CN116066272A - Air filter assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An air filter assembly is disclosed, comprising: a cartridge comprising a wall extending along a first axis and a second axis; a cartridge, comprising: at least two tubular filtration zones extending along a filtration axis, and a plate pack operatively connected to the at least two tubular filtration zones. The panel set extends relative to the imaginary deployment plane and includes a first face including at least one sealing profile and a second face including at least two abutment profiles on opposite sides of the imaginary deployment plane. The cartridge may be inserted into the cartridge along an insertion direction that is generally parallel to the first axis or the second axis. The cartridge comprises a receiving area between the wall and the at least two abutment elements. The plate package is received in the receiving area with the sealing profile sealingly engaged with the wall and the abutment profile engaged with the corresponding abutment element. The sealing profile and/or the abutment profile are shaped or positioned relative to each other with a vertically variable distance or a longitudinally variable distance from the imaginary spreading plane.

Description

Air filter assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an air filter assembly for a vehicle. The invention further relates to an engine air supply system of a vehicle, comprising an air filter assembly of the vehicle.

Background

The background to which the present invention pertains is the background of air filtration assemblies in the automotive field. In particular, the present invention relates to air filter assemblies adapted to filter air drawn from the environment into the combustion chamber of an endothermic engine.

In particular, the purpose of such an assembly is to filter the air in order to remove from the air suspended particles which, when they reach the combustion chamber, may damage the engine (or its components) or cause ineffective combustion.

It is therefore of vital importance that the air filtration is performed effectively and efficiently, which avoids the possibility of inhalation and thus the possibility of dust reaching the combustion chamber.

Known air filtration assemblies include a particular cartridge and a particular filter cartridge (typically a panel-type element) housed in the cartridge.

The main problem of the known air filter assemblies is precisely the incorrect operation of their filter cartridge, which is generally caused by incorrect positioning into the cartridge.

In particular, in fact in the solutions known from the prior art, the problems associated with incorrect positioning of the filter cartridge are typical, the filter cartridge engaging the cartridge with an ineffective seal, and therefore having a partial suction of air, with consequent ineffective filtration. Furthermore, the incorrect execution of the operation of inserting the filter cartridge into the cartridge involves a potential damage to the filter cartridge and/or its sealing profile, again resulting in ineffective air filtration.

To overcome this problem, various embodiments of air filter assemblies have been implemented in the prior art in which the filter cartridge and/or the special components (e.g. drawers) for housing the filter cartridge and/or the housing box of the filter cartridge are subjected to specific movements with the aim of performing the correct positioning between the parts.

However, these solutions were found to be particularly complex and bulky. This has limited their use, not finding space in the engine compartment of the vehicle or generally taking up space for the installation of other components potentially necessary for the operation of the vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore highly desirable to provide an air filter assembly having a cartridge and a filter cartridge receivable in said cartridge, wherein the filter cartridge has efficient filtering characteristics and at the same time can be inserted into the cartridge in a simple and intuitive manner (but most importantly correctly), which prevents its possible incorrect positioning and thus any undesired inhalation or destruction. At the same time, the air filter assembly must also have the smallest possible size while maintaining the filtration efficiency.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an air filter assembly that meets the above-described needs.

To achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides an air filter assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

i) A cartridge comprising a wall extending along a first axis and a second axis, the wall comprising at least one outflow mouth through which air flows, wherein the cartridge further comprises a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis;

ii) a filter cartridge comprising:

at least two tubular filtration sections capable of being radially traversed during filtration, each tubular filtration section extending along a filtration axis;

a panel set operatively connected to the panel set, wherein the panel set extends relative to an imaginary spreading plane and comprises a first face comprising at least one sealing profile and a second face comprising at least two abutment profiles on opposite sides of the imaginary spreading plane, wherein the panel set comprises at least one outflow opening adapted to place the tubular filtration zone in fluid communication with the at least one outflow nozzle;

wherein the cartridge is insertable into the cartridge along an insertion direction that is substantially parallel to the first axis or the second axis;

Wherein the cassette comprises a receiving area between the wall and at least two abutment elements longitudinally spaced from the wall and axially spaced from each other, wherein the plate package is received in the receiving area with the at least one sealing profile sealingly engaged with the wall and the abutment profiles engaged with the respective abutment elements;

wherein the at least one sealing profile and/or the abutment profile are shaped or mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary spreading plane with a vertically variable distance from the imaginary spreading plane along the insertion direction, the vertically variable distance being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction;

wherein the at least one sealing profile and/or the abutment profile are shaped or mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary spreading plane with a longitudinally variable distance from the imaginary spreading plane along the first axis or the second axis, the longitudinally variable distance being measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis;

wherein the at least two tubular filtration zones are positioned to define a main extension row along the first axis or the second axis;

Wherein two tubular filtering partitions belonging to the same row and close to each other have respective filtering axes, which are mutually offset along both the first axis and the second axis.

