Filter element for arrangement in a filter housing of a filter device, filter housing and filter device

Abstract

The invention describes a filter element (16) for arrangement in a filter housing (26) of a filter device (10), a filter housing (26) and a filter device (10). The filter element (16) has at least one filter medium body (48) with an inflow side (64) and an outflow side (66) on opposite sides axial with respect to a longitudinal centre axis (22) and has a seal (54) encircling with respect to the longitudinal centre axis (22) and arranged on the filter medium body (48). The filter element (16) has at least two projection regions (44) which are part of at least one projection element (72) and which are arranged axially between the seal (54) and the outflow side (66) of the filter element (16) on a radially outer side of the filter element (16). The projection regions (44) are axially spaced apart. At least one of the projection regions (44), which is positioned closer to the encircling seal (54) than another projection region (44), is arranged at a greater radial distance from the longitudinal centre axis (22) than the other projection region (44). In an intended connection state of the filter element (16) in a fluid housing (26), the projection regions (44) can be moved towards at least one corresponding mating structure (42) of the filter housing (26) in order to form a stop, axial with respect to the longitudinal centre axis (22), of the filter element (16) in the filter housing (26).

Description

[0001] Filter element for arrangement in a filter housing of a filter device, filter housing and filter device

[0002] This patent application claims priority from German patent application 102023124737.9, filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office on September 13, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a filter element, in particular an air filter element, for arrangement in a filter housing of a filter device, in particular an air filter device, comprising at least one filter medium body with an inflow side and an outflow side on opposite axial sides with respect to a longitudinal central axis and a seal which is circumferential with respect to the longitudinal central axis and is arranged on the at least one filter medium body, wherein the filter element has at least two projection regions which are part of at least one projection element and which are arranged axially on a radially outer side of the filter element between the circumferential seal and the outflow side of the filter element, wherein the at least two projection regions are axially spaced, wherein at least one of the projection regions of the at least two projection regions,which is closer to the circumferential seal than at least one other projection region of the at least two projection regions, is arranged at a greater radial distance from the longitudinal center axis than the at least one other projection region.,

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter housing, in particular an air filter housing, in which at least one filter element, in particular at least one air filter element, can be arranged.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter device, in particular an air filter device, with at least one filter housing and at least one filter element which is arranged in the at least one filter housing.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] A filter system is known from US 20180169555 A1. The filter system comprises a filter housing in the form of a lid and a housing body. The filter system comprises a filter element fluidly arranged between the lid and the housing body. The filter system serves to filter contaminated fluid entering through an inlet and exiting as clean fluid through an outlet. The filter element is replaceably and removably mounted in the filter housing so that, when used up, it can be serviced or replaced with a new, clean filter element. A sealing arrangement cooperates with one or more of the housing components to prevent contaminated fluid from bypassing the filter element and, in particular, its filter media. The sealing arrangement is rectangular and comprises a preform element in the form of a preform frame element (also referred to as a rim frame) and a housing sealing element.The housing sealing element is attached to the frame member and defines a housing sealing surface, which in this embodiment is an axial sealing surface. The housing sealing surface is pressed axially into a portion of the housing body to form a seal when installed.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of designing a filter element, a filter housing and a filter device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the filter element can be designed in a more space-saving manner overall.

[0010] Disclosure of the invention

[0011] The object is achieved according to the invention in the filter element in that the at least two projection regions can be set down against at least one corresponding counter-structure of the filter housing in an intended connection state of the filter element in a filter housing in order to form an axial stop of the filter element in the filter housing with respect to the longitudinal center axis.

[0012] According to the invention, at least two projection regions are provided, which are arranged at different radial distances from the longitudinal center axis and axial distances. In this way, the projection regions can support the filter element against a counter-support surface inclined with respect to the longitudinal center axis, which counter-support surface is part of a counter-structure of the filter housing. This staggered arrangement of projection regions, which span an inclined support surface, requires less space, viewed radially to the longitudinal center axis, than an arrangement of projection regions in a surface perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis. The installation space gained by the staggered arrangement of the projection regions according to the invention can be used for the filter medium body. Thus, a larger filter surface can be realized in the same installation space.

[0013] Because the at least two projection areas are arranged axially between the circumferential seal and the downstream side of the filter element, a sealing area and a holding area of ​​the filter element can be decoupled in the filter housing. The filter element is held axially in the filter housing by the at least two projection areas. This makes it possible to use a seal that acts at least partially radially.

[0014] The at least two projection regions are axially spaced apart. This means that the at least two projection regions are axially spaced apart with respect to the longitudinal center axis when viewed in a projection perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis.

