Filter elements, filter housing, and filter device for placement within the filter housing of a filter device.

Abstract

The present invention describes a filter element (16), a filter housing (26), and a filter device (10) for placement within a filter housing (26) of a filter device (10). The filter element (16) comprises at least one filter media body (48) having an inlet side (64) and an outlet side (66) on opposite sides axially with respect to a longitudinal central axis (22), and a seal (54) extending circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22) and disposed on the filter media body (48). The filter element (16) is part of at least one protruding element (72) and has at least two protruding regions (44) radially outward of the filter element (16) and positioned axially between the seal (54) and the outlet side (66) of the filter element (16). The protruding regions (44) are spaced apart in the axial direction. At least one of the protruding regions (44) is located closer to the circumferential seal (54) than the other protruding regions (44) and is positioned at a greater radial distance with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22) than the other protruding regions (44). With the filter element (16) connected as intended within the filter housing (26), the protruding regions (44) can be moved toward at least one corresponding opposing structure (42) of the filter housing (26) to form an axial stopper for the filter element (16) within the filter housing (26) with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22).

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present patent application claims the priority of German Patent Application No. 102023124737.9 filed with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office on September 13, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a filter element, particularly an air filter element, for arrangement in a filter housing of a filter device, particularly an air filter device, comprising: at least one filter medium body having an inlet side and an outlet side on axially opposite sides with respect to a central longitudinal axis; and a circumferential seal with respect to the central longitudinal axis arranged on the at least one filter medium body. The filter element is part of at least one protruding element, and comprises at least two protruding regions arranged radially outside the filter element in the axial direction between the circumferential seal and the outlet side of the filter element. The at least two protruding regions are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. At least one protruding region among the at least two protruding regions is located closer to the circumferential seal than at least one other protruding region among the at least two protruding regions, and is arranged at a larger radial distance from the central longitudinal axis than said at least one other protruding region.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a filter housing, particularly an air filter housing, in which at least one filter element, particularly at least one air filter element, can be arranged.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a filter device, particularly an air filter device, comprising at least one filter housing and at least one filter element arranged in the at least one filter housing. [[Background Art]]

[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0169555 discloses a filter system. This filter system comprises a filter housing implemented in the form of a cover and a housing body. The filter system comprises a filter element fluidly positioned between the cover and the housing body. The filter system functions to filter contaminated fluid, with the fluid flowing in from an inlet and flowing out from an outlet as clean fluid. The filter element is installed in the filter housing in a replaceable and removable manner, and can be maintained or replaced with a new clean filter element when worn out. To prevent contaminated fluid from bypassing the filter element, particularly its filter medium, a sealing device interacts with one or more housing components. The sealing device is rectangular and comprises a preform element in the form of a preform frame element (also called a rim frame) and a housing seal element. The housing seal element is mounted on the frame element and, in this embodiment, defines a housing seal surface, which is an axial seal surface. The housing seal surface is pressed axially into a portion of the housing body to form a seal in the installed state.

[0006] The present invention aims to design the aforementioned types of filter elements, filter housings, and filter devices that allow the overall filter elements to be designed in a more space-saving manner. [Overview of the project]

[0007] This objective is solved, according to the present invention, with respect to the filter element, when the filter element is connected as intended within the filter housing, at least two protruding regions are capable of contacting at least one corresponding opposing structure of the filter housing with respect to the longitudinal central axis, so as to form an axial stopper for the filter element within the filter housing.

[0008] According to the present invention, at least two protruding regions are provided, arranged at different radial and axial distances with respect to the longitudinal central axis. This allows the protruding regions to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal central axis and to support the filter element on opposing support surfaces that are part of the opposing structure of the filter housing. This stepped arrangement of protruding regions defining the inclined support surfaces requires less space when viewed radially with respect to the longitudinal central axis compared to protruding regions arranged on surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis. The installation space obtained by the stepped arrangement of protruding regions according to the present invention can be used for the filter media body. Therefore, a larger filter surface area can be achieved with the same installation space.

[0009] At least two protruding regions are positioned axially between the circumferential seal and the outlet side of the filter element, thereby separating the sealing region and the holding region of the filter element within the filter housing. The filter element is held axially within the filter housing by at least two protruding regions. This makes it possible to use a seal that has at least partially radial sealing action.

[0010] At least two protruding regions are spaced apart in the axial direction. This means that at least two protruding regions are spaced apart in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal central axis in a projection perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis.

[0011] Advantageously, the filter element has a substantially circular, circular-elliptical, or elliptical outer cross-section in the direction traversing the longitudinal central axis. The filter element may be referred to as a so-called "circular filter element." The filter element can be used in circular air filters and / or compact air filters. In the case of compact air filters, the filter element can be used in single-stage or two-stage embodiments. The filter element can be combined with at least one cyclone separator. The cyclone separator can separate particles, in particular dust particles, from gases, in particular air. At least one cyclone separator can be used as a pre-separator.