In addition, to achieve the above object, another aspect of the present invention also provides an engine air supply system of a vehicle, comprising the air filter assembly according to the above aspect, wherein the cartridge is fluidly connected to an intake manifold, and air is inhaled from an external environment through the air filter assembly.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d show in perspective views some disassembly steps of an air filter assembly according to the present invention according to a preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show a container included in the air filter assembly of the present invention in top and two perspective views, respectively;

FIGS. 3a and 3b show, in two perspective views, respectively, a cover included in the air filter assembly of the present invention;

FIGS. 4a and 4b show in two perspective views, respectively, a filter cartridge included in an air filter assembly of the present invention;

fig. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d show front, side, top and bottom views of a flat unit included in a cartridge according to a preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g and 6h show longitudinal cross-sections of the air filter assembly at different assembly steps;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the first cross-section taken in FIG. 1 c; and

fig. 8 is a longitudinal section along the second section taken in fig. 1 a.

Detailed Description

In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes an air filter assembly according to the present invention.

According to the invention, the air filter assembly 1 is adapted to be part of a vehicle. In particular, the air filter assembly 1 is adapted to be part of an engine air supply system of a vehicle. Preferably, the air filter assembly 1 is connectable to an intake manifold of a vehicle. Preferably, the air filter assembly 1 is fluidly connectable to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle by means of said intake manifold.

Preferably, ambient air may pass through the air filter assembly 1 when drawn. Inside the air filter assembly 1, the ambient air is thus separated from the undesired components suspended therein.

As mentioned above, the invention also relates to an engine air supply system of a vehicle comprising an air filter assembly 1.

According to the invention, an air filter assembly 1 for a vehicle comprises a cartridge 2 and a filter cartridge 3 accommodated in said cartridge 2.

Preferably, the cartridge 2 is fluidly connectable on one side to the external environment and on the other side to the intake manifold of the vehicle.

Air filtration takes place inside the cartridge 2.

According to the invention, the cartridge 2 comprises a wall 21. Preferably, said wall 21 comprises at least one outflow mouth 29 through which air can pass. Preferably, the filtered air leaves the cartridge 2 through the outflow mouth 29. Preferably, the outflow nozzle 29 is fluidly connectable to an intake manifold.

According to the invention, the cassette 2 extends along a first axis V-V (preferably vertical) and a second axis Y-Y (preferably transverse). According to a preferred embodiment, the first axis V-V is orthogonal to the second axis Y-Y.

Preferably, the wall 21 extends along said first axis V-V and said second axis Y-Y.

According to the invention, the cassette 2 also extends along a longitudinal axis X-X. The longitudinal axis X-X intersects the first axis V-V and the second axis Y-Y. In other words, the longitudinal axis X-X extends from the wall 21. Preferably, the longitudinal axis X-X extends orthogonally relative to the first axis V-V and the second axis Y-Y, and therefore preferably, the longitudinal axis X-X is orthogonal to the wall 21.

According to a preferred embodiment, the box 2 has substantially the shape of a parallelepiped. Preferably, the cartridge 2 or a specific portion thereof has a curved or arched shape.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge 3 comprises a plurality of tubular filtering sub-sections 4 and a plate package 5, said tubular filtering sub-sections 4 being integrally connected to the plate package 5.

According to the invention, the filter insert 3 comprises at least two tubular filter segments 4 which can be passed through, preferably radially, during filtration. Preferably, the tubular filter insert 4 is radially penetrable from outside to inside during filtration in order to determine the dirty side of the filter insert 3 outside the tubular filter insert 4 and the clean side of the filter insert 3 therein (preferably in the inner cavity 40 of the tubular filter insert 4).

According to the invention, each tubular filtering section 4 extends along a filtering axis F-F substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X.

According to the invention, the filter cartridge 3 comprises at least two tubular filtering partitions 4, the at least two tubular filtering partitions 4 being positioned so as to define a main extension row along the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y.

According to the invention, two tubular filtering partitions 4 belonging to the same row and close to each other have respective filtering axes F-F, which are mutually offset along both the first axis V-V and the second axis Y-Y.

According to a preferred embodiment, each tubular filter partition 4 has a filter diameter Df, df1, df2. In particular, the filter diameter refers to the outer diameter of the tubular filter section 4.

According to a preferred embodiment, two tubular filtering partitions 4 belonging to the same row and close to each other have respective filtering axes F-F mutually offset along both the first axis V-V and the second axis Y-Y, and define on the first axis V-V and/or the second axis Y-Y a projection P which is smaller than the sum of the respective filtering diameters.

According to a preferred embodiment, two tubular filtering partitions 4 belonging to the same row and close to each other have respective filtering axes F-F mutually offset along both the first axis V-V and the second axis Y-Y, and define, on the first axis V-V and/or the second axis Y-Y, a projection P equal to the sum of the respective filtering diameters.

According to a preferred embodiment, the tubular filter partitions 4 all have substantially the same diameter Df. In other words, the diameter Df1 of the first tubular filtration zone is substantially equal to the diameter Df2 of the second tubular filtration zone.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge 3 comprises at least two tubular filtering compartments 4.

