DE102016215103A1 - Filter element for a filter device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter element (1) for a filter device, comprising a filter body (2) made of a filter material (3) which is arranged around an interior space (6) with respect to a vertical axis (4) of the filter element (1) in the circumferential direction (5) ) of the filter element (1) extends in a U-shape, - with two end plates (7) which are fastened parallel to the vertical axis (4) at two lateral ends (8) of the filter body (2) facing away from the vertical axis (4). with an end plate (9), which is fixed transversely to the vertical axis (4) at two end faces (10) of the filter body (2) and at the two end plates (7) and which has a connection opening (11) open to the interior (6) , - wherein between the end plate (9) and the respective end plate (7) at least one latch (15) is formed. The assembly of the filter element (1) is simplified if at least one such latching (15) is designed as a multi-stage latching (15), with respect to a transversely to the vertical axis (4) oriented mounting direction (16) of the end plate (9) a fixation of the end plate (9) on the respective end plate (7) in a plurality of different relative positions between the end plate (9) and the respective end plate (7).

Description

The present invention relates to a filter element for a filter device, preferably a fresh air system of an internal combustion engine or an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, having the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a filter device equipped with such a filter element.

A generic filter element is for example from the EP 2 152 385 B1 known. It comprises a filter body made of a filter material which extends in the circumferential direction around an interior of the filter element in a U-shape relative to a vertical axis of the filter element. Due to its shape, such a filter element may also be referred to as a "horseshoe filter". The filter element also has two end plates which are fastened parallel to the vertical axis at two side ends of the filter body facing away from one another with respect to the vertical axis. In addition, a front plate is provided, which is secured transversely to the vertical axis at two front ends of the filter body and on the two end plates and which has an open to the interior connection opening. Furthermore, at least one latching is formed between the end plate and the respective end plate in order to be able to fix the end plate in a predetermined position on the respective end plate at least during assembly of the filter element. For final fixation may additionally be provided an adhesive connection between the end plate and the end plates, which at the same time provides for a sufficient sealing of the end plate relative to the end plates.

It has been found that, due to manufacturing tolerances, it may happen that during the assembly of the filter element, the latching does not close properly, so that the predetermined relative position between end plate and end plates is not present for the curing of the adhesive. As a result, there is the danger that in the filter element is no sufficient seal between face plate and end plates. The faulty filter elements must be reworked expensive or sorted out.

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a filter element of the type described above or for an associated filter device an improved embodiment, which is characterized in particular by increased process reliability during assembly.

This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the general idea that at least one latching or more of these latchings, preferably each of these latchings in a mounting direction, in which the end plate is attached to the end plates during assembly of the filter element, to design multi-level. Such a multi-stage latching allows with respect to the transverse to the vertical axis oriented mounting direction of the end plate, a fixing of the end plate to the respective end plate in a plurality of different relative positions between the end plate and the respective end plate. In this way, a sufficiently fixed positioning of the end plate relative to the respective end plate can be ensured in a wide range of manufacturing tolerances. As a result, the process reliability increases, so that rejects or rework during the production of the filter elements are reduced.

Advantageous is an embodiment in which the different relative positions differ from one another by different distances between the end plate and the respective end plate measured in the mounting direction, ie transversely to the vertical axis and outside the respective catch. As a result, manufacturing tolerances within the multi-stage latching can be easily compensated to ensure sufficient, secure fixation between the face plate and the end plates in a wide range.

Another embodiment proposes to provide for each end plate in each case at least one such locking in the region of the respective end face of the filter body. Since the filter body is U-shaped, it has two front ends, which are associated with the face plate. In conjunction with the two end plates thus resulting in at least four separate latching between the end plate and the two end plates, each end plate are each associated with two latches. Thus, a sufficient fixation of the face plate on the two end plates can be ensured with high security.

Another embodiment provides that the respective latching on the end plate has an oriented in the mounting direction latching rail, which has a plurality of adjacent in the mounting direction, oriented transversely to the latching rail locking elements. In addition, the respective latching on the respective end plate may have a counter-locking rail which is complementary to the latching rail and oriented in the mounting direction, which has a plurality of counter-latching elements which are adjacent in the mounting direction and oriented transversely to the counter-latching rail, complementary to the latching elements. In the mounted or latched state is then at least one locking element with one of the counter-locking elements in Intervention. This makes it particularly easy to realize the multi-stage locking. The locking elements may be formed by locking teeth or by locking webs, wherein the locking webs suitably have a tooth-like profile. This results in a highly effective gearing within the locking. For a simplified manufacturability of the locking can be provided to design the locking elements, in particular the locking teeth and the locking webs, with rounded edges.

