DE102011013558A1 - Filter has filter element for holding back foreign substances from fluids, where filter element has side edge, and adhesive forms linear connection bead between filter element and frame - Google Patents

Abstract

The filter (1) has a filter element (2) for holding back foreign substances from fluids, where filter element has a side edge (2.1,2.1'). An adhesive (7) forms a linear connection bead between the filter element and a frame (5), where the filter element is connected to the connection piece by the adhesive cured by cross-linking. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a filter.

Description

The invention relates to a filter comprising a filter element for retaining foreign substances from fluids and an adapter connected to the filter element for adapting to an installation environment.

In addition, the invention relates to an adhesive based on epoxy resin in particular for connecting a filter element with a mechanical adapter and the use of the adhesive. Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing a generic filter.

Wherever foreign substances are to be retained in liquid or gaseous media, filters are used. The designs are correspondingly different and the quantities to be produced differ depending on the application. Particularly high quantities are achieved in the automotive industry, where filters z. B. the sucked air to the engine or the injected air into the passenger compartment or filter the oil and the fuel. Even by pressure differences or temperature differences in cavities resulting equalizing flows, z. B. headlamps are filtered.

For the different media and materials to be filtered out matched filter elements are used, which consist of different materials, eg. Example of fleece, paper, sintered bodies, ceramic, metal, foam, etc. The choice of the filter element depends, inter alia, on the temperature of the medium to be filtered.

Since the filters have a limited capacity for the substances to be filtered, filter elements must be changed or cleaned. For this purpose, they are connected to mechanical parts that perform the function of an adapter that adapts the filter element to its installation environment. Both parts, d. H. Filter element and adapter, form the filter.

Adapters in this sense are z. The cost of a filter consisting of filter element and its adapter are determined not only by the part price of the filter element and the adapter, but also by the effort required for the connection the filter element is to perform with its adapter.

For the production of filters for gaseous media, for example, it is generally customary to fasten flat foam plates, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, knitted fabrics or nonwovens between two dimensionally stable edge strips, so that cuboid-like, inherently stable filters are formed. In general, the introduced fabrics, knitted fabrics, trades or fleeces are prefolded, pleated, so that the filter has a high filter surface.

In known methods for applying edge strips to pleated filter elements, the edge strips are first equipped with a thermoplastic material. The edge strips are then guided to the selected side edges of the pleated filter elements. By heating the thermoplastic material is melted on the edge strip under heat, so that after pressing the edge strip a connection between the edge strip and the side edges of the pre-folded web results.

In addition to the method just described casting methods are known. In this case, a reactive molding compound is poured into a mold before the side edges of the filter element are immersed in the mold. By reacting the molding compound, i. H. by curing, the filter elements are joined in the poured mold. After separation of the mold and cured molding compound, the filter element is firmly bound to the serving as a side strip molding compound.

A jacket of a filter element with a metal edge strip is possible. For this purpose, the side edges of the filter element are crimped or folded together with the edge strips.

The Utility Model DE 20 2004 049 068 U1 discloses a device for applying flowable substances or rendered flowable materials, in particular adhesives, paints or varnishes on a leading, flat Good.

A generic filter is from the published patent application DE 10 2004 025 274 A1 known. The publication presents an air filter with a filter medium which runs in a zigzag shape so that it has folds that are delimited in each case by two adjacent partial surfaces of the filter medium.

Casting methods for joining edge strips to filter elements are complex and subject to the known problems of casting process technology and mold design. There are in particular special tools for minimizing voids or cavities, d. H. Nests necessary. Curing times delay the working process. Productivity is limited.

Filter elements with shrouded side edges of metallic edge strips do not form a coherent connection between side edge and edge Kant strips. There are additional frames and tools ready that make the production expensive.

Higher productivity can be achieved by joining with a thermoplastic. However, a thermal upper limit is set for the filter when the thermoplastic bonding the edge strip to the filter element melts again and the filter element begins to loosen.

There is an urgent need to produce filter elements inexpensively.