Preferably, the filter cartridge 3 comprises at least three tubular filtering compartments 4.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge 3 comprises a third tubular filtering sector 4 belonging to the same row of two tubular filtering sectors 4, the two tubular filtering sectors 4 being close to each other and having respective filtering axes F-F, which are mutually offset along both the first axis V-V and the second axis Y-Y.

Preferably, the filtering axis F-F of said third tubular filtering section 4 is mutually aligned with the filtering axis F-F of one of the two tubular filtering sections 4 belonging to the same row and close to each other. Preferably, the filtering axis F-F of said third tubular filtering section 4 is aligned along the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y, in particular along an axis intersecting the insertion direction Z, with the filtering axis F-F of one of the two tubular filtering sections 4 belonging to the same row and close to each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering axes F-F of the third tubular filtering section 4 are mutually offset along both the first axis V-V and the second axis Y-Y with respect to the filtering axes F-F of the two tubular filtering sections 4 belonging to the same row and close to each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, one or more rows of tubular filter sections 4 are determined according to a preferred arrangement of tubular filter sections 4.

According to the present description, the rows extend in a main direction along the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y, preferably in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

For example, in the embodiment of the figures, the rows of tubular filtering sections 4 are determined to extend mainly along the axis Y-Y.

Comprising at least four preferred embodiments of tubular filtering section 4.

Including the preferred embodiment where the tubular filter sectors 4 extend through several rows.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge 3 comprises a plurality of rows, wherein each row comprises at least two tubular filtering partitions 4 and extends in a main direction along the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y, preferably in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter insert 3 comprises two tubular filtering sub-sections 4 extending along the same main direction, preferably in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge 3 comprises two rows of tubular filter sectors 4 extending in different directions.

As mentioned above, according to the invention, the filter insert 3 furthermore comprises a plate package 5 to which the tubular filter sector 4 is operatively connected. In particular, the plate package 5 is adapted to support the tubular filter sector 4.

The plate package 5 comprises at least one outflow opening 59 adapted to place the tubular filter zone 4, in particular the inner chamber 40 thereof, in fluid communication with the at least one outflow mouth 29.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package 5 comprises at least one outflow opening 59 for each tubular filter partition 4. Preferably, the wall 21 further comprises outflow mouths 29 at the respective outflow openings 59.

In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the outflow opening 59 is a duct extending longitudinally between the second face 52 and the first face 51 of the plate package 5. Preferably, the plate package 5 comprises a number of pipes equal to the number of tubular filtering sections 4.

According to an alternative embodiment, the at least one outflow opening 59 has a shape such that it extends longitudinally between the second face 52 and the first face 51 to fluidly connect the tubular filtering section 4 to the at least one outflow mouth 29. In other words, in such an embodiment, the outflow opening 59 is an internal fluid manifold adapted to connect the tubular filtering section 4 with the at least one outflow mouth 29. Thus, preferably, the outflow opening 59 has a number of fluid channels on the second face 52 equal to the number of tubular filtering sub-sections 4, and a number of fluid channels on the first face 51 (for example comprising a number of fluid channels on the first face 51 equal to the number of outflow mouths 29 present in the wall 21).

According to the invention, the plate package 5 extends with respect to an imaginary deployment plane S.

Preferably, said imaginary development plane S is positioned on the centre line of the thickness of the plate package 5.

Preferably, the plate package 5 comprises a flat body 50. According to a preferred embodiment, the flat body 50 is obtained by means of a plastic forming (for example injection molding) operation.

According to the invention, the plate package 5 comprises a first face 51 and a second face 52 on opposite sides of said imaginary development plane S. The first face 51 is also referred to as a sealing face. The second face 52 is also referred to as an abutment or thrust face.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least two tubular filtering sections 4 are operatively connected to the flat body 50 of the plate package 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least two tubular filtering sections 4 are integrally connected to the plate package 5.

Preferably, according to a preferred embodiment, at least two tubular filtering sub-sections 4 are integrally connected to the second face 52.

According to the invention, the first face 51 comprises at least one sealing profile 510.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package 5 comprises a single sealing profile 510 extending around one or more outflow openings 59 present in the plate package 5, the single sealing area being determined by the engagement with the wall 21.

According to a preferred embodiment, for each outflow opening 59, the plate package 5 comprises a respective sealing profile 510 extending around the respective outflow opening 59. In other words, for example, an embodiment of the cartridge 5 in which the plate package 5 comprises three outflow openings 59 comprises three sealing profiles 510 defining three sealing areas.

In some embodiments, the plate package 5 includes a sealing profile 510 extending around the plurality of outflow openings 59. For example, the sealing profile 510 extends around a plurality of outflow openings 59, which are preferably aligned with each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, each sealing profile 510 is an elastically yielding element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 510 is a removable element (for example receivable in a specially shaped seat included in the flat body 50). Preferably, as shown in the figures, the sealing profile 510 is a gasket member.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 510 is integrated in the flat body 50. In particular, the sealing profile 510 is a sealing collar or lip integrally formed with the flat body 50, for example of the same material as the flat body 50.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 510 is integrated in the flat body by means of overmoulding.

