DE102018218949A1 - Filter module - Google Patents

Abstract

Filter module (12), comprising at least one filter housing (26) with a maintenance opening (28) and a pleated filter (10) that can be folded in fully in the longitudinal direction (14) and fully folded out in the longitudinal direction (14). The folded filter (10) can be guided in the unfolded state (38) in the longitudinal direction (14) through the maintenance opening (28) into the filter housing (26) and in contact with at least one wall (34) of the filter housing (26) in a folded state (40) feasible.

Description

The invention relates to a filter module according to the preamble of patent claim 1, a cleaning system according to the preamble of patent claim 9 and a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 10.

It is known in the technical field of cleaning systems to equip such systems with filters in order to remove impurities from a flowing medium. The cleaning performance of the cleaning systems largely depends on the condition of the filter, in particular on its degree of purity. It is therefore necessary to clean or replace the filter occasionally. With conventional systems, however, this is difficult because the surface of the filter is not completely accessible for cleaning. In addition, such filters can conventionally be removed from a housing carrying them only with great effort.

The DE 201 07 242 U1 discloses, for example, a filter fan for ventilating housings. The filter is designed in a wrinkle-like manner and can be positioned in an airtight manner by means of a circumferential seal in the housing without additional holders.

Furthermore, the US 4,439,219 A a filter arrangement with a plate-like filter element. This is secured in a frame with a restraint.

The DE 10 2016 009 603 A1 describes another filter element. This includes filter element sections that can be pivoted relative to one another, so that the filter element can be folded in a zigzag fashion.

The CA 2 430 699 A1 discloses an expandable media filter structure. The filter is arranged between end plates and enclosed in side caps.

The DE 20 2006 017 226 U1 shows a filter module in which a pleated filter can be introduced into a receiving space through a reduced access opening. The butterfly filter is compressed before insertion, pushed through the access opening and then decompressed within the receiving space.

The EP 0 649 355 B1 describes a filter device in which a filter element is arranged in a holding frame. The filter element includes a zigzag plated filter.

Finally, the DE 102 44 309 A1 a filter arrangement with a plate-shaped filter insert. Here, too, a zigzag-shaped, folded filter web is arranged between two plates and connected to them. The plate-shaped filter formed in this way has horizontal fold outlets at its end sections, with which it can be placed in receptacles in a housing.

The invention is based on the object of creating a new filter module in which a filter insert can be inserted and removed again easily in its housing, the filter insert should be flexible and the at least substantially complete filter surface can be cleaned.

The object is solved by the subject matter of independent claims 1, 9 and 10. Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the subclaims.

• - ein Filtergehäuse mit einer Wartungsöffnung, sowie
• - einen unter Stauchung in Längsrichtung vollständig einfaltbaren und unter Längung in Längsrichtung vollständig auffaltbaren Faltenfilter.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a filter module, comprising at least:

• - A filter housing with a maintenance opening, as well
• - A pleated filter that can be folded in fully in the longitudinal direction and fully folded out in the longitudinal direction.

According to the invention, it is provided that the pleated filter can be guided in the longitudinal direction through the maintenance opening into the filter housing in an unfolded state and can be brought into a folded state by contact with at least one wall of the filter housing.

The pleated filter can be a dust filter, pollen filter, air filter or other type of filter. The described properties of the pleated filter with regard to its foldability and unfoldability relate to the pleated filter as an isolated component. When installed, the unfoldability can of course be restricted. The pleated filter is preferably a pleated filter which, when unfolded, consists of a rectangular flat filter material. In the fully folded state, the pleated filter preferably has a cuboid shape. The pleated filter preferably consists of folding elements which are achieved in the filter material by sequential and reciprocal V-shaped folding. Of course, the pleated filter can also have other configurations.

The pleated filter can be in one part or also in several parts, for example filter areas with different degrees of separation can also be combined with one another. As an example, folding elements with different degrees of separation can be used sequentially be made in a row. For this, different filter material can be connected, for example.

The pleated filter can be regarded as fully unfolded when a folding angle is 180 °. If, for example, the pleated filter has V-shaped folding elements, this state is expressed in other words when an opening angle of V is at 180 °. On the other hand, the pleated filter is in a fully folded state when the pleating angle is practically zero.

In connection with the present invention, it is basically spoken of an unfolded state, not necessarily completely unfolded state, when the extension of a folding element in the longitudinal direction is greater than or equal to its extension in the vertical direction. In other words, in the case of a V-shaped folding element, this means that the depth of the V less than or equal to the width of the V is. In all other cases, the invention speaks of a folded-in state, although not necessarily a fully folded-in state.

