WO2009019204A1

WO2009019204A1 - Filter element

Info

Publication number: WO2009019204A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/060111
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Walz; Andreas Beck
Original assignee: Mann+Hummel Gmbh
Priority date: 2007-08-08
Filing date: 2008-08-01
Publication date: 2009-02-12
Also published as: EP2173460A1; DE202007011100U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter element (1), particularly an air filter for a motor vehicle, comprising an inlet opening (2) having an opening cross section (Q1) and encompassed by a filter material such that an unfiltered fluid (RO) to be filtered enters the filter element (1) in an inlet flow direction substantially perpendicular to the inlet opening (2), at least one second opening cross section (Q2) being provided in the first opening cross section (Q1), and the filter material forming a boundary between a first unfiltered fluid area (34) and a clean fluid area (35) of the filter element (1) at least partially between the first opening cross section (Q1) and the second opening cross section (Q2), such that unfiltered fluid flows through the boundary into the clean fluid area (35) substantially radially to the inlet flow direction between the first and second opening cross sections (Q1, Q2), and the second opening cross section (Q2) allowing unfiltered fluid entry into a second unfiltered fluid area (30) at least partially encompassed by the filter material.

Description

description

Filter element Technical Field The invention relates to a filter element, such as for filtering of

Air in particular for filtering combustion air in Brennkraftma¬

or air for the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the invention relates to

tion a receiving device for a filter element and a Filteran¬

order.

State of the art

Especially in the automotive sector, it is necessary to the Verbren¬

tion of fuels required air before feeding into the Brennkraft¬

machine to clean. This is usually done by air filters, which in

the respective Verbrennungsluftansaugrohr are installed. It is often

because of limited space resources desired, a special

to create a compact arrangement. Furthermore, an exchange of ver¬

Dirty filters are easily possible. In the past, these were added

essentially rigid filter elements made of fold packs in a passt

provided the filter housing. Usually, such fold packs

cuboid or in the manner of a cylinder. The

For example, DE 20 2004 003 326 U1 discloses a corresponding one

Filter element.

A disadvantage is, for example, the complex installation and replacement

corresponding filter elements, since it is between head and foot end Slices of the cylinder must be clamped. Desired are further

lightweight and constructed from a few components filter to the manufacturer

reduce costs. Nevertheless, a sufficient stability is insbe¬

special of the filter material required so that the flow of the fil¬ to

no deformation occurs and obstructs filtering.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved

To create filter element.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by a filter element having the features of

Patent claim 1 solved.

Accordingly, a filter element, in particular an air filter for a Kraft¬

provided vehicle, having an opening cross-section

Inlet opening. The inlet opening is um¬ of a filter material um¬

concluded that a raw fluid to be filtered along an inflow direction

enters the filter element substantially perpendicular to the inlet opening.

In the first opening cross-section is at least a second Öffnungs¬

provided cross-section, wherein the filter material at least partially zwi¬

rule the first opening cross section and the second Öffnungsquer¬

cut such an interface between a first Rohfluidbereich

and a clean fluid region of the filter element that is interposed between the

first and the second opening cross-section raw fluid through the Grenz¬

surface substantially radially to the inflow direction into the pure fluid rich flows. In this case, the second opening cross-section allows a raw fluid inlet into a second raw fluid area which is at least partially enclosed by the filter material.

The filter element can be made particularly compact, wherein the

Example, crude fluid, such as contaminated air, flows longitudinally to a longitudinal extent of the filter element and flows through radial surfaces of the filter material such as filter fleece. The fact that several raw fluid areas are formed, resulting in a large filter surface and thus efficient filtering of the raw fluid in the smallest space. The opening cross sections may be in the same plane, for example, the inlet opening of the filter element, or else be longitudinally offset along the longitudinal extent of the filter element.

[0008] The various raw fluid areas or raw air areas in the

Filter element form substantially semi-closed pockets of filter material, so that results in a radial outflow of the fluid into the clean fluid areas by the building up internal pressure in the Rohfluidbereichen. Alternatively, opposite flow sequence, that is radially through the filter material and longitudinally out of the filter element, take place. In this case, the raw air areas correspond to the clean air areas of the first embodiment.