Preferably, the sealing profile 510 is made of a fibrous material (e.g., nonwoven).

Preferably, the sealing profile 510 acts in an axial direction (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction X-X).

Preferably, in the case of several sealing profiles 510, each sealing profile 510 acts in an axial direction (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction X-X).

According to the invention, the second face 52 comprises at least two abutment profiles 520.

Preferably, said abutment profiles 520 are elements projecting orthogonally with respect to the imaginary development plane S, axially positioned and spaced from each other. That is, the abutment profiles 520 extend in height orthogonal to the insertion direction (i.e. along the longitudinal direction X-X) and are axially spaced from each other with respect to the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y, preferably with respect to the second axis Y-Y (i.e. with respect to an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z).

According to the invention, the abutment profiles 520 are mutually spaced with respect to the first axis V-V or with respect to the second axis Y-Y, such that at least one tubular filtering partition 4 is positioned between two consecutive abutment profiles 520 (along the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y).

According to a preferred embodiment, the number of abutment profiles 520 is such that an end abutment profile 523 comprising an axial distal end and at least one central abutment profile 522 positioned between the two end abutment profiles 523.

Preferably, the central abutment profile 522 is positioned between two adjacent tubular filtering zones 4.

Preferably, the plate package 5 comprises a central abutment profile 522 between each pair of adjacent tubular filter segments 4.

In the embodiment comprising three tubular filter sections 4, two end abutment profiles 523 and two central abutment profiles 522 are determined such that the central abutment profile 522 is positioned between the first tubular filter section 4 and the second tubular filter section 4 and the other central abutment profile 522 is positioned between the second tubular filter section 4 and the third tubular filter section 4.

According to a preferred embodiment, the central abutment profile 522 comprises a first portion 5221 and a second portion 5222.

According to a preferred embodiment, the central abutment profile 522 comprises a first portion 5221 and a second portion 5222, which are mutually spaced apart along the insertion direction Z.

According to a preferred embodiment, the central abutment profile 522 comprises a first portion 5221 and a second portion 5222 separated from each other.

Preferably, the first portion 5221 and the second portion 5222 are separated from each other along the insertion direction Z. Preferably, upon insertion of the cartridge 3 into the cartridge 2, the first portion 5221 is engaged first, and then the second portion 5222 is engaged.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first portion 5221 and the second portion 5222 are positioned offset from each other along the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y, in particular along an axis perpendicular to the insertion direction Z.

According to the invention, the filter cartridge 3 can be inserted into the cartridge 2 along an insertion direction Z substantially parallel to the first axis V-V or to the second axis Y-Y.

In other words, the cartridge 3 can be inserted into the cartridge 2 with an insertion operation in a single insertion direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the insertion direction Z is substantially the first axis V-V corresponding to the vertical, so that the insertion operation also benefits from the action of gravity.

According to the invention, the capsule 2 comprises a containing region 25 between the wall 21 and at least two abutment elements 22, which are longitudinally spaced from the wall 21 and axially spaced from each other.

The plate package 5 is accommodated in said accommodation region 25, wherein at least one sealing profile 510 sealingly engages with the wall 21 and an abutment profile 520 engages with a corresponding abutment element 22.

Preferably, the number and position of the abutment elements 22 included in the cassette 2 varies according to the abutment profile 520 included on the plate package 5.

In other words, in said housing region 25, the plate package 5 can be inserted by an axial insertion operation along the insertion direction Z, such that the plate package 5 is sealingly engaged with the wall 21 by means of the first face 51 and such that it is engaged by the abutment element 22 on the second face 52. Preferably, the abutment on the second face 52 involves an axial thrust in the longitudinal direction, which causes the first face 51 to be pushed towards the wall 21 and to be held on the wall 21 under the thrust.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 2 comprises: a container 20 in which the cartridge 3 can be at least partially housed; and a cap 200 adapted to engage and close the container 20.

Preferably, the containment region 25 is closed on one side by the container 20 and on the other side by the cover 200.

According to a preferred embodiment, one or more abutment profiles 520, preferably at least a central abutment profile 522 (or a plurality of central abutment profiles, if present), are engaged by both the container 20 and the cap 200.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first portion 5221 is engaged by the container 20 and the second portion 5222 is engaged by the cap 200.

According to a preferred embodiment, the central abutment element 220 comprises a container abutment half element 221 adapted to engage the first portion 5221 and a cap abutment half element 222 adapted to engage the second portion 5222. In other words, the container is received on the container 20 against the half-element 221, while the lid is received on the lid 200 against the half-element 222.

As will be described more fully below, the plate package 5 (and in particular some of its components) and the complementary receiving area 25 are shaped exclusively with respect to each other both in the longitudinal direction and in a direction parallel to the insertion direction. Thus, in particular, such coupling allows a single/unique mutual positioning.

According to a preferred embodiment, according to the invention, the at least one sealing profile 510 is shaped with respect to the imaginary development plane S with variable vertical distances dz1, dz1' along the insertion direction Z, these distances being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

That is, the sealing profile 510 is shaped to have a specific portion of a first vertical distance dz1 from the imaginary spreading plane S and other portions of a different vertical distance dz1' from the imaginary spreading plane S.