[0012] This allows the medium to be cleaned, particularly air, to be pre-cleaned before flowing through the filter element. In this way, two-stage separation can be achieved. At least one cyclone separator can be fixed to the filter housing together with the filter element, particularly using a toggle fastener. Thus, at least one cyclone separator can be pressed axially against the filter housing. This allows the cyclone separator to hold the filter element in a predetermined position axially with respect to its longitudinal central axis within the filter housing. A circumferential seal can seal the area between the filter element, the filter housing, and the cyclone separator. The force flow is transmitted through the cyclone separator to the frame element of the filter element and from there to the filter housing. In this case, the introduction of force into the filter housing can be achieved via lateral ribs on the frame element of the filter element.

[0013] Advantageously, the filter element may be axially positioned within the filter housing with respect to its longitudinal central axis. The filter element may be clamped axially within the filter housing. This allows at least two protruding regions to axially contact at least one corresponding opposing structure of the filter housing. Thus, the filter element can be supported by at least one opposing structure.

[0014] The seal prevents particles or water from entering the clean side between at least one filter element and the filter housing. It also prevents particles or water from entering the area between at least one filter element and a second housing component, particularly the immersion plate and / or cyclone block.

[0015] Advantageously, at least one filter media body comprises at least one filter bellows, in particular at least one single bellows and / or at least one double bellows.

[0016] Advantageously, the filter material itself includes a filter material suitable for filtering a gaseous medium, especially air, particularly filter paper, filter nonwoven fabric, filter foam, etc.

[0017] Advantageously, the filter media of at least one filter body can be folded or rolled. This increases the effective filter surface area. The filter elements can be designed accordingly as folded filter elements or rolled elements.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one filter element is a compact filter element, a hollow filter element, a flat filter element, etc.

[0019] Advantageously, the filter media body includes filter media having deep folds, particularly those folded in a zigzag shape. In the case of a filter media body that is roughly rectangular or prismatic in shape, the folds are called deep if the fold height is at least approximately equal to the length in the direction of the fold edge and / or the length in the direction intersecting the fold edge.

[0020] The hollow filter element is characterized by having at least one element inside which is surrounded by a filter material.

[0021] The hollow filter element may be, particularly advantageously, a so-called circular filter element having a circular cross-section, an elliptical filter element having an elliptical cross-section, a flattened elliptical filter element having a flattened elliptical cross-section, a conical filter element in which the circular cross-section tapers axially with respect to the principal axis, a cono-elliptical filter element in which the elliptical cross-section tapers axially at least in the direction of the transverse axis, a cono-flattened elliptical filter element in which the flattened elliptical cross-section tapers axially in the direction of at least one transverse axis, or a hollow filter element having a different cross-section, in particular a rectangular cross-section, and / or different axial cross-sectional shapes in the direction of the element axis.

[0022] The filter device and filter element can be used in relation to internal combustion engines in vehicles, particularly automobiles, construction machinery and / or agricultural machinery, and compressors, and in relation to fuel cells, particularly in cathode filters.

[0023] The medium to be purified can be air. In this case, the filter device is also called an air filter device. The filter device can remove solid or liquid particles, especially dust, from a gaseous medium.

[0024] The longitudinal central axis extends along the length of the filter device. The longitudinal direction of the filter device is the direction in which the components of the filter device are assembled. The longitudinal central axis extends so as to pass through the vicinity of the center of the filter device.

[0025] The longitudinal central axis may coincide with the housing axis of the filter housing, the axis for installing / removing the filter element from the first housing component, particularly the housing pod, the axis for connecting the first housing component to the second housing component, particularly the cyclone housing, and / or the element axis of the filter element. In this description, where “radial,” “coaxial,” “axial,” “tangential,” “circumferential,” “concentric,” “eccentric,” or similar terms are mentioned, unless otherwise specified, this refers to the longitudinal central axis. “Circumferential” in this context refers to the virtual wall surrounding the longitudinal central axis.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, at least two of the protruding regions are arranged on the same protruding element, and in particular, the at least two protruding regions arranged on the same protruding element are continuous with each other with no gap. This enables greater mechanical stability to be obtained.

[0027] Advantageously, at least two protruding regions are continuous with each other with no gap. This allows a simpler tool to be employed for manufacturing the protruding element.

[0028] Advantageously, the protruding element includes a plurality of protruding regions. The protruding regions can be selected to be arbitrarily small. This enables the contact area between the protruding regions and the opposing structure of the filter housing to be reduced. Advantageously, any number of arbitrarily small protruding regions are formed on the protruding element. This enables more uniform support to be achieved.

[0029] Advantageously, the protruding element includes innumerable protruding regions, each of which is correspondingly small. This enables a substantially continuous support surface to be achieved. The support surface can be formed from a plurality of protruding elements that are continuous with each other with no gap.

