Air filtration assembly

Abstract

The invention is an air filtration assembly (1) comprising: i) a support body (20) comprising an air passage mouth, wherein the support body (20) extends along a body axis (X-X) and comprises body side walls (201) and a transverse body plane (205) substantially transverse to the axis (X- X); ii) a filtering cartridge (6) extending along a cartridge axis (X'-X' ) comprising: - a filtering septum (7) comprising a filtering medium (700) suitable for separating the contaminants from the air being filtered; - a support and sealing system (8) with which said filtering septum (7) is engaged, wherein said support and sealing system (8) comprises a sealing profile (9). Said support body (20) comprises a protruding device (250) which protrudes from a body side wall (201) and is suitable for prevent the axial seal engagement of the support and sealing system (8) with the transverse body plane (205). The protruding device (250) comprises a device side wall (251) positioned at a different axial elevation with respect to the transverse body plane (205) and at a different distance from the body axis (X-X) with respect to the body side wall (201) from which the protruding device (250) extends. Furthermore, said protruding device (250) comprises two device connection walls (252) which connect the device side wall (251) to the respective body side wall (201). Said filtering cartridge (6) is configured to connect to the support body (20) so that the sealing profile (9) sealingly engages the body side walls (201), the device side wall (251), and the two device connection walls (252).

Description

" AIR FILTRATION ASSEMBLY"DESCRIPTIONField of application

[0001] The present invention relates to an air filtration assembly. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to an engine air supply system of a vehicle which comprises the air filtration assembly. Additionally, the present invention relates to a passenger compartment air ventilation system of a vehicle which comprises the air filtration assembly.

[0002] The present invention pertains to the context of air filtration assemblies in the automotive field. Specifically, it relates to air filtration assemblies suitable for filtering the air drawn from the environment to be delivered to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and to air ventilation assemblies suitable for filtering the air drawn from the external environment to ventilate the passenger compartment.

[0003] In particular, with particular reference to engine air filtration assemblies, the object of such assemblies is to filter the air so as to eliminate suspended particles therefrom, which, on reaching the combustion chamber, could damage the engine (or its components) or cause an ineffective combustion.

[0004] Furthermore, with particular reference to passengercompartment air filtration assemblies, the object of such assemblies is to filter the air so as to prevent the ingress of dust and / or solid and / or gaseous contaminants into the passenger compartment.

[0005] Therefore, it is fundamental that the air filtration be carried out effectively and efficiently, avoiding the possibility of leakage and avoiding the possibility of contaminants reaching the combustion chamber or the passenger compartment.

[0006] The known air filtration assemblies comprise specific housings and specific filtering cartridges, conventionally, panel-like elements, housed in said housing.

[0007] The main problem of the known air filtration assemblies lies in the malfunction of the filtering cartridge, typically due to an incorrect positioning of the cartridge in the housing.

[0008] Specifically, indeed, in the known solutions of the prior art, a typical problem is that of the incorrect positioning of the filtering cartridge, which engages the housing with an ineffective seal, thus exhibiting a partial air bypass, with consequent inefficient filtration. Furthermore, the incorrect performance of insertion operations of the filtering cartridge into the housing determines potential damage to the filtering cartridgeand / or to its sealing profiles, again causing ineffective air filtration.

[0009] In order to overcome this problem, multiple embodiments of air filtration assemblies have been implemented in the prior art, in which the filtering cartridges and / or special housing components for the filtering cartridges are subjected to specific movements intended to perform correct positioning between the parts.

[0010] However, it has been verified that these solutions do not fully solve the aforesaid technical problem. Indeed, such known solutions fail to provide simple maintenance operations, and therefore fail to provide simple modes of insertion of new filtering cartridges in the respective housings, thus presenting a high probability of error, entailing the possibility that a filtering cartridge is erroneously housed inside the box or, in general, erroneously positioned.Solution of the invention

[0011] Therefore, the need is strongly felt to provide an air filtration assembly which has a support body and a filtering cartridge, mutually engageable with each other in a simple, intuitive manner, but above all avoiding an incorrect positioning which would give rise to undesired leakages or failures.

[0012] It is precisely the object of the present inventionto provide an air filtration assembly in which the aforesaid need is solved and the requirements of the specific field of application are also met effectively and efficiently.

[0013] Such an object is achieved by the air filtration assembly claimed in claim 1. Additionally, such an object is also achieved by a vehicle engine air supply system which comprises the filtration assembly, according to claim 18.