In an advantageous development, the respective latching rail may be supported on a remote from the locking elements back with at least one rib on the end plate. As a result, the front plate is significantly stiffened in the region of the locking rail, which improves the function of the latching.

Additionally or alternatively, the respective counter-locking rail may be supported at a side facing away from the counter-locking elements back with at least one rib on the respective end plate. This results in a significant stiffening of the end plate in the counter-locking rail, which improves the reliability of the locking.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the latching rails, which are assigned to the two end plates on the same side of the connection opening, are connected to one another by a connecting rail, which in turn can optionally be supported on a rear side facing away from the connection opening with at least one rib on the front plate. In this way, the entire latching area of the front plate can be significantly stiffened, which considerably simplifies the assembly.

The locking elements may be integrally formed on the locking rail. The respective latching rail may be integrally formed on the end plate. The respective rib can be formed integrally on the respective latch rail and on the front plate. The counter-locking elements can be integrally formed on the counter-latching rail. The counter-latching rail may be integrally formed on the respective end plate. Again, each associated rib can be integrally formed on the counter-latching rail and on the associated end plate.

In another embodiment, at least one end stop may be formed between the face plate and the respective end plate, defining an end relative position between the face plate and the respective end plate in the mounting direction. This measure also simplifies production and increases the reliability of the locks.

According to a further development, the last relative position between the end plate and the respective end plate which can be fixed by means of the latch in the assembly direction can correspond to the end relative position defined by the respective end stop. This measure leads to a further considerable simplification of the production.

Advantageously, the respective end stop can be integrated into the respective catch, so that the last step of the respective catch in the assembly direction forms the respective end stop. As a result, latching and end stop can be realized particularly inexpensively.

In another specific embodiment, the respective latching may be inclined with respect to the mounting direction. This measure also means that mounting tolerances can be better compensated or compensated.

A further development is advantageous in which two catches, which lie opposite the connection opening transversely to the mounting direction, are conical, in such a way that they taper in the direction of the face plate. In this way, at the same time a centering of the end plate is realized relative to the end plates when mounting the end plate to the end plates, whereby a predetermined relative position between end plate and end plates can be easier to find.

Preferably, the respective latching is provided on the end plate in a latching region, which is located on an inner side facing the interior of the end plate and with respect to the vertical axis between the end plates. Thus, the respective catch on the filter element with respect to the vertical axis does not contribute to the outside.

Another embodiment provides that the respective latching is formed on the end plate in a latching region, which is located on a side facing the filter body inside the end plate. Furthermore, the latching area is limited parallel to the vertical axis by the two end plates. Transverse to the vertical axis of the latching region is limited at one of the connection opening facing side through the connection opening or by a connection opening on the inside of the end plate enclosing inner collar. In addition, the latching area is limited transversely to the vertical axis at a side remote from the connection opening side by the front ends of the filter body. Thus, the respective latching is completely within the filter element, ie in the region enclosed by the filter body interior and is neither visible nor manipulated from the outside.

Advantageously, it can also be provided in the case of the filter element presented here, that the respective end plate is additionally glued to the respective end plate. In other words, the respective locking is not used here for final fixing the end plate to the respective end plate. Rather, the respective latching during assembly is only required to fix the end plate relative to the respective end plate until the bond has cured sufficiently. With the help of bonding a sufficient seal between the face plate and the respective end plate is generated at the same time.

A filter device according to the invention, which is suitable for use in a fresh air system of an internal combustion engine or in an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, has a filter housing which has an air inlet and an air outlet. Furthermore, a filter element of the type described above is provided, which is arranged in the filter housing, such that it separates a fluid side connected to the fluid inlet raw side of a fluidly connected to the air outlet clean side. Suitably, the filter element is flowed through from the outside to the inside, so that the clean side is ultimately formed by the interior of the filter element.

Other important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, from the drawings and from the associated figure description with reference to the drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail in the following description, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

Show, in each case schematically,

1 a longitudinal section of a filter element according to section lines I in 2 .

2 a further longitudinal section of the filter element according to section lines II in 1 .

3 a front view of the filter element according to a viewing direction III in the 1 and 2 .

4 an isometric view of a part of a front plate of the filter element in the region of a catch with an end plate of the filter element,

5 an isometric view as in 4 but in a different perspective,

6 a sectional view of the filter element in the region of the face plate,

7 an enlarged view of a detail VII 6 .