[0030] The prefix "protruding" in the terms "protruding element" and "protruding region" means that the corresponding element or region protrudes, i.e., projects, relative to an adjacent region.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two of the protruding regions are arranged at tangential intervals when viewed in the circumferential direction with respect to the central longitudinal axis. This enables the protruding regions to be distributed and arranged along the circumferential direction. This enables better force transmission to be achieved between the protruding regions and the opposing structure of the filter housing. In particular, at least two of the protruding regions may be arranged at tangential intervals with respect to the central longitudinal axis in a projection in the direction of the central longitudinal axis.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter element comprises at least two protruding elements, each of which has at least one of at least two protruding regions. This allows the protruding elements and regions to be further individually adapted to the corresponding opposing structures of the filter housing.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two of the at least two protruding regions form at least one support surface, in particular at least one flat support surface, that extends inclined with respect to the longitudinal central axis. This allows the protruding regions to be uniformly supported on the corresponding opposing surfaces of the opposing structure of the filter housing. The opposing surfaces of the opposing structure may extend inclined with respect to the longitudinal central axis.

[0034] Advantageously, the support surface can be flat. This allows for more uniform support.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one support surface is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the axial direction of at least one longitudinal central axis. This allows at least one support surface to further function as an insertion aid when the filter element is installed in the filter housing.

[0036] Advantageously, this acute angle is located on the side facing the inflow. This allows the filter element to be easily inserted into the filter housing axially with respect to the longitudinal central axis, with the outflow side leading.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, the support surface is at least partially continuous and / or at least partially discontinuous. Using a continuous support surface allows for better mechanical force transmission. A discontinuous support surface can be realized with less material consumption.

[0038] Advantageously, the support surface may be at least partially virtual. In this case, the actual support function can be achieved solely by the protruding region. By positioning the protruding region along at least partially virtual support surfaces, uniform support can be achieved, preventing tilting or rotation of the filter element relative to the filter housing.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one protruding element has higher mechanical rigidity overall than the circumferential seal. This allows for better isolation of the transmission of mechanical retaining forces between the filter element and the filter housing from the circumferential seal.

[0040] Advantageously, at least one protruding element may be at least partially flexible. This allows for better tolerance compensation when installing the filter element into the filter housing. Advantageously, at least one protruding element may contain at least partially the same material as the circumferential seal. This simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0041] Advantageously, at least two protruding regions are distributed around the outer periphery of the filter element. This allows the protruding regions to support the filter element at its periphery in the opposing structure of the filter housing.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment, in the axial projection, at least one, and in particular all, of the protruding regions are located between the longitudinal central axis and the radially outward side of the circumferential seal, and in particular, in the axial projection, the circumferential seal extends radially outward from at least one protruding region. In this way, the protruding regions can be space-savingly positioned in the tapered portion of the filter housing relative to the sealing area.

[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter element comprises at least three circumferentially discontinuous support surfaces distributed around the outer circumference of the filter element and facing the outflow side, each of which is defined by at least two of at least two protruding regions. This allows the filter element to be uniformly supported in the opposing structure of the filter housing.

[0044] Advantageously, at least three circumferentially discontinuous support surfaces can be positioned relative to the corresponding opposing structures of the filter housing to form axial stoppers for the filter elements in the intended connection state.

[0045] Advantageously, at least three circumferentially discontinuous support surfaces are inclined at an acute angle with respect to the axial direction of the longitudinal central axis. This allows the support surfaces to also function as insertion aids when inserting the filter element into the filter housing.

[0046] Advantageously, the circumferential seal extends radially outward from at least three circumferentially discontinuous support surfaces. This allows the support surfaces to be positioned in a region of the filter housing that tapers with respect to the sealing area with respect to the sealing region in which the circumferential seal of the filter element abuts.

[0047] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one protruding element is formed on the frame element of the filter element. This allows the retaining force to be directly transmitted from at least one protruding element to the frame element. Thus, at least one filter media body and / or at least one circumferential seal can be made unaffected by the retaining force.

[0048] Advantageously, at least one protruding element can be integrally formed with the frame element of the filter element. This simplifies manufacturing.

[0049] In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal is fixed directly or indirectly to at least one filter media body. Direct fixing requires no additional components. Indirect fixing allows for a flexible configuration of at least one filter media body and / or the circumferential seal.

[0050] Advantageously, the circumferential seal is attached to at least one frame element of the filter element. This allows the circumferential seal to be stably held within the filter element.

[0051] Advantageously, the circumferential seal is attached to a portion of at least one frame element of the filter element that is inclined with respect to its longitudinal central axis, and in particular, extends at an acute angle. The inclined extension facilitates the insertion of the circumferential seal into the sealing area of ​​the filter housing.

[0052] Advantageously, the circumferential seal is fixed radially outward with respect to the longitudinal central axis, to a portion of at least one frame element of the filter element. This allows the circumferential seal to be supported radially inward by at least one frame element.

[0053] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be implemented as a multi-part assembly, particularly a two-part assembly, including at least one frame element. This simplifies manufacturing. Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be formed together with at least one frame element by an injection molding process. This allows at least one frame element and the circumferential seal to be designed independently.

