DE202023001794U1 - Frame for an air filter and air filter - Google Patents

Abstract

Frame (1) for an air filter (2), comprising:
- an upper side (3), a lower side (4), an inside (6) defining an opening (5) and an outside (7) defining a circumference, the circumference being polygonal, characterized in that
- a roughness of the surface (8) of the outside (7) is greater at least in the area (9) of each corner (10) than in the other areas (11), or
- In the area (9) of each corner (10) an object is applied which has a greater roughness than the outside (7).

Description

AREA

The present invention relates to a frame for an air filter and an air filter.

In particular, the present invention relates to an air filter comprising a frame having a top, a bottom, an inside defining an opening and an outside defining a perimeter, and a bag-shaped insert made of filter material with an open upper portion and a closed lower portion, wherein the Insert is inserted into the opening of the frame, wherein the open upper portion is bent over the frame and covers the top, the outside and at least part of the bottom, and wherein the upper portion of the insert bent over the frame has an expansion area made of stretchable material and the insert is secured to the frame by a pressure force generated by the expansion area against the frame.

BACKGROUND

From the WO 2021/250310 A1 an air filter is known. The air filter includes a frame with a top, a bottom, an inside defining an opening and an outside defining a perimeter. The air filter further includes a bag-shaped insert made of filter material with an open upper section and a closed lower section. The insert is inserted into the opening of the frame, with the open upper portion bent over the frame and covering the top, the outside and at least part of the bottom. The upper portion of the insert curved over the frame has an expansion area of stretchable material and the insert is secured to the frame by a pressing force against the frame generated by the expansion area. When replacing a dirty air filter, the upper section can be detached from the frame. This means that the frame can be used again and only an uncontaminated insert has to be inserted into the opening of the frame. This allows material to be saved, unnecessary waste to be avoided and cost savings to be achieved.

It turned out that the upper section of the bent over the frame from the WO 2021/250310 Al known use in the area of one of the four corners of the frame can occasionally slip off the frame. Slipping the upper portion of the insert, bent over the frame, from one of the four corners results in an open passage through which air can flow unfiltered. This significantly reduces the filter performance of the air filter.

The present invention is based on the object of providing an air filter which comprises a frame and a bag-shaped insert made of filter material with an open upper section, which has an expansion area made of stretchable material, and a closed lower section, the air filter being designed in such a way that slipping of the upper section bent over the frame in the area of one of the four corners of the frame is prevented or at least made more difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a frame for an air filter is provided, wherein the frame comprises a top, a bottom, an inside defining an opening and an outside defining a perimeter, the perimeter being polygonal, with a roughness of the surface of the outside at least in the area of each corner is larger than in the other areas or in the area of each corner an object is applied that has a greater roughness than the outside.

• • das Objekt ist ein Klebeband
• • der Bereich jeder Ecke ist strukturiert
• • der Bereich jeder Ecke weist eine Mehrzahl Vorsprünge auf
• • der Bereich jeder Ecke weist eine Mehrzahl Vertiefungen auf
• • der Rahmen ist aus Kunststoff, Glasfaser, Kohlefaser, Polymermaterial, Metall, einer Metalllegierung, Holz oder einem Verbundwerkstoff gebildet
• • die Aussenseite zwischen benachbarten Ecken weist mindestens einen weiteren Bereich auf, dessen Rauheit der Oberfläche größer ist als die Rauheit der Oberfläche der Aussenseite
• • auf die Aussenseite ist zwischen benachbarten Ecken mindestens ein weiteres Objekt aufgebracht, das eine größere Rauheit aufweist als die Aussenseite
• • der Umfang ist rechteckig oder quadratisch
• • der Rahmen umfasst eine Mehrzahl parallel angeordneter Streben, die sich von einer der Innenseiten zur gegenüberliegenden Innenseite erstrecken, wodurch in der Öffnung Schlitze geformt sind

Various embodiments of the first aspect may include one or more features from the following list:

• • the object is an adhesive tape
• • the area of each corner is structured
• • the area of each corner has a plurality of projections
• • the area of each corner has a plurality of depressions
• • the frame is formed of plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, polymeric material, metal, metal alloy, wood or a composite material
• • The outside between adjacent corners has at least one further area whose surface roughness is greater than the roughness of the outside surface
• • At least one further object is applied to the outside between adjacent corners, which has a greater roughness than the outside
• • the perimeter is rectangular or square
• • the frame includes a plurality of parallel struts extending from one of the inner sides to the opposite inner side, thereby forming slots in the opening

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an air filter comprising a frame according to any one of claims 1-9 and a bag-shaped insert of filter material having an open upper portion and a closed lower portion, the insert being inserted into the opening of the frame , wherein the open upper portion is bent over the frame and covers the top, the outside and at least a part of the bottom, wherein the upper portion of the insert bent over the frame has an expansion area of stretchable material, and wherein the insert is covered by one of the expansion area pressure force generated against the frame is attached to the frame.