[0014] The claims dependent thereon show preferred variants implying further advantageous aspects.Description of the drawings

[0015] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description provided below of preferred exemplary embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] - figures 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e show diagrammatic views of some embodiment variants of air supply systems according to the present invention;

[0017] - figures 2' and 2" show an air filtration assembly according to a first embodiment, in perspective and in exploded perspective, respectively;

[0018] - figure 3 is a perspective view of a filtering cartridge comprised in the air filtration assembly offigures 2' and 2";

[0019] - figure 4 is a bottom view of a sealing profile of the cartridge of figure 3;

[0020] - figures 4a and 4b are two enlarged views of two details of figure 4;

[0021] - figure 5 is a perspective view of a support body of the housing;

[0022] - figures 5a and 5b are two enlarged views of two details of figure 5;

[0023] - figure 6 is a top view of a housing support body and of a sealing profile, respectively engaged, according to the preceding figures;

[0024] - figure 6a is a section view along the section plane A-A of figure 6 with the sealing profile of the filtering cartridge engaged therein;

[0025] - figure 6a' is an enlarged view of a detail of figure 6a;

[0026] - figures 6b and 6c are two enlarged details taken along the section planes B-B and C-C of the figure 6 with the sealing profile of the filtering cartridge engaged therein;

[0027] - figures 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and 7e show diagrammatic views of some further embodiment variants of air supply systems according to the present invention;

[0028] - the figures 8 ' and 8" show an air filtrationassembly according to a second embodiment, respectively in perspective and in exploded perspective;

[0029] - figure 9 is a bottom view of a support body of the housing included in the air filtration assembly of figures 8 ' and 8 ";

[0030] - figure 9a is an enlarged detail of the figure 9;

[0031] - figure 10 is a perspective view of a filtering cartridge comprised in the air filtration assembly of figures 8' and 8";

[0032] - figure 11 shows, in section, a detail of the air filtration assembly of figures 8' and 8", in an assembly step with a filtering cartridge in a position proximal to the mounting position;

[0033] - figures 11' and 11" are two opposite views, respectively of the sealing profile and of the support body;

[0034] - figure 12 shows, in section, a detail of the air filtration assembly of the figures 8' and 8", assembled;

[0035] - figures 12a and 12b illustrate two enlarged details of figure 12.Detailed description

[0036] In the accompanying figures, reference numeral 1 indicates an air filtration assembly according to the present invention.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the airfiltration assembly 1 is suitable for being part of a vehicle.

[0038] In particular, the air filtration assembly 1 is suitable for being part of the engine air supply system of a vehicle. Preferably, the air filtration assembly 1 is thus connectable to an air intake manifold of a vehicle. Preferably, the air filtration assembly 1 is fluidly connectable to the combustion chamber of a combustion engine of a vehicle by means of said air intake manifold.

[0039] In particular, the air filtration assembly 1 is suitable for being part of the passenger compartment air ventilation system of a vehicle. Preferably, the air filtration assembly 1 is thus connectable to an air intake manifold of a vehicle. Preferably, the air filtration assembly 1 is fluidly connectable to the passenger compartment of a vehicle by means of said air intake manifold.

[0040] Preferably, the air filtration assembly 1 is crossable under suction by ambient air. Inside the air filtration assembly 1, the ambient air is thus separated from the unwanted elements suspended therein.

[0041] As mentioned, the present invention further relates to the engine air supply system of a vehicle which comprises the air filtration assembly 1.

[0042] As mentioned, the present invention further relatesto the passenger compartment air supply system of a vehicle which comprises the air filtration assembly 1.

[0043] According to the present invention, the air filtration assembly 1 has an extension in a determined direction.

[0044] According to the present invention, the air filtration assembly 1 of a vehicle comprises a support body 20 and a filtering cartridge 6 engageable with said support body 20.

[0045] The support body 20 extends with respect to a body axis X-X.

[0046] The filtering cartridge 6 extends with respect to a cartridge axis X' -X'.

[0047] Preferably, with, the support body 20 and the filtering cartridge 6 coupled, the body axis X-X and the cartridge axis X' -X' are parallel with each other, preferably coincident, at least for a stretch.

[0048] In particular, the filtering cartridge 6 is engageable, and as further extensively described, at least partially insertable into the support body 20 in an axial direction, i. e. along the body axis X-X.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the body axis X-X and / or the cartridge axis X' -X' extend not necessarily in a rectilinear manner, e. g., body axis X-X and / or cartridge axis X' -X' have a curvilinear or brokenextension.