[0054] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be manufactured as a separate part and, after manufacturing, connected to at least one frame element, particularly by stitching, bonding, welding, etc. This allows at least one frame element and the circumferential seal to be manufactured separately from each other.

[0055] Advantageously, at least one filter media body can be connected to at least one frame element, particularly by casting, by a casting compound, in particular polyurethane (PUR), or a casting compound comprising such compound. This allows at least one filter media body to be sealed and connected to at least one frame element.

[0056] Advantageously, the filter element comprises at least one frame element provided with a support grid that supports at least one filter media body. This further improves the mechanical stability of the filter element.

[0057] Advantageously, the frame elements are formed with less flexibility than the circumferential seals. This allows the frame elements to provide support and the seals to provide better deformability. The improved deformability allows for an enhanced sealing effect. In this regard, different levels of flexibility can be achieved by different materials and / or different shapes.

[0058] Advantageously, the frame elements are formed from a material that is mechanically rigider than the circumferential seal. This allows the frame elements to be designed to be less flexible than the seal. The material may be a single material or a mixture of materials, especially a composite material.

[0059] Alternatively, or in addition to this, the frame elements may be constructed, at least partially, from the same material as the seal, particularly from the seal material. This can improve the connection between the frame elements and the seal. Different mechanical stabilities can then be achieved depending on the corresponding shapes and / or sizes and / or densities of the seal and frame elements.

[0060] Alternatively, or in addition to this, the frame elements and seals may be configured as multi-part assemblies, particularly two-part assemblies. This simplifies manufacturing.

[0061] Advantageously, the seal and frame elements are manufactured by multi-component injection molding, particularly two-component injection molding.

[0062] Alternatively, or in addition to this, the seal may, advantageously, include or be composed of an elastic material. This allows the seal to be elastically deformed, which can further improve the sealing action. Elastic seals can be easily manufactured from elastomers, particularly foamed elastomers.

[0063] Alternatively, or in addition to this, the frame elements may include or be composed of plastic material. This allows for the creation of stable, lightweight frame elements. Rigid and robust frame elements can be easily formed by injection molding from injection-molded rigid plastic material. Complex shapes of frame elements can also be realized by injection molding.

[0064] In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal is designed to provide at least partially radial sealing in the intended operating conditions where the filter element is positioned within the filter housing. This reduces the dependence on the axial position of the filter element within the filter housing while still providing sealing. Furthermore, the holding and sealing functions can be separated by combining axial support of the protruding region with the opposing structure of the filter housing. This ensures that the circumferential seal does not affect the axial support of the filter element within the filter housing, and vice versa.

[0065] In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal has at least one seal lip, and in particular, the circumferential seal is a lamellar seal. This can reduce the installation force required to install the filter element into the filter housing. At least one seal lip, and in particular at least one lamellar, can be elastically deformed axially with respect to the longitudinal central axis when the filter element is installed. The relatively delicate structure, particularly at least one seal lip or at least one lamellar, and the geometric configuration of the circumferential seal, allows the seal gap to be filled without compressing the seal's substrate. Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be substantially loaded by bending, particularly by bending at least one seal lip, and in particular at least one lamellar. This can reduce compression of the seal.

[0066] Advantageously, a circumferential seal, particularly one with few sealing lips, or at least one lamellar, can seal against the housing wall of the filter housing. This enables a radial sealing action with respect to the longitudinal central axis.

[0067] In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal protrudes axially beyond the inlet side of at least one filter media body. This allows the sealing action against the inside of the housing to be achieved beyond the inlet side.

[0068] In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal is supported by a seal retaining wall on its radially inner circumference. This allows for radial support force to be achieved on the rear side of the seal.

[0069] Advantageously, the seal retaining wall is connected to at least one of the at least two protruding elements to transmit force. This enhances the mechanical stability of the filter element on the side having the seal retaining wall and the protruding element.

[0070] Furthermore, this objective is solved by the fact that, with respect to the filter housing, at least one filter element according to the present invention can be placed within the filter housing.

[0071] Advantageously, the filter housing comprises at least one opposing structure in which at least one protruding region of the filter element can be supported in the intended connection state. Advantageously, the at least one opposing structure has at least one opposing support surface that extends inclined with respect to the longitudinal central axis. Thus, the inclined support surface formed by the protruding region of the filter element can be uniformly supported by the at least one opposing structure. The inclined opposing support surface requires less space when viewed radially with respect to the longitudinal central axis compared to a surface that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis.

[0072] Advantageously, at least one opposing support surface is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the axial direction of at least one longitudinal central axis. In this way, when installing the filter element into the filter housing, at least one opposing support surface can further function as an insertion aid.

[0073] Furthermore, this objective is resolved by the present invention, with respect to a filter device, by the filter device comprising at least one filter element according to the present invention.

[0074] Overall, the structure of the filter device according to the present invention makes it possible to easily attach at least one filter element without applying force to the filter housing. Clamping of the circumferential seal can also be done mechanically by axial clamping of the first housing component, in particular the housing pod, to the second housing component, in particular the cyclone housing. For this purpose, the lever action of a suitable closing element can be utilized.