[0015] Advantageously, the filter element has an approximately round, round-oval, or oval outer cross-section in the direction transverse to the longitudinal center axis. The filter element can be referred to as a so-called "round filter element." The filter element can be used in round air filters and / or compact air filters. The filter element can be used in compact air filters in a single-stage or two-stage design. The filter element can be combined with at least one cyclone separator. A cyclone separator can separate particles, in particular dust particles, from a gas, in particular air. The at least one cyclone separator can be used as a pre-separator. In this way, the medium to be cleaned, in particular air, can be pre-cleaned before it flows through the filter element. In this way, two-stage separation is possible.The at least one cyclone separator can be fastened to the filter housing with the filter element, in particular using clamp fasteners. The at least one cyclone separator can thus be pressed axially against the filter housing. In this way, the filter element can be held axially in position in the filter housing with respect to the longitudinal center axis by the cyclone separator. The circumferential seal can seal an area between the filter element, the filter housing, and the cyclone separator. A force flow can occur via the cyclone separator to a frame element of the filter element and from there to the filter housing. The force can be transmitted into the filter housing via lateral ribs on the frame element of the filter element.

[0016] Advantageously, the filter element can be arranged axially relative to the longitudinal center axis in a filter housing. The filter element can be clamped axially in the filter housing. The at least two projection regions can thus abut in the axial direction against the at least one corresponding counterstructure of the filter housing. The filter element can thus be supported against the at least one counterstructure.

[0017] The seal can prevent the ingress of particles or water to the clean side between the at least one filter element and the filter housing. Furthermore, the ingress of particles or water into an area between the at least one filter element and the second housing part, in particular a dip tube plate and / or a cyclone block, can also be prevented.

[0018] Advantageously, the at least one filter medium body can have at least one filter bellows, in particular at least one single bellows and / or at least one double bellows.

[0019] Advantageously, the filter medium body can comprise a filter medium suitable for filtering gaseous medium, in particular air, in particular filter paper, filter fleece, filter foam or the like.

[0020] Advantageously, the filter medium of the at least one filter medium body can be folded or wound. This allows the active filter surface to be increased. The filter element can be designed accordingly as a pleated filter element or as a wound element.

[0021] Advantageously, the at least one filter element can be a compact filter element, a hollow filter element, a flat filter element or the like.

[0022] Advantageously, the filter medium body can comprise a zigzag-folded filter medium with deep pleats. In the case of a roughly cuboidal or prismatic filter medium body, deep pleats are particularly present when the pleat height is at least as large as the extension in the direction of the pleat edges and / or in the direction perpendicular to the pleat edges. A hollow filter element is characterized by having at least one interior element space surrounded by filter medium.

[0023] The hollow filter element can advantageously be a so-called round filter element with a round cross-section, an oval round filter element with an oval cross-section, a flat-oval round filter element with a flattened oval cross-section, a conical round filter element in which the round cross-section tapers in the axial direction towards a main axis, a conical-oval round filter element in which the oval cross-section tapers in the axial direction at least in the direction of a transverse axis, a conical flat-oval round filter element in which the flat-oval cross-section tapers in the axial direction at least in the direction of a transverse axis, or a hollow filter element with a different type of cross-section, in particular a square one, and / or a different type of axial cross-sectional profile in the direction of an element axis.

[0024] The filter device and the filter element can be used in vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, in construction and / or agricultural machinery, compressors, in conjunction with internal combustion engines, in cathode filters, in particular in conjunction with fuel cells.

[0025] The medium to be cleaned can be air. In this case, the filter device can also be referred to as an air filter device. The filter device can remove solid or liquid particles, especially dust, from the gaseous medium.

[0026] The longitudinal center axis runs in the longitudinal direction 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 center axis extends approximately centrally through the center of the filter device.

[0027] The longitudinal central axis can coincide with a housing axis of the filter housing, an installation / removal axis of the filter element into a first housing part, in particular into a housing pot, a connection axis of the first housing part to a second housing part, in particular to a cyclone housing, and / or an element axis of the filter element. When reference is made to "radial," "coaxial," "axial," "tangential," "circumferential," "concentric," "eccentric," or the like in the description, this refers, unless otherwise stated, to the longitudinal central axis. "Circumferential" refers to an imaginary surface surrounding the longitudinal central axis.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, at least two of the projection regions can be arranged on the same projection element, in particular, wherein at least two of the projection regions on the same projection element can seamlessly merge into one another. In this way, greater mechanical stability can be achieved.

[0029] Advantageously, at least two of the projection regions can merge seamlessly into one another. This allows for simpler tools to be used to manufacture the projection elements. Advantageously, a projection element can have a plurality of projection regions. The projection regions can be as small as desired. This allows for a reduction in the contact area between the projection region and the counterstructure of the filter housing. Advantageously, any number of projection regions of any size can be implemented on a projection element. This allows for more uniform support.

[0030] Advantageously, a projection element can have an innumerable number of projection areas, each of which is correspondingly small. In this way, a truly continuous support surface can be realized. A support surface can be formed from several projection elements that merge seamlessly into one another.

