Filter element and filter system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter element (10) for a filter system (100) for filtering a fluid, particularly air, comprising a planarly arranged filter body (12) including a filter medium (14) through which a fluid flows in a flow direction (50) when used as intended, at least one clean outlet face (16) of the filter body (12) being circumferentially surrounded by a frame element (20) having a seal (22) on an outer periphery (52), the filter body (12) having at least one reinforcing rib (24) connected to the frame element (20), the outlet face (16) having at least one recess (30) which engages with a counter element (130) arranged on the filter housing (110) when the filter element is installed as intended in a filter housing (110) of the filter system (100). The present invention further relates to a filter system (100) with a replaceable filter element (10).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter element for a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular air, with a planarly arranged filter body, as well as to a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular air, with a replaceable filter element. [Background technology]

[0002] Before being fed to the engine, the intake air of an internal combustion engine is usually passed through an air filter with a filter housing and a filter element arranged therein in order to separate the dirt particles contained in the intake air. An air filter of this kind is known, for example, from DE 102 31 696 A1. The filter element has a flat cuboid shape and contains a filter medium made of paper or filter fabric folded in a zigzag manner. The pleats on one side of the filter medium define the main filter surface on the untreated air side of the filter element, while the pleats on the opposite side, lying in a parallel plane, define the filter surface on the clean air side. The sealing of the pleated ends of the filter medium is carried out by so-called edge gluing. This can be achieved, for example, by applying a bead of hot melt adhesive to the filter medium, spray gluing, applying PUR foam or by so-called sideband gluing.

[0003] From EP 2 223 727 A1 a filter arrangement is known which comprises a multi-part housing and a filter element which can be inserted into the housing and which are connected to one another in the assembled state of the housing parts. According to the invention, for connecting the housing parts a connecting device is provided which passes through the filter element and which comprises at least one housing dome which is formed integrally with the housing part and a damping element which is arranged between an end face of the housing dome and the opposite housing part. Summary of the Invention

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter element for a filter system that is easy to install.

[0005] A further object is to provide such a filter system with a filter element that is easy to install.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the above problem is solved by a filter element for a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular air, comprising a planarly arranged filter body containing a filter medium through which the fluid flows in a flow direction when used as intended, at least one clean outlet face of the filter body being circumferentially surrounded by a frame element having a seal on its outer periphery, the filter body having at least one reinforcing rib connected to the frame element, and the outlet face having at least one recess into which a counter element arranged on the filter housing engages when the filter element is installed as intended in a filter housing of the filter system.

[0007] A further object is solved by a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular air, comprising a replaceable filter element and a filter housing having an inlet and an outlet, the filter element comprising a filter body including a filter medium through which the fluid flows in a flow direction when used as intended, at least one clean-side outlet face of the filter body being circumferentially surrounded by a frame element having a seal on its outer periphery, the filter body having at least one reinforcing rib connected to the frame element, and the outlet face having at least one recess in which a counter element arranged on the filter housing engages.

[0008] Preferred embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawings.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a filter element for a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular air, is proposed, which comprises a planarly arranged filter body containing a filter medium through which the fluid flows in a flow direction when used as intended. At least one clean-side outlet surface of the filter body is circumferentially surrounded by a frame element having a seal on its outer periphery. The filter body has at least one reinforcing rib connected to the frame element. The outlet surface has at least one recess into which a counter element arranged on the filter housing engages when the filter system is installed as intended in the filter housing.

[0010] The proposed filter element is intended for use in an air filter system of a motor vehicle and is replaceable as required. Such a filter element may have different elements for positioning and accommodation in a filter housing of the filter system. According to the invention, the filter element has a positioning element configured as a recess provided in the filter body, into which a complementary counter element arranged on the filter housing engages. The filter body can preferably be designed with a zigzag-folded filter medium. However, such a recess can also be formed in a filter body with a flat filter layer. The recess is advantageously connected to a frame element and / or to at least one reinforcing rib.

[0011] Such engagement between the recess and the opposing element allows the filter element to be properly mounted in the filter housing, ensures a secure fit of the seal of the filter element, and ensures good sealing, thereby protecting the filter element from vibrations of the vehicle engine.