[0075] In other respects, the features and advantages disclosed in connection with the filter elements, filter housings, and filter devices according to the present invention, as well as their respective advantageous embodiments, are applicable to each other and inversely. Individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with each other, thereby potentially producing further advantageous effects exceeding the sum of their individual effects.

[0076] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will find it appropriate to consider the features disclosed in combination in the drawings, specification, and claims individually and combine them into more meaningful combinations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0077] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a filter device for gaseous media, comprising a main filter element and a cyclone block. [Figure 2] This is a rear view of the filter device in Figure 1, looking towards the outlet socket. [Figure 3] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter device in Figure 1 at the first cross-section. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter device in the seal area of ​​the main filter element. [Figure 5] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter device in Figure 1, taken from a second cross-section that extends perpendicularly to the first cross-section in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter device in the seal area of ​​the main filter element. [Figure 7] This figure shows the inflow side of the main filter element of the filter device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a side view of the main filter element of the filter device. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the main filter element of the filter device. [Figure 10]Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main filter element of the filter device. [Figure 11] This is a detailed longitudinal section of the main filter element in the seal region of Figure 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0078] In the diagram, identical components are indicated by the same reference symbol.

[0079] In Figures 1 to 11, the filter device 10 for a gaseous medium and its components are shown in different diagrams. The filter device 10 can remove solid particles, such as dust, from a gaseous medium, such as air.

[0080] The filter device 10 can be used in relation to internal combustion engines, such as in vehicles, such as automobiles, construction machinery and / or agricultural machinery, and in compressors, and in relation to fuel cells, such as in cathode filters.

[0081] The filter device 10 comprises a housing pot 12, a main filter element 16, an immersion plate 18, and a cyclone housing 20, as illustrated in Figure 3. Furthermore, the filter device 10 includes a post-filter element (not shown). The filter device 10 as a whole is configured axially with respect to a longitudinal central axis 22. The longitudinal central axis 22 extends along the longitudinal direction of the filter device 10. The longitudinal direction of the filter device 10 is the direction in which the components of the filter device 10 are assembled. The longitudinal central axis 22 extends through the vicinity of the center of the filter device 10.

[0082] The components of the filter device 10 and their relative arrangement with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22 are described below. The longitudinal central axis 22 may coincide with the housing axis of the housing pot 12, the axis for installation / removal of the main filter element 16 into or from the housing pot 12, the axis connecting the immersion plate 18 to the housing pot 12, the axis connecting the cyclone housing 20 to the immersion plate 18, the axis connecting the cyclone housing 20 to the housing pot 12, the element axis of the main filter element 16, the housing axis of the housing pot 12, the plate axis of the immersion plate 18, and / or the housing axis of the cyclone housing 20. In this description, when “radial,” “coaxial,” “axial,” “tangential,” “circumferential,” “concentric,” “eccentric,” or similar terms are mentioned, unless otherwise specified, this refers to the longitudinal axis 22. “Circumferential” in this context refers to the contour of each virtual wall surface surrounding the longitudinal axis 22.

[0083] In the connected state, the immersion plate 18 and the cyclone housing 20 form a cyclone block 24. On the other hand, the housing pot 12 as a first housing component and the immersion plate 18 as a second housing component form a filter housing 26 in the connected state. When the filter device 10 is installed, the immersion plate 18 is connected to the cyclone housing 20 by a screw.

[0084] The housing pot 12 is constructed as a single component. The housing pot 12 is made of, for example, a plastic material, for example, a rigid plastic material.

[0085] The housing pot 12 has a housing wall 28 that continuously surrounds the longitudinal axis 22. At the axial end face of the housing pot 12, the housing bottom 30 is adjacent to the housing wall 28. On the side facing away from the housing bottom 30 in the axial direction, the housing wall 28 surrounds the service opening 32.

[0086] The housing wall 28 and the housing bottom 30 define the main filter element housing space 34 of the housing pot 12. When the filter device 10 is assembled, the main filter element 16 is placed within the main filter element housing space 34. In this regard, the main filter element 16 can be introduced into and removed from the main filter element housing space 34 through the service opening 32.

[0087] An outlet socket 36 is integrated into the bottom 30 of the housing.

[0088] The housing wall 28 has an elongated elliptical cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0089] On the axial side having the service opening 32, the housing wall 28 has a collar wall 38. The collar wall 38 continuously surrounds the longitudinal axis 22. Viewed in the axial direction, the collar wall 38 has an elongated elliptical cross-section. The collar wall 38 is offset radially outward from the housing wall 28.

[0090] A collar 40 is present between the housing wall 28 and the collar wall 38. The collar 40 has a contact surface 42 on its radially inner circumference. The contact surface 42 forms a counter structure for a protruding region 44 on the main filter element 16 side, which will be described further below.