Preferably, further opening cross-sections are provided within the second opening cross-section, wherein between adjacent Aperture cross-sections a respective at least partially filter material having boundary surface forms a respective further Rohfluidbereich inside the filter element. The more independent raw fluid areas are formed within the filter element, the larger the filter surface of the filter material and thus the efficiency of the filter element in a small space.

In preferred embodiments, the opening cross-sections are arranged concentrically, the filter material has longitudinal folds along the inflow direction, and / or the filter material has transverse folds along the inflow directions.

In one embodiment of the filter element, the filter element is tubular or cylindrical in shape, and the boundary surface between a respective raw fluid region and a clean fluid region corresponds to the lateral surface of a respective cylinder which has a respective opening cross section as the base surface. The filter element can be formed, for example, of nested cylinders.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter element has a plurality of truncated cones pushed into one another, whose mantle, cover and / or base surfaces at least partially have the filter material. The filter element may in particular be formed conically in the shape of a truncated cone. In this case, the base of a first truncated cone forms the first opening portion, and the circumference of the conical surface of the first truncated cone corresponds to the circumference of the base of a second truncated cone. In this case, the top surface of the second truncated cone forms the second opening cross-section, and the volume of the third cone or truncated cone forms the second raw fluid region.

Such an embodiment corresponds to a filter element in which truncated cones with alternately opposite orientation and the inner truncated cone decreasing base surface cross-sections. A corresponding filter element can be formed, for example, from a cone made of filter material, which is inverted several times into its interior.

In further embodiments of the filter element, a respective lateral surface of the cylindrical cone or truncated cone is formed from zigzag folded filter material. In this respect, the respective base surfaces of the cylinders or cones are formed from polygons, which correspond to the profile of the zigzag folding.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filter element is made exclusively of a suitably folded and / or glued sheet or sheets of a flat foldable filter fabric.

In a further embodiment, the filter element may have bellows-shaped filter material with transverse folds along an axis of symmetry of the filter element. The filter material is everted at least once. Preferably, fixing means for supporting convolutions of the Filterma¬

terials. In this case, for example, reinforcements or Verstre¬

tions made of plastic or metal material in the interior of the Filterele¬

Mentes conceivable. Likewise, the inlet and outlet openings of the

Filter element, for example, by foamed plastic material

or by using foamed silicone or PUR foam and thus

strengthen the folds and the stability of the filter material. It is too

conceivable, the inlet and outlet openings from the filter material itself too

form. Preferably, the shape of the interfaces and / or the shape

the folds stabilized by proppant. For example, in the

Interior of a respective filter element imported framework from

Plastic, metal or other suitable materials, the shape and / or

Stabilize folds.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of

Subclaims and the Ausführungs¬ described below

examples.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following, the invention is based on preferred Ausführungsbei¬

games explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. It

shows:

Fig. 1 is a perspective, cross-sectional and longitudinal sectional view

a first embodiment of a filter element; Fig. 2 is a perspective, cross-sectional and longitudinal sectional view

a second embodiment of a filter element;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a frusto-conical

Filter element;

4 shows an embodiment with longitudinally folded filter material of a

Filter element;

5 is a cross-sectional and perspective view of a bellows

shaped filter element;

6 is a perspective view of a filter element with six

angular entry opening.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements are the same

Unless otherwise indicated.

Embodiment (s) of the invention

In Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a filter element 1 darge

provides. The filter element is cylindrical and has a Symmetrie¬

axis S. The cylindrical or tubular filter element 1 has a Ein¬

outlet opening 2 and an outlet opening 3. To be filtered fluid as bei¬

For example, raw air RO occurs substantially along the axis of symmetry S.

in the inlet opening 2 a. Filtered air, so pure air RE, occurs on the one hand

from the outlet opening 3, but can also from the outer Zylin¬

the jacket radially emerge, since the outer cylinder shell 4, for example

is made of a nonwoven filter material. The filter element 1 has concentric with respect to the axis of symmetry S arranged tubular or tubular lateral surfaces 5, 6, 7 of filter fleece. The area within the circumference of the outer shell 4 forms the opening cross section of the inlet opening second

Figure 1 B shows a cross section through the inlet opening 2. Between the outer shell 4 and the second jacket 5 is a gap which serves for the paraxial inflow of unfiltered air as the first unfiltered air region 8. Between the second jacket 5 and the third jacket 6, a fluid-tight ring 16 is provided, for example, which on the one hand prevents untreated air from flowing into the intermediate space between the second and third jacket 5, and on the other hand contributes to the dimensional stability of the lateral surfaces.

