AIR FILTER WITH LID ATTACHMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING SUCH A FILTER

Abstract

The air filtration device (1) includes a housing that opens via a lid (10) hinged by a hinge joint (8a) to a housing component (14). The lid is unlocked by at least one latching element having an upper actuating portion (15, 16) that drives a lower anchoring portion (80) to engage under a gripping edge (B11) provided in the component (14) in response to an action such as pressure. The upper portion (15, 16), pivotally mounted on the lid, projects upwards in the closed and locked configuration of the housing (2). In a top view of the lid, this upper portion extends radially inwards and / or extends closer to the top face of the lid than to the joint (J) with the component (14), the upper actuating portion (15) being able to project above the lid (10). Figure for the summary: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: AIR FILTER WITH COVER ATTACHMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING SUCH A FILTER Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of air filters, in particular filters intended for the intake air of internal combustion engines or of a fuel cell of a motor vehicle. The present disclosure relates more particularly to an air filter having two housing parts assembled by a fastening assembly. It also relates to a method of assembling an air filter. Prior art

[0002] In air filters for motor vehicles, it is customary to house a filter element inside a reusable housing whose cover locks quickly. For example, it is known from document US 7976604 the use of at least one quick-release retaining clip, locking by pivoting by connecting two superimposed housing parts together. Clamping between these two parts can be obtained by using, for example, three clips. The clamping zones are multiple in order to avoid the risks of air leakage and hot air intake, which can disrupt the operation of the engine.

[0003] In cases of mounting under the engine hood or in a similar heavily cluttered area, it is not always possible to quickly open the housing for a maintenance operation, for example for changing the filter element. There is a need to make it easier for the operator to open the housing. Abstract

[0004] In order to improve the situation, there is provided an air filtration device for a motor vehicle, the device including an inlet for the admission of a flow of raw air and an outlet for the evacuation of purified air, the device comprising: - a filter element; - a housing component having a bottom, a side wall, the inlet and an upper end with an opening delimited by an annular rim, the opening being opposite the bottom and allowing the filter element to be inserted into the housing component; - a cover for closing the opening by forming a junction with the edge, the cover being connected to the housing component by a hinged connection forming a first attachment system, the cover having a part for closing the opening with a top face which forms the region of the closing part which is furthest from the opening; and - a second attachment system provided with a clasp element, a part of which is carried by the cover and is capable of cooperating with the housing component in a locking configuration in which this part carried by the cover is engaged from below against a gripping edge provided in the housing component; with the particularity that the clasp element, which extends entirely above the junction, is capable of exerting, in the locking configuration, a clamping action between the housing component and the cover, the clasp element including: - a lower anchoring portion for contact with the gripping edge; and - an upper actuating portion adapted to move, preferably by pivoting it, the lower anchoring portion, the upper actuating portion projecting upwardly extending, in the locking configuration, closer to the top face of the cover than to the junction and / or radially inward with accessibility from above.

[0005] Thanks to these provisions, a maintenance operator has actuable part(s) for manually unlocking the cover which can be easily / directly accessible on the top of the cover, allowing a tightening action in the locked state on a given side of the cover, for example to crush a seal, even when the size in the vicinity of the housing prevents any lateral access on this given side. The top face can constitute a top of the cover, which for example is hollow with at least one curved part, possibly on the outlet side. The housing component, typically underlying the cover, has an annular upper portion which defines the opening (upper axial opening) closed by the cover and through which the separating means are inserted prior to closure by the cover.

[0006] The upper actuating portion may protrude above the cover, for example so that actuating the unlocking at this element requires a small lowering of the operator's hand compared to the action to then raise the unlocked cover.

[0007] In options, the top face can connect to a side wall of the cover (wall of rectangular section for example) by one or more transition zones with a curved profile and each forming a portion of convex external surface, facilitating the radial tilting inwards of the upper actuating portion. With this tilting and if the anchoring portion has been previously placed under the gripping edge, the upper actuating portion can be placed in a predetermined position locking the engagement of the lower anchoring portion under the gripping edge.

[0008] In embodiments of the device, one or more the following features: - the gripping edge is provided in an extension included in the housing component, this extension laterally covering a region of the cover when the latter is closed. - two extensions, parallel to each other, may be provided in the housing component, so as to extend on either side of the cover when the latter is lowered via the hinged connection and close the opening in the upper end of the housing component. - at least one convex zone, forming a transition between a flange of the cover and a top face of the cover, is provided, the upper actuating portion being arranged to cover / overlap this convex transition zone. - the cover has convex transition zones which each form a convex ramp / guide surface on which a user's finger can slide to pass under the actuating portion, facilitating the unlocking action. - the upper actuating portion is a ratchet portion. - the upper actuating portion extends above the outlet and / or so as to be overlapped by the top of the cover, in the locking configuration.

[0009] The cover may provide two fixing regions or receiving parts, in order to distribute two locking members on two separate sides of the cover, having on each of these members, an actuating end which reaches or exceeds from above a top of the cover or an outlet of the cover. The second attachment system may comprise the clasp element as a first locking element (with its actuating end constituting a high point of this first element) and comprises a second locking element (also with its actuating end constituting a high point of this second element) also having a lower anchoring portion and an upper actuating portion, in particular of the ratchet type, adapted to move, preferably by pivoting it, the lower anchoring portion of the second locking element.

[0010] Optionally, the edge of the housing component has two sides, distinct from another side provided with the hinge connection, on which two receiving parts are distributed, for engagement respectively with one and the other of the lower anchoring portions of the first locking element and the second locking element. The lower anchoring portion may be at least twice as long as it is wide. When at least one stirrup is provided as a receiving part, to form a gripping edge, the lower anchoring portion may be in the form of a rider (in U-shaped) with a hooked end. With two brackets (each inverted U-shaped), two lower portions can be provided, each forming a jumper, for example only on two sides (sides perpendicular to the hinge connection in options allowing for even distribution of tightening). A seal of the filter element (including the separating means) can be sandwiched when the jumpers are engaged with the brackets and the seal is then ensured between the upstream and downstream zones in the filtration chamber.