[0012] The recess and counter element function according to the Poka-Yoke principle, allowing the filter element to be fitted without any confusion, which is advantageous since an incorrectly fitted filter element can lead to faults in the response signal from the mass flow sensor.

[0013] The interaction of the recess in the filter body with the opposing element of the filter housing further increases the stiffness of the filter system.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter element, the at least one recess is lined with the material of the frame element and / or the at least one reinforcing rib. In particular, the recess is lined with plastic. This allows the recess to be designed stably and can be advantageously manufactured together with the frame element and / or the reinforcing rib, in particular integrally. The frame element and the reinforcing rib are preferably made of plastic, so that the recess can also be lined with plastic. The frame element, the reinforcing rib or ribs and the wall surrounding the recess can be manufactured in one-piece injection molding.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter element, the at least one recess is arranged in a recess of the filter body, which can be formed, for example, by appropriately cutting or punching a filter body made of a zigzag folded paper medium.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter element, the filter body has at least two reinforcing ribs and at least one recess is arranged between the at least two reinforcing ribs. In particular, the at least one recess is connected to the two reinforcing ribs by respective webs. The reinforcing ribs serve to reinforce the filter body. If the recess is arranged between the reinforcing ribs, the recess or the wall surrounding the recess can be mechanically connected to the reinforcing ribs via webs on both sides so that forces can be transmitted.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter element, at least one recess is at least partially arranged in at least one reinforcing rib. In another advantageous option, the recess may be directly integrated into the reinforcing rib. The recess is stably connected to the frame element via the reinforcing rib and can transmit greater forces.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter element, at least one recess is arranged at the connection between the at least one reinforcing rib and the frame element, which also allows a reliable and undisturbed installation of the filter element in the filter housing.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter element, at least one recess is arranged in the at least one reinforcing rib. In particular, at least two recesses are arranged in the at least one reinforcing rib. In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing rib can directly have one or more recesses. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a cutout in at least some area of ​​the reinforcing rib. In this case, the at least one recess may engage between the pleats of the filter medium.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter element, the filter body is folded in a zigzag manner, and at least one recess arranged on the reinforcing rib engages between the pleats of the filter medium, the recess being limited to the area of ​​the filter body where the at least one reinforcing rib is arranged, so that the entire surface of the filter body is available for filtering the fluid.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter element, the at least one recess has a circular, rectangular or semicircular cross section. In particular, the at least one recess has a cross section that tapers conically in the engagement direction of the counter element. The recesses can advantageously have different cross sections that follow the corresponding shape of the counter element. A tapered cross section is advantageous for a secure installation and tight fit of the filter element in the filter housing.

[0022] The at least one recess is advantageously in close contact with the filter medium, which makes it possible to prevent undesirable leakage during filtering of the fluid in the filter housing.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter element, at least one recess is arranged asymmetrically on the surface of the filter body so that it can be mounted in the filter housing without confusion and according to the Poka-Yoke principle. The recess and the counter element work according to the Poka-Yoke principle so that the filter element can only be mounted in one orientation or fixed position. This is advantageous because if the filter element is not mounted correctly, this can lead to malfunctions in the response signal from the mass flow sensor.

[0024] It is understood that the filter element can have more than one recess, and in particular the different configurations of recesses described above can be combined with each other.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular air, is proposed, comprising a replaceable filter element and a filter housing having an inlet and an outlet. The filter element comprises a filter body including a filter medium through which the fluid flows in a flow direction when used as intended, at least one clean-side outlet surface of the filter body being circumferentially surrounded by a frame element having a seal on its outer periphery. The filter body has at least one reinforcing rib connected to the frame element. The outlet surface has at least one recess in which a counter element arranged on the filter housing engages.

[0026] The filter elements used in the filter system can be replaced as necessary. Such filter elements can have different elements for positioning and receiving in the filter housing of the filter system. According to the invention, the filter element has a positioning element configured as a recess provided in the filter body, into which a complementary counter element arranged on the filter housing engages. The filter body can preferably be designed with a zigzag-folded filter medium. However, such a recess can also be formed in a filter body with a flat filter layer. The recess is advantageously connected to the frame element and / or to at least one reinforcing rib.