Or according to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profiles 510 are mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary development plane S with variable vertical distances dz1, dz1' along the insertion direction Z, measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

That is, a plurality of sealing profiles 510 are included, each sealing profile 510 being positioned a specific vertical distance from the imaginary spreading plane S. Thus, preferably, two consecutive sealing profiles 510 are positioned at two different distances from said imaginary spreading plane S in a direction parallel to the insertion direction Z. Preferably, the lower sealing profile 510 or the lower part of the sealing profile 510, which is first approached to the cartridge 2 in the insertion operation, is located in a position preferably close to the imaginary spreading plane S with respect to the upper sealing profile 510 or the upper part of the sealing profile 510.

The wall 21 is specially complementarily shaped according to what has been described above in relation to the shape and position of the sealing profile 510.

According to a preferred embodiment, according to the invention, the abutment profile 520 is shaped with respect to the imaginary development plane S with variable vertical distances dz2, dz2' along the insertion direction Z, these distances being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

That is, the abutment profile 520 is shaped to have a specific portion of the first vertical distance dz2 from the imaginary spreading plane S and other portions of different vertical distances dz2', dz2", dz2 '", dz2"" ', from the imaginary spreading plane S.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the abutment profiles 520 are mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary development plane S with variable vertical distances dz2', dz2", dz 2'", dz2"", measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z. In other words, the abutment profile has a "saw tooth profile".

The abutment element 22 is shaped specifically complementarily according to what has been described above with respect to the shape and position of the abutment profile 520.

According to a preferred embodiment, the abutment profile 520 and the abutment element 22 comprise respective abutment and thrust surfaces 523', 223', 5221', 221', 5222', 222' which are mutually slidably engaged upon the insertion operation of the filter cartridge 3 into the cartridge 2.

Preferably, the abutment and thrust surfaces are shaped so that the filter cartridge 3 is pushed and held in place in the longitudinal direction towards the wall 21.

In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5, which is taken orthogonally with respect to the development plane S, has elements or element portions close to said development plane S and elements or element portions distant from said development plane S. In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5, which is taken orthogonally with respect to the development plane S, has elements or element portions on the first face 51 and/or on the second face 52 that are close to said imaginary development plane S and elements or element portions that are distant from said imaginary development plane S.

According to the invention, the plate package 5 has a shape such that it tapers in a first region which enters the receiving region 25 during the insertion operation. According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package has a shape such that it tapers at the bottom.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one sealing profile 510 is shaped with respect to the imaginary spreading plane S with variable longitudinal distances dx1, dx1' along a first axis V-V or a second axis Y-Y, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X.

That is, the sealing profile 510 is shaped to have a specific portion of a first longitudinal distance dx1 from the imaginary spreading plane S and other portions of a different longitudinal distance dx1' from the imaginary spreading plane S.

Or according to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profiles 510 are mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary development plane S with variable longitudinal distances dx1, dx1' along a first axis V-V or a second axis Y-Y, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X.

That is, a plurality of sealing profiles 510 are included, each sealing profile 510 being positioned a certain longitudinal distance from the imaginary spreading plane S. Thus, preferably, two mutually consecutive sealing profiles 510 are positioned at two different longitudinal distances from the imaginary spreading plane S.

According to a preferred embodiment, according to the invention, the abutment profile 520 is shaped with respect to the imaginary development plane S along the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z with variable longitudinal distances dx21', dx21", dx221', dx222', dx221", dx222", dx221 '", dx222' ", measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X.

That is, the abutment profile 520 is shaped to have a specific portion at a first longitudinal distance from the imaginary spreading plane S and other portions at different longitudinal distances from the imaginary spreading plane S.

Or according to a preferred embodiment, the abutment profiles 520 are mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary development plane S with variable longitudinal distances dx21', dx21", dx221', dx222', dx221", dx222", dx221 '", dx222' "along a first axis V-V or a second axis Y-Y, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X.

That is, a plurality of abutment profiles 520 are included, each abutment profile 520 being positioned at a specific longitudinal distance from the imaginary deployment plane S. Thus, preferably, two mutually consecutive abutment profiles 520 along the insertion axis Z are positioned at two different longitudinal distances from the imaginary development plane S.

In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5, taken along the deployment plane S, has elements or element portions that are longitudinally close to said plane, and elements or element portions that are longitudinally distant from said plane. In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5, which is taken orthogonally to the insertion direction with respect to the expansion plane S, has elements or element portions on the first face 51 and/or the second face 52, which are longitudinally close to the imaginary expansion plane S, and elements or element portions, which are longitudinally distant from the imaginary expansion plane S.

According to the invention, the shape of the plate package 5 has a variable cross section with a preferably tapering tendency in the preferred axial direction. Alternatively, again according to the invention, the shape of the plate package 5 has a variable cross section (concave or convex in the centre).