• • der Dehnbereich umfasst ein elastisches Band, das umlaufend im offenen oberen Abschnitt angeordnet ist
• • das elastische Band ist eine Mischung aus Nylon und Latex, ein Gummiband oder Spandex
• • der Einsatz ist nur durch die durch den Dehnbereich erzeugte Andruckkraft am Rahmen befestigt
• • der Rahmen umfasst eine Mehrzahl parallel angeordneter Streben, die sich von einer der Innenseiten zur gegenüberliegenden Innenseite erstrecken, wodurch in der Öffnung Schlitze geformt sind, und wobei der Einsatz eine Mehrzahl Beutel aufweist, die plissiert geformt sind und einen gemeinsamen offenen oberen Abschnitt und getrennte geschlossene untere Abschnitte aufweisen, und wobei jeder Beutel so angeordnet ist, dass der Beutel in einen Schlitz passt
• • das dehnbare Material unterscheidet sich von dem Filtermaterial
• • der Dehnbereich und der Rahmen weisen jeweils ein Befestigungselement zur gegenseitigen Befestigung miteinander auf

Various embodiments of the second aspect may include one or more features from the following list:

• • The stretch area includes an elastic band that is arranged all around the open upper section
• • The elastic band is a mixture of nylon and latex, a rubber band or spandex
• • The insert is only attached to the frame by the pressure force generated by the expansion area
• • the frame includes a plurality of parallel struts extending from one of the inner sides to the opposite inner side, whereby slots are formed in the opening, and the insert has a plurality of bags which are pleated and have a common open top portion and separate ones having closed lower portions, and wherein each bag is arranged so that the bag fits into a slot
• • the stretchable material is different from the filter material
• • the expansion area and the frame each have a fastening element for mutual fastening to one another

Significant advantages can be achieved with the aid of the present invention. In particular, an air filter is provided which comprises a frame and a bag-shaped insert made of filter material with an open upper section, which has an expansion area made of stretchable material, and a closed lower section, the air filter being designed in such a way that the air filter cannot slip over the Frame curved upper section in the area of one of the four corners of the frame is prevented or at least made more difficult.

The slipping of the upper section bent over the frame in the area of one of the four corners of the frame is prevented or made more difficult by the fact that a roughness of the surface of the outside is greater, at least in the area of each corner, than in the other areas, or that in the area of each corner Object is applied that has a greater roughness than the outside.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht eines herkömmlichen Luftfilters,
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht eines Rahmens gemäß mindestens einigen Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• 3 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht eines Einsatzes eines Luftfilters gemäß mindestens einigen Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung, und
• 4 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht eines Luftfilters gemäß mindestens einigen Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 shows a schematic view of a conventional air filter,
• 2 shows a schematic view of a frame according to at least some embodiments of the present invention,
• 3 shows a schematic view of an air filter insert according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, and
• 4 shows a schematic view of an air filter according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS

In 1 a schematic view of a conventional air filter 2 is shown. The air filter 2 has a rectangular frame 1 which has a top 3, a bottom 4, an inside 6 defining an opening 5 and an outside 7 defining a circumference. Struts 16 are also arranged between two of the four inner sides 6 and divide the opening 5 into sections. Furthermore, the air filter has a bag-shaped insert 12 made of filter material with an open upper section 13 and a closed lower section 14. The insert 12 is inserted into the opening 5 of the frame 1 and firmly connected to the frame, for example by gluing the insert 12 to the frame 1 or by using fasteners such as screws, nails, staples or the like. When replacing the air filter 2, both the frame 1 and the insert 12 firmly connected to it must be removed from a flow channel and replaced with a new air filter 2.