[0011] The gripping edge may form the junction between two legs of a bridge constituting the fixing stirrup. In each of the bridges, the configuration with two force legs allows transmission of the closing movement onto the housing component. More broadly, the closing carried out by the lever arm of the wire clips or similar clasp elements allows the cover to be compressed onto the housing component / body, possibly multiplying the force transfer points / regions when each gripping edge is delimited between legs secured to the housing component.

[0012] In one type of embodiment, the outlet is formed on the cover. In this case, at least one or more of the following arrangements may be provided: - the outlet, for example made in a tubular way, is located opposite the hinge connection. - the upper actuating portion extends at least partially above / higher than the output. - the upper actuating portion is mounted on a pivot axis which extends higher than an outlet face of the filter element which is oriented away from the bottom of the housing component. - the outlet is provided selectively on one side of the cover. - one or two upper actuating portions are provided, each fixed on one side of the cover spaced from the hinged connection and / or separate from the side where the outlet extends.

[0013] According to a feature of the cover, the latter is curved at least on one side opposite the hinge connection. The cover may include a fixing means on which the upper actuating portion is pivotally mounted. The fixing means may form a female socket for connecting at least one male end of the upper actuating portion. The attachment means may be disposed on a convex portion of the cover that extends radially inwardly from a fastening flange formed on the cover.

[0014] When the cover is arranged in a closed configuration (by lowering this cover using the hinge connection), the actuating part is movable between a retracted position (radially offset towards the exterior for example), in which the anchoring part can disengage from the gripping edge relative to the cover and a close position.

[0015] In embodiments, at least one of the following features is used: - the gripping edge is formed in a fixing bracket which projects away from the bottom, so that the gripping edge is vertically offset higher than the junction (and typically higher than any part of the annular rim). - the fixing means is formed on or adjacent a domed region of the lid, for example having a partially curved (and rounded) shape about a direction perpendicular to an axis of the hinged connection. - the grip edge is made of a plastic material also included in or constituting the housing component. - the lower anchoring portion is metallic. - the upper anchoring portion is metallic. - the lower anchoring portion and the upper actuation portion (each have a wire structure, preferably metallic. - the upper actuating portion has two ends curved towards each other which are received by a female socket formed by the cover and / or in a housing provided at the upper fixing end of a ribbed support formed as a radially projecting relief on a side wall of the cover. - the ribbed support includes at least one cover rib extending downwardly from the upper attachment end toward a cover flange. - the cover flange is overlapped, externally on its periphery (typically annular periphery of the flange), by the fixing bracket in the closed position of the cover. - the fixing bracket connects to the flange of the housing component, into which the flange of the cover engages, typically by fitting internally. - the cover flange may be provided with an upwardly facing concave profile, forming an upper groove on the top of the flange. - the ribbed support can optionally join the upper groove, while the stirrup extends parallel to and opposite the ribbed support, in the closed position of the cover.

[0016] In design examples, the cover and the housing component constitute a housing for delimiting a filtration chamber. The outlet may be disposed on the cover, opposite the hinged connection, for example by being angled. The outlet allows a flow of purified air emerging from the filter element to leave the filtration chamber, optionally by directing this exit flow to the same side of the housing as that including the inlet. The filter element is for example distal from the top face of the housing. In a hollow of the cover, an area of ​​the filtration chamber which is an area downstream of the filter element can be delimited, typically under the top face, communicating with the outlet.

[0017] More broadly, a downstream zone (downstream of the separation means) may be delimited between an inner face of the cover and an outlet face of the filter element, knowing that the upper actuating portion is connected to the cover on a wall portion including the inner face of the cover and distal to the outlet face. An annular portion of the cover may constitute a transition / separation region between a flange of the cover and an upper portion of the cover allowing the connection of the locking element or upper actuating part, this upper portion having for example an inner face vertically facing the opening. This upper portion may be convex and adjacent to a depression whose bottom constitutes a lower portion of the cover formed between the hinged connection and this upper portion.

[0018] In embodiments, a removable filter element includes the separation means and has one or more of the following features: - the filter element is removably received in the housing component, for example by using a seal as a contact part with a circumferential support provided internally in the housing component. - the filter element has separation means which are adapted to retain particles and dust while allowing a flow of purified air to pass towards the outlet, one of the media being able to be pleated. - the separation means are arranged lower than the gripping edge on which the lower anchoring portion engages, in the locking configuration. - said outlet face (of the filter element, typically formed by the separation means) extends lower than the grip edge while extending (at least partly) into a hollow of the cover. - the filter element has a first face arranged opposite the bottom and forming an inlet face (for example opposite the outlet face of the filter element) which may correspond to the bottom of the filter element in the mounted state in the housing component. - the filter element includes a support frame capable of forming an outer circumference of the filter element, as well as a first filter media and a second filter media which are typically surrounded by the support frame. - the first medium and the second medium may be distributed on either side of an annular portion of the support frame, for example by projecting outside the frame on either side of the latter. - the support frame is tightly connected to both: the first media, via a first annular fixing layer, located opposite the first face which belongs to the first filter medium; and to the second medium, via a second annular fixing layer, located opposite the second face which belongs to the second filter medium. - the frame may have a side wall with at least four sides and an annular internal rim forming a support from below for the second filter medium which may optionally extend into a hollow in the cover.

[0019] In embodiments of the cover, one or more of the following arrangements may be used: - the cover includes the outlet, which is for example configured to be entirely offset (higher) than an annular flange (for example rectangular) of the cover. - the hinged connection extends along one side of the cover - the outlet is in the form of a tubular wall or neck which projects radially outwards, optionally being oriented on a side which is also the one through which the inlet is supplied with raw air. - the neck is rigid or semi-rigid and may have, laterally, a socket to receive an air flow sensor such as a mass air flow meter (called MAF for “Mass Air Flow”). - the socket and one or two clasp elements are formed in the same half of the cover which is distal from the hinge. - the entrance is adjacent to one side of the housing on which the hinge is formed.

[0020] The housing may have a junction between the base and the lid which is inclined downwards from the hinge, for example so that two lower edges of the lid each move further away from a virtual plane passing through the outlet and the hinge, as one moves further away (downwards) from the hinge.

[0021] According to a feature, the housing is provided with a cover carrying the outlet and removably fixed on an annular upper portion provided on a part constituting the housing component. The cover can be selectively fixed to the housing component alone. The cover can be without a seal.

