DE102014016560A1 - Cabin filter and filter arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A cabin air filter (2) having a pleated filter medium (4) and a flexible sideband (6, 7) arranged on fold profiles (5) of filter pleats (11, 12) of the filter medium (4), wherein the cabin filter (2) deforms a bending section (15) of the sideband (6, 7) about an axis parallel to folding edges (10, 13) of the filter folds (11, 12) arranged axis (17) is bendable.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a filter element, in particular a cabin filter for filtering air for the interior of a vehicle or building. Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter assembly with such a filter element and a filter holder.

Although applicable to any filter elements and arrangements, the present invention and the underlying problems are described below for a cabin filter of a motor vehicle.

The increasing air pollution, especially in large cities, in connection with the use of modern air conditioning systems makes it necessary to clean the outside of the interior of a motor vehicle and conditioned or conditioned air by means of suitable filters. For this purpose, for example, particulate filter, odor filter or their combination with each other come into consideration, which should filter out or absorb as much as possible suspended particles, particles and odors contained in the environment.

For filtering air for the interior of a motor vehicle, folded or pleated filter materials, such as filter fleeces forming a fold pack, are often used. An initially flat filter material sheet is folded in a zigzag shape. The fold pack is held by side straps and headbands or other frame. Such filter elements can be fixed exchangeably in a filter holder. The filter assembly thus formed may be installed in an air conditioning system of a corresponding vehicle.

State of the art

The DE 20 2004 000 029 U1 describes a filter cartridge with a flexibly deformable sideband. As a result, the filter insert can be curved.

Disclosure of the invention

Against this background, the present invention has the object to provide an improved filter element.

This object is achieved by a filter element with a folded filter medium and a flexible sideband arranged on fold profiles of filter pleats of the filter medium, the interior filter being bendable by deforming a bending section of the sideband about an axis arranged parallel to fold edges of the filter folds.

Characterized in that the filter element comprises the bending portion, the filter element is defined bendable in the region of the bending portion and thus adaptable to geometric boundary conditions. Accordingly, a filter element associated filter element can be designed geometrically free. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a limited amount of installation space, for example in an engine compartment of a motor vehicle.

The sideband preferably has a constant height, which is preferably higher than the pleat height. The side band may additionally be formed incision-free.

The sideband preferably has a thickness of 1-5 mm and / or a basis weight of 150-350 g / m ² . The height of the sideband is preferably greater than 15 mm, more preferably greater than 20 mm and even more preferably greater than 25 mm.

The filter element comprises the filter medium and one or more reinforcing elements, in particular two side and / or two head bands, which reinforce the filter medium at least in sections in order to maintain its shape, in particular in filter operation. Preferably, each sideband has a bending section. The reinforcing elements may, in particular, form a closed or open frame, also in one piece of material, which surrounds the filter medium. As defined herein, a frame includes one or more reinforcing elements. For example, the side and / or headbands are nonwoven ribbons.

The reinforcing elements can be connected to the filter medium at the edge cohesively, in particular glued. For this purpose, the reinforcing elements can be heated and the filter medium can be pressed into the heated material. Alternatively, the reinforcing elements may be molded onto the filter medium. Furthermore, an adhesive can be used as filler material. The reinforcing elements may themselves be made of the same material as the filter medium. Alternatively, the reinforcing elements may be formed as plastic injection molded components. Here, for example, find a highly elastic material such as a thermoplastic polyurethane application.

The folded filter medium may be folded or wavy. As convolutions zigzag or W-folds are known, for example. The filter medium can be embossed and then folded into sharp edges at embossing edges. When Starting material can serve a flat material filter sheet, which is transformed accordingly. The filter medium is, for example, a filter fabric, a filter fabric or a filter fabric. In particular, the filter medium can be produced in a melt-blow process. The filter medium may comprise natural fibers, such as cotton or synthetic fibers, for example of polyester, polyvinyl sulfite or polytetrafluoroethylene. The fibers may be oriented in, skewed and / or transversely to the machine direction during processing. In particular, the filter medium is multi-layered. For example, the filter medium may comprise two carbon fiber filter layers and a dust filter layer disposed between the carbon fiber filter layers.