[0050] In the present discussion, "axial" means a dimension / direction parallel to an axis or to the axis section close to the component to which reference is made; transverse means a dimension / direction orthogonal to the axis or to the axis section close to the component to which reference is made and also lying on an imaginary plane which, in turn, is substantially orthogonal to the axis or to the axis section closest to the component to which reference is made; "radial" means a dimension / direction substantially transverse, preferably orthogonal, to the axis or to the axis section close to the component to which reference is made with respect to an imaginary plane on which the axis, or the axis section closest to the component to which reference is made, lies.

[0051] Preferably, said support body 20 is fluidically connectable on one side to the external environment and on the other side to an air intake manifold of the vehicle.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the air filtration assembly 1 comprises a housing 2 comprising said support body 20 and a box-like body 25. Preferably, the support body 20 and the box-like body 25 are mutually engageable, defining a filtration chamber 200 in which the filtering cartridge 6 is housed.

[0053] The housing 2 comprises at least one air inlet passage21 and an air outlet passage 22. Preferably, the filtration chamber 200 is interposed between the at least one air inlet mouth 21 and the at least one air outlet mouth 22.

[0054] The support body 20 comprises at least one air passage mouth. Preferably, said air passage mouth comprised in the support 20 is the air outlet mouth 22.

[0055] Preferably, the box-like body 25 comprises at least one air passage mouth. Preferably, said air passage mouth comprised in the box-like body 25 is the air inlet mouth 21.

[0056] According to the present invention, the filtering cartridge 6 comprises a filtering septum 7.

[0057] Preferably, the filtering cartridge 6 comprises a single filtering septum 7.

[0058] Preferably, said filtering septum 7 extends parallel to the cartridge axis X' -X'.

[0059] Preferably, the filtering septum 7 comprises a filtering medium 700 suitable for separating the contaminants from the air being filtered.

[0060] Preferably, said filtering septum 7 comprises a first septum face 71 and a second septum face 72 spaced apart along said cartridge axis X' -X'.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering septum 7 is of the axial type, being crossable in filtration by the air substantially axially, i. e. parallelto the cartridge axis X' -X'.

[0062] Preferably, in the filtering septum 7 of the axial type both the first septum face 71 and the second septum face 72 are crossable by the air being filtered.

[0063] In a first preferred embodiment, the filtering septum 7 of the axial type comprises a filtering medium 700 with flow channels, being substantially axially crossable, i. e. parallel to the cartridge axis X' -X', by the air being filtered.

[0064] Preferably, the filtering medium 700 with flow channels comprises at least one pair of mutually coupled filtering layers. Preferably, the flow-channel filtering medium 700 comprises air flow channels obtained by coupling a planar filtering layer and a corrugated filtering layer. Preferably, said flow channels are mutually arranged in an alternating position, presenting inlet channels open at the first septum face 71 and closed at the second septum face 72, and outlet channels closed at the first septum face 71 and open at the second septum face 72. In this manner, the dirty air entering an inlet channel reaches an outlet channel by passing through the planar filtering layer and / or the corrugated filtering layer in the passage between one channel and the other.

[0065] Preferably, the filtering septum 7 of the axial type is obtained by winding said filtering layers.

[0066] Preferably, the filtering septum 7 of the axial type is obtained by winding said filtering layers, so as to obtain a single filtering septum.

[0067] Preferably, the filtering septum 7 of the axial type is obtained by superposing a plurality of mutually alternated planar filtering layers and corrugated filtering layers along a main direction.

[0068] Preferably, said planar filtering layers and said corrugated filtering layers are made of a cellulose-based filtering material.

[0069] Preferably, the filtering medium 700 with flow channels comprises a filtering layer folded around a processing axis to form a pocket open in the direction of the first septum face 71 and closed in the direction of the second septum face 72. Said processed filtering layer is further wound around the X' -X' axis to form a series of substantially parallel channels. Preferably, inlet channels and outlet channels are arranged mutually alternating in the radial direction, being formed by means of an adhesive layer positioned on the filtering layer before the winding step.

[0070] Preferably, the filtering septum 7 of the axial type further comprises an outer septum face 75.

[0071] In a second preferred embodiment, the filtering septum 7 of the axial type is panel-shaped, being crossablesubstantially axially, i. e., parallel to the cartridge axis X' -X', by the air being filtered.

[0072] Preferably, the panel-shaped filtering septum 7 of the axial type comprises a pleated filtering medium. Preferably, said pleated filtering medium comprises a plurality of pleats arranged on the first septum face 71 and a plurality of pleats arranged on the second septum face 72. In other words, the filtering medium extends between first septum face 71 and second septum face 72 comprising respectively a first fold portion and a second fold portion; in even other words, the distance between the two fold portions is equal to the distance between the first septum face 71 and the second septum face 72.