The gap between the second and third shells 5, 6 is used along the longitudinal extent of the filter element 1 as a clean air region 11. This is apparent from the cross-sectional view in Figure 1 C of the outlet opening 3. At the outlet opening, the intermediate space between the outer jacket 4 and the second jacket 5 is closed by a ring 13. When air flows into the unfiltered air region 8, an internal pressure thus builds up, so that the fluid to be filtered or the polluted air enters the exterior 17 through the outside wall 4 or into the space formed between the second and third walls 5, 6 Clean air area 11 emerges. From there, the clean air can be tapped. Similarly, as shown in Figure 1 B can be seen between the third and fourth shells 6, 7, a further Rohluftbereich 9 is provided, wherein the cross section, which is closed by the edges in the direction of the inlet opening 2 of the fourth jacket sheet 7 formed cross-section. This is done, for example, via a suitable plastic plate 14. On the outlet opening side, however, the area between the third and fourth lateral surface 6, 7 is closed by an annular end 15. The annular end 15 encloses on the outlet opening side the second clean air region 12, which is formed by the inner tubular jacket 7.

FIG. 1 D shows a longitudinal section through the filter element 1. In this case, the axis of symmetry S is drawn in and lying between the lateral surfaces 4, 5, 6, 7 clean and unfiltered air areas 8, 9, 11, 12 shown in cross section. The bold sections 13, 14, 15, 16, which are vertical in the illustration of FIG. 1D, represent cross-sections of the annular terminations, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The dotted vertical sections indicate fluid-permeable areas of the inlet opening 2 or outlet opening 3.

Raw air entering from the left RO thus enters the first unfiltered air region 8 and the second raw air region 9. As shown by the arrows L, the unfiltered air can pass through the built-up from filter fabric interfaces 4, 5, 6, 7 in the respective independent clean air areas 11, 12 and enter the exterior 17. The annular regions 13, 14, 15, 16 may also be connected to each other at the inlet or outlet opening 2, 3 via struts and form a respective end plate.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 thus concentric clean air and raw air areas 8, 9, 11, 12 are formed, which are alternately completed either inlet opening side or outlet opening side fluid-tight. Thus, unfiltered air RO, which flows from the inlet opening side into the filter element substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry S, must flow radially through the filter material layers in order to discharge on the outlet opening side as clean air RE.

The filter element can be used particularly favorably in a tubular receiving device or a filter housing. Due to the multiple raw air areas, the filter surface is particularly large, so that a high efficiency is achieved in a small space.

Figures 2A-2D show a second embodiment of a filter element, which also has a plurality of clean and Rohluftbereiche.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a filter element 1. In this case, the outer jacket 18 is formed by a fluid or airtight material, such as a plastic. The outer circumferential surface 18 may be designed, for example, in the manner of an air supply pipe for a fuel engine. Inside the jacket 18 are alternately concentrically arranged clean air and Rohluftbereiche provided. The outer lateral surface 18 has an inlet opening 2 with an opening cross-section and an outlet opening 3.

At the edge 19 of the inlet opening 2 is an edge of a truncated cone 20 of filter material. In the perspective view of Figure 2A, the perspective hidden areas are shown in dashed lines. Thus, a lateral surface of a truncated cone is formed by filter material 20. 2B, the opening area of the truncated cone has a circumference 24 which is smaller than the circumference or the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening 3.