[0027] Such engagement between the recess and the opposing element allows the filter element to be properly mounted in the filter housing, ensures a secure fit of the seal of the filter element, and ensures good sealing, thereby protecting the filter element from vibrations of the vehicle engine.

[0028] The recess and counter element function according to the Poka-Yoke principle, allowing the filter element to be fitted without any confusion, which is advantageous since an incorrectly fitted filter element can lead to faults in the response signal from the mass flow sensor.

[0029] The interaction of the recess in the filter body with the opposing element of the filter housing further increases the stiffness of the filter system.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter system, the filter housing comprises at least a first housing part with an inlet and a second housing part with an outlet, and at least one counter element is arranged on the first or the second housing part. In this way, the filter element can be securely inserted into the housing part and the filter housing can be closed with the second housing part. The counter element advantageously engages in a recess of the filter element such that the filter element is securely fixed in the filter housing.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter system, at least one recess is arranged asymmetrically on the surface of the filter body so that it can be mounted in the filter housing according to the Poka-Yoke principle without confusion. The recess and the counter element work according to the Poka-Yoke principle so that the filter element is mounted in only one orientation. This is advantageous because an incorrectly mounted filter element can cause defects in the response signal from the mass flow sensor in the filtered air flow.

[0032] Further advantages are shown in the following description of the drawings, in which the drawings show embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the specification and the claims contain a number of combinations of features which can be considered individually and combined by those skilled in the art to provide further combinations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a filter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the filter system of FIG. 1, section AA being shown. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a filter element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter element of FIG. 3 in a recessed region. [Diagram 5] 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter system of FIG. 2 taken along section line AA. [Figure 6] 13 is an isometric view of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter element of FIG. 6 in a recessed region. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter system including the filter element of FIG. 6 taken along section line AA. [Figure 9] 13 is an isometric view of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter element of FIG. 9 in a recessed area. [Figure 11] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter system including the filter element of FIG. 9 taken along section line AA. [Figure 12] 13 is an isometric view of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter element of FIG. 12 at a recessed area. [Figure 14] 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter system including the filter element of FIG. 12 taken along section line AA. [Figure 15]13 is an isometric view of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter element of FIG. 15 at a recessed area. [Figure 17] 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter system including the filter element of FIG. 15 taken along section line AA. [Figure 18] 13 is an isometric view of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter element of FIG. 18 at a recessed area. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter system including the filter element of FIG. 18 taken along section line AA. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] In the figures, identical or similar components are indicated with the same reference symbols.The figures are merely illustrative and should not be understood as limiting.

[0035] In the following, the directional terms used, such as "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "rear" and the like, are intended to facilitate a better understanding of the figures and are in no way limiting in generality. The illustrated components and elements, their interpretation and use may vary and be adapted to each application by those skilled in the art.

[0036] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a filter system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a top view of the filter system 100 of Fig. 1, with cross section AA shown.

[0037] The filter system 100 for filtering fluids, particularly air, comprises a replaceable filter element 10, not visible in the figures, and a filter housing 110 having an inlet 102 and an outlet 104. The filter housing 110 includes at least a first housing part 112 having the inlet 102 and a second housing part 114 having the outlet 104. When the filter element 10 is installed, the two housing parts 112, 114 are tightly connected.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a filter element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The filter element 10 comprises a filter body 12 containing a filter media 14 through which fluid will flow in a flow direction 50 when in intended use. At least one clean outlet face 16 of the filter body 12 is circumferentially surrounded by a frame element 20 having a seal 22 on a periphery 52. ​​The seal 22 may be formed of polyurethane (PUR), for example, and may be foamed onto the frame element 20 during the manufacturing process.

[0040] The filter body 12 has two reinforcing ribs 24 arranged in parallel and connected to the frame element 20. The outflow face 16 has at least one recess 30 in which a counter element 130 arranged on the filter housing 110 can engage. For this purpose, at least one counter element 130 can be arranged in the first or second housing part 112, 114.