[0091] The contact surface 42 extends in the circumferential direction. When viewed axially from the service opening 32, the contact surface 42 is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0092] The colored wall 38 has an inner wall surface 46 that extends circumferentially on the radially inner side between its free edge and the color 40.

[0093] The main filter element 16 comprises a filter media body 48, a framework 50, an end body 52, and a seal 54.

[0094] The framework 50 is constructed as a single component. For example, the framework 50 is manufactured as an injection-molded part. The framework 50 is made of, for example, a rigid plastic material.

[0095] The framework 50 comprises a central element 56 and a frame element 58.

[0096] The central element 56 serves as a support element to which the filter bellows 60 and 62, which will be described in more detail below, are supported.

[0097] The frame element 58 extends continuously in the circumferential direction. The frame element 58 is located on the inlet side 64 of the filter media body 48. The frame element 58 is connected to the central element 56 to form a single component.

[0098] The inlet side 64 is the side of the filter media body 48 into which the medium to be cleaned, such as air, flows. The inlet side 64 is fluidically connected to the outlet of the cyclone block 24. The outlet side 66 of the filter media body 48 is located axially opposite to the inlet side 64. The outlet side 66 is the side of the filter media body 48 from which the purified medium, such as air, flows out of the filter media body 48. The outlet side 66 is fluidically connected to the outlet socket 36 of the filter housing 26.

[0099] The frame element 58 has a seal retaining wall 68 for the seal 54 and a support wall 70 for supporting the main filter element 16 within the housing pot 12. The seal retaining wall 68 and the support wall 70 are connected to each other as a single unit.

[0100] The seal retaining wall 68 extends continuously in the circumferential direction. The seal retaining wall 68 has an elongated elliptical shape. In the axial projection, the seal retaining wall 68 is located radially outward from the radially outer wall surface of the filter media body 48. The seal retaining wall 68 surrounds the filter media body 48 on the inlet side 64 of the main filter element 16. The seal retaining wall 68 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22. When viewed axially from the inlet side 64, an acute angle is formed between the longitudinal central axis 22 and the seal retaining wall 68. The free edge of the seal retaining wall 68, which forms the free edge of the frame element 58, is located further radially outward with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22 than the axial edge of the seal retaining wall 68 connected to the support wall 70.

[0101] The seal 54 is annular and, when viewed axially, has an elongated elliptical spread. When viewed axially, the seal 54 is located between the inlet side 64 and the outlet side 66 of the filter media body 48. The seal 54 is manufactured as a single component from an elastic material, such as an elastomer. The material of the seal 54 is softer than the material from which the framework 50, comprising the frame elements 58, is formed.

[0102] The seal 54 is designed as a lamellar seal. The radially inner side of the seal 54 is fixed to the radially outer side of the seal retaining wall 68, for example, by adhesive or casting. Alternatively, the seal retaining wall 68 and the seal 54 can be realized as a two-part assembly. The circumferential seal 54 is supported by the seal retaining wall 68 on its radially inner side. The seal 54 is indirectly fixed to the filter media body 48 by a frame element 58. With respect to the longitudinal central axis 22, the seal 54 is positioned completely radially outward from the radially outer wall surface of the filter media body 48.

[0103] On the radially outer side, the seal 54 has, for example, three seal lips 71 in the form of lamellae. When viewed from the inlet side 64 in the direction of the longitudinal central axis 22, each seal lip 71 extends radially outward and axially toward the inlet side 64, forming an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 22. Each seal lip 71 extends continuously in the circumferential direction.

[0104] The seal 54 extends axially from the transition of the seal retaining wall 68 to the support wall 70 to slightly below the free edge of the seal retaining wall 68. The circumferential seal 54 protrudes axially beyond the inlet side 64 of the filter media body 48. The seal 54 has its greatest radial spread in the region of the transition to the support wall 70. This means the radial spread to the base region of each seal lip 71. The radial spread of the seal 54 decreases toward the free edge of the seal retaining wall 68. This decrease in the radial spread of the seal 54 compensates for the inclination of the seal retaining wall 68 with respect to the longitudinal axis 22. The base region of the seal lip 71 is located at approximately equal radial distances with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0105] The support wall 70 extends continuously in the circumferential direction. The support wall 70 has an elongated elliptical shape. In the axial projection, the support wall 70 is located radially outside the radially outer wall surface of the filter media body 48. The support wall 70 extends along a virtual cylindrical wall coaxial with the longitudinal central axis 22. The support wall 70 is offset radially inward relative to the seal retaining wall 68. The transition between the support wall 70 and the seal retaining wall 68 is designed as a step.

[0106] Multiple protruding elements 72 are arranged on the radial outer circumference of the support wall 70. The protruding elements 72 are positioned radially outward of the main filter element 16, between the seal 54 and the outlet side 66 of the main filter element 16 in the axial direction.

[0107] The protruding elements 72 are configured as a web. Overall, the protruding elements 72 are arranged in four groups. Two of the groups are located on the radially opposing long sides of the elongated elliptical support wall 70. The other two groups are located on the radially opposing short sides of the support wall 70.