[0022] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of assembling an air filtration device as above-mentioned (device with a housing adapted to be arranged vertically), the method comprising the steps essentially consisting of: - delimit, by a component / housing body, a housing accessible from above via an opening, the component also having a fixing bracket including a gripping edge located higher than the opening; - movably mount, by a hinged connection, a cover on one side of said component, this side forming part of a border of the opening, whereby the component and cover constitute the housing; - providing separation means, comprising at least one air-permeable medium, in an interior compartment delimited by the housing component, the separation means being produced in the form of a filter element mounted removably and in a single block in said compartment by insertion through the opening, the filter element making it possible to retain particles and dust on the side opposite an outlet provided on the cover; - in order to allow locking of a closed position of the cover, in which the opening is covered by a closure part belonging to the cover, attach to the cover, by a pivot connection, a part of a clasp element having a lower anchoring portion engaging under the gripping edge in a removable manner to maintain a clamping between the housing component and the cover with a crushing of a peripheral seal of the separation means between a shoulder or groove of the component and a lower end of the cover, knowing that the actuation of the clasp element is allowed by an upper actuation portion of the clasp element; and - configuring the upper actuating portion with a connection to the lower anchoring portion, so that the lower anchoring portion can be moved by an action exerted on the upper actuating portion, while arranging the upper actuating portion projecting upwardly from the pivot connection in the locked state of the cover, so that the upper actuating portion extends closer to a top of the cover than to the opening.

[0023] The upper actuation portion, optionally designed with a wire structure, is for example arranged with: - two ends of the wire structure curved towards each other at the pivot connection, received in a housing of the cover along a side wall of the cover making it possible to delimit a curved part of the cover; and - a rigid actuating handle including an intermediate portion of the wire structure and which is capable of being offset higher and radially inwards relative to the pivot connection.

[0024] According to another aspect, there is provided a use of a hinged cover on a housing component for locking a closed state of an air filter housing, the cover serving to close an upper opening of said component through which a filter element can be mounted internally in the housing, the housing being arranged vertically by being fixed from below on a support provided in a motor vehicle, the cover being connected to the housing component by a hinged connection forming a first fastening system, the cover having a part for closing the opening with a top face which forms the distal region of the opening (region of the closure part which is furthest from the opening), the cover being further provided with several closing means belonging to a second fastening system making it possible to lock a closed state of the cover in which: - at least one clasp element of the closing means extends entirely above a junction between the cover and the component (14), and - a cover-component clamping is exerted by a lower anchoring portion belonging to said clasp element and coming into contact under a gripping edge, which for example is defined above the opening, preferably in a periphery of the upper end of the housing component; and - an upper actuating portion, provided in each element to cause the movement of the lower anchoring portion, projects upwards, extending closer to the top face of the cover than to the junction and / or radially inwards with accessibility from the top of the housing.

[0025] Optionally, the closing means may be distributed around an outlet of the device for the evacuation of purified air, said outlet being formed laterally on the cover, these closing means being actuable to authorize or trigger the unlocking of the closed state, the upper actuating portion being optionally movable by a thrust exerted from the top of the cover.

[0026] In one embodiment, the filter / device is used to filter air supplied to a battery or fuel cell system. In another application, the device is used to filter air supplied to an air supply circuit of an internal combustion engine, in particular for a vehicle engine (e.g., automobile).

[0027] In options, the (peripheral) seal provided on the filter element is capable of applying, when there is no longer any clamping exerted by the second attachment system, a separating force to the filter element to slightly raise the latter and / or to push the cover upwards. The seal being no longer crushed, a return effect towards the nominal shape of the seal (which is a shape memory seal) can allow an expansion effect in the direction at least along a vertical / perpendicular direction to the hinge connection and perpendicular to the plane of the opening of the housing component. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: [Fig.l] is a perspective view of an air filter / purifying device according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating an arrangement with two locking elements offset upwardly relative to the cover junction. [Fig.2] illustrates in a side view a housing of a device according to another embodiment in accordance with the invention. [Fig.3] is another perspective view of the filter of [Fig.l], with a dotted illustration of positions of actuating portions of the clasp elements which allow unlocking of the cover. [Fig.4] is a perspective view, with a longitudinal section, illustrating the device of [Fig.l] with an example of a removably mounted filter element. [Fig.5] is a top view of a device identical or similar to that of [Fig.l], mounted in a cluttered environment with accessible actuating portions for unlocking a second cover attachment system which completes the hinged connection. Description of embodiments

[0029] Below is a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention with examples and reference to the drawings. In the various figures, identical references indicate identical or similar elements.

[0030] With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 5, there is illustrated a filtration device 1 provided for the purification of a flow of raw air F (possibly pre-filtered) coming from the outside, this device / filter being in the suction line of an internal combustion engine or an engine component, for example an accumulator or an energy source requiring cooling (source typically on board a vehicle - a fuel cell for example). This device 1 can be placed in an air intake line or circuit for an internal combustion engine. In the case of a motor vehicle, the device 1 can be arranged in the line, as the last filter before an intake manifold of an engine, a similar inlet for receiving purified air from an engine or a housing of an electrochemical generator.

[0031] The device 1 comprises a housing 2 provided with an inlet 3 and an outlet 4. The interior volume of the housing 2 includes a filtration chamber. The filtering part of the device 1, housed in the interior volume V, may comprise or consist of separation means 5, 6 making it possible to separate an upstream zone Z1, provided in the filtration chamber and communicating with the inlet 3, from a downstream zone Z2 communicating with the outlet 4. A flow of purified air F' emerges through an outlet face F2 of the separation means 5, 6, passing through the downstream zone Z2 and reaching the outlet 4. The filtration chamber is surrounded by a side wall of the housing 2, which is a generally tubular wall. The housing component 14 forming the bottom 2a of the housing 2 forms at least part of this side wall. The housing component 14 may have two sides, a front face and a rear face opposite the front face. A wide opening 02 is formed at the upper end of the housing component 14, this opening 02 being delimited by an annular border B2 which may include a flange 24 or similar external protruding edge.

[0032] The air filtration device 1 typically includes a housing 2, closed during operation, which opens by a cover 10 articulated via a hinged connection 8 on the housing component 14. The hinged connection 8 may correspond to a first attachment system of the housing 2. A second attachment system is further provided to allow the locking of the cover 10 with a tightening of this cover 10 to keep it closed against a border B2 formed at the upper end of the housing component 14. The unlocking of the cover 10 may be allowed by at least one clasp element VI, V2 and possibly one or more additional clips 7.