[0031] The prefix “projection” in the terms projection element and projection area means that the corresponding element or area protrudes from neighboring areas, i.e. protrudes.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two of the projection regions can be tangentially spaced relative to the longitudinal center axis, viewed along the circumference. In this way, the projection regions can be distributed along the circumference. This allows for better force transmission between the projection regions and the counterstructure of the filter housing. In particular, at least two of the projection regions can be tangentially spaced relative to the longitudinal center axis, viewed in a projection in the direction of the longitudinal center axis.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter element comprises at least two projection elements, wherein at least one of the at least two projection regions is arranged on each of the at least two projection elements. In this way, the projection elements and the projection regions can be more individually adapted to the corresponding counterstructure of the filter housing.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two of the at least two projection regions can span at least one support surface, in particular at least one flat support surface, which extends at an angle to the longitudinal central axis. In this way, the projection regions can be supported uniformly against a corresponding counter surface of the counter structure of the filter housing. The counter surface of the counter structure can extend at a corresponding angle to the longitudinal central axis.

[0035] Advantageously, the support surface can be flat. This allows for more uniform support.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one support surface can be inclined at an acute angle to the axial direction of the at least one longitudinal central axis. In this way, the at least one support surface can additionally serve as an insertion aid when installing the filter element into the filter housing.

[0037] Advantageously, the acute angle can be located on the side facing the upstream side. This allows the filter element to be more easily inserted into the filter housing with the downstream side facing in an axial direction relative to the longitudinal center axis.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment, the support surface can be at least partially continuous and / or at least partially discontinuous. A continuous support surface allows for better mechanical force transmission. An discontinuous support surface can be realized with less material expenditure.

[0039] Advantageously, the support surface can be virtual, at least in part. In this case, the actual support can be realized solely with the projection areas. The arrangement of the projection areas along the at least partially virtual support surface enables uniform support and prevents the filter element from tilting or twisting relative to the filter housing.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one projection element can have a higher overall mechanical rigidity than the circumferential seal. This allows the transmission of the mechanical holding force between the filter element and the filter housing to be better decoupled from the circumferential seal.

[0041] Advantageously, at least one projection element can be at least partially flexible. This allows for better tolerance compensation when installing the filter element in the filter housing. Advantageously, at least one projection element can be made, at least partially, of the same material as the circumferential seal. This simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0042] Advantageously, at least two projection areas can be distributed over an outer circumference of the filter element. In this way, the projection areas can support the filter element on the peripheral side against the counterstructure of the filter housing.

[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the projection regions, in particular all projection regions, can be arranged between the longitudinal center axis and a radially outer side of the circumferential seal, viewed in the axial projection, in particular wherein the circumferential seal can extend radially outside the at least one projection region in the axial projection. In this way, the projection regions can be arranged in a space-saving manner in a section that is tapered relative to a sealing region of the filter housing.

[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter element can have at least three circumferentially interrupted support surfaces, which are distributed over an outer circumference of the filter element and face the downstream side, wherein each of the support surfaces can be spanned by at least two of the at least two projection regions. In this way, the filter element can be uniformly supported on a counterstructure of the filter housing.

[0045] Advantageously, the at least three circumferentially interrupted support surfaces can be set down against the corresponding counter-structure of the filter housing in the intended connection state in order to create an axial stop of the filter element.

[0046] Advantageously, the at least three circumferentially interrupted support surfaces can be inclined at an acute angle to the axial direction of the longitudinal center axis. In this way, the support surfaces can additionally serve as insertion aids when inserting the filter element into the filter housing.

[0047] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can extend radially outside the at least three circumferentially interrupted support surfaces. In this way, the support surfaces can be arranged in a region of the filter housing that is tapered relative to a sealing region in which the circumferential seal of the filter element rests.

[0048] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one projection element can be implemented on a frame element of the filter element. In this way, the holding forces from the at least one projection element can be transferred directly to the frame element. The at least one filter medium body and / or the at least one circumferential seal can thus be kept free from holding forces.

[0049] Advantageously, the at least one projection element can be formed integrally with the frame element of the filter element. This simplifies production.

[0050] In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal can be attached directly or indirectly to the at least one filter medium body. Direct attachment eliminates the need for additional components. Indirect attachment allows for a more flexible design of the at least one filter medium body and / or the circumferential seal.

[0051] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be attached to at least one frame element of the filter element. This allows the circumferential seal to be securely held to the filter element.

[0052] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be attached to a section of at least one frame element of the filter element that extends at an angle, in particular at an acute angle, to the longitudinal center axis. This angled extension can simplify the insertion of the circumferential seal into a sealing area of ​​the filter housing. Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be attached radially outwardly to a section of at least one frame element of the filter element with respect to the longitudinal center axis. In this way, the circumferential seal can be supported radially inwardly by the at least one frame element.

[0053] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be realized as a multi-component component, in particular as a two-component component, with at least one frame element. This simplifies production. Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be realized with the at least one frame element using an injection molding process. In this way, the at least one frame element and the circumferential seal can be individually designed.