As mentioned above, the cartridge 2 (its housing area 25), in particular the wall 21 and the abutment element 22, are specially shaped to be engaged by the sealing profile 510 and the abutment profile 520.

For example, in an embodiment, where the cartridge 3 comprises a plurality of sealing profiles 510, the wall 21 is specially shaped to comprise a sealing surface 210 adapted to be engaged by said sealing profiles 510.

For example, according to a preferred embodiment, the wall 21 comprises a plurality of sealing planes 210 positioned on different imaginary sealing planes T1, T2, which, in the case of housing the filter insert 3, have in sequence a variable longitudinal distance and a variable (or respectively different) vertical distance with respect to the imaginary development plane S in a direction parallel to the insertion direction Z.

Or again, by way of example, according to a preferred embodiment, the abutment elements 22 lie on different imaginary abutment planes R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, which in turn have a variable longitudinal distance and a variable (or respectively different) vertical distance with respect to the imaginary development plane S, in the case of the cartridge 3 housed in the housing 2 and therefore the plate group 5 housed in the housing region 25.

In other words, according to the present invention, the plate group 5 viewed from the side has a variable shape along the vertical axis, and the plate group 5 viewed from above has a variable shape along the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second faces 51, 52 has the variable trend along the vertical axis, and at least one of the first and second faces 51, 52 has the variable trend along the longitudinal axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cap 200 can be mounted on the container 20 parallel to the insertion direction Z.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the cap 200 is rotatably mounted on the container 20.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cover 200 may be secured to the container 20 by means of screw or clip means.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cap 200 is adapted to engage the cartridge 3 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction Z.

Preferably, the cover 200 is adapted to engage the plate package 5 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

In other words, the cap 200 is preferably adapted to function as an axial abutment in the insertion direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 2 comprises at least one inflow mouth 28. Preferably, the at least one inflow mouth 28 is longitudinally spaced from the at least one outflow mouth 29.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge 3 further comprises an auxiliary plate package 6. Preferably, the auxiliary plate package 6 is longitudinally opposite to the plate package 5. Preferably, the tubular filter partition 4 is integrally connected to the auxiliary plate package 6.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the end abutment profile is longitudinally further away from the imaginary spreading plane S than the at least one central abutment profile.

Or again, according to a preferred embodiment, the end abutment profiles are at different longitudinal distances from each other from the imaginary development plane S.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the end abutment profiles are at different longitudinal distances from each other, but at the same time also at different longitudinal distances with respect to the at least one central abutment profile.

It should be noted that with respect to the above embodiments, also hybrid embodiments are included that remain consistent with the above principles of the present invention, having an arrangement of a sealing profile of one solution and an abutment profile of another solution.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plate set 5 snap engages the cassette 2.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package 5 snap engages the container 20.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package 5 comprises teeth 57, the teeth 57 being adapted to snap engage with recesses 27 on the cassette 2. Preferably, the teeth 57 are flexible elements transverse to the insertion direction Z.

According to an alternative embodiment, the plate set 5 comprises a plurality of teeth 57, the plurality of teeth 57 being adapted to snap engage the cartridge 2, for example by being received in specific recesses.

Preferably, the teeth are specially shaped on the abutment profile.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package 5 comprises elastically yielding teeth adapted to engage the external abutment element, preferably in a special snap-fit receptacle. Preferably, the snap-engagement occurs at the end of the insertion of the filter cartridge 3 into the cartridge 2 in the insertion direction. Preferably, the cartridge is extracted from the capsule 2 by performing a pulling action that overcomes the elastic action of said elastically yielding teeth.

Preferably, the elastically yielding teeth act in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X.

According to the invention, as mentioned above, further embodiments are possible, for example in a preferred embodiment the plate package 5 is made up of a plurality of different parts assembled to each other. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the plate package comprises: a first component, the tubular filtration zone operably connected to the first component, and the first component comprising at least one sealing profile; and a second component mountable to the first component, including an abutment profile.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 2 further comprises a support element adapted to support the auxiliary plate package 6.

Innovatively, as described above, the air filter assembly and the engine air supply system of a vehicle including the same broadly achieve the objects of the present invention, overcoming the typical problems of the prior art.

Advantageously, the air filter assembly effectively utilizes the space available in the vehicle interior, particularly the engine compartment, so as to be of compact size and have a sufficient filter surface.

Advantageously, the offset positioning between tubular filtering partitions belonging to the same row allows optimizing the space in the filtering chamber.

Advantageously, the offset positioning between tubular filtering partitions belonging to the same row allows to increase the flexibility of sizing available for the filtering assembly, for example by increasing the space available for positioning the abutment profile and thus increasing the uniformity of distribution of the thrust exerted on the plate group of the filtering cartridge.

Advantageously, the filter cartridge can be mounted inside the cartridge by means of a guiding/positioning system which can be performed and maneuvered in a small space with, for example, vertical insertion or lateral insertion.

Advantageously, the positioning guide system is very compact, thus allowing to improve the utilization of the internal space of the cartridge, to increase the available filtering surface and to reduce the pressure drop imposed by the filter cartridge on the suction circuit.