[0033] At the upper end of the component 14, the edge B2 may include two parallel sides 21, 22 (possibly rectilinear), distinct from a side 20 integrated in the hinged connection 8. On these two sides 21, 22, two uprights, stirrups or similar projecting parts form a gripping edge B11 to cooperate with a complementary hooking part secured to the cover 10, in a region located higher than the flange 23 of the cover which comes into contact with the edge B2.

[0034] As can be seen for example in [Fig.l] or in [Fig.2], one or two locking elements forming clasps VI, V2 may be provided, each with a lower anchoring portion 80 and an upper actuating portion 15, 16 connected together to form a part of the clasp element VI, V2 carried by the cover 10. The support structure MF1, MF2 of the clasp element VI, V2 may be formed laterally on the cover 10 which is curved, at least in the area where such a support structure is located. The upper actuating portion is for example of the rocker type (rocker latch) for pulling the anchoring portion in an upward direction during a locking action.

[0035] In order to facilitate unlocking which is carried out from above the filtration device 1, the cover 10 can carry each upper actuating portion 15, 16 in a curved zone and / or in a zone close to a top of the cover. The lower anchoring portion 80 can be driven by the upper actuating portion designed as a separate part, for example by means of an articulation connection located on the top of the lower anchoring portion 80 and possibly above a pivot connection LP making it possible to connect the upper actuating portion to the cover 10. More generally, the upper actuating portion 15, 16 or comparable clip 115 may be movable, for example with a lever effect and / or a pushing effect, to drive the lower anchoring portion 80 so as to engage the latter under a gripping edge B11 provided in the component 14 in response to an action such as pressing (by a finger of the operator, typically). The actuation may be of the tool-free type to allow the hinged cover 10 to be unlocked and lifted relative to to the remainder of the housing component 14 which forms the fixed part of the housing, at least during a replacement operation relating to all or part of the separation means 5, 6.

[0036] Two respective fixings can be allowed by providing two gripping edges B11 distributed on stirrups 11 or similar projecting members of the component 14. Two receiving parts MF1, MF2, opposite one another in the cover 10, can serve to house and retain one and the other of the lower anchoring portions 80 of a first locking element VI and of a second locking element V2. Regardless of the number of element(s) or the angular sector chosen for the locking element VI, V2 including a distal clip 15, 16, 115 (distal to the junction J), it may be provided that the receiving part MF1, MF2 of such a distal clip 15, 16, 115 is located away from the opening O2, with a spacing distance of more than two-thirds of the total height (which is a maximum height) of the cover 10. Therefore, the fixing of the part carried by the cover 10 is raised and particularly away from the junction J.

[0037] The upper actuating portion 15, 16, pivotally mounted on the cover 10, can project upwards by extending upwardly, in the closed and locked configuration of the housing 2. In top view of the cover 10, this upper actuating portion 15, 16 extends for example radially inwards, if necessary having a grippable portion, in the form of a rigid handle or tab, and can be pushed back radially outwards in order to allow the cover 10 to be unlocked. In the non-limiting case of FIGS. 1 and 3, two upper actuating portions 15, 16 are accessible from above the cover 10, without the need for the operator's fingers to go to one side of the housing 2 near the junction J between the component 14 and the cover 10. Such an upper actuating portion 15, 16 extends more near the top face (or summit) of the cover 10 than the junction J with the component 14.For example, it is possible to provide that each upper actuating portion 15, 16 projects vertically higher / above the cover 10. Example of a filtration element

[0038] The device 1 may have separation means 5, 6, permeable and compact, possibly in the form of a filter block with several superimposed layers. An optional pre-filter or first medium 5 is for example provided and a filter component or second medium 6 is also arranged in the filtration chamber delimited by the housing 2 of the device 1. This filter component 6 can separate particles finer than the separation allowed by the pre-filter 5, in particular by separating particles of submillimetric and / or submicrometric size. More broadly, the device 1 forming an air filter may have one or more filtration layers. The filtration layers may be superimposed or extend parallel to each other. One of the layers is of the cellulose type. Additionally or alternatively, a layer may include an adsorption material, possibly carbon, for example in the form of activated carbon.

[0039] A zone with an annular seal J10 may delimit a periphery of the filtering part including these layers. The filtering part corresponds for example to a filter element EF inserted functionally like a cartridge, thanks to a removable attachment. The seal J10 is based on an elastomer, for example EPDM. It may have a U-shaped section, enclosing a radially projecting rim extending over the circumference of a frame of the filtering element EF.

[0040] The removable attachment of the filter element EF can be carried out on a frame or an annular rim formed in the housing component 14. The seal J10 can be in sealing contact on an inner circumference of the housing component 14, for example by pressing from above on a seat zone of the same general shape (for example rectangular) and the same dimensions as the seal J10 (see for example the non-limiting case of [Fig. 4]). The filter element EF is removably mounted by optionally extending under the outlet 4 belonging to the cover 10. The distance of the inlet face Fl of the filter element EF from the bottom 2a may be greater than or equal to the height of the inlet 3. A water collection / settling zone may be provided separated by this filter element EF. The large vertical distance from the bottom 2a makes it possible to have an air reserve inside the housing component 14, directly under the filter element EF.

[0041] The filter element EF may have a filter panel format, with a delimiting frame on the outside. This frame may be arranged horizontally, with a joint J10 which may optionally be horizontal or which may be inclined with an upward inclination directly from the hinge connection 8. The axis A defined by the hinge components 8a of the connection 8 may be substantially horizontal in the assembled state. The housing 2 may be mounted vertically or generally vertically in a vehicle, having a lower end (forming the bottom 2a) parallel to the extension of the filter element EF. Preferably, the housing 2 has an inlet 3 and an outlet 4 which are each distant from the bottom 2a delimiting a bottom of the filtration chamber.