[0054] Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be manufactured as a separate part and, after production, connected to at least one frame element, in particular by means of knotting, gluing, welding, or the like. In this way, the at least one frame element and the circumferential seal can each be manufactured individually, separately from one another.

[0055] Advantageously, the at least one filter medium body can be connected, in particular cast, to at least one frame element using a casting compound, in particular a casting compound with or made of polyurethane (PUR). In this way, the at least one filter medium body can be tightly connected to the at least one frame element.

[0056] Advantageously, the filter element can comprise at least one frame element with a support grid, which supports the at least one filter medium body. In this way, the mechanical stability of the filter element can be further improved.

[0057] Advantageously, the frame element can be less flexible than the surrounding seal. This allows the frame element to provide a supporting function, while the seal offers greater deformability. The improved deformability of the seal allows the sealing effect to be improved. The varying flexibility can be achieved using different materials and / or different shapes.

[0058] Advantageously, the frame element can be made of a mechanically harder material than the surrounding seal. This allows the frame element to be less flexible than the seal. The material can be a single material or a material mixture, in particular a composite material.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the frame element can be made, at least in sections, of the same material as the seal, in particular of sealing material. This can improve the connection between the frame element and the seal. Different mechanical stability can then be achieved by appropriate shaping and / or size and / or density of the seal and the frame element. Alternatively or additionally, the frame element and the seal can be realized as a multi-component component, in particular a two-component component. This can simplify production.

[0060] Advantageously, the seal and the frame element can be manufactured using a multi-component injection molding process, in particular a two-component injection molding process.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the seal can advantageously comprise or consist of an elastic material. This allows the seal to be elastically deformed, further improving the sealing effect. An elastic seal can be easily manufactured from elastomer, especially foamed elastomer.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the frame element can be made of or comprised of plastic. This allows for a stable and lightweight frame element. A hard and robust frame element can be easily created from injection-moldable hard plastic material using injection molding. Complex shapes for the frame element can also be realized using injection molding.

[0063] In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal can be designed such that, in an intended use state in which the filter element is arranged in a filter housing, it has an at least partially radial sealing effect. In this way, the sealing effect can be realized with less dependence on the axial position of the filter element in the filter housing. In combination with the axial support of the projection areas against the counterstructure of the filter housing, the holding function can be decoupled from the sealing function. The circumferential seal thus has no influence on the axial support of the filter element in the filter housing, and vice versa.

[0064] In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal can have at least one sealing lip, in particular the circumferential seal can be a lamellar seal. In this way, the installation force required to install the filter element in the filter housing can be reduced. The at least one sealing lip, in particular the at least one lamellar seal, can elastically yield in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis during installation of the filter element. Due to the relatively delicate structure, in particular due to the at least one sealing lip or the at least one lamellar seal, and the geometric design of the circumferential seal, a sealing gap can be bridged without compressing the base material of the seal. Advantageously, the circumferential seal can be subjected essentially to bending stress, in particular due to bending of the at least one sealing lip, in particular the at least one lamellar seal.In this way, compression of the seal can be reduced.

[0065] Advantageously, the circumferential seal, in particular the few sealing lips or the at least one lamella, can seal against a housing wall of the filter housing. In this way, a radial sealing effect with respect to the longitudinal center axis can be realized. In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal can rise above the inflow side of the at least one filter medium body in the axial direction. In this way, a sealing effect towards the housing interior can also be realized beyond the inflow side.

[0066] In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal can be supported on its radially inner circumferential side by a seal retaining wall. In this way, a radial support force for the seal can be realized on its rear side.

[0067] Advantageously, the seal retaining wall can be connected to at least one of the at least two projection elements in a force-transmitting manner. In this way, the mechanical stability of the filter element can be increased on the side with the seal retaining wall and the projection elements.

[0068] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the filter housing in that at least one filter element according to the invention can be arranged in the filter housing.

[0069] Advantageously, the filter housing can have at least one counterstructure against which at least one projection region of a filter element can be supported in an intended connection state. Advantageously, the at least one counterstructure can have at least one countersupport surface that extends at an angle to the longitudinal center axis. In this way, an inclined support surface, which is realized with projection regions of the filter element, can be supported evenly against the at least one counterstructure. Viewed radially to the longitudinal center axis, inclined countersupport surfaces require less space than surfaces that run perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis.

[0070] Advantageously, the at least one counter-supporting surface can be inclined at an acute angle to the axial direction of the at least one longitudinal central axis. In this way, the at least one counter-supporting surface can additionally serve as an insertion aid when installing the filter element into the filter housing.

[0071] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the filter device in that the filter device has at least one filter element according to the invention.

[0072] Overall, the inventive design of the filter device enables simple installation of at least one filter element into the filter housing without the application of force. The clamping of the circumferential seal can be achieved by axially clamping a first housing part, in particular a housing cup, to a second housing part, in particular a cyclone housing, even mechanically. The leverage effect of suitable closure elements can be utilized for this purpose.