8th an isometric view of the face plate in the region of one of the locks,

9 an isometric view of one of the end plates in the region of one of the latches,

10 an enlarged detail X from 7 in the area of one of the locks.

According to the 1 to 10 includes a filter element 1 a filter device, not shown here, a filter body 2 from a filter material 3 that is about a vertical axis 4 of the filter element 1 in a circumferential direction 5 around an interior 6 of the filter element 1 U-shaped extends. The filter element 1 has two end plates 7 on, at two with respect to the vertical axis 4 opposite side ends 8th of the filter body 2 are attached. The end plates 7 extend, for example, each in a plate plane, which in turn perpendicular to the vertical axis 4 extend. Appropriately, the end plates 7 made of plastic and with the filter body 2 whose filter material 3 preferably also made of plastic or at least contains plastic components, with the filter body 2 welded or plasticized. Alternatively, an adhesive bond can also be provided here.

The filter element 1 also has a face plate 9 in a direction transverse to the vertical axis 4 extending mounting direction 16 to the two front ends 10 of the filter body 2 as well as the two end plates 7 attached and attached to it. The face plate 9 expediently extends substantially in a further plate plane, which in turn is parallel to the vertical axis 4 extends and so far perpendicular to the plate planes of the two end plates 7 runs. Furthermore, the face plate contains 9 one to the interior 6 open connection opening 11 , The face plate 9 thus covers an open page 12 of the U-shaped filter body 2 from. Furthermore, on the face plate 9 appropriate connection 13 formed, for example, to the filter element 1 in a filter housing of the filter device to be able to attach to a connecting piece.

The filter body 2 has an extension direction 14 representing the geometry of the filter body 2 follows and accordingly U-shaped and extends through the two front ends 10 of the filter body 2 is limited. The filter body is expedient 2 transverse to its extension direction 14 folded, so that at each front end 10 an end fold of the filter body 2 can be found. The face plate 9 is at the respective front end 10 at least tightly and firmly connected to the respective end fold. This can be done conveniently by a welded joint or a plasticization. Likewise, an adhesive connection is conceivable.

Furthermore, between the face plate 9 and the respective end plate 7 at least a catch 15 formed, which is a fixation of the face plate 9 at the respective end plate 7 allows. In addition to the respective locking 15 is the face plate 9 with the respective end plate 7 bonded. The bond is in addition to a mechanical fixation also a seal between the face plate 9 and the respective end plate 7 reached. The front plate is expedient 9 in the area of the respective front side 10 with two locks 15 at the two end plates 7 fixed, with each end plate 7 such a catch 15 is provided. Thus, ultimately at least four locks 15 provided, namely two locks 15 for each end plate 7 to the front 9 at both ends 10 on both end plates 7 to be able to fix.

According to the 4 to 10 is the respective locking 15 multi-level configured. The multi-level locking 15 allows with respect to the mounting direction 16 that are transverse to the vertical axis 4 oriented, a fixation of the face plate 9 at the respective end plate 7 in several different relative positions between the face plate 9 and the respective end plate 7 , The mounting direction 16 also extends parallel to a in 1 registered longitudinal axis 17 of the filter element 1 and is to the interior 6 oriented. The different relative positions caused by the multi-stage locking 15 be enabled, differ by different distances between the face plate 9 and the respective end plate 7 from each other. The respective distance is in the mounting direction 16 and outside the respective locking 15 measured. For example, such a distance parallel to the mounting direction 16 or parallel to the longitudinal axis 17 between a the interior 6 facing inside 18 the face plate 9 and one of the face plate 9 facing end-side end edge 19 the respective end plate 7 be educated. In the examples of 4 to 10 in each case the ideal case is shown in which there is a relative position in which the inside 18 the face plate 9 at said front end edge 19 the respective end plate 7 immediately applied. The aforementioned distance then ideally has the value zero.

In the preferred embodiments shown here has the respective latch 15 on the front plate 9 one in the mounting direction 16 oriented locking rail 20 , Complementary to this has the respective end plate 7 one to the locking rail 20 complementary counter-latching rail 21 , The locking rail 20 has several transverse to the locking rail 20 and across the mounting direction 16 extending latching elements 22 on that in the mounting direction 16 adjacent to each other on the locking rail 20 are arranged. The counter-ratchet rail 21 has complementary to the locking elements 22 several counter-locking elements 23 on, also in the mounting direction 16 adjacent to each other on the counter-latching rail 21 are arranged and each transverse to Gegenrastschiene 21 as well as across the mounting direction 16 extend. The locking elements 22 and the counter-locking elements 23 are web-like configured in the example shown so that they in the sectional views of 7 and 10 each have a tooth-shaped or hook-shaped cross-sectional profile. This results in the respective locking 15 an effective positive engagement.