[0073] Preferably, the panel-like filtering septum 7 of the axial type further comprises an outer septum face 75.

[0074] Preferably, the distance between the first septum face 71 and the second septum face 72 is constant with respect to the axis X' -X'. In other words, the pleat height of the pleated filtering medium is constant.

[0075] Preferably, the distance between the first septum face 71 and the second septum face 72 is variable with respect to the axis X' -X'. In other words, the pleat height of the pleated filtering medium is variable.

[0076] Preferably, said pleated filtering medium comprises a filtering material of synthetic type. For example, saidpleated filtering medium comprises a non-woven fabric filtering material formed by synthetic fibers, e. g., polypropylene.

[0077] Preferably, said pleated filtering medium comprises a cellulose-based filtering material.

[0078] According to a further preferred embodiment, the filtering septum 7 is of the radial type being crossable in a substantially radial direction, i. e. in the radial direction with respect to the cartridge axis X' -X', by the air being filtered.

[0079] Preferably, the filtering septum 7 of the radial type is crossable by the fluid being filtered from the outside inwards.

[0080] Preferably, in the filtering septum 7 of the radial type, the first septum face 71 is not crossable by air, e. g., because it is engaged by a closing element, while the second septum face 72 is crossable by air being engaged to an element having at least one passage opening.

[0081] According to this embodiment, the filtering septum 7 of the radial type comprises an outer septum face 75 and an inner septum face 76 radially spaced apart and crossable by the fluid being filtered. In other words, the outer septum face 75 and the inner septum face 76 are mutually spaced apart in the radial direction from the cartridge axis X' -X'.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the filtering septum 7 of the radial type comprises a pleated filtering medium 700.

[0083] Preferably, the filtering septum 7 of the radial type comprises a pleated filtering medium 700 with a plurality of pleats arranged on the outer septum face 75 and a plurality of pleats arranged on the inner septum face 76. In other words, the filtering medium 700 extends between the outer septum face 75 and the inner septum face 76 comprising respectively a first fold portion and inner fold portion; in even other words, the distance between the two fold portions is equal to the distance between the outer septum face 75 and the inner septum face 76 from the cartridge axis X' -X'.

[0084] Preferably, said pleated filtering medium 700 comprises a filtering material of synthetic type. For example, said pleated filtering medium comprises a non-woven fabric filtering material formed by synthetic fibers, e. g., polypropylene.

[0085] Preferably, said pleated filtering medium 700 comprises a cellulose-based filtering material.

[0086] Furthermore, the filtering cartridge 6 comprises a support and sealing system 8 to which said filtering septum 7 is engaged.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, the support and sealing system 8 substantially has the shape of a plategroup, extending substantially planarly with respect to an imaginary plane, e. g., substantially orthogonal to the axis X' -X'.

[0088] Preferably, the filtering septum 7 is engageable in a cantilevered manner from the support and sealing system 8.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering septum 7 is sealingly engaged, e. g., is glued, to the support and sealing system 8 at said second face of the septum 72.

[0090] Preferably, the support and sealing system 8 comprises a rigid, e. g., disc-shaped, support portion.

[0091] Preferably, indeed, the support and sealing system 8 comprises one or more through openings 87 through which the fluid being filtered flows.

[0092] According to the present invention, the support body 20 comprising body side walls 201 which extend around said body axis X-X.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support body 20 comprises a transverse body plane 205, substantially transverse to the body axis X-X.

[0094] According to the following description and shown by way of example, said transverse body plane 205 has a substantially perimetrical extension.

[0095] According to the following description and shown byway of example, said transverse body plane 205 has a substantially perimetrical extension to surround said body axis X-X.

[0096] Preferably, a step on which said transverse body plane 205 is identified protrudes transversely from, or on, the body side walls 201. According to a preferred embodiment, the support body side walls 201 and transverse body plane 205 are positioned close to the end edge of the support body 20.

[0097] Preferably, the filtering septum 7 is housed mainly in the box-like body 25.

[0098] According to the present invention, the support and sealing system 8 comprises a sealing profile 9 suitable for sealingly engaging the support body 20.

[0099] According to a preferred embodiment, the support and sealing system 8 comprises a perimetric edge 800 and said sealing profile 9 is positioned at said perimetric edge 800.

[0100] According to a preferred embodiment, the support and sealing system 8 comprises a sealing face 810 and said sealing profile 9 is positioned so as to protrude in the axial direction from said sealing face 810.

[0101] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing face 810 is the face opposite to the face on which the filtering septum 7 is engaged. Preferably, the face engagedwith the filtering septum 7 is named support face 820.