Advantageously, the air filter assembly ensures simple and intuitive assembly and simple and intuitive disassembly. Advantageously, the assembly and disassembly operations of the air filter assembly are guided and extremely simple.

Advantageously, the cartridge can be inserted into the cartridge according to a single insertion direction, which facilitates the maintenance process.

Advantageously, the filter insert (but in particular the plate package thereof) can be inserted into the cartridge (in particular in the receiving area) in a guided manner, in order to avoid damage or wear of the sealing profile, which minimizes its friction with the wall and undesired sliding.

Advantageously, the maintenance operation is guided and overcomes the possibility of undesired damages occurring in its execution.

Advantageously, the positioning of the filter cartridge ensures a safe and precise positioning of the sealing profile, thus ensuring a stable, reliable sealing coupling against vibrations and shocks.

Advantageously, the thrust action to which the sealing profile (or profiles) is subjected against the wall is obtained by means of longitudinal and transverse members, so as to distribute the thrust action uniformly over the plate package.

Advantageously, the abutment element and the abutment profile interact in order to facilitate engagement of the sealing profile (or profiles). Advantageously, the abutment element and the abutment profile are specially structured to apply a uniform thrust/compression of the sealing profile (or profiles). Preferably, advantageously, the abutment element and the abutment profile also perform an effective thrust action in the central region of the plate package.

Advantageously, the abutment element and the abutment profile interact in order to ensure that the sealing profile (or profiles) is sufficiently fastened along the entire length of the plate package, even in the case of a cartridge having a plurality of tubular partitions organized in several rows and therefore having a greater size and weight than in the case of a cartridge having two tubular filtering partitions.

Advantageously, the cartridge stably maintains watertight coupling by utilizing the limited tolerance chain involved, which optimizes the number of parts required and therefore the production costs associated with the cartridge.

Advantageously, the cartridge is automatically objectified by means of the specific shape of the plate group, which facilitates its correct insertion inside the cartridge and provides the operator with an immediate visual recognition system.

Advantageously, in order to function effectively, the air filter assembly needs to be specially shaped into the original cartridge that operates with the cartridge, thus also solving the problem of non-original cartridges.

Advantageously, the rigid connection obtained between the cartridge and the box, in particular between the plate set and the containment zone, allows a safe and firm engagement, as well as a safe and firm seal between the parts. Advantageously, the box inside the vehicle can be positioned in any relative position without affecting the filtering method.

It is obvious that the person skilled in the art can make modifications to the air filter assembly described above in order to satisfy contingent needs, all of which are included within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

List of reference numerals:

1 air filtration assembly

2 box

20 container

21 wall

210 sealing plane

200 cover

22 abutment element

220 center abutment element

221 container against half element

222 cover against half element

223 end abutment element

25 accommodation area

27 teeth accommodating recess

28 inflow nozzle

29 outflow nozzle

3 filter core

4 tubular filtration zone

40 lumen of

5 board group

50 unit body

51 first face, sealing face

510 sealing profile

52 second and abutment surfaces

520 against the profile

522 center abutment profile

5221 first part

5222 second part

523 end abutment profile

523', 223', 5221', 221', 5222', 222' against and thrust surfaces

57 teeth

59 flow outlet

6 auxiliary plate group

X-X longitudinal axis

V-V first axis, vertical axis

Y-Y second axis, transverse axis

F-F filter axis

Z insertion direction

S imaginary expansion plane

T1, T2 imaginary sealing plane

R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 assume an abutment plane

dx1, dx1', dx21", dx221', dx222', dx221", dx222", dx221 '", dx222' "with variable longitudinal distance

dz1, dz1', dz2', dz2", dz2 '", dz2""' variable vertical distance

Df. Df1, df2 filter diameter

P projection

Claims (15)

1. An air filter assembly (1) for a vehicle, comprising:

i) -a cartridge (2) comprising a wall (21) extending along a first axis (V-V) and a second axis (Y-Y), said wall (21) comprising at least one outflow mouth (29) through which air flows, wherein said cartridge (2) further comprises a longitudinal axis (X-X) intersecting said first axis (V-V) and said second axis (Y-Y);

ii) a filter cartridge (3) comprising:

at least two tubular filter sections (4) which can be passed radially during filtration, each tubular filter section (4) extending along a filter axis (F-F);

-a plate package (5) to which the at least two tubular filter partitions (4) are operatively connected, wherein the plate package (5) extends with respect to an imaginary deployment plane (S) and comprises a first face (51) and a second face (52) on opposite sides of the imaginary deployment plane (S), the first face (51) comprising at least one sealing profile (510) and the second face (52) comprising at least two abutment profiles (520), wherein the plate package (5) comprises at least one outflow opening (59), the at least one outflow opening (59) being adapted to place the tubular filter partitions (4) in fluid communication with the at least one outflow mouth (29);