• [A1] Die Aufgabe wird bei einem Filter bestehend aus einem Filterelement zum Zurückhalten von Fremdstoffen aus Fluiden und einem mit dem Filterelement verbundenen Adapter zum Anpassen an eine Einbauumgebung, dadurch gelöst, dass das Filterelement mit dem Adapter mittels eines vernetzenden Klebstoffs verbunden ist, bei dem im unverarbeiteten Zustand eine Komponente in Mikrokapseln dispergiert vorliegt.
• [A2] Die Maßnahme, dass der Klebstoff, vorzugsweise zwischen 170° und 200°C temperaturhärtend, ausgebildet ist, erlaubt es den Prozess maschinell zu steuern. Es ist damit möglich, die Produktionszeiten des Filters zu senken. Als besonders geeignet hat sich ein Temperaturbereich zwischen 170°C und 200°C erwiesen.
• [A3] In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist der Klebstoff eingefärbt und/oder auf Basis von Epoxydharz. Vorteilhafterweise ist es damit möglich das Aufbringen des Klebstoff auf die Seitenränder des Filterelemente optisch zu kontrollieren. Es ist sofort sichtbar, ob das Filterelement an seinen Seitenränder mit dem Adapter oder Kantstreifen über Klebstoff verbunden ist.
• [A4] Wenn der Klebstoff eine Temperatur aufweist, bei der seine Farbe umschlägt, ist eine einfache Kontrolle möglich, ob dem Klebstoff ausreichend Wärme zum Aushärten zugeführt wurde. Durch diese Maßnahme ist es möglich eine höhere Prozesssicherheit zu erreichen, da ausgehärteter Klebstoff von nichtausgehärtetem Klebstoff einfach optisch unterschieden werden kann.
• [A5] Wenn der Farbumschlag irreversibel ist und/oder der Aufschluss der Mikrokapseln thermisch erfolgt, ist sichergestellt, dass auch am Einsatzort des Filters durch den Anwender leicht zu prüfen ist, ob es sich um ein Originalteil handelt.

The object of the invention is to simplify the production of filters and in particular to reduce the effort to connect filter elements to its mechanical adapter.

• [A1] The object is achieved in a filter comprising a filter element for retaining foreign substances from fluids and an adapter connected to the filter element for adapting to an installation environment, in that the filter element is connected to the adapter by means of a cross-linking adhesive, in which in the unprocessed state a component is dispersed in microcapsules.
• [A2] The measure that the adhesive, preferably thermosetting between 170 ° and 200 ° C is formed, allows the process to be controlled by machine. It is thus possible to reduce the production times of the filter. Particularly suitable has a temperature range between 170 ° C and 200 ° C proved.
• [A3] In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is colored and / or based on epoxy resin. Advantageously, it is thus possible to visually control the application of the adhesive to the side edges of the filter elements. It is immediately visible whether the filter element is connected at its side edges with the adapter or edge strip via adhesive.
• [A4] If the adhesive has a temperature that changes color, it is possible to easily check if the adhesive has sufficient heat to cure. By this measure, it is possible to achieve a higher process reliability, since cured adhesive can be easily visually distinguished from non-cured adhesive.
• [A5] If the color change is irreversible and / or the digestion of the microcapsules takes place thermally, it is ensured that it is also easy to check whether the filter is used by the user at the place where the filter is used.

• [A6] Dadurch, dass der Klebstoff thixotropiert ist oder thixotrope Eigenschaften aufweist wird die Anlagenverfügbarkeit weiter vorteilhaft erhöht. Der Klebstoff bleibt nach dem Auftragen auf den Seitenrändern des Filterelement haften, ohne abzutropfen und die Anlage zu verschmutzen. Beim Eindrücken des Kantstreifens verteilt er sich trotzdem leicht.

If at least one component is dispersed in microcapsules in the adhesive, it is possible by external influence to trigger the curing process by destroying the microcapsules. The adhesive can be introduced into the production line without curing. It remains processable even after long standstills. This results in a high machine availability. The outer skin of the microcapsules is advantageously made of a thermoplastic, which melts when heat is applied and releases the contained component.

• [A6] By virtue of the fact that the adhesive is thixotropic or has thixotropic properties, the system availability is further advantageously increased. The adhesive will adhere to the side edges of the filter element after application, without dripping and soiling the system. When pushing in the edge of the curb, it spreads easily.