[0108] The protruding elements 72 are substantially identical in shape and size. Each protruding element 72 extends axially from the axially free edge of the support wall 70 to the transition of the support wall 70 to the seal-retaining wall 68. Each protruding element 72 is connected to the support wall 70 radially inward to form a single component. The side facing the step at the transition to the seal-retaining wall 68 is connected to the step, thereby connecting to the edge of the seal-retaining wall 68 to form a single component. Each protruding element 72 extends radially outward perpendicular to the radially outward side of the support wall 70. The protruding elements 72 are made of the same material as the rest of the framework. The protruding elements 72 as a whole have higher mechanical rigidity than the seal 54.

[0109] On the radially outward side, each protruding element 72 has a support surface 74. The support surface 74 is flat. The support surface 74 extends in the direction toward the seal-holding wall 68 from the free edge of the support wall 70 on the side facing the outflow side 66 in the axial direction to the transition surface 76. The support surface 74 is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0110] The support surface 74 is defined by a plurality of protruding regions 44. In the illustrated embodiment, countless protruding regions 44 are provided. The protruding regions 44 are continuous with each other without any gaps.

[0111] For clarity, in Figure 11, for example, only two protruding regions 44 are labeled with reference letters. These two exemplary protruding regions 44 are positioned at an axial distance 78 with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22 in a projection perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 22. A protruding region 44 located near the seal 54, i.e., at a shorter axial distance 80a than other protruding regions 44 having a larger axial distance 80b relative to the seal 54, is positioned at a larger radial distance 82a relative to the longitudinal central axis 22 than the other protruding regions 44 having a smaller radial distance 82b relative to the longitudinal central axis 22. This correlation applies to all protruding regions 44 of the protruding element 72 and other protruding elements 72.

[0112] The protruding elements 72 are arranged at a distance of 86 from each other in the circumferential direction, that is, tangentially with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22. In the projection onto the longitudinal central axis 22, the protruding regions 44 of the different protruding elements 72 are spaced apart tangentially with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0113] Therefore, the protruding regions 44 of all protruding elements 72 define a circumferential support surface 74g with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22. The total support surface 74g is composed of individual support surfaces 74 that are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the total support surface 74g is discontinuous in the circumferential direction. The total support surface 74g is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the axial direction of the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0114] In the axial projection, the protruding region 44 of the protruding element 72 is located between the longitudinal central axis 22 and the radially outer side of the seal 54. In the axial projection, the seal 54 extends radially outward from the protruding region 44.

[0115] With the main filter element 16 connected as intended within the filter housing 26, the protruding region 44 abuts against the contact surface 42 of the housing pod 12, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 6. This forms an axial stopper for the main filter element 16 within the housing pod 12 of the filter housing 26 with respect to the longitudinal axis 22. In this case, each support surface 74 is positioned at least partially flat with respect to the contact surface 42.

[0116] The transition surface 76 is curved in a substantially circular shape toward the longitudinal central axis 22. The transition surface 76 extends from the end of the support surface 74 to the step between the support wall 70 and the seal retaining wall 68. The radially outermost region of the transition surface 76 is located in the axial projection between the free end of the seal retaining wall 68 at the top of Figures 10 and 11 and the transition portion of the seal retaining wall 68 to the step between the seal retaining wall 68 and the support wall 70.

[0117] The filter media body 48 comprises an outer filter bellows 60 and an inner filter bellows 62. Each of the filter bellows 60 and 62 has a folded filter material, such as a filter nonwoven fabric.

[0118] The outer filter bellows 60 has a hollow frustoconical shape with an elongated elliptical base. The outer filter bellows 60 is coaxial with the longitudinal central axis 22. The base of the outer filter bellows 60 is positioned on the side of the main filter element 16 on which the frame element 58 of the framework 92 is arranged. The radial inner wall side of the outer filter bellows 60 is supported by the framework 50.

[0119] The inner filter bellows 62 also has a hollow frustoconical shape with an elongated elliptical base. The inner filter bellows 62 is coaxial with the longitudinal central axis 22. The base of the inner filter bellows 62 is located on the axial opposite side of the main filter element 16 from the frame element 58. The radial outer wall side of the inner filter bellows 62 is supported by the framework 50.

[0120] On the side facing away from the frame element 58 in the axial direction, the bottom side of the outer filter bellows 60 is connected to the bottom side of the inner filter bellows 62 by connecting pleats that extend in the circumferential and radial directions.

[0121] The end body 52 closes the interior of the element surrounded by the inner filter bellows 62 at its axial end face facing the frame element 58. The end body 52 is manufactured from, for example, an elastic material, such as an elastomer.

[0122] The immersion plate 18 is constructed as a single unit. The immersion plate 18 is made of a plastic material, for example, an injection-molded rigid plastic material. For example, the immersion plate 18 is manufactured by injection molding.