A corresponding filter element serves to filter fluid, ie gaseous and / or liquid media, for example air. Gaseous medium or air here also includes gas or air-solid mixtures or gas or air-liquid mixtures. For example, an air conditioner may have the filter element. The filter element may have a sealing device which seals a raw side associated with the filter element with respect to a clean side thereof. The sealing device may be formed identical to one component with one or more reinforcing elements of the filter element. Alternatively, the sealing device may be formed as an additional component. For example, the sealing device can be attached to the filter medium, the one or more reinforcing elements, the filter element or the filter holder.

The filter element is in particular a cabin filter for filtering air for the interior of a vehicle, in particular a car or truck, or building.

In embodiments, the filter medium has first filter pleats having a first pleat height and at least one second filter pleat having a second pleat height, wherein the second pleat height is smaller than the first pleat height, and wherein the bend portion comprises the at least one second filter pleat. As a result, the pleat spacing of the filter pleats is not changed relative to each other during bending of the filter element. The filtration performance of the filter element is therefore not affected by the bending of the filter element.

The first fold height is preferably greater than 15 mm, more preferably greater than 20 mm, even more preferably greater than 25 mm. In extreme cases, the second fold height can be 0 mm, d. h., As the second filter fold, only a flat filter medium portion is provided. In particular, the first wrinkle height is 2 to 5 times, preferably 2.5 to 4.5 times, more preferably 3 to 4 times, more preferably 3.5 to 4 times, even more preferably exactly 4 times as big as the second fold height. The axis about which the filter element is bendable is preferably arranged parallel to a fold edge of the at least one second filter fold and / or parallel to fold edges of the first filter folds. Preferably, the filter element is bendable about the axis only in a bending direction. As a result, the filter element may have a curved geometry after deformation. In alternative embodiments, the filter element is simultaneously bendable into two different, in particular opposite, bending directions.

In further embodiments, the bending section is adapted to deform inwardly in bending the filter element in the direction of the filter medium. In particular, an adhesive, in particular a hot-melt adhesive, is applied to the inside of the sideband, which only permits deformation of the bending section to the inside. This always ensures that the bending section only deforms inwards.

In further embodiments, the bending section is set up to deform in a loop-like manner when the interior filter is received in the direction of the filter medium. In particular, forms during the deformation of the bending section in the direction of the filter medium inwardly projecting loop or loop.

In further embodiments, the bending section can be clamped when bending the filter element between two first filter folds. This ensures that folding edges adjacent to the bending section arranged first filter folds do not touch, whereby the filtration performance of the filter element is not affected.

In further embodiments, the bendable portion which can be clamped between the two first filter folds defines a pleat spacing between the two first filter folds. In particular, the loop or loop formed by the bending section is clamped between the first filter folds.

In further embodiments, the at least one second filter fold is arranged between two first filter folds. In particular, only the at least one second filter fold is deformed when bending the filter element in addition to the sideband. This ensures that the geometry of the first filter folds remains unchanged during bending of the filter element.

In further embodiments, the sideband comprises two bending sections. As a result, the filter element is C-shaped bendable. The sideband can have any number of bending sections. In particular, one of the number of Bending sections corresponding number of axes to be provided, around which the filter element is bendable.

Furthermore, a filter arrangement is proposed with such a filter element and a filter holder for receiving the filter element.

In further embodiments, a plurality of curved cabin filters can be arranged in a cylindrical manner in a corresponding filter mount. For example, six C-shaped curved cabin filters can be arranged to form a closed cylinder.

The features described for the filter element apply to the filter assembly according to and vice versa.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features or method steps described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The skilled person will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the embodiments of the invention described below. Furthermore, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.