The fact that the pleated filter can be inserted into the filter housing in the unfolded state and then only moves into a folded state when it is in contact with the filter housing means that complex pre-assembly steps, such as plating the pleated filter, are eliminated. In addition, the pleated filter can be completely removed from the filter housing and unfolded in the process. The entire filter surface is thus advantageously accessible for cleaning. The pleated filter can be inserted and removed from the filter housing in a particularly simple manner and can even be carried out with one hand. Due to the full unfoldability, it is even possible to detach sections from the filter material and replace them with filter materials with a different degree of separation, which makes the pleated filter very flexible.

This can be advantageous, for example, if the filter module is to be adapted to an environment with different cleaning requirements.

The pleated filter can be detachably attached to the filter housing or permanently attached. The pleated filter can preferably be attached to an inner wall of the filter housing opposite the maintenance openings or can only be used.

The inner wall against which the pleated filter rests and is supported during compression can be the inner wall of the filter housing opposite the maintenance opening. But it can also be another inner wall of the filter housing. For example, it can also be an inner wall on which the pleated filter lies against the longitudinal direction as a result of its expansion. In this case, it is particularly advantageous that the filter housing limits or defines the degree of compression in the longitudinal direction.

The pleated filter preferably has a tab at one end facing the maintenance opening. This significantly facilitates the insertion or removal from the filter housing. A tab with a bistable actuator effect can be particularly preferably provided. This is then connected to the filter material in such a way that a folding movement of the flap brings a blow into the filter material when the filter is unfolded, and particles adhering to the filter material are thus detached.

In a preferred embodiment of the filter module of the invention, it is provided that the pleated filter can be shifted completely into the filter housing and / or can be applied to the filter housing with a folding element in the region of the maintenance opening.

In other words, the pleated filter can be located completely in the filter housing in the inserted state or can protrude in sections from the maintenance opening and can be arranged between the filter housing and, for example, a surrounding receiving space of a cleaning system.

The filter module is therefore very compact and the pleated filter is always easily accessible.

In a further preferred embodiment of the filter module of the invention, it is provided that the pleated filter releases at least a portion of the deformation energy absorbed by the compression in the form of an elongation when a force which causes the compression is no longer effective and thereby follows, at least in sections, with respect to the maintenance opening moved away from the outside of the filter housing.

In other words, the pleated filter can thus be inserted into the filter housing using manual or mechanical force, being compressed in the process and thus brought into a folded state. If the force is now eliminated, the pleated filter jumps in certain sections again through the maintenance opening into an area outside the filter housing. This is particularly advantageous if the pleated filter is secured in the filter housing in the folded state in that the filter housing is arranged in a receiving space of a surrounding cleaning system and the pleated filter is acted upon by the receiving space with the force maintaining the compression. If the filter housing is then removed from the receiving space, the pleated filter automatically jumps out of the Filter housing, can be easily gripped and then partially or completely pulled out of the filter housing.

In a further preferred embodiment of the filter module of the invention, it is provided that the pleated filter has, at least in sections, an elastic reinforcement on the folds of its folding elements and / or its edges running in the longitudinal direction.

The elastic reinforcement can be an elastomer reinforcement, for example. The aim is to increase the deformation energy absorbed during the compression of the pleated filter. The advantageous effect described with regard to the previous embodiment can thus be enhanced.

In addition, this also offers specific advantages with the following further preferred embodiment of the filter module of the invention. It is also preferably provided that the filter module comprises a tension spring which is connected to an inner wall of the filter housing and the pleated filter and is designed to exert a force acting in the longitudinal direction on the pleated filter which causes compression.

The tension spring can preferably be connected to a wall of the filter housing opposite the maintenance opening and to a last or penultimate folding element facing the maintenance opening.

The main advantage of the tension spring is that the pleated filter is always held securely in the folded state. In combination with the elastic reinforcement described above, the respective elastic properties of the tension spring and the reinforcement can be coordinated particularly well with one another, thereby ensuring a particularly secure fit of the pleated filter.

By means of the tension spring, the pleated filter can be pulled out of the filter housing in sections in a particularly advantageous manner while overcoming the spring force, cleaned and then quasi automatically retracted back into the filter housing.

This effect can be achieved in an analogous manner with a corresponding design of the elastic reinforcement, as well as by combining the tension spring and the elastic reinforcement.

In a further preferred embodiment of the filter module of the invention it is provided that the pleated filter is detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter housing, or is permanently attached.

This supports a particularly effective unfolding of the pleated filter if it is only to be pulled out of the filter housing in sections.