[0073] Furthermore, the features and advantages presented in connection with the filter element according to the invention, the filter housing according to the invention, and the filter device according to the invention and their respective advantageous embodiments apply to each other accordingly and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with each other, resulting in further advantageous effects that go beyond the sum of the individual effects. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0074] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features disclosed in the drawings, the description, and the claims in combination individually and combine them into useful further combinations. The schematic drawings show:

[0075] Figure 1 is a side view of a filter device for gaseous media with a main filter element and a cyclone block;

[0076] Figure 2 is a rear view of the filter device of Figure 1, looking towards an outlet nozzle;

[0077] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section of the filter device from Figure 1 in a first sectional plane;

[0078] Figure 4 is a detailed view of the longitudinal section of the filter device from Figure 3 in the area of ​​a seal of the main filter element;

[0079] Figure 5 shows a longitudinal section of the filter device from Figure 1 in a second sectional plane which is perpendicular to the first sectional plane from Figure 3;

[0080] Figure 6 is a detailed view of the longitudinal section of the filter device from Figure 5 in the area of ​​the seal of the main filter element;

[0081] Figure 7 is a view of the upstream side of the main filter element of the filter device of Figure 1;

[0082] Figure 8 is a side view of the main filter element of the filter device of Figure 1;

[0083] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the main filter element of the filter device of Figure 1;

[0084] Figure 10 shows a longitudinal section of the main filter element of the filter device from Figure 1;

[0085] Figure 11 is a detailed view of the longitudinal section of the main filter element from Figure 10 in the area of ​​the seal.

[0086] In the figures, identical components are provided with identical reference symbols.

[0087] Embodiment(s) of the invention

[0088] Figures 1 to 11 show various views of a filter device 10 for gaseous media and its components. The filter device 10 can be used to remove solid particles, such as dust, from gaseous media, such as air.

[0089] The filter device 10 can be used in vehicles, for example motor vehicles, in construction and / or agricultural machinery, compressors in conjunction with internal combustion engines, in cathode filters, for example in conjunction with fuel cells, or the like.

[0090] The filter device 10 comprises, as shown, for example, in Figure 3, a housing pot 12, a main filter element 16, a dip tube plate 18, and a cyclone housing 20. The filter device 10 further comprises a post-filter element not shown in the figure. The filter device 10 is constructed axially with respect to a longitudinal central axis 22. The longitudinal central axis 22 runs in 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 centrally approximately through the center of the filter device 10. The components of the filter device 10 and their arrangement relative to one another with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22 are described below.The longitudinal center axis 22 can coincide with a housing axis of the housing pot 12, an installation / removal axis of the main filter element 16 into the housing pot 12 or out of the housing pot 12, a connection axis of the dip tube plate 18 with the housing pot 12, a connection axis of the cyclone housing 20 with the dip tube plate 18, a connection axis of the cyclone housing 20 with the housing pot 12, an element axis of the main filter element 16, a housing axis of the housing pot 12, a plate axis of the dip tube plate 18 and a housing axis of the cyclone housing 20. When the description refers to “radial”, “coaxial”, “axial”, “tangential”, “circumferential”, “concentric”, “eccentric” or the like, this refers, unless otherwise stated, to the longitudinal center axis 22. “Circumferential” refers to the course of the respective imaginary lateral surfaces which surround the longitudinal center axis 22.

[0091] In the connected state, the dip tube plate 18 and the cyclone housing 20 form a cyclone block 24. On the other hand, the housing pot 12 as a first housing part and the dip tube plate 18 as a second housing part form a filter housing 26 in the connected state. When the filter device 10 is mounted, the dip tube plate 18 is connected to the cyclone housing 20 by means of screws.

[0092] The housing pot 12 is constructed as a single piece. The housing pot 12 is made of plastic, for example, a hard plastic.

[0093] The housing pot 12 has a housing wall 28 that continuously surrounds the longitudinal center axis 22. On an axial end face of the housing pot 12, a housing base 30 adjoins the housing wall 28. On the side axially opposite the housing base 30, the housing wall 28 surrounds a service opening 32.

[0094] The housing wall 28 and the housing base 30 define a main filter element receiving space 34 of the housing pot 12. When the filter device 10 is mounted, the main filter element 16 is arranged in the main filter element receiving space 34. The main filter element 16 can be inserted into and removed from the main filter element receiving space 34 through the service opening 32.

[0095] An outlet nozzle 36 is integrated into the housing base 30.

[0096] Perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 22, the housing wall 28 has a long oval cross-section.

[0097] On the axial side with the service opening 32, the housing wall 28 has a collar wall 38. The collar wall 38 continuously surrounds the longitudinal center axis 22. Viewed in the axial direction, the collar wall 38 has an elongated oval cross-section. The collar wall 38 is offset radially outward relative to the housing wall 28.