[0102] According to a preferred embodiment, the aforesaid faces are not necessarily planar and continuous, but may extend on respective imaginary planes.

[0103] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 9 is positioned spaced from the cartridge axis X' -X'.

[0104] Preferably, said outer septum face 75 is more distant from the cartridge axis X' -X' than the sealing profile 9.

[0105] Preferably, said inner face of septum 76 is less distant from the cartridge axis X' -X' than the sealing profile 9.

[0106] In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 9 is positioned on the side of the support and sealing system 8 opposite to the filtering material, axially aligned with a portion of the filtering septum 7. According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 9 is positioned on the side of the support and sealing system 8 opposite to the filtering material, axially overlapping with a portion of the filtering septum 7.

[0107] Preferably, the sealing profile 9 is specifically suitable for performing a radial sealing on the support body 20.

[0108] Preferably, the support and sealing system 8 is further also suitable for axially engaging the support body 20 not necessarily in a sealing manner. In particular, in the engagement action between the filtering cartridge 6 and the support body 20, the support and sealing system 8, and preferably the sealing profile 9, is suitable for abutting against the transverse body plane 205, performing a limit stop to the engagement.

[0109] Preferably, the support and sealing system 8, in particular the sealing profile 9, in the regions in which it engages the transverse body plane 205, achieves an axial seal.

[0110] According to the present invention, the support body 20 comprises a protruding device 250 which protrudes from a body side wall 201.

[0111] According to a preferred embodiment, the support body 20 comprises a plurality of protruding devices 250.

[0112] According to the present invention, the protruding device 250 protrudes so as to prevent the axial sealing engagement of the support and sealing system 8 with the transverse plane of the body 205. In other words, the protruding device 250 protrudes so as to form, by its presence, an obstacle to a sealing coupling of the support and sealing system 8 on the transverse body plane 205.

[0113] According to a preferred embodiment, thepresence of a protruding device 250 identifies an interruption of the transverse body plane 205. In other words, the transverse body plane 205 extends around the perimeter at the body axis X-X, presenting an interruption at the presence of a protruding device 250.

[0114] Preferably, the protruding device 250 comprises a protuberance 256. In the insertion direction, the filtering cartridge 6, in particular the sealing profile 9, first encounters said protrusion 256 of the transverse body plane 205.

[0115] Preferably, said protuberance 256 extends axially, substantially parallel to the body axis X-X, from said transverse body plane 205.

[0116] Preferably, said protuberance 256 extends axially, substantially parallel to the body axis X-X, beyond the transverse body plane 205.

[0117] Preferably, the protruding device 250 comprises a pair of protuberances 256, mutually spaced apart.

[0118] The protruding device 250 comprises a device side wall 251.

[0119] Preferably, said device side wall 251 is substantially parallel to the body side wall 201.

[0120] Furthermore, said device side wall 251 is positioned at a different axial level than the transverse body plane 205.

[0121] In particular, said transverse body plane 205 is positioned at an intermediate axial level between the device side wall 251 and said protuberance 256.

[0122] Furthermore, the protruding device 250 comprises two device connection walls 252, which join the device side wall 251 to the body side wall 201.

[0123] Therefore, preferably, the device side wall 251 and the body side wall 201 are at different distances from the body axis X-X.

[0124] Preferably, the device side wall 251 is at a radial distance from the body axis X-X different from the body side wall 201 from which the respective protruding device 250 extends.

[0125] According to a preferred embodiment the device connection walls 252 are inclined with respect to the device side wall 251 and / or with respect to the body side wall 201.

[0126] According to a preferred embodiment, the device connection walls 252 are arcuate.

[0127] According to the present invention, the sealing profile 9 is shaped to sealingly engage the body side walls 201, the device side wall 251, and the two device connection walls 252.

[0128] Preferably, the sealing profile 9 is shaped to engage the body side walls 201, the device side wall 251,and the two device connection walls 252 sealingly and radially.

[0129] Preferably, the sealing profile 9 provides a perimetric radial seal.

[0130] Preferably, the sealing profile 9 engages the body side wall 201 in a body sealing region H and the device side wall 251 in a device sealing region h, wherein said body sealing region H has a greater axial extension than the axial extension of the device sealing region h.

[0131] Preferably, the sealing profile 9 engages the body side wall 201 in a body sealing region H, and the sealing profile 9 engages the device side wall 251 in a device sealing region h, wherein the body sealing region H and the device sealing region h are at different axial levels.

[0132] According to a preferred embodiment, the protruding device 250 comprises a transverse device plane 255 positioned spaced both radially and axially from the transverse body plane 205.