[0041] The recess 30 is located between the two reinforcing ribs 24. The recess 30 is connected to the two reinforcing ribs 24 via a web 34 for a strong mechanical connection.

[0042] 1 and 2, the counter element 130 is arranged in the second housing part 114, which is the housing cover. From the outside of the filter housing 110, the counter element 130 is visible only as a recess in the housing part 114, which is produced, for example, by plastic injection molding.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section through the filter element 10 of FIG. 3 in the region of the recess 30, and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section through the filter system of FIG. 2 along the section line AA.

[0044] As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the recesses 30 are located in recesses 32 in the filter body 12. The recesses 32 in the filter body 12 can be obtained, for example, by cutting or punching the zigzag-folded filter media 14.

[0045] The recess 30 is advantageously lined with the material of the frame element 20 and / or the at least one reinforcing rib 24 so as to be able to accommodate with corresponding mechanical stability the counter element 130 of the filter housing 110. For example, if the frame element 20 is made from plastic, the recess 30 can be lined with plastic.

[0046] As can be seen from Fig. 3, the recess has a circular cross section. In principle, other cross-sectional shapes are also possible. For example, the recess 30 can have a rectangular or semicircular cross section. Furthermore, as shown in the longitudinal section in Figs. 4 and 5, the recess 30 has a cross section that tapers conically in the engagement direction 54 of the counter element 130. This ensures that the counter element 130, which has a corresponding shape, is inserted into the recess 30 in the engagement direction 54 when the second housing part 114 is placed on the first housing part 112 with the filter element 10 attached, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0047] 3, the recesses 30 are asymmetrically positioned on the surface 18 of the filter body 12 so that the filter housing 110 can be mounted in a poka-yoke manner to prevent mistakes. The counter element 130 can only engage the recesses 30 and close the filter housing 110 when the filter element 10 is properly mounted in the first housing part 112.

[0048] 5, flow direction 50 is indicated by arrows. Fluid may flow from a first housing portion 112, having an inlet 102 (not visible), through the filter body 12, into a second housing portion 114, and out through an outlet 104 (not visible). The filter element 10 is sealed to the filter housing 110 by a seal 22 disposed on a frame element 20.

[0049] Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a filter element 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section through the filter element 10 of Fig. 6 in the region of the recess 30. Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section through the filter system 100 with the filter element 10 of Fig. 6 along the section line AA, the section line running through the recess 30.

[0050] In the example embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, the recess 30 is at least partially disposed in at least one reinforcing rib 24. The recess 30 is stably connected to the frame element 20 via the reinforcing rib 24 and can transmit a larger force.

[0051] Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a filter element 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 10 is a longitudinal section through the filter element 10 of Fig. 9 in the region of the recess 30. Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section through the filter system 100 comprising the filter element 10 of Fig. 9 along the section line AA, the section line running through the recess 30.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the recess 30 is disposed at a connection portion between at least one reinforcing rib 24 and the frame element 20. The recess 30 is semicircular. A straight portion of the semicircular shape is in contact with the frame element 20. The recess 30 is stably connected to the frame element 20 via the reinforcing rib 24, and can transmit a larger force.

[0053] Fig. 12 is an isometric view of a filter element 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 13 is a longitudinal section through the filter element 10 of Fig. 12 in the region of the recess 30. Fig. 14 is a longitudinal section through a filter system comprising the filter element 10 of Fig. 12 along the section line AA, the section line running through the recess 30.

[0054] The embodiment example shown in Figures 12 to 14 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8. However, the recess 30 has a rectangular cross section instead of a circular cross section.

[0055] Fig. 15 is an isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 16 is a longitudinal section of the filter element 10 of Fig. 15 in the region of the recess. Fig. 17 is a longitudinal section of a filter system comprising the filter element 10 of Fig. 15 along the section line AA. The section line runs through the recess 30.

[0056] The embodiment example shown in Figures 15 to 17 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11. However, the recess 30 has a rectangular cross section instead of a semicircular cross section.

[0057] Fig. 18 is an isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 19 is a longitudinal section through the filter element 10 of Fig. 18 in the region of the recess 30. Fig. 20 is a longitudinal section through a filter system comprising the filter element 10 of Fig. 18 along the section line AA, the section line running through the recess 30.