[0098] A collar 40 extends between the housing wall 28 and the collar wall 38. On the radially inner circumferential side, the collar 40 has a contact surface 42. The contact surface 42 forms a counterstructure for the projection areas 44, explained further below, on the side of the main filter element 16.

[0099] The contact surface 42 extends circumferentially. The contact surface 42 is inclined at an acute angle to the longitudinal center axis 22, viewed in the axial direction from the service opening 32.

[0100] Between the collar 40 and its free edge, the collar wall 38 has an inner circumferential surface 46 extending in the circumferential direction on the radially inner circumferential side.

[0101] The main filter element 16 comprises a filter medium body 48, a skeleton 50, an end body 52 and a seal 54.

[0102] The skeleton 50 is constructed entirely as a single piece. For example, the skeleton 50 is manufactured as an injection-molded part. The skeleton 50 is made of hard plastic.

[0103] The skeleton 50 has a central element 56 and a frame element 58.

[0104] The central element 56 serves as a support element on which the filter bellows 60 and 62, explained in more detail below, are supported.

[0105] The frame element 58 extends circumferentially in a continuous manner. The frame element 58 is located on an upstream side 64 of the filter medium body 48. The frame element 58 is integrally connected to the central element 56.

[0106] The inflow side 64 is the side of the filter medium body 48 onto which the medium to be cleaned, for example, air, flows. The inflow side 64 is fluidically connected to the outlet of the cyclone block 24. An outflow side 66 of the filter medium body 48 is located on the axially opposite side of the inflow side 64. The outflow side 66 is the side of the filter medium body 48 on which the cleaned medium, for example, air, flows from the filter medium body 48. The outflow side 66 is fluidically connected to the outlet connection 36 of the filter housing 26.

[0107] 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 in the housing pot 12. The seal retaining wall 68 and the support wall 70 are integrally connected to one another.

[0108] The seal retaining wall 68 extends circumferentially in a continuous manner. The seal retaining wall 68 has an elongated oval shape. Viewed in axial projection, the seal retaining wall 68 is located radially outside the radially outer surface of the filter medium body 48. The seal retaining wall 68 surrounds the filter medium body 48 on the upstream side 64 of the main filter element 16. The seal retaining wall 68 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22. An acute angle extends between the longitudinal central axis 22 and the seal retaining wall 68, viewed in the axial direction from the upstream side 64. A free edge of the seal retaining wall 68, which forms the free edge of the frame element 58, is located radially further outward with respect to the longitudinal central axis 22 than the axial edge of the seal retaining wall 68, which is connected to the support wall 70. The seal 54 is annular and has a long oval shape when viewed in the axial direction.The seal 54 is located, viewed axially, between the upstream side 64 of the filter medium body 48 and the downstream side 66. The seal 54 is made of a single piece from an elastic material, such as an elastomer. The material of the seal 54 is softer than the material from which the skeleton 50 with the frame element 58 is formed.

[0109] The seal 54 is designed as a lamellar seal. The radially inner circumferential side of the seal 54 is attached, for example, glued or cast, to the radially outer circumferential side of the seal retaining wall 68. Alternatively, the seal retaining wall 68 and the seal 54 can also be implemented as a two-component component. The circumferential seal 54 is supported on its radially inner circumferential side by the seal retaining wall 68. The seal 54 is attached indirectly to the filter medium body 48 via the frame element 58. The seal 54 is arranged completely radially outside the radially outer lateral surface of the filter medium body 48 with respect to the longitudinal center axis 22.

[0110] On the radially outer circumferential side, the seal 54 has, for example, three sealing lips 71 in the form of lamellae. The sealing lips 71 each extend radially outward at an acute angle to the longitudinal center axis 22, viewed from the inflow side 64 in the direction of the longitudinal center axis 22, and in the axial direction toward the inflow side 64. The sealing lips 71 each extend circumferentially contiguously.

[0111] In the axial direction, the seal 54 extends 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 rises above the inflow side 64 of the filter medium body 48 in the axial direction. In the area of ​​the transition to the support wall 70, the seal 54 has its greatest radial extent. This refers to the radial extent up to the respective foot region of the sealing lips 71. The radial extent of the seal 54 decreases towards the free edge of the seal retaining wall 68. The decrease in the radial extent of the seal 54 compensates for the inclination of the seal retaining wall 68 relative to the longitudinal center axis 22. The foot regions of the sealing lips 71 are located at approximately the same radial distance from the longitudinal center axis 22.

[0112] The support wall 70 extends continuously around the circumference. The support wall 70 has an elongated oval shape. Viewed in axial projection, the support wall 70 is located radially outside the radially outer surface of the filter medium body 48. The support wall 70 extends along an imaginary cylinder surface coaxially to the longitudinal center 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.

[0113] A plurality of projection elements 72 are arranged on the radially outer circumferential side of the support wall 70. The projection elements 72 are arranged on the radially outer side of the main filter element 16, axially between the seal 54 and the downstream side 66 of the main filter element 16. The projection elements 72 are implemented as webs. The projection elements 72 are arranged in a total of four groups. Two of the groups are located on radially opposite long sides of the elongated oval support wall 70. The other two groups are located on radially opposite short sides of the support wall 70.