[0123] The immersion plate 18 is provided with ribs 84. The ribs 84 extend continuously in the circumferential direction coaxially with the longitudinal central axis 22. The ribs 84 as a whole have a substantially V-shaped contour.

[0124] The assembly method for the filter device 10 will be described below.

[0125] The main filter element 16 is inserted axially into the filter element housing space 34 of the housing pot 12 through the service opening 32, with the end opposite to the axial direction of the seal 54 leading. For this purpose, it may be necessary to rotate the housing pot 12 and the main filter element 16 relative to each other with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0126] The seal lip 71 of the seal 54 bends elastically toward the longitudinal central axis 22 when inserted into the collar wall 38. The seal lip 71 contacts the inner wall surface 46 of the collar wall 38 with a corresponding elastic preload, while exerting a radial sealing action with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22. The seal 54 exerts a radial sealing action in the intended connection state in which the main filter element 16 is positioned within the filter housing 26.

[0127] When the connection is complete, the protruding region 44 of the protruding element 72 abuts against the contact surface 42, thereby forming an axial stopper for the main filter element 16 within the filter housing 26.

[0128] Next, the cyclone block 24 is inserted axially into the collar wall 38 of the housing pot 12, with the immersion plate 18 leading the way. At this time, it may be necessary to rotate the housing pot 12 and the cyclone block 24 around the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0129] As shown in Figure 1, the free end of the tensioning clamp is hooked behind each engagement portion. Subsequently, the tensioning clamp is fastened. This fixes and presses the cyclone block 24 axially against the collar wall 38.

Claims

1. A filter device (10), in particular a filter element (16) to be placed inside the filter housing (26) of an air filter device, in particular an air filter element, With respect to the longitudinal central axis (22), at least one filter body (48) has an inlet side (64) and an outlet side (66) on the axial side that are located opposite each other, The filter media comprises a circumferential seal (54) with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22) disposed on at least one filter media body (48), The filter element (16) is part of at least one protruding element (72) and has at least two protruding regions (44) located radially outward of the filter element (16) and positioned axially between the circumferential seal (54) and the outflow side (66) of the filter element (16). The at least two protruding regions (44) are spaced apart in the axial direction. At least one of the at least two protruding regions (44) is located closer to the circumferential seal (54) than at least one other protruding region (44) and is positioned at a larger radial distance with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22) than at least one other protruding region (44). The filter element (16) is characterized in that, when the filter element (16) is connected as intended within the filter housing (26), the at least two protruding regions (44) are capable of contacting at least one corresponding opposing structure (42) of the filter housing (26) so as to form an axial stopper for the filter element (16) within the filter housing (26) with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22).

2. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the protruding regions (44) are arranged on the same protruding element (72), and in particular, the at least two protruding regions (44) arranged on the same protruding element (72) are continuous with each other without any gaps.

3. The filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two of the protruding regions (44) are spaced apart when viewed circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22).

4. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter element (16) comprises at least two protruding elements (72), and at least one of the at least two protruding regions (44) is disposed on each of the at least two protruding elements (72).

5. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least two of the at least two protruding regions (44) define at least one support surface (74), in particular at least one flat support surface (74), that extends inclined with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22).

6. The filter element according to claim 5, wherein the at least one support surface (74) is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the axial direction of the at least one longitudinal central axis (22).

7. The filter element according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the support surface (74) is at least partially continuous and / or at least partially discontinuous.

8. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one protruding element (72) as a whole has higher mechanical rigidity than the circumferential seal (54).

9. In an axial projection, at least one of the protruding regions (44), in particular all of the protruding regions (44), is located between the longitudinal central axis (22) and the radially outer side of the circumferential seal (54), and in particular, in an axial projection, the circumferential seal (54) extends radially outward from the at least one protruding region (44), the filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the filter element (16) comprises at least three circumferentially discontinuous support surfaces (74) distributed around the outer circumference of the filter element (16) and facing the outflow side (66), and each of the support surfaces (74) is defined by at least two of the at least two protruding regions (44).

11. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one protruding element (72) is formed on the frame element (58) of the filter element (16).

12. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the circumferential seal (54) is fixed directly or indirectly to the at least one filter media body (48).

13. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the circumferential seal (54) is designed to provide at least a partially radial sealing function in the intended use state in which the filter element (16) is positioned within the filter housing (26).

14. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the circumferential seal (54) has at least one seal lip, and in particular the circumferential seal (54) is a lamellar seal.

15. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the circumferential seal (54) protrudes axially beyond the inlet side (64) of the at least one filter media body (48).

16. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the circumferential seal (54) is supported on its radially inner circumferential side by a seal retaining wall (68).

17. A filter housing (26) capable of accommodating at least one filter element (16), in particular at least one air filter element, in particular an air filter housing, A filter housing (26) in which at least one filter element (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 can be arranged.

18. A filter device (10), in particular an air filter device, comprising at least one filter housing (26) and at least one filter element (16) disposed within the at least one filter housing (26), The filter device (10) comprises at least one filter element (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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