[0042] One of the layers (at least) of the filter element EF makes it possible to retain aqueous liquids, each layer being permeable to air. The filter element EF makes it possible to delimit a clean zone, corresponding to the downstream zone Z2 which extends in particular into a hollow of the cover 10. The face F2 can form an upper face of the filter element EF, arranged / disposed lower than the grip edge B11 (in the operating conditions of the device 1). Opposite the second face F2, the first face is typically arranged opposite the bottom 2a and can be part of a prefilter or of a first layer of the filter element which extends selectively below the level / plane of Injunction J (and thus below a plane of the opening 02).

[0043] Optionally, the filter element EF which includes a support frame has a first filter medium 5 and a second filter medium 6. As in the example of [Fig.4], these media can be distributed on either side of the support frame which is connected in a sealed manner to both: - to the first medium 5, via a first annular fixing layer, located opposite the first face F1 which belongs to the first filter medium 5; and - to the second medium 6, via a second annular fixing layer, located opposite the second face F2 which belongs to the second filter medium 6. The frame may support the seal J10 on the outside of its side wall which is for example rectangular or polygonal in cross-section. The side wall of the frame includes at least four sides and an annular internal rim forming a support from below for the second filter medium 6 which extends (optionally only partially) into a hollow of the cover 10.

[0044] Referring now to [Fig. 3], the housing component 14, made in one piece or resulting from an assembly of different parts, can be substantially as wide as it is deep (with a width dimension measured along the direction of the axis A of the articulation members / members 8a of the hinge connection 8. It can even be deeper than it is wide on the side of the hinge connection 8. The flow F can circulate firstly in a direction tangential or parallel to a plane of the inlet face F1 of the filter element and / or to a plane of the opening O2 (upper opening) of the housing component 14, as visible in [Fig. 1].

[0045] In [Fig.l], a housing 2 is shown having an inlet 3 and an outlet 4 oriented on the same side, with the inlet close to a side where the hinged connection 8 is located, and the outlet 4 provided on the cover 10 by connecting to the cover 10 in an angled manner on a cover face opposite the hinged connection 8. This arrangement can make it possible to optimize the integration of the housing 2 in a cluttered environment. Alternatively, other orientations can be used for the inlet 3 and / or the outlet 4. Example of structure of the cover

[0046] The opening 02 of the housing component 14 may constitute the only access by which the filter element EF is mounted in the housing component 14. The cover 10 may have a domed shape at least in a region of the closing part P10 which covers the opening 02. The articulation of the cover 10 is carried out selectively on one side of the component 14, for example a substantially rectilinear side, which makes it possible to border the opening 02. In the non-limiting example of [Fig. 1], the cover 10 is domed at least opposite the hinge connection 8. A depression 10d, clearly visible in the case of [Fig. 3], makes it possible to locally limit the size of the cover 10. This depression 10d is adjacent to the hinge connection 8 and adjacent to an edge portion located directly above a tip forming the inlet 3 of the housing component. More broadly, the cover 10 can be designed with a thinning or a depression 10d arranged at least on the side of the inlet 3 and in an angular sector which can be distinct from the angular sectors where the elements of the second attachment system are distributed. This type of arrangement allows for the integration of external components, tubes and / or tubing in an area close to both the hinge connection 8 and the inlet 3, which can then leave space for the opposite side of the cover 10, which requires some clearance in order for the cover 10 to be raised sufficiently (without interference with other components), to uncover the opening 02 when the filter element EF needs to be changed.

[0047] In the illustrated examples, the outlet 4 has a certain mobility due to its integration on the cover 10, at a distance from the hinged connection 8. At least one clip 7 which belongs to the second connection system may be provided on the side opposite the connection 8 forming the first attachment system. The second attachment system allows manual attachment, without tools in preferred options. The cover 10 includes a rim for attaching the clip 7, preferably with a delimitation between two guide edges. The outlet 4 for the purified air can be offset vertically (higher) relative to the junction J, which makes it possible to locate the clip 7 under the opening constituting the outlet 4 with accessibility to this clip 7 being permitted due to the available external spacing provided for the movement of the hinged cover 10.

[0048] As can be seen in the non-limiting case of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, a clip 7 has, for example, a curved structure with an elastic return effect towards a semi-circular or similar conformation, which may correspond to the conformation illustrated in dotted lines in [Fig. 4]. Such a clip is optionally made from a single metal part. The housing component 14 includes a retaining seat SR for retaining a lower end of the clip 7, which here includes a semi-circular spring-effect blade 70. The clip 7 may be carried by the housing component 14 in a state disconnected from the cover 10.

[0049] In the angular sector of the cover 10 (as observed in top view; see also [Fig. 5]) which corresponds to the location of the outlet 4, here an angular sector associated with the side opposite the connection 8, an attachment region is provided on the cover 10, for example in the form of a rim for engagement with a removable retainer of a radially inner part of the clip 7. Since the clip 7 has a handling / gripping tab, which can form the upper end of the clip 7, a user can move the top of the clip 7 until engagement on the rim is obtained. Such a rim may also be located in a notch of a directory return provided in a flange 23 of the cover 10 (an upper groove then being delimited by the cover between its side wall and this upward return). In this case, the handling tab may have a radial extension to overlap the rim while projecting radially outwards from the cover 10. The two delimiting edges of the notch may guide the lowering of a curved portion of the clip 7 while avoiding undesirable twisting movements when placing the clip in its gripping position to retain the cover 10. Such a curved portion, forming an open loop, for analogous part, may have a free end projecting radially outwards, capable of constituting a gripping tab 72.

[0050] In these embodiment options of the cover 10, the operator must go down and operate the clip near the junction J. To avoid having a space dedicated only to access to the clip 4, on one side of the cover 10, this clip 7 is located in the same angular sector as the outlet 4 (also provided on the cover 10) which already requires a free space (for the clearance when lifting the cover 10). In the non-limiting case illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, the outlet 4 is bent, forming a rear portion 44 of the bend. The Y axis in the outlet of the outlet 4 can be angularly offset by more than 60°; for example approximately 90°, relative to the vertical median plane P4 separating into two halves the face of the cover where this outlet 4 is formed. The clip 7 has for example a control / gripping tab 72 visible from above and accessible by going along / passing behind the rear portion 44 of the elbow of the outlet 4.More broadly, it is possible to provide for a co-location of the gripping part of the clip 7 and the outlet 4, on the same side of the cover opposite / distal to the first attachment system, while having a slight offset for access to the clip 7, at least to make it visible in a top view of the device in the closed state of the cover 10.