[0133] Preferably, the sealing profile 9 is shaped to axially engage, abutting against, the transverse body plane 205.

[0134] As described below, only in some preferred embodiments, the sealing profile 9 is shaped to engage the transverse device plane 255.

[0135] According to a preferred embodiment, the protruding device 250 comprises a lug 259, which extends in the axial direction, preferably parallel to the device side wall 251.

[0136] Preferably, the lug 259 extends axially from the transverse device plane 255.

[0137] Preferably, the lug 259 comprises a lug wall 2590.

[0138] Preferably, the lug wall 2590 is at a different axial height with respect to the transverse body plane 205.

[0139] Preferably, the sealing profile 9 is shaped for at least partial housing in the space between the device side wall 251 and the lug 259, in particular the lug wall 2590.

[0140] Preferably, the sealing profile 9 is shaped to be housed in the space between the device side wall 251 and the lug 259, in particular the lug wall 2590.

[0141] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 9 sealingly engages both the device side wall 251 and the lug 259, in particular the lug wall 2590.

[0142] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 9 sealingly engages radially both the device side wall 251 and the lug 259, in particular the lug wall 2590.

[0143] In other words, according to a preferredembodiment, the sealing profile 9 at the protruding device 250 is compressed on both sides, both by the device side wall 251 and by the lug 259.

[0144] According to a preferred embodiment, the lug wall 2590 is oriented substantially parallel to the device side wall 251.

[0145] According to a preferred embodiment, the lug wall 2590 is inclined with respect to the device side wall 251. In particular, the lug wall 2590 is inclined by a wall angle α with respect to the direction parallel to the device side wall 251.

[0146] Preferably, the wall angle α is less than 90°.

[0147] Preferably, the wall angle α is equal to about 10°.

[0148] Preferably the wall angle α is equal to about 5°.

[0149] Preferably, the features of the lug 259 and of the lug wall 2590 described in the case of a support body with a protruding device 250 are also valid with support body 20 having a plurality of protruding devices 250.

[0150] Preferably, in an embodiment comprising a plurality of protruding devices 250, the lug wall 2590 of each protruding device 250 is inclined by a respective wall angle α, β.

[0151] According to a preferred embodiment, said wallangles α and β are equal.

[0152] According to a preferred embodiment, said wall angles α, β are mutually different from each other.

[0153] According to a preferred embodiment, the lug wall 2590 of a protruding device 250 is parallel to the body axis X-X, while the lug wall 2590, or further lug walls 2590, are inclined, exhibiting a respective wall angle or respective wall angles.

[0154] According to a preferred embodiment, said wall angles α, β are mutually different from each other, both being less than 90°.

[0155] Preferably, in an embodiment comprising a plurality of protruding devices 250, the lug wall 2590 of each protruding device 250 extends in height over a respective axial stretch.

[0156] According to a preferred embodiment, said axial sections are mutually different from one another.

[0157] Preferably, said axial sections have a lower axial extension than the body sealing region H.

[0158] Preferably, in an embodiment comprising a plurality of protruding devices 250, the respective protrusions 259 differ from one another in wall angle and / or in axial stretch.

[0159] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 9 also axially abuts against the transverse deviceplane 255.

[0160] Preferably, the sealing profile 9 sealingly engages axially the transverse device plane 255.

[0161] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing engagement of the sealing profile 9 along the entire perimeter of the support body 20 is guaranteed also in the presence of the protruding device 250.

[0162] In other words, even in presence of the protruding device 250, the radial sealing engagement of the sealing profile 9 along the entire perimeter of the support body 20 is guaranteed.

[0163] According to a preferred embodiment, the protruding device 250 comprises a through duct 257, which extends starting from the transverse device plane 255 in the direction of the air passage mouth 22.

[0164] Preferably, said through duct 257 extends into the filtration chamber 200 on the clean side of the filtering cartridge 6, namely fluidically downstream of the sealing profile 9 with which the filtering cartridge 6 engages the filter body 20 separating the dirty side from the clean side of the filtration assembly.

[0165] Preferably, said through duct 257 is suitable for verifing the correct positioning of the filtering cartridge 6, in the absence of which sealing is not achieved and the dirty side and the clean side are in fluidcommunication.

[0166] According to a preferred embodiment, the protruding device 250 comprises a through duct 257, which extends starting from a lug wall 2590 in the direction of the air passage mouth 22.

[0167] The features of the through duct 257 described in the case of a support body with a protruding device 250 are also valid with a support body 20 having a plurality of protruding devices 250.

[0168] According to a preferred embodiment, the support and sealing system 8 comprises a recess 86, in which said protuberance 256 is received in the recess 86 with filtering cartridge 6 coupled to support body 20.