In 2 1 is a schematic view of a frame 1 according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The frame 1 for an air filter 2 comprises a top 3, a bottom 4, an inside 6 defining an opening 5 and an outside 7 defining a circumference. The frame has four corners 10. Between two of the four inner sides 6, struts 16 can also be arranged, which divide the opening 5 into several sections or slots A, B, C. The frame 1 is usually made of plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, metal, a metal alloy, wood or a composite material.

A roughness of the surface 8 of the outside 7 is greater at least in the area 9 of each corner 10 than in the other areas 11. Alternatively, an object is applied in the area 9 of each corner 10 that has a greater roughness than the outside 7. The area 9 can for example, have a length of 3 cm to 15 cm along the outside 7.

The roughness of the surface 8 of the outside 7 can be increased, for example, by applying an adhesive strip to the outside 7 in area 9 of each corner 10. Applying an adhesive strip to the outside 7 in area 9 of each corner 10 is inexpensive and changes the dimensions of the frame 1 only minor or negligible. Alternatively, the roughness of the surface 8 in the area 9 of each corner 10 of the outside 7 can be increased, for example, by surface structuring in the form of a pattern. Such a structuring can be created, for example, in a frame 1 made of metal or a metal alloy using a laser. Plastic frames, on the other hand, can be produced during injection molding with a plurality of projections in the form of knobs, etc. and/or with a plurality of depressions in the area 9 of each corner 10. Another possibility is that the surface 8 of the outside 7 of the frame 1 between the corner areas 9 is ground in order to reduce the roughness in these remaining areas 11 compared to the corner areas 9. Such a manufacturing process is suitable, for example, for wooden frames.

In 3 is a schematic view of an insert 12 of an air filter 2 shown according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The bag-shaped insert 12 made of filter material has an open upper section 13 and a closed lower section 14. The open upper section 13 of the insert 12 has an expansion area 15 made of stretchable material. The stretching area 15 can comprise an elastic band, for example a rubber band, which is arranged all around in the open upper section 13. The stretchable material is usually different from the filter material. The insert 12 may further include a plurality of bags 17 which are pleated in shape and have a common open upper portion 13 and separate closed lower portions 14.

In 4 1 is a schematic view of an air filter 2 according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The air filter 2 includes the in 2 shown frame 1. Furthermore, the air filter 2 has the in 3 bag-shaped insert 12 shown. The insert 12 is inserted into the opening 5 of the frame 1. The open upper section 13 is bent over the frame 1 and covers the top 3, the outside 7 and at least part of the bottom 7. The upper section 13 of the insert 12, which is curved over the frame 1, has the stretch area 15 made of stretchable material. The insert 12 is attached to the frame 1 by a pressure force generated by the expansion area 15 against the frame 1.

Due to the greater roughness of the surface 8 of the outside 7 of the frame 1 at least in the area 9 of each corner 10, slipping of the upper section 14 bent over the frame 1 in each area 9 of the four corners 10 of the frame 1 can be prevented or at least made more difficult.

When replacing a dirty air filter 2, the upper section 13 can be detached from the frame 1. The frame 1 can therefore be used again and only an uncontaminated insert 12 has to be inserted into the opening 5 of the frame 1. This allows material to be saved, unnecessary waste to be avoided and cost savings to be achieved.

The frame 1 may further comprise a plurality of parallel struts 16 which extend from one of the inner sides 6 to the opposite inner side 6, whereby 5 slots A, B, C are formed in the opening. The insert 12 may then further comprise a plurality of bags 17 which are pleated in shape and have a common open upper section 13 and separate closed lower sections 14. Each bag 17 is then arranged so that the relevant bag 17 fits into a slot A, B, C.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the expansion area 15 and the frame 1 each have a fastening element for mutual fastening to one another. Such attachment can be done, for example, using a Velcro fastener. According to some other embodiments of the present invention, the insert 12 is only through the Expansion area 15 generated pressure force is attached to the frame 1.

It should be understood that embodiments of the disclosed invention are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but also extend to equivalents thereof as will be known to those skilled in the relevant arts. Furthermore, it should also be understood that the terminology used herein is purely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

When reference is made to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this description, it means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is used in at least one embodiment of the present invention is included. Therefore, the appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily always refer to the same embodiment.