[0114] The projection elements 72 are essentially identical in terms of their shape and size. Each projection element 72 extends from the free axial edge of the support wall 70 in the axial direction to the transition of the support wall 70 to the seal retaining wall 68. The projection elements 72 are each integrally connected to the support wall 70 on their radially inner side. The side facing the step at the transition to the seal retaining wall 68 is integrally connected to the step and thus to the edge of the seal retaining wall 68 there. The projection elements 72 each extend radially outward perpendicular to the radially outer side of the support wall 70. The projection elements 72 are made of the same material as the rest of the skeleton. Overall, the projection elements 72 have a higher mechanical rigidity than the seal 54.

[0115] On the radially outer side, each projection element 72 has a support surface 74. The support surface 74 is flat. The support surface 74 extends from the free edge of the support wall 70 on the side axially facing the downstream side 66 in the direction of the seal retaining wall 68 to a transition surface 76. The support surface 74 is inclined at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0116] The support surface 74 is spanned by a plurality of projection areas 44. In the illustrated embodiment, countless projection areas 44 are provided. The projection areas 44 merge seamlessly into one another.

[0117] For the sake of clarity, only two of the projection regions 44 are provided with reference numerals in Figure 11. The two exemplary projection regions 44 are axially spaced apart from the longitudinal center axis 22 at a distance 78 when viewed in a projection perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis 22. The projection region 44 that is closer to the seal 54, i.e. at a smaller axial distance 80 a , is located than the other projection area 44, which has a greater axial distance 80b to the seal 54, is at a greater radial distance 82 a to the longitudinal center axis 22 than the other projection region 44, which has a smaller radial distance 82b from the longitudinal center axis 22. This relationship applies to all projection regions 44 of the projection element 72 and the other projection elements 72.

[0118] The projection elements 72 are arranged at a distance 86 from one another in the circumferential direction, i.e., tangential to the longitudinal center axis 22. The projection regions 44 of different projection elements 72 are tangentially spaced relative to the longitudinal center axis 22, viewed in a projection in the direction of the longitudinal center axis 22.

[0119] The projection areas 44 of all projection elements 72 thus span a total support surface 74 extending around the longitudinal center axis 22 g The total support area 74 g is composed of the individual support surfaces 74, which are spaced apart from each other. The total support surface 74 g is thus circumferentially interrupted. The total support area 74 g is inclined at an acute angle to the axial direction of the longitudinal central axis 22.

[0120] The projection regions 44 of the projection elements 72 are arranged, viewed in axial projection, between the longitudinal center axis 22 and a radially outer side of the seal 54. The seal 54 extends radially outside the projection regions 44, viewed in axial projection.

[0121] In an intended connection state of the main filter element 16 in the filter housing 26, the projection areas 44, as shown, for example, in Figure 6, are deposited against the contact surface 42 of the housing cup 12. This forms an axial stop of the main filter element 16 in the housing cup 12 of the filter housing 26 with respect to the longitudinal center axis 22. The respective support surfaces 74 rest at least partially flat against the contact surface 42.

[0122] The transition surface 76 is curved approximately circularly toward the longitudinal center 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, viewed in axial projection, is located between the free end of the seal retaining wall 68 (top in Figures 10 and 11), and the transition of the seal retaining wall 68 to the step between the seal retaining wall 68 and the support wall 70.

[0123] The filter medium body 48 comprises an outer filter bellows 60 and an inner filter bellows 62. The filter bellows 60 and 62 each have folded filter medium, for example filter fleece.

[0124] The outer filter bellows 60 has the shape of a hollow truncated cone with an elongated oval base. The outer filter bellows 60 is coaxial with the longitudinal center axis 22. The base of the outer filter bellows 60 is located on the side of the main filter element 16 on which the frame element 58 of the skeleton 92 is also located. The radially inner shell side of the outer filter bellows 60 is supported on the skeleton 50.

[0125] The inner filter bellows 62 also has the shape of a hollow truncated cone with an elongated oval base. The inner filter bellows 62 is coaxial with the longitudinal center axis 22. The base of the inner filter bellows 62 is located on the side of the main filter element 16 axially opposite the frame element 58. The radially outer shell side of the inner filter bellows 62 is supported on the skeleton 50.

[0126] On the side axially remote from the frame element 58, the base side of the outer filter bellows 60 is connected to the base side of the inner filter bellows 62 via a circumferentially and radially extending connecting fold.

[0127] The end body 52 closes an element interior surrounded by the inner filter bellows 62 on the axial end face facing the frame element 58. The end body 52 is made of an elastic material, for example, elastomer.