The respective locking rail 20 can be attached to one of the locking elements 22 facing away back 24 one or more ribs 25 have, to the respective locking rail 20 on the front plate 9 support. In an example shown here according to the 4 . 5 and 8th also a connecting bridge 26 provided, the two locking rails 20 at the same frontal end 10 the two end plates 7 are associated with each other. This connecting bar 26 can about more ribs 27 on the front plate 9 be supported.

How the 4 to 7 . 9 and 10 can also remove the respective Gegenrastschiene 21 at her from the counter-locking elements 23 facing away back 28 with at least one rib 29 at the respective end plate 7 be supported.

Preferred here is an integral construction in which the locking rails 20 with the locking elements 23 and any existing ribs 25 integral to the face plate 9 are formed. Also the counter-ratchet rails 21 are with the respective counter-locking elements 23 and the possibly existing rib 29 integral to the respective end plate 7 formed. Appropriately, it is at the face plate 9 and at the end plates 7 each with molded parts.

According to 10 can be between the face plate 9 and the respective end plate 7 at least one end stop 30 be educated. The end stop 30 defined in the mounting direction 16 a End relative position between the face plate 9 and the respective end plate 7 , In the example shown here is this end stop 30 in the respective locking 15 integrated, in such a way that in the mounting direction 16 last stage of the respective locking 15 the respective end stop 30 forms. In the example of 10 are four locking elements 22 at the respective locking rail 20 in the mounting direction 16 arranged one behind the other. Thus, a total of four latching steps S are formed, namely with respect to the mounting direction 16 a preceding first latching step S ₁ , a subsequent second latching step S ₂ , a subsequent third latching step S ₃ and a subsequent fourth latching step S ₄ . Since only four latching steps S follow each other here, the fourth latching step S ₄ simultaneously forms the last latching step S of this latching 15 , Only when the last latching step S _{4 is} locked, at the same time the contact between the face plate 9 and the respective end plate 7 in the end stop 30 in front.

The 6 and 7 show a further particular embodiment in which the respective latching 15 opposite the mounting direction 16 is inclined. A corresponding inclination direction is in 7 indicated by a dot-dash line and with 31 designated. An inclination angle 32 here has a value of about 10 °. Other inclination angles 32 For example, they can be in a range from 5 ° to 15 °.

The inclination of locking 15 is suitably chosen so that the two locks 15 , the same end plate 7 are assigned, however, on opposite sides of the connection opening 11 are conical, such that they are in the direction of the face plate 9 rejuvenate. In other words, the aforementioned inclination angle 32 is chosen so that the locking 15 , in particular the locking rail 20 and the counter-ratchet rail 21 , starting from the front plate 9 and regarding the connection opening 11 oriented to the outside.

The locks 15 are from the face plate 9 each in a rest area 33 formed, on the one hand to the interior 6 facing back 18 the face plate 9 and on the other with respect to the vertical axis 4 between the end plates 7 located. Furthermore, it is provided that the respective latching area 33 with respect to the front ends 10 of the filter body 2 at one of the connection opening 11 facing side is located. As a result, the catches 15 completely within the filter element 1 are formed. The locks 15 are subsequently not visible from the outside and not manipulatable.

In the 4 to 8th are Fixierstege 37 recognizable on the inside 18 the face plate 9 in the region of the respective front end 10 of the filter body 2 are formed. About these fixing bars 37 the attachment of the face plate takes place 9 on the filter body 2 , For this purpose, the fixing webs 37 be melted, for a welded joint or for a connection by plasticization.

In connection 13 Here is also a seal 34 arranged to the filter element 1 To seal against the above-mentioned connection piece.

The face plate 9 according to the 1 . 5 and 6 to 8th at her from the interior 6 opposite outside 36 an outer collar 38 on, in the example the seal 34 receives. According to the 4 to 8th owns the face plate 9 on the inside 18 an inner collar 35 that the connection opening 11 surrounds.