As used herein, a variety of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be included in a common list for convenience. However, these lists are to be construed as if each item on the list is individually identified as a separate and unique item. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, no single item should be construed as the de facto equivalent of another item on the same list based solely on its occurrence in a common group of such list. Additionally, various embodiments and examples of the present invention may be referred to herein, along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It should be understood that these embodiments, examples and alternatives are not to be construed as virtual equivalents of one another, but rather are to be considered as separate and autonomous examples of the present invention.

Additionally, the features, structures, or properties described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the description, such as: B. Examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc. to provide a comprehensive understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or processes are not cited or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the foregoing examples illustrate the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications in form, use and details of implementation are possible without inventiveness or reliance on the principles and concepts deviate from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited solely by the claims set forth below.

The verbs “comprise” and “include” are used in this document as broad limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of other features not expressly stated. The features listed in the dependent claims can be freely combined with one another, unless this is expressly excluded. Furthermore, it should be clear that the use of “a/e/r/s”, i.e. a singular form, within this document does not exclude the plural.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1

Frame

2

Air filter

3

Top

4

bottom

5

opening

6

inside

7

outside

8th

surface

9

Area

10

Corner

11

remaining area

12

Mission

13

upper section

14

lower section

15

Stretch range

16

strut

17

bag

A, B, C

slot

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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

• WO 2021/250310 A1 [0003]
• WO 2021/250310 [0004]

Claims (16)

Frame (1) for an air filter (2), comprising: - a top (3), a bottom (4), an inside (6) defining an opening (5) and an outside (7) defining a circumference, the circumference is polygonal, characterized in that - a roughness of the surface (8) of the outside (7) is greater at least in the area (9) of each corner (10) than in the other areas (11), or - in the area (9) of each Corner (10) an object is applied that has a greater roughness than the outside (7). Frame after Protection claim 1 , where the object is an adhesive tape. Frame (1). Protection claim 1 , whereby the area (9) of each corner (10) is structured. Frame (1). Protection claim 1 , wherein the area (9) of each corner (10) has a plurality of projections. Frame (1). Protection claim 1 , wherein the area (9) of each corner (10) has a plurality of depressions. Frame (1) according to one of the preceding protection claims, wherein the frame (1) is made of plastic, glass fiber, carbon fiber, polymer material, metal, a metal alloy, wood or a composite material. Frame (1) according to one of the preceding protection claims, wherein the outside (7) has at least one further area between adjacent corners (10), the roughness of the surface (8) of which is greater than the roughness of the surface of the outside (7) or on the At least one further object is applied to the outside (7) between adjacent corners (10), which has a greater roughness than the outside (7). Frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumference is rectangular or square. Frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of parallel struts extending from one of the inner sides to the opposite inner side, whereby slots are formed in the opening Air filter (2) comprising - a frame (1) according to one of the Protection claims 1 - 9 , and - a bag-shaped insert (12) made of filter material with an open upper section (13) and a closed lower section (14), the insert (12) being inserted into the opening (5) of the frame (1), the open upper section (13) is bent over the frame (1) and covers the top (3), the outside (7) and at least part of the underside (7), the upper section (13) bent over the frame (1). ) of the insert (12) has an expansion area (15) made of stretchable material, and wherein the insert (12) is attached to the frame (1) by a pressure force generated by the expansion area (15) against the frame (1). Air filter (2). Protection claim 10 , wherein the stretching area (15) comprises an elastic band which is arranged circumferentially in the open upper section (13). Air filter (2). Protection claim 11 , where the elastic band is a mixture of nylon and latex, a rubber band or spandex. Air filter (2) after one of the Protection claims 10 - 12 , wherein the frame (1) comprises a plurality of parallel struts (16) which extend from one of the inner sides (6) to the opposite inner side (6), thereby forming slots (A, B, C) in the opening (5). and wherein the insert (12) comprises a plurality of bags (17) which are pleated shaped and have a common open upper portion (13) and separate closed lower portions (14), and each bag (17) is so arranged that the bag (17) fits into a slot (A, B, C). Air filter (2) after one of the Protection claims 10 - 13 , where the stretchable material is different from the filter material. Air filter (2) after one of the Protection claims 10 - 14 , wherein the expansion area (15) and the frame (1) each have a fastening element for mutual fastening to one another. Air filter (2) after one of the Protection claims 10 - 14 , whereby the insert (12) is only attached to the frame (1) by the pressure force generated by the expansion area (15).

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