Wherein the cartridge (3) is insertable into the cartridge (2) along an insertion direction (Z) substantially parallel to the first axis (V-V) or the second axis (Y-Y);

wherein the cassette (2) comprises a receiving area (25) between the wall (21) and at least two abutment elements (22), the at least two abutment elements (22) being longitudinally spaced from the wall (21) and axially spaced from each other, wherein the plate package (5) is received in the receiving area (25), wherein the at least one sealing profile (510) is sealingly engaged with the wall (21) and the abutment profiles (520) are engaged with the respective abutment elements (22);

wherein the at least one sealing profile (510) and/or the abutment profile (520) are shaped or mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary spreading plane (S) with a vertically variable distance (dz 1, dz1', dz2', dz2", dz2 '", dz2 "") from the imaginary spreading plane (S) along the insertion direction (Z), the vertically variable distance (dz 1, dz1', dz2', dz2", dz 2'", dz2 "") being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction (Z);

wherein the at least one sealing profile (510) and/or the abutment profile (520) are shaped or mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary spreading plane (S) with a longitudinal variable distance (dx 1, dx1', dx21", dx221', dx222', dx221", dx221' ", dx222 '") from the imaginary spreading plane (S) along the first axis (V-V) or the second axis (Y-Y), the longitudinal variable distance (dx 1, dx1', dx21", dx221', dx222', dx221", dx222' ") being measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X);

Wherein the at least two tubular filtering partitions (4) are positioned to define a main extension row along the first axis (V-V) or the second axis (Y-Y);

wherein two tubular filtering partitions (4) belonging to the same row and close to each other have respective filtering axes (F-F) offset from each other along both said first axis (V-V) and said second axis (Y-Y).

2. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein each tubular filter partition (4) has a filter diameter (Df, df1, df 2), wherein two tubular filter partitions (4) belonging to the same row and close to each other define a projection (P) on the first axis (V-V) and/or the second axis (Y-Y), said projection (P) being smaller than the sum of the respective filter diameters.

3. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter cartridge (3) comprises at least one third tubular filter partition (4) belonging to the same row, wherein the filter axis (F-F) of the third tubular filter partition (4) is mutually aligned with the filter axis (F-F) of one of the two tubular filter partitions, which is offset along the first axis (V-V) or the second axis (Y-Y), in particular along an axis intersecting the insertion direction (Z).

4. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate package (5) comprises at least three abutment profiles (520), the at least three abutment profiles (520) comprising two end abutment profiles (523) and at least one central abutment profile (522) positioned between the two end abutment profiles (523) and between two proximate tubular filter partitions (4), wherein the cassette (2) comprises two end abutment elements (221) and at least one central abutment element (220).

5. An air filtration assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein the cartridge (2) comprises: -a container (20), the filter cartridge (3) being at least partially receivable in the container (20); and a cap (200) adapted to engage the container (20) to close the container (20), wherein the central abutment profile (522) comprises a first portion (5221) and a second portion (5222), wherein the central abutment element (220) comprises a container abutment half-element (221) adapted to engage the first portion (5221) and a cap abutment half-element (222) adapted to engage the second portion (5222).

6. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first portion (5221) and the second portion (5222) are positioned offset from each other along the first axis (V-V) or the second axis (Y-Y), in particular along an axis intersecting the insertion direction (Z).

7. An air filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plate pack (5) snap-engages the cassette (2).

8. An air filter assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein the plate pack (5) comprises teeth (57), the teeth (57) being adapted to snap engage recesses on the cassette (2).

9. An air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment profile (520) and the abutment element (22) comprise respective abutment and thrust surfaces (523 ', 223', 5221', 221', 5222', 222'), which abutment and thrust surfaces (523 ', 223', 5221', 221', 5222', 222') are mutually slidably engaged during the operation of inserting the filter cartridge (3) into the cartridge (2), wherein the abutment and thrust surfaces (523 ', 223', 5221', 221', 5222', 222') are shaped, preferably inclined, such that the filter cartridge (3) is pushed and held in place in the longitudinal direction towards the wall (21).

10. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment profile (520) and the abutment element (22) are positioned on different imaginary abutment planes (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) longitudinally spaced from each other, i.e. each at a respective longitudinal distance (dx 21', dx21", dx221', dx222', dx221", dx222", dx221 '", dx222' ").

11. An air filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plate package (5) comprises a plurality of outflow openings (59) and comprises respective sealing profiles (510), each sealing profile extending around a respective outflow opening (59), the sealing profiles (510) defining respective sealing areas when engaged with the wall (21).

12. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the sealing profiles (510) and the respective sealing planes (210) comprised in the wall (21) are positioned on different imaginary sealing planes (T1, T2) longitudinally spaced from each other, i.e. each at a respective longitudinal distance (dx 1, dx 1') from the imaginary spreading plane (S).

13. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one outflow opening (59) is shaped such that it extends longitudinally between the second face (52) and the first face (51) for fluidly connecting the tubular filter partition (4) to the at least one outflow mouth (29).

14. The air filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sealing profile (510) is one of an elastically yielding element or a detachable element integrated into the plate package.

15. Engine air supply system of a vehicle, characterized by comprising an air filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (2) is fluidly connected to an intake manifold and air is sucked from the external environment through the air filter assembly (1).

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