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

• EP 2152385 B1 [0002]

Claims (15)

Filter element for a filter device, preferably a fresh air system of an internal combustion engine, - with a filter body ( 2 ) from a filter material ( 3 ), which with respect to a vertical axis ( 4 ) of the filter element ( 1 ) in the circumferential direction ( 5 ) around an interior ( 6 ) of the filter element ( 1 ) U-shaped extends, - with two end plates ( 7 ), which at two with respect to the vertical axis ( 4 ) side ends facing away from each other ( 8th ) of the filter body ( 2 ), - with a face plate ( 9 ), which at two front ends ( 10 ) of the filter body ( 2 ) and at the two end plates ( 7 ) is attached and the one to the interior ( 6 ) open connection opening ( 11 ), wherein between the face plate ( 9 ) and the respective end plate ( 7 ) at least one locking ( 15 ), characterized in that at least one such latching ( 15 ) as a multi-stage locking ( 15 ) is formed, which with respect to a transverse to the vertical axis ( 4 ) oriented mounting direction ( 16 ) of the front plate ( 9 ) a fixation of the face plate ( 9 ) at the respective end plate ( 7 ) in several different relative positions between the face plate ( 9 ) and the respective end plate ( 7 ). Filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that the different relative positions by different, in the mounting direction ( 16 ) and outside the respective locking ( 15 ) measured distances between the face plate ( 9 ) and the respective end plate ( 7 ) differ from each other. Filter element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the region of the respective front end ( 10 ) of the filter body ( 2 ) for each end plate ( 7 ) each at least one such locking ( 15 ) is provided. Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the respective latching ( 15 ) on the front plate ( 9 ) one in the mounting direction ( 16 ) oriented locking rail ( 20 ), several in the mounting direction ( 16 ) adjacent, transversely to the locking rail ( 20 ) oriented locking elements ( 22 ), and at the respective end plate ( 7 ) one to the locking rail ( 20 ) complementary, in the mounting direction ( 16 ) oriented counter-ratchet rail ( 21 ), which several in the mounting direction ( 16 ) adjacent, transversely to the Gegenrastschiene ( 21 ), to the locking elements ( 22 ) complementary counter-latching elements ( 23 ) having. Filter element according to claim 4, characterized in that the respective latching rail ( 20 ) on one of the locking elements ( 22 ) facing away from the back ( 24 ) with at least one rib ( 25 ) on the front plate ( 9 ) is supported. Filter element according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the respective Gegenrastschiene ( 21 ) on one of the counter-latching elements ( 23 ) facing away from the back ( 28 ) with at least one rib ( 29 ) at the respective end plate ( 7 ) is supported. Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that between the end plate ( 9 ) and the respective end plate ( 7 ) at least one end stop ( 30 ) is formed in the mounting direction ( 16 ) a Endrelativlage between the face plate ( 9 ) and the respective end plate ( 7 ) Are defined. Filter element according to claim 7, characterized in that in the mounting direction ( 16 ) last relative position between the face plate ( 9 ) and the respective end plate ( 7 ), which by means of locking ( 15 ) which can be fixed by the respective end stop ( 30 ) corresponds to the final relative position. Filter element according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the respective end stop ( 30 ) in the respective latching ( 15 ) is integrated so that in the mounting direction ( 16 ) last stage (S ₄ ) of the respective locking ( 15 ) the respective end stop ( 30 ). Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the respective latching ( 15 ) with respect to the mounting direction ( 16 ) is inclined. Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that two latches ( 15 ) located at the connection opening ( 11 ) across the mounting direction ( 16 ) are conical, so that they are in the direction of the face plate ( 9 ) to rejuvenate. Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the respective catch ( 15 ) in a rest area ( 33 ) is formed, which at a the filter body ( 2 ) facing inside ( 18 ) of the front plate ( 9 ) and which is parallel to the vertical axis ( 4 ) through the two end plates ( 7 ) is limited, Filter element according to claim 12, characterized in that - that the rest area ( 33 ) across the vertical axis ( 4 ) at one of the connection opening ( 11 ) facing side through the connection opening ( 11 ) or through a connection opening ( 11 ) on the inside ( 18 ) of the front plate ( 9 ) enclosing inner collar ( 35 ), that the catch area ( 33 ) across the vertical axis ( 4 ) at one of the connection opening ( 11 ) facing away by the front ends ( 10 ) of the filter body ( 2 ) is limited. Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the respective end plate ( 9 ) additionally with the respective end plate ( 7 ) is glued. Filter device for a fresh air system of an internal combustion engine or for an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, - with a filter housing, which has an air inlet and an air outlet, - with a filter element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, which separates in the filter housing a fluid side connected to the fluid inlet raw side of a fluidically connected to the air outlet clean side.

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