The space between the lateral surface 18 and the conical surface 20 therefore forms a first clean air region 25. An annular element 26, which forms the top surface of the outer truncated cone, supports the edge of the filter material 20 on the outlet opening side and a base surface of a further opposite on the first Truncated cone oriented second truncated cone of filter material 21, the top surface and the edge of the top surface extends to the inlet opening 2. There are thus two nested truncated cones 20, 21, wherein the space between them 8 is a raw air area. At the inlet opening 2, an annular element 16 is again provided, which forms a part of the top surface of the second truncated cone and is fluid-tight. Inside the ring, a tubular or tubular interface 22 of filter material is formed, which extends from the inlet opening 2 to the outlet opening 3 and is closed there by a closure 27. The boundary surface 22 may also be tapered and / or tapered in another embodiment, so that the conclusion 27 is formed only punctiform. The annular region 16 at the inlet opening 2 is fixed on the lateral surface 18 via struts 23. Similarly, on the exit port side, the annular portion 26 and the circular portion 27 are connected by struts 23.

FIG. 2D shows a longitudinal section through the filter element 1. In the interior of the axis of symmetry S of the tubular filter element 1 extends a tubular Rohluftbereich 9, the outlet opening side is closed by the round end 27, such as with a plug. The cross section of the opening-side raw air region 9 is enclosed by the ring 16. This is followed by a truncated cone casing of filter material 21, which widens in the direction of the outlet opening 3. As a result, an independent clean air region 28, which is arranged concentrically around the unfiltered air region 9, is created. Another truncated cone-like interface 20 adjoins the periphery or the edge 19 of the inlet opening 2, concentrically surrounds the truncated cone shell 21 and tapers in the direction of the opening side 3. At the opening side 3, the annular region 26 forms a termination of the unfiltered air region 8 formed by the lateral surfaces 20, 21.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a further filter element 1. In this case, the filter element is formed from a cone formed by filter material, which is everted several times. A corresponding cone may be formed from nonwoven filter material sheet in the form of a semicircle. In Figure 3, the perspective hidden contours are shown dotted. Starting from a complete conical surface of filter material, the tip of the cone is first everted at a height H, so that a truncated cone is shown as shown in FIG.

The corresponding top surface corresponds to an opening cross section of the outlet opening 3. At the height of the base surface, ie the inlet opening 2, the tip is everted again in the direction of the outlet opening 3. This results in an inlet opening with an opening cross-section Q1 in which a second opening cross-section Q2 is present, which is enclosed by the folding edge 29. This opening cross-section allows the inflow of unfiltered air into the interior of the conical tip, which realizes a raw air area 30. The two lateral surfaces 31 and 32 of the nested truncated cones form a second unfiltered air region 34. As shown in Figure 3 by means of the arrows L, unfiltered air RO can flow through the two opening cross-sections Q1, Q2 in the filter element, flow through the interfaces of filter material in the clean air area and are tapped as clean air RE.

In Figure 4, a further embodiment of a filter element 36 is shown, which is constructed similar to that shown in Figure 3. However, the lateral surfaces are formed along the symmetry axis S longitudinally folded filter material. The folding edges 37 run substantially along the longitudinal extent of the filter element 36. The folding edges 37, the filter element 36 when inserted into, for example, a tubular receptacle are first compressed. This facilitates the handling of the filter element 36 during insertion and replacement.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a filter element in cross section and in perspective. The filter element 38 is formed from concentrically folded and folded filter material. In FIG. 5A, a cross section of a round disc of filter material with concentric folds 39 is indicated. By everting the filter fleece, optionally with further bellows-shaped, zig-zag folded filter fleece parts results in principle the same structure as was shown in Figure 3. However, the filter material is designed bellows-shaped and thereby everted several times into each other. This also results in Eingangstrittsnungsseitig 2 two nested cross-sections Q1, Q2 as an inlet opening in Rohluftbereiche 30, 34. The filtered air then exits in the radial direction to the axis of symmetry in the outer space 17 or perspective concealed clean air areas. It is of course also a combination of transverse folds, as shown in Figure 5 and longitudinal folds, as shown in Figure 4, possible. It is also conceivable that deviating from the round cross sections different types of cross sections are executed.