[0051] It may be provided, in a phase of closing the cover 10, to first fix the clip 7, just after having lowered the cover 10 to form the annular junction J. After this first removable fixing, the operator can manipulate one or two clasp elements VI, V2 to ensure that the cover 10 is also tightened on two parallel sides of the housing component 10 which extend transversely with respect to the hinge connection 8. On the cover 10, two parallel sides (possibly rectilinear) may also be provided, distinct from a side 20 integrated in the hinge connection 8. On these two sides and above the flange 23 of the cover 10, the surface may curve convexly to join a cover top corresponding to the top face 10a.

[0052] Non-limiting examples of the structure of a clasp element

[0053] With reference in particular to figures 1 and 3-4, the cover 10 is kept closed with the junction J which can extend along a plane P, when each clasp element VI, V2 is in the locked state. The clasp element VI, V2 has an upper actuating portion 15, 16 which is attached to the cover 10. In the closed configuration of the cover 10, this upper portion 15, 16 is located on a support region located not only above the plane P (plane which may be inclined / not parallel to the bottom 2a) but also above a plane PI passing through the hinge connection 8 and intersecting a central axis of the outlet 4. The upper portion 15, 16 is designed and arranged so as to be able to extend upwards from a connection end in rotation with the support region. Optionally, this upper portion 15, 16 is a ratchet portion which can rise from above a closure part P10 of the cover 10.

[0054] In the example illustrated, the part of the clasp element VI, V2 carried by the cover 10 comprises the lower anchoring portion 80 and the upper actuation portion 15, 16 which each have a wire structure, for example metallic. This part may consist of two wire parts: one forming the lower anchoring portion 80, the other forming the upper actuation portion 15, 16. These two portions may correspond to two parts linked to each other. Optionally, only the upper actuation portion 15, 16 is in pivot connection (a connection LP of this type is visible in particular in [Fig. 4]) directly with the part constituting the closure part P10 of the cover 10.The lower anchoring portion 80 can be engaged / threaded into two loops of the upper actuating portion 15, 16 used to fix / make the connection L with the anchoring portion 80 and which make it possible to define a secondary articulation axis, for example above the pivot connection LP. The bottom of the lower anchoring portion 80 can be hook-shaped, for example curved with a cusp region.

[0055] In embodiments facilitating mounting on a side wall of the cover 10, the upper actuating portion 15, 16 has two ends E1, E2 curved towards each other which are received in a housing provided at the upper fixing end of a ribbed support SN. Such a support SN can be formed as a radially projecting relief on the side wall of the cover. The SN support may include at least one rib of the cover 10 which extends downwardly, from the upper attachment end, towards a flange 23 of the cover 10.

[0056] Optionally, the upper portion 15, 16 is previously attached by the connection L to the lower anchoring portion 80, before being elastically fitted into the housing of the cover 10. Clipping is for example carried out to engage the upper actuating portion 15, 16 in such a housing, for example formed by two receiving grooves which are part of the same ribbed support SN or similar relief. Access to these grooves can be allowed by overcoming a guide slope for each of the ends E1, E2. Frontally on the relief, in an area separating the two grooves, a guide arranged at the point can be provided to guide and slightly separate (by elastic bending) the tips, lugs or ends E1, E2 formed at the bottom of the upper actuating portion 15, 16, until they enter the grooves with a non-return effect enabled by a release at the rear of the guide arranged at the point.

[0057] Whatever the method of attachment precisely adopted for the clasp element VI, V2, the attachment to the cover 10 is carried out well above the junction J, for example by using extensions of the component 14 which form the gripping edge B11 in an area overlapped from the outside. With reference to Figures 1 to 3, at least one attachment bracket 11 is provided which forms such an extension of the housing component 14, with typically two legs 11a, 11b which connect to the periphery of this component 14, for example by being welded or directly formed by molding on a flange 24 surrounding the opening O2. This type of arrangement makes it possible to multiply the traction / clamping contact points on the component 14, with for example four legs 11a, 11b when two stirrups 11 are used for the clamping action during locking by the clasp elements VI, V2.

[0058] In [Fig. 1], elsewhere than in the depression-forming zone 10d and in a region sufficiently close to the junction edge opposite the hinge connection 8 (edge ​​overlapped here by the clip 7), the housing 2 is provided with two fixing stirrups 11, rigid and in the shape of an inverted U, each integral with the housing component 14. The height of these stirrups 11 is such that the gripping edge B11 defined by the retaining section / portion 11c between the two legs 11a, 11b extends higher than the hinge components 8a despite a progressive reduction in height of the component 14 moving away from the hinge connection 8.

[0059] More broadly, two fixing brackets 11 are provided distributed on the periphery of the housing component 14 and making it possible to raise the contact area with the lower anchoring part 80 provided on a corresponding clasp element VI, V2. The contact area thus raised may correspond to a gripping edge B11 formed perpendicular to the axis A of the connection 8. This gripping edge B11 may be generally parallel to a plane of the opening O2 or to a plane of the junction J. Optionally, the clasp elements VI, V2 may be identical, which simplifies assembly.

[0060] In embodiment options, one or more clips may be provided arranged on the cover 10 in a spaced manner relative to a flange of the cover 23, being vertically separated from this flange 23 by a transition region, optionally ribbed. Each of these elements carried in a domed portion of the cover 10 is a clip distal to the junction J, as opposed to the clip 7 overlapping on the junction J.

[0061] Each distal clip 15, 16, 115 is designed as a movable part of a clasp element VI, V2 carried by the cover 10. Actuation takes place in a region located entirely above the cover 10 or extending beyond a top of the cover 10. With reference to [Fig. 2], a distal clip 115 may be provided elongated in the vertical direction to be actuated at a height which is very different from the accessibility height of the clip 7. Optionally, the distal clip 115 may be part of an actuation structure common to two fixing brackets 11 or two similar protruding parts of the component 14 which make it possible to define a gripping edge B11 on either side of the cover, typically on sides perpendicular to the axis A of the hinge connection 8.In this case, it is possible to provide a connecting branch extending above the single cover by connecting two clips, optionally formed in the same part with the connecting branch.