In a further preferred embodiment of the filter module of the invention, it is provided that the filter housing has at least one contact element in the area of the maintenance opening, the projection of which overlaps at least in sections in the longitudinal direction with the maintenance opening.

The contact element serves to contact at least one folding element of the pleated filter. The contact element can allow the pleated filter to contact the direction of an inner region of the filter housing in the direction of the maintenance opening. This is advantageous if it is to be avoided that the pleated filter jumps out of the filter housing on its own. However, the contact element can also allow contact towards an inner area of the filter housing. This is advantageous if, for example, the tension spring is combined with the pleated filter. This prevents the pleated filter from being folded in beyond a desired degree. The contact element can also allow the pleated filter to contact the outside in the direction of the maintenance opening. This is advantageous if a folding element of the pleated filter is to be arranged, for example, between the filter housing and a surrounding receiving space.

In a further preferred embodiment of the filter module of the invention, it is provided that the filter housing in the area of the maintenance opening comprises a stripping element, the projection of which overlaps at least in sections in the longitudinal direction with the maintenance opening.

Due to the wiping element, the pleated filter is automatically cleaned when the pleated filter is pulled out of the filter housing. The stripping element can be, for example, a brush that strokes the surface of the pleated filter when it is pulled out. The stripping element can, for example, also be a stripping lip. On the basis of the teaching disclosed herein, the person skilled in the art selects the specifically suitable stripping element on the basis of the specifically used pleated filter.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the filter module comprises an electrical drive which enables the pleated filter to move in the longitudinal direction. In other words, this means an automated compression or elongation of the pleated filter, so that the pleated filter can be cleaned automatically.

• - ein Filtermodul gemäß der vorhergehenden Beschreibung, sowie
• - einen Aufnahmeraum für das Filtermodul.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a cleaning system comprising at least:

• - a filter module as described above, and
• - A recording room for the filter module.

The cleaning system can comprise further elements, such as a fluid system and a drive for generating a flowing fluid to be cleaned.

The receiving space and the filter housing as well as the pleated filter are preferably matched to one another in such a way that a folding element that closes the folding filter can be placed in whole or in part from the outside of the maintenance opening and is positively secured between the maintenance opening and the receiving space, taking into account conventional technical tolerances.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising at least one filter module according to the preceding description and / or a cleaning system according to the preceding description.

The vehicle can be a motor vehicle, for example, or a cleaning robot. The cleaning robot can be a vacuum cleaner robot, for example. The vehicle can also be a regular vacuum cleaner. Basically, the invention relates to any type of vehicle in which a filter system is used.

The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be combined with one another with advantage, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the subclaims.

In other words, the present invention relates to a filter module with a housing and a filter insert. The filter housing is designed to be open on one side, so that the filter insert can be easily removed from the filter housing when the filter housing is removed from a cleaning system.

• 1 einen Faltenfilter;
• 2 ein erfindungsgemäßes Filtermodul in einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 3 ein erfindungsgemäßes Filtermodul in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;
• 4 ein erfindungsgemäßes Filtermodul in einer dritten Ausführungsform;
• 5 ein erfindungsgemäßes Filtermodul in einer vierten Ausführungsform;
• 6 ein erfindungsgemäßes Reinigungssystem in einem erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeug in einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 7 ein erfindungsgemäßes Reinigungssystem in einem erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeug in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a pleated filter;
• 2nd an inventive filter module in a first embodiment;
• 3rd an inventive filter module in a second embodiment;
• 4th an inventive filter module in a third embodiment;
• 5 an inventive filter module in a fourth embodiment;
• 6 a cleaning system according to the invention in a vehicle according to the invention in a first embodiment;
• 7 a cleaning system according to the invention in a vehicle according to the invention in a second embodiment;

1 shows a pleated filter 10th as in a filter module according to the invention 12th (see other figures) is used. The pleated filter 10th has a longitudinal direction 14 on. Along the longitudinal direction 14 includes the pleated filter 10th a variety of folding elements 16 . In the present example, these are V-shaped, which is shown in more detail in the detailed view shown at the bottom right.

There you can see that the folding elements 16 one fold each 18th and two folding legs 20th include. Longitudinal 14 has every folding module 16 a longitudinal extension 22 and a height across it 24th . Is the longitudinal extension 22 greater than or equal to the height 24th , so in the present case of a folded state of the pleated filter 10th spoken in this area. Otherwise one speaks of a folded state.

The pleated filter 10th is in the longitudinal direction 14 fully foldable and unfoldable. Folding takes place while increasing the height 24th or reduction of the longitudinal extent 22 . On the other hand, it is unfolded in reverse, increasing the length 22 and reducing the height 24th .