[0058] In this exemplary embodiment, two recesses 30 are disposed in the reinforcing rib 24. The filter body 12 shown in the illustrated embodiment is folded in a zigzag pattern so that the recesses 30 disposed in the reinforcing rib 24 can engage between the pleats 60 of the filter medium 14. The corresponding opposing elements 130 are rod-shaped.

[0059] In principle, the number of recesses 30 and counter elements 130 could also be increased in order to obtain greater mechanical stability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10 Filter Elements 12 Filter body 14 Filter media 16 Clean side outflow surface 18 Surface 20 Frame Elements 22 Seal 24 Reinforcing rib 30 Recess of filter element 32 Recess of filter body 34 Web 50 Flow direction 52 Circumference 54 Engagement direction 60 Pleats 100 Filter System 102 Inlet 104 Outlet 110 Filter housing 112 Upper part of housing 114 Lower part of housing 130 Opposing Element

Claims

1. A filter element (10) for a filter system (100) for filtering a fluid, in particular air, comprising: The filter element (10) comprises a planarly arranged filter body (12) including a filter medium (14) through which a fluid will flow in a flow direction (50) when used as intended; At least one clean-side outlet surface (16) of the filter body (12) is circumferentially surrounded by a frame element (20) having a seal (22) on an outer periphery (52); The filter body (12) has at least one reinforcing rib (24) connected to the frame element (20), The filter element has at least one recess (30) on the outflow surface (16) that engages with a counter element (130) disposed on the filter housing (110) when the filter element is installed in the filter housing (110) of the filter system (100) as intended.

2. 2. A filter element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one recess (30) is lined with the material of the frame element (20) and / or the at least one reinforcing rib (24), in particular the recess (30) is lined with plastic.

3. 3. The filter element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one recess (30) is disposed within a recess (32) of the filter body (12).

4. 3. A filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter body (12) has at least two reinforcing ribs (24), and the at least one recess (30) is arranged between the at least two reinforcing ribs (24), in particular the at least one recess (30) is connected to the two reinforcing ribs (24) by respective webs (34).

5. 3. A filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one recess (30) is at least partially disposed in said at least one reinforcing rib (24).

6. 3. A filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one recess (30) is arranged at the connection between said at least one reinforcing rib (24) and said frame element (20).

7. 3. A filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one recess (30) is arranged in the at least one reinforcing rib (24), in particular, at least two recesses (30) are arranged in the at least one reinforcing rib (24).

8. 8. The filter element of claim 7, wherein the filter body (12) is folded in a zigzag pattern, and the at least one recess (30) disposed in the reinforcing rib (24) engages between pleats (60) of the filter medium (14).

9. 3. A filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one recess (30) has a circular, rectangular or semicircular cross section, in particular the at least one recess (30) has a cross section that tapers conically in the engagement direction (54) of the counter element (130).

10. 3. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the at least one recess is asymmetrically disposed on the surface of the filter body so that the filter body can be attached to the filter housing without confusion and in accordance with the principle of error proofing.

11. A filter system (100) for filtering a fluid, in particular air, comprising: The filter system (100) comprises a replaceable filter element (10) according to claim 1 or 2 and a filter housing (110) having an inlet (102) and an outlet (104), The filter element (10) comprises a filter body (12) including a filter medium (14) through which fluid flows in a flow direction (50) when used as intended; At least one clean-side outlet surface (16) of the filter body (12) is circumferentially surrounded by a frame element (20) having a seal (22) on an outer periphery (52); The filter body (12) has at least one reinforcing rib (24) connected to the frame element (20), The outflow surface (24) has at least one recess (30) that engages with a counter element (130) arranged on the filter housing (110).

12. 12. The filter system of claim 11, wherein the filter housing (110) includes at least a first housing portion (112) having the inlet (102) and a second housing portion (114) having the outlet (104), and at least one of the opposing elements (130) is disposed on the first or second housing portion (112, 114).

13. 12. The filter system of claim 11, wherein the at least one recess (30) is asymmetrically arranged on the surface (18) of the filter body (12) so that the filter body can be attached to the filter housing (110) without confusion and in a poka-yoke manner.

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