[0062] More broadly, an actuation structure incorporating two clips distant from the junction J may have a general shape of an inverted U or H in order to allow two clips to be put in place in a single mounting movement from above the cover 10, where appropriate with at least one anchoring point in the middle of the closure portion. For unlocking the two clips from the actuation structure, a region with an elastic return effect may be selectively moved by pressing or pulling on an upper actuation portion capable of causing the movement of the lower anchoring portion provided in the clip.

[0063] In the examples illustrated in the figures, the second attachment system comprises a first locking element VI and a second locking element V2 which are carried by a curved portion of the cover 10 in an area closer to the outlet 4 than to the hinged connection 8, in order to have accessibility to these elements VI, V2 even if the periphery of the housing 2 is cluttered (with the exception of the area with the outlet 4). An actuating end is then provided for each element, which may be rigid. It may for example be designed with a wire structure in the form of a handle 18. The handle or actuating end may be bent inwards in the upper actuating portion 15, 16.

[0064] Although two locking elements VI, V2 are shown arranged on two convex faces distributed on either side of a median vertical plane (median plane of the cover 10 passing through the middle of the hinge connection 8), other arrangements can also be provided with a modified geometry for the cover 10 and / or a different locking arrangement. For example, a non-symmetrical arrangement of the elements VI, V2 can be provided with respect to such a median plane P4, optionally with a single ratchet element having one end 18 accessible on the top of the cover 10. In variants, only one end 18 is offset higher and extends radially inwardly relative to the LP pivot connection of the distal clip / upper actuating portion 15, 16, 115.

[0065] Non-limiting examples of geometric / dimensional parameters

[0066] The inlet 3 may have an intermediate arrangement in height in the housing component 14 housing the separation means 5, 6. The stirrup(s) 11, in the shape of an inverted U, each have a retaining portion 11e which is located higher than the members 8a of the hinged connection 8 and, more generally, higher than the axis A of articulation of the cover 10. Each stirrup 11 may have a vertical extension greater than the length of the upper actuating portion 15, 16. Thus the receiving part MF1, MF2 is at a height level closer (vertically) to a top of the cover belonging to the closing part P10 than it is to the junction J.

[0067] The locking element(s) VI, V2 form clips carried by the cover 10 and the lower anchoring portion 80 has a hook shape. On a side opposite the hinge connection 5 and / or at the level of the locking elements VI, V2, the minimum distance (measured vertically) between the junction J and the top of the cover 10 may optionally be greater than 40 mm and / or represents more than a quarter of a maximum total height of the housing 2, preferably more than a third of the maximum total height of the housing 2.

[0068] The junction J may extend in a plane inclined relative to a plane of the bottom 2a of the housing 2, for example with an angle of inclination greater than 5 or 10° and less than or equal to 30 or 35°. A seal J10 may follow the inclination of this junction. The bottom or lower end of the cover 10 may be dimensioned as a flange which is inserted into the interior volume of the component 14 in order to crush the seal J10. Thus, when locking a closed position of the cover 10, the lower anchoring portion 80 engages under the gripping edge B11 with a clamping effect which accentuates the insertion of the lower end of the cover 10 into a high peripheral region of the interior volume of the component 14, which makes it possible to crush the peripheral seal J10 of the separation means 5, 6. This seal J10 may be seated on a shoulder or in a groove of the component 14. Assembly of the filtration device

[0069] The housing component 2 with the associated cover 10 can be fixed from below to a mounting region provided in a vehicle, before the installation of one or more other components CE external to the device 1. With reference to [Fig. 3], fixing tabs 102 can extend projecting downwards from the lower wall forming the bottom 2a to allow mounting from above. The hinged cover 10, tilted into the open configuration, uncovers the opening 02 which is then accessible from above, on the side opposite the bottom 2a. The filter element EF can then be suspended in the housing component 14 by resting, by the seal J10, on an internal shoulder formed by the side wall of the component 14, near the opening 02. This makes it possible to provide a large air space under the filter element EF constituting the separation means 5, 6.

[0070] The articulation of the cover 10 makes it possible to limit the number of clips or locking elements VI, V2, 7, for example by not exceeding three clips while having good clamping efficiency. The use of stirrups 11 contributes to well distributing the clamping force while having a limited number of locking actions. After having installed the filter element EF and closed the cover 10, all that remains for the operator is to push back a clip 7 proximal to the junction J and push back P one or two clips / ratchet elements allowing gripping under the gripping edge(s) Bll.

[0071] For subsequent unlocking, gripping the ends 18 is facilitated by their high position and offset inwards, even in a cluttered case as illustrated for example in [Fig.5], with direct access impossible on the sides of the housing 2, with the exception of the side of the outlet 4. The arrow F5, in [Fig.5], illustrates a simple unlocking action not requiring going along the bottom or the side of the cover 10. The neck forming the outlet 4 can also carry, by a socket 17, an air flow sensor such as a mass air flow meter (called MAF).

[0072] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, it is also possible to form the cover 10 with a perimeter having curved parts or with a round format in top view, or to arrange the outlet 4 differently, for example in a corner of the cover when the latter has a format with four lateral faces.

Claims

Claims

1. Air filtration device (1) for a motor vehicle, the device including an inlet (3) for the admission of a flow of raw air and an outlet (4) for the evacuation of purified air, the device comprising: - a filter element (EF); - a housing component (14) having a bottom (2a), a side wall (2b), said inlet (3) and an upper end with an opening (02) delimited by an annular border (B2), the opening (02) being opposite the bottom (2a) and allowing the filter element (EF) to be inserted into the housing component (14); - a cover (10) for closing the opening (02) by forming a junction (J) with the edge (B2), the cover (10) being connected to the housing component (14) by a hinged connection (8) forming a first attachment system, the cover having a part (P10) for closing the opening with a top face (10a) which forms the region of the closing part (P 10) which is furthest from the opening (02); and - a second attachment system provided with a clasp element (VI), a part of which is carried by the cover (10) and is capable of cooperating with the housing component (14) in a locking configuration in which the part carried by the cover is engaged from below against a gripping edge (B11) provided in the housing component (14); characterized in that the clasp element (VI) extends entirely above the junction (J) and is capable of exerting, in the locking configuration, a clamping action between the housing component (14) and the cover (10), the clasp element including: - a lower anchoring portion (80) for contact with the gripping edge (B 11); and - an upper actuating portion (15) adapted to move, preferably by pivoting it, the lower anchoring portion (80), and in that the upper actuating portion (15) projects upwards by extending, in the locking configuration, closer to the top face of the cover (10) than to the junction (J) and / or radially inwards with accessibility from above, the upper actuating portion (15) preferably projecting above the cover (10).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the outlet (4) is formed on the cover (10), preferably opposite the hinge connection (8), the upper actuating portion (15) being a ratchet portion which extends above the outlet (4) and / or so as to be overlapped by the top of the cover (10), in the locking configuration.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover (10) is domed at least on one side opposite the hinge connection (8) and includes a fixing means (MF1) on which the upper actuating portion (15) is pivotally mounted, and wherein the gripping edge (B 11) is formed in a fixing bracket (11) which projects in the direction opposite the bottom (2a), so that the gripping edge (B 11) is vertically offset higher than the junction (J).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lower anchoring portion (80) and the upper actuating portion (15) each have a wire structure, preferably metallic, and in which the upper actuating portion (15) has two ends (E1, E2) curved towards each other which are received in a housing provided at the upper fixing end of a ribbed support (SN) formed as a radially projecting relief on a side wall of the cover.