Brief description of the drawings

It shows:

1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a filter assembly with a cabin filter;

2 a schematic side view of the cabin air filter according to 1 ;

3 a further schematic side view of the cabin air filter according to 1 ; and

4 a schematic perspective view of the interior filter according to 1 ,

Embodiment (s) of the invention

The 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a filter assembly 1 with a cabin filter 2 for use in a vehicle or building. The filter arrangement 1 points next to the cabin filter 2 still a filter holder 3 on, which is adapted to the cabin air filter 2 take. The filter holder 3 is, for example, box-shaped and has a filter receiving body and a filter receiving lid adapted to close the filter receiving body. The cabin filter 2 can with a sealing device, not shown, fluid-tight with respect to the filter holder 3 be sealed.

The cabin filter 2 includes a filter medium 4 preferably folded filter material. The filter material preferably has several layers. In particular, the filter material may comprise two activated carbon layers, between which a dust filter layer is arranged. The filter material may comprise a nonwoven or the like.

The filter medium 4 is preferably folded zigzag. On fold profiles 5 ( 2 . 3 ) of the filter medium 4 are in the orientation of 1 on each one longitudinal side of the filter medium 4 on the front a sideband 6 and on the back another sideband 7 appropriate. It can be done with a bond, for example, a hot melt adhesive or other suitable adhesives. Through the sidebands 6 . 7 learns the cabin filter 2 a certain lateral stability.

Furthermore, a stiffener and a termination on end faces of the filter medium 4 to achieve are headbands 8th . 9 at respective end folds of the filter medium 4 appropriate. The headbands 8th . 9 preferably have an L-shaped profile. The long leg of the L-shape forms in each case the conclusion of the filter medium 4 while the short leg of the L-shape on the filter medium 4 in the orientation of 1 each on top of the filter medium 4 rests.

The two sidebands 6 . 7 with the headbands 8th . 9 can the filter medium 4 enclose in the manner of a frame. The sidebands 6 . 7 and the headbands 8th . 9 can be made for example of a nonwoven material. In particular, the sidebands 6 . 7 flexible and deformable. The sidebands 6 . 7 and the headbands 8th . 9 can be made of one piece material. The sidebands 6 . 7 and the headbands 8th . 9 can contact the filter medium 4 glued to be merged with this or injected into this in an injection molding process.

In the 1 are fold edges 10 , of which only one is provided with a reference numeral, of the filter medium 4 shown. During operation of the interior filter 2 flows a fluid, in particular air L, from a raw side RO of the cabin air filter 2 perpendicular to a flat extension of the filter medium 4 through the filter medium 4 through to a clean side RE of the same. The flow through the filter medium 4 can also be reversed respectively. As a rule, the filter materials and geometries of the filter medium 4 or the cabin air filter 2 adapted to a given flow direction.

As 2 shows, the folded filter medium 4 first filter folds 11 with a first fold height h ₁₁ . In 2 are only three first filter folds 11 provided with a reference numeral. The first filter folds 11 have the fold edges 10 on. The folded filter medium 4 further comprises at least a second filter fold 12 with a second fold height h ₁₂ .

The first fold height h ₁₁ is here, as in 2 Shown defined as a distance between two opposing fold edges 10 a first filter fold 11 from each other. The second fold height h ₁₂ is defined as the distance of a fold edge 13 the second filter fold 12 from a lower edge 14 of the interior filter 2 , The first fold height h _{11 also} corresponds to a distance from the lower edge 14 of the interior filter 2 to a folding edge 10 , The at least one second filter fold 12 is between two first filter folds 11 arranged. Preferably, the cabin air filter 2 several, in particular two, second filter folds 12 on, which are preferably arranged spaced from each other.

The second fold height h ₁₂ is preferably smaller than the first fold height h ₁₁ . In particular, the first fold height h _{11 is} 4 times as large as the second fold height h ₁₂ . The second fold height h ₁₂ is, for example, 15 to 20 mm.

The cabin filter 2 is like 1 and 3 show, deformable, in particular bendable, foldable or foldable. 1 and 3 show the cabin filter 2 in a deformed or bent state, whereas 2 and 4 the cabin filter 2 show in an initial state or unbent state.