• [A7] Das Einstellen der Viskosität des Klebstoffs zwischen 20 MPA·s und 80 MPA·s, vorzugsweise ca. 40 MPA·s ermöglicht einen sicheren Klebstoffauftrag in automatisierten Anlagen.
• [A8] In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltungsform ist der Luftfilter, mit wenigstens einem Filterelement aus plissiertem Flachmaterial hergestellt und mit mindestens einem Kantstreifen als Adapter ausgebildet.
• [A9] Sinnvollerweise besteht das Filterelement aus einem offenporigen Feststoff, insbesondere Sintermaterial oder Schaum, besteht, vorzugsweise einem Keramikschaum oder Elastomerschaum. Die Porengröße von Sinterkörpern lässt sich besonders exakt und gleichmäßig einstellen und so an die zurückzuhaltenden Stoffe anpassen, während Schäume besonders einfach und in großen Volumnia herstellbar sind. Sie verfügen über eine besonders große innere Oberfläche bei geringem Grundmaterialeinsatz. Diese Filterelemente sind geeignet, einen Fluid- oder Luftstrom zu filtern.
• [A10] Die Aufgabe wird auch gelöst von einem Klebstoff auf der Basis von Epoxydharz, insbesondere zum Verbinden eines Filterelements mit einem mechanischen Adapter, bei dem mindestens eine Komponente in Mikrokapseln dispergiert vorliegt.

Depending on the foam, fleece, knitted fabric, fabric or knitted fabric used, fine adjustments in the interaction of the respective filter material and the respective adhesive can be made.

• [A7] Adjusting the viscosity of the adhesive between 20 MPA · s and 80 MPA · s, preferably about 40 MPA · s, enables reliable adhesive application in automated equipment.
• [A8] In a preferred embodiment, the air filter is made with at least one filter element of pleated flat material and formed with at least one edge strip as an adapter.
• [A9] It makes sense for the filter element to consist of an open-pore solid, in particular sintered material or foam, preferably a ceramic foam or elastomeric foam. The pore size of sintered bodies can be adjusted particularly precisely and uniformly and thus adapted to the substances to be retained, while foams can be produced particularly easily and in large volumes. They have a particularly large inner surface with low base material use. These filter elements are suitable for filtering a fluid or air flow.
• [A10] The object is also achieved by an adhesive based on epoxy resin, in particular for connecting a filter element to a mechanical adapter, in which at least one component is dispersed in microcapsules.

• [A17] Eine die Aufgabe lösende Verwendung eines Klebstoffs ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mit dem Klebstoff ein Filterelement mit einem Adapter verbunden wird.
• [A18] Die Aufgabe wird ferner durch ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Filters, welcher wenigstens aus einem flächigen, insbesondere plissierten Filterelement, und einem Kantstreifen besteht, dadurch gelöst, dass folgende Schritte ausgeführt werden: a. Benetzen wenigstens einer Seitenkante des Filterelements mit einem Klebstoff, vorzugsweise pastösem Klebstoff, b. Positionieren eines Kantstreifens relativ zu der mit Klebstoff benetzten Seitenkante so, dass eine der beiden Hauptflächen des Kantstreifens dieser Seitenkante gegenüberliegt, c. Drücken des Kantstreifens an die mit Klebstoff benetzte Seitenkante in solcher Weise, dass die Oberfläche des Kantstreifens mit dem auf die benetzte Seitenkante aufgetragenem Klebstoff in Berührung kommt, d. Aushärten des Klebstoffs.

Further advantageous embodiments of the adhesive are described in the subclaims 11 to 16 inclusive.

• [A17] A problem solving use of an adhesive is characterized in that the adhesive is a filter element is connected to an adapter.
• [A18] The object is further achieved by a method for producing a filter, which consists of at least one planar, in particular Pleated filter element, and a square strip, solved by carrying out the following steps: a. Wetting at least one side edge of the filter element with an adhesive, preferably pasty adhesive, b. Positioning an edge strip relative to the adhesive wetted side edge such that one of the two major surfaces of the edge strip faces that side edge, c. Pressing the edge strip against the side edge wetted with adhesive such that the surface of the edge strip contacts the adhesive applied to the wetted side edge, d. Curing the adhesive.