In 2nd is the pleated filter 10th in combination with a filter housing 26 shown together the filter module according to the invention 12th form.

In 2a are the pleated filter 10th and the filter housing 26 shown separately. The pleated filter can be removed in the state shown 10th simply clean it and, for example, fold it out completely. The filter housing 26 has a maintenance opening 28 on. The filter housing points across 26 a flow inlet and outlet opening 30th , through which a stream, not shown here, of a medium to be filtered or cleaned can be passed.

As in 2a the filter housing is clearly visible 26 in the area of the flow inlet and outlet opening 30th all-round bars 32 on. The bridges 32 form towards an interior of the filter housing 26 a wall 34 . In addition, a wall 34 through one of the maintenance openings 28 opposite rear wall 36 of the filter housing 26 educated.

In 2 B is shown that the pleated filter 10th when unfolded 38 longitudinal 14 through the maintenance opening 28 into the filter housing 26 can be introduced. He comes there on the back wall 36 of the filter housing 26 to the system, by further insertion into the filter housing 26 compressed and thereby goes into the folded state 40 about. Because the height 24th (compare 1 ) of the folding elements 16 the folds come enlarged 18th of the folding elements 16 on the of the piers 32 formed wall 34 to the system, so that a secure and defined fit of the pleated filter 10th in the filter housing 26 is guaranteed.

The pleated filter provides easy insertion and removal 10th a tab 42 on.

In 2c is shown that the pleated filter 10th completely into the filter housing 26 is shiftable into it.

It is also possible that the pleated filter 10th is designed in such a way that it releases deformation energy absorbed by the compression in the form of an elongation when a force which causes the compression F is no longer effective. In 2c this is indicated, the force F a hand force or a reaction force in front of the maintenance opening 28 lying other structure can be.

Fall the strength F now using the example of 2c would go away, so would a folding element that closes the filter 44 at least partially through the maintenance opening 28 through the filter housing 26 shift out. The fact that the final folding element 44 sort of from the filter housing 26 pops out, it is particularly easy to pick up and the pleated filter 10th particularly easy to pull out.

If this is not desired in other exemplary embodiments, then in the area of the maintenance opening 28 also one or more investment elements 46 be provided, as purely by way of example in 2c shown.

In 3rd is a filter module according to the invention 12th shown in a second embodiment. Shown is a cross-sectional view in a sketch-like representation, with the cutting direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 14 . The view here is in the direction of 2nd shown flow inlet and outlet opening 30th oriented. This also applies to the 4th and 5 .

Back to 3rd , shows this in 3a the filter module 12th with pleated filter 10th when folded 40 . The pleated filter 10th except for the final folding element 44 and the tab 42 completely in the filter housing 26 arranged. The filter module 12th here also includes a tension spring 48 with a penultimate folding element 50 as well as the inner wall 34 in the form of the back wall 36 of the filter housing 26 connected is.

The mainspring 48 is formed in the longitudinal direction 14 Acting force F on the pleated filter 10th exercise and thus cause its compression.

The penultimate folding element 50 is thereby to the system elements 46 created. The final folding element 44 on the other hand, a deformation energy absorbed as a result of the compression is able to release again and so to some extent protrudes outward as a tension fold.

3b shows the pleated filter 10th when unfolded 38 , which corresponds to a state in which the pleated filter 10th can be cleaned well.

For example, over the tab 42 becomes a force here F _R applied which the force F overcomes and the pleated filter 10th so from the filter housing 26 pulls out. After cleaning is complete, the strength can F _R can be eliminated again, creating the pleated filter 10th automatically by the tension spring 48 back into the filter housing 26 is pulled. The mainspring 48 can be, for example, an elastomer tape.

In 4th is a filter module according to the invention 12th shown in a third embodiment, which on the in 3rd shown embodiment is based, which is why only the differences are explained here.

In the upper part of 4th is a with 3a analog state of the filter module 12th shown.

The difference here lies in the design of the pleated filter 10th . So in the lower part of 4th shown that the pleated filter 10th of folds 18th of its folding elements 16 or even in its longitudinal direction 14 trending edges 52 elastic reinforcement at least in sections 54 having. This can be an elastomer reinforcement, for example. The elastic reinforcement 54 reinforces the elastic properties of the pleated filter 10th in the case of elongation or compression.

5 shows a fourth embodiment of the filter module according to the invention 12th . In contrast to those in the 3rd and 4th shown Embodiments is in the in 5 Embodiment shown a stripping element in the maintenance opening 56 intended. The stripping element 56 in the present example comprises a brush 58 and is about a rotating hinge 60 on the rest of the filter housing 26 stored. With the scraper 56 is another tension spring 62 connected which is the stripping element 56 against another investment element 46 pulls.