For this purpose, the cabin air filter 2 at least one bending section 15 on. In particular, each sideband points 6 . 7 at least one bending section 15 on. The at least one bending section 15 has the at least one second filter fold 12 on. The cabin filter 2 is in which the at least one second filter fold 12 comprehensive bending section 15 of the sideband 6 . 7 around one parallel to the fold edge 13 the at least one second filter fold 12 arranged axis 17 bendable. The axis 17 can be parallel to the fold edge 13 and / or to the fold edge 10 be arranged. For example, the axis runs 17 through the fold edge 13 , Preferably, the cabin air filter 2 at least two bending sections 15 on. Each bending section 15 can be an axis 17 be assigned.

The cabin filter 2 is like 3 shows, in only one bending direction B ₁ about the axis 17 bendable. In an alternative, not shown in the figures embodiment, the cabin air filter 2 be bent into two different, in particular opposite, bending directions. In the in 1 to 4 shown embodiment of the cabin air filter 2 in which these two bending sections 15 has, is the cabin filter 2 in particular C-shaped bendable.

The bending section 15 is designed to bend or deform the interior filter 2 in the direction of the filter medium 4 to deform inside. When bending the cabin air filter 2 is the bending section 15 between two first filter folds 11 clamped. When deforming the bending section 15 in the direction of the filter medium 4 inwardly the bending section deforms 15 preferably loop or loop-like. This forms a loop or loop 16 between two adjacent first filter pleats 11 is trapped. The one between the two first filter folds 11 clamped bending section 15 , especially the loop 16 , defines a pleat spacing a between the first two filter pleats 11 , By providing the bending sections 15 the pleat spacing between the first filter pleats changes 11 even when bending the cabin air filter 2 Not.

Several such C-shaped curved cabin filters 2 are preferably cylindrical in a corresponding cylindrical filter receptacle (not shown) can be arranged. For example, six cabin filters 2 can be arranged to a closed cylinder.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not limited to these, but variously modifiable.

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 202004000029 U1 [0005]

Claims (8)

Cabin Filter ( 2 ) with a folded filter medium ( 4 ) and one on fold profiles ( 5 ) of filter pleats ( 11 . 12 ) of the filter medium ( 4 ) arranged flexible sideband ( 6 . 7 ), wherein the cabin air filter ( 2 ) under deformation of a bending section ( 15 ) of the sideband ( 6 . 7 ) around a parallel to folding edges ( 10 . 13 ) of the filter folds ( 11 . 12 ) arranged axis ( 17 ) is bendable, characterized in that the filter medium ( 4 ) first filter folds ( 11 ) having a first pleat height (h ₁₁ ) and at least one second filter pleat ( 12 ) having a second pleat height (h ₁₂ ), wherein the second pleat height (h ₁₂ ) is smaller than the first pleat height (h ₁₁ ), and wherein the bend portion ( ₁₁ ) 15 ) the at least one second filter fold ( 12 ). A cabin air filter according to claim 1, wherein the bending portion (FIG. 15 ) is arranged to bend when bending the cabin air filter ( 2 ) in the direction of the filter medium ( 4 ) to deform inside. A cabin air filter according to claim 2, wherein the bending portion ( 15 ) is arranged to bend when bending the cabin air filter ( 2 ) in the direction of the filter medium ( 4 ) to bend inwards like a loop. A cabin air filter according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the bending portion (FIG. 15 ) when bending the cabin air filter ( 2 ) between two first filter folds ( 11 ) can be clamped. A cabin air filter according to claim 4, wherein the between the first two filter pleats ( 11 ) clampable bending section ( 15 ) a pleat spacing (a) between the two first filter pleats ( 11 ) Are defined. A cabin air filter according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one second filter pleat ( 12 ) between two first filter folds ( 11 ) is arranged. A cabin air filter according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the sideband ( 6 . 7 ) two bending sections ( 15 ) having. Filter arrangement ( 1 ) with a cabin filter ( 2 ) according to any one of claims 1-7 and a filter holder ( 3 ) for receiving the cabin air filter ( 2 ).

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