• [A19] Die Maßnahme, dass die Seitenkante des Filterelements mit Klebstoff mittels Rollen benetzt wird, minimiert den Einsatz des Klebstoffes. Durch ein Auftragen von Klebstoff ausschließlich auf die zu klebenden Kanten der Filterelemente reduziert den Klebstoffverbrauch auf ein Minimum.
• [A20] In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird der Klebstoff durch Temperatur gehärtet und vorzugsweise einer Andruckkraft ausgesetzt und/oder als Klebstoff ein solcher verwendet, welcher beim Aushärten seine Farbe ändert und/oder der Klebstoff oberhalb von 170°C aushärtet. Das Aufbringen einer Andrückkraft führt den Kantstreifen an den Seitenrand des Filterelementes und sichert damit ein enges Fügen zwischen Filterelement und Kantstreifen. Durch das Anpressen wird der Abstand zwischen Kantstreifen und den Seitenränder des Filterelementes minimiert, der Wärmeübergang zum Erhitzen des Klebstoffes verbessert und enge Fertigungstoleranzen erzielt. Ein etwaiges Lösen der Fügepartner im Zustand nicht ausgehärteten Klebstoffes wird unterdrückt. Der Farbumschlag ermöglicht die einfache Kontrolle, ob ein richtiges Vernetzen des Klebstoffes stattfindet. Die zugeführte Wärme setzt zunächst thermisch die in den dispergierten Mikrokapseln befindliche Komponente des Klebstoffes frei, so dass sie nach Zerstörung der Mikrokapseln mit weiteren Komponenten reagieren kann.

A pasty form of adhesive allows the adhesive to be securely applied to / on the sides of the filter element. The crosslinking of the adhesive by means of temperature or radiation, in particular microwave radiation accelerated the curing process, so that the throughput speed of the filter can be increased by the system or the cycle time can be reduced in a piece-wise production.

• [A19] The measure that the side edge of the filter element is wetted with adhesive by means of rollers minimizes the use of the adhesive. Applying adhesive only to the adhesive edges of the filter elements reduces the consumption of adhesive to a minimum.
• [A20] In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is cured by temperature and preferably subjected to a pressure force and / or used as an adhesive, which changes its color on curing and / or the adhesive hardens above 170 ° C. The application of a pressing force guides the edge strip to the side edge of the filter element and thus ensures a tight joining between the filter element and edge strip. By pressing the distance between the edge strip and the side edges of the filter element is minimized, improves the heat transfer to heat the adhesive and achieves tight manufacturing tolerances. Any loosening of the joining partners in the uncured adhesive state is suppressed. The color change allows easy control over whether or not there is a proper cross-linking of the adhesive. The heat supplied initially releases thermally the component of the adhesive present in the dispersed microcapsules, so that it can react with other components after destruction of the microcapsules.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained by way of example with reference to a drawing. The figures of the drawing show in detail:

1 : a top view of a highly schematized plant for the production of filters and

2 : a vertical section along section line II-II in 1 ,

1 shows a plant for producing a filter 1 from a filter element 2 in a rough schematic form. The filter element is formed in the plant shown from a flat material 3 in a main level 8th , First, the flat material 3 in a pleating unit 24 folded. Alternatively, it is possible already in the pleating unit 24 the flat material 3 to lengthen. Both side edges 40 of the folded sheet 3 Be with pasty glue 7 wetted. In addition, the folded flat material runs on the adhesive rolls 37 past. The glue rolls 37 are rotatably mounted and are by a suitable adhesive supply 38 with glue 7 provided. The adhesive 7 is doing on the scope of the tacky rolls 37 distributed, leaving the side edges 40 of the folded filter element 2 wetting when touching the roller circumference. The edge strip 5 gets off the bearing rollers 23 peeled off and positioned so that the surface 42 of the curb 5 the side edge 40 of the folded filter element 2 opposite. This is the edge strip 5 from the pinch roller 20 to those with glue 7 wetted side edge 40 in such a way that the surface 42 of the curb 5 perpendicular to the main plane 8th of the filter element 2 is aligned. Then it goes through with the edge strips 5 pressed pleated filter element, the heating station 27 , In the heating station 27 the edge strip is attached to the filter element 2 pressed and cured by heating. A finer cut is made.