In Figure 6, for example, a filter element 40 is shown with hexagonal cross-section. In this case, prismatic concentric lateral surfaces are realized from filter material. On the inlet opening 2 fixed via struts annular portions 41, 42 are shown, which separate the inlet opening side of the clean air from the raw air areas. The inlet opening-side annular seals 42, 41 are arranged in the outlet opening side inversely thereto. A respective space between concentric lateral surfaces is sealed to only one side (entrance or exit), and two spaces sealed to the same side are not adjacent. This is not shown in detail in FIG.

In the figure 6, three independent raw air areas 43, 44, 45 are visible in the inlet opening side. Accordingly arise in the interior of the filter element 40 adjacent to the outer space 17, two more clean air areas, the lie between the outer unfiltered air region and the middle unfiltered air region 44 and between the middle unfiltered air region 44 and the inner unfiltered air region 43. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but variously modifiable. Other than the illustrated geometries for filter elements may be selected. The circumstances when installing the filter can be taken into account. The materials mentioned for the filter element or the housing are also only to be understood as examples. In addition to the illustrated application as an air filter for internal combustion engines, or for filtering the intake air, the proposed filter elements, recording devices and filter assemblies can also be used elsewhere. In particular, the substantially radial throughflow direction opposite to the examples follow, that is from the outside to the inside. Nevertheless, this results in independent raw and / or clean air areas.

Claims

claims

1. Filter element (1), in particular air filter for a motor vehicle, with a one

Opening cross-section (Q1) having inlet opening (2), which is surrounded by a filter material such that a raw fluid to be filtered (RO) along an inflow direction substantially perpendicular to the inlet opening (2) enters the filter element (1), wherein in the first Opening cross section (Q1) is provided at least a second opening cross section (Q2), and the filter material at least partially between the first opening cross section (Q1) and the second opening cross section (Q2) such an interface between a first Rohfluidbereich (34) and a clean fluid area (35) of Filter element (1) forms, that between the first and the second opening cross-section (Q1, Q2) raw fluid flows through the interface substantially radially to the inflow direction in the clean fluid region (35); and wherein the second orifice cross-section (Q2) allows a raw fluid inlet (34) into a second raw fluid region (30) at least partially enclosed by the filter material.

Second filter element (1) according to claim 1, wherein within the second opening cross-section (Q2) lying further opening cross sections are provided, wherein between adjacent opening cross sections, a respective at least partially filter material having boundary surface forms a respective further Rohfluidbereich inside the filter element (1).

3. Filter element (36) according to any one of claims 1 - 2, wherein the filter material along the inflow longitudinal folds (37).

4. Filter element (38) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the filter material along the inflow transverse folds (39).

5. Filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the filter element (1) is tubular or cylindrical and the interface between a respective raw fluid region (8, 9) and a clean fluid region (25, 28) of the lateral surface of a respective cylinder corresponds with a respective opening cross section as a base.

6. Filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the filter element comprises a plurality of mutually pushed truncated cones whose mantle, cover and / or base surfaces at least partially comprise the filter material comprises.

7. Filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the filter element (1) is conical in the shape of a truncated cone, the base of a first truncated cone forms the first opening cross section (Q1) and the periphery (33) of the top surface of the first truncated cone corresponds to the circumference of the base of a second truncated cone, wherein the top surface of the second truncated cone forms the second opening cross section (Q2), and the volume of a third truncated cone or truncated cone forms the second raw fluid region (30).

8. Filter element (1) according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein a respective lateral surface of the cylinder, cone or truncated cone is formed of zigzag folded filter material.

9. Filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the filter element comprises only a suitably folded and / or glued sheet or sheets of a flat foldable filter fabric.

10. Filter element (38) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the filter element has bellows-shaped along an axis of symmetry (S) of the filter element (38) umstülpbares filter material with transverse folds and the filter material is everted at least once.

11. Filter element (1) according to any one of claims 4 - 10, wherein fixing means are provided for supporting folds of the filter material.

12. Filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the shape of the interfaces and / or folds are stabilized by supporting means.

13. Filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the filter material comprises a flexible nonwoven material, in particular with synthetic plastic fibers.