[0169] Preferably, in the presence of a plurality of protruding devices 250, the support and sealing system 8 is configured to sealingly engage the body side walls 201, the device side wall 251, and the two connection walls 252 of all the protruding devices 250.

[0170] Preferably, in the presence of a plurality of protruding devices 250, the support and sealing system 8 comprises a plurality of recesses 86.

[0171] According to a preferred embodiment, the support and sealing system 8 comprises a perimetric edge 800 on which the sealing profile 9 rests.

[0172] According to a preferred embodiment, the supportand sealing system 8 is a single monolithic component.

[0173] Preferably, the support and sealing system 8 is a single monolithic component made of elastomeric material.

[0174] Preferably, the support and sealing system 8 is a single monolithic component in closed-cell polyurethane foam.

[0175] Preferably, the support and sealing system 8 is a single monolithic component of closed-cell polyurethane foam with a Shore A hardness between 50 and 75, preferably between 55 and 65.

[0176] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 9 is a gasket. Preferably, the sealing profile 9 is a gasket co-molded or overmolded with the support and sealing system.

[0177] According to a preferred embodiment, the shape and / or size of the plurality of protruding devices 250, and consequently the support and sealing system 8, is such to mutually interact exclusively upon correspondence of a single mutual position. In other words, the two components are also objectively determinable and interact exclusively upon correspondence of discrete specific reciprocal positions (preferably upon correspondence of a single position).

[0178] Innovatively, the air filtration assembly andthe engine air supply system of a vehicle which comprises it, described above, amply fulfill the object of the present invention, overcoming the typical problems of the prior art.

[0179] Advantageously, the air filtration assembly ensures simple and intuitive maintenance operations. Advantageously, the assembly and disassembly operations of the air filtration assembly, and in particular of the filtering cartridge, are guided and error-proof.

[0180] Advantageously, the filtering cartridge is insertable into the box in a single insertion direction, facilitating the conduct of the maintenance procedure.

[0181] Advantageously, the filtering cartridge, but in particular its support and sealing system, is insertable in a guided manner, in particular into the support body, so as to avoid damage or wear of the sealing profiles, minimizing its friction with the wall and undesired sliding.

[0182] Advantageously, the maintenance operations are guided and overcome the possibility that unwanted breakages occur in the performance thereof.

[0183] Advantageously, the positioning of the filtering cartridge ensures a safe and precise positioning of the sealing profiles, and therefore a stable, reliable sealed coupling which is resistant to vibrations and impacts.

[0184] Advantageously, the presence of a protruding device permits a specific positioning of the filtering cartridge.

[0185] Advantageously, the sealing profile interacts with the protruding device so as to ensure the air sealing also at said element.

[0186] Advantageously, the sealing profile interacts with the protruding device certifying the positioning of the filtering cartridge in the support body.

[0187] Advantageously, the protruding device ensures sealing only when properly engaged.

[0188] Advantageously, the duct in the protruding device serves as a further verification element.

[0189] Advantageously, the air filtration assembly requires original and specially shaped filtering cartridges to function effectively.

[0190] It is apparent that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the invention, all contained within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims to satisfy contingent needs.Reference number list:

[0191] 1 air filtration assembly2 housing200 filtration chamber20 support body21 air inlet mouth22 air outlet mouth25 box-like body201 body side wall205 transverse body plane 250 protruding device251 device side wall252 device connection wall 255 transverse device plane 256 protuberance257 through duct259 lug2590 lug wall6 filtering cartridge7 filtering septum71 first septum face72 second septum face75 outer septum face76 inner septum face700 filtering medium8 support and sealing system 86 recess87 through openings800 perimetric edge810 sealing face820 support face9 sealing profileX-X body axisX' -X' cartridge axis H body sealing region h device sealing region α, β wall angle