2 shows that the plant to make a filter 1 a pleating device 24 , a transport device 34 , a transport equipment drive 35 , a guide roller motor 36 , Pressure rollers 20 and a heating station 27 includes.

Along the transport unit 34 are the pleating unit 24 , the bearing rollers 23 for the edge strip, the pressure rollers 20 and the joining force arranged. The transport device 34 is with a transport equipment drive 35 connected. The pinch rollers 20 are with a pressure roller motor 36 connected. The folded filter elements 2 be in the pleater 24 on the transport device 34 placed so that the side edges 40 the folded filter elements are free and of the adhesive roll 37 can be touched while transferring the adhesive to the side edges of the filter element.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

air filter

2

filter element

3

fleece

5

Kant strips

8th

main level

20

pinch

23

bearing roller

24

pleating

27

heating station

28

wrinkles

34

transport means

35

Transport means drive

38

Andrückrollenmotor

37

Desktop Accessories

38

Glue feed

40

side edge

42

surface

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202004049068 U1 [0011]
• DE 102004025274 A1 [0012]

Claims (20)

A filter comprising a filter element for retaining contaminants from fluids and an adapter connected to the filter element for conforming to an installation environment, characterized in that the filter element is connected to the adapter by means of a cross-linking adhesive in which, when unprocessed, a component is dispersed in microcapsules is present. Filter ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesive ( 7 ) thermosetting, preferably thermosetting between 170 ° and 200 ° C, is formed. Filter ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adhesive ( 7 ) and / or the adhesive ( 7 ) an adhesive ( 7 ) based on epoxy resin. Filter ( 1 ) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the adhesive ( 7 ) has a temperature at which its color changes. Filter ( 1 ) according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that the color change is irreversible and (or the digestion of the microcapsules takes place thermally. Filter ( 1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive ( 7 ) is thixotropic or has thixotropic properties. Filter ( 1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the viscosity of the adhesive ( 7 ) between 20 MPA · s and 80 MPA · s, preferably about 40 MPA · s. Filter ( 1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be used as an air filter ( 1 ), with at least one filter element ( 2 ) made of pleated flat material and having at least one edge strip ( 5 ) is designed as an adapter. Filter ( 1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element consists of an open-pore solid, in particular sintered material or foam, preferably a ceramic foam or elastomeric foam. Adhesive based on epoxy resin, in particular for connecting a filter element to a mechanical adapter, characterized in that at least one component is present dispersed in microcapsules. Adhesive according to Claim 10, characterized in that the adhesive ( 7 ) thermosetting, preferably thermosetting between 170 ° and 200 ° C, is formed. Adhesive according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the adhesive ( 7 ) and / or the adhesive ( 7 ) an adhesive ( 7 ) based on epoxy resin. Adhesive according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the adhesive ( 7 ) has a temperature at which its color changes and / or at least one component in microcapsules in the adhesive ( 7 ) is dispersed. Adhesive according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the color change is irreversible and / or the digestion of the microcapsules takes place thermally. Adhesive according to one or more of the preceding claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the adhesive ( 7 ) is thixotropic or has thixotropic properties. Adhesive according to one or more of the preceding claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the viscosity of the adhesive ( 7 ) between 20 MPA · s and 80 MPA · s, preferably about 40 MPA · s. Use of an adhesive according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the adhesive, a filter element is connected to an adapter. Method for producing a filter, which consists at least of a flat, in particular pleated filter element and a square strip, characterized in that the following steps are carried out: a. Wetting at least one side edge of the filter element with an adhesive, preferably pasty adhesive, b. Positioning an edge strip relative to the adhesive-wetted side edge such that one of the two main surfaces of the edge strip faces this side edge, c. Pressing the edge strip against the adhesive-wetted side edge in such a way that the surface of the edge strip contacts the adhesive applied to the wetted side edge, d. Curing the adhesive. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the side edge of the filter element is wetted with adhesive by means of rollers. A method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the adhesive is cured by temperature and is preferably subjected to a pressing force and / or used as the adhesive, which changes its color on curing and / or that the adhesive is above 170 ° C is cured.

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