5. A device according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the ribbed support (SN) includes at least one rib of the cover which extends downwardly, from the upper fixing end, towards a flange (23) of the cover (10) which is overlapped externally on its periphery by the fixing bracket (H).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (10) and the housing component (14) constitute a housing for delimiting a filtration chamber, and wherein the outlet (4) is: - arranged on the cover (10), opposite the hinge connection (8); - angled, allowing a flow of purified air leaving the filter element (EF) to exit the filtration chamber, being directed on the same side of the housing as that including the inlet (3).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, including in a hollow of the cover an area (Z2) of the chamber of

8.

9. filtration which is an area downstream of the filter element (EF), communicating with the outlet (4) and delimited between an inner face of the cover (10) and an outlet face (F2) of the filter element (EF), in which the filter element (EF), removably received in the housing component (14), has separation means (5, 6) which are adapted to retain particles and dust by allowing a flow of purified air (F') to pass towards the outlet (4) and arranged lower than the engagement edge (B11) in the locking configuration, so that said outlet face (F2) extends lower than the engagement edge while extending into a hollow of the cover (10).Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second fastening system comprises the clasp element as the first locking element (VI) and comprises a second locking element (V2) also having a lower anchoring portion (80) and an upper ratchet actuating portion (16) adapted to move, preferably by pivoting it, the lower anchoring portion (80) of the second locking element (V2), wherein the edge (B2) has two sides (21, 22), distinct from a side (20) provided with the hinge connection (8), on which two receiving parts are distributed, for engagement respectively with one and the other of the lower anchoring portions (80) of the first locking element (VI) and of the second locking element (V2). A method of assembling an air filtration device (1) as defined in any one of the preceding claims and including a housing (2) capable of being arranged vertically, the method comprising the steps essentially consisting of: - delimiting, by a housing component (14), a housing accessible from above via an opening (02), the component (14) further having a fixing bracket (11) including a gripping edge (B11) located higher than the opening (02); - movably mounting, by a hinged connection (8), a cover (10) on one side of said component (14), this side forming part of a border of the opening (02), whereby the component (14) and the cover (10) constitute the housing (2); - arranging separation means (5, 6), comprising at least one air-permeable medium, in an interior compartment delimited by the housing component (14), the separation means (5, 6) being in the form of a removably mountable filter element (EF) and in a single block in said compartment by insertion through the opening (02), the filter element (EF) making it possible to retain particles and dust on the side opposite an outlet (4) provided on the cover (10);- in order to allow locking of a closed position of the cover (10), in which the opening (02) is covered by a closing part (P10) belonging to the cover (10), attaching to the cover (10), by a pivot connection (LP), a part of a clasp element (VI, V2) having a lower anchoring portion (80) engaging under the gripping edge (B11) in a removable manner to maintain a clamping between the housing component (14) and the cover (10) with crushing of a peripheral seal (J10) of the separating means (5, 6) between a shoulder or groove of the component (14) and a lower end of the cover (10), knowing that the actuation of the clasp element (VI, V2) is allowed by an upper actuation portion (15, 16) of the clasp element (VI, V2);and - configuring the upper actuating portion (15, 16) with a connection to the lower anchoring portion (80), so as to be able to move the lower anchoring portion (80) by an action exerted on the upper actuating portion, while arranging the upper actuating portion (15) projecting upwards from the pivot connection (LP) in the locked state of the cover (10), so that the upper actuating portion (15, 16) extends closer to a top of the cover (10) than to the opening (02).;

10. Method according to claim 9, in which the upper actuating portion, designed with a wire structure, is arranged with: - two ends (E1, E2) of the wire structure curved towards each other at the pivot connection (LP), received in a housing of the cover (10) along a side wall of the cover making it possible to delimit a curved part of the cover; and - a rigid actuating handle (18) including an intermediate portion of the wire structure and which is capable of being offset higher and radially inwards relative to the pivot connection (LP).

11. Use of a cover (10) hinged to a housing component (14) for locking a closed state of an air filter housing (2), wherein the cover (10) serves to close an upper opening (02) of said component (14) through which a filter element can be mounted internally in the housing, the housing (2) being arranged vertically in being fixed from below on a support provided in a motor vehicle, characterized in that the cover (10) is connected to the housing component (14) by a hinge connection (8) forming a first fastening system, the cover having a part (P 10) for closing the opening (02) with a top face (10a) which forms the region of the closing part (P10) which is furthest from the opening (02), the cover (10) being further provided with several closing means (VI, V2, 7) belonging to a second fastening system for locking a closed state of the cover (10) in which: - at least one clasp element (VI, V2) of the closing means extends entirely above a junction (J) between the cover (10) and the component (14), and - a cover (10) - component (14) clamping is exerted by a lower anchoring portion (80) belonging to said clasp element (VI, V2) and coming into contact under a gripping edge (B11) defined above the opening (02) in a periphery of the upper end of the housing component (14); and - an upper actuating portion (15, 16), provided in each clasp element (VI, V2) to cause the movement of the lower anchoring portion, projects upwards, extending closer to the top face (10a) of the cover (10) than to the junction (J) and / or radially inwards with accessibility from the top of the housing (2).

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