In the in 5a shown, based on the butterfly filter 10th folded state 40 , is the stripping element 56 within the penultimate folding element 50 arranged. The final folding element 44 can in the area of the maintenance opening 28 to the stripping element 56 as part of the filter housing 26 be created.

Now becomes the power from outside F _R on the pleated filter 10th upset what in 5b is shown, this goes into the unfolded state 38 about. As a result of the movement of the pleated filter 10th against the longitudinal direction 14 grazes the stripping element 56 over its surface and thus cleans the pleated filter 10th . Due to the storage via the rotary hinge 60 and the further tension spring 62 can the stripping element 56 the folding elements 16 the pleated filter 10th easy to follow.

Now, as in 5c shown the power F _R is lifted, so the pleated filter 10th by the force F back into the filter housing 10th in the folded state 40 brought. The through the mainspring 48 exerted force F is sufficient for the pleated filter 10th under the stripping element 56 pull through. This also produces a cleaning effect again.

6 shows an inventive cleaning system 64 in a vehicle according to the invention 66 . The cleaning system 64 comprises an inventive filter module 12th as well as a recording room 68 for the filter module 12th .

In the present example, the vehicle is 66 a vacuum robot 70 .

In 7 is another cleaning system according to the invention 64 in a vehicle according to the invention 66 shown. The vehicle 66 is a motor vehicle in this example 72 .

Reference list

10th

Pleated filter

12th

Filter module

14

Longitudinal direction

16

Folding element

18th

folding

20th

Folding leg

22

Longitudinal extension

24th

height

26

Filter housing

28

Maintenance opening

30th

Flow inlet and outlet opening

32

web

34

Wall

36

Back wall

38

unfolded condition

40

folded state

42

Tab

44

final folding element

46

Investment element

48

Tension spring

50

penultimate folding element

52

Edge

54

elastic reinforcement

56

Wiper element

58

brush

60

Rotary hinge

62

further tension spring

64

Cleaning system

66

vehicle

68

Recording room

70

Robot vacuum

72

Motor vehicle

F

force

F _R

force

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for better information for 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 20107242 U1 [0003]
• US 4439219 A [0004]
• DE 102016009603 A1 [0005]
• CA 2430699 A1 [0006]
• DE 202006017226 U1 [0007]
• EP 0649355 B1 [0008]
• DE 10244309 A1 [0009]

Claims (10)

Filter module (12), comprising at least: - a filter housing (26) with a maintenance opening (28), and - a pleated filter (10) which can be fully folded in under compression in the longitudinal direction (14) and is fully foldable with elongation in the longitudinal direction (14), characterized that the pleated filter (10) can be guided in the unfolded state (38) in the longitudinal direction (14) through the maintenance opening (28) into the filter housing (26) and in contact with at least one wall (34) of the filter housing (26) folded state (40) can be brought. Filter module (12) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pleated filter (10) can be displaced completely into the filter housing (26) and / or in the region of the maintenance opening (28) with a folding element (16) on the filter housing (26) can be created. Filter module (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pleated filter (10) releases deformation energy absorbed by the compression at least partially in the form of an elongation when a force (F) causing the compression is no longer effective, and thereby at least in sections, with respect to the maintenance opening (28), displaced outward from the filter housing (26). Filter module (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pleated filter (10) has foldings (18) of its folding elements (16) and / or its edges (52) running in the longitudinal direction (14) at least in sections with an elastic reinforcement (54 ) having. Filter module (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter module (12) comprises a tension spring (48) which is connected to an inner wall (34; 36) of the filter housing (26) and the pleated filter (10) and is designed to exert a force (F) acting in the longitudinal direction (14) on the pleated filter (10), which causes compression. Filter module (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pleated filter (10) is detachably or permanently connected to an inner wall (34; 36) of the filter housing (26). Filter module (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter housing (26) in the region of the maintenance opening (28) has at least one contact element (46) whose projection in the longitudinal direction (14) overlaps at least in sections with the maintenance opening (28) . Filter module (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter housing (26) in the region of the maintenance opening (28) comprises a stripping element (56; 58), the projection of which in the longitudinal direction (14) at least in sections with the maintenance opening (28) overlaps. A cleaning system (64) comprising at least: - A filter module (12) according to one of the preceding claims; such as - A receiving space (68) for the filter module (12). Vehicle (66) comprising at least one filter module (12) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th and / or a cleaning system (64) Claim 9 .

Images