Claims

CLAIMS1. An air filtration assembly ( 1 ), preferably of a vehicle, comprising:i) a support body (20) comprising an air passage mouth, preferably an air outlet mouth (22 ), wherein the support body (20) extends along a body axis (X-X) and comprises body side walls (201 ) extending about said body axis (X-X) and a transverse body plane (205), substantially transverse to the axis (X-X), which extends substantially perimetrally;ii) a filtering cartridge ( 6) extending along a cartridge axis (X' -X' ) comprising:- a filtering septum (7 ) comprising a filter media (700) suitable for separating the contaminants from the air being filtered;a support and sealing system ( 8 ) with which said filtering septum (7 ) is engaged, wherein said support and sealing system ( 8 ) comprises a sealing profile ( 9); wherein said support body (20) comprises a protruding device (250) which protrudes from a body side wall (201 ) and is suitable for preventing the axial seal engagement of the support and sealing system ( 8 ) with the transverse body plane (205), wherein said protruding device (250) comprises a device side wall (251 ), preferably substantially parallel to the respective body side wall( 201 ), positioned at a di f ferent axial elevation with respect to the transverse body plane ( 205 ) and at a di f ferent distance from the body axis (X-X ) with respect to the body side wall ( 201 ) from which the protruding device ( 250 ) extends, wherein said protruding device ( 250 ) comprises two device connection walls ( 252 ) which connect the device side wall ( 251 ) to the respective body side wall ( 201 );wherein the filtering cartridge ( 6 ) is configured to connect to the support body ( 20 ) so that the sealing profile ( 9 ) sealingly engages the body side walls ( 201 ), the device side wall ( 251 ), and the two device connection walls ( 252 ).

2. Air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the filtering septum ( 7 ) is of the axial type comprising a first septum face ( 71 ) and a second septum face ( 72 ) mutually spaced apart along the cartridge axis (X' -X' ) both being crossable by the air being fi ltered, comprising a filter media ( 700 ) having alternating flow channels or a pleated filter media ( 700 ).

3. Air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the filtering septum ( 7 ) is of the radial type comprising an outer septum face ( 75 ) and an inner septum face ( 76 ) radially spaced apart, i. e., transversely to the cartridge axis (X ' -X' ), crossable by the air being filteredcomprising a pleated filter media (700) which extends between outer septum face (75) and inner septum face (76).

4. Air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding device (250) comprises a lug (259) which extends axially, preferably parallel to the device side wall (251 ), comprising a lug wall (2590) facing the device side wall (251 ), wherein the sealing profile ( 9) is shaped to be housed at least partially in the gap between the device side wall (251 ) and the lug wall (2590).

5. Air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the sealing profile ( 9) sealingly engages both the device side wall (251 ) and the lug wall (2590).

6. Air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing profile ( 9) engages the body side wall (201 ) in a body sealing region (H) and wherein the sealing profile ( 9) engages the device side wall (251 ) in a device sealing region (h), wherein said body sealing region (H) has a greater axial extension than the axial extension of the device sealing region (h).

7. Air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing profile ( 9) engages the body side wall (201 ) in a body sealing region (H) and wherein the sealing profile ( 9) engages the device side wall (251 ) in a device sealing region (h), wherein thebody sealing region (H) and the device sealing region (h) are at different axial elevations.

8. Air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing profile ( 9) is suitable for engaging sealingly along the engagement direction, i. e., in the axial direction, the transverse body plane (205) in the portions free from the protruding device (250).

9. Air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding device (250) comprises a transverse device plane (255) positioned to be axially spaced apart from the transverse body plane (205), preferably extending transversely from the device side wall (251 ).

10. Air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the sealing profile ( 9) axially touches the transverse device plane (255).

11. Ai r filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the sealing profile ( 9) sealingly engages the transverse device plane (255).

12. Air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to claim 9 in combination with claim 8 or claim 11, wherein the protruding device (250) comprises a through duct (257 ) extending from the transverse device plane (255) in the direction of the air passage mouth.

13. Ai r filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding device (250) comprises at least one protuberance (256), which preferably extends substantially parallel to the body axis (X-X) beyond the transverse body plane (205), wherein the support and sealing system ( 8 ) comprises a recess ( 86), wherein said protuberance (256) is housed in the recess ( 86) when the filtering cartridge ( 6) is coupled to the support body (20).

14. Ai r filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (2 ) comprising a support body (20) and a box-like body (25), wherein the support body (20 ) and box-like body (25) are mutually engageable along the body axis (X-X) to define a filtration chamber (200) in which the filtering cartridge ( 6) is housed, wherein the housing (2 ) comprises an inlet air passage mouth and an outlet air passage mouth.

15. Ai r filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support and sealing system ( 8 ) is in a single monolithic component made of elastomeric material, preferably closed-cell polyurethane foam.

16. Ai r filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support body (20) comprises a plurality of protruding devices (250).

17. Ai r filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing profile ( 9) is positioned spaced apart from the cartridge axis (X' -X' ), wherein the filtering septum (7 ) has an outer septum face (75) which is more distant from the cartridge axis (X' -X' ) than the sealing profile ( 9).

18. An engine air supply system of a vehicle, comprising an air filtration assembly ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the support body (20) is fluidly connected to an air intake manifold, and the air is drawn from the external environment through the air filtration assembly ( 1 ).

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