[0128] The immersion tube plate 18 is made of a single piece. The immersion tube plate 18 is made of a plastic, for example, an injection-moldable hard plastic. For example, the immersion tube plate 18 is manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0129] The dip tube plate 18 comprises a rib 84. The rib 84 extends circumferentially coaxially to the longitudinal center axis 22. The rib 84 has an approximately V-shaped profile overall.

[0130] A method for assembling the filter device 10 is described below.

[0131] The main filter element 16 is moved axially through the service opening 32 into the filter element receiving space 34 of the housing pot 12 with its side axially facing away from the seal 54. 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 center axis 22.

[0132] The sealing lips 71 of the seal 54 bend elastically toward the longitudinal center axis 22 upon insertion into the collar wall 38. The sealing lips 71, under the corresponding elastic prestress, rest against the inner circumferential surface 46 of the collar wall 38 in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal center axis 22, forming a seal. The seal 54 acts radially sealingly in the intended connection state, in which the main filter element 16 is arranged in the filter housing 26.

[0133] In the finished connection state, the projection areas 44 of the projection elements 72 are deposited against the contact surface 42 and thus form an axial stop of the main filter element 16 in the filter housing 26.

[0134] Subsequently, the cyclone block 24 is placed axially onto the collar wall 38 of the housing top 12 with the immersion tube plate 18 facing forward. It may be necessary to rotate the housing pot 12 and the cyclone block 24 around the longitudinal center axis 22.

[0135] The free ends of the clamps are hooked behind the respective engagement sections, as shown in Figure 1. The clamps are then tightened. This presses the cyclone block 24 firmly against the collar wall 38 in the axial direction.

Claims

Claims 1. Filter element (16), in particular an air filter element, for arrangement in a filter housing (26) of a filter device (10), in particular an air filter device, comprising at least one filter medium body (48) with an inflow side (64) and an outflow side (66) on opposite axial sides with respect to a longitudinal central axis (22) and a seal (54) which runs circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22) and is arranged on the at least one filter medium body (48), wherein the filter element (16) has at least two projection regions (44) which are part of at least one projection element (72) and which are arranged axially on a radially outer side of the filter element (16) between the circumferential seal (54) and the outflow side (66) of the filter element (16), wherein the at least two projection regions (44) are axially spaced apart, wherein at least one of the projection regions (44) of the at least two projection regions (44),which is located closer to the circumferential seal (54) than at least one other projection region (44) of the at least two projection regions (44), is arranged at a greater radial distance from the longitudinal center axis (22) than the at least one other projection region (44), characterized in that the at least two projection regions (44) can be set down against at least one corresponding counterstructure (42) of the filter housing (26) in an intended connection state of the filter element (16) in a filter housing (26) in order to form an axial stop of the filter element (16) in the filter housing (26) with respect to the longitudinal center axis (22).

2. Filter element according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the projection regions (44) are arranged on the same projection element (72), in particular wherein at least two of the projection regions (44) on the same projection element (72) merge seamlessly into one another.

3. Filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two of the projection regions (44) are spaced apart from one another along the circumference with respect to the longitudinal central axis (22).

4. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (16) has at least two projection elements (72), wherein at least one of the at least two projection regions (44) is arranged on each of the at least two projection elements (72).

5. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the at least two projection regions (44) span at least one support surface (74), in particular at least one flat support surface (74), which extends inclined to the longitudinal central axis (22).

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

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

8. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one projection element (72) has a higher overall mechanical rigidity than the circumferential seal (54).

9. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the projection regions (44), in particular all projection regions (44), viewed in the axial projection, is arranged between the longitudinal central axis (22) and a radially outer side of the circumferential seal (54), in particular wherein the circumferential seal (54) extends radially outside the at least one projection region (44) in the axial projection.

10. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (16) has at least three circumferentially interrupted support surfaces (74) which are distributed over an outer circumference of the filter element (16) and face the downstream side (66), wherein each of the support surfaces (74) is spanned by at least two of the at least two projection regions (44).

11. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one projection element (72) is realized on a frame element (58) of the filter element (16).

12. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential seal (54) is attached directly or indirectly to the at least one filter medium body (48).

13. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential seal (54) is designed such that it has an at least partially radially sealing effect in an intended state of use in which the filter element (16) is arranged in a filter housing (26).

14. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential seal (54) has at least one sealing lip, in particular the circumferential seal (54) is a lamellar seal.

15. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential seal (54) rises above the inflow side (64) of the at least one filter medium body (48) in the axial direction.

16. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential seal (54) is supported on its radially inner peripheral side by a seal retaining wall (68).

17. Filter housing (26), in particular air filter housing, in which at least one filter element (16), in particular at least one air filter element, can be arranged, wherein at least one filter element (16) according to one of claims 1 to 16 can be arranged in the filter housing (26).

18. Filter device (10), in particular air filter device, with at least one filter housing (26) and at least one filter element (16) which is arranged in the at least one filter housing (26), wherein the filter device (10) has at least one filter element (16) according to one of claims 1 to 16.

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