein the closing medium (90) is connected to the seal (20), in particular is tightly connected to the seal (20).

7. Filter element according to claim 6, wherein the sealing medium (90) is connected to the reinforcing frame (18) by foaming or injection-molding the seal (20).

8. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter medium body (12) has a grid structure (88) on the inflow side (70) and / or on the outflow side (72), wherein the closing medium (90) is connected to the grid structure (88).

9. Filter system (100) for filtering a fluid, in particular air, with a filter housing (110) which has at least one inlet (102) for the inflow of the fluid flow (120) and at least one outlet (104) for the outflow of the purified fluid flow (122), and with a filter element (10) for filtering the fluid, which is arranged in the filter housing (110) between a raw side (40) and a clean side (42) and is interchangeably arranged, according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one filter medium body (12) with a flow-through medium (13) arranged transversely to a flow direction (134) of the fluid, with a raw-side inlet surface (50) and a clean-side outlet surface (52), wherein at least one region (80, 81) between the inlet surface (50) and the outlet surface (52) is filled with an adsorbent (82), in particular with particle- or filled with dust-like activated carbon (84) and arranged in spaces (21) of the flowable medium (13),wherein the region (80, 81) is closed at a peripheral edge (86) of the inlet surface (50) and / or the outlet surface (52) with a fluid-permeable sealing medium (90), in particular a spunbonded fabric.

10. Filter system according to claim 9, wherein a pre-separator stage (15), in particular a cyclone pre-separator (14), is arranged in the filter housing (110) upstream of the filter element (10), and / or wherein a safety element (16) is arranged downstream of the filter element (10).

11. Filter system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the filter element (10) is designed as an insert filter element which is inserted or can be inserted into the filter housing (110) transversely to the main flow axis (128) of the fluid.

12. A method for producing a filter element (10) for filtering a fluid, in particular air, according to one of claims 1 to 8, with at least one filter medium body (12) with a flowable medium (13) arranged transversely to a flow direction (134) of the fluid, with a raw-side inlet surface (50) and a clean-side outlet surface (52), at least comprising: Filling at least one area (80, 81) of intermediate spaces (21) of the flowable medium (13) between the inlet surface (50) and the outlet surface (52) with an adsorbent (82), in particular with particulate or dust-like activated carbon (84); Closing off the area (80, 81) at a peripheral edge (86) of the inlet surface (50) and / or the outlet surface (52) with a fluid-permeable closing medium (90), in particular a spunbonded fabric.

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising at least the steps: Inserting the filter medium body (12) with an inlet surface (50) or outlet surface (52) accessible for filling into a receptacle and feeding the receptacle into a filling station; Filling the area (80, 81) of the filter medium body (12) via the accessible inlet surface (50) or outlet surface (52) with the adsorbent (82); Closing the area (80, 81) at the inlet surface (50) or outlet surface (52) with the closing medium (90).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein for a two-sided filling of the filter medium body (12) at least the following further steps are carried out: Rotating the filter medium body (12) in the holder so that the unfilled area (80, 81) is accessible for filling and feeding the holder into the filling station; Filling the area (80, 81) of the filter medium body (12) with the adsorbent (82); sealing the area (80, 81) at the inlet surface (50) or outlet surface (52) with the sealing medium (90).

15. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein on the inflow side (70) and / or on the outflow side (72) of folds (22) of the filter medium body (12) adhesive tracks (26, 27) are arranged along a roll-up of the folds (22) of the flowable medium (13), wherein the closing medium (90) is glued to the fold tips (24) of the folds (22) along the adhesive tracks (26, 27).

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the filter medium body (12) is arranged in a reinforcing frame (18) with at least one seal (20) which is arranged circumferentially at least partially connected at least in sections on an outer circumferential side of the flow-through medium (13) on the inlet surface (50) or on the outlet surface (52) of the filter medium body (12), in particular is connected to the reinforcing frame (18) by foaming or injection molding, wherein the sealing medium (90) is connected to the seal (20), in particular is foamed or injected into the seal (20).

17. Method according to one of claims 12 to 16, wherein a grid structure (88) is arranged on the filter medium body (12) on the inflow side (70) and / or on the outflow side (72), wherein the closing medium (90) is connected